Omniscient POV
Later that day, the afternoon sun hung low as Tobio and his companions rushed toward a multi-tenant building, following Natsume's lead. The destination was a mere fifteen-minute walk from the station, where they would establish contact as directed by the 'Governor General, Azazel.'
Upon entering the building, they found that the elevator was broken, so they climbed the stairs to the fourth floor, where a dim light emanated from a door.
Natsume turned the doorknob, and the door creaked open to reveal a classroom-like room filled with long desks and an enormous screen. Black curtains obscured the windows, leaving the space shrouded in darkness except for the overhead light.
A male voice suddenly filled the room through a speaker. "Hello, ladies and gentlemen, former second-year students at Ryoukuu High School."
Samejima exchanged glances at the mention of their school, while Tobio and Natsume remained calm, recognizing the voice.
"It seems we've gathered as promised. What information do you have for us?" Natsume asked.
"First, let me introduce myself again. We seem to have someone who was too rushed to wait for even a day... I am the leader of 'Grigori,' an organization that studies supernatural abilities like Sacred Gears. We also safeguard those who possess them, including the residents of your current hideout," the voice explained.
Kouki seemed somewhat offended, but he did nothing except click his tongue. The mention of "Grigori" sparked a memory from the Bible. He turned to the speaker and said, "I have many questions, and I want answers."
"While I can't disclose everything, it's good to see you're ready to take the next step," the Governor General replied.
His curiosity peaked as he continued, "We understand we have Sacred Gears—powers that seem unimaginable. The agency that attacked us aimed for those, didn't they?"
"Indeed," the voice confirmed. "But first, I must explain the plot behind those who attack you. There are numerous groups that have battled evil spirits for centuries. These include Onmyoudou and other forms of magic, which are very different from the witchcraft practiced by Lavinia."
"So, we're mixed up in this war?" Tobio's heart raced as uncertainty gripped him.
"Yes," the Governor General continued.
"From among these practitioners, five powerful families are known as 'The Five Principal Clans'—Doumon, Kushihashi, Shinra, Himejima, and Nakiri. They protect this country from the shadows, yet those on the fringes of these clans are the ones targeting you."
Tobio and Natsume also listened intently to the new information. Until now, they had heard nothing about the Five Principal Clans.
Azazel went on to explain the Four Divine Beasts and how many of the unblessed clan members from these clans had faced discrimination and excommunication. Fueled by their grievances, they sought revenge and aimed to destroy those who had wronged them.
Samejima, slouched in his chair, chimed in, "That guy who attacked us called himself Doumon."
"Yes," the Governor General affirmed. "They seek the owners of the 'Four Fiends,' evil spirits that are among the most potent Sacred Gears. Minagawa Natsume and Samejima Kouki, it seems you possess them."
Kouki's gaze shifted to Jin at his feet, realizing the gravity of their situation. "These 'Four Fiends' are our Sacred Gears?"
"Yes," the voice replied, outlining some of the legendary monsters and their dark history.
"They were once exterminated and turned into Sacred Gears passed down to you."
As Tobio struggled to comprehend this fantasy-like world, he asked, "So those attacking us want to use our powers against the Four Divine Beasts?"
"Correct. They aim to reclaim power they feel entitled to," the Governor General confirmed.
"They have gathered a grudge against those who expelled them from the clans, and they're using hypnotism to manipulate the families of the students they've targeted."
Fury bubbled within Tobio as he grasped their selfishness. "You mean our ordinary lives have been turned upside down because of their grudge?"
"Exactly," the Governor General acknowledged.
Natsume spoke up, "Why are you helping us, then? How do we know you're trustworthy?"
"That's a fair question. The leak about the Utsusemi Agency and information on you all came from within my organization. We inadvertently caused this calamity," he explained.
"While we wish to obstruct the artificial Sacred Gears project and seize the traitor responsible, we cannot interfere directly."
Tobio and Samejima's shock was palpable. "So, our lives are in danger because of your mistakes?" Samejima shouted, slamming his fist on the desk, anger boiling over.
Lavinia remained composed as she already knew about all this, but Tobio struggled to contain his fury, feeling the weight of their situation crashing down.
*
*
*
As Tobio left the multi-tenant building, Natsume detained Samejima, who was mounting his motorcycle, and began arguing.
"Just a minute, where are you going!?"
