Date A Live Light Novels Volume 3 Chapter 3 - Chapter 5

Saturday, January 02, 2016

Date A Live Light Novels

- Volume 3 : Chapter 3 - Chapter 5 Here:

- You can see Date A Live Volume 3 just :

Volume 3

Chapter 3: Sisters War

"Ohh, so this is Nii-sama's current home!"

Reaching the door of the Itsuka residence with much difficulty, the girl moved her hair that was slightly shorter than a ponytail, happily saying words that sounds polite and yet not conforming to keigo.

The self-declared Shidou's sister, whose name seemed to be Takamiya Mana.

Although this girl could not be anymore suspicious...... However when hugging Shidou at the street, she sat down on the spot, tears forming in her eyes, passionately describing how she was so hopeful of meeting with Shidou, he had no choice but to bring her along.

Of course, Kotori's approval had been given. To tell the truth——the one to suggest that they should bring Mana to the Itsuka residence, was Kotori herself.

"Mu, but that was really shocking. shidou actually has another sister......"

"No......I don't have that memory at all."

"Really? I still think that she looks similar to shidou......"

"That's goes without saying! Because I'm his sister!"

As Tohka finished, Mana confidently hugged her arms.

However Mana's look suddenly changed, looking at Shidou and Tohka while revealing a complicated expression.

"......But Nii-sama. Mana really has to hand it to you."

"Ha? About what?"

"Of course! Tobiichi——That's not right, that, is, aside from sister-in-law, why are you still mixing around with other females......"

Mana cleared her throat, blushing furiously while speaking.

"Ha——Haa?"

Shidou widened his eyes and yelled.

"? Is there anything wrong?"

"There's too many points to tsukkomi on! The first one was what was it? Do you know Origami?"

"Nn, well. Is that strange?"

At the same time Mana spoke, she looked as if she was trying to find an excuse as her eyes looked around. Although he was very concerned about how the two of them knew each other, there was another issue that took priority.

"And then......What's with calling her sister-in-law......?"

"No, it's not like I don't have any reservations with that way of calling, but its to make preparations for the future......"

"There's no such plans for that!?"

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

Mana knitted her brows looking troubled.

"But Nii-sama is a suspect for two-timing......"

"Two-timing. What's that?"

Tohka tilted her head. Looks like she has learned another dangerous word again.

But just as Shidou was about to explain it to her......meaning in the middle of his confusion, Mana had already thrown questions at Tohka.

"I'll be direct. You are Tohka-san right. Are you currently going out with Nii-sama?"

"Wha......!"

Shidou cut in between the two with an extremely red face.

"Wh, what are you saying, how could that be possible!"

Mana gave Tohka a surprised look.

"......Tohka-san? Have you gone on a date with Nii-sama before?"

She removed her head from Shidou's side and asked Tohka this.

"Aaah, I have!"

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

Mana directed a piercing gaze *Ji—* at Shidou.

"Th, that's not it, about that......"

He was not lying, but it was difficult for him to deny it. Shidou took a step back with cold sweat dripping down his back.

At this point, Mana blushed and using a tone of absolute seriousness, asked Tohka another question.

"Tohka-san. Don't tell me, you have already *Chu—*?"

"*Chu—*?"

"I, I'm talking about kissing!"

"Nn, we did?"

"......!!"

At Tohka's calm reply, Mana widened her eyes.

"Im, impure!"

"Hey, calm down......"

"Nii-sama actually did such a gigolo-like act......! That's too heartbreaking! Reform! You must be corrected!"

"shidou, what is a gigolo?"

Tohka once again asked in curiosity. Instead Shidou said "AH—what a pain!" furiously scratching his head, pushing Tohka towards the condominum next door.

"Nu? Why are you pushing me?"

"It's a pain to explain, first of all you should return to your room."

"Muu, but..."

"I'll make hamburger steak for tonight's dinner will that suffice!"

"Oooh, really!?"

After Shidou's words, Tohka's eyes sparkled, running towards the apartment while waving her hand.

"shidou! I want fried eggs on top of them!"

Shidou replied with "Yes yes.", waving his hand and watched her leave.

"......Looks like you are very used to dealing with the opposite sex."

Mana said with slanted eyes. On the other hand Shidou acted like he didn't hear anything, turning around and entering the gate of the Itsuka residence.

Grabbing the door handle, opening the entrance. And then——

"——Welcome back, O• Nii• Chan!"

Waiting at the entrance was Kotori wearing casual clothing (Of course, the ribbons were still black), what was different was the forceful way she said "Onii-chan".

In order to receive the guest, she returned home from <Fraxinus> and waited.

"Oh, Oo......I'm home."

Shidou perspiring under an unexplainable pressure, raised his hand slightly in reply.

"Ara. Who's this?"

It felt like an old-fashioned way of asking. But this cannot be helped. Kotori who had been at home all this time (Let's just put it like that), yet knowing what happened at the street a while ago would seem extremely suspicious.

"Aa, aaah......We met each other at the street. No matter what—"

"Is there anyone else still inside the house!? Nii-sama has been in your care!"

Mana said with a huge smile, while forcefully holding Kotori's hand and shaking it vigorously.

Kotori in a rare moment, was troubled to the point of perspiring.

"Nii-sama? Shidou is?"

"Yes! My name is Takamiya Mana! Nii-sama's sister."

Kotori sighed through her nose, letting go of Mana's hand and brought her into her house.

"Well, why don't we come in first. We can talk about the details later."

"Yes!"

Mana replied enthusiastically, following behind Kotori.

"......Haaaa"

It felt like it would escalate into a messy situation, but fortunately that was not the case.

Shidou lightly sighed, taking off his shoes and followed the two into the hallway.

Tea and tidbits had already been laid out onto the table, Kotori and Mana faced each other and sat on the sofa.

Kotori used her chin to point to the seat beside Mana. It felt like they were going to enter a three-way conference.

"——Well then. Can we hear it from you?"

"Yes!"

In response to Kotori's words, Mana gave a decisive reply.

"Mana, that's your name right? You......call yourself Shidou's sister?"

"That's the case."

Mana said while nodding vigorously. Kotori tilted the lollipop stick that was in her mouth upwards, as though trying to ascertain Mana's reaction as she continued to speak.

"My name is Itsuka Kotori.——I am also, Shidou's sister."

"......?"

Mana inclined her head to Kotori's words—

"Ha......! If you say that then don't tell me you're, nee-sama......!?"

"I'm not!"

"Aa, my apologies.——Sorry Kotori. As your elder sister I will—"

"Who the hell is your little sister!"

Kotori in commander mode let out a rare yell. Shidou couldn't help but shoot a startled glance, Kotori falsely coughed.

"Yaahaha, but my memories doesn't seem to recall one bit—having a sister."

"Really now......"

Kotori looked troubled as she scratched her head while sighing. Looks like her rhythm had been severely interrupted.

"But......little sister, huh."

Kotori half-closed her eyes and stared at Mana.

Thinking normally, suddenly saying "I am your sister" and the like would be unbelievable. However if it was Shidou, we cannot rule out such a case.

At the very least, Shidou does not have any memories of having another sister aside from Kotori.

However——The truth is Shidou is not born from the Itsuka house.

Abandoned by his mother at a young age, he has been raised as a part of this family.

Therefore Mana's words, cannot be said to be a total lie, even though Shidou does not remember, but the possibility that Mana is Shidou's blood-related sister—cannot be ruled out.

Well, but even Shidou's memories of the past was blurry, the fact that Mana who was even younger at the time was able to recall that is rather suspicious.

"About that......Mana, can I ask a question?"

"Yes! What is it, Nii-sama!"

At Shidou's words, Mana seemed to be truly happy from the depths of her heart, using an exuberant tone to reply. Kotori unhappily let out a "Humph!" for reasons unknown.

"About that......Sorry. But I don't remember anything about you......"

"That's to be expected."

Mana folded her arms and nodded.

Shidou gulped, and asked the issue that was on his mind.

"Although I've been wanting to ask this from the start—Your mother......right now is."

If Mana really was Shidou's blood sister——she should know something about it.

The one that abandoned Shidou, his birth mother.

However—,

"Ah?"

Mana tilted her head, giving a vague reply.

Shidou's eyebrows wrinkled——Don't tell me, Mana was also abandoned after Shidou?

At this point, as though seeing through what Shidou was thinking from his expressions, Mana shook her head.

"Ah, it's not that it's not like that. That kind of thing didn't happen—"

Mana bitterly smiled in embarrassment, drinking the red tea beside her in one gulp and continued.

"I——Truthfully speaking do not have any memories from the past."

"......What is this?"

Regarding this, Kotori revealed an expression of utter displeasure. Adjusting her body posture to face Mana, speaking once more.

"If it is the past that you have mentioned, how much exactly did you lose?"

"That's right. I can't remember anything two to three years prior, but I can still recall incidents past that period."

After Kotori's words, Mana took out the silver locket in front of her chest, within it was an extremely discolored photograph. In that photograph, contained the figures of Shidou and Mana when they were still children.

"Is this......me?"

Shidou let out a surprised sound, however——Kotori showed an expression of shock.

"Hold on a minute. In this photo, Shidou should be around ten years old right? At that time, should he have already arrived at our house?"

"Ah, now that you mentioned it that's true."

Scratching his face as he said so. However the boy in the photo looks like Shidou no matter how you look at it, that was the truth.

"Is that so? That's really unbelievable."

"Unbelievable you say......could it be some other person that looks like him? But it is true that they look similar."

"No, there's no mistake about. Nii-sama is Nii-sama."

"......Why can you say it so certainly?"

After Kotori's question, Mana confidently patted her chest.

"This is called, the bonds between siblings!"

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

Kotori shrugged with a speechless expression, letting out a sigh. ......For some reason, it looked as if she was relieved.

However Mana closed her eyelids and continued to speak passionately.

"No, I am surprised myself. I really got a shock. When I saw Nii-sama, my heart could not stop throbbing."

"What's with that. Isn't that love at first sight."

"Ha! Perhaps it really is love at first sight.——Kotori-san, let me have Nii-sama!"

"How can I!"

Kotori reflexively shouted. After which let out an unnatural cough.

"Anyway. It is troubling for you to say that you are his sister with such a weak reason. First of all, Shidou is already part of this family, and now you say you want to take him away——"

"I don't have such an intention to do so you know?"

"Eh?"

In response to Mana's indifferent reply, Kotori widened her eyes.

"For everyone in this family who have accepted Nii-sama as a part of them, I am truly grateful. As long as Nii-sama can live a happy life, Mana would be satisfied."

Saying that, Mana reached over the table, holding Kotori's hand once more

Kotori unhappily bent her mouth into a *へ* shape

"Humph......What's this, you seem to know your stuff."

"Nn.——Even though it was a blurred memory, however I could only remember that Nii-sama went to some place unknown. That time I was really worried, but even more than that, I was more concerned whether Nii-sama was okay.——Therefore, now that I know that Nii-sama is living well, I'm really happy. And he has such a cute foster sister too."

With that, Mana showed a smile. Kotori's face blushed, unhappily shifting her line of sight.

"Wh, what's with you, suddenly saying that kind of thing——"

"Well, of course."

At this point, Mana interrupted Kotori and spoke.

"After all, you can't beat the real sister."

"......"

Instantly, *Pi!*, a sound as though the air just split apart could be heard.

"Hey, hey, Kotori."

Kotori did not seem to hear a single bit of Shidou's words. The muscles on her face twitched, revealing a cramped smile.

"Heeeh......Is that so?"

"Ah, why that's of course. There's nothing that can beat blood ties."

"But, isn't there's a saying that 'a close relative is useless afar compared to a nearby neighbor'."[3B 1]

The instant Kotori finished her words, Mana who has been smiling all this time, her temple twitched for a second.

After an stunned moment, Mana let go of Kotori's hand, resting them onto the table.

"Yahaha,......So what about it? At the very end, he still has to be with his real sister am I wrong? There is the saying that 'your destiny is set when you reach three years old'!"[3B 2]

"......Gu. Heh, heheh. However, even though you two are related, but it is the one who has the longest amount of time spent that has the advantage!"

"No no, in the end you are still an outsider, a real sister means being blood-related. Blood ties are thicker than water! From the start the sister points that both of us have are fundamentally different!"

Mana loudly declared. Sister points. A phrase that was totally unheard of.

However, Kotori did not question that as she let out a rebuttal.

"Blood ties blood ties, what else can you still say? You can talk about a sibling relationship but I have been living as a younger sister for over ten years! Isn't it obvious whose sister points are higher!"

"How laughable! Siblings who have been forcefully separated from young, reuniting once more through space and time! Doesn't it touch your heart! In the face of real obstacles, time and whatnot does not matter at all!"

"Shut up! What about blood ties! A real younger sister can't even marry him!"

"Eh......?"

Shidou's and Mana's voices overlapped. Kotori's cheeks dyed crimson, banging the tabletop as though she was trying to protest.

"An, anyway! Right now the little sister here is me!"

"What's that! It should belong to the real sister here!"

"We, Well why don't we calm down first, the two of you are....."

Shidou attempted to calm the two people down with his face damp with sweat, Kotori and Mana turned towards Shidou with a *Pa!*

"Shidou, what about you!"

"Real sister, foster sister, which faction do you choose!?"

"E, eh eh!?"

Suddenly thrown a question that was out of his expectations, Shidou unleashed a pitiful cry.

"No, it's not about......which faction......"

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

Kotori and Mana stared at Shidou with a *Jii—*. It was obvious at first glance that no matter which side he chooses he would not be let off so easily. At the very least he should try to divert the topic, Shidou thought.

"! That, that's right, Mana."

"Yes?"

Putting his hands together and saying this, Mana tilted her head in question.

"You, said before that you don't have memories of your past right?"

"Nn, that's the case."

"Then, where are you living now? You are not living with your family?"

"Aah......That is......"

At this moment, Mana who was fluent up till now was faltering with her words.

"We, well, there are a lot of reasons for that."

"A lot of reasons?"

"Something......like that. If I have to say it then its because I'm working in a place that is equipped with living quarters."

"Work......? Mana, at this age? Aren't you the same as Kotori? What about school?"

Well even though Kotori is holding the commanding position of a secret organisation......but she still obediently attends school.

Mana's eyes looked around in distress.

"Th, that is......eeh—um......Ex, excuse me!"

"Eh......? Wait, hold on a——"

Mana said. Before Shidou managed to stop her, she ran off and escaped like a rabbit.

"Wh......what's with her, what in the......"

Scratching his face he looked at the entrance where Mana had disappeared in a daze.

At this moment, beside Shidou, Kotori who was seated opposite Mana stood up, keeping the teacup Mana had used for reasons unknown.

◇

The next day. *Kiin Koon Kaan Kooon*, the usual sound of the bell vibrated his eardrums.

The hands of the clock showed the time as 8:30 am, the time for morning homeroom to start. The classmates who were chatting everywhere hustled each other to return to their seats.

"......Aare?"

In the middle of the chaos. Shidou who has returned to his seat beforehand tilted his head slightly.

Even though the bell has already rung, Kurumi still has yet to appear in the classroom.

Tohka seemed to think the same thing, looking around her surroundings.

"Muu, that Kurumi, she's late on the second day of her transfer."

The same time Tohka said that.

"——She won't come."

To Shidou's left, came a calm voice.

Origami didn't turn her head around, using only her eyes to look at Tohka as she spoke.

"Nu? What do you mean?

"It means this. Tokisaki Kurumi, is, no longer going to attend school."

"Eh? That means——"

As Shidou opened his mouth to speak, the classroom door opened with a *kacha*, Tama-chan-sensei entered the classroom with her hands hugging the attendance booklet. Afterwards, the class representative gave the call to greet.

"About that......"

Although he was very concerned about Origami's words, but he could not ignore the call. Shidou and the class sat down after the greeting.

"Okay, good morning everyone, now let's start with the attendance."

Saying that Tama-chan-sensei opened the booklet and started to read out the names of the students.

"Tokisaki-san."

Tama-chan read out Kurumi's name. However, there was no response.

"Aare, Tokisaki-san isn't here? Really now, if she was going to be absent she should have called to inform us beforehand."

Tama-chan puffed her cheeks and turned the page of the attendance booklet.

At that instant.

"——Here."

At the back of the classroom, a familiar voice sounded.

"Kurumi?"

Looking back, Shidou's eyes widened. That's right, the classroom back door had silently opened, standing right there was Kurumi with a warm smile and her hand slightly raised.

"Really now, Tokisaki-san. You're late."

"I'm really sorry. I wasn't feeling well on my way to school."

"Eh? Ar, are you alright? Do you want to go to the infirmary......?"

"No, it's alright now. I've made you worry."

Kurumi gave a bow, walking towards her seat with light footsteps.

"What's with that......Isn't she right here?"

Letting out a sigh, turning to look at Origami who had said those unlucky words.

"Eh......?"

Shidou furrowed his brows in shock.

Origami lightly frowned as she stared at Kurumi.

Although there were no obvious changes in her expressions. But——Shidou knew very clearly for some reason. Right now, Origami is without a doubt very shocked.

"Ori......gami?"

Shidou softly called out her name.

Origami's fingertips trembled slightly, quickly shifting her line of sight away from Kurumi.

"——Alright, then that's all regarding communication issues."

Not long after, Tama-chan-sensei ended homeroom and left the classroom.

At this point, just that instant, the handphone in his pocket let out a refreshing ringtone. Why is it at this time. It would have been confiscated if it were ten seconds earlier.

Looking at the screen. It showed the name of Itsuka Kotori.

"Hello? Kotori?"

"——Nn. Shidou."

"What is it, at this time, it would have been disastrous if you were ten seconds earlier."

"Aare? You should have properly set it to silent mode in school", isn't that what my excellent brother said before?"

"Guh......"

"Well, forget it. ......Aside from that stuff, Shidou. A terrible situation has happened. To say it conservatively it is the worst situation."

"Did something happen......?"

"Nn. ......It's really giving me a headache. I totally didn't imagine that such a thing can happen in real life."

Faced with such a negative way of speech, Shidou's panic welled up in him. Shidou attempted to force his volume down as he used his hand to cover the handphone as he continued.

"What, exactly happened?

"Nn, the truth is——"

At this point, Shidou's shoulders was poked. Kurumi tilted her head with a puzzled expression.

"What are you doing? Shidou-san?"

"......! Aa, aaah......I got a phone call, could you hold on for a moment?"

As Shidou said that, Kurumi displayed her surprise with exaggerated movements, bowing deeply.

"My apologies. I'm very sorry for interrupting you."

"Aaah......It's alright. Please don't mind."

Shidou said while smiling in distress, once again focusing on the phone conversation.

"——Well then, Kotori? What exactly happened——"

"Hold on for a moment Shidou. Just now......who were you talking to?"

"Eh, who......?"

Faced with Kotori's sudden serious tone of voice, Shidou questioned back.

"Like I said, just now, you were talking to someone beside you right. So I'm asking who is that person. Tohka? Tobiichi Origami? Or is it Tonomachi Hiroto?"

It feels as though Kotori was interrogating a suspect, Shidou unhappily protested.

"Wh, what's with you. You don't have to be so angry. Someone tried to talk to me that's all."

"It's fine, just tell me."

"It's Kurumi."

Following that, Kotori went speechless.

"Kotori? What's wrong."

Shidou asked in confusion.

Kotori spoke with someone at her side for a while before continuing.

"Shidou. Come to the physics lab during lunch break. I have something I want you to see."

"The physics lab......? Why that——"

"Alright already, make sure to come."

"Wha, what the heck is going on......"

As Shidou was left in confusion, he seemed to be complaining as he muttered.

◇

1:20 in the afternoon. The bell declaring the end of the fourth period sounded.

After the students bowed, before the teacher left the classroom, they are already in the midst of preparing for lunch.

Of course, Tohka was no exception. Without speaking, she arranged the tables together with sparkling eyes.

"shidou! It's time for lunch!"

Saying that, she took out her lunchbox from the bento box. At this—Shidou inclined his head.

Usually the table on the left would also be joined over, creating a situation of a union between three tables......However Origami did not move her table over today.

Looking in that direction while puzzled. Origami had a pensive expression, staring at her hand all the while.

"......?"

Even though it is of some concern, but eating lunch or not is Origami's freedom. Shidou was in the midst of taking out his bento box from his bag——when his movements suddenly stopped.

"Ah......That's right."

Speaking of which, he did mention that he would go to the physics lab during lunch break. Although the time wasn't specified......but that was Kotori. It felt as though some punishment would be waiting if he was to be late.

"Sorry, Tohka. I need to go out for a moment."

"Nu?"

Tohka who had already opened her bento box, looked at him with a lost expression.

"Where are you going? I want to go too!"

"Ah—......"

Shidou scratched his face feeling troubled. If Kotori wants him to go to the physics lab, it must be something related to <Ratatoskr>. It could be something that Tohka should not know about.

"Sorry, I can't bring you today. You start eating first. Okay?"

Shidou said that with his palms together, walking towards the corridor.

"Ah—shidou......"

Tohka's lonely voice sounded from Shidou's back. A strong feeling of guilt grew inside of him. Shidou lightly shook his head, walking towards the corridor.

Just like that he moved within the campus, walking up the stairs, reaching the physics lab after much difficulty.

Shidou knocked on the door, after which, as though it has been waiting for this moment the door opened with a *kacha*.

"—You're slow."

Kotori who was wearing her school uniform, showed her displeased face while pouting her lips.

"That can't be. I came here without eating lunch."

"Forget it, hurry up and come in. Time is precious."

Kotori pointed with her chin as she said so, letting Shidou enter the room.

At this point, Shidou suddenly realized that in front of Kotori's chest the usual visitor's pass was missing. On a closer look, the slippers that she wore were not ones for visitors but the ones belonging to the middle school.

"Don't tell me, you sneaked in here today?"

"That's right. Let alone after class, middle school students won't even be inside high school at this time right!"

"Aahh, that's true."

Shidou nodded his head and agreed, and looked into the physics lab.

In the deepest part of the lab on top of the swivel chair, an expected person has already been seated there——<Ratatoskr>'s Analysis Officer as well as Raizen High School's physics teacher, Murasame Reine.

"——Nn, you've arrived, Shin."

