Tokyo Ravens Ss Lost Girl With A Cat

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Dairenji Suzuka was a rebellious prodigal girl, she pa.s.sed the 'Onmyou First-Cla.s.s Examination' which was regarded as the most difficult, becoming a member of the 'Twelve Divine Generals'. Her rise to a National First-Cla.s.s Onmyouji at a young age had series of reasons, because of some extremely sorrowful, dreadful reasons.

Suzuka was regarded as a talented and beautiful young onmyouji girl, at the same time also the daughter of the main instigator of the history's first spiritual disaster terrorist attack, she was always bathed in the people's look of curiosity and fear. In her a.s.signed research laboratory, she currently for the purpose of attaining a certain goal began her activities, at the same time there was a black cat at her side that muttered ----"do you really want to do this?"

Uncover those unknown days of the 'Prodigy' Dairenji Suzuka before the 'Taizan f.u.kun Ritual'.

 

It was an 'abnormality', and also a 'triumph'.

A young girl silently stared at a piece of iron under a dim light for a long time.

An air-conditioner set to maximum chilled the s.p.a.cious room, and cold air was inhaled into her body's circulation creating an illusion like the feeling as if the iron in front of her was merging into her body.

At this time,

"This is really scary……"

A voice like a little boy came from near her feet. After the girl heard, she twisted her lips in a sort of despise, and deliberately snorted.

"Come on, it's just an ordinary iron bar."

"But."

"How?"

"This is a tool for murder."

Even though her voice sounded very young, the tone in which she stated her ideas seemed mature. The girl tightly pursed her lips in one second, then immediately snorted again, to reinvigorate her mind.

But,

"……It's already something that happened a long time ago."

Her response sounded surly.

"Hey, do you really want to do this?"

"Of course, why else do you think I intentionally obtained this d.a.m.nable qualification."

"……I don't think that is going to work."

"What? Are you looking down at me? Who do you think I am?"

This girl stuck out her chest, boasting of herself with nonsense.

"I live for this purpose now, G.o.ds are watching me."

"For an Onmyouji to speak of G.o.ds, they are beyond redemption."

"What are you saying? That the eight million G.o.ds don't exist."

"That, it's just a hypothesis from 'that person's' research."

The little boy's words left the girl speechless, she frowned unhappily and quietly mumbled a word to herself, "smarta.s.s".

"Suzuka."

The little boy continued speaking.

"You survived up till now simply due to luck. But, can that be a sufficient reason to continue to live?"

The girl didn't have an answer. To her, it wasn't enough.

She impatiently clicked her tongue and kicked the cage at her feet.

"Meow!", came a cry of protest.

 

"Today, Dairenji Suzuka is promoted to National First-Cla.s.s Onmyouji."

The man who stood at the apex of the country's onmyouji solemnly, and at the same time, indifferently announced.

This was the Chief of the Onmyou Agency, Kurahas.h.i.+ Genji.

He should be like a father but his character was the complete opposite. An intense gaze came from his sharp, firm eyes. In addition, there was a feeling of profoundness that can be felt from the enormous and experience-tempered aura borne within his body.

You could feel a sense of mature dignity, without a trace of age, giving him an impression like steel. Naturally, the deterrence from Kurahas.h.i.+ proved that he is the Onmyou Agency's ----and even the world of magic's----domineering master.

Currently, Dairenji Suzuka was located in the Onmyou Agency building in the Akihabara ward in Tokyo. The executive room was lined with a plush carpet and, except for Kurahas.h.i.+'s work desk, was furnished with a sofa and coffee table for receiving guests. The windows of the high-rise buildings around the JR Akihabara station could be seen from there.

"From now on, you have to recognize your position and be prepared to exert great efforts. There are expectations for your future work performance."

After the Chief of the Onmyou Agency Finished speaking, Suzuka wordlessly paused for a moment.

Then, she gently nodded.

The National First-Cla.s.s Onmyouji are a group of extraordinary onmyouji, there were only a dozen people nationwide. Although Suzuka became the lowest one of them, she didn't get carried away or have any feelings of being special. To her, being a National First-Cla.s.s Onmyouji was just a means, it was a step to reach some greater goal.

But just after Suzuka nodded, a dry laugh suddenly broke the solemn atmosphere of the office.

"This is really incredible. Originally you're supposed to be a squirt still studying in grade school. Unexpectedly, you immediately pa.s.sed most challenging of difficulties, the 'First-Cla.s.s Onmyou Qualification'. The youngest 'Divine General' in history is now born. Congratulations."

Other than Suzuka and Kurahas.h.i.+, there was another person in the room.

It was a vigorous and hearty slim old man, with a rude att.i.tude, rude tone, wearing an expensive suit. He sat upright on the couch watching Suzuka, and made a snapping sound with the fan he was holding.

He was the Chief of the Onmyou Agency's Magical Crime Investigation Department, Amami Daizen, reputed to be a scholar second only to Kurahas.h.i.+, and also the second most powerful man in the Onmyou Agency.

"Not long ago, at the time when Kagami became one of the 'Twelve Divine Generals', I didn't think it was possible for minors to become National First-Cla.s.s Onmyouji, I'm really shocked."

As the old man spoke, he happily laughed.

The 'Kagami' mentioned by Amami was Kagami Reiji who was also a National First-Cla.s.s Onmyouji, he was very proud of his extraordinary spiritual power. However, although he became glamourous at a young age, he still had significant problems. Because Suzuka rarely makes public appearances, she wasn't clear on the problems.

Even so, Suzuka didn't have any interest in the other onmyouji to begin with.

"……Boring."

She quietly muttered a single word.

She deliberately whispered a word that she knew knowingly would annoy the others, but Kurahas.h.i.+ didn't even bat an eyebrow and, in contrary, Amami gave an amused expression, making Suzuka to feel even more unbearably impatient, causing her to complain again clearly, "boring."

"What the 'Twelve Divine Generals', it's just a t.i.tle added by the media. In fact……"

A sharp glance came from Suzuka's eyes, glaring towards Amami though the corner of her eye.

"Am I a seedling or what, I already know, how else did a 'squirt' like me have the power to pa.s.s the 'First-Cla.s.s Onmyou Qualification'.

"……"

Amami didn't respond to Suzuka's provocative tone, he openly scrutinized Suzuka, gently smiling.

Suzuka's back story was the problem of her father. Suzuka's father was called Dairenji s.h.i.+dou, known as the National First-Cla.s.s Onmyouji, the "Professor", who pa.s.sed away this year in the early spring. But it was an unusual death, he used magic to cause artificial spiritual damage ----a spiritual disaster, and was among the dead.

The first spiritual terrorism attack in history, the 'Great Hinamatsuri Purification'.

Suzuka's father was the instigator.