"I'm just going back alright. I'm about to collapse from exhaustion after all that's happened today."
"I wonder, are you truly going back? So you're not going to stop on the way and fight again on your own?"
"Ah, yeah yeah. But if I find the mastermind, I'll be drawn into it."
"Do you think taking such dangerous actions alone is reliable? Didn't you hear what the 'Governor General' said? We need to cooperate!"
Samejima placed a white cat sitting on the fuel tank into his shirt.
"This guy will manage somehow."
The cat purred, and Natsume, now more disgusted than angry, muttered, "I wonder if your proactive behavior is driven by something other than acting on your own whims."
It was clear Samejima was acting independently to pursue the mastermind behind the affair, causing chaos to lure out the 'Utsusemi Agency.' Tobio understood his feelings. If it were him, he might have acted similarly to learn about Sae's situation.
Natsume turned to Tobio.
"Ikuse-kun, help me stop this Yankee."
Tobio hesitated but didn't want to escalate things.
"You mean Minagawa-san has something to convey, right?"
Natsume recalled the information from the 'Governor General' and pulled several printed pages from her bag.
"This is a list of students who were declared dead in the accident."
"This is from the 'Governor General'?"
"Yeah." She flipped to a specific page. "Here's the problem. The bereaved families moved—at the same time. Can you believe it? Over 200 families relocated simultaneously."
It was far too unnatural. Tobio recalled how Sae's parents had moved without telling him, despite having been close to him since he was young.
Natsume continued, "The 'Utsusemi Agency' is behind this."
She explained how the families had disappeared, and despite this being a scandal-worthy event, nothing had come of it due to the agency's influence.
"If we follow this, we might uncover more about the 'Utsusemi Agency' and the Five Principal Clans."
Her tone was determined. Natsume was also angry, not just at Samejima but at those who had ruined their classmates' lives.
"We are in possession of Sacred Gears like the 'Four Fiends,' so they're targeting us. But I want revenge for our classmates, not guilt. We didn't cause this."
Tobio felt her bitterness and was aware they were facing something dangerous. Still, their shared resolve to save their classmates was enough motivation to fight.
Natsume turned to Tobio with a soft expression. "Ikuse-kun, you're a kindhearted person."
Tobio wasn't sure, but he appreciated her kindness. Lavinia, who had just emerged from the building, agreed. "Tobi is a nice person," she said, holding the black puppy, Jin.
Samejima, amused, laughed loudly. He pulled out his phone and showed Tobio his number. "Register it."
Surprised, Tobio quickly added it to his contacts. "But why give me your number all of a sudden?"
"You're a likable fool. Ikuse, you're the biggest fool. If anything comes up, I'll contact you."
Samejima put on his helmet, ready to leave. Natsume, frustrated, shouted, "We haven't finished discussing this!"
Revving the motorcycle, Samejima grinned. "I'll rest at the condo first. Three days, Ikuse. Train with that mutt. Things are about to get harder, and you'll need its shadow sword. In three days, it faces Byakusa. Also, Natsume, introduce Ikuse to Valerica. She knows her stuff."
With that, Samejima sped off. Natsume stomped in frustration, but it was too late.
As Tobio looked at Jin in Lavinia's arms, he realized that Samejima was right. Intensive training would be necessary if they were to survive what was coming. Three days, and then they'd face the unknown together.
*
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*
The next morning, Tobio stood on the condominium rooftop with Jin beside him, empty steel cans stacked on a beer case. Suddenly, Natsume arrived.
"You were also here. Good morning!! —Uh, what are you doing?"
"Good morning. This? I was trying a little something just now."
Natsume glanced at the cans, puzzled. Tobio turned to Jin. "Jin, go!"
A katana-like protuberance appeared on Jin's forehead. Tobio pointed at the cans. "Slash."
Jin transformed and dashed forward, slicing the can in half with a sharp sound.
"Ooh, amazing," Natsume clapped.
"There's more. Next." Tobio commanded Jin to return and threw several cans into the air. "Jump!"
From Jin's back, double-edged swords emerged. "Slash!" Jin leaped, chopping each can effortlessly before piercing the last with his forehead blade.
Tobio smiled at Jin. "That's fine now." Jin reverted to his normal form.
Natsume cheered, "Somehow since I saw it yesterday, has Jin-chan's sword gotten sharper?"
