Chapter 68

Coming to a cool place, a few people sat down and began to discuss the incident, while the attacker in the red restraining suit stood to one side.

"I am the magician of the British Puritan Church [Necessarius], God裂 Fireweaver. The reason I came here is the same as yours, to determine the center of the distortion." God裂 Fireweaver first spoke to the attacker, as they were both members of the [Magic Side] dealing with the matter.

"Magician of the Russian Orthodox Church [Extermination White Book], Misha Kuroyevskaya."

"Then, Hakurei, do you still recognize me?"

"Huh? Of course I do."

"Then it's really... " Hearing this, the girl who called herself Misha had already taken out her weapon again.

"Wait, Big Sister! Hakurei is a Level 5 Esper!"

"Ugh... That's true..."

Looking at Hakurei's calm appearance, God裂 Fireweaver was furious: "Hakurei! How can you be so relaxed? Do you know that the whole world is under the influence of some magic!"

"I know."

"Huh?"

"Tsukino, how did you know, nya~?"

Glancing at Tsuchimikado, Hakurei tilted his head: "Is it strange? I sensed an abnormal energy fluctuation last night and defended against it, so it didn't affect me. But that fluctuation spread throughout the world, so it must be some unknown magic, right?"

"Yes... By the way, why aren't you surprised to see me, nya~?"

"Why should I be surprised? I've seen double agents before."

... This time, Tsuchimikado Motoharu really had nothing to say, as his secrets were all exposed.

"Anyway," God裂 Fireweaver returned to the topic, "we have temporarily named this magic with unknown composition and ritual [Fallen Angel]."

"Then, what's the point? Why are we all here? Don't tell me you suspect me."

"Yes, although we don't know who and why this magic was cast, the most important thing now is that the center of this distortion is — Tsukino, you."

"You are the primary suspect for [Fallen Angel]. You are now in a position where those who have barely escaped the influence of this magic and plan to destroy it are targeting your life."

Hearing God裂 Fireweaver's words, Hakurei was first stunned, then burst into laughter: "Thinking I'm the center of the distortion is just because I completely defended against [Fallen Angel]. If they want my life, let them come."

Pausing, Hakurei's eyes suddenly became sharp: "If they're not afraid of causing a war between the [Magic Side] and the [Science Side] by dying at my hands, that is."

"Of course, we haven't said you are the culprit, and there are no signs of overloading from magic use on you, which is typical for an Esper." This was said for Misha's benefit, as both of them already trusted Hakurei. Tsuchimikado Motoharu trusted him because they were friends, and God裂 Fireweaver trusted him because she believed a future Heroic Spirit wouldn't do such a thing.

"Counterpoint 1: This man was not affected by the magic."

"What? Don't you believe I can defend against [Fallen Angel]? Do you want to try, Misha?"

"【Numbers, 40, 9, 30, 7, their sum is 86.】" For Misha's incantation, Hakurei just sneered. For an angel, using a spell of their main attribute, and still needing an incantation? It's just for show.

"【Resonance, water, transform into a spirit snake, pierce like a sword.】"

A water snake rose from the sea behind Misha and lunged at Hakurei. Hakurei just snorted, and the water snake turned into ice crystals less than a meter from him. However, Hakurei's expression was somewhat serious. Although he froze the water snake, it wasn't easy; a strong resistance force, which he guessed was the angel's — [Divine Power].

【This is a bit troublesome. It's hard to freeze with just a little power. If I go all out, is it a difference in elemental attributes?... Should I use it? That...】

"This answer cannot clear your suspicion; I will continue to monitor your actions." Even defending against this attack doesn't prove that Hakurei can defend against [Fallen Angel]. Unless Hakurei recreates the barrier from that night, but that's not something that can be done quickly, and if asked why he could prepare such a barrier in advance, it would be hard to explain.

A few people returned to the inn, coincidentally meeting the others who were coming back for lunch.

"Hmm? Who are these people?" White Well frowned. The people in front of him were all dressed strangely, and he was puzzled that his son might have such friends.

"Father, they are travelers from [the other side]." White Well had some status in the White family and knew some of the truth about the world. He had thoroughly investigated when Hakurei went to Shushan, otherwise, how could a father let his child go to an unknown place?

Knowing his son's special status, White Well sighed, having been prepared for this when he sent Hakurei to Shushan: "You talk with your friends, we'll go eat first." Saying this, White Well pulled White Aizuru into the inn.

"What happened? Tsukino?" Misaki Shirai, who wouldn't use her ability unless necessary, especially around Hakurei and those close to her. Even outside, she was cautious because some magicians had defenses against mental attacks, and Misaki had no real combat ability. If she encountered a magician with defenses, she would be in danger. To prevent this, Hakurei had specifically discussed it with her.

But even without using her ability, the experienced Misaki could tell something was wrong. Hakurei and the people around him all had serious expressions, clearly indicating something had happened.

"Nothing major, you know. Just [the other side]'s business." Misaki understood the meaning in Hakurei's words, [Magic Side] matters that the [Science Side] couldn't interfere with.

"Then we'll go back first, you guys are busy." Saten Ruiko and Misaki pulled the others, who were confused, back to the inn.

Looking at the empty beach, Hakurei smiled.

"Tsuchimikado, I have something to tell you."

"What is it, Tsukino?"

"Do you know Misaka Mikoto? Have her hack the network to find out where Touma's new home is, and go check it out. Don't ask why."

Tsuchimikado Motoharu looked at Hakurei, then shrugged: "I'll go, Tsukino... take care."

After Tsuchimikado left, God裂 Fireweaver asked Hakurei curiously: "Hakurei, what did you ask Tsuchimikado to do?"

Without answering, Hakurei just looked at Misha: "God裂 Fireweaver, please protect the inn."

"Huh?"

"Peribit999 (I am the one who cuts all)." Hundreds of ice spears lunged at Misha, but she jumped back to avoid them.

"Hakurei, what are you doing?"

"Question 1: Why attack?"

"Ha ha ha, Misha? That name is the reason I'm attacking you! True angel, I wonder how strong you are?"

!!!

God裂 Fireweaver was stunned. Could it be...

Before she could react, night suddenly fell, even though it was daytime, with a bright moon hanging high in the sky!

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