Dairenji s.h.i.+dou wasn't the kind of onmyouji to go to the front lines to use magic, but was rather involved in its research. In his research, he used his own daughter as a test subject, from before she developed a sense of self ----no, before she was born.

For what reason her father had, and for what intention to think of 'using' Suzuka at a young age, she didn't know. Now that he is gone, it's even harder to find the answer.

But there was one thing to know, her father's experiments produced great achievements. Suzuka possessed a strong spiritual power when she was born, and in addition with her continuous maturation she displayed talent as an onmyouji. The t.i.tle 'The Youngest National First-Cla.s.s Onmyouji' sounded very impressive, but she was a magically altered human produced by her father.

"I won't talk about it now. Will you stick to the agreement?"

Suzuka coldly confirmed with the other party.

"Of course."

Kurahas.h.i.+ replied solemnly.

"After you become a National First-Cla.s.s Onmyouji, you can still have certain privileges even though you are a minor. I will prepare your post, the budget you submitted can also be guaranteed. But, don't you require some support staff?"

"I don't need them. a.s.sistants and whatever, my s.h.i.+kigami are enough."

"Okay. Then inform me if you have any other requirements. I will accommodate them."

After Kurahas.h.i.+'s simple declaration, Suzuka cautiously nodded her head.

Then,

"There's one more matter……how about the thing with the Lingering Spirit Division?"

Suzuka originally wanted to discuss this topic emotionlessly. But as she opened her mouth, Kurahas.h.i.+'s eyes suddenly became sharply alert.

Under Kurahas.h.i.+'s gaze, Suzuka desperately tried to suppress the wavering emotions from her heart. The reason she obtained the 'First-Cla.s.s Onmyou Qualification' was just for this.

And for who knows how long, Kurahas.h.i.+ stayed silent.

Shortly after,

"……Your area of research is on 'Imperial Onmyoudou', so their compilation on Tsuchimikado Yakou is useful for you. Therefore, according to your wishes, I will permit you access to information from the Lingering Spirit Division as well as Dairenji s.h.i.+dou's personal items.

Kurahas.h.i.+ simply made a business-like guarantee, then glanced at Amami who was sitting on the sofa. The Mystical Investigations Department Chief responded to the Agency chief's glance, nodding in agreement. Even though Suzuka didn't look uneasy, but she relaxed in her heart.

Her father once led a secret society known as the Twin-Horned Syndicate, composed of a group of onmyouji that blindly wors.h.i.+ped the father of modern onmyoudou, Tsuchimikado Yakou. Her father was the Imperial Household Agency Lingering Spirit Division Chief, consequently this division became a nest for the Twin-Horned Syndicate. The Twin-Horned Syndicate also engineered disaster leading to the Great Hinamatsuri Purification.

But it's precisely because the Lingering Spirit Division was that kind of organization, they had the ability carry out certain research that couldn't be performed in inst.i.tutions with public exposure. Especially the research pioneered by her father, he was probably was on a stage that no one has ever reached.

At the time of the spiritual terrorism attack, most of the materials from the Lingering Spirit Division was abandoned, but she heard that one portion of the materials was stored at the Mystical Investigations Department. Suzuka's area of expertise was 'Imperial Onmyoudou' that was the basis of the modern mainstream 'General Onmyoudou', furthermore, it also included many taboo elements.

"……I gave you permission, but you must be cautious."

Currently, the materials from the Lingering Spirit Division was managed by the Mystical Investigations Department, only a very select few have access to it. On hearing Amami's obviously nagging words, Suzuka just returned an icy glare.

But Amami ignored Suzuka's glare, and continued speaking.

"Otherwise, it's not just the Lingering Spirit Division's materials. After all from now on, you are also one of the 'Twelve Divine Generals', you must understand your position and always pay attention to your words and actions."

Rather than a lecture from a superior, what he said was more like advice from an experienced senpai. Amami as well as Kurahas.h.i.+ are both National First-Cla.s.s Onmyouji who pa.s.sed the 'First-Cla.s.s Onmyou Qualification'. In addition to talents within the organization, both individuals were top quality onmyouji.

Suzuka quietly grunted.

"……Ho. Therefore, can the silly t.i.tle 'Twelve Divine Generals' be called silly?"

"However seriously act within role of this 'silly' position, as it's the duty of professionals with 'authority', even if it's something an ignorant squirt would despise----Do you understand, newbie?"

Amami lectured in a mocking tone, making the Suzuka who felt impatient once again lift an eyebrow. He just wanted to see this reaction so he deliberately teased her. Even though she was fully aware of his intentions within her heart, she couldn't hold back. Suzuka couldn't help but lament her immaturity.

Since after the event caused by her father, Suzuka and Amami already met several times, but they were unable to get along together. It was probably because the old man's joking att.i.tude reminded Suzuka of her father and therefore he got on her nerves.

Originally, Suzuka didn't acknowledge any 'adults' other than her father.

"Now, the 'Twelve Divine Generals' isn't only for this industry, but it also has a certain status in the eyes of the public, to some extent like a celebrity. In this case, obediently use the knowledgeable advice given by the 'adults'."

"The devil knows……it's fine as long as it's not bulls.h.i.+t from the old nutcase."

"Haha. You really are a foul mouthed squirt, anyways, you'll understand immediately, because the people around you will treat you differently, it's going to be troublesome if you have any misunderstandings……it's even better if you muster up some self-respect."

"Self-respect?"

"Oh. Self-respect induced by others is only harmful, only self-respect cultivated by yourself can become a strength in the future. This is called 'PRIDE'."

"……"

Suzuka's subconscious mind was filled with thoughts of mockery.

Being a partially altered human being, it's not possible to have the thing called 'PRIDE'. Earlier in her life, Suzuka was always used by adults according to their wishes, and now to be instructed by an adult to muster self-respect, it was completely incomprehensible to her.

But, then she thought.

……No, she rejected her thoughts from earlier.

There was one more thing. Suzuka's real purpose. If she can accomplish this thing, then this time she can make herself proud.

Suzuka decided to offer up her life for that purpose.

This is Suzuka's 'PRIDE'.

"……I will remember that."

Suzuka replied coldly.

◎

This room was the last remaining 'hideout'.

It was a room in an old-fas.h.i.+oned apartment. After her father died, the lab and residence, needless to say, every location a.s.sociated with her father was searched by the Magical Investigation Department. This apartment room didn't belong to her father, rather it was a room rented by Suzuka herself through illegal means, which is why it was able to escape unseized. Originally the room was prepared by her to escape her father's attention, now as a result, it became her lifeline.

Suzuka stayed in the middle of the room, examining the room's interior.

A single enormous metal box that was disproportionally large for the narrow room was in front of her.

It was a commercial freezer.

