Chapter 60 of 83

Vol 10 Chapter 2

13 min read3,155 words

Chapter 2: The Radiant GoetiaPart 1

“----Shidou’s missing?”

In a middle school classroom, Kotori made a suspicious voice while pushing her cellphone onto her ears.

The chime for lunch time rang and Kotori received a transmission from <fraxinus>> on her cellphone.</fraxinus>

<fraxinus>She felt something strange about it and picked up the phone immediately after changing into her black ribbons-----she then heard a report from her subordinates.</fraxinus>

<fraxinus>“What do you mean? It’s school time now you know?”</fraxinus>

<fraxinus>“Yeah…………That should be the case but, judging by analyst Murasame’s report ……… he went back 1 hour before class ”</fraxinus>

<fraxinus>“He went back early?”</fraxinus>

<fraxinus>“Yes. From what we heard from Tohka-chan, it seems Tobiichi Origami suddenly changed schools…….”</fraxinus>

<fraxinus>Kotori raised her eyebrows. It's impossible to think that Tobiichi Origami would change schools without telling Shidou anything about it.</fraxinus>

<fraxinus>But-----it’s not like she had no clue about the reason for the strange event. Yes, the last time Origami appeared in front of Shidou and the group was when she was wearing the DEM CR-unit.</fraxinus>

<fraxinus>Origami opposed DEM before to protect Shidou once but, she could not deny the chances that Origami might have make some kind of secret with DEM.</fraxinus>

<fraxinus>Or maybe-------it might be possible to think that she got brainwashed by DEM. That’s because, the enemy was that DEM industries. It’s not weird if they did something like that.</fraxinus>

<fraxinus>Shidou probably thought of the same thing as Kotori. There was no way that he could stand still and went looking for Origami.</fraxinus>

<fraxinus>“That idiot…….he didn’t tell us anything……”</fraxinus>

<fraxinus>After Kotori clicked her tongue in irritation, she continued her words softly to avoid having the surroundings hear her.</fraxinus>

<fraxinus>“A disappearance at this timing……smells fishy to me. Worst come to worst, he might have gotten kidnapped by the DEM.------how are the girls?”</fraxinus>

<fraxinus>“Yes……..Tohka-chan, the Yamai sisters, and Miku-chan are having lunch in their respective schools. Natsumi-chan went out with Yoshino-chan to play in the city.”</fraxinus>