"Uhuh. I've been training him since yesterday with DVDs of period dramas and knight movies. I thought it might help him improve."
Tobio explained how he had watched the DVDs with Jin, noticing the puppy's transformations after mimicking the swordplay.
"After practicing all night, I still feel it's lacking," Tobio admitted. "The sword's strength and hardness haven't changed much."
Natsume observed the rooftop littered with cut cans and wooden planks. "So you were practicing continuously?"
"Yeah, after yesterday's battle, I want to be better prepared. I don't want to lose anyone," Tobio replied.
Just then, a voice interrupted them. "——What's this, that I'd come to hear such speech, is that the way things truly are? Do you really have the power to protect someone?"
They turned to see a beautiful silver-haired girl at the rooftop door, dressed oddly for summer.
In an instant, Tobio saw a young girl with striking silver hair and delicate features. Despite it being summer, she wore a scarf wrapped around her neck and mismatched shorts, creating a curious appearance. A charming white dragon plush toy rested on her right shoulder.
Her voice, sweet and innocent, contrasted with the mature way she spoke, adding to her peculiarity. This girl exuded a mysterious aura, suggesting she might be one of the condominium's residents. Tobio, feeling puzzled, decided to ask her something.
"...You are?" Tobio asked.
Natsume rushed to her. "Just a minute! Aren't you always being told not to say such things out of the blue? You give off a bad impression upon first meeting someone, VALERICA!"
Valerica shrugged. "I don't remember such a thing. Making first impressions depends on the other party's aura. You two are below average."
Tobio recognized her as the cheeky brat Natsume had mentioned.
Valerica then asked, "Dog-owner-kun, will you not fight with me?"
"That's enough, Valerica! You'll be fighting together to defeat the group manipulating the Utsusemi. Stop the quarrels!" Natsume scolded.
Valerica smirked. "I have the right to assess someone's true power. Samejima managed a passing mark."
The words Samejima had spoken yesterday echoed in Tobio's mind. The confidence Samejima had, yet he hadn't won.
Was this new opponent in the same class as Doumon, or even higher?
Shuddering, Tobio commanded Jin without hesitation.
"Jin, go!"
The black puppy grew a blade from its forehead and shot forward.
Valerica, the silver-haired girl, didn't move an inch as Jin charged.
Despite Jin's sharpness, Valerica effortlessly dodged the attack by slightly twisting her body.
Jin immediately corrected his course and chased her, but Valerica continued to evade with ease.
After several feints, Jin went in for a diagonal slash, but again, Valerica dodged.
Jin adjusted quickly, anticipating her movements and giving chase, but his attack was stopped mid-air.
Valerica had grabbed Jin by the scruff of his neck.
Jin relentlessly tried to strike again and again, but Valerica dodged every attack effortlessly.
She crouched in front of Tobio, a fearless smile on her face.
"Samejima tried the same thing," she said.
"He learned to fight alongside his other self."
Tobio realized Samejima's style of using his cat in battle had come from his fight with Valerica and Kuroka. It made sense now.
This girl was on a completely different level.
Natsume sighed, covering her face. "It's happening again, huh."
But Tobio's attention was on Jin, who was now surrounded by a black aura.
His red eyes gleamed dangerously, and a low growl escaped him, aimed at Valerica. Jin was furious.
Suddenly, Tobio felt something similar within himself. His body was also exuding black shadows, just like during the battle at the department store.
Blades began to spring up from the shadows all over the rooftop. Tobio wasn't sure what triggered it—Jin's fury, or the danger they both faced?
Either way, the pressure was immense, yet Valerica only smiled in delight.
"Excellent. This is closer to your true power. The blade on his head is just a bonus, don't you think? Come, hit me!" Valerica opened her arms, ready for battle.
At this point, seeing her ecstatic expression, no one could deny her being a bit of a psycho and a masochist...
Blades erupted from the shadows beneath her, but she skillfully evaded each one, moving like a dancer through the storm of attacks.
The rooftop was now completely covered in sharp, distorted blades, all aimed at Valerica. Still, she dodged them effortlessly.
Tobio, sensing the situation spiraling out of control, shouted, "Jin, stop!"
Jin immediately halted, retracting the blade on his head and walking back to Tobio, simmering with frustration.
Valerica sighed in disappointment.
The battle was over.