The entire surface was covered by paper strips with writing, it appeared very strange. In an ignorant person's eyes, the indescribable ominous feeling was certain to scare their mouth shut. That kind of premonition was correct because this freezer was a 'coffin'.

Other than a few personal effects, the freezer was the only other thing in the room. The humming sound of the motor stirred up an eddy near the girl's feet.

At this time, a soft sneeze came from near her feet.

"……This room is covered in dust. At least clean it occasionally."

Upon hearing the tiny protest, she stuck out her tongue in indignity.

"Smarta.s.s. If you don't like it, then you get can back in the cage."

"You certainly haven't experienced it, staying in there is extremely uncomfortable."

"Then wouldn't it be fine if you just obediently stayed home."

"Didn't you bring me without permission?"

"……You really are a smarta.s.s. If you are only going to complain, then shut up."

Suzuka, furrowing her eyebrows, savagely stamped the tip of her feet down, and soon after, a sound like a sign came from near her feet.

There was a black cat at Suzuka's feet.

Although it couldn't be considered a kitten, but its body still hasn't fully grown. After all 'he' couldn't continue growing, he was the same size the first time they met.

He was a s.h.i.+kigami, in fact he was a special s.h.i.+kigami born from her father's experiments, possessing a cat's body.

His name was Sohaya.

Originally this s.h.i.+kigami was already destroyed……but because of some reason after her father's death, he was still able to exist like this.

"……After this? Do we have to move our home?"

"Not now. But soon."

"Oh it's like that, I feel slightly reluctant to move."

"Are you kidding. There's no reason to want to stay in this broken place."

"You're trying to act brave again……"

"What? Hey, Sohaya. Do you think I'm like you?"

Suzuka unhappily tilted her head down to look at Sohaya.

"I already got my qualification, from now on, I'm also a professional, I don't need to worry about the views of other people, I can be free, and live a conformable life.

"Being a professional, that doesn't mean you have become an adult."

"That's obvious cat, please don't speak in such a manner as an experienced man of the world. We are not the same, I'm growing daily."

After hearing Suzuka's reply, the cat shook his whiskers.

"I can't see any changes in you."

"……"

Sohaya's words made Suzuka look at the freezer in front of her.

The surface of the freezer door was like a mirror, with an uncountable number of paper talismans made by herself that were stuck on top, and between the gaps vaguely reflected her own unhappy figure. Her outer appearance had personality, but the details were unclear, only a skinny set of limbs and neck and a thin delicate body were reflected back into her eye.

If it were Kurahas.h.i.+ and Amami, even if they cannot clearly see the details, it wouldn't hurt a bit of their tough impressions, and unlike her, their reflections will still s.h.i.+ne brightly through.

Suzuka already became a National First-Cla.s.s onmyouji like them, not because she was her father's test subject nor by accident. I will be brave! Suzuka mentally cheered herself on.

"……There's no change? That's because your eyes are broken. Becoming a professional onmyouji isn't achieved by wishful thinking. Don't put me in the same category as those office workers."

"I'm not clear on what exactly you mean by 'office workers'."

"That's why you're just a cat……In short, don't think of me as an ordinary person. What's more, I'm not an ordinary professional, but a National First-Cla.s.s onmyouji ~one of the 'Twelve Divine Generals'~ ah, yup. From now on, you're not allowed to casually address me, add 'adult' after my name. Call me 'Ms. Suzuka'."

"Wah? I won't."

"You're not allowed to say no. You should know who raised you. Your owner's orders are absolute!"

Seeing his owner reveal a self-satisfied smile, Sohaya stubbornly wagged his tail.

"Speaking of which, are the 'Twelve Divine Generals' really so great?"

"Tha-that's ridiculous! The 'First-Cla.s.s Onmyou Qualification' was a super hard exam. I think there's only a dozen people in the country. There's the status in society, just like a celebrity."

"Oh it's like that. I always felt that this kind of t.i.tle sounded childish."

"Ha? That's why you're a child. Seriously playing this kind of role is the responsibility of a professional. Really, you still don't understand anything."

"Uh."

Yet Sohaya made an appearance of incomprehension, Suzuka glared at him like a bully.

Suddenly at this moment, an electronic buzzer sounded.

"Wha! Ah?"

Suzuka suddenly put on a sorry figure, Sohaya not knowing what is happening, raised his head. Suzuka, with her eyes wide open, scanned her surroundings in a panicked hurry.

"Ah? Is it an alarm? Ah?"

"……Suzuka. It's possible that's from your cellphone."

"Oh! Right……!"

Suzuka found her bag in a hurry, the long unanswered cell rang and vibrated at the same time.

Suzuka had the cell for a few months, at first she would play games, but now she was only in the habit of charging the battery and carrying it with her.

"Congratulation, this is the first time you answered the phone."

"An-annoying! It-it's just that I didn't have anyone that I wanted to call! It was too much trouble! Spe-speaking of which, I didn't give my cell number to anyone, why is someone calling me?"

Suzuka clutched her cell with both hands, staring at the unfamiliar number on the screen, after all, only the numbers for her apartment and the front desk for the Onmyou Agency were entered into her phone.

"……You're not going to answer?"

"An-answer!"

Suzuka's nervousness made her face stiffen, she fearfully pressed the answer b.u.t.ton in a tremble.

Then.

[----Hey, Dairenji. This is Amami. Do you have a moment?]

After hearing the sound from her cell, Suzuka suddenly lost strength in her body.

"……In the end, it was you."

[Ah? What happened? Are you not feeling well?]

"No……Speaking of which, why do you have my cell number!"

[Hey, hey, isn't your phone issued by the Onmyou Agency? It should be expected that I know your number.]

"Ha? This is a violation of my privacy!"

[What are you talking about privacy, this in fact is for business communications. Basically, you have yet to become an adult, its normal to have incidental situations.]

"Wh-what are you saying? I already a professional."

[Yeah, it doesn't matter if you're a professional or not, minors may not sign cell phone contracts.]

"Contract?"

[Ah, you don't even know about that. As expected you're a person who sequestered herself with nothing but onmyoudou----Simply, it's not necessary for you to worry, we won't monitor your phone calls.]

"Thi-this is obvious!"

Monitoring and what not were not empty words, but the fact that she never called anyone was discovered made Suzuka feel even more wronged. Suzuka made a firm resolution, from now on she won't use this cell phone and she will find another to use.

"Anything else? Is there a problem?"

[It's merely a call about work.]

"You're saying work?......Didn't I already report my research?"

[It's other work.]

"Ha?......Hey, what's going on. About my research, isn't it all up to my decisions?"

[But you also can't refuse other work just because of this. After all, you are already public official and must obey orders from within the government.]

"……"

Suzuka forcefully clenched the cell, tightly biting her lip. It seemed like Amami saw Suzuka's appearance from the other end of the phone, saying [well, don't be angry like this] with a smile.