A nickname that has no relation to his name as usual (He got too lazy to correct her), Reine pointed at the seat beside her. She must want him to sit there.

After which Kotori sat down beside him as though trying to surround Shidou. ......Having the same seating arrangement as two months ago when he cleared the galge training. It brought back some unwanted memories.

"......Well then, the thing you wanted me to see is?"

As Shidou finished saying, Kotori showed the monitor placed on the table.

As Reine moved the mouse by her hand, the screen showed an image.

Beautiful girls of multi-colored hair appeared in sequence, on the top of the illustration, it showed the title [Fall in Love•My•Little•Shidou2~Love, is it scary~]"

"A sequel......!?"

"Aaah, wrong one. It's this."

Shidou's body shook in shock, Reine once again manipulated the mouse. The image darkened.

"Ho, hold on a second! What was that just now!"

"You'll grow bald if you harp on the small details, Shidou."

Hafuuu, Kotori sighed as though it were an annoyance.

"Those were not minor details! Are we going to have another galge training!? It's about time you——"

At this moment, Shidou shut his mouth. The screen which had just darkened, showed another image.

——In a narrow alley, for some reason, Kurumi was facing a girl with a ponytail.

"Nn? This is......Mana?"

That's right, the girls that were inside the image, were Kurumi and Mana.

"Yeah, this is yesterday's image.——Look at the surroundings."

"Wha......?"

Shidou frowned. In the corner of the plain-looking residential area, several humans wearing mechanical armor could be identified.

"AS......T?"

Squeezing out his voice while half stunned.

AST, Anti-Spirit Team. Superhumans who don mechanized armor, in order to destroy the dangerous creatures that view the world and humans as their enemies, Spirits. He could not be wrong after encountering them a couple of times prior.

In the image, Shidou's classmate Tobiichi Origami's figure could be seen.

Also, each member was outfitted with heavily exaggerated weapons. Yes——just like when a Spirit materializes during a spacequake.

"Nn. I don't know why, but there was an AST response at the street yesterday. One of our crew members took a camera and proceeded to film the process——I got a shock after confirming it you know?"

"Wh, why would the AST......"

"There's a high chance that it's because of the presence of the Spirit."

Kotori said as though it didn't concern her, Shidou gulped hard.

"But now that you said it......a spacequake didn't occur right? The surrounding citizens did not evacuate, if the Spirit were to rampage——"

"......Well, they must have the confidence that they will kill it before it rampages then."

"......"

In regards to Reine's words, Shidou held his breath.

Right. But why standing over there, is the existence of the girl who claims to be the sister of Shidou, Takamiya Mana.

"Wh, why is Mana?"

The next instant after Shidou spoke. Mana's figure glowed with a faint light, after which a white mechanical armor appeared all over her body.

"Wha......"

It was slightly different in shape from the other AST members, but without a doubt it was using a wiring suit.

As though responding to the opponent, Kurumi spread out her arms, at the same time the shadows at her feet crept up Kurumi's body, forming a dress.

Decorations in her hair, her torso was wearing a bustier, equipped with a dress that had frills and lace. All of that were highlighted with black which reminded people of the dark night, as well as a red sheen just like blood.

And lastly, her hair was tied at an uneven length.

It was just like——the minute and hour hands of a clock.

"Astral, dress......"

Shidou spoke while in a daze.

Astral dress. The Personal Territory that a Spirit possesses. A membrane of divine might which protects the Spirits.

Kurumi raised her right hand above her head. Following that, shadows once again crept up her body, enveloping her right hand.

At this moment, Kurumi's body flew up high into the sky.

"Eh——?"

Unable to comprehend what just happened in the image, Shidou let out a stupid sound.

However in the next instant, Shidou understood.

The equipment on Mana's shoulders let out a bright light, hitting Kurumi's stomach.

——Kurumi's body trembled.

But, why. Instead of saying it was due to fear from terror, it was more like she was letting out a giggle.

After that, she recovered herself after a few seconds.

Kurumi let out a surprise attack as though trying to counterattack, however, before that, Mana's attack pierced through Kurumi's body.

This time, inside the narrow alley, fresh blood was splattered.

After which, Mana's blade of light, cut off Kurumi's head who was lying on the ground motionless facing up.

Not even a chance to attack Mana was given.

Just like that Kurumi's life was taken.

"Guh......"

He couldn't help but turn his head while covering his mouth.

Because of the over realistic scene, the reality of it came after a while. After Mana had completed Kurumi's dissection, Shidou then realized that puking feeling at the back of his throat.

His teeth made *kachi kachi* sounds, even though it wasn't cold, his body couldn't help but tremble.

Having a human——strictly speaking they can't be said to be human, but an existence with an appearance no different from that of a human, killed.

Although it was just an image, but having seen that spectacle. No one could blame Shidou for reacting that way.

——Mana in the screen, turned around as though she had completed a mission. After dispelling the CR-Unit she was wearing, returning to her previous attire.

Shidou frowned. He felt that there was something wrong.

There was no smell, nor feel, just looking at the scene made Shidou feel that way, yet Mana who was the culprit of this incident, did not seem to feel anything from what she just did.

It is fine to feel guilt.

It is okay to be frustrated.

It is alright to despair.

Even so, she did not even feel a shred of accomplishment.

The brutal assignment. To put it in a single sentence——That's right, she has gotten used, to, it.

Repeating such an assignment countless of times, just like that, Mana already did not care anymore.

"This, is......"

Shidou voiced out, after forcing that disgusted feeling back down.

"......It's just like how you saw it. Yesterday, Tokisaki Kurumi was killed by AST's Takamiya Mana. It wasn't from serious injuries nor drowning, just totally, perfectly, without any hesitation behind her actions, her existence was erased."

"But that, is——"

However, Shidou did not manage to continue.

Because just now, he saw it with his own eyes. Kurumi was helplessly murdered——

At this moment, Shidou's shoulders trembled.

He had almost forgot due to the shock from the videotape. There was clearly a contradiction in the video.

"But Kurumi today she, went to school normally......"

As Shidou spoke, Reine and Kotori crossed their arms at the same time.

"......That's correct. We are clueless as well."

"After Shidou mentioned about Kurumi, I was still thinking that an illusion appeared."

Kotori shrugged her shoulders as though making a joke.

However Shidou did not reply to her actions. Thinking furiously, he spoke.

"Under those kind of circumstances......she revived?"

Shidou peeped at the image. At that moment, the AST members were starting to deal with Kurumi's corpse and bloodstains.

Looking at Origami's figure in the video, he finally understood what her reaction meant this morning.

Feeling shocked was natural. The girl who had been killed right in front of her eyes yesterday, has calmly reappeared today.

"What do we do huh.——At present there's nothing we can say."

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

The previous images still surfacing constantly in his brain, but his breathing and pulse have recovered more or less. Shidou relaxed his tightly gripped fists on his knees, speaking as such.

At the same time, Kotori adjusted her posture.

"——But we still, have to do something."

Saying that she let go of her arms, using her right index finger to point at Shidou.

"Since Kurumi is still alive, then we must continue the battle. If I remember correctly for Shidou's school, tomorrow is the opening anniversary am I right? By today, you must ask Kurumi out for a date. If you work hard and lucky enough, you maybe able to seal off her power with just one try."

"......Ha?"

Shidou squeezed out words from his throat with his eyes turning to dots.

"N, no, such a thing has already happened——"

"Shut up."

Shidou's protesting voice, was interrupted midway by Kotori.

"It is precisely because such a thing happened, you know. It's just like I've said, Kurumi's power is still unknown. It could possibly, require certain conditions for it to awaken, or, it is only limited to that miraculous situation——It is highly possible that the next time she gets murdered, she could be out for good."

"Uu......"

It was true. Kurumi is safe this time (even though it is weird to say it like this), but she might not be able to revive the next time.

"Like I said, we can't do it if we don't act soon. The fact that Kurumi is still here has been witnessed by Tobiichi Origami. Most likely the news has already been relayed to the AST.——Of course, Takamiya Mana as well."

"......Ss."

Hearing that name, Shidou showed a sorrowful expression.

Remembering the scene just now. Even though they had just met yesterday, but that girl who introduced her self as his own sister, just like that emotionlessly, using experienced methods to murder Kurumi—was unthinkable.

"......Understood. I'll give it a try."

Before Kurumi gets killed again.

Before Mana murders again.

"——Let Kurumi, fall in love."

Although he was carrying a heavy determination, but he felt disgusted for some reason.

◇

After confirming that Shidou left the classroom from the corner of her eyes, Origami slowly stood up.

Although the fact that Shidou did not eat lunch, leaving Yatogami Tohka behind is indeed a cause for concern——However, that aside, there is something that she must do right now.

Passing by Tohka who dejectedly let down her shoulders, walking towards the target's seat.

"——I have something to say."

And then, throwing a cold stare, speaking to the owner of the seat

"It's......Origami-san right. Do you want something from me?"

"Come here."

Origami curtly responded, and walked out of the classroom just like that.

Kurumi used her finger to support her chin and hesitated for a few seconds, but when Origami walked to the corridor, she hurriedly stood up with a panicked face.

"Pl, please hold on. What is it?"

"......"

Origami peeked behind her.

Her eyes showed a figure of a girl trying her best to chase after Origami, moving those slender limbs that looked as if they would break if they were bumped. Truly, she was a cute girl that everyone would try and protect.

However, now that Origami knows her true identity, she only felt displeasure.

Just like that, Origami did not slow down, hurrying towards the rooftop door.

Before, she had also brought Shidou to that location. Normally unfrequented by people, it was a convenient place where one can talk without any intervention.

"Haa......,haa......"

Perhaps it was due to running up the stairs in one go, Kurumi's shoulders heaved, her hand leaning on the handrail.

After tens of seconds later, when her breathing returned to normal, Kurumi voiced out.

"About that......Is anything the matter? I haven't eaten lunch yet......"

Origami faced Kurumi, her expressions not changing as she replied.

"You, why are you still alive?"

"Eh......?"

"——You, should have been dead yesterday."

That's right. Origami yesterday, definitely saw it.

Kurumi who had her four limbs cut off and head smashed by Mana, perfectly killed.

Although she understood Mana's strength, but Ryoko still assembled Origami and the other AST members, to surround the Spirit in case Mana wasn't able to capture it.

"......"

Kurumi's eyebrow twitched.

A few seconds later, using her right eye that wasn't covered, she observed Origami's face.

"——Aah. aah, you. It's you. You were definitely there with Mana-san yesterday."

"......!"

The instant Kurumi ended her sentence, Origami swiftly retreated from her original spot.

There was no reason behind her actions. Just that brain felt that something was off, warning Origami to escape.

"Well! Well! That reaction wasn't bad at all. Splendid. Truly splendid. However."

"——Ss!!"

Origami held her breath. Before she managed to retreat, something grabbed her ankle.

Upon a closer look, Kurumi's shadow had expanded without her noticing——From there, two white arms extended out.

Furthermore, the shadow continued to slowly grow in surface area, climbing onto the walls.

And from there, countless arms grew, restraining Origami's arms and head firmly from behind.

"Ku——"

Although she struggled, but those slender fingers did not let go of Origami's body. Instead, the strength increased, pressing Origami against the wall.

"Kihihi, hihi, it's no use. Even if you struggle it is useless."

Kurumi laughed.

Kurumi wore a twisted smile on her face that could not be imagined a few minutes ago, letting out a laugh that would only cause a deep chill when heard.

"I was in your care yesterday. Did you properly dispose of it? My body, that is."

Kurumi approached Origami as she scratched her hair. Suddenly, the left eye hidden behind the fringe was shown. Pure golden in colour. The pupil did not seem to be the shape of an organ, twelve digits and two hands. That's right——That was, just like a clock.

"Wanting to know about me, and wanting to make solo contact with me, don't you think you are being too careless? And you even took the trouble, to choose a location where people would rarely go to."

"......"

It was just as Kurumi said. In the end was she mistaken by how it ended so quickly yesterday——Or, was she mistaken after seeing Kurumi attend school today. Anyway, Origami had miscalculated. Threatening a Spirit with such words, she was too careless.

"You——, what is your......motive?"

Even though her throat was being held, she still managed to make a sound. After which, the corner of Kurumi's mouth lifted.

"Ufufu, I wanted to attend school, I guess I'm not lying if I said that right? But, even though I said that, the biggest reason has to be——"

After pausing for a moment, Kurumi brought her face closer to a distance where Origami could feel her breath.

"——Shidou-san, right."

"——!!"

Hearing Shidou's name, Origami couldn't help but keep silent.

Seeing that reaction, Kurumi looked extremely happy, her smile widening even further.

"He is excellent you know. He is the best. He really——looks. very. delicious. you. know. Aah, Aah, I'm impatient. I can't wait any longer. I want him. I want his power. In order to obtain him, in order to become one with him, I have arrived at this school."

——A tremor. Origami felt her back was drenched in cold sweat. She totally, did not realize that that a Spirit would be targeting a single person——and furthermore that person is Shidou, it was completely out of her calculations.

However. A question surfaced within Origami in that time.

The phrase that Kurumi mentioned just now. What exactly was [his power]——

"......"

This train of thought, was interrupted by Kurumi.

Kurumi's hand started to move across Origami's body.

"Origami-san. Tobiichi, Origami-san. You are also——extremely, great you know. How wonderful, you look so delicious. Aah, I can't stand it. I can't take it. I want to eat you up right now."

Cheeks reddening, breathing heavily, her left hand moved to the chest, while the right hand played with the skirt.

Saying that, she extended her tongue, leaving a trail of saliva on Origami's face.

"Ku......"

"Aah, aah, but I can't. I mustn't. Even though this would be a waste, but I must save this enjoyment till the last part."

Kurumi exaggeratedly shook her head, leaving a kiss on Origami's neck, stepping away from her body.

"You, I am going to leave until after Shidou-san.——May you become, even more delicious."

With that said, Kurumi turned around, walking down the stairs.

After her figure disappeared, the arms binding Kurumi once again went back into the shadow.

"......Cough, guh."

Origami crouched onto the floor and started to cough.

The expanded shadow along the hallway, as though it was returning to its master, started to shrink in the direction of the corridor.

"Shi, dou——"

Although she doesn't know why, but Kurumi she was, targeting Shidou.

It'd be bad if she didn't inform headquarters about it. No, no matter how you think about it, they would never believe that a Spirit would be targeting an individual.

——If Origami is unable to protect Shidou this time.

Origami grit her teeth, tightly gripping her fist.

◇

"......Muu."

Tohka sat on the chair and looked up to see the clock on top of the blackboard.

Lunch break was almost over.

Stomach letting out a *Gururu* sound. Not eating anything since breakfast, Tohka who is a big eater was already on the verge of collapsing from hunger.

However, she did not open her bento. Although Shidou had told her to start eating......But Tohka felt that it would taste better if Shidou ate with her, so she chose not to eat her bento.

"shidou......"

Students who were playing outside were already slowly making their way back into class. Some impatient ones have already prepared for the next lesson already.

However, there was still no sign of Shidou to be seen.

"Uu......uu......"

Not knowing why, her eyes started to feel hot, and felt that it was getting difficult to breathe through her nose.

Slowly rubbing away her mucus, wiping her eyes. The sleeve of her uniform became damp. ——Just at this moment.

"——Aare? Did something happen Tohka-chan?"

"Why haven't you eaten your lunch?"

"Class is about to start already!"

The female trio entered the classroom and spoke to Tohka, looks like they have eaten lunch outside.

They are girls who treat Tohka rather well. If she remembered correctly their names were Ai, Mai and Mii. Looks like they were so close because their names sounded similar.

"Uwaa! What's the matter Tohka-chan! Don't cry!"

"What what, who did this!?"

"I said the person who did this, step out!!"

The three people surrounded Tohka, speaking in harmony. The shoulders of the male classmates gave a violent tremor.

"No, it's not like that! No one did anything!"

Tohka waved her hands hastily, explaining to the trio.

"Eh eh? Really?"

"Then, why?"

"Pollen allergy? Is it because of pollen allergy?"

Tohka shook her head, her eyes looking at the bento box by her hand.

"shidou he's, still not back yet. ......Also, thinking about how I haven't been able to properly speak with shidou today, just like that, I don't know why, I......"

Once she said it out, huge teardrops started falling from her eyes.

"Aaah! Tohka-chan! It's alright to stop if you don't feel happy!"

"But really now, I don't get Itsuka-kun! How can he let such a cute girl cry!"

"Let's chop off his head and feed it to the pigs!"

The trio shouted out in rage. Tohka once again stopped them in panic.

"No, it's not shidou's fault! It's only, I......"

Tohka tried to rephrase her words with her limited vocabulary, first explaining that it wasn't Shidou's fault, but the reason was that she had become too accustomed to having Shidou by her side.

After hearing that, Ai, Mai and Mii all nodded their heads.

"So for Tohka-chan, as long as you can talk to Itsuka-kun, eat together with him and play together with him, you would be SUPER HAPPY right?"

Ai said. Tohka nodded her head.

"Guu, how innocent. This time it'd be useless even if Itsuka-kun kowtows a hundred times."

Saying that, Mai wiped imaginary tears away as though she were acting. Tohka's eyes widened.

"Just as well, the basement of my house has an iron maiden and a wooden horse[3B 3]."

Mii said with a serious expression, Tohka tilted her head.

The trio looked at Tohka, suddenly slapping their thighs with a "Yosh!"

"I'm giving it my all for Tohka-chan!"

Ai said that, taking out two pieces of paper from her pocket.

"Ah, Ai, that's......!"

"Yes, tickets to the aquarium Tenguu Gojuusou......! Tomorrow's the anniversary of our school's opening right? Tohka-chan, take this, go there with Itsuka-kun tomorrow!"

"Ai! Then that means you and Kashiwada-kun——"

Mai wanted to continue speaking, Ai extended her arm to stop her.

"Don't say anymore! Tohka-chan will feel bad......"

As Ai said that, Mai and Mii grabbed Tohka's shoulders with expressions of holding back their tears.

"Tohka-chan......! Please you must accept this......!"

"Ai! Please take it for Ai's sake......"

"Nu, nuu......?"

Tohka felt that she couldn't ruin the current atmosphere, after hesitating for a while, she innocently took the tickets from Ai. The very next instant, Ai collapsed.

"Tohka-chan......You and Itsuka-kun must reach......happiness......ah."

"Ah, Aiiiiiiiiiiiii!"

"Get a hold on yourself! The wound is still shallow!"

"......!?......!?"

Tohka not knowing what is going on, held the ticket and looked left and right.

It felt as though if she accepted it, she would be doing something wrong. Tohka returned the tickets to Ai's hand with teary eyes.

"Fuooooo!"

Ai instantly revived.

"Ai!"

"It's a miracle!"

"Wrong, wrong wrong."

Ai who suddenly calmed down, once again passed the tickets to Tohka's hands.

"You can't return this Tohka-chan. Take this and go invite Itsuka-kun."

"In, invite?"

"Yes. Just say let's go on a date tomorrow."

"......!"

With those words, Tohka's eyes grew wider. A date, that is, referring to an activity where a boy and a girl goes out and play.

——Ah, that's wonderful.

After thinking closely, it felt like she hasn't went out with Shidou on a date recently. Having a date after so long. If it's like that, it would be great.

However, there is still one problem.

"I, I have to invite......him?"

Tohka said while sweating in panic.

"Yeah. Just once, just once. Having the girl ask a guy one once in a while isn't that bad."

"B, but......What if I were to be rejected......"

Tohka looked uneasy as she said so. The trio shrugged their shoulders, sighing with a "Fuu".

"Ok ok. You can't think about being rejected now, although if it fails we would still punish Itsuka-kun by parading him in public, but we are going to impart to you a secret move."

"Secret, secret move......?"

"Right. In short that means playing with a man's lust. If Tohka-chan were to employ such a move, you'd be able to obtain the power to control a country!"

"N, no, I don't need such a thing......"

"Alright alright, first of all......"

Tohka listened to Ai talk about the secret move while nodding her head all the time.

◇

When the last homeroom ended, Shidou immediately rose from his seat, walking towards Kurumi's direction.

At this moment, he could feel the coy gaze of Tohka at his right as well as Origami's demonic, absolute zero stare on his left, he decided to ignore them as he continued moving forward.

"Kurumi, do you have a minute?"

Saying that, he pointed to the direction of the corridor, after which he walked out of the classroom, Kurumi followed closely behind.

After walking to a location without people, he turned to face Kurumi.

"Shidou-san, is something bothering you?"

"Aa, aaah. Sorry for being so sudden......Kurumi you, are you free tomorrow?"

"? Yes, I am."

"About that, if it's possible, can I take you around the area for a walk......?"

"Eh? That's......"

"We, well......To put it simply......that would be a date, I suppose."

Instantly, Kurumi's expressions brightened.

"Really?"

"Ah, aah......Is that okay with you?"

"Of course. It would be my honor."

"Really, then......tomorrow at 10:30, I'll meet you in front of the ticket station of Tenguu station."

"Yes, I'll be waiting!"

Kurumi said with all smiles. Shidou returned to the classroom after raising his hand and said "Well then, see you tomorrow.".

At this moment, opening the classroom door, he found Origami standing there.

"......Hyi......!?"

"——What did you say to her?"

Staring at Shidou with sharp gaze, her calm voice sounded out with no intonations.

"No, no, it's nothing."

"Answer me. This is very——"

If I continue to be interrogated like this, I may leak it out by accident. After Shidou made that self-judgment, he went past Origami, walking up to his desk and took his bag.

"I, I have to go first because of something! Tohka! Let's go home!"

"Nu? Uu, umu!"

Saying that, he escaped before the interrogation. Tohka barely managed to react as she chased after Shidou.

"Haa......Haa......"

Running a short while, after confirming that Origami could not catch up did he dare to slow down his footsteps.

"What's with that all of a sudden, shidou!"

"N, no......In short that was, well......something like that, let's go home first."

"Nn, umu......"

Tohka nodded her head still feeling confused.

Although he did feel surprised......Well, there's no need to ask further. Shidou entered the corridor, changed his shoes at the entrance and walked out of school.

On the way back.

"Ab, abababababababout that shidou......!"

