Before I get into this chapter, Business(Reviews and Responses) gets dealt with first:
Onilink500 (I once again respond in the writer's language; those who want to know what is said no doubt know what to do): Personalmente, creo que hay personajes que están incluso más 'olvidados' que Itsuwa o Himegami. Esa es simplemente la forma de hacer las cosas de Kamachi. En cuanto a si hago uso (en parte o en su totalidad) de la sugerencia que me dio cuando revisó el Capítulo 1, o cuándo, ... ya veremos, ¿no es así?
Mr. X – the third story I made ("A Period Of Calm During A Certain Transition from One Order to Another") is a sequel to my first one (perhaps not immediately and directly, but it follows from the events in "ACSAT". As for any "Touma x Harem" scenario, if truth be told, unless I get some spark of inspiration along that direction, it's unlikely I will do one, as I figure it has "been there, done that" by many writers, even before I started writing myself.
MrQuestionMark – looking back, I got into the scenario of Aisa meeting another priestess of the order that it just felt right to get one of the missing artifacts taken care of, plus lead into the so-called "side quest" of this story (dealing with the various denizens of the spirit world). In all likelihood, while I don't plan to make this an incredibly long story, the retrieval of the remaining items might not necessarily be as simple as this one turned out to be. There is something else that can or might potentially be worked into this tale, ….. but I'm not going to drop any potential spoilers about anything (fu-fu-fu).
One More Time, except for any original characters and situations introduced within this story, all characters and situations depicted herein are © KAZUMA KAMACHI/ASCII MEDIA WORKS/PROJECT-INDEX.
Chapter 3 – A Rather Curious Diversion
At two for-the-moment undisclosed locations in Japan, a real-time online conversation took place, and as may be expected, between two as-yet unidentified persons:
"I have confirmed that it will arrive in Academy City over the next two days, and be there for four to five."
"On that basis, that should be ample time to locate and secure the object. Perhaps we can also count on the fact that this City Of Science on-the-whole pays little attention to things outside of Science, so that could work to our advantage."
"Even though it may not be my place to tell you how to do your work, I feel I should remind you; whatsoever those in Academy City might think of things outside Science, it would still be in poor taste for them to be caught unaware if something happens within it. Therefore, even if it is more to avoid or prevent embarrassment, you should expect a level of security to be present."
"Your concern is noted. Nonetheless, while we ourselves do embrace modern-day Science and Technology to a degree, our experience in things that lie beyond the scope of Science potentially gives us an edge, and one that, if need be, will be put to use. I will contact you again, once its exact location has been confirmed."
"Agreed. I look forward to a successful outcome."
For a good many days, notification had been in circulation among all schools in Academy City, regarding the coming of an exhibition of what might best be called esoteric paraphernalia, and that a schedule had been worked out for all students to visit it. Ultimately, it was all part of the City's gradual introduction of its esper student population to things outside the realm of Science. Indeed, it had been debated among a select few that this, in even a relatively small way, would help the City's student population in particular to begin overcoming their indirect programming via Aleister's Archtype Controller to accept only the existence and providence of Science, and reject all that is its opposite.
The response to said notification was, for the most part, similar if not the same, across the board. Even at A Certain High School, among the esper students of whatever year who opted to remain, while most have, rather begrudgingly, accepted the revelations of the Parameter List from a few months ago, some have at least discussed among themselves as to whether this could somehow open the way for them to develop or awaken an esper ability.
A little later, at the hilltop temple, certain things were being discussed between Himegami Aisa and the old priestess.
"I have been able to confirm that the sword artifact (Kusunagi no Tsurugi) is somewhere among the exhibition items; specifically, the original and genuine item." remarked Obaa-san.
"Our class has been advised that tomorrow is the day scheduled for us to visit the exhibition." was Aisa's response.
"I see." came back Obaa-san. "Granted even when this mountain and temple was temporarily removed from this world, I was able to observe some things related to what the modern world calls Science, even if to be honest, I understand very little of it, myself. For the moment, my apprentice, perhaps we should use your class's visit to carefully observe the surroundings where the exhibit is located. Unless something happens, we can move to locate and secure the sword artifact by the next day."
"Shall we merely take the sword away if it is there," asked Aisa, "or do we have some sort of plan to switch the original with some sort of copy?"