Tobio realized he still had much to learn. He didn't possess any extraordinary physical abilities.
Even though he could use the blades from the shadows, it didn't mean he had limitless power.
The blades seemed to emerge when both he and Jin were pushed to the limit—when Tobio was in danger and Jin's anger flared.
As Tobio held Jin in his arms, the puppy wagged its tail. The ability wasn't fully under control yet, and Tobio knew he needed to understand it better.
Valerica, having recovered her mood, asked, "What's your name?"
"It's Tobio. Ikuse Tobio."
"Got it. This is enough for now," she said, then added, "The dragon within me and your dog seem to be reacting to each other."
"The dragon within you?" Tobio asked, confused.
Valerica pointed to her chest. "Didn't I mention it? I have a legendary dragon inside me."
Is she a chuunibyou?
Natsume nudged Tobio, grinning. "Sounds like a classic 'chuunibyou' setting, huh?"
Tobio smiled awkwardly. "Yeah... maybe we should talk to this dragon sometime."
Valerica smirked. "It's no joke. I am a dragon."
Natsume sighed again, slumping her shoulders.
"Anyway, let's clean this place up. Even if we're the only ones here, this rooftop is a mess."
Tobio winced at the sight of the blades littering the rooftop. How were they going to deal with that?
Beside him, Jin yawned, tired from the battle.
It had been three days since Tobio and the others met their new companion, Valerica, a silver-haired girl.
"Jin? Where are you?" Tobio woke up to find his puppy, Jin, missing.
Jin, who usually stayed close, wasn't around. Despite sensing Jin was nearby, Tobio couldn't see him and decided to search.
The door wasn't locked, even though Tobio was sure he had locked it the night before.
Thinking Jin might have unlocked it, Tobio left the room to search elsewhere.
When he reached Natsume's room, the door was slightly open, and he heard two girls talking inside.
Suddenly, Jin burst out, soaking wet. "Jin, I was looking for you. Were you taking a bath?"
The girls seemed to be taking a bath at that moment, so Tobio quickly fled the scene to avoid any misunderstandings.
However, he was caught by the lazy cat, Kuroka, who had apparently returned late the night before. What followed was half an hour of torture in the name of 'training.'
It seemed, for some reason, Kuroka was having goosebumps just thinking about the term and needed someone to vent her frustrations on, and Tobio happened to be that unfortunate target.
Fortunately, he didn't have to endure it for long. The silver-haired battle maniac, Valerica, heard the commotion and decided to join in on the fun.
However, she was quickly defeated by Kuroka, who then found herself facing Valerica's persistent mock battles.
In the end, Kuroka was left feeling even more mentally exhausted, while Valerica, unfazed by her defeat, still seemed eager to fight.
To put a stop to the chaos, Kuroka had no choice but to knock out the battle maniac.
Thankfully, Tobio managed to escape just in time. Later, everyone gathered in the dining room: Tobio, Natsume, Samejima, Lavinia, and Valerica, with Kuroka lounging in one corner of the room, enjoying her well-deserved rest.
Samejima, half-asleep, grumbled, "What happened here?"
Jin had snuck out during the night, gotten caught by Lavinia, and ended up in Natsume's room, where he was given a bath.
Then the fight happened. So Samejima could feel the tension in the room as Valerica eyed the chilling Kuroka.
As the group ate breakfast together, Samejima teased Valerica, calling her 'Lucidra.'
"Lucidra? Is that supposed to be me?" Valerica frowned.
"Yeah, Lucifer and dragon—Lucidra," Samejima laughed.
"Mumuh, change it. I'm from the noble bloodline of Maou Lucifer and have the 'Vanishing Dragon' within me."
"Sure, Lucidra, Lucidra..."
"Muu! Natsume, why don't you stop him?"
Natsume sighed, "No fighting during a meal."
She threw a sausage to her griffon, who ate it skillfully.
Their animal companions—Jin, Griffon, and Byakusa—all ate regular food like any other animals, though Tobio wasn't sure if it was necessary for them to eat.
Lavinia patted Valerica's head, "Good girl, Va-chan. Don't fight."
She was being smothered inside Lavinia's huge breasts.
"Stop patting my head! I'm not a child!" Valerica protested, pouting.
Kouki and Natsume started laughing at that while Tobio found this mealtime scene unexpectedly relaxing.