"The work this time is unrelated to your research. In a nutsh.e.l.l, it's just odd jobs for those with the rank of National First-Cla.s.s Onmyouji.]

"Odd jobs? Why are these trivial matters intentionally pa.s.sed to me……"

[There's nothing serious. Furthermore, it's the first time you working as one of the 'Twelve Divine Generals', do you want to push it onto someone else?]

The half tease and half provocation made Suzuka angrily twist the corner of her mouth. Then at last afterwards she suddenly noticed someone looking at her.

It was Sohaya, he squatted on the floor, intently staring at Suzuka and unable to take his eyes off her. Suzuka recalled their conversation from before, immediately straightening her posture.

"……Huh. You're kidding when you said to let someone else do it. Well, using work other than my research to bother me indeed cannot raise my enthusiasm. But after all, I am one of the 'Twelve Divine Generals', one in a position that must accept, two jobs and whatever, I have to attend to them too. Being a celebrity is too troublesome."

Suzuka deliberately laughed, shaking her head with no alternatives. Then over the phone [So it's like this] responded Amami.

[Then in this case it's going to be simple. I have one request for you please. A filming is arranged for the afternoon of the day after tomorrow, please come over at that time.]

"……Nh? Filming?"

[Ah, don't worry, I will properly prepare the script.]

"Script……What's going on?"

[Well, I will be present on that day, we will discusses the details of the affair later at that time. ……Ah, please don't wear the kind of eccentric clothing you usually wear, okay? Something a bit more mature……Ah, ya. We should prepare some outfits too. Goodbye.]

"Hey, hey……"

The call was already ended.

Suzuka stared at the cell with a frown.

Sohaya tilted his head,

"What's the matter?"

"……The devil knows."

The one known as history's youngest member of the 'Twelve Divine Generals', was on the verge of becoming the spokeswomen for the Onmyou Agency.

The talented and beautiful young onmyouji girl, the 'Prodigy', was born two days later.

 

"Ar-ar-are you kidding!"

After Suzuka drank half of a bottle of cola in one gulp, slamming the bottle on the table, glared at Amami who had sat beside her. Amami, resting his elbows on the counter and holding a mug of draft beer in one hand, maintained a smile from the beginning to the end.

This was the pub Amami frequented, currently both of them were seated by the bar. A week pa.s.sed since Suzuka's impressive 'debut', Amami proposed a celebration and brought Suzuka here.

Even though bringing an underage person to a pub really couldn't be considered as a celebration, but Amami said "Don't speak of nonsense, 'adults' must celebrate in in pub or a strip club" as grounds to forcefully persuade her. The pitiful Suzuka couldn't distinguish between fact and fiction while relying on her own life's experience.

"Why was I willingly tormented in public! Also, what's going on with that kind of program! I felt just like an idiotic idol the entire time!"

Suzuka, tightly gripping the cup handle, was br.i.m.m.i.n.g with angry complaints.

Suzuka's 'first job' she was commissioned to do was television interview. Furthermore, the program was just like a special episode for an 'idol', for a very pretty genius onmyouji girl who pa.s.sed the most difficult exam, the 'First-Cla.s.s Onmyou Qualification' at a very young age. Consequently, even though it was regarded as an interview, all the questions and answers were already prepared in advance, even the etiquette and the acting were guided.

Suzuka was frequently required to keep smiling, act cute, not only showing innocence and purity but also to maintain basic courtesy.

This was the opposite of Suzuka's normal 'preferences'. Incidentally there was an issue, although she already changed back into her usual Gothic Lolita outfit, but during today's 'filming session', she was 'forced to wear' a white smock with ribbons under a western style jacket and as well as a pleated skirt, just like a school uniform of an affluent girl's school. Suzuka simply couldn't bear her disgust when she watched the recording.

"[I wish to become an outstanding onmyouji~] what! [My superiors, senpais and I will work hard together~]! I'm feel sickened by what I said. And then there's that incredibly stupid smile, and making those gestures of flattery……"

"Well to be honest, I believe that suits you wonderfully."

"On the contrary, I feel humiliated!"

"But recently, weren't you pretty enthusiastic?"

"You're kidding!"

Amami ignored Suzuka in the corner of his eye, leisurely drinking his draft beer.

Then, he shamelessly said.

"I wasn't kidding. We are very serious."

"Do you know, Suzuka. To the general public, onmyoujis are a group of completely obscure archaic people. The image of the spokesperson----Maybe the phrase cannot be used. A long time ago there were suggestions that methods different from spiritual disaster purification must be used, to promote the onmyoujis' public image towards a more amicable direction. Right at this junction, a brilliant young pretty onmyouji girl……that is you, appeared."

"If it's an onmyouji girl, there should be others besides me."

"Everyone else is busy."

"It's not like I'm also idly free from work!"

"Novelty is also important. Actually you're not just an ordinary newcomer, but also the selling point of the youngest member of the 'Twelve Divine Generals'. ……Well, honestly, because you're a 'minor', there are both supporters and opponents within the government. Solely based on results, it's extremely good. Do you know? An unofficial fan club was established for you."

"The devil knows, that kind of stuff! I absolutely don't care!"

Regardless, Suzuka finally acc.u.mulated too many depressing feelings, after finis.h.i.+ng her rant she took the opportunity to finish her cola and forcefully belched. Amami showing the proper expression of an older person laughed, asking for another bottle on her behalf.

"Say, even if we went back one hundred steps, wasn't that script that terrible? Are you slow? Who wrote it?"

"People responsible for public relations ----"

"Are those involved in public relations idiots?"

"They wrote it under my directions."

"So the stupid idea was yours!"

"But wasn't the response great?"

"Don't tell me that anything is permissible if the response is great? Besides, wouldn't only an idiot call that great? People who are impressed by images of onmyouji of that kind aren't great people."

"No, no. Aren't underestimating yourself too much? Everyone is complimenting you, that you're 'cute, cute'."

"You……!"

While Suzuka struggled to think of something to insult him, Amami was relaxed and readied for the confrontation. The old man maintained awfully scary grin.

But what Suzuka felt was unexpected was that chatting with Amami was very 'close and friendly'.

This is the first time she spoke with Amami this way. Even though she harboured dissatisfaction towards her first job, but after everything it served for her to relax. Suzuka definitely wasn't a timid person----however she was fairly shy. And when facing Amami, it was extremely inconceivably for her to casually converse.

"In short."

Amami, using chopsticks to pick-up the appetizer from the dish, returned to their earlier conversation.