Tohka who was always very fluent, voiced out looking slightly panicky.

"Nn? What's the matter, Tohka?"

"Aa, aaah. About that......ah!"

At this point Tohka was flipping through her bag in search of something——For reasons unknown she furtively looked around , looking down while blushing.

"Wh, what's the matter? Did something happen?"

"It's, its nothing......! Let's hurry up and go home!"

Tohka looked around as she forcefully said, seemingly wanting Shidou to lead the way as she slowly followed behind.

"What's with her, that fellow......"

Despite feeling curious about Tohka's peculiar actions, but they continued to keep it this way as they walked home.

Although he wasn't sure why, but on the way back, Tohka still did not show her face.

Not long after, they finally reached the Itsuka residence and the apartment made for Spirits to live in.

"Ooh, then goodbye then. Are you eating dinner at my house tonight?"

At this point, Shidou's greeting with his hand raised as usual——was cut short midway.

The reason was simple, Tohka did not walk towards the apartment, but towards the Itsuka residence.

"Tohka? Aren't you going to change your clothes first?"

"! It's, it's fine, hurry up and open the door already!"

"Haa......Well, whatever you say then."

She still had to go to the Itsuka house for dinner anyway. So there wasn't any problem about coming early. Shidou took out the key from his pocket, opening the door.

"I'm home."

Since the door was locked, it meant that Kotori still have yet to return home, but he said it out of reflex anyway. Taking off his shoes at the entrance and entering the house, just like that he walked to the living room, lightly stretching at the sofa after placing his bag down.

"Nn—......"

At this point, a *kacha* sound could be heard.

Looks like Tohka who had followed behind Shidou had just locked the entrance. Tohka entered the living room with her head still lowered.

"Nn? It's okay if its unlocked? After all Kotori is returning home soon too."

"......"

However Tohka did not make a reply, instead she put down her bag, reached her hand inside, taking out two ticket-like objects.

"shi, shidou, if it's okay with you......that."

After that, she suddenly raised her head as though she just remembered something.

"Th, that's right, I must do it properly huh......"

"Properly......? Do what?"

Just as Shidou was left in confusion, Tohka hastily ran towards the windows of the living room, pulling the thick curtains.

"Hey, hey, Tohka......?"

"Just a moment! Okay, start preparations!"

"Preparations......? Wh, what is......?"

However, Tohka still did not reply.

This time she took out a memo from her bag, placing it on the table.

Then, she placed her hands on her hips with a troubled expression, slowly rolling up her skirt. A technique girls often use to temporarily shorten their skirt. Tohka's healthy thighs gradually showed themselves.

"Hey, hey, Tohka......?"

Unable to understand the reason for Tohka's actions, Shidou frowned while his face was dripping in sweat.

Next Tohka loosened the butterfly knot on her uniform, unbuttoning her shirt from the top. The second......the third......she actually undid four of them. From the gap between the shirt, Tohka's white chest could be glimpsed, Shidou couldn't help but turn his eyes away.

"Wh, what are you doing Tohka!? If you wanted to change then you should do it in your own house——"

"shi, shidou!"

Tohka interrupted Shidou's words, using her mouth to hold the tickets, going on all fours, making the pose of a female leopard. On a side note, her face was as red as a cooked tomato.

"Like, like this......!"

"Wh, whawhawhat are you doing......!? What in the world is this!?"

Shidou spoke in confusion, Tohka looked regretful as she said "It, it doesn't work......!", taking out the ticket from her mouth. ......Doesn't work or not, he totally did not get a single clue of what she's thinking.

However Tohka looked at the memo on the table once more,

"Oo, okay......!"

She shouted as though trying to raise her own spirits, taking the tickets.

Although, this time she placed the tickets in to her exposed chest——and then "Nn?" tilted her head.

It looked like they wouldn't stay in position. Therefore Tohka slightly bent forward, using her left hand on her chest to make a cleavage and placed the ticket inside, after which she gave Shidou a look.

"Wha......!?"

Feeling like he had just seen something bad, Shidou involuntarily took a step backwards.

"shidou......Ab, about that!"

"Oo, oh......What is it?"

"To, tomorrow......won't you go on a date wit......me?"

"Ha......? Da, date......?"

"Uu, nn......!"

Tohka exaggeratedly nodded, displaying the ticket at her chest.

......This is, that right. Is she asking me to take it from there.

If I don't take the ticket from there, Tohka's actions are probably going to go up another level.

Shidou is also a sophomore in high school, a boy undergoing puberty. It's impossible to say that he was not interested, but he couldn't just say okay just like that.

His face dripping with sweat, trembling hands slowly stretched towards Tohka's chest.

And, taking extreme caution to not touch Tohka's breasts, he took the ticket from her.

"Oo, ooooh!"

Tohka's expressions immediately brightened, correcting her posture.

The next instant, Tohka had adjusted her skirt, covering her chest and taking her bag.

"Tomorrow! We'll meet at ten at the statue Pachi in front of the station! Th, then I'll go and change now!"

Saying that, Tohka ran out of the living room at a speed faster than the eye can see. *Pada Pada* running down the hallway, opening the lock to the entrance and went outside.

"Wh, what was that all about......?"

Shidou dumbly muttered, his eyes fell onto the ticket in her hand. Looks like a ticket to the aquarium. Where did it come from.

Following that, his eyes moved to the memo that Tohka placed onto the table. On it, with cursive writing the words [Tohka-chan's Seduction Plan]. The bottom was written the following.

①The pose of a female leopard.

②Use your breasts to hold the ticket

③If those two doesn't work then push him down.

......Although he wasn't very sure, but looks like it had been very dangerous just now.

"Haaa this is......"

As Shidou was confused, a *kacha* sound could once again be heard from the entrance.

Instantly thinking that Tohka had returned he readied his posture——But it was not. Walking into the living room was, Kotori with black ribbons in her hair.

"I'm home. Nn......?"

Probably finding it suspicious that the room was so dark, Kotori frowned.

"Pulling the curtains when it is still daylight, what kind of dirty things are you doing, Shidou?"

"I, I didn't do anything!"

"Well, whatever works for you. What's that in your hand?"

"Aaah......To tell you the truth, I got it from Tohka......an invitation to a date."

After Shidou said that, Kotori let out a whistle feeling impressed.

"Oh my. An invitation from Tohka. That's a good sign. When is it? We'll provide support."

"Aaah, it's tomorrow......"

"Tomorrow?"

Kotori showed a complicated expression.

"Hold on, if it is tomorrow, aren't you already dating Kurumi?"

"Ah——"

At those words, Shidou remembered. He had forgotten it under the impact that Tohka's seductive poses gave him——That's right, he had agreed to date Kurumi tomorrow.

"Oh crap, can I back out now......?"

After Shidou said that, Kotori sadly shook her head.

"You can't! If you cancelled a date that you've promised, it'll obviously create a massive impact on Tohka's mental state. Her loneliness had been showing an upward trend since this morning."

"I'm, I'm not saying that promises are......"

"Most importantly is how Tohka thinks. ——Well, no way around it. We'll fully send you our support, you have to make sure that both dates succeed."

"Ha——haa?Th, that kind of......"

At this point, just as Shidou wished to continue speaking, the handphone in his pocket started to vibrate.

Looking at the screen, it was from a number that he did not know.

Feeling slightly odd, he answered the phone, from the other end of the phone came a calm voice.

"Hello."

"Nn......? This voice, are you......Origami?"

"Yes."

Origami gave a short reply to acknowledge, a trickle of sweat ran down Shidou's face.

"Aare......? I, did I tell you my handphone number before?"

Origami did not reply, after a moment of silence, she continued to speak.

"Tomorrow is a holiday."

"? Aa, aah......that's right"

"You, can't be left alone."

"Eh......?"

Shidou replied in shock, Origami continued to speak with no changes in her intonation.

"11 in the morning. I'll be waiting at the plaza outside Tenguu station."

"Eh?"

"Date."

"..............................Ha?"

"You definitely must come."

Leaving behind such a line, she ended the phone call.

......In the end, not one of Shidou's questions was answered.

"Who was that?"

"No, it's Origami. I don't know why but she wants......with me......a date."

"Haa......!?"

Kotori raised her eyebrows and shouted

"Speaking of date......It can't possibly be tomorrow right?"

"It, it's just that......impossible."

Kotori used her hand to support her forehead as she sighed heavily.

Chapter 4: Triple Date

"——Got it? You will be meeting with Tohka at 10 in the morning, the location was the aquarium located east of Tenguu city. After that midway you will make up a reason to sneak out. You will be picked up by <Fraxinus> once you're outside. Following that at 10:30 you will meet with Kurumi at the ticketing booth, returning to the plaza outside the station to see Tobiichi Origami. However, at this point Tohka would have been placed aside for 30 minutes, you will need to immediately rectify the situation. The same goes for the rest of the girls, you'll need to reduce the time gap between them and make proper adjustments, you cannot leave each one of them alone for too long. We will take care of the schedule here, Shidou no matter what you do, in order to not let them feel down, you have to persuade them with warm words. Although the priority here was to let Kurumi fall in love with you to the point where you can kiss her, but you must not hurt Tohka's feelings, and it would be troublesome if Tobiichi Origami were to find out. In short——I say, Shidou, are you listening properly?"

"......I, I heard you."

......But whether he properly stored them inside his brain was a totally different issue altogether.

Shidou muttered in his heart, faking a cough as though he was trying to cover it up. He replied to Kotori's voice in the transmitter.

In the end Shidou was unable to reject the invitations of Tohka and Origami, thus forcefully forming a triple date situation.

Originally the date with Kurumi should be placed on the topmost priority, however if he were to go back on his promise, Tohka's mental state would deteriorate significantly, risking the backflow of Spiritual power, and because of the possibility of barging into Tohka's and Kurumi's date, Origami cannot be left alone as well.

And the result.....is this hellish schedule.

"It's useless if you just listen you know. Ingrain it properly into your brain."

"Uu......"

Was he seen through. Sweat dripped down his face.

"Haa......Well whatever. Basically just act accordingly as the situation goes. Are you ready?"

"Aa, aaah......Probably."

After saying that, he took a good look at his clothing. Shidou at present, was wearing a simple attire consisting of a navy blue shirt and beige coloured pants.

Kotori read that [The evaluation that girls give regarding the attire for guys was basically negative]. It was normal to see amateurs fail because of focusing too much here and there, therefore it was okay if the clothes are not of good quality, what's most important was cleanliness.

"Now then, it's almost time. ——Let our battle (Date) begin."

"Oo, oh."

Saying that, Shidou took a deep breath as though trying to suppress his nervousness.

At present, Shidou was standing in front of the dog statue at the east entrance of Tenguu Station.

Although it had an actual name, but due to its similarity with the loyal dog at Shibuya station, the nearby residents call it Pachi with both sarcasm and endearment. [3C 1]

Due to it being placed in front of the station, hence it was the same as Hachi, having the functions of a rendezvous point. Surrounding Shidou, many other people could be seen.

At this point, a familiar voice entered Shidou's eardrums, as though rending apart the crowd.

"shidou!"

Turning his head towards the direction of the sound. Over there was, Tohka who was displaying a smile that was brighter than the sun.

She was not wearing the usual school uniform, but an attire comprising of a thin shirt and hot pants. She looked as though they were tailor-made for her.

"Th, this is......"

Just as Shidou was staring at Tohka in a daze, Reine's voice was heard through the transmitter.

"......Aaah, as expected of Tohka, she looks great no matter what she wears, well let's not ask too many questions. Not bad right?"

"Ye, yeah......"

Shidou dumbly replied. Not bad was an understatement, it was on the level of excellence. His attention was grabbed in an instant.

"shidou?"

"Aa, aaah......Sorry. I was distracted. ......Nn, it suits you. You're very cute, Tohka."

"Wha......"

At Shidou's words, Tohka's face was dyed red.

Flailing her arms wildly and turned around.

"Al, alright already let's go! Hurry up!"

"Wh, what's with you, what's with the rush——"

But at this point, Shidou suddenly clammed up. It was because Tohka who had been walking in front stopped all of a sudden, bumping into her as a result.

"Tohka? What's wrong?"

"Mu, muu......"

Tohka turned her head around with slanted eyebrows as though troubled. Her face still had traces of red.

"shidou, speaking of which, where exactly are we supposed to go......?"

"Eh? Isn't it the aquarium?"

Tohka revealed a troubled expression, looks like she does not know the exact location.

"Haha......Hold on for a second."

Shidou took out the ticket from his wallet, his eyes looking at the map on the opposite side of the ticket.

"Lemme see? Tenguu Gojuusou huh. Nn, then it's just right opposite us."

Saying that, he pointed in the opposite direction that Tohka was walking at. Tohka immediately turned around, closely following behind Shidou. She more or less must be wanting him to lead the way.

At this moment.

"......!?"

Noticing a familiar figure entering his line of sight, Shidou furrowed his brows.

Forcefully stopping himself from turning around, he shifted his vision to the left side.

At the plaza that was separated by a single road. In front of the fountain, it was the figure of Tobiichi Origami.

With an attire consisting of a sweater and a miniskirt, a small bag slung on her shoulder, she maintained an unmoving posture. For people who did not know anything, they probably would think that she was a human-sized model.

The time to meet with Origami was 11am. The current time was 10:05am. It's too early no matter how you look at it.

"Nu? Is something wrong, shidou?"

"No, nothing, nothing at all! Let's hurry up and get a move on!"

It would be bad to stay here and keep looking at Origami. Shidou moved Tohka to his right side as though trying to cover her, turning his face to Tohka's direction and started to walk.

"Ara, just like that. Not letting the girl walk along the road and not letting her out of your sights. Nn, although it's old fashioned, but it was also unexpectedly gratifying in its own unique way."

"I, is that so......"

Shidou bitterly smiled as he softly replied to Kotori. Although it wasn't his intention to do so......Well, but at least the result was still alright.

Origami finally disappeared from his line of sight, at this point, Tohka who was walking beside him spoke.

"Speaking of which, shidou."

"Nn? What's the matter?"

"What exactly is an aquarium?"

"What......Tohka, don't tell me you've never been there before?"

"Don't be mistaken. shidou's the only one that I'll go on a date with.."

"......"

What's going on, my face was getting warm. ......Usually she would answer with "D, don't get me wrong! It's just going to the aquarium right!" or the like.

Clearing his throat as though trying to calm himself down, Shidou spoke.

"If we're talking about the aquarium......Well, it's just a place with a lot of fish."

"What!"

Tohka spoke with wide-open eyes.

"Shioyaki?"

"No no no."

"Then, stir-fried?"

"I told you that you're wrong already!"

"Don't tell me it is, acqua pazza?" [3C 2]

"Haa......?"

"Ha, don't tell me it's steamed?"

"I'm not talking about eating! Besides why are you so knowledgeable in those cooking methods!?"

Although he didn't know where she learnt such knowledge from, but it was to such an extreme extent. Shidou would probably be stumped by her knowledge if it weren't for his expertise in the culinary arts.

"Muuu, am I wrong?"

"Yeah. It's a place to see aquatic creatures swim around."

"Fish......swim......!?"

Tohka frowned with an expression of high alert.

Now that she mentioned it, Tohka had probably never seen fish aside from being gourmet food before.

"Ah—......Well. You'll know once you see it. Let's go then."

"Mu......muuu, th, that's right."

Shidou led Tohka who was nodding, moving forward along the road.

Not long later, the two arrived at their destination Tenguu Gojuusou. Recently completed only last year, it was a hybrid commercial facility that was considered new. Various guesthouses and indoor playgrounds, cinemas and a large scale shopping centre were lined up beside it, just like a mini-sized shopping district. And because it was a new attraction, popularity was very high, one can usually observe a large number of people frequenting the area.

"Ah, there. That's the aquarium."

"shidou."

At this moment, Tohka suddenly held Shidou's hand.

"......!? Toh, Tohka? Wh, whwhwhwhat's the matter......?"

"Mu, we might get lost with so many people around."

"Aaah......yo, you're right."

As Shidou tried to control his rapidly-beating heart, he held Tohka's hand in response, walking into the aquarium together.

Passing the ticket to the personnel, they stepped into the dark interior of the aquarium.

Following that,

"Wh......What is this......!"

At the same time the hand that was being held trembled, Tohka's voice echoed within the aquarium.

The surrounding tourists looked at Shidou and Tohka together.

"To, Tohka. We must be quiet here."

"! Uu, umu......I'm sorry. But Shidou, this is ...... awesome."

Tohka slightly lowered her volume and raised her face.

The interior of the aquarium had a layer of glass, fish species of all shapes and sizes were swimming around. The scale of it was so large even Shidou couldn't help but sigh in admiration. It would be natural for Tohka to be shocked at this scene.

"Ar, are these all fishes......?"

Tohka asked while not looking at the ground as she walked.

"Aaah, that's right. Beautiful right?"

"Uu, umu. It's beautiful......"

Saying that, Tohka let go of Shidou's hand, shuffling up to the front, firmly pressing her hands onto the huge glass wall. In front of her eyes, a large shoal of tiny fish swam by.

Tohka's eyes grew round, tightly following the shoal's movements. Seeing her like this was somehow cute, and Shidou couldn't help but smile.

"shi, shidou, let's go further in and have a look!"

"Haha, okay, then——"

Just at this moment. The earphone in his right ear gave a shrill alarm, Shidou's shoulders involuntarily shook.

"Shidou, it's almost time for you to meet with Kurumi. <Fraxinus> will pick you up, hurry up and go to a secluded area."

"......"

"shidou, you're not coming?"

Probably feeling puzzled at Shidou who suddenly stopped in his footsteps, Tohka inclined her head with a confused expression.

"Ah......About that,"

Shidou's gaze swam about for a moment, after which he slightly bent his body forwards while holding his stomach.

"Ah, it hurrrrrrrrrts......"

"!? Wh, what's the matter shidou!"

"N, no. My stomach is a little......I'm going to the toilet, can you wait a while?"

"Wh......Ar, are you alright......? I, if it really hurts then Kotori should......!"

"N, no need! It's not as serious to that extent so don't worry so much! Okay!?"

"Uu, umu......"

Although Shidou already said it like that, but Tohka was still looking at Shidou with an expression of utmost concern. A strong sense of guilt expanded within his chest.

But if he continues to be indecisive then Kurumi would be left waiting. Shidou walked towards the exit feeling like someone who left an abandoned puppy inside a cardboard box.

"I, I'll try to make it back as soon as possible, go look at the fishes first!"

"Uu, umu, I got it. If you really can't stand it then you must immediately contact Kotori alright......!?"

"Oh, yeah......"

Shidou nodded his head, walking off while holding his stomach.

Walking around the corner, out of Tohka's line of sight, Shidou corrected his posture, breaking into a sprint.

"Well......, You really were waiting."

When Shidou arrived in front of the ticketing booth while still panting heavily, Kurumi was already there.

She was wearing a frock and a long skirt that seems to be of extremely high quality, however because they were all pitch black, it looked as though she was wearing funeral clothing.

"No. I just arrived here myself."

After saying that Kurumi lightly smiled. Shidou readjusted his breathing, facing Kurumi once more.

"Sorry......I was slightly late."

"Ufufu, you don't have to really rush you know."

"N, no, Well......haha."

Shidou smiled as he vaguely explained.

Although he could move around at fast speeds due to <Fraxinus>, but in order to transfer, they had to move to a secluded area without any obstacles. In order to move from the aquarium that was high in human traffic to the entrance of the station, he had to run quite a long distance first.

"——Now then, today's main event is starting. Do a good job."

Kotori said. Shidou tapped his earphone to indicate his acknowledgement.

Today's biggest mission, was to kiss with Kurumi and seal off her Spirit power.

At the same time that he reaffirmed his conviction, Kurumi's lips entered his line of sight, Shidou couldn't help but scratch his cheek.

At that moment, Kurumi gave a deep bow.

"I'm extremely grateful that you invited me today. I'm very happy. ——Then, where shall we go first?"

"Nn......right."

At the same time Shidou spoke, his right ear could hear Kotori's voice saying "Wait a moment".

On <Fraxinus>'s main monitor, multiple choices were displayed.

①Have a love love shopping date inside the large shopping mall.

②Watch a sweet romance movie together.

③Inside the lingerie store, observe her as she tries them out.

"Everyone, choose!"

Saying that, the mini display on Kotori's palm immediately displayed the results.

"Umu......"

The same time Kotori nodded, the voices of the crew members echoed from the bottom of the bridge.

"We must choose ② here! Inside a dark room, unintentionally overlapping hands! There's no other choice other than this!"

"No no, of course we must choose ①! Girls love shopping the most!"

Indeed, it looked as though both choices are feasible. However Kotori scratched her cheek. The largest shopping mall and cinema closest to here......is at Tenguu Gojuusou right were Tohka is. Although it didn't feel as though they would bump into each other, but there's no need to increase uncertain factors.

Then with that, the only option left is......

"If it's ③, it would obviously cause one to feel grossed out right......?"

Kotori ended off with a troubled tone, Reine's voice sounded out from below.

"......No, from the numbers as well as yesterday's reaction, we cannot totally say for certain that she would reject the idea."

"Umu......"

Kotori frowned and nodded. Although the risk was high, but if it works, then it would prove to a large extent that Kurumi likes Shidou to a certain degree. It's just like using litmus paper.

"Shidou, it's ③. Please bring her to the lingerie store inside the station's building."

"Ooh, understood......That's not right, haa......!?"

From the loudspeaker, Shidou's stupified voice resounded.

"E, eeeeh......Kurumi. Do you have anything you'd like to buy......or, see? Fo, for example something to wear......and the like?"

"Do you mean western clothing? Aaah, I do wish to take a look at those."

"We, western clothing you say......How about the ones that you wear inside......"

"Inside......?"

At this point she probably caught on to what he had meant, Kurumi's cheeks slightly reddened.

"N, no, it's indeed strange right! Alright, then let's choose a different——"

Shidou's forehead perspired as he readied himself to leave, just then the hem of his clothes was suddenly forcefully held.

"Eh......?"

Turning to look, Kurumi's eyes were gazing upwards at Shidou.

"Will Shidou-san......choose?"

"Eh!? Aa.....aa, aaah......"

Shidou nodded while feeling troubled, Kurumi showed a shy smile.

