Chereads / Aeon Enigma / Chapter 85 - CHAPTER 84: Nagoya Nexus

Chapter 85 - CHAPTER 84: Nagoya Nexus

As Kaito, Sakura, and Hikari strolled through the ancient streets of Kyoto, the city itself seemed to be a tapestry of history and culture woven into the very fabric of its existence. Kaito, in his exploration of this new terrain, led the way, each step a testament to the spontaneity of discovery.

Sakura, inquisitive as ever, broke the rhythmic sips of Kaito's Mocha Latte with a question that hung in the air like the delicate fragrance of cherry blossoms. "Do you know where you're heading?" Her words, a gentle inquiry, sought to unravel the intentions guiding their aimless journey.

Kaito, halting his sipping for a moment, responded with an honest admission. "No, I have no clue as to where I'm heading. I've never visited Kyoto before, so... I'm exploring this place." The genuine curiosity in his voice echoed the sentiment of a wanderer embracing the unknown.

Sakura, offering a sense of direction, queried further. "Do you want to head somewhere specifically?" The possibilities of exploration in Kyoto, a city steeped in tradition and mystique, hung in the air like a delicate dance of cherry blossoms in the breeze.

Kaito, however, remained in the spirit of serendipity. "No, not at all. I just want to see what's there to explore here, in Kyoto." His response, a testament to the joy of discovery, mirrored the sentiment of a traveler guided by the whims of the moment.

Hikari, encapsulating the essence of their adventure, chimed in with enthusiasm. "That's the spirit!" Her words, a celebratory cheer for the beauty of unscripted exploration, resonated with the vibrant energy of the streets they traversed.

As they meandered through the bustling streets, snippets of conversations from passersby reached their ears. Words like "What is going on in Tokyo?" and "Is this a terrorist attack?" mingled with the ambient sounds of the city. The mysterious events in Tokyo had become the talk of the town, and theories abounded. "The damage is equivalent to a meteorite falling in Tokyo," one person speculated, while another questioned, "It must have been a terrorist attack, but why specifically Shibuya, and not the entirety of Tokyo?"

However, Kaito, focused on the simplicity of his exploration, chose to let these murmurs flow past him like the ephemeral whispers of the wind. His attention remained on the present moment, highlighted by the rhythmic sips from his Mocha Latte, a comforting companion on this unforeseen journey.

Eventually, the coffee cup emptied, but the trio's journey continued. Sakura and Hikari, still captivated by the unfolding adventure, followed Kaito as he resumed his exploration of the storied streets of Kyoto. Each step carried them deeper into the heart of the city, where ancient traditions and modern musings danced in harmony beneath the timeless embrace of cherry blossoms.

As the retreat unfolded in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, the city became a strategic haven for practitioners seeking respite from the unfolding chaos in Tokyo. Ryouichi and Yuki, having made their way to Nagoya, found themselves amidst a diverse group of practitioners. Nagoya, renowned for its historical significance and modern allure, now played a pivotal role in coordinating the efforts of various divisions waiting for potential redeployment.

The practitioners in Nagoya formed a unique blend of skills and abilities. While not the most powerful, they were far from being considered weak. Ethereal Artificer tier Enes abilities were their forte, allowing them to manipulate the fundamental forces of nature, life, memory, emotion, and, in the case of Yuki, even the elusive Void Enes. Notably absent among their ranks were wielders of Chaos Enes, a deliberate choice given the sensitive nature of that particular energy.

Ryouichi, ever observant of the dynamics within the practitioner community, engaged in a conversation with Yuki as they contemplated their roles in the impending divisions. "Yuki, you're one of the few practitioners here that can use Void Enes," Ryouichi remarked, acknowledging the rarity and potency of Yuki's abilities.

Yuki, possessing the unique gift of manipulating the Void Enes, responded with a calm acknowledgment. "I know. We'll probably be... No, we'll be split into different divisions," she stated, recognizing the likelihood of their individual strengths being strategically distributed across various fronts.

Ryouichi, sharing her sentiment, added, "I'm sure of it." The air in Nagoya, thick with anticipation, held the collective awareness that each practitioner would soon embark on a distinct journey, aligning their skills with the needs of the unfolding conflict. The diversity within their ranks hinted at a tapestry of talents waiting to be woven into the broader narrative of the ongoing struggle.

As the practitioners in Nagoya prepared for the uncertainties ahead, the city itself became a nexus of shared purpose and strategic contemplation. The familiar landmarks of Nagoya, standing witness to the convergence of ancient traditions and modern challenges, echoed with the unspoken determination of those who stood ready to face the unfolding complexities of their roles in this unforeseen chapter of their lives.

The air in Nagoya carried with it a sense of shared purpose and a tinge of uncertainty as Ryouichi and Yuki found themselves in the midst of fellow practitioners. Amidst the diverse group, a new acquaintance approached, introducing himself with a friendly greeting. This practitioner possessed a distinct physical presence, evident even through the layers of clothing that concealed his physique—a dark, messy two-block hairstyle framed hazel eyes, and a well-toned physique that hinted at a commitment to physical fitness.

"Good morning!" he exclaimed, breaking the silence that lingered in the wake of their contemplative thoughts. Ryouichi reciprocated the greeting with a measured politeness, "Good morning," setting the tone for a courteous exchange. It was at this point that the newcomer revealed his name.

"I'm Daichi (泰地)," he introduced himself, a name that seemed to carry a sense of groundedness and stability. Ryouichi, acknowledging the gesture of introduction, responded, "It's nice to meet you, Daichi." Yuki, too, extended her own greeting, "I'm Yuki."

Daichi, with an amiable demeanor, expressed his pleasure at the introduction. "It's nice to meet you too! I hope we get along," he remarked, emphasizing a sense of camaraderie that resonated with the collective mission they shared.

As the trio engaged in this initial exchange, the atmosphere in Nagoya's retreat hub seemed to thaw, replaced by a budding sense of community among practitioners who, despite their diverse backgrounds, were united by a common purpose. The interactions among Ryouichi, Yuki, and Daichi marked the beginning of potential alliances that would unfold against the backdrop of their shared responsibility in the unfolding conflict.

With Nagoya as their temporary sanctuary, these practitioners—each with their unique strengths and abilities—began forging connections that would undoubtedly play a role in the intricate tapestry of events yet to unfold.