Chapter 27

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Chapter 27: Souta Shibuya Watches the Ritual

Souta: (.......whーwhat……..what is this?)

They were in a spacious storage-facility like building.

In the center was a crimson red Magic Inscription.

The dancing candle flames of a few hundred candles.

And the shadows of many people in green robes who are chanting a suspicious sounding Spell.

Akane: “Hey, Souta…..what does it look like inside?”

Akane held herself close to my body as she looked inside through the crack in the door.

Her movements tickled me a little as she did so.

Akane: “Huh…….what’s….what’s all this….?”

Akane also freezes in place and remains speechless at the sight.

Now, I’m definitely certain that these are not people I should be getting involved with.

If I can, I want to run away right this second but….

Souta: “Yukina, where is Touru right now?”

Akane (Yukina): “Past that group of people, there’s a cage there where he’s being held, Sochan.”

Souta: “I can’t see it from here….”

Souta: “Right now, they're too busy with that ritual stuff, so I might be able to sneak past them.”

Akane: “Wait, wait, wait, wait, no. It’s too dangerous, Souta. Let’s call the police and make a run for it.”

Akane tugs at my sleeves earnestly.

I feel the same way….but…..

Souta: “Akane, go ahead and start contacting the police. I’ll go take a look. If things look dangerous, I’ll run.”

Akane: “Bーbut…”

Souta: “I want to make sure with my own eyes. Maybe it’s just a misunderstanding, and they’re just normal people.”

Akane: “They’re definitely not.”

Well...yeah...most likely not…

I glance again at the suspicious group who continues to chant the Spell.

They are holding their hands together as if praying desperately, and I don’t think they’ll notice me.

Souta: “Okay, I’m going to go.”

Akane: “OーOkay, be careful…”

I smile reassuringly towards Akane who is worried, and I slowly sneak inside the large storage facility.

The center of the storage facility was cleared away for the ritual, but all the areas surrounding it were cluttered with machinery and other large objects that were lying about.

I hid behind these large objects as I circled around to the other side.

I hear the eerie chanting of the Spell reach me more clearly now…..

……eco……ea……

……miwa…………irua……

……iwa………………saya……

I don’t understand anything they’re saying.

The more I listen, the more light-headed I got.

I try to concentrate and focus as to not get distracted by it.

I take in deep breaths.

My Master taught me this method to calm your spirit down.

I close my eyes for several seconds, and I completely ignore everything I am hearing.

I take away all distractions from my consciousness.

ーーOkay, I’m good now.

I pass through the shadows and arrive at the opposite side of the building.

I peek through the large machinery and look inside.

There was indeed a large cage like the ones you would see at zoos to trap large animals.

And within it, there were <several people lying down inside it>.

Souta: (WHAー?!)

There is no doubt now.

There is definitely a crime being committed here.

I sent a message to Akane through Line [Did you contact the police?].

But she didn’t immediately read it.

What should I do?

Should I go back to where Akane is?

But from here, I can’t tell if Touru is in that crowd or not.

After going back and forth, I decided to go nearer to the cage.

In the dim darkness, I saw a man with a familiar school uniform lying inside.

His back is to me, and I can’t see his face.

But that height and way he’s wearing the clothes…….is reminiscent of Touru.

Should I get closer and call out his name? …….but he looks unconscious…….and as I debated my next move, it happened.

“LーLet go of me!”

I heard a girl cry out.

It was Akane’s voice.

Souta: “Akane!”

I hurriedly jumped out in the direction where I heard her voice.

There, I saw Akane being caught and dragged by two girls in green robes. DANGIT! WHY DID SHE COME OUT?!”

As I tried to go save her, 3 large men stood in my way.

They all wore green robes, and I couldn’t see their faces from the hoods over their heads.

And even in that commotion, the other people in green robes continued to chant the Spell. It was a bone-chilling sight to behold.

Akane: “Souta! Run!”

Akane screams.

That’s right, I need to save Akane first.

I immediately look at the positions of the 3 men who are trying to capture me.

The man to the right is the closest to me.

He’ll try to grab my arm in a few seconds.

I step forward and place a hand at the center of his body.

ーーAncient Arts