Kaito's voice dropped to a whisper. "But her real name is Kiseki Magata. Only a select few know of her true identity."
Akira's eyes widened in surprise. "Who knows?"
Kaito's gaze swept the room, ensuring they were alone. "Only her classmates from the magical academy and the Sorcerer's Supreme. She's kept her true name hidden from the rest of the world."
Akira's mind reeled with the secrets Kaito was revealing. "Why the secrecy?"
Kaito's expression turned serious. "Kiseki's father, Mikage's father, wanted to protect her from those who would seek to exploit her incredible power. By keeping her true name hidden, he ensured her safety and allowed her to live a relatively normal life."
Akira's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "What's she like, Kiseki Magata?"
Kaito's smile hinted at a deeper knowledge. "From what I've heard, she's kind, talented, and fiercely independent. But also guarded, always keeping people at arm's length."
Kaito nodded understandingly. "I see. She changed her name to Aurora Wynter because she didn't want people to fear her or treat her differently because of her family's reputation. She wanted to leave the life of sorcery behind and start anew."
Akira's eyes widened in comprehension. "She wanted a fresh start, free from the weight of her family's legacy."
Kaito's expression turned thoughtful. "Yes, exactly. Kiseki Magata was a name synonymous with power and intimidation. By shedding that name, she could create a new identity for herself, one where she could be judged on her own merits, not her family's."
Akira's gaze drifted off, imagining Kiseki's journey. "I can understand why she'd want that. It's like she's hiding in plain sight."
Kaito nodded. "Exactly. And it's worked so far. Few people suspect that the renowned artist Aurora Wynter is actually the powerful sorceress Kiseki Magata."
Kaito clapped his hands together, a decisive look on his face. "Enough about Kiseki! Now, Akira, it's time to decide. Will you go and save Mikage, or will you remove your hand from the case and prevent making enemies with the Magata clan?"
Kaito's smile grew wider, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. "What will you pick, Akira? The fate of Mikage and your own destiny hang in the balance."
Akira felt a surge of determination. He thought about Mikage's situation and the secrets Kaito had revealed. He considered the potential risks and benefits of getting involved.
With a deep breath, Akira made his decision. "I'll do it, Kaito. I'll save Mikage."
Kaito's grin faltered for a moment, before he burst into laughter. "Excellent choice, Akira! I knew I could count on you. Now, let's get to work. We have a Magata to rescue!"
Akira smiled, feeling a sense of purpose. "Let's do it."
Kaito's expression turned serious once more. "Remember, Akira, the Magata clan will not take kindly to our interference. We'll need to be careful and strategic if we're to succeed."
Akira nodded, his mind already racing with plans and possibilities. "I'm ready, Kaito. Let's save Mikage."
Akira's eyes widened as he stepped out of the building, where a sleek black car awaited him. Kaito nodded toward the vehicle. "Go, Akira. The car will take you to the Magata's mansion."
Akira's gaze snapped back to Kaito, his voice laced with surprise. "Kaito, aren't you coming with me?"
Kaito's expression turned enigmatic. "No, I'll join you later. I have something to attend to."
Akira's brow furrowed, unsure of what to make of Kaito's sudden change in plans. "But...I thought we were in this together?"
Kaito's smile was reassuring, yet cryptic. "We are, Akira. But this is something I need to handle alone. Trust me, I'll be there when it counts."
With that, Kaito turned and disappeared into the crowd, leaving Akira to wonder what secrets his friend was hiding.
The driver, a stoic figure in a black suit, opened the car door for Akira. "Please, get in. We have a long drive ahead."
Akira hesitated for a moment before sliding into the car. As they pulled away from the curb, he couldn't shake the feeling that Kaito's absence was more than just a coincidence.
As Akira stood before the grand mansion, the driver's parting words echoed in his mind: "Good luck, you'll need it." The car sped away, leaving Akira to face the unknown alone.
With a deep breath, Akira knocked on the gate. The two guards who answered were imposing figures, their eyes narrowing as they asked, "Who are you here to see?"
Akira's voice faltered slightly as he replied, "Mikage."
The guards exchanged a glance before one of them said, "Sorry, he's not available."
But Akira's senses told him otherwise. He could feel Mikage's mana, weak but present. And then, he detected six other mana signatures, each one overwhelming and powerful.
Akira's eyes widened as he realized, "That can't be...his family members?"
The guards' expressions turned cold, their hands resting on the hilts of their swords. "I'm afraid you're not welcome here. Leave now, before things get unpleasant."
Akira's heart raced as he stood his ground, unsure of what lay ahead, but determined to save Mikage.
Akira's smile grew wider as he said, "The people in this household are scary, but not you two." The guards, taken aback by his boldness, charged at him with their swords.
But before they could strike, Akira vanished into thin air, reappearing behind them. The guards spun around, confusion etched on their faces, but Akira was already in motion.
With swift and precise movements, he knocked the guards unconscious, their bodies crumpling to the ground. Akira stood over them, his chest heaving slightly with exertion.
He glanced down at the guards, ensuring they were out cold, before looking up at the mansion's entrance. The massive wooden doors loomed before him, an imposing barrier between him and Mikage.
Akira's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with the challenges ahead. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what was to come. And then, he moved forward, ready to face whatever lay within the Magata mansion.
The five girls, Mikage's sisters, sat in a circle, their eyes gleaming with mischief. "We have an imposter," they chimed in unison, their voices dripping with excitement.
Their giggles grew louder, a contagious, eerie sound that sent shivers down Akira's spine.
The youngest daughter, a petite girl with a wicked grin, volunteered, "I'll take care of the imposter!"
The other girls chimed in, "Leave some for us!"
The last-born smiled sweetly, "I'll try."
Just as Akira reached for the door handle, flame petals began to fall from the sky, drifting lazily toward the ground. Akira's eyes widened in surprise, "What the hell...?"
As the petals touched the ground, they exploded into tiny infernos, encircling Akira in a ring of fire. The girls' giggles grew louder, more maniacal, as Akira stumbled back, his eyes fixed on the flames.
"Looks like the welcoming committee's arrived," a voice whispered in Akira's ear, but he had no time to respond.
The flames danced higher, a mesmerizing, deadly display, as Akira realized he was trapped. The girls' laughter grew louder still, a chilling, orchestrated sound that seemed to come from all directions.
Akira, being sensitive to mana, was surprised that he couldn't detect Mikage's sister sneaking up behind him. Her whispered comment, "You're kinda cute, Akira," catches him off guard, and he jumps back to create some distance.
This sudden movement and reaction from Akira might have sparked some curiosity or amusement from the sisters.