"Fufu, well then——please, choose a cute one okay?"

"Eh, ehhhh......Alright."

It was he who first invited her, furthermore she didn't seem to dislike it. Shidou started moving forwards with stiff movements akin to a robot.

"That was surprising. She actually agreed."

"......Hey."

It was your instruction in the first place, Shidou lightly jabbed the earphone.

Just at this moment, the plaza opposite the station entered his sights. In front of the fountain, he could see the figure of Origami whose posture was unchanged since 30 minutes ago.

However one cannot totally say that there was no change at all. It's probably due to the large volume of people, a male trio was talking to Origami in an attempt to pick her up.

But Origami did not move an inch. It was as though she didn't even perceive their existence at all.

At this point, one of the trio, possibly feeling frustrated at being ignored, grabbed Origami's shoulder.

Origami then used graceful movements to twist the man's arm, bringing him to the ground.

It probably hurt a lot, the man groaned with tears in his eyes. However, the man's companions were frozen in fear. Afterwards the surrounding people who heard the commotion started to gather around, in the end even the police arrived, taking the men with them.

Origami then returned to her original position, as though nothing happened at all.

"........."

"Shidou-san, what's the matter?"

Kurumi asked, probably thinking that Shidou who stopped walking with his face dripping with sweat was acting suspicious.

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

Shidou acted like he didn't see Origami, entering the building near the train station.

After which they arrived at the lingerie store on the third floor by taking the elevator. Although Shidou had came to this building many times, but it was the first time that he entered such a space.

Since the entrance had large amounts of sexy female lingerie lined up. Of course, whether it was the store attendants or the customers, everyone here was female.

When Shidou entered the store, curious glances were shot at him from the surrounding people in an instant. Although he felt better by having Kurumi by his side, but this was not a place that makes him happy.

"Well, how cute! Which one does Shidou-san thinks is good?"

Kurumi immediately found her targets, displaying two sets of underwear. Both sets were adorned with cute designs of exquisite lace, Shidou involuntarily blushed.

"Ye......Well. Then......"

"Shidou, hold on for a moment."

On the monitor of the bridge, another multiple choice window was displayed.

①The right one. The flirtatious design with black lace as a foundation.

②The left one. A refreshing, pale blue design.

③"I prefer the one that reveals some more......" Pointing to the lingerie displayed at the back.

"Everybody, choose!"

Following Kotori's shout, the tabulated results were shown soon after. Although there was a difference of millimetres, but ③ unexpectedly had the most votes.

"Since we're already here we must of course take the offensive! Numbing the target's senses at the start, then when its time to kiss resistance encountered would be a lot less!"

Voices of the crew echoed. Kotori groaned as she supported her chin with her hand.

"Well, since the AI already gave us a third option, then we should try it out to see its value. ——Shidou, its ③. Choose the lingerie behind Kurumi."

Kotori finished, the Shidou in the image pointed behind Kurumi.

"Is, well. ......Although both of them aren't that bad, but I prefer the one over there......"

Following instructions he pointed behind Kurumi. At this point——Shidou's cheeks suddenly twitched a few times.

Hanging over there was, made of material that was almost transparent, an extremely dangerous item.

"Does Shidou-san like this kind......?"

"N, no, how do you put it......"

Just as Shidou was in a confused mess, Kurumi placed the lingerie in her hands back to their original positions, taking up the sexy lingerie Shidou pointed at after hesitating for a while.

"No, Kurumi, you don't have to force yourself——"

"No, it is because Shidou specially chose this——Of course I must try it on. Please see if it fits okay......?"

"Eh, that is......oh, yeah......"

Shidou nodded his head, Kurumi entered the fitting room in front of his eyes, drawing up the curtains.

Naturally, it became a situation where Shidou was left by himself inside the store. ......It feels as though the reality of his surroundings have become more intense.

"......"

It feels as though an uncomfortable atmosphere had wrapped itself around his body. At this moment, Shidou's shoulder was prodded by someone.

"Nn......?"

Turning behind with surprise, standing right there were a trio of girls. Although he was stunned for a moment, but he immediately remembered. They were indeed Shidou's classmates, the trio Ai•Mai•Mii.

"Ya—Ya—Itsuka-kun. Why are you at this kind of place? Crossdressing fetish?"

"Speaking of which, weren't you supposed to go to the aquarium with Tohka-chan on a date today?"

"Eh? Don't tell me you went back on your words? You want to die?"

Ai, Mai, Mii spoke up one after another.

"Eh? Ah, no......"

Shidou involuntarily became confused. Although he was curious as to why the female trio knows about the promise between him and Tohka......But that isn't the point right now. If they find out about him being with Kurumi right now, there could be a very dangerous situation in the future.

Probably noticing that Shidou was acting abnormally, the three of them angrily stared at Shidou.

"Eh? Wait, really? I can't believe it. Did you actually reject Tohka-chan's invitation——"

"N, no, it's not like that! I was just about to go there now!"

As Shidou shook his head in a panic, the trio responded with suspicious glances.

"Is that true? If you are lying I won't forgive you. My father is a cadre of a black magic cult. It's possible to cast a curse such as 'Contact with a girl will shorten your lifespan by a year' you know?"

"That's right. Letting Tohka-chan cry is not something that can be easily resolved you know? My mother is an SM Joou-sama, she can instruct you till you can say your thanks in tears you know?"

"If that is true then I'll make you disappear. My uncle has an occupation overseas as a killer. I'll use the 'Kill one for another coupon' I had on my birthday you know?"

"Using a voucher to kill someone! Besides who else are you trying to have killed!?"

Unable to stop himself from shouting, Shidou sighed.

"A, at the very least, as long as you didn't break your promise with Tohka, we would be very relieved——"

At this moment, the fitting room curtains opened.

"How is it......?"

Kurumi rubbed her knees together seemingly embarrassed, wearing lingerie that had a surface area that was seriously lacking for a high school student, even though it was barely able to provide cover, her pearl-white skin was exposed.

"......Hold it, Itsuka-kun?"

In an instant, it felt as though the surrounding temperature plummeted.

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

At this moment, ——just as Shidou was about to give an excuse, his right ear heard a shrill alarm.

Following that, Kotori's voice could be heard.

"Shidou, it's time. Although I wanted to focus on Kurumi, but if we're late and she comes to find us it'll be troublesome. Go to Tobiichi."

"E, even if you put it that way......"

"Alright already, hurry up and go. ——Ah, don't forget to say 'You're cute' to Kurumi okay?"

"......Un, understood."

Shidou with his mind made up, said "it hurrrrrts......" holding his stomach.

"I'm sorry Kurumi! My stomach isn't feeling very well! I'm going to the toilet so please wait a while! Also that underwear suits you a lot! You look very cute!"

Shidou left after throwing such a line down, behind, Kurumi's face turned red.

However the three people at his surroundings, gave out terrifying growls targeting Shidou's back.

"Hold it right theeeerrrreeeee! Why is Tokisaki here!?"

"And your relationship with her is close enough to pick such a lewd underwear for her? Are you just playing around with Tohka-chan!?"

"I'm really deliberating as to whether to stab you or shoot you to death!"

Shidou escaped while feeling like he was about to cry.

"So, sorry, Origami......I'm slightly, late......!"

Shidou said while heavily panting. Origami expressionlessly stared at Shidou's eyes and replied.

"There's no problem. I just arrived here as well."

Doubt.

......After using a huge amount of effort to suppress the urge to say that. Origami had been here for an hour at least, but it would be suspicious for Shidou to know about that.

"Eh, ehhhh......Where are we going today?"

"Movie."

Shidou's face twitched. If we are talking about the closest cinema here——

"He, hey Origami, where is the cinema......"

"Tenguu Gojuusou."

"......So it really is there!"

Shidou showed an awkward smile, lightly tapping the earpiece.

"Nnn......Yeah. Because there's a possibility of making contact with Tohka, it's not very desirable. Ask for another location and see."

"Ab, about that Origami, if it's okay with you can we change to another location——"

As Shidou was about to continue, Origami handed a ticket to him.

"I'll give this to you first. Don't lose it."

"......Yes."

The initiative was totally taken away from him, and the ticket was already prepared, if he were to reject it again it would seem unnatural.

"Well, there's no other way then. Since the area is large, it should be okay as the facilities that they're going to are different."

"Th, that's true."

Shidou softly said, looking towards Origami.

"Well then, let's go."

Origami nodded. The two of them started to walk.

However Origami suddenly hugged Shidou's elbow, forcefully pressing her body onto his, Shidou couldn't help but freeze up.

"Th, that is......Origami-san......? What are you doing......?"

"Just linking arms."

A quick and simple reply. Realising that saying nothing would work, he started to walk again with his heart beating wildly.

His arm at times would transfer the feeling of something soft at times, and Shidou's eyes started to swim wildly.

Miraculously feeling that time was passing by extremely slowly. Walking along the road that he and Tohka walked on earlier, he relaxed as soon as he reached Tenguu Gojuusou, it felt as though he suddenly aged a year.

Entering their destination, for some reason Origami started to walk towards the aquarium.

"......! Hey, Origami......! Wh, whwhwhwhwhwhere are you going, isn't the cinema supposed to be over here......!?"

Hastily grabbing Origami's elbow, but Origami extended her finger, silently pointing towards the front.

"It's not screening time yet. Let's go and eat lunch first."

"Eh?"

Looking in the direction that Origami pointed to. Beside the aquarium, a restaurant could be spotted.

"Ah, aaah......I see, is that so?"

Shidou gulped in relief.

However, the aquarium where Tohka was at was right under his nose, if it's like that it could be bad for his mental health.

There should be other places where they can eat. Just as Shidou was about to suggest a change of location——he was half forcefully dragged off.

"A, aare......?"

At the same time Shidou was at a loss at what to do, he had already entered the restaurant.

It seems that a table was booked in advance. Origami gave her name, bringing him to the window seat.

It seems that even the food had been ordered beforehand, the waiter left after affirming their order for beverages.

"......"

After which for a period of time, the two of them sat facing each other, maintaining silence.

"......Say something for goodness sake, Shidou."

"Aa......aaah......"

Shidou scratched his cheek and opened his mouth.

"Hey Origami, why did you want to have a date with me today......?"

As Shidou finished, Origami stared into Shidou's eyes.

"I'm not going to let you be by yourself for today."

"Eh......?"

Shidou's eyebrows knitted together. But Origami continued speaking, not minding that.

"After the date, come to my house."

"......!? Wh, why......?"

"Afterwards, I want you to stay for a period of time."

"Eh——eeeehhh!?"

Shidou couldn't help but yell. The surrounding customers seemed to be shocked as well, their eyes turning towards them.

But, Shidou did not have any spare thoughts to pay attention to them.

"Ho, hohohohohohow can this be, that kind of......"

"I'm serious."

"Eh, eeeeeeeeeeeh......?"

Shidou's eyes swam about, speechless. In truth, Origami's eyes were as serious as her words. Meaning to say, what she said earlier was definitely not a joke.

At this moment, the heavens really lent him a helping hand. The waiter brought the food over. Using experienced hands to place the dishes onto the table, he explained the dishes in a short and simple way, leaving after placing the bill onto the table.

"Why don't we eat first, the food will get cold! Okay!?"

When Shidou finished speaking, Origami nodded her head with a look of understanding.

Placing food in his mouth while in confusion. To tell the truth, he could hardly taste anything.

As he was about to finish eating, an alarm sounded in his right ear.

"Shidou, Tohka is feeling very uneasy right now. Come back for now. It's alright since you're troubled right now correct?"

Shidou tapped his earphone to indicate his acknowledgement, after which he stood up.

"Nn, Origami! Sorry, I have to use the washroom for a while!"

Shidou said that, passing by the toilet and walking outside of the restaurant.

Shidou showed his ticket stub, once again entering the aquarium, and subsequently spotted Tohka's figure at a location near the entrance.

Her brows formed an '八' with unease, looking around as though she was trying to find someone.

As to who that someone was, there was no need to think about it. It couldn't be anyone else but Shidou.

"Tohka!"

Shidou walked closer, calling out to her, Tohka's gloomy expression immediately brightened up.

"shidou! Ar, are you alright......?"

"Oh.....oo, how do I put it."

Saying that, Shidou patted his stomach with a "Pa!", Tohka let out a deep sigh as though she was relieved. ......Not knowing why, he felt that his conscience was being overwhelmed by guilt.

At that moment, Tohka's stomach suddenly gave "Guruguruguru"...... a cute sound.

"Nu.....nuuu."

Tohka embarrassedly lowered her head. Shidou gave a bitter smile. She's probably hungry.

Although that was understandable. After all it was already lunch time.

"Tohka, it seems that you can use the ticket stub to enter the aquarium again, do you want to eat something first?"

"Mu......Umu! That's great!"

As Shidou ended his sentence, Tohka vigorously nodded her head.

"Well then what shall we do. Tohka, do you have something that you'd like to eat?"

"Nn, does shidou have anything you'd like to eat?"

"Eh? Me? If you ask me......"

Shidou rubbed his stomach. Because he just ate, his stomach didn't feel hungry at all.

However as Shidou said that, Tohka revealed an uneasy expression once more.

"shidou......do, does your stomach still hurt......? It seems like we have to tell Kotori about this......"

"Uu......"

Although he didn't know why, but he felt that he had to go for another round of lunch again.

"So, sorry, I've kept you waiting......!"

After eating with Tohka, Shidou returned to the building where Kurumi was at, rubbing his full stomach as he spoke.

"No. Aside from that, are you alright?"

Kurumi asked seemingly concerned.

On a side note, in her hand was a bag from the lingerie store.

"Aaah......How do I put it. ——D, don't tell me, you bought that underwear......?"

"Nn.——That's because Shidou-san said that it suited me."

"......"

Shidou felt embarrassed, scratching his cheek.

As though trying to change the subject, he looked at his surroundings. ......Well, although it was weird for Shidou to be looking around inside a lingerie store for females.

"......N, now that you've mentioned it, where did the three girls go......?"

"After Shidou-san went to the washroom, they left."

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

Shidou sighed. At least his life seems to have been spared.

"Ah, they left a message for you. That is——'Itsuka-kun, tomorrow, prepare to cry.'"

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

Taking back his words. Tomorrow, he's a goner.

At this moment, Kurumi spoke while observing Shidou's expression.

"I say, Shidou-san."

"Nn......? What is it?"

Shidou tilted his head. Kurumi showed an innocent smile, saying a sentence that brought him to despair.

"It's almost time for lunch now isn't it?"

◇

"Fu......that Shidou-san. It was supposed to be an important date, but he seems awfully busy today."

Sitting on the long bench at the park, Kurumi lightly sighed.

The current time was 3:30pm. The total number of times Shidou ran off to the toilet was thirty.

It had been five hours since the date started, but the time that they spent together was only about a third of that.

"——Well, it's fine, I guess."

Kurumi used her palm to support her chin, laughing lightly with a "Fufu.".

That's right. That was only a small issue. Everything was just a process, not a stretch of time.

"After all in the end——He'll still become mine."

Using her index finger to lightly tap her cheek, she hummed a song on a whim.

Closing her eyes, the face of Shidou naturally surfaced in her mind.

It was possible, that this feeling was what humans call love.

From the moment she found out about Shidou, regardless of whether she was sleeping or awake, issues regarding him kept appearing in her mind.

I want to know more about him.

His interests.

His thoughts.

His——flavour.

"——Hehe."

Kurumi's smile deepened, she stood up, and, lightly stretched.

Delusions kept popping up in her head, her body started to feel hot for some reason. As though, she wanted to drink something cold.

Just as well, there was a vending machine nearby. Since Shidou won't be back for some time, it should be fine to leave just for a moment. Kurumi walked through the park with light footsteps.

——At that moment.

"......?"

Kurumi went through the park reaching a quiet alleyway, reaching the vending machine, suddenly her eyebrows twitched.

She was in a good mood, but her ears heard an unpleasant sound.

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

Kurumi wordlessly started walking, stopping at a dead end even further inside the alley.

"......Ara ara. What are you all doing here?"

And, spoke while silently half-opening her eyes.

"......Hyi?"

The youths seemed to be frightened by Kurumi's voice, turning around.

Over there were, four people. All of them were carrying guns——But this was Japan. Most likely they're model guns——, facing the depths of the alleyway.

And in the deepest part of that dead end, she saw a shadow slightly quivering. It was a cat. A kitten that was born not long ago, dragging its feet while crying out "Mii—Mii—"

At this point, Kurumi understood. They were probably test-firing their model guns, it was an easy way to relieve stress——Well, it was as she saw it. Kurumi narrowed her eyes.

"......What's the matter. Are you going to threaten us?"

"Hey, what are you going to do about it?"

"Ah......A girl?"

Everyone seemed to notice Kurumi's presence, looking at her together.

"Ah—......We're really sorry, this place is currently occupied. Go over there."

Saying that, they waved their hands as though trying to chase Kurumi away.

However Kurumi took a step forward, revealing a smile full of charm.

"Ara ara. Please don't say that. I have some knowledge about the use of guns you know? May I join in?"

"Aah......?"

One of the youths glared at Kurumi——and raised his eyebrows.

Seems like he finally noticed that a rare beauty was in front of his eyes. As he drew closer to Kurumi, his face showed an intimate look.

"Ah—What's that, you want to join in?"

"Nn. Definitely."

"It can't be helped. Well then, let's——"

"Ufufu, there's no need to trouble.——Aside from that, may we slightly change the rules?"

The youths were puzzled at Kurumi's words.

"Change the rules? What do you mean?"

"It's not anything difficult.——It's just a slight, change of target you know."

A dangerous smile showed up on Kurumi's face.

"Muuu......Where has Shidou gone......"

Tohka frowned, looking left and right.

A sea of people were already moving nearby, but there was no sign of Shidou anywhere.

Although she was concerned for Shidou who kept disappearing, she tried to follow him from behind, but upon entering a secluded building, Shidou's figure abruptly vanished.

That's right, even though it was a rare date, Shidou kept disappearing, so there was not much time spent together.

"Muu......"

Tohka was displeased, but she felt uneasy soon after.

Being with Shidou makes her happy. Just the two of them walking together side by side and chatting already lets her forget her sense of time.

However, no, it was precisely because of that——Once Shidou left, that sensation of loneliness would be felt so strongly by her.

At this moment——probably due to being too deeply in thought, Tohka bumped into the person walking towards her.

"Nuuooo......!"

Falling onto her butt. Tohka stood up while patting her behind.

"So, sorry. I walked too fast."

"It's all right. I wasn't paying enough attention."

Tohka apologized, and that person used a monotonous voice to reply. ......She didn't know why, but it sounded like a voice that she had heard somewhere before.

Raising her eyebrows in surprise and looking up. ......The face that Tohka did not wish to see the most, was right there.

"Tobi......Tobiichi Origami!?"

"......Yatogami Tohka."

At this moment, Origami probably realized the same thing. At the same time Tohka called out, she replied with a bit of annoyance mixed in her voice.

"Why are you in a place like this?"

"Th, that's my line! What are you doing here!"

"I am not obliged to answer your questions."

"Wha——"

Just as she was about to argue back, Tohka changed her mind, now wasn't the time or place to be quarrelling with Origami.

"......Well forget it. I'm very busy right now. I don't have time to spare for you."

"Right. I'm busy as well."

"Hmph. Doing something that cannot be seen by others......"

"I have to find Shidou."

"......What?"

That name that came out of Origami's mouth, made Tohka frown.

"Hold on. shidou is on a date with me, why do you have to butt in?"

"That's nonsense. Today Shidou, is on a date with me."

"Wh, what!? Stop lying!"

"I'm not lying. You on the other hand, should stop it with those unrealistic delusions."

"I, I'm not deluding myself! Today we came to the aquarium together!"

"What kind of Shidou are you talking about, a dog? Or a puppet?"

"Of course I'm talking about the human shidou!"

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

As Tohka finished speaking, Origami showed an expression as though she was pondering on some issue——Before long, she raised her head slightly as though she had noticed something.

"Don't tell me......"

Saying that, she left, leaving Tohka behind.

"S, stop right there! Finish your sentence! What exactly is going on!"

Tohka, on the other hand, chased after Origami's back.

◇

"Haa......, haa, haa......"

Shidou with his body slowly corroded by fatigue, finally arrived at the long bench of the park where he had parted with Kurumi.

Although the distance in between them wasn't very far, but Shidou had been running to-and-fro between Tohka, Kurumi as well as Origami for over thirty rounds. It was almost time for his body to reach its limits.

At this point, Shidou wiped his sweat using his sleeve and frowned.

"Aa,re......?"

"What is the problem, Shidou?"

"Gah......Kurumi isn't here."

That's right, on the long bench, Kurumi's figure was absent.

"Eh? Hold on a minute, surveillance, any idea on Kurumi's whereabouts?"

"Um, the image was cut off midway. There is probably something wrong with the cameras......"

"......Why is this happening?"

——Suddenly, the instant Kotori ended her sentence.

"Commander! There is a faint Spirit wavelength response nearby......!"

All of a sudden, another voice belonging to one of the crew members could be heard inside the microphone.

"Where?"

"In a nearby alley at the east exit of the park! This response is——it can't be wrong, it's Tokisaki Kurumi!"

"......!?"

Shidou raised his head with his shoulders giving a jolt, looking in the direction of the east exit of the park.

"......Hmm. Looks like something happened. Shidou, go take a look?"

"Aa, aaah......!"

Swallowing his ominous words back down his stomach, Shidou started to move through the park at the same time.

Adhering to the instructions by <Fraxinus>, passing by the vending machine, walking into the narrow alley.

And then.

"——Haa?"

The instant he arrived at the destination.

Shidou widened his eyes in a daze, standing there not moving a single muscle.

What he saw was an overwhelming, crimson.

The grey colored walls and floor, were splattered with large amounts of crimson.

At the same time, three twisted looking objects, floated up like small islands.

Faced with this bizarre situation, Shidou was unable to instantaneously grasp what was going on.

No, it didn't take an instant, but many instants, over countless seconds.

When the hypothesis started to form, Shidou's brain began to reject the situation that he had understood.

That's because, it absolutely cannot be understood.

In such a street, in this midst of an ordinary day like this.