<fraxinus>“I see. ----They might not be uneasy yet but, we can’t keep them fooled for too long. Anyways, use all personnel and look for Shidou’s whereabouts. I will head back to <fraxinus>> soon too. We have to find him before the girls go home no matter what.”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“Roger!”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>Her subordinate’s reply came from the phone’s receiver. After Kotori ended the call, she put her phone into her pocket and separated from the wall.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>And while changing her ribbons, she walked towards her friends eating their bentos with their tables joined together.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“Ah, Kotori-chan, you finished your call?”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“Who was it? Your brother?”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>Her friends asked her. Kotori made a fuzzy smile before squatting down on the spot while holding her stomach.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“Wh-what’s wrong Kotori-chan, are you okay?”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“I-I feel a little sick……sorry, I am going back early today………can you tell teacher for me?”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“I don’t mind but…are you okay? Want to go to the nurse room?”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“It’s okay. Okay then, I am counting on you”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>Kotori took her bag while making a painful face before slowly walking out of the classroom and----aimed towards the rooftop instead of the entrance.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>After releasing a soft moan, Shidou gradually opened his eyes.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“Where…..am I…..”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>His view was hazy. Shidou tried raising his right hand to rub his eyes and-----he raised his eyebrows.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>His right hand wouldn’t move. No……more specifically, he could not bring his arms forward as if both his wrists were connected behind him.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>After 10 seconds. Right in the middle of his consciousness that was gradually getting clearer, Shidou noticed his hands were handcuffed behind him and he was sitting on a chair. What’s more in a polite manner, he was fastened to the chair with a rope around the torso, and incidentally, the legs of the chair were fixed into the ground. It was a persistent handiwork that gave him the impression that they did not want to let Shidou out no matter what happens.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>Luckily, he was not blindfolded or gagged. After Shidou grumbled, he slowly turned his head and looked around the place that he was in.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>It was the corner of a dark, abandoned building. There were cracks on the wall and a part of the ceiling was damaged, exposing the steel frame. It was giving off an aura that this place was away from human hands for a very long time.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>Just why was he captured in a place like this? Shidou twisted his head at that basic question------and immediately, he recalled the events that occurred before he fainted.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“Oh yeah, I was chasing after Origami……..”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>Just when Shidou said that, the door in front of him opened with a *giii* sound.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>When he looked over there as he got attracted by the sound, he noticed Origami carrying a huge Boston bag and was standing there.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“Origami! What are you doing-----“</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>Shidou said that before gasping.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“Don’t tell me you really joined DEM…..!?”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>After Origami approached Shidou silently, she put the Boston bag on the floor and started looking inside of it.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>He had no clue what she was going to bring out but, if Origami has really involved herself with the DEM then, Shidou will probably be in some kind of trouble. A gun, knife, or maybe truth serum………..various ideas flew into Shidou’s mind instantly.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>In response to Shidou’s predictions, the object Origami brought out was a PET bottle filled with mineral water.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“Water. You’re thirsty right?”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>Within this extremely weird situation, Origami asked him in an extremely normal manner. Shidou raised his eyebrows in reflex from that odd feeling.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>It’s true that his lips were dry but, he was hesitant to simply drink something given to him by the person that kidnapped him. He sent a suspicious gaze to Origami who was handing him water.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>Maybe Origami noticed Shidou’s feelings, she opened the PET bottle and *Gulp*, took a sip and drank the water inside the bottle to show him……….it seems she was telling him that there was no poison or anything similar inside.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>No. He was wrong. Origami drank the water without swallowing and brought her lips closer to Shidou’s lips like that.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>Yes. It was like…………she was going to transfer the water to his mouth.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“S-Stop! I get it! I’ll take it! I’ll take it so let me drink it normally!”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>After hearing Shidou’s words, Origami swallowed the water and said that with a slightly disappointed expression. She then handed over the opened PET bottle to him.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“A-aahh, then slowly-----Muguuuf!?”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>Without hearing the end of Shidou’s words, Origami shoved the PET bottle into Shidou’s mouth. It was a forceful indirect kiss. He could not fight back since it was pushed towards him suddenly and he drank the water poured into his mouth like that.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>After confirming that he drank the water, Origami pulled her hands back in satisfaction. And for some reason, she licked the mouth of the PET bottle before putting the lid back on.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>He was curious about that action but……………well, forget it. He coughed violently as if he was choking before, looking back at Origami again.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“………so for starters, can you let me go”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>Origami replied back bluntly even though Shidou said that.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>But, that reaction was within his expectations. Shidou slightly rocked his body and continued talking.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“Ah---……I get it I get it. Then can you at least unravel the rope one time, and let me bring my handcuffed hands forward?”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“Sorry. Please stay that way a little longer”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“Please. I have the urge to go to the toilet from just now. Even you don’t want me to leak here right?”