"Just a moment ago, I also mentioned that the reaction of the ma.s.ses was positive beyond expectations, at the current stage, the use of the media is not a bad idea. Well, there are still people looking critically at the matters managed by the Onmyou Agency, but the Onmyou Agency----or perhaps the image of all onmyouji was improved as a result, in this respect, you made an outstanding contribution. Although the official debut is in the future……you already exceeded our expectations."

After he finished speaking, Amami gave Suzuka a side glance, pursing his mouth into a smile.

"The public relations personnel are extremely grateful towards you, and of course, I as well."

"……"

Suzuka stared at Amami, not knowing what to say.

To Suzuka, the expression of 'thank you' given by Amami was an unforeseen event. Being 'thanked' and what not by others, that never occurred in her previous life. Furthermore, it was from people she never met.

"……What is going on."

"Ah? You shouldn't be too surprised. To those guys, you're a saviour, however wors.h.i.+pping is not enough."

"Dairenji, this is a task only you can accomplish. I understand you feel discontented and I know that this is a troublesome matter, but for now your a.s.sistance is required, please."

By chance, a second gla.s.s of cola was delivered at this time, Amami pushed the gla.s.s towards Suzuka then clinked it with his beer.

"To the beautiful onmyouji girl genius, the 'Prodigy', cheers."

"……"

The 'Twelve Divine Generals' was an unofficial t.i.tle, rather it was a common term used by the media, moreover, most people also use a different but a.n.a.logous nickname. This time, the nickname given by the media for the newest member of the 'Twelve Divine Generals', Suzuka, is the 'Prodigy'.

G.o.d's children.

Suddenly, a previously conversation from Sohaya popped into her mind.

"Even so."

"……What?"

"For t.i.tles like 'Genius' as well as 'beautiful lady', it's not necessary for you to be modest."

"I don't need you to tell me, it's all facts."

"Haha. This is exactly the advantage of selecting you."

As Amami cheerfully smiled, the dishes that were ordered were served, chicken nuggets and fries, mushroom omelets and sausages, all favorite dishes of children. Undoubtedly, Amami was being considerate. For now the two started to eat.

Not a moment later, Amami's beer was swapped for sake.

"Hey……Dairenji, regarding your 'work', there is still a one issue that must be handled with care."

Amami was deliberately being vague, while his mouth was stuffed full of nuggets Suzuka impolitely urged him to speak.

Amami poured the lukewarm alcohol into his cup.

"It's an issue related your father."

"……"

The expression on Suzuka's face vanished as she silently chewed on the nugget in her mouth. Amami looked from his cup of alcohol towards Suzuka, faintly smiling in the corner of his mouth.

"Well what, you're already aware of it."

"……Ah. Your reminder is very late."

"Sorry."

Amami forced a smile to apologize. Suzuka grunted, extending her chopsticks towards the sausage undisturbed.

This was only a calm on the surface as Suzuka bravely hid her expression, but to an insightful individual like Amami, he may have discerned it already.

"The fact that you are the daughter of Dairenji s.h.i.+dou is already publically released. This point wasn't publicized emphasized, it was merely a part of your personal profile. So far the media haven't attacked this aspect is because of our control in advance."

"……So that's why that aspect of my 'life' practically wasn't touched in my special episode."

The spiritual disaster terrorism attack, the 'Great Hinamatsuri Purification', that happened at the beginning of spring was a major incident in society. The news continuously covered it heavily for a time, the circ.u.mstances of the event----although wasn't complete----was consequently published. The list of publicized suspects included Dairenji s.h.i.+dou's name.

The issue that Suzuka is the daughter of Dairenji s.h.i.+dou, even if kept secret by the Onmyou Agency, would be immediately discovered by a media investigation. Therefore currently the Onmyou Agency did not hide his and Suzuka's relations.h.i.+p.

At the present, the relations.h.i.+p of the two still wasn't widely publicized, one aspect was because the Onmyou Agency had smoothly began an information-gathering operation. Another more important reason was because Suzuka who had never received attention beforehand, suddenly 'debuted' now.

But the future was very different.

"In the next interview, they will sneak in question about your father. The answer is already prepared, just do what you did before------but answer a little more seriously. The contents of the scripted answer has nothing substantive, the important thing is that you must use this opportunity to explain about your father frankly."

Now that Suzuka had experienced the focus of attention, her life as well as her father were all news worthy. Suzuka must personally tell her story before the tabloids get excited and come to interview.

"The strategy is once when you are asked about it, just use the approach 'it's just happened like this' to escape and not talk about it afterwards. In this regard, the fact that you're a 'minor' becomes a protective s.h.i.+eld. If the serious magazines show consideration for minors, even if something occurred, the Onmyou Agency will also protect when the time comes, please believe me."

"……Am I to believe in the Onmyou Agency?"

"No, to believe in me, Amami Daizen."

Amami, holding the gla.s.s towards Suzuka, fearlessly smiled. Shouldn't his manner be admired, people hearing words of sort can't help but feel the confidence to have the courage to ride in a large boat.

Suzuka gazed surprisingly at the old man, holding the cup of cola against the edge of her mouth.

"……I want to ask one question."

"What?"

"You said earlier, when I was chosen as the mascot, there were people who opposed it because I was a minor. Isn't it certain to include people who were opposed because I was a 'Dairenji' too?"

"……Ah."

Amami frankly answered affirmatively.

"However, there were also many people who chose you 'because it's exactly like this', I personally was one of them."

"Why?"

"Ah. ……Well, now I can also truthfully share that, regarding Dairenji s.h.i.+dou's daughter joining the 'Twelve Divine Generals', the uproar caused within this line of business was greater than that of in society. There was some unrest in the agency. You already obtained your qualifications half a month ago, you should have somewhat sensed the atmosphere around this aspect."

"……"

Suzuka speechlessly gnawed on her fries.

The facts are exactly this. Wariness, hostility, envy, jealousy and also fear. All the employees of the Onmyou Agency had complex views of the 'Professor' Dairenji s.h.i.+dou's daughter. Moreover, the reason why Suzuka pa.s.sed the 'First-Cla.s.s Onmyou Qualification' at a young age, the most important reason----the fact that she was her father's test subject was to some extent used as a form of rumour that was spread around. Some were compa.s.sionate, some pitied, and of course there were others who viewed it as ridiculous.

However, they all held Suzuka at a distance. Merely being curious, watching the action from afar. Suzuka thought that her job was a 'sideshow', but in reality it was not just limited to her job. Her livelihood as well as her entire live was a 'drama' in the eyes of those around her and was it impossible to change despite Suzuka's efforts.

"Of course, all those noisy guys don't know what kind of person you are. Conversely, they are noisy because they do not understand you. Your image strategy is not only for 'outsiders' but also for 'insiders'."