"Perhaps you read my mind on that." remarked Obaa-san. "In fact, today, I will teach you a specific spell to fashion a replica of the sword, to be, as you said, switched with the original. To one not versed in mystical ways, the replica will certainly look and feel like the original artifact, except there will be no mystical energies associated with it."
The day of the visit by Himegami's class came along. For the most part, the outing looked like any other, with only a momentary interjection by the sole member of the Delta Force present at that moment.
"Oi, how is it that Kami-Yan and Tsuchimikado are absent, today?" inquired Aogami Pierce in a seemingly innocent tone.
"If the appointed class representative had been paying attention," replied Fukiyose Seiri (with a bit of irritation), "he would recall that Komoe-sensei announced both of them were with a special group doing an assignment outside the City, and arrangements would be made for them to visit another day."
For a few seconds, it was thought that the particular matter had been laid to rest, until Aogami spoke again: "Well then if the exhibit is manned by a cute girl, I'd better make a move while there's little chance of her getting infected by the Kami-Yan Disease."
"Did I hear you right, regarding you planning to making a move on some girl during a school assignment, Aogami?" growled Fukiyose, seemingly emanating an aura that the rest of the class recognized from her past endeavors to "maintain world peace".
Coincidentally (or maybe not so much), the exhibit was indeed manned by three attractive young ladies, each wearing the traditional miko outfit; whether they were actually mikos remained to be seen. Expanding further on that point, the young lady who seems to be in charge appears to be "the cutest of them all" (at least according to Aogami). As expected, Fukiyose was there to "intervene" when his eagerness started to overtake his reason.
Some of what was stated by the exhibition guides regarding these esoteric objects was vaguely familiar to Aisa, from the time she spent with Aureolus Izzard, but for most of her classmates, this would likely be their first introduction to such subjects, probably since their childhood before coming to Academy City. Notwithstanding, Komoe-sensei did ask her students merely to keep an open mind on the topic. During the walk-through, Aisa observed the sword artifact; for the moment, it was resting on a stand, encased in what appears to be a box made of clear glass or plastic. All the visitors had been advised beforehand that there is both audio-video surveillance as well as wireless beam sensor technology in place for security measures.
Aside from the sword artifact, however, Aisa found her attention drawn to what appeared to be a tetsubin, or cast-iron kettle; seemingly part of a set of utensils marked as used in the Japanese tea ceremony, but this particular set apparently dates back to the sixteenth century A.D., if not earlier. Aisa asked one of the exhibition guides about the set, to be told that, according to the stories attached to it, it was supposedly passed down the successive generations of a clan whose members were reportedly practitioners of onmyodo. Even while there, and even if she herself was not versed in the intricate details of the security system or systems present, Aisa took as careful a mental note of the surroundings as best she can, to later be relayed to Obaa-san.
Later that day at the hilltop temple, Aisa rehearsed casting the spell to form an exact replica of the sword artifact. Also, she described as best she can how the artifact is currently protected. On musing over that point, the elder priestess stated: "It would require a precise teleportation spell to switch the original artifact and its replica. Other spells which can be conjured up quickly via the charms in your miko outfit can also distort space and time around you, giving you at least a temporary measure of invisibility to these 'surveillance systems', as you call them. Also, and if I trust my instinctive feeling on the matter, I propose that the move to secure the sword artifact should take place tonight."
That night, after the exhibition hall was closed to the public and secured, Aisa returned there via being teleportation by Obaa-san, who used her seeing the location in Aisa's memories to pinpoint a relatively safe point to which to transport her. Even as she takes note of her surroundings from her present place of concealment, Aisa was surprised to see another figure step out of nearby shadows to approach the hall. He (or she; it could not be immediately determined) was clad in an outfit which practically concealed their features or even their gender from being immediately recognized.
Obaa-san, who remained in telepathic contact with Aisa, and thereby saw what she saw, stated: "You must exercise caution, Himegami-san. I suspect this other person before you to be a ninja, or more specifically, a kunoichi."
In response to the unspoken feeling of surprise which sprang up in Aisa's mind, Obaa-san continued: "In feudal times, kunoichi were employed just as readily, if not more so than shinobi (their male counterparts) for activities such as espionage, intelligence gathering and, if need be, assassination. Even I am aware that most practitioners of the arts of ninja have faded into obscurity as Japan gradually opened up to the modern world, but it is not completely surprising that one (if not more) of those practitioners still exist, let alone operate in modern-day Japan."