——Someone, was dead.

"U——waaaaaaaaaaaaa!?"

At long last, reality finally overtook the brain's rejection.

Shidou let out a howl.

"Shidou! Calm down, Shidou!"

Kotori's voice vibrated his eardrums, but that totally had no meaning at all.

The moment his brain understood the scene before him, the pungent stenches in his surroundings assaulted his nostrils, Shidou involuntarily felt an urge to vomit. In order to resist his heavy lunch from refluxing, he held his hand to his mouth.

"......!Uuu......!"

"——Ara?"

His vision shifted upwards in response to that voice. In the middle of that extremely crimson sea of blood, a black girl stood.

"......Shidou-san. You've arrived already?"

Kurumi who was wearing her astral dress of crimson and black, turned her head towards Shidou's direction and spoke. In her left hand was, from god knows where, an ancient handgun with intricate designs.

At this moment, Shidou realized another thing.

Inside the alley, a man was kneeling on the floor trembling.

A very young male. For some reason on his stomach was, three round circles painted with blood, as though it was a target.

"Hyii——,Hyii——"

The man let out short breaths as though he was on his deathbed, shifting his gaze towards Shidou.

"Hel......, Help,......me! ......This person is......, a monster......!"

"Ara ara."

Kurumi turned her face towards the man once more, and took aim with the gun in her hand.

"Kurumi......, what are, you doin——"

As Shidou squeezed out his voice in a daze, Kurumi started to snicker.

It was not the usual sweet laugh. It was a laugh that would cause one's teeth to chatter and not feel happiness.

"You were already planning to kill something, but you did not think that you would be killed, don't you find it odd? Pointing the muzzle of a gun at a life, isn't it just like this?"

"......, Stop, it......"

As the man raggedly spoke.

Kurumi fired the trigger without any hesitation.

Instantly, a black bullet as though it was a solidified shadow shot out of the muzzle, tracing out a pitch-black trajectory, piercing into the middle of the target drawn on the man's stomach.

"Iguu——"

The man's body twitched. After a while, no sounds were made again.

"100 points, I'd say."

Kurumi let out a brief sigh, throwing away the gun. After that, the gun vanished into Kurumi's shadow.

"I've kept you waiting, Shidou-san. I've let you see such an embarrassing scene."

Kurumi, turned her head towards Shidou's direction.

"——dou! Shidou! Run! Right now!"

Shidou at this point finally realised Kotori's repeated cries through the transmitter. Barely able to stand, he tried to force his trembling legs to escape from the area.

However.

"Ufufu, It's......useless, you know."

"Uwa......!?"

Kurumi's voice sounded out from the rear, at the same time Shidou's legs were suddenly caught, falling down with his back facing the sky. As it was too sudden, his head hit the ground heavily.

"......"

His eyes seeing sparks as a dull pain forced him to involuntarily twist his features in pain, but now wasn't the time to pay attention to such details.

He had to escape——However, something seeming to be binding his right leg, he couldn't even move a muscle.

White hands stretched out from within Kurumi's shadow, forcefully grabbing onto Shidou's leg.

"Wh, what......is this......!"

Shidou flipped his body, hastily trying to get rid of his restraints. However his legs were being held with such force that was impossible to imagine, there was no way he could escape.

At the same time all of this was being done, Kurumi slowly moved closer to Shidou's front.

"Fufu, I've caught you."

Saying that she gave a slight smile, squatting down, moving closer as though she wanted to push Shidou down.

"......"

His heart felt painful as though it was being squeezed. But, that was not due to Kurumi's beauty and her daring actions——It was purely due to, fear.

That's right. Shidou currently——is in fear of Kurumi, in fear of Spirits.

The calamity that kills the world. The natural enemy of humans.

Phrases that had been repeated a few times before.

Lines that Origami had been repeating to the point of nausea.

But, these first experiences accompanied by the smell surrounding his body, invaded Shidou's brain.

"——Aah, aah, what a failure. I should have finished them off earlier.——I was still thinking of enjoying my date with Shidou-san a bit longer."

Kurumi used her two hands to hold Shidou's cheeks,

"......, ......"

I want to run. I want to shout.

But, that's impossible. His legs had already cramped up, his throat letting out ragged breaths.

Kurumi moved closer to Shidou's cheek.

However, instead of saying that she attempted a kiss, it was better to say that she was about to bite his throat——

"......Eh......?"

At this moment. Just at this point, Shidou's throat finally squeezed out a sound.

The instant Kurumi's lips was about to make contact with Shidou, a strange feeling enveloped his body.

A feeling that he never felt before. It was as though the air surrounding Shidou turned into a fluid of extremely high viscosity, feeling as though having a mind of its own, a strange feeling.

After that, in the next instant.

"——Sss."

Following a short breath, Kurumi's body was lightly blown off backwards.

That slender body hit the concrete wall, causing the wall to have tiny cracks appear.

"Wha——"

Shidou could not understand what happened, widening his eyes in a daze. What in the world, just then——

"——Are you alright, Nii-sama?"

Such a voice vibrated Shidou's eardrums who was currently in the process of thinking.

"Haa......?"

Shidou raised his head while making a stupid sound.

Not knowing when she arrived, Mana who was wearing her CR-Unit, stood there with her back towards Shidou as though she was protecting him. The equipment on her shoulders were like shields, as well as wings. It was the equipment that Shidou saw in the video yesterday.

"Ma, na......"

Shidou used a hoarse voice to call out that name, at the same time Mana turned towards Shidou, nodding her head replying "Yes."

"That was a close one. Did anything serious happen to you?"

"Aa, aaah......"

Dazedly making out a sound. At this moment, Mana probably misunderstood his reaction, looking at her outfit, scratched the back of her head with unease.

"Aaah......you were frightened weren't you. How should I put this, there is a long story behind this."

At this point, sounds of concrete fragments hitting the ground came from the front.

"......, Well, we'll talk about this later."

The same time Mana ended her sentence, Kurumi slowly stood up, opening her mouth to speak.

"Ara ara......to interrupt the date between Shidou-san and I, isn't that downright rude of you?"

"You're noisy. What about you, who has your eyes on my Nii-sama?"

"Mana-san and Shidou-san are siblings?"

"——Hmph, that has nothing to do with you."

Mana left behind such a line, slightly turning her head. In response to that, the equipment on her shoulders started to morph at the tips, the front parts splitting into five parts just like a human hand.

Next, a greenish white glow emitted from the tips of those ten parts.

"Let's hurry up and settle this, <Nightmare>."

Following her sentence Mana snapped her fingers. The mechanical parts on her shoulders started to give off imbalanced light, reaching out towards Kurumi.

It was something that happened for only an instant. However Kurumi twisted her body, gracefully evading the beams of light.

"Ufufu, that was dangerous."

"——Tch."

Mana softly clicked her tongue, slightly moving her fingers.

Following that, the beams of light that Kurumi had evaded suddenly changed their trajectory, once again turning for Kurumi.

"Gyu……"

Looks like she wasn't able to dodge this time. Her two legs and stomach were pierced through by light, Kurumi let out a strange cry of pain, falling down on the spot. Crimson blood started to spread out slowly onto the ground.

"......"

Faced with such a brutal sight, Shidou couldn't help but tightly lock his brows.

"That sure was easy, for a monster."

However Mana's expressions did not change, lightly raising her right hand. Subsequently, the parts that look like a hand once again changed to the shape which resembled a shield, a huge blade of light emerged from its tip.

"——"

Shidou held his breath.

He recognized that shape. In the video, it was the sword that Mana used to stab Kurumi to death with.

"Ma, na......!"

Shidou couldn't help but cry out.

"Is there a problem? I'll get rid of her in a second, so please wait a while."

"No......don't do it! Something like murdering is——!"

Shidou said that while Mana widened her eyes as though she had heard something unbelievable.

However she quickly closed her eyelids, shaking her head.

"......That means that this girl used a human identity to transfer herself into Nii-sama's class. ——Nii-sama. Although I can't tell you the specifics, but it is best that you forget about this girl. This girl is not human. She is an existence that cannot be allowed to live."

Saying that, she started to walk towards Kurumi who was lying on the ground.

"......! That's not the problem here! Stop! Don't do it......!"

As Shidou pleaded, Kurumi let out short breaths from her throat, at the same time saying in a weak voice.

"......Fu, fu......Really now, Shidou-san, is really, gentle......huh."

——Mana's sword, swung down towards Kurumi.

Shuu, after that disturbing sound, Kurumi did not move again.

"Huu."

Mana lightly waved her right hand, following that action the equipment in her hands returned to their original positions on her shoulders.

"Wh......y?"

Shidou looked at Mana's back, letting out a trembling voice.

Mana softly sighed, turning towards Shidou, walking up to him. At the same time, the combat equipment equipped on her body let out a faint glow, and in an instant, turned back into normal attire.

"The death of someone whom you know is shocking, but Nii-sama, if that girl doesn't die, the one that would die could very well be you, Nii-sama."

"......"

As Mana finished her sentence, Shidou could not talk back.

"Although saying this may be a bit rude, but please believe that whatever happened today was a nightmare and forget it entirely. There is no value in feeling hurt over the death of that girl. The death of that person is a must, she is a thing that does not possess any value for existing."

Faced with Mana's words, Shidou couldn't help but tightly grip his fist.

"I know the AST's position......! I also know that I have to feel grateful for being saved by someone! But......But, to call Spirits that is......"

Mana frowned in surprise.

"Nii-sama, how did you know about this?"

"......"

Shidou's eyebrows twitched. Now that she mentioned it, Mana didn't know that he knows about the Spirits and the AST.

However after a few seconds, Mana hugged her elbows as though realizing something.

"......That, should be Master Sergeant Tobiichi's doing. After all that one......pays a lot of attention to Nii-sama."

Mana let out a sigh of helplessness, once again focusing on Shidou.

"Well forget it, it becomes a lot easier with that. Although I don't know how you knew, but, that's how it is."

Mana said without a tinge of regret.

Shidou looked at Mana, feeling an unknown fear for no reason.

"Why......are you able to be so calm. You, just, did that......to a person."

He was probably hesitating to say these kind of words, his throat felt painful. But, he still managed to force them out.

"You just——murdered someone......didn't you......!"

"Not a human. A Spirit."

"Even so......! Why are you still so calm——"

"Because I got used to it."

"......"

When Mana said that, her voice was extremely cold, Shidou couldn't help but hold his breath.

"<Nightmare>——Tokisaki Kurumi, even among the Spirits she is considered special."

"Special?"

Mana replied "Nnn." while nodding her head.

"She, is , unkillable, you know. No matter how many times you kill, no matter what method used to kill. That girl, will still be alright, certain to appear from some place, once again killing people."

"......!? Wh, what, that kind of......"

As Shidou said that——he suddenly realized the meaning behind that explanation. That was the same as what Shidou saw in the video yesterday.

"It's just like what I have just said. If you want a more detailed explanation I would be very troubled as well."

Mana softly sighed, lifting up her chin.

That expression, its just like she had aged, looking extremely tired.

"——Therefore. I will continue to kill. To that girl. To <Nightmare>. To Tokisaki Kurumi. I will continue to kill her, no matter how many, how many, how many times it may take."

Mana continued with fatigue mixed into her voice. Shidou's expression became distorted.

"That's not right......!"

"Eh?"

"That——It's not about getting used to it. Your heart......would only wither away!"

As Shidou finished his words, Mana frowned slightly.

"What......are you saying, Nii-sama?"

"That's enough, stop it, Mana......you are my sister right......? Then just once is fine. Please do as I tell you......"

Shidou squeezed out his voice from his throat as though he was praying.

That was not a delusion. A heart that was burdened would constantly be whittled down——and if that continued, till the point where it was irreparable, the heart would then break down.

——When Shidou was abandoned by his mother, he almost became like that.

——When Tohka had the hostility and killing intent of humans directed towards her, she too almost became the same.

"......Forgive me for not being able to oblige, Nii-sama."

However Mana replied, with sarcasm directed towards herself.

"As long as <Nightmare> continues to revive and slaughter humans, I have to take that girl's head. If not, that girl will continue to murder even more people. ——Other than myself, no one is able to do such a thing."

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

——You're wrong. ......A solution, there is not only just that one.

However, before Shidou could say this from his mouth, Mana turned her face towards the top right hand side.

"——Nn, Nii-sama. That's all for today."

"Wh......There's a lot more I have to say."

"Reinforcements are rushing here. If Nii-sama were to continue to stay here things will get troublesome."

Mana half forced Shidou to turn around, pushing him from behind.

"Mana, you——"

"Still not listening aren't you."

Mana bitterly smiled as she raised her finger, Shidou's body floated into the sky.

"What——This is......"

That's right. That was the personal territory made by the AST's Realizer Unit.

Mana had expanded her territory, without deploying her CR-Unit.

"Let's meet again. This time, time wasn't on our side."

"Wai——"

Shidou's body flew out of the alley while he was in the midst of talking——landing softly on the ground.

"......"

It doesn't matter if the AST members were arriving. Shidou swiftly returned into the alley.

However, it was impossible. The alley's entrance had an invisible wall expanded, it was impossible to continue moving forward anymore. It must be Mana's doing.

"......Tch——"

Shidou knelt on the ground, hitting the ground with enough force to cause his fists to bleed.

"......Aah"

Mana who had just moved Shidou outside the alley, was combing her messed-up hair.

It felt like she had said a lot of unnecessary things.

But......why, because she wanted Shidou to listen.

"Things like this, it's just supposed to be my job."

Looking at <Nightmare>'s corpse lying pitifully in the alley——the corpse of Tokisaki Kurumi.

At this moment......out from nowhere a small kitten appeared dragging its hind leg, moving closer to Kurumi's corpse.

Feeling intrigued, Mana crouched down and petted its head. The kitten gave out a weak "Nya".

"Hey, staying in a place like this you'll get dirtied by the blood you know."

Saying that, she picked up the kitten. After which she looked at Kurumi's corpse once more.

"......Why, huh."

Her mouth repeated Shidou's words.

Now that he mentioned it, why——did Mana want to endlessly pursue and kill Kurumi.

Kurumi was the most brutal Spirit that killed people, and Mana had excellent potential in operating the CR-Unit. That's why Mana stepped up to use her power to bring happiness to people, that should......probably......be, the, case.

"......"

Because of the sudden pain in her brain, her expressions contorted. Due to her memories being foggy, she couldn't recall it properly.

Lightly shaking her head, as though trying to shake off the pain. Just then——

"Nn......?"

Mana spotted something strange on the floor. It was near the place where Shidou was attacked by Kurumi, something like a small machine had fallen out.

Mana deftly picked it up, scrutinizing it.

"This is, a transmitter......right?"

That's correct, that was just like a small transmitter that one would use in their ear.

"Why would this kind of thing......"

Mana inclined her head, unconsciously bringing her right ear close. And then,

"——Shidou! Answer me, Shidou! <Fraxinus> will pick you up! Hurry up and move to another location!"

"............?"

From the transmitter, a familiar voice calling out for Mana's brother could be heard.

◇

Shidou shakily walked to the long bench at the park, weakly sitting down.

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

In his head, the scene that he just saw kept replaying itself.

Kurumi she, had killed humans, Mana she, had killed Kurumi.

Shidou understood from inside his heart. Tohka and Origami——to put it extremely had the same kind of relationship as well.

However Tohka did not do this on purpose and Origami did not have the ability to eliminate Spirits.

Although in these two months Tohka had already gotten used to the human world, but Shidou still could not relax.

It was just a thought, but if the balance were to break down, the probability of the re-enactment of a scene like just now was possible.

Tohka who had an intent to kill and Origami who had the power to kill Spirits.

Kurumi and Mana——they're just like, the worst case scenarios of Tohka and Origami.

"What's with this......This kind of thing......"

Totally, unable to comprehend.

Why, would Kurumi kill humans so easily.

Why, would Mana kill Kurumi so easily.

He was too naive. Even though he said that it was dangerous, but he still thought deep down that "Spirits must all be good people just like Tohka and Yoshino" . In the end, he had the arrogant conception that the AST was unable to kill the Spirits......

Afterwards......

"shidou!"

A familiar voice called out, Shidou hastily raised his head.

Tohka was running in Shidou's direction. It must be because Shidou did not come back so she went looking for him. Behind her, Origami's figure could be seen. It looks like they had met along the way.

"shidou, where have you been!"

"——What, exactly is this?"

Tohka and Origami who arrived in front of Shidou, directed voices of displeasure at him.

But, the present Shidou, did not have any reason to make excuses anymore.

"......Sorry."

An apology was squeezed from his throat, before once again descending into silence.

"......shidou?"

"Is something wrong?"

Probably finding it strange, Tohka and Origami peeked at Shidou's expression with concerned looks.

"! Shidou! You weren't hurt were you?"

At this moment, Tohka pulled Shidou's hand.

Because of the sudden impact of the events it had completely slipped his mind, but there was a scrape on his palm. It probably happened when his right leg was caught and he fell down.

However, the instant his hand was touched by Tohka, the scene of Kurumi dyed in blood flashed inside his head——

"Hyi......"

His throat let out a sound as though it was difficult to breathe as he batted away Tohka's hand.

"Eh......ah, shidou......?"

Tohka dazedly looked at her hand and Shidou's in turn, looking at him.

"S, sorry......did I hurt you?"

"......, I'm......sorry."

Shidou slightly dipped his head, using his trembling hand to grab his other hand.

Tohka was obviously worried for him, and was rejected by him like that, he felt like crying.

"Sorry......I really am, sorry."

"Yo, you don't have to take it to heart. Just tell us what exactly happened......?"

"......I'm sorry......"

Throwing behind such a line Shidou stood up and ran away from there.

"shi, shidou!?"

"Where are you goi——"

Tohka and Origami's voices could be heard from the back. However Shidou did not stop his feet.

The two of them, did not chase after him.

After which——after running for some time.

When he ran to a street without any people, Shidou was suddenly surrounded by a strange floating sensation.

"......,This is——"

He just remembered. It was <Fraxinus>'s transfer system.

Just as he had anticipated, in an instant what Shidou saw was transformed from a secluded corner of the park into the interior of <Fraxinus>.

"——It's good to know that you're okay."

At this moment, a voice sounded out behind Shidou. Kotori who had a maroon military uniform on her shoulders, was standing there with a complicated expression.

"......Kotori."

"You finally arrived at the transfer point. I shouted at you so many times."

As Kotori finished Shidou reached for his right ear, his eyes widening.

"......The communicator, it's gone."

That's right, the communicator that was in his ear throughout the mission was not there. It seems to have dropped somewhere. ......However he did not realize it till now.

"Did it fall out? Since when?"

"......Sorry, I'm not too sure myself."

After Shidou answered, Kotori gave a slight nod and used her hand to support her chin.

"......If you think about it closely, it should be that time when Kurumi attacked right......? Then that voice just now——"

"Did something happen......?"

Shidou asked, but Kotori lightly sighed and shook her head.

"It's nothing.——Aside from that, your wounds have to be treated. Hurry up and go."

"......, Aaah......but, Tohka and Origami——"

"If its Tohka, <Fraxinus> will pick her up, and give her a simple run through of what just happened. As for Tobiichi Origami——Well, she'll be fine if you left her alone. Just properly compensate her tomorrow at school."

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

Shidou weakly replied, following behind Kotori.

"......Hey."

Midway, Shidou opened his mouth while behind Kotori.

"What is it?"

"I——We've been doing all this, is this really correct......?"

Inside the corridor, Kotori's footsteps stopped, turning to look at Shidou.

"What's that, supposed to mean?"

"......I am, because I am unable to forgive the Spirits'......inability to consciously control the existence of spacequakes, getting attacked by humans for no reason at all, that's the reason why I am helping you guys."

"......Nn, that's right."

"But......Kurumi she, to someone——"

She, murdered someone. Not by a spacequake, but using her own two hands. Using her own will.

Faced with that he was unable to not feel miserable and fearful.

"What are you talking about?"

"In my opinion, that is......impossible......"

Shidou——finally blurted out that sentence.

"It has been smooth sailing up till now, but that's because Tohka and Yoshino are good people...... In the end......I, didn't really do anyt——"

At this point, Shidou's words stopped. ——More accurately, they have been forcibly stopped.

Kotori grabbed Shidou's collar, and magnificently gave him a slap.

"Eh, ah......"

"......Don't say such useless words that easily......"

Shidou was stunned, Kotori said with a bitter expression. Or, it could possibly be an expression that was on the brink of tears——Shidou, at present could not make out the difference.

"In my opinion? Impossible......? Hmph, don't complain because of something of that level! You really aren't as resolute as before......!?"

"What's that, that kind of——"

He totally could not understand Kotori's words, Shidou held his face and asked.

However Kotori did not reply, grabbing Shidou's chest and continuing.

"You......, aren't you able to bravely face the Spirits that are even more terrifying! Save them to prove it to me! Don't say that you can't do it so easily! If you were to give up now, Kurumi will kill even more people. Mana will still do that to Kurumi——and her heart will continue to wither......! ......Except for you——there's no one else that can stop that......"

"......——"

As Kotori finished, Shidou forcefully swallowed his saliva.

The "Spirits that are even more terrifying" that Kotori mentioned, was not referring to Tohka and Yoshino, that fact he knew very well——but the latter half of her words, sunk themselves deeply into his mind.

That's right. The Kurumi that will slaughter humans even though she's unkillable, and Mana who continues to kill Kurumi.

Mana did say. Ever since a long time ago, that had been repeating itself.

And that would most likely......continue in a cycle. So long as Kurumi, still possessed her Spiritual power.

And, the only one that could seal off that Spiritual power, was none other than Shidou.

"......"

Shidou wordlessly held his forehead.

I definitely, don't wish for Kurumi to continue to slaughter humans anymore.

And——I also do not wish for Mana to continue to kill Kurumi anymore.

Those were true. Shidou's true feelings. And the method to achieve such an outcome——had already been clear from the start.

"......That's right"

Saying that, he shakily started walking forward.

"Ah, wait......!"

Following that, Kotori chased after him with a panicked expression.

"......In order to stop Kurumi from killing even more people, there's no other choice but to seal her power. In order to stop Mana from killing Kurumi again......There's no one that can do it but me. I know. Are you satisfied"

"............Nn."