The 'Great Hinamatsuri Purification' had shocked the world tremendously, but nowadays only the magic community still suffered its influence. An incident perpetrated by fellow 'Onmyouji' made the majority of onmyouji all unable to conceal the anxiety in their hearts. Compared to ordinary people, the 'Great Hinamatsuri Purification' was to say even more terrible to onmyouji.

Even if the ma.s.ses seldom discussed magic, but via the dissemination through the magic world, the entire world knew that the National First-Cla.s.s Onmyouji Dairenji s.h.i.+dou was at centre of the event at that time. Like him, his daughter joined the 'Twelve Divine Generals', many onmyouji felt they cannot accept this, also there are people who harboured groundless fears.

The image strategy prepared by Amami was also for the elimination of these negative feelings.

"In short the plan is just to show that kind of foolish appearance and quickly eliminate the influence of your father's incident on you. How was it? Was the script well written?"

"Y-you really are an idiot."

"Didn't I already say, carefully acting like a fool is a professional responsibility. Regardless of what the real fools say, it's good enough as long as you calmly handle the past"

Amami said with a smile.

Not knowing if Amami was being sincere, like a frank and straight forward talk, within his words were also embedded with many small concerns.

The only certainty is that the 'distance' between Amami and Suzuka is much closer than with other people. He wasn't like the other kind of people who remained respectfully at a distance, rather he left Suzuka extra personal s.p.a.ce, gradually getting close to Suzuka. Of course, sometimes it also felt sort very 'tiring', but it maybe that always teasing Suzuka was a part Amami's calculations.

"……You, why……"

"Ah?"

"……Nothing."

After Suzuka sulky replied with one word, she ordered another cola herself.

Amami was the boss of the Magical Crime Investigation Department, that is the person in charge of investigating her father's crime.

Her father was the main culprit that caused a major incident that destabilized the magic world. Is it possible that he felt some sort of responsibility towards me?

"……So troublesome."

"What?"

"Everything."

Pretending to be an idol was very troublesome, the views of other people were very troublesome, responding to the attentions of other people was very troublesome and being involved in her own affairs was also very troublesome.

The final conclusion was that living was very troublesome. Very troublesome, very troublesome, and as long as she thought seriously, then even breathing would become suffering. Everything became this troublesome all because she was an 'unnatural' person.

But she still must continue living.

Living on for a time, until she completes her life's legacy.

"……"

Suzuka tightly sealed her mouth, Amami also silently gazed at her.

Suddenly not long after,

"Do you regret it?"

"Ah?"

"Do you regret become a National First-Cla.s.s Onmyouji?"

"……Nope."

Suzuka had no regrets. Having the position as a National First-Cla.s.s onmyouji was necessary step in order to accomplish her goal. It's not a question of regret or no regret because it's only for this reason that she obtained this qualification.

But ever since becoming one of the 'Twelve Divine Generals', Suzuka apparently understood herself more clearly than before. From an objective perspective, actually how unique was 'Dairenji Suzuka's' existence, these facts she didn't want to understand kept coming back to her mind.

There is also 'Dairenji s.h.i.+dou's' shadow often looming behind 'Dairenji Suzuka'.

"……Hey Dairenji. Even if there is any particular reasons, you capability to obtain 'a kind of' strength is real. ……Haven't I mentioned before? The 'PRIDE' cultivated by personally yourself will eventually one day become your own power."

"……You've mentioned it, the words of a drunkard are worse."

"Oh, especially drunk seniors."

Hearing Suzuka's mockery, Amami lifted his arm to tilt the alcohol flagon while smiling. On the other hand, Suzuka repeatedly pondered on Amami's words in her heart.

Her strength is real.

But the problem is can these strengths be used.

"Hey, I have a request."

"Oh, that's really rare. Even if it's a little scary, I can nevertheless listen for a moment."

"Have a compet.i.tion with me, okay?"

"What are you saying?"

This request was contrary to his expectations. Even Amami open his eyes wide.

"……A compet.i.tion using magic?"

"Is there any other way."

Seeing Suzuka's expression was enough to know that she is serious. Amami 'gave up' with a bitter face.

"Magic combat is not your specialty."

"Don't fool me. I can also do a few things. It seems to me, if it were the level of your mystical investigator underlings, I won't lose to several of them."

"Ah……Then I want to think of a suitable opponent for you, then……"

"If it's a suitable opponent, then it's pointless."

Suzuka sounded serious.

Amami's expression became more and more ugly, not knowing what to say.

"Dairenji, even if I explain now, you probably won't agree. Exceptionally cunning magic, that is a magician's power, victory decided is not decided by magic combat. I'm not wanting to deny the importance of magic combat, but that is only a portion of the value of magic. The true value of the onmyouji is elsewhere."

"Even if you tell me face to face, I still can't agree."

"Really."

The habitual smile finally vanished from Amami's face. Suzuka got to slightly vent her anger gloomily, continued to plead "please".

"I haven't truly met the other 'Twelve Divine Generals'. You said to let me stand by myself, in that case I desire to be able to personally experience my own power. If you absolutely not willing, then it's fine to send another member of the 'Twelve Divine Generals'."

After her father's death, Suzuka already personally met the Mystical Investigators who came to investigate her father's workplace and consequently she was had the confidence to be able to 'defeat those guys'.

But Amami and the other 'Twelve Divine Generals' are different. Suzuka once saw a scene of the 'Twelve Divine Generals' conducting a cleansing a spiritual disaster during a TV broadcast. But her father once said, onmyouji are truly terrifying, only during a face to face confrontation can this be felt.

Suzuka must know the strength of the 'Twelve Divine Generals'.

Suzuka firmly stared at Amami's profile.

Amami, seeing the girl's eyes filled with determining, signed 'jeez' and was silent for some time.

"……Alright. I will arrange it, you need just wait a little."

Suzuka broke into a smile, nodding her head.

 

"I'm back, Ah, it's cold! Ah, that really makes people angry!"

After entering the room and closing the door, Suzuka immediately began yelling.

After pulling her feet out her boots and entering the living room, "ah, it makes me angry, ah, I'm in a bad mood!" she incessantly complained while frowning.

Sohaya curling up on the sofa indifferently said "welcome home".

"Were you teased at work again?"

"Who are you saying was teased? Being surrounded by a group of idiots, the pressure was too much! This guy is great, that guy is whatever, they're all useless people. Ignorant, stupid, tasteless! How are those unintelligent creatures still alive!"

"Huh----"

Sohaya's responded with an uh huh, after all things were like this for several days, he showed this uninterested att.i.tude because he had no alternatives and still had to answer.

Suzuka and Sohaya lived in a neat 2LDK[1] apartment, moving here since she began working at the Onmyou Agency.

Suzuka former residence was now already under the jurisdiction of the Onmyou Agency. Of course she could live there too, but the commute to the Onmyou Agency was inconvenient. The most important factor was that Suzuka didn't have happy memories there, therefore she desired to leave quickly.