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>When he said that, Origami silently crouched down and looked into the Boston bag before taking a PET bottle out from inside again.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>For an instant, he thought she was going to make him drink water again even though he said he wanted to go toilet but----he was wrong. Shidou felt something was off immediately. There was no content in the PET bottle Origami was holding.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>Origami opened the lid of the PET bottle while approaching Shidou.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>Even though Shidou said that with sweat flowing down his cheeks, Origami did not stop. She placed the PET bottle on the floor before placing her hands on Shidou’s belt and *Kacha**Kacha* was opening it while making that sound.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“Gyaaaaaaaaaaa! Gyaaaaaaaaaaa!”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>Having guessed what Origami was thinking about, he twisted his body while rocking the chair.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“Hey! Its okay like I thought! It’s okay!”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>When Shidou shouted, Origami looked somewhat disappointed while re-tying his belt.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>Shidou took a deep breath after breathing heavily and------calmed his heartbeat before looking back at Origami.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>There was a mountains worth of things he wanted to say but……..now isn’t the time for that. Shidou continued talking in a soft tone.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“……….Origami”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>Origami replied back in a calm manner. Shidou got let-down at her acting as if all this was nothing.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“Yes………wait, you should know what that place is right?”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“A rough idea”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“-----To get power”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“Power……..?”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>After Shidou brought his eyebrows closer, Origami started talking blandly.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>Due to her continuous pile up of disobeying orders, they finally decided to discipline Origami.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>And----in order to continue being a Wizard, there was no other way but to join the DEM.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“But even so…..it’s too dangerous!”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“I had no choice.-----There is no other way to gain power to defeat the Spirits”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>In a quiet…….a shockingly quiet tone, Origami moved her lips. Shidou could not make up any words after seeing that.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>Most likely, Origami has a clearer picture of the company called DEM industries than Shidou. She probably knows about agony and suffering that Shidou could only think of since a long time ago. On top of that-----she chose this current situation. It wasn’t rejection. It wasn’t retaliation. Shidou just felt a type of shiver when he heard Origami’s bland voice.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>But, he can’t go down like this. Shidou coughed to regain his composure and moved his mouth again.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“…….Then, kidnapping me was-----that Westcott’s orders? Just what are you going to do with me?”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>After Shidou said that, Origami slowly swung her head side-ways.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“It was my decision to bring Shidou here. This matter is totally unrelated to DEM Company”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>Shidou’s face was smeared with bewilderment.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“What do you mean? Then why are you doing this”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“Personally, it was not my intentions to take your freedom away. I feel apologetic for this”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>Origami looked away before continuing her words.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“It was an unavoidable procedure. In order to avoid dragging you into this, this was the most assuring method”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“Wa-wait a second. What are you saying? In order to avoid dragging me in………? What the hell is that about!”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>Origami clenched her fist as if she was renewing her determination when he asked before opening her lips.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“----It’s the fight between me and the Spirits”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>Shidou opened his eyes wide in astonishment.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“Sp-spirits……and, who are they”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“Spirits are Spirits. Of course----“</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>Origami stopped her words for a moment and took a light breath before continuing on.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“----Yatogami Tohka and the rest are no exemptions”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>Shidou gasped. Even though it was just a few moments since he drank water, his throat was oddly dry. *Dokun**dokun* his heartbeat started becoming harder and it made him feel as if his whole body was shaking.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>Fighting with Spirits. And----Killing the Spirits.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>Now that he thinks about, these were the words Origami was saying ever since he first met her. She was an AST member that has a goal in defeating the Spirits so, this was normal. Of course, Shidou has heard those words countless times already.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>He never would have imagined his heart would be this painful even though those were words he was used to hearing.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“Wai-wait Origami! Your target is the Spirit that killed your parents 5 years ago right!? Tohka and the girls are not related in this!”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“----They are still spirits. They are dangerous. In order to avoid making people like me ever again, their existence cannot be forgiven”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“Wha……….! Tohka and the rest shouldn’t have any spirit readings on them now! You can’t target them in that condition, you said-----“</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“That’s the policy the higher ups in the JGSDF gave. That’s also not my problem anymore now that I am out of the AST”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>Shidou groaned while puckering his face. It’s just as he says. Origami said she was obeying orders from the higher ups reluctantly.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>Now that he thinks about it, Origami’s actions were no different from the start. She hates Spirits, detests Spirit, and wants to kill the Spirits.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>But-------it can’t be helped for Shidou to think that those actions were very warped.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>Of course, the factor of Shidou not wanting Origami and the Spirits to fight was big. However, even if he takes that point away, he still feels an odd feeling coming from Origami’s words.