Not knowing why, Kotori's voice had a bit of uncertainty mixed into them.

◇

That night. Shidou was lying horizontally on the living room sofa while pondering.

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

Raising his head to stare at the fluorescent light installed into the ceiling, he gave out a long sigh.

Tomorrow, Kurumi will come to school again.

When that happens, the mission would continue.

To make Kurumi's feelings for him increase, then kiss her, thus sealing her power.

And then, everything would be solved.

Kurumi will not kill people again, and then naturally, Mana will stop killing Kurumi as well.

What Shidou had hoped for, the only method that can lead to a happy ending for everyone. There's only one.——Just, one.

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

As though he had carried something heavy, his entire body felt heavy. Shidou breathed out from his lungs depressingly.

At this moment, in the direction of the corridor, came the sound of the entrance being opened.

"Nn......?"

Shidou wearily rose, looking in the direction of the living room entrance.

If someone entered without the doorbell or the voice system sounding......it should be Kotori. However Kotori did mention today that due to work she had to temporarily stay onboard the airship . If that's the case——then who was it?

Shidou opened the door with that kind of mentality, Tohka timidly walked in.

"Tohka......?"

"......Nn. May I come in?

There's a wrong sequence of events just by entering the room before saying this——However we can disregard the small details for now.

"Oo, oh, sure."

Tohka lightly nodded as she entered the living room, walking towards Shidou's direction.

"shidou. ......is it okay to touch you?"

Tohka who walked up to Shidou's side raised such a question. Perhaps she was still affected by the incident where Shidou batted her hand away in the park.

"Aa......aaah, it's fine."

As Shidou finished talking, Tohka climbed onto the sofa, moving between the sofa and Shidou.

"What are you doing......?"

"It's alright, stop talking for a while."

Saying that, Tohka wrapped her arms around Shidou's body, hugging him tightly from the back.

"Toh, Tohka? Wh, what are you......"

Feeling that soft sensation on his back, Shidou asked while perspiring.

"......Nn. The television did say, that when one is lonely or afraid, it would be fine if I did this."

"......Then let me ask you, what show was it exactly?"

"'Being with Okaa-sama'......This one."

That's a children's show no matter how you look at it. Shidou couldn't help but bitterly smile.

But, she was right. Shidou had indeed, felt slightly calmer.

How long was she going to hug me...... Suddenly, Tohka started talking.

"......I've heard about the incident, from Reine."

"Incident......"

"The one about Kurumi, and Mana. The reason why Shidou was acting weird——I found out."

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

Shidou swallowed and answered.

Reine shouldn't have told Tohka too much about the incident between Spirits and the AST......it must be that if she did not tell Tohka, her mental state would once again sink into turmoil.

"shidou. Do you still remember what you said when I moved into your house......?"

"Eh......?"

Shidou questioned in reply. Tohka continued to say.

"If a Spirit the same as I appeared......you would save them."

"Aahh——"

Shidou lightly nodded. That line, he can still clearly recall it.

That's right, Shidou had promised. At that time he did not lie, his determination had not wavered till now.

"But, Kurumi she——"

"——is no different, her and I."

"Eh?"

Tohka put her face on Shidou's back.

"......In my case, there was shidou. shidou, saved me. But, Kurumi she, didn't have anybody. All the while for a longer duration than I have, no one extended a helping hand towards her."

As though she was in pain, Tohka added more strength into her arms.

"If it weren't for shidou, I would still be in the same state two months ago, always exposed under killing intent and hostility——I, would probably be the same as Kurumi right now."

"That kind of——"

Saying that, Shidou became speechless

Two months ago, Tohka, who first met Shidou, was in so much pain that one could not perceive it from her current self. Having enough of the endless battles, tired, blocked off, probably faced with the withering of her soul.

That sort of despair, if it were not easily denied by someone other than Shidou, it would probably have had no effect.

"Really——if Kurumi is a brutal Spirit that is beyond saving, I will protect shidou."

"Eh......?"

"Therefore......shidou. I beg you. Don't let such an incident continue to happen. Let Kurumi, stop killing humans. Stop her soul from being worn out......"

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

At those words. Shidou gulped.

Aaah, Shidou finally understood.

Shidou extremely hated Kurumi's action of killing people.

Mana would never be able to forgive Kurumi's slaughter.

In order to end this vicious cycle, to stop Kurumi, Shidou's determination was set.

However, he was still lacking a vital piece.

"......Thank you, Tohka."

"Mu......Nu? W, why? Why are you thanking me——"

"......No, I owe it to you."

That's right. It was unavoidable that he had to use a kiss to seal Kurumi's power, all Shidou could think of however, was the issue about how Mana and Kurumi had murdered people.

Because he had witnessed a scene that was overly impactful, he had totally forgotten the important goal of "saving Kurumi".

It was indeed true that Kurumi was a Spirit that had killed countless people. However, he would not allow something such as getting used to that act.

However.

When Tohka's power was sealed. Shidou had the determination to save Tohka.

Having the wish to save that girl who had hostility directed towards her for no reason at all no matter what.

When Yoshino's power was sealed. Shidou had the determination to save Yoshino.

The girl who, despite having hostility directed at her, cared for them instead, she had to be repaid.

Therefore, Shidou took action.

Indeed Shidou possesses extraordinary healing ability as well as the ability to seal the power of Spirits.

However, aside from that he was only a normal high school boy regardless of size, muscular strength and intelligence. But the reason why Shidou was able to reach out to the other party till the point of vomiting blood, was precisely due to this conviction.

To save Kurumi.

To the girl that was trapped in the endless cycle of slaughter, to save her.

And——Mana as well.

To not let that girl who calls herself Shidou's sister, continue to kill Kurumi. To stop her from wearing down her soul any longer.

It may be a delusion or just a thought.

If he didn't believe that he could do this, then it would have been impossible for Shidou to reach his hand out to them.

"—— Tohka. It's okay, I'm fine now."

"Mu......Are you, not lonely anymore?"

"Aahh."

"Really, not afraid anymore?"

"......Well, I'm still a little afraid that's all."

Shidou scratched his face while smiling bitterly.

"But, I'm alright now."

"Nn......is that so."

Saying that, Tohka, loosened her hold on Shidou.

Shidou stood up, lightly stretching. At the same time, his stomach growled. ......Now that he recalled, ever since his lunch had been vomited out at the small alley, he didn't have anything to eat after that.

"......Let's make something to eat. Tohka, do you want to eat as well?"

"Nn!"

Tohka energetically nodded.

Chapter 5: Imitation Nightmare

"Reine."

In the bridge of <Fraxinus>, Kotori called for Reine who was seated slightly closer to the commander's seat.

However, she did not give a reply. Kotori curiously peeped at Reine's side——and then tilted her head.

The monitor beside Reine was showing Mana's face for some reason, furthermore the image was zoomed in. Reine made a complicated face as she stared at the image.

"Reine? Is there something wrong with Mana?"

"......!"

At that moment, Reine seemed to finally realize Kotori's existence; Reine looked at Kotori with her eyes that had dark eyebags.

"......Kotori huh. ......Nn, there's something."

Saying that, she manipulated the controls with experienced hands. After which, the image zoomed out, and Mana's face shrank away from the screen.

"......Aside from that, how's Shin?"

"Nn——He's just a little uneasy, but he should be alright after talking with Tohka."

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

Reine slightly nodded, suddenly raising her head.

"......Aaah, that's right. The analyzing job that you had asked for has already been completed."

To Reine's words, Kotori's eyebrows twitched.

A few days ago, she had passed Mana's hair and saliva samples, obtained a few days prior, to Reine to conduct a DNA test.

"Then......what's the result?"

"......Nn, Mana, is without a doubt Shidou's blood-related sister."

"——Is, is that so......"

Kotori forcefully swallowed, stroking her chest with her hand.

Although it wasn't unexpected......But, she still felt uneasy.

"Real......sister, huh. Then why would that girl be with the AST......"

"......You're wrong."

As though she was trying to interrupt Kotori, Reine sounded out.

"......I did some investigations on my own, it seems that that is not the case at all."

"What do you mean?"

"......She's not a self-defense member at all, but a transferred member from DEM Industries."

"——D•E•M Industries......?"[3D 1]

A corporation based in England that is one of the largest in the world——Aside from <Ratatoskr>'s matrix, it is the only known industry that is able to manufacture Realizer Units. Including the Self Defense Forces, the Realizer units currently equipped by the world's military and police forces, can be said to be all made by D•E•M.

This is because, due to their enthusiasm in hunting down the spirits, they are considered economical rivals with <Ratatoskr> that Kotori belongs to.

Of course, they also have magicians who are able to use the CR-Units——However, it was said that their handling experience exceeds those of special forces of different countries by a long shot.

"Hold on for a second. That makes it even more confusing. Shidou's sister, why is she a magician of D•E•M?"

"......I'm not too certain about that. However......"

Reine suddenly stopped talking, grounding her teeth and clenching her fist as though she was furious.

Kotori frowned in surprise. Even though they had worked together for a long time——This was the first time she had seen Reine like this.

"What exactly is going on?"

"......Take a look at this."

Saying that, Reine moved the controls once more, the screen showed Mana's face as well as detailed numerical values.

"......This is——"

"Aaah, her whole body had been engineered by magic. That should be the origin of her abnormal strength. However, there's a huge price to pay for that. I'm afraid, she won't be able to live any longer than 10 years."

"——What, that's——"

Originally, the Realizer units developed by D•E•M Industries are not perfect. Due to the processing level of the calculus nuclear core being unable to keep up, they had no choice but to compensate for that using the human brain.

To increase the brain wavelengths, it is a must to implant the brain with tiny devices. Origami and the rest of the AST are the same, there should be some protrusion like a horn in the midst of their hair.

However——Mana's body has already far surpassed that kind of degree.

That is......to say that her body has become similar to that of a spirit.

"......I'm not sure what kind of thought process she possessed while she underwent this kind of procedure. But......I think it's best that we don't tell Shin......for now."

Reine said with added intonation. Kotori swallowed hard, biting her lip.

◇

The next morning, Shidou walked into the classroom and saw that Kurumi was already seating in her seat.

An obvious abnormality. Although he had already experienced it once, it was still as discomforting as expected. ——A girl that was supposed to have died, attending school with an expression as though nothing had happened.

Recognizing Shidou's face, Kurumi revealed a peaceful smile, making a bow.

"Ara, Shidou-san. Good day to you."

That appearance was nothing like yesterday.

If he were to say that just yesterday, inside an alley, this girl had both her legs and stomach pierced through as well as having been decapitated, Shidou would most certainly be suspected of being mentally unsound.

"......Go, good morning."

However, he shouldn't be surprised by this. This was a situation that he had already expected. Shidou silently gave a greeting in reply.

"I was very happy yesterday. You have to ask me out again next time"

"Is that......so. Happy, huh."

"Nn, extremely."

Kurumi once again smiled. Was she talking about her date with Shidou, or talking about that incident in the alley. Shidou was unable to discern which one.

Kurumi probably noticed what Shidou was contemplating about, she continued while maintaining her cute smile.

"But, I was a little surprised there."

"......? About what?"

Shidou asked in reply, Kurumi narrowed her eyes in response.

"I thought that Shidou-san would be applying for a leave of absence from school today."

Instantly, he was speechless. However he recovered quickly, opening his mouth to reply.

"Then I'm......really sorry about that. Would it have been better if I have not come to school?"

"No, Shidou-san came to school like a good boy, I'm really glad."

Kurumi said with an innocent smile on her face.

Shidou patted his chest as though he was trying to control the skip in his heart, walking right up to Kurumi.

"——Kurumi."

"? What is it?"

"I——have decided to save you."

"......? Save?"

In the instant Shidou finished speaking. Kurumi's expressions suddenly lost all its warmth.

"......You really said something strange, Shidou-san."

"That's enough, this kind of stuff.——I won't, let you kill humans anymore. I won't, let Mana kill you anymore. This is my, conclusion that I have reached yesterday."

"Please don't force your values onto others alright? I hate that kind of wishful thinking."

"Is that so. That's a pity.——But I'm really sorry, I have already decided. I will save you. You, will be saved by me. No matter what, definitely."

Shidou ended his proclamation, Kurumi frowned hard.

Several moments later, she made an expression as though she was thinking about something, after which she spoke.

"——Then, whether what you say is true or false, let's put it to the test."

"Ah......?"

"Today after class, please come to the rooftop."

Kurumi left behind such a line, moving her line of sight away from Shidou.

◇

Kurumi who was standing on the rooftop of Raizen High School, made light footsteps accompanied with a smile.

It was a fine day without any sign of clouds in the sky. The strong rays of the summer sun bore down on Kurumi's body, casting a pitch-black shadow onto the ground.

The time was roughly 9:10am. As the first lesson had already begun, the melody echoing throughout the school has faded out. In its place, a splatter of instrumental sounds came from the music room and sounds of balls bouncing about in the gymnasium. Kurumi started to step along with the rhythm as though she was dancing. As though she was tracing a circle on the ground, continually turning around and around.

"It would be great, if I could still enjoy school life with Shidou-san a bit longer——"

If one were to look at the scene from above the sky, they could probably detect that something was amiss.

The area where Kurumi had stepped on, turned dark.

Yes——it was as though the shadow made by Kurumi during her movements had never left the spot at all.

"It's almost, time."

And then, *Ka!* Her heels clacked at the floor.

Following that, the circle of darkness at the centre of the rooftop slowly started to expand its surface area.

Swallowing the entire rooftop; reaching out to the outer wall of the school building, eroding the school hall, not long after it covered an entire city area with the school as its core.

"——Kihihi, hihihihihihihihi."

Her lips twisting into a crescent, she let out a laugh.

"Aaah, aaah, Shidou-san, Shidou-san. My dear Shidou-san. Even like this, do you still intend to save me? Do you still intend to help me?"

"Nn......?"

In the first lesson, during the lecture on World History, Shidou suddenly looked at the window.

It somehow feels like the surroundings have become darker, he still thought that it was due to the clouds in the sky.

However, it can be seen from the window that the sky was clear. Not a cloud or a shadow to be seen.

"......Don't tell me."

Quickly turning towards Kurumi's direction. Since she said something disturbing ten minutes ago, she could have......

However, Kurumi did not make any strange movements, listening to class with a serious face.

"Am I worrying too much......"

Lightly sighing, he returned to his original posture.

No matter what, the moment school ends is the crux. Shidou breathed deeply as though trying to encourage himself.

◇

Turning the rusted handle and pushing the door with her hands. The decrepit door instantly shed some paint fragments, giving out a piercing cry.

"......Tch"

Kotori frowned as she lightly clicked her tongue, arriving at the rooftop of the building.

Kotori is visiting at present one of the abandoned buildings located at the south of Tenguu city.

It's not that she had a penchant for exploring ruins. Coming to such a secluded location had its reasons.

At this time,

"——Welcome, Kotori-san."

The girl who had already been waiting on the rooftop——Mana, called out to Kotori.

That's right. When Kotori woke up this morning, on the window of Kotori's room, was a paper with a certain time and location as well as Mana's name written on it.

Kotori did not attempt to hide her displeasure, making a "Hmph" sound.

"......Really now. What's with this kind of place. If you wanted to ask me out, you should have at least prepared some delicious tea and cake."

"I apologize. ——However, I believe that it is in our best interests that we avoid crowded areas."

"......Hmph. Then, what exactly is the matter?"

"I just, wanted to talk with you that's all."

With that, Mana took out something from her pocket, throwing it in Kotori's direction.

"This is......"

Kotori frowned. What Mana had thrown over, is a highly sensitive mini earphone that <Ratatoskr> uses. ——That's right. It was the one that Shidou had lost yesterday.

"——The <Ratatoskr> organization."

"......"

In reaction to Mana's words, Kotori's eyebrows twitched.

"I've heard about the rumors. It is an organization that does not rely on military power to exterminate spirits, but one that makes use of conversation to persuade them. ——When I first heard of this I thought it was just an urban rumor."

Mana shot a sharp glare towards Kotori.

"——Don't tell me, you and Nii-sama are......"

Kotori kept the earpiece in her pocket, slightly moving the stick of the Chupa Chups.

"......That explains it, that message yesterday was your doing."

That's right, before determining that Shidou had lost his earpiece, <Ratatoskr> had once received a strange message. It was indeed Shidou's voice, after determining Kotori's name and the current situation, the connection was suddenly cut off, and nothing else was heard since then.

Kotori clicked her tongue at a volume inaudible to Mana. She was too careless. Through the answer from that time, Mana had already confirmed the existence of the organization known as <Ratatoskr>.

Mana lightly shrugged her shoulders.

"After all it's not that difficult to change your voice using the personal territory."

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

Kotori scratched her hair, narrowing her eyes.

"So what is your aim? You specially called me out here, you must want something from me right?"

Mana's gaze did not move as she spoke.

"——I, do not intend to report this."

"......Hmm?"

“In return. Please let Nii-sama back out from <Ratatoskr>, immediately.”

Mana’s words made Kotori frown hard.

“What do you mean?”

“It’s nothing much. ——Kotori-san, why must you let Nii-sama do such a dangerous thing. Let’s not talk about realizer units for now, he doesn’t even have a proper weapon on him and you let him confront spirits, isn’t this too much?”

“You already said that he’s supposed to persuade the other party, and you expect him to point a gun at them while rambling away? What difference is that from a serial rapist? Don’t tell me you’re a masochist?”

As Kotori brushed off Mana’s statement, Mana’s gaze increased in intensity and her tone became sterner.

“Please don’t joke around. Are you even concerned for Nii-sama? At that time, if I wasn’t there, Nii-sama could have already been killed by <Nightmare>.”

“.............”

There was no reason to divulge any more information. Kotori did not say a word.

However Mana seemed to have misunderstood Kotori’s reaction and, grinding her teeth, she continued.

“——Kotori-san.——No, Itsuka Kotori. It’s sad. You are disqualified from being Nii-sama’s sister. You are not worthy for Nii-sama to be placed in your care.”

“......”

Kotori’s face twitched, after that she raised the stick of her Chupa Chups.

“Heeh~ Then, what does being disqualified as a sister mean?”

“I will have no choice but to bring Nii-sama back.”

Mana’s words caused Kotori’s expressions to twist.

“What a joke. Do you want to leave Shidou in the care of an evil industry such as DEM?”

Kotori shrugged her shoulders, Mana relaxed her arms and her shoulders shook in surprise.

“......Why do you know about this?”

“That’s because I have an excellent friend. If you are talking about handling information, we’re about even.”

Kotori fearlessly said, Mana heaved out a sigh.

“——Well, since it’s already known then there’s no further need to hide it anymore. That’s correct. I am originally not a member of the Self-Defense Force. However, due to the allocation of DEM Industries’, there was a need to be placed in such an occupation.”

However as she said that, her gaze swiftly sharpened.

“But, DEM being an evil corporation, I can’t pretend that I didn't hear that. They took me in who had amnesia and gave me a reason to live. I am very grateful towards them.”

“......Seriously? Looks like you’re not crazy huh.”

“How rude. What exactly are you trying to imply?”

Kotori sensed amiability in Mana’s words. Don’t tell me she——

“You, don’t tell me, you don’t know......? About your body?”

“My body......? What are you talking about?”

Mana tilted her head in confusion. Kotori trembled as she gulped.

“......What’s with that...”

Although it wasn’t out of her expectations.....But what if Reine’s worries became true? Kotori frowned as she made her way towards Mana, grabbing her shoulders.

“You, what are you trying to do?”

“......Let's not talk about this for now. You’re the one that should leave that DEM, <Ratatoskr> will take responsibility for your well-being. So——”

“Haa......? What are you saying all of a sudden......”

At this, just as Mana was about to question Kotori while frowning, Kotori and Mana’s handphones sounded at almost the same time.

Revealing an impatient expression Kotori answered the call.

“——It’s me. What is it?”

“Com, commander! Raizen High School has an extremely strong spirit wavelength reading!”

“What is going on......?”

Kotori took a peek at Mana. It seems——from the look on her face, she too had received a similar report.

◇

Shidou took in a deep breath, slowly breathing out.

The air in his lungs had been completely exchanged, a feeling as though his body had rebooted could be felt.

“......Excellent.”

The time was 4:30pm. Sounds of students preparing to go to club activities started to spread.

In the end, except for that one time today, there was totally no opportunity to talk to Kurumi at all. After the last homeroom ended, Kurumi did not even look towards Shidou’s direction as she immediately stepped out of the classroom.

“......Are you alright, Shin?”

At this moment, from the communicator in his right ear, a voice that sounded extremely sleepy called out. It was Reine.

“Yeah, I’m unexpectedly......calm.”

“......That’s good. However, please be careful.”

“——Yes.”

The same time Shidou swallowed hard, he noticed something odd.

“Reine-san? Now that you said it, how come I don’t hear Kotori’s voice......”

“......Aaah, Kotori had to leave to do some things outside.”

“No, if she has something to do outside, why must she choose to do it at such an important time? ”

“......Kotori understands this as well. However, after much deliberation, she judged that the chances of success would be raised. ......If a distraction happens to interrupt us mid-way it could be troublesome.”

“Haa......? Di, did something come up?”

“......Please focus on Kurumi for now. She is an opponent that you cannot overcome if you are distracted.”

“......, Ri, right.”

Although he was concerned about Reine's words, it was also true that he did not have the spare time to think about other matters. Kurumi should already be waiting at the rooftop by now. Shidou started to walk towards the staircase——

“......Wha!?”

The next moment Shidou frowned at the uncomfortable feeling he felt around him.

Shidou was not sure of the actual reason himself. However he noticed that the instant the surroundings darkened, his body was assaulted by fatigue and weakness for no reason at all.

It was as though the air had thickened in viscosity, heavily wrapping itself around his limbs.

“Thi, this, is......”

Shidou, in the situation where he was about to kneel onto the floor, managed to hang on, maintaining his posture.

The students around him let out a pained groan, collapsing on the spot. If he were to put it into words, it was truly an abnormal scene.

“Hey......, hey, are you alright!?”

Shidou hastily ran up and shook the shoulder of a female student who had collapsed. However she had probably lost consciousness as there was no reaction at all.