Suzuka was still a minor, originally she should have lived in a dormitory provided to employees, but because she felt depressed in the building filled with workers, she used this pretext to rent an apartment. Most of the reason for being able to be offered this kind of leeway was because Suzuka was a National First-Cla.s.s Onmyouji, having even the ear of the upper cla.s.s.

Another important reason was that Suzuka had started her activities as the spokesperson for the Onmyou Agency. On this standpoint, it was also to avoid extra ha.s.sle was she able to comparatively easily obtain permission, moving into a safe and secure apartment. This game of being an idol also had an unexpected benefit.

However, this apartment was still not enough to counteract Suzuka's tiredness from work.

'Speaking of which, that old man called Amami was the biggest offender! It's all because of that old fiend. I was told to maintain my idol image the entire time while working at the Onmyou Agency. Amami needs me to be sincere every day, being proper, even if the other person was an idiot I also need to be polite!"

"Ah, that is exhausting, really tough."

"Having to smile and entertain everyone almost made my face cramped!"

"It's enough if you are smiling more every day……however, your usual smile not only isn't cute, but instead it terrifies people."

"I don't want your opinion!"

Suzuka loudly raving, placing the plastic bag in her hand onto the table, turning on the TV, carelessly stripping of her coat and sat down on the sofa saying "ah, that's better".

Then she opened the plastic bag, placing the purchases she brought back onto the table, the bulk of it was snacks and bottled cola.

Sohaya shot a quick glance.

"Snacks from the convenience store again? It's not nutritious."

"Smarta.s.s. It doesn't matter if it's not nutritious, I don't plan on living for long."

"Sure you are saying that now, but you will regret that in the future."

"So I won't live to an age to regret it."

Suzuka opened the packaging of a snack and leaning her head on the chair, she looked towards the cat.

Suzuka had prepared a full dish of cat food before leaving home, originally it was intended to be enough food for an entire day but apparently the cat didn't eat any.

"Ah? Jeez. The words you said were all horrid, but you didn't eat anything yourself."

"I didn't have an appet.i.te."

"Huh? What's the matter."

"……"

Sohaya curled up his body, not answering. Suzuka frowned for a moment, then immediately 'looked' at Sohaya's state. Not through her eyes, but rather perceiving the aura.

Because they see each other every day, as a result it was hard to detect changes……His aura was quite weak. Of course, Suzuka already expected of this kind of situation, rather it should be said that he 'maintained' longer than expected……

Sohaya had curled up his body, almost closing his eyes that looked about to fall asleep, listless, but certainly not looking ill. After Suzuka silently 'looked' for a moment, she snorted.

"You, huh, being completely smug every day. Could it be that you are dissatisfied with the feed I bought?"

"I never said that, I really don't have an appet.i.te."

"That is not to say, you don't have appet.i.te towards this kind of cat food. Ah, really, I raised a troublesome cat.

"……"

"Can't do anything about it, Next time I will buy you some other kind of cat food."

"……Neh."

"Is there anything you want?"

"……Fried meatb.a.l.l.s."

"Huh? Can cats eat friend meatb.a.l.l.s?"

"Because I like the food, so I want to eat some."

Suzuka's face quivered.

"Okay, fried meat b.a.l.l.s, then I will buy some tomorrow."

However she tried to do her best to maintain her normal voice while responding, then after she began eating the snacks.

On the television, a group of unfamiliar people earnestly discussed an uninteresting topic. Suzuka reached for the remote, continuously changing the channel, until finally arriving back the first channel again, bored opening the next bag of snacks.

"……Did anything happen to you today?"

"……Nothing."

"It was really boring."

"You probably won't care if you're always hiding."

'I can open the window, you can go out if you want."

"It's cold."

"Huh? Cats can really relax. It's enough to only sleep day after day."

"……Of course."

"However, I'm not envious. If it were me, I would probably die of boredom."

"……Hmmm."

"Anyways, needing to face idiots the entire day is really dull. Honestly, I'm running out of patience. I applied for a personal laboratory, but I'm not sure if they can prepare one for me quickly enough.

"……Hmmm……"

"Ah, oh right. If I have a personal room, can I bring you with me? In any case, wherever you are, you're always simply sleeping."

"……I prefer staying here."

"Huh? Why?"

"The last time I went over to the Onmyou Agency building, everything inside was enchantments and magic……it's a little uncomfortable……"

"Also. I'm always getting the feeling that you are getting older and older."

"As a cat, I'm probably already very old."

"……What, probably……"

Suzuka opened a bag of cream desserts, devouring it all ravenously. She drank a gulp of cola, then roughly opened a box of chocolate.

At this time, the cell phone rang.

Suzuka suddenly stopped moving, even noisier laughs from the television came. The ringtone of the cell phone continuously rang mechanically.

"……Suzuka, you're not going to answer the phone?"

"I-I know! I was just scared."

Because no one calls, she was still not used to it. Suzuka fretfully------and also somewhat panicky------pulled the cell from her bag.

Since she never entered the other person's cell number, the screen only displayed the number. Regardless it's always Amami, Suzuka pressed the answer key.

"……What's going on?"

"Sorry it's a bit late, I've arranged that thing from before."

That thing from before? Just when she was about to ask, Suzuka finally remembered the 'celebration' with Amami from that time.

Suzuka unconsciously stood to attention.

"A magic compet.i.tion with one of the 'Twelve Divine Generals'……It was delayed unexpectedly until now. Two months have pa.s.sed since then!"

"Forgive me. At the time I spoke while drunk, however afterwards I spent quite a lot of time to do it. After all, everyone is overwhelmed with work……If you still feel that 'it was delayed until now', then we can forget about it."

"Don't joke, I definitely want to have a compet.i.tion."

"……Right."

Amami's sign came over the phone. Suzuka was the opposite, wiping away her disorganized att.i.tude from earlier, an earnest look appeared on her face.

"……Who?"

Hearing Suzuka's question, Amami signed again.

"The 'Heavenly Sword' Kogure Zenjirou. Your chance of victory is less than one in one thousand, it's only treated as an opportunity to guide you, is that alright?"

☆

"First time meeting you, Dairenji. I'm an Independent officer, Kogure Zenjirou."

From his external appearance this man made people feel that he was like a good-natured young person, however occasionally, his eyes showed a sharp insightful demeanor.

Wearing an aviator's jacket and jeans on this body, this kind of simple clothing suited him well. He was very tall, his limbs looked good, and his moderate exercise can be seen. Rather say than like a male athlete, he was more like a hardened 'front line' member.