Aisa asked over her mental link: "What could be her purpose here?"
Obaa-san replied: "Even I cannot say for sure. If her target is something within the exhibition hall, she may have come here on behalf of someone who may either be a collector of esoteric items, or someone who might know about the mystic powers associated with them."
After a pause, Obaa-san asked: "Do you still feel confident that you wish to proceed further at this point. Himegami-san?"
Aisa replied almost immediately: "I promised to see this through, so I shall stay, Obaa-san."
To which, the elder priestess responded: "Then for the moment, we should let the other go in front, and that you simply follow behind. Your arsenal of spells should render you invisible and undetectable to the kunoichi, unless by chance she is sensitive to the use of mystical powers."
As the kunoichi approached the main door to the assembly hall, Aisa noted that there were security cameras watching the door, but there is no visible indication that that approaching figure has been either observed or detected. The kunoichi drew forth an object that she connected via some sort of cable or wire to a panel on the wall; presumably the security system control panel for the hall. A few seconds pass, accompanied by some flashing lights on the panel, before the kuniochi disconnected the cable and proceeded to slowly open the door. Doing her best to stay in the shadows and having cast a spell via her charms that should render her invisible (at least for a time) to the security systems, Aisa followed.
Even though it appeared that the security system has been disabled, the kuniochi still trod carefully as she approached the exhibit of esoteric items. She then drew forth a tube, held it to her mouth (or at least where her mouth should be) and pointed the other end of the tube up into the air before her at an angle. A few seconds later, sparkles appeared in the air, indicating that the invisible sensor beams Aisa recalled from the morning's demonstration as being present were apparently still active. Even as the sparkles gradually faded from view. It seemed that, while perhaps the overall building security system was at the moment disabled, the security system immediately around the exhibit was still in operation. The kuniochi blew into the tube once more and in the same manner as before. Again, the beams were rendered visible for a time. It may be inferred that she used some sort of powder or dust that somehow gave off light of their own and thereby indicate the relative position and direction of the sensor beams. Shifting her position while the light created was still visible, she reached into her outfit (some concealed pouch, perhaps) and withdrew another object. Unfolding portions of said object revealed it to be some sort of machine. She then manipulated an object in one hand, and the machine, which turns out to be a drone capable of flight, levitated silently. The drone was manipulated to fly towards the exhibit, weaving what appears to be a haphazard path, supposedly to avoid the sensor beams.
Obaa-san mentally suggested to Aisa: "Perhaps you should have your spells ready to create a duplicate of the sword artifact, as well as to teleport it immediately into your possession."
"Understood" Aisa replied mentally, summoning two charms to her hands for the purpose.
Suddenly, an unexpected development occurred. Specifically, another mechanized flying drone (likely a security 'bot') appeared on the scene. With its operator momentarily distracted by the second drone's appearance, the kuniochi's drone wavered in its flight path, seemingly intercepting the sensor beams. Immediately, all lights in the hall turned on. There was for the moment no audible alarm sound, but in all likelihood an alarm signal had been transmitted to some remote location. In the immediate confusion, the kuniochi dropped her drone controller, then tossed her hand into the air in the general direction of the security 'bot'. Something not visible from far off struck the bot, resulting in the flashing of sparks. The second 'bot' plummeted down towards the exhibit. Without any conscious thought, Aisa manifested a wind spell to intercept the falling bot and divert it away from crashing on top of the exhibit.
The kuniochi turned immediately in Aisa's general direction, then tossed her hand again. With another charm, Aisa instantly created a shield of wind before her. Four glistening objects suddenly appeared before her, before being deflected by the shield of wind to strike the wall immediately behind her. Without slowing her movements, the kunoichi hurled an object seemingly attached to a cord or string towards Aisa. Probably prodded mentally to do so by Obaa-san, Aisa dived to one side and rolled out of the path of the object. The thrown object struck the floor, embedding itself on the spot where Aisa was previously. On a quick glance, it looked like a disc with a number of spiky protrusions about its edge. With a snap of her wrist, the kunoichi tugged on the cord and the object was pulled free of the floor, back to her. Aisa's eyes narrowed as she attempted to anticipate what might