“Reine——san, this is......!?”

“Using the school as the reference point, we've determined that there's a strong spirit wavelength. This reaction——it's unmistakable, it's Kurumi's doing. A boundary field......Looks like it is the kind that would cause all humans who enter it to weaken.”

“Wh, why must she do such a......”

“About that, it should be faster if you ask the perpetrator herself.”

Reine said. It was as she had stated. Shidou swallowed hard, standing up. It felt as though it would be hard to move around, but it wasn't to the extent that he would collapse.

“Aare, now that I think of it, why am I......”

“......Don't forget, Shin. You have the spirit powers of Tohka and Yoshino sealed inside your body. It could be instinctual, but your body as of now can be said to have the protection of the spirits.”

“Spirit power......”

After mumbling, Shidou suddenly widened his eyes.

Opening the door that he had just walked out from, he shouted loudly.

“Tohka!”

That's right, Tohka should still be inside the classroom. Although he did mention that he needed to leave early for something, there was no response since he left.

There were around ten students still inside the classroom, everyone was either lying unconscious on the ground or on the table. ——However, amongst them.

“Ooh, shidou......”

Tohka lightly pressed her head as she responded to Shidou. Although the majority of her powers were sealed, she was still a spirit. She was more resistant to spirit power compared to humans.

“Are you alright, Tohka!”

“Nn....... But, my body feels so heavy......What is going on, this......”

Using a feverish voice she painfully moaned, weakly shaking her head.

“......Shin.”

Reine's voice called out from the other end of the earpiece. Even if he didn't go into detail she would have probably understood what exactly is going on.

“Tohka, stay here and rest. I'll do something about this......!”

“shi, dou......?”

“It's okay. I will——resolve this.”

Shidou lightly caressed Tohka's head, walking out to the hallway with his determination set.

Shaking off the thick air and climbing up the stairs. Shidou forced his abnormally fatigued limbs, finally arriving at the door to the rooftop.

The door, was not locked.

No——To put it more accurately, below the door handle, there was a hole similar to a bullet path. The lock had lost its function.

It was definitely Kurumi's doing. Shidou took a deep breath before opening the door.

“Gu......”

Eyebrows tightly knitting together. Even though he had reached the rooftop, the sticky air still did not improve at all. No, it almost feels as though the weakness that assaulted his body was intensified.

Looking left and right. He was surrounded by fencing, an unpleasant space.

And in the centre.

“——Welcome. I've been waiting for you, Shidou-san.”

Kurumi raised the hem of her astral dress, slightly lowering her body and bowed.

◇

“......”

When Origami felt the abnormality, she was walking down a corridor on the east building of the school.

As though in the blink of an eye, it felt as though the entire world had changed. It was almost as if her vitality had been sucked from her body and absorbed by the air, an unexplainable sense of weakness attacked her. In reality, the surrounding students have already collapsed one after another.

“Guh——”

If this continues she would be prone to losing consciousness. After Origami came to that conclusion, she took out a device from her pocket and placed it on her palm, using her finger to make contact with the touchscreen and said.

“Voice recognition•AST• Tobiichi Origami”

Instantly, her fingerprints and voice patterns were matched. *Beep Beep*, after this electronic sound, the device started to expand.

“Basic Realizer Unit——Activation acknowledged.”

Origami said, using the device to lightly make contact with the transmitter point on her head.

Instantly, Origami's surroundings became her personal territory that wrapped around her body and the weakness that tortured her whole body lessened.

However at the same time, a headache akin to that of an explosion going off in her brain assaulted Origami.

Gritting her teeth while enduring, Origami opened her mouth and said.

“Combat wiring suit——Engaged.”

After that, faint light was emitted from within the personal territory——in the next instant, the Raizen High School uniform that Origami was wearing transformed into the standard combat wiring suit of the AST.

“......, ......”

The moment the headache was almost gone——In an instant, Origami knelt on the floor on one knee.

This was an emergency device that immediately allows for the expansion of the wiring suit commonly worn in the base. Even though she had obtained permission to have this device just in case, but she still felt uncomfortable.

This miniature device contains the basis realizer unit. Meaning to say, it was theoretically possible to expand her personal territory. After that from within the personal territory, instantly changing clothes is not a difficult task.

However, although it was only for just an instant, she had expanded her personal territory without using the splicing device. At that point in time the burden on her brain had increased, it was indescribable. ......Well, someone with Mana's capability would probably be able to take care of this as though it was nothing.

“............”

Origami readjusted her breathing, expanding her personal territory to the usual size of three metres.

Spirits and the AST are considered to be restricted topics. However this is considered to be an exception. Moreover, she has nothing to worry about if everyone around her had already lost consciousness.

She wasn't sure what happened to the school. But——it was easy to deduce, that this definitely had something to do with Tokisaki Kurumi.

“......”

Giving a mental order, she centralized her gravity. Origami stomped on the ground, dashing through the corridor at an amazing speed.

At the same time, the transmitter equipped onto her headgear transmitted Ryoko's voice. “——Origami!? If you had opened the line, it means that you have used the emergency suit? Currently in your school's vicinity, we've detected a strong spirit wavelength! What's your status!?”

“A bounded field. It'll be dangerous if this keeps up. Requesting reinforcements——”

At that moment, Origami's words were cut off.

“......”

The reason was simple. In Origami's way, stood a girl as though she was made out of shadows.

She was not wearing a high school uniform but a Gothic dress composed of crimson and black.

“Ufufu, Origami-san. Why are you in such a hurry?”

She placed her hand beside her mouth and snickered.

“Tokisaki——Kurumi......”

Origami's gaze sharpened and her hand positioned itself near her hip, gripping the handle of her light blade.

“Wh, what is going on, Origami!?”

“——Made contact with a spirit. Engaging in combat.

“......What!? That's too dangerous, hurry up and leave——”

She'll get distracted. Origami gave a mental order, disconnecting the communication.

Kurumi let out a satisfied smile, saying.

“Fufu, I do not wish to be interrupted this time. So I can't let you move on any further.”

“......?”

Origami did not understand Kurumi's words, slightly frowning.

However, that was only for an instant. There was no need to listen to the spirit's nonsensical words on the battlefield.

Origami tightly held the handle of her blade of light <No Pain>.

◇

“shi, dou......shidou!!”

Tohka called out Shidou's name when he had just left the classroom.

However——Shidou did not have any intention of returning. Tohka dragged her heavy feet and started to move forwards.

“shidou......”

In her head, the words that Shidou had left behind refused to leave.

——It's okay.——I will, resolve this.

Extremely reliable and comforting words. Shidou only said it once and it had completely blown away the loneliness and unease existing within Tohka's heart.

However, at the same time, another cause for unease surfaced.

That is because when Shidou said that line, it was like two months ago when he extended his hand to Tohka and a month ago when he walked towards Yoshino's bounded field, the feeling was the same.

Shidou will definitely save everyone. However, if there was a need for him to sacrifice himself, Shidou would not hesitate to do so.

The one who saved Tohka——was such a man.

“Uwa......”

At that moment, Tohka had lost her balance, falling down onto the floor, bringing the tables and chairs with her.

“Gu——Nu......”

In order to stand up once more, she exerted strength into her feet.

——This won't do, this won't do at all. Now is not the time to be lazing around here.

Even if it's for just a second, she must hurry up and rush to Shidou's side.

“shidou......shidou......shidou......!!”

Suddenly, the instant she shouted, Tohka's head had a sensation as though it was being stimulated.

“Wh, what......?”

Saying that——Tohka remembered this feeling.

Last month. When Yoshino materialized her Angel and shot a beam of light at Shidou.

If this continues, Shidou will die. The instant she thought so, she vigorously shook her head——and her astral dress and Angel materialized.

“......This is......!”

Tohka looked down at her own appearance. —— That's right, although it was not perfect, but Tohka's body was the same as that previous time, materializing an astral dress from a membrane of light.

Her body had also been instantly revitalized to an unimaginable state. If that's the case——

Tohka forcefully jumped up, landing firmly on both feet.

“Alright......Let's go!”

Clenching her fist, she walked out of the classroom.

“shidou! Where did you go, shidou——”

Even if she shouted, she did not hear a reply.

If that was the case, she would have to search each room individually. Tohka ran out to the corridor.

However, in that instant.

“——!?”

Tohka held her breath, retreating hastily.

The reason was simple. At the front of the corridor, something resembling a bullet traced a black path heading straight for Tohka.

“Wha......Who!”

Tohka called out, in front of the corridor that was covered by shadows, slow footsteps sounded out.

Soon after, the owner of that sound appeared.

“......, You are——”

“Ufufu, how do you do, Tohka-san. May I ask that you accompany me for a while?”

The girl that wore a formal dress with a gun in hand——Tokisaki Kurumi raised the corners of her mouth as she spoke.

◇

“Kurumi......You, what are you doing!? Why, are you setting up this bounded field......!?”

On the rooftop of Raizen High School, Shidou spread his two arms out wide as he questioned Kurumi.

Kurumi seemed to be enjoying Shidou’s reaction as her smile widened.

“Ufufu, it’s great isn’t it? This is my <City of Devouring Time>. It’s a bounded field that will plunder the [time] of those who step on my shadow.”

“Plunder......time?”

After Shidou’s surprised words, Kurumi smirked as she slowly moved closer.

Following that, she elegantly moved her hair. Revealing the left eye that was normally hidden.

“Wha......”

Looking at that, Shidou frowned.

There was an obvious peculiarity. An inorganic gold, and numbers and clock hands.

That’s right——Kurumi’s eye was just like that of a clock.

However, the strange thing was, the hands of that clock was moving in a counter-clockwise direction.

“That is——”

“Fufu, this is my [time]. Life——In other words you can say that this is my lifespan.”

Saying that, Kurumi spun around once.

“My Angel, although it has a wonderful power......But in return, the price to use it is alarming. Every time I use its power, a large amount of my [time] is consumed. Therefore——I have to, from time to time, replenish it from the outside.”

“Wha......”

Kurumi’s words made Shidou shiver.

If what she said was true, then those people who had collapsed within Kurumi’s bounded field are currently having their remaining life absorbed by Kurumi.

Kurumi looked at Shidou’s expression and for reasons unknown, showed a face containing traces of loneliness.

However that was quickly replaced by a cold smile. She used her fingertip to raise Shidou’s chin.

“The relationship between spirits and humans, is just this you know. Everyone, unfortunately, exists solely to become my food. There are no differences.”

She raised an eyebrow and as though challenging Shidou, she continued to speak.

“Aaah——But. Shidou-san. Only you are special. You are someone special.”

“......Me, you say?”

“Nn. Nn. You are the best. The only reason why I have come to this place is, to become one with you.”

“What......?”

Shidou frowned hard.

“To become one......What exactly do you mean?”

“It means exactly what I just said. It doesn’t mean that I am going to kill you or anything. That won’t have any meaning at all. ——I, want to eat•you•up.”

The word [eat] she used, was it literally or just a metaphor——he had no idea, but Shidou’s stomach felt as though something cold was spreading.

However, he cannot start feeling scared now. Shidou clenched his fist and said.

“If, I’m the one you want, then you just target me! Why are you doing this——!”

Shidou yelled. Kurumi seemed to be pleased as she continued.

“Ufufu, it was about time that I replenished my [time]——Also.”

Kurumi suddenly used a sharp gaze to look through Shidou.

“——Before I eat you, can you please take back that declaration you made this morning?”

“This morning......?”

“Nn. ——To save me, and the other ridiculous comments that you made.”

“......”

Under the frigid stare of Kurumi, Shidou involuntarily gulped.

“——Hey, Shidou-san, you’re scared right, I’m saying this kind of reason and yet committing this kind of act? Pulling unnecessary people into this, I should be very repulsive to you right? Being saved and the like, I do not have that kind of qualification, do you understand now?”

Kurumi exaggeratedly waved her arms like an actress as she continued.

“Therefore, please take back that sentence. Furthermore, promise me to never say such words again. If you do so, I will remove this bounded field you know? From the very start, my target was only Shidou-san.”

“Wha......”

Shidou widened his eyes. That condition was certainly a simple one. It was simple enough to cause one to be suspicious as to whether Kurumi was intending to trick Shidou.

“......Kurumi is being serious here.”

Probably sensing the hesitation within Shidou, Reine’s words sounded out from the communicator.

“......From her mental state, there is no trace of deceit. Shin, if you were to agree to this condition, Kurumi will most likely remove the bounded field.”

The same time Reine said that, Kurumi moved her body while revealing a smile that would send shivers down the spine.

“Kihihi, hihi. Well, it would be better if I remove it earlier. It may be too late if the removal were to be a second too slow you know?”

“......”

Shidou and Kurumi exchanged eye contact.

For Shidou to take back his previous words. Just that. There was no difficulty in doing that at all.

On the contrary, if he does not do so, the countless lives within the bounded field may be placed in danger.

There was no room to choose from. Shidou, with his determination set, opened his mouth and said.

“......Release, the bounded field.”

Kurumi let out a sigh. She seemed to be relieved.

“Well then, please say it. That you will never declare to save me again.”

Shidou swallowed hard and continued to speak.

“About that......I can’t do it.”

“Haa——?”

The instant Shidou said that, Kurumi widened her mouth in an expression of utmost surprise. A hilarious expression. At the very least, Shidou had never seen Kurumi make such an expression till now.

“......Ara, ara, ara?”

However, Kurumi’s face swiftly had an air of displeasure replacing her former expression.

“Did you not hear me? If you take back those words you had said before, I will take down this bounded field you know?”

“......, Take that, down. Right now!”

“Then......”

“But, never! I will never take back those words!”

Shidou yelled as he shook his head.

That’s because, even if he did take those words back, there will be no change.

If he did that, Shidou will never be able to extend his hand towards Kurumi again.

“——I dislike those people who do not listen to others......!”

Kurumi shouted out, *Ton Ton*, lightly stepping back a few steps, distancing herself from Shidou.

And then, her right hand was forcefully thrust above her head.

Using her right hand as the centre, the air, *Piri Piri*, started to tremble.

——Instantly.

Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu——

A piercing sound echoed throughout the entire town.

“——, Spacequake alarm......!?”

Shidou’s face was painted with fear as he groaned. This was a sound that he had heard to the point of irritation, it was the alarm that informs everyone about the sudden calamity that would devour the world——Spacequakes.

For an instant, Shidou had thought that another spirit had materialized in the city.

Spacequakes occur when spirits appear in this world due to the distortion of space.

However——Kurumi’s maniacal grin silently denied that possibility.

That’s right——This spacequake, was caused out of Kurumi’s own free will.

The ability to cause such a phenomenon, Shidou had never been informed of that at all.

However——the current situation had totally proven this theory true.

“Kihi, kihihi, kihihihihihihihihihihi, now then, what will you do now? If a spacequake were to occur in such a situation, what would everyone within the bounded field become?”

“......!”

As Kurumi ended her statement, Shidou was speechless.

Normally an alarm would sound when signs of a spacequake were detected, informing all residents living nearby to evacuate to underground shelters to avoid the disaster. However——currently, everyone who was caught in Kurumi’s bounded field is unconscious as well as being located at the centre of the spacequake itself. There was no way for them to seek shelter.

——However.

All of a sudden......Shidou’s mind surfaced a single question.

It seems that she did not notice Shidou’s change of expression, Kurumi licked her lips as though she was showing off her victory.

“——Now then, Shidou-san? What will you do now? Are you afraid of me now? Do you hate me now? Or do you feel both ways about me? The weak are prey! The strong are the predators!”

“.............”

Why. His heart was definitely pounding away, his breathing was in chaos, but Shidou’s heart was unbelievably calm.

There was one question.

——Why, does Kurumi have to have Shidou take back his previous words?

However, let’s leave that aside for now. No matter what was said, words are merely words. Kurumi’s goal was to [eat] Shidou, if that was the case then she could have simply ignored him instead.

So why, does she have to be concerned to such a degree?

——The predator that she mentioned should be referring to Kurumi herself right. The prey then is most likely Shidou.

“......Shin.”

Just at that moment, Reine’s voice shook his right eardrum.

“......Kurumi’s mental state has changed. The numbers......it’s as if she was afraid of you.”

“Eh......?”

Shidou used a volume inaudible to Kurumi to sound out, his eyebrows slightly raised.

——Kurumi she, was afraid of Shidou?

Those words that lack a shred of reality caused Shidou to sink into confusion for a split second——And then, he immediately understood.

“Aaah——Is that, so?”

Shidou slightly let out a sigh, looking at Kurumi once more.

As someone that causes humans to shiver in fear, a spirit.

However——

“Now then! Shidou-san, what will you do now? If you don’t take back those words, there will be a lot of casualties you know!?”

Kurumi moved her line of sight from Shidou, forcefully holding her right hand that was in the air.

Instantly, *Ji~~*——A piercing screech resounded throughout the area.

It was as though the air itself was crying.

“Gu——”

There is something that he had to tell Kurumi, an issue that he must let her know of. However compared to that, he has to stop this spacequake first.

Of course——under the condition that he must not take back his previous words.

Shidou frantically pondered. Suddenly remembering what Kurumi had said before.

“......Kurumi.”

“What? Fufu, you finally wish to take back what you have said?”

Kurumi revealed a smile as she spoke. Shidou continued to speak while ignoring her words.

“You said, that your goal is to eat me......right?”

“Nn. That’s right. It would be pointless if I were to kill you. You will be able to live on within me. Ufufu, not bad right.”

“............”

With that, Shidou was convinced. He softly spoke to Reine.

“......Reine-san. If I were to————, will I survive?”

“......? Aaah, if we’re talking about your revival ability, as long as nothing goes awry, you should survive.......But what are you trying to do?”

“Just this.”

Shidou started running, he ran to the edge of the roof and started to climb the tall iron fence.

And then he stood on the ledge, looking towards Kurumi.

Kurumi showed a face of utter confusion at Shidou’s actions.

“......What are you trying to do?”

“Stop the spacequake. If not——”

Shidou pointed to the school courtyard.

“I will, jump from here and die......!”

“Ha......Haa......!?”

It seems that it was out of her expectations, Kurumi let out a shout.

“Wh, what did you say you were going to do......? Are you crazy?”

“I’m really sorry but I’m being serious here. It seems that I definitely cannot retract what I said in the morning. ——Also, I must save you.”

Kurumi seemed displeased as she tilted her head. Shidou did not mind at all as he continued.

“However, I cannot let you trigger a spacequake. So——”

“So you are taking yourself hostage? What a simple way of thinking. Are you a criminal that is being chased!?”

At Kurumi’s words, Shidou lightly smiled. Thinking of the movies and the overseas news where the criminals point the guns at their temples. This was the last of the last, a final crazy act committed by people who had nowhere else to go.

However, since Kurumi’s aim was Shidou, then it would not be a meaningless act.

That’s right. Kurumi transferred into this school just to get Shidou. Shidou’s life had its value as a hostage. This possibility was extremely high.

However Kurumi frowned, “Haa.....”, and lightly sighed.

“......You think that this level of threat would work on me? Do it if you can!”

“......Aaah.”

Shidou silently muttered that, his body flying out of the fencing.

It was obviously a dizzying height but yet there was no sense of fear at all. It could be because the brain was in an excited state from the endorphins released, causing the fear to be staved off.

“——!”

“......Shin!?”

The sounds of Reine and Kurumi holding her voice sounded out.

A momentarily floating sensation. Shidou’s body was falling towards the ground at an alarming speed.

“——, ......”

His consciousness was about to fly away. It feels the same as though riding on a roller coaster that was plummeting at a rapid speed. He couldn’t breathe, his limbs were numb, he felt as though he couldn't control his bladder anymore.

However, midway through his fall. Shidou’s body was supported by someone, suddenly jolting.

“......Ueh!?”

Under the sudden impact Shidou let out a stupid sound. ——Kurumi’s upper body appeared from the shadows on the side of the school building, carrying Shidou in what seems to be a princess carry.

“Oh......oh, Kuru——”

The instant Shidou wanted to shout out Kurumi’s name. Kurumi’s whole body emerged from the shadows, and carrying Shidou, she made her way vertically up the school building. Returning to the rooftop, she roughly let Shidou down.

“Ah—......”

Shidou let out a large sigh.

“I thought I was a goner......”

“Ah......Of course you would......!”

Kurumi replied with a loud outburst.

“I don’t believe it! What the hell were you thinking!? What exactly were you thinking!? If I wasn’t there you would have really died you know!?”

“Ah—......About that, how do you put it......Thank you.”

“What do you think your life is!”

“No, even if you say that......”

When Shidou said that, Kurumi’s expressions changed and she furiously scratched her head.

“Aaaaaaaaaaaaah, really! Are you an id——iot......!”

Shidou stood up, asking Kurumi.

“Kurumi. You, why did you save me?”

“......, That’s——If you were to die, won’t I be unable to achieve my goal?”

“Really. Well then, I guess I do have value as a hostage after all?”

“......”

Shidou extended his finger and pointed at Kurumi.

“Now then, please stop the spacequake now! And remove this bounded field as well! If not then I will commit suicide by biting off my tongue!”

“Th, that kind of threat——”

“Do you think that I’m bluffing?”

“Guh......”

Kurumi instantly showed a regretful expression, snapping her fingers.

Following that, the piercing sound that echoed throughout the area stopped. Along with that, the heavy atmosphere that covered the vicinity had also disappeared.

“Well——Well, it’s alright. After all, my original intention was only to have Shidou-san. There’s no problem. No problem at all.”

Kurumi loudly declared as though she was trying to say those words to herself as she widened both arms towards Shidou.

However, Shidou could not just wait there to be eaten.

“Then——will you hear me out one more time?”

“Wh, what else do you want......!?”

Kurumi said as though she was troubled. Shidou, “Aaah” , nodded his head as he continued to speak.

“Just a sentence is fine. ——Kurumi, just once, won’t you give me a chance to save you?”

Kurumi widened her eyes in surprise while lifting up her eyebrows.

“......Are you still going to say that? Stop that already. It’s troubling. I, whether it’s killing people, or being killed, love them both! There’s no reason for me to hear your babbling!”

Kurumi shouted as though trying to reject Shidou. That voice, was not like the previous one that had a bottomless sense of fear——On the contrary, it was like she was scared of something.