Now spiritual disasters----spiritual disaster damage still occur in Tokyo, the ones who conduct the cleansing are a group known as onmyouji exorcists from Onmyou Agency Exorcism Bureau, they could be called the stars of the modern onmyouji. In fact officers who qualify through the 'First-Cla.s.s Onmyou Qualification' do not need to join exorcism units, rather they obtain for themselves----the permission for 'independent' exorcism.

Currently there are only five independent exorcists,

This place is a training room inside the Exorcism Bureau, here enchantments covered the room to strengthen it, and it was used by exorcists for training.

Kogure candidly waved, Suzuka also 'meeting him for the first time' lightly nodded at him, then intently scrutinized her opponent.

Among the independent exorcists, Kogure was considered one of their young and promising trump cards, Suzuka saw his figure on the television several times in the past. Humbling thought that in her opinion, based on reputation, his selling points as a representative could be on par with Suzuka's.

Just like Suzuka's 'Prodigy', Kogure also has a nicknamed called the 'Heavenly Sword', referring to his katana sheathed at his waist. The name of sword was 'Second Norimune', also called the 'Demon Sword'. This sword was guarded by the Chief of the Eight Tengus, Tarobo of Atago----that is a divine sword. Kogure, wielding this sword, cleansed many spiritual disasters.

"I saw you several times on television programs before, I'm very honoured to meet you today. To be honest, there is still a great difference between the you on television and the you in person, indeed the 'Prodigy'.

Kogure showed smiled as he spoke.

He obviously heard rumours about Suzuka, it was impossible to be unaware of the affair with Suzuka's father. But Kogure did not mention this, rather than acting, it was more like due to his personality. His una.s.suming att.i.tude made people feel Kogure's 'self-confidence', as well as the strength supported by his confidence. However he wasn't arrogant as a consequence, even when facing Suzuka who was a minor he did not treat her as a child playing tricks, rather he treated her as an onmyouji.

This is what they called a hero, with a style of temperament that the peculiar Suzuka not good at responding.

Following Suzuka's request, no one else was allowed to enter the training room. Right now there is only the three people, Suzuka, Kogure and as well as Amami who was observing.

Suzuka shot a quick glance at Amami who sat at a distance, not like an idol's glance, but rather in her normal manner. Amami realized what Suzuka wished to say, shrugging his shoulders as if to express as you will. After Suzuka confirmed Amami's att.i.tude, she faced Kogure once again.

"----I'm sorry I've always a.s.sumed this boring idiotic manner, because for now this is my 'job', it's best if you can understand this."

Kogure was less rattled than expected, he raised an eyebrow, sending Amami an inquisitive look. Amami wearisomely smiled after seeing that, then looked towards Suzuka again.

'……Well, I can understand. It appears that you are working hard.

"This is the fate of public officials."

"Ah haha, nothing can be done. Even though we are touted as the 'Twelve Divine Generals', but we are still a group of civil servants."

Kogure spoke and smiled simultaneously, appearing to be a really good guy. However Suzuka remembered today's purpose, this instead made her feel uneasy in her heart.

"Thank you for agreeing to be unreasonable request. But, it's pointless to have a compet.i.tion if you don't put forth your real abilities.

"You don't want me to hold back?"

"Yes."

"I can't do that."

"Why"

Suzuka who was immediately rejected couldn't help but widen her eyes.

On the other hand, Kogure remained very calm.

"It's a fact, if I used my real abilities, it's very likely that you will be injured, or even kill you."

"……Oh? Seeing that you are so polite, your words are surprising to me."

Suzuka glared at Kogure, but Kogure retained his completely amicable appearance without a change. So it turns out, this kind of non-offending style was perhaps his real character, but instead this way was difficult to deal with.

"Apparently I'm being considerably looked down upon. Is it because I'm still a minor, and also a newcomer? Or is it that I work in a research position? No one has seen my skills in magic combat yet, where does your confidence come from?"

"……Dairenji. In order to become a talented exorcist you have be able to judge the threat of a spiritual disaster just by sight. Even if the opponent was an onmyouji instead of a spiritual disaster, the difference can be determined thought the body's feeling. ……Of course, there are poisonous and unimaginably bad people that you can't really tell."

From Kogure's perspective, 'clearly seeing' the power of the magical force----seeing oni was the most basic ability. As a magician only after you feel and realize the spiritual influence, only then can you capture the magical power. This was the most basic fundamentals, but because it is like this, the power to see oni became the most determining factor in the level of magic.

"……So in other words, you think I'm not a threat, and that this magic compet.i.tion is merely a casual entertainment."

"This is a mock battle. Isn't your purpose is to know the strength of the other 'Twelve Divine Generals? Don't worry you, I can satisfy you, and I can make you understand."

Kogure smiled as he spoke.

His superior att.i.tude might be a fact, but it can only be maintained until I overturn this fact.

"……OK. I will bring out my real abilities, you must be careful not to be injured."

"I will be careful."

After hearing Kogure's reply, Suzuka grunted, turning away distancing herself. Kogure also stepped back.

Amami very impatiently stood up from his chair.

"Ah……It's almost time to get started. I will shout start, the next signal is finish, both of you must be careful to not be injured."

Amami glanced at the pair's readiness, then said "Start".

Suzuka immediately filled her body with aura.

But Kogure's speed was even faster.

Previously the tranquil aura was transformed in a flash, not because they blindly gave off magical power, rather the spiritual pressure was strengthened in one breath.

"……!"

Suzuka unconsciously felt fearful, originally believing that he had already brought forth all his power, but he was only simply entering a battle stance just a moment ago.

"……Very good."

Suzuka's goal was the 'see clearly' the strength of a National First-Cla.s.s Onmyouji. If Kogure allows me the first move, that allows me to test as I like.

"Water burst forth, order!"

The purified aura turned into magical power, after pouring it into the magic technique she released a magic talisman. What was released was a water-element talisman, producing magic water, which became a violent wave charging into Kogure. Just only 'seeing' this single act of magic is enough to understand that Suzuka's strength already far exceeded ordinary onmyouji. Kogure showed a look of admiration.

But.

"Amitābha"

The moment Kogure recited this phrase, Suzuka's flood of water splashed violently, then disappeared.

This was a seed syllable, to defeat worries in the heart, repel external enemies, a mantra representing Yamantaka. The magical technique was very simple in it of itself, but Kogure's seed syllable easily countered Suzuka's magical talisman.

However, that last moment was just merely the beginning. Suzuka immediately prepared the next technique, this time she quickly threw out three identical water-element charms.

"Water surge forth, order!"

The three magic talismans fluttered in the air, generating three water currents, attacking Kogure from three sides. Using three magic talismans simultaneously, none of them was inferior in power to the first one.

Subsequently, the three water currents mutually a.s.sisting each other seemed to change the direction of their flow, swirling up into a whirlpool to launch an attack. This time other than having the same brute force as before, the arrangement of the magical technique was quickly modified.