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>Shidou somehow managed to restrain his feelings for shouting and talked in a very calm tone.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“…….Hey, Origami. It’s already more than half a year since Tohka transferred into our school right?”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>Of course, Origami was looking back at Shidou. Shidou felt that her gaze was a little different from not understanding what he was saying.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“Time sure flies huh. The Spirits that you were fighting with have mixed into this world you know? Of course Tohka wasn’t the only one. Yoshino, Kaguya, Yuzuru, Natsumi, and naturally Kotori and Miku too………..everyone is living as [Humans]”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>Shidou said it as if he was urging her.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“Origami……………are you going to say nothing changed after seeing them for this long? The Spirits are only Spirits…………..are you going to say they have to be killed because their existence are dangerous…!?”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>Origami twitched her eyebrows for the first time, when Shidou said that.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>She then slowly walked to the corner of the room and raised her right hand before *gaa*! She punched the wall.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“Yatogami Tohka and the other Spirits are still spirits, and that didn’t change. They are my target for revenge.--------that was supposed to be the case”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>After Origami said that in a slightly trembling voice, she continued her monologue.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“I could not forgive myself for slowly changing my recognition after spending time with them. 5 years ago on that day, I should have vowed to have my revenge on the Spirits and yet, I got scared…………for getting used to this situation”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>After saying that, Origami punched the wall once more.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“The reason why I joined DEM was not only because of the AST’s disciplinary punishment. Before I could notice this situation-------I started forgiving the days with Yatogami Tohka in it”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>Shidou opened his eyes wide and cramped his voice.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“Why------why is that wrong! You should know that too! Tohka and the rest just want to live a normal life!”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“………no. I can’t forgive that. As long as they are Spirits”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>Origami separated her fist from the wall before turning her back to Shidou in a relaxed state.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“The Spirits aren’t the only thing I am going to kill. I am going to kill the me who formed a connection to them before I knew it. With Yatogami Tohka’s life-----I will regain myself”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>After saying that, Origami left the room. *Batann* the door closed together with that sound, and fragments from a part of the wall fell off.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“Wait! Origami! Please wait!”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>Shidou twisted his body while shouting desperately. But the restraints that she put on carefully would not come off easily.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>However, he could not give up because of that. If this goes on, the fight between Origami and the girls cannot be avoided.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“Damn…….! Origami! Origami!”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>Shidou used all his strength to shake his body and shouted until his throat was close to breaking.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“--------Is it okay, Ike. To let her move by her own judgment”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>In the highest suite room of a hotel located in east Tenguu, Ellen Mira Mathers spoke in a quiet tone.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>She was a characteristic girl with light Nordic blonde hair, blue eyes, snow white skin and a slender body. However, the atmosphere of her outward features were not giving off the feeling of a fleeting sheltered lady, but rather it was the atmosphere of a veteran soldier.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>However, the man sitting opposite of Ellen did not get swallowed up by her atmosphere and replied back in a relaxed manner.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“It’s true that I plan to look at the situation for a while but, she finally decided to do something. There is no need to discourage our young Wizard right.-----well, that just happened recently anyways. The bribe needed for the JGSDF became larger than usual”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>It was a young man around his mid-thirties. He has dark ash blonde hair and blade-sharp eyes. His eyes filled with darkness could make the people facing him feel an indescribable anxiety.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>Sir Isaac Rey Peram Westcott. He was the managing director of the huge world famous company, DEM industries.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>Ellen turned slightly discouraged when she heard Westcott’s words.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>Nonetheless, it was only natural. That’s because a few days ago, both Westcott and Ellen were close to having an artificial satellite fall onto their heads by the hands of DEM Company’s Board of directors.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>The situation somehow got resolved and all the board members including the mastermind- Roger Murdoch were arrested but…………..Ellen was still feeling unsatisfied because she was not given any specific orders by Westcott on how to punish them.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>Maybe he guessed what she was thinking, Westcott purposely shrugged his shoulders and continued talking.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“Of course, I have no plans to overturn the plan we’ve been going through until now.-----however, it’s also true that I want the data that occurs in various cases. We have that many Spirits gathered there. It’s possible to turn one or two of them into Sephira crystals”</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>After saying that, Westcott made his mouth turn into a smile.</fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus>“Also, It’s about time I want <mordred>’s battle data. Our target is still the Spirit. Shooting down a dropping bomb is not enough to measure its true strength.-----You want to see how amazing she is too right? Well, if she brings out a power more than our expectations then-------we might have to stop her before she kills off all the Spirits”</mordred></fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus><mordred>Westcott looked back at Ellen while continuing on. Ellen made a small sigh while nodding.</mordred></fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus><mordred>It was just as Westcott says. Ellen also wanted to grasp the ability of that girl----Tobiichi Origami.</mordred></fraxinus></fraxinus>

<fraxinus><fraxinus><mordred>Although there were records of her data and AST battle records, it was to the end something recorded with her using the official equipment’s provided by the AST. She wants to know how strong is Origami when she fights the Spirits using the DEM industries latest CR-unit <mordred>----the sister unit of Ellen’s