Reine’s previous words once again resounded in his head.

That’s right......Kurumi she, must be afraid. That’s because till now not even a single person extended a helping hand to her, that’s why she must be in fear of this unknown gesture.

“Kurumi, you......have you ever experienced......a life where you don’t have to kill or be targeted?”

Shidou silently said that, Kurumi’s shoulders gave a tiny jolt.

“......That is......”

“Then, you have no idea. Then how can you be so sure that you prefer a life where you have to kill and be killed? Maybe—you would like this kind of peaceful life.”

“But, that kind of thing——”

“It’s possible! If it's me!”

Shidou loudly shouted, Kurumi seemed to be intimidated by his presence as she held her breath.

“It’s true that I cannot tolerate what you have done. It won’t be enough to atone even if you used your entire lifetime! However......! You must have mistaken something, Kurumi! I have a reason that I must save you.....!”

“——”

Kurumi took a few steps backwards. Shidou on the other hand took a step forward.

“I, I......I——”

Kurumi looked around in a panic, calling out.

“Shidou-san, I......can I really......——”

At this moment——the instant Kurumi wanted to say something.

“——You can’t. How can you be fooled by those words?”

From nowhere, such a voice sounded out.

Shidou frowned in surprise. That voice was——

“Hyi......!?”

At that point, as though trying to disrupt Shidou’s thinking, Kurumi who was standing in front of him, suddenly made a strange sound with her throat.

“Kurumi......?”

Shidou looked towards her——and was stunned.

“Eii, Aa, aah......”

Kurumi widened her eyes as though they were about to pop out from their sockets, letting out painful groans.

Looking down. At Kurumi’s chest, a single crimson hand extended out.

“Eh......”

Seeing this, Shidou finally realized the situation.

Not knowing when, someone had appeared behind Kurumi——and stabbed through Kurumi from the back.

“I, ah.”

“Alright, I know. That’s why——”

The hand was withdrawn from Kurumi’s chest. Instantly, Kurumi’s astral dress dissolved into the air and her white skin bared itself.

“——Really now, hurry up and rest.”

“......Hyigu.”

Leaving behind a weak death cry, Kurumi fell down like a mannequin.

And then, her body twitched for a moment——after that, she no longer moved.

“Wh......”

Shidou did not move a muscle. The sudden situation had rendered thinking impossible.

That’s because, the one standing behind Kurumi.

“Ara ara, what’s the matter, Shidou-san? You don’t look too good.”

——was Tokisaki Kurumi herself.

“Kuru, mi......? Haa? Why......”

Shidou looked at Kurumi who was engaged in a conversation with him till just now and Kurumi who had appeared before him.

That, was undoubtedly Kurumi.

Hair as black as the shadows, jade-white skin——the glowing clock for a left eye, it was the same as the Kurumi before her.

Only that her expression, there was no trace of confusion like the previous Kurumi who had collapsed onto the ground. There was only a coquettish smile.

“Really now, this kid is really troubling.”

Kurumi lightly waved her hand that was stained in fresh blood.

Following that, countless hands appeared from the shadows, pulling Kurumi into the darkness.

“That was humiliating. ——However, The•me•of•this•time，could possibly be too naive.”

“Wha——”

“Aaah, but then. Just now, Shidou-san’s words were really great.”

Kurumi twisted her body while smiling as though she was playing a prank,

Shidou speechlessly stood there in a daze.

——He totally could not understand.

Just now, in Shidou’s eyes, two Kurumis existed.

Kurumi•had•killed•Kurumi. The•first•Kurumi, was•consumed•by•the•shadows.

“Ha,a......”

Shidou let out a sound in a daze, Kurumi seemed to be amused as she started to laugh.

“Now, then. Let’s hurry up and start shall we?”

As Kurumi said that, two hands grew from below Shidou’s legs, tightly grabbing onto him.

“Uwah......!?”

“Your power......I’ll be helping myself, Shidou-san.”

Saying that, Kurumi walked closer to Shidou, stretching out her right hand.

After that, in that instant she was using that cool hand to gently touch Shidou’s face.

“Gi……”

Kurumi let out such a sound.

Glimpsing for an instant a white shadow had descended from the sky, the right hand that Kurumi had used to touch Shidou had been sliced off, spinning a few times in the air before falling to the ground.

“——Ara...Ara”

Kurumi frowned as she bore the pain, somersaulting backwards as she retreated.

After a moment, Shidou finally realized that there was one more person other than Kurumi and himself.

“Mana!”

“Yes.——You’ve got yourself into another troublesome situation I see.”

Wearing the wiring suit, Mana whose both hands had massive blades of light equipped, glanced at Shidou’s direction and said so.

However Mana quickly readied her light blades, shooting a sharp glance towards Kurumi.

“You still haven’t learned have you, <Nightmare>.”

“”——Ku, hihi, hihi. Just like before, you’re really something. To be able to cut through my Elohim<Divine Astral Dress• Third>. [3D 2]

“Hmph. I’m sorry to say. That kind of Astral Dress is meaningless in front of me. So you better——”

At this moment, just as Mana wanted to continue, Kurumi exaggeratedly spread out both arms, turning on the spot.

“However it is......Only I, who you cannot kill.”

As Kurumi said that, *Ka Ka Ka*, she stepped onto the ground with both feet as though following a rhthym.

“Now, now, come out—— Zafkiel<Emperor of Time>”[3D 3]

Instantly, behind Kurumi, a massive clock slowly materialized.

It was multiple times taller than Kurumi, a huge clock face. And the hands in the middle were represented with an ancient handgun and rifle of intricate designs.

“......,This is——an Angel!?”

Shidou couldn’t help but voice out.

——Angel. [Miracles taken form]. A weapon with absolute power that spirits can be proud of.

“Ufufu......”

Kurumi laughed, removing the gun from the massive clock face that represented the hour hand.

And then,

“Zafkiel<Emperor of Time>—— Dalet[The Fourth Bullet].”[3D 4]

As Kurumi muttered, the Roman numeral [IV] engraved on the clock slowly oozed out something resembling a shadow——in an instant, it was absorbed into the muzzle of the handgun in Kurumi’s hand.

Shidou narrowed his eyes at this sight.

He had noticed, that the instant the shadow flowed out from the clock, the clock hands in Kurumi’s left eye was moving clockwise at an alarming speed.

However this question was quickly driven out of his head.

“Wh......”

Mana’s surprised voice entered Shidou’s ears. It was impossible to determine Mana’s expressions from this position, but it should be similar to the expression that Shidou is having right now.

Kurumi placed the muzzle of the handgun in her left hand under her chin.

“What do you plan to——”

Mana was in the middle of her words, Kurumi gave a faint smile, pressing the trigger without hesitation.

Don! Such a sound echoed in the surroundings, Kurumi’s head gave a jolt. No matter how you looked at it, this scene can’t be anything else but suicide.

However. In that instant Shidou and Mana immediately corrected their way of thinking.

“Haa......?”

It feels as though he had made a stupid expression on his face.

However if one were to witness this scene, anyone would probably do the same thing.

That’s because, in that instant when Kurumi shot herself, Kurumi’s right hand which had fallen to the ground, floated in the air as though it was a rewinding of a movie reel——flying towards Kurumi.

And then once the right hand made contact with Kurumi’s right arm, it beautifully joined, recovering as though nothing had happened. Even the long glove on her arm was perfectly restored.

“Ufufu, what a good kid, Zafkiel<Emperor of Time>.”

“......It’s the first time I’ve seen this trick, that. No wonder, it’s a wonderful healing ability you have there.”

Mana unhappily stated, Kurumi snickered as she shook her head.

“Kihihi, hihi, that’s incorrect. I’ve merely•rewound•my•time.”

“......What?”

Mana raised an eyebrow.

However Kurumi only fearlessly smiled, not replying, raising her right hand high.

Using that hand to retrieve the minute hand on the clock face of Zafkiel<Emperor of Time> behind her——the rifle.

“Aaah, aaah. Mana-san, Mana-san. Just for today, please let me defeat you.”

Saying that, in front of the clock face that is void of hands, she readied both guns.

——As though, she was displaying time itself.

“Now, then. Let’s start. I’ll let you see my Angel’s power.”

“——Hmph, very well. I’ll kill you off like I always do.”

At Mana’s words, Kurumi started laughing as though Mana had said something ridiculous.

“Kihi, hihi, hihihihihihihihi, you still~~don’t understand? You are definitely unable to kill me.”

“It’s alright. If I can’t beat you I will keep beating you down, if I can’t kill you I will kill you until you die, to keep hunting you down, that is my mission and my purpose for existing.”

“Hihihihihi, aaah, that’s right. You should be like this. Fufufu, fufu, ufu, ufu, excellent, I can’t take it anymore. ——Well then, what would it be? Decapitation? A stab through my chest? Or dismemberment?”

“Hmph, I only know of one monster that is able to survive through all that. ——Let’s try pulverising you to powder, till not a single fragment remains.”

“! Heeh? Now that would be a new experience. Very good. Excellent.”

“You’re still as crazy as always.”

“Hihihi, if that’s the case, then I guess we’re about even? You’re not even batting an eyebrow now. I still remember the first time you killed me, you were still so cute back then.”

“Keep your mouth shut. Or rather, would you want your mouth and throat to fly as well?”

“Ufufu, fufu. Are you able to do so?”

Saying that, Kurumi raised the handgun in her left hand.

“Zafkiel<Emperor of Time> —— Aleph[The First Bullet].”[3D 5]

Just like before, the shadow that the Roman numeral [I] on the clock face oozed out and was absorbed into the handgun in Kurumi’s hand. After which she once again proceeded to hold the muzzle to her chin——and pressed the trigger.

Instantly.

“Gu......!?”

Kurumi’s figure suddenly disappeared. And at the same time, Mana was sent flying.

“Ahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha! Can’t•you•see•me•?”

“Tch——”

Mana changed directions in mid-air, advancing towards Kurumi as though she had stepped on air.

However, Kurumi’s body had disappeared once more like fog, appearing behind Mana in the next instant, delivering a heel kick to her back.

“Kuh......!”

However at the same time Mana showed a sharp glare, Kurumi’s movements suddenly became sluggish. It seems like she had used her personal territory to capture Kurumi.

Mana seemed as though she wanted to split Kurumi’s midsection into two as she swung her blades of light horizontally. However Kurumi evaded with millimeters to spare, somersaulting onto the watertank.

“Fufu, you’re amazing! You’re still able to counterattack even though I •accelerated•time!”

“Hmph......Even though it’s an interesting ability, but it can be said to have the worst compatibility against me who has the personal territory you know? If I am able to sense you, I will definitely be able to capture your movements.”

“Aaah, aaah, that’s so. Then——”

Kurumi turned towards Mana at a speed that was impossible to discern with the human eye once more.

“Zafkiel<Emperor of Time>——Zayin[The Seventh Bullet]!!”[3D 6]

Almost simultaneously, the shadow that emerged from the [VII] Roman numeral of the clock face was sucked into Kurumi’s rifle. After which she aimed the muzzle towards Mana and fired.

“It’s useless——Didn’t I tell you......!”

A bullet of that caliber is useless against Mana who is equipped with her personal territory. However——

“Eh......?”

Shidou let out a dazed sound.

——Mana’s body, which was currently in the middle of flight, had totally stopped.

“Mana......!”

Despite Shidou’s cries, Mana did not move. There was no response at all. It was as though Mana’s time had been stopped for just that moment.

“Haa, haa.”

Kurumi laughed, firing countless bullets towards Mana’s body.

The guns in Kurumi’s hands were both ancient single-action guns. However, each time a shot was fired, shadows would emerge from Kurumi’s feet, entering the muzzle of the guns in the place of bullets.

After countless seconds, Kurumi landed onto the ground. At the same time,

“Ga——ah......!?”

Mana, who had countless bullets fired at her, fell to the ground bloodied.

“Kihihihihihihihihi, ara ara, what’s the matter?”

“Wha——Just now, that was......”

“Mana!”

Shidou cried out, running to Mana’s side and kneeling on one knee.

“Nii-sama, it’s dangerous. Hurry up and leave......”

“Idiot, what are you saying!”

At this moment, the sound of a door opening could be heard from behind Shidou.

“shidou!”

“——Shidou.”

New people called out Shidou’s name, appearing on the rooftop.

“Tohka——Origami......!?”

Turning around, he called out their names.

Although he wanted to know why the two of them were still able to move about in the bounded field, that thought soon disappeared after looking at their appearances. Tohka was wearing her Astral Dress while Origami on the other hand was wearing her wiring suit.

“Are you alright, shidou!”

“Are you hurt?”

The two of them asked at the same time, after which they glared at each other in displeasure before turning back to look at Shidou.

However, very swiftly, the two soon noticed Kurumi at the front as well as Mana who was kneeling on the ground while drenched in blood. The two of them moved in front of Shidou, each readying their swords against Kurumi.

“Master Sergeant Tobiichi......Tohka-san. The two of you are alright. However......Tohka-san. What is with your appearance......”

Mana gasped in pain while Tohka let out a surprised sound.

“Shidou’s sister number 2. I could say the same to you, why are you dressed like that? It looks just like the AST——”

Mana and Tohka exchanged looks of surprise, however Kurumi’s laughter soon broke off their conversation.

“Ara, ara, ara. Is everyone here now?”

As Kurumi said that, Tohka and Origami both spoke at the same time.

“Kurumi......you suddenly ran off, so you were in this kind of place!”

“Your movements are hard to understand. What exactly are you planning?”

“Eh......?”

Shidou frowned. Just what are the two of them talking about.

“She, escaped......?”

Shidou asked, Tohka moved her sight away from Kurumi and at the same time she nodded her head “Nn.”.

“Kurumi was blocking my way......However after that explosion, she disappeared.”

However Origami contradicted Tohka’s statement.

“That’s strange. Tokisaki Kurumi was in a battle with me.”

“What?”

Tohka instantly showed a face of utter shock——but she quickly shook her head, looking at Kurumi once more.

“......It’s sad, Kurumi. Since you had decided to harm Shidou, I can’t forgive you for that.”

“I concur.”

Origami too looked at Kurumi once again.

Kurumi seemed pleased as she spun around once.

“Ufufu, huhu, aaah, how scary. I’m so scared. You people want to use your advantage in numbers, against someone as weak as myself.”

Her face however did not show a hint of fear as she smirked.

“However, I’m going at it for real today. ——Well, isn’t that so? [We].”

“Haa——”

Because of that strange phrase Shidou frowned. ——However, in the next instant.

“What......?”

Shidou, Tohka, Origami, and Mana, the four’s voices overlapped with each other.

However that was to be expected.

Kurumi’s shadows that have spread itself on the rooftop.

In the middle of that, countless white arms appeared at the same time.

And, that’s not all. Till now, those pale white arms that have only been showing their elbows, slowly but surely, revealed their whole appearances above the ground.

“What......th, this kind of......!!”

His voice was involuntarily squeezed out from his throat.

However that was to be expected. That’s because, those white hands——

All, belong to [Kurumi].

Till the point where she was about to crowd out the vast rooftop, with numbers too large to count.

The Kurumis who were wearing their Astral Dress climbed out from the shadows.

“Fufu.” “Ara, ara.” “Ufufu.”

“Ara ara ara.” “Did I scare you?”

“Shidou-san.” “Now then, what to do?” “Ahahahaha!”

“Kihihihi”. “Looks delicious.”

“Now, then.” “Shall we play?”

“Come now?” “Fufu.” “Kihihi.”

“Fufufufufufu” “What’s the matter?”

Countless Kurumis smiled as they spoke.

“This, is......”

Mana sounded out. Kurumi who was holding the guns spread her arms out as she tilted her chin high.

“Ufufu, fufu. How is it? Spectacular isn’t it? This is my past. My experiences. They are the me from different time periods you know?”

“Wha——”

“Ufufu——In the end [We] are nothing but clones of myself, mere copies. They don’t have the same strength as myself, rest easy.”

Now then, Kurumi continued to speak.

“Mana-san, do you understand now? This is the reason why you definitely cannot kill me.”

——Mana held her breath. And at the same time, Tohka, Origami——as well as Shidou, did the same thing.

“It’s over, attack.”

“......, Don’t joke with me......!!”

The one who cried out was Mana. Using her personal territory to move her injured body up into the air, the equipment changed to release multiple lasers.

The laser beams pierced through some of the Kurumi’s bodies around her, falling towards the ground.

However, the surrounding Kurumis that avoided the attack flew into the air, starting their assault on Mana.

“Hmph......!”

Mana’s equipments started to change, cutting apart the head, arms, and torso of the Kurumis that closed in on her. On the rooftop, Kurumi’s [parts] were strewn all over.

However the Kurumi who held two guns in front of Zafkiel<Emperor of Time> had already finished the loading of Zayin[The Seventh Bullet], firing it at Mana——Just like before, Mana’s body instantly froze in mid-air.

“Mana——”

Shidou yelled at the top of his lungs. However, he was helpless.

Tohka and Origami both seemed as though they were protecting Shidou, waving their swords——However the difference in numbers were simply too large. They were flanked from left and right the moment the rear was put down and they were immediately subdued on the spot.

With that, Shidou had no more cards left to play. Both arms were caught by Kurumi and he was forced onto the ground.

All of this happened within five minutes.

However, this was to be expected. Tohka was in a state where she could not bring out her full strength——Origami too did not bring out her full arsenal.

Mana, who is the only one that has the ability to compete with an actual spirit, in that instant where she was immobilized by the Angel, the victor was already decided.

“Tohka——Origami......Mana......!!”

With both arms held down onto the ground, Shidou barely managed to make a sound.

“Guh......”

“————”

Nearby, Tohka and Origami as well as Shidou were being held down, both of them were hurt everywhere, letting out pained breaths.

From Shidou’s position, he was unable to ascertain Mana’s status. He only knew that she fell from the sky, but was blocked by the numerous Kurumis.

“Ufufu, fufu.”

In the midst of that, Kurumi who was holding the guns and calmly smiling started to walk closer towards Shidou.

“Aaah, aaah, I’ve waited too long. Finally, I can start tasting Shidou-san.”

“St......, stop it Kurumi! Don’t get near shidou!”

“......, Let go——”

Despite the struggles of Tohka and Origami, they were unable to escape their bonds.

Kurumi snickered as she walked in front of Shidou, stopping her footsteps.

At this point, Kurumi’s eyebrow twitched as though she had just remembered something.

“Fufu——That’s right.”

Saying that, she put the gun in her right hand to her left hand; following that she raised it up high.

Soon after, just like before, another spacequake alarm started to sound out.

“Wha......, Kurumi, what are you planning to——”

“Ufufu, fufu. The same thing as before of course. Everyone hasn’t woken up yet——Ufufu, they’ll definitely die for sure.”

“St, stop it......! If you are going to do such a thing, I will bite off my tongue——”

The instant he said that, the Kurumis that were holding Shidou down, inserted their slender fingers into Shidou’s mouth from both sides, pressing down on his lower jaw and tongue.

“Hugu......!?”

“Biting off your tongue......? Let’s see how you do that now?”

Kurumi smiled as she tightly held her right hand. Following that was the same as last time, a piercing sound started to resound from the surroundings.

“Fufu, hihihi, hihihihihihihi! Now! In order for you to not deceive me anymore, I’ll send you into utter despair!”

“Stop it——!”

Although he was unable to properly pronounce his words, he was still able to barely make a sound.

Kurumi ignored Shidou’s pleas, swinging down her right hand.

Kurumi she——smiled. She chuckled, lightly laughing.

“Ah——hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha————!”

In an instant, Raizen High School’s surrounding air started to make a terrifying sound——the air started to tremble as though it was an earthquake.

However.

“Ah——Haa......?”

After several seconds, that laughter had ended with a question mark.

Kurumi looked around in surprise.

However that was it. The sky had indeed been split. The piercing sound was still ringing. The air was as though an explosion had gone off as it continued to vibrate.

However——that was all there is.

“.............?”

Shidou had also noticed the irregularity and frowned.

He had seen the site of spacequakes countless times. It was as though space itself had been eaten out, whatever that was there would disappear without a trace.

However the surroundings of Raizen High School and the city were still intact.

“This is......What is going on......?”

Kurumi tilted her head in confusion, following that,

“——Don’t you know? Spacequakes, as long as you trigger a spacequake at the same time with the same magnitude, you’ll be able to cancel it.”

It seems as though it was explaining what was going on. From above their heads, a cool voice sounded out.

“——Who are you?”

Kurumi’s face twitched, her right hand taking hold of her gun once more as she looked upwards.

Shidou too raised his head——and then widened his eyes.

The sky was, red.

That was his first impression.

On top of the roof. Above Shidou and Kurumi’s heads, a mass of flames was floating.

And, in the midst of those flames, the figure of a young girl stood.

It seemed like a girl who was cosplaying. Her sleeves floated in the wind, half of her body seemed to be merged with the flames as they flickered. Her waist had a belt of flames, as though it was the celestial dress from the heavenly maidens.

And on her head grew two inorganic horns. That appearance did not look like a princess——but that of, an oni.

However, the reason why Shidou’s vision was taken up by that girl was not just that.

Dazedly, he opened his mouth.

“Koto, ri......?”

That’s right, Shidou’s sister, <Ratatoskr>’s commander.

The appearance of the girl who was clad in flames——looked like Itsuka Kotori no matter how you looked at it.

Kotori slowly descended, looking towards Shidou’s direction.

“——Just for a while, I’ll be taking it back, Shidou.”

“Eh......?”

Not understanding Kotori’s words, Shidou frowned.

“......, That, is——”

At this point, not knowing why, Origami’s face showed an expression of fear that Shidou had never seen before.

“——Burn, Camael<Blazing Annihilating Demon>!”

Following that, Kotori’s mouth said that name.

With that, flames started appearing around her body, forming something similar to a massive club.

After that, the instant Kotori grabbed that club, a vermillion blade was revealed on its side.

That looked just like——an absurdly massive, battleaxe.

Shidou was speechless. Kotori lightly waved that huge battleaxe, looking at Kurumi.

“Now then——Let our Datebattle begin.”

View the next article to read the next 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 Chapter 3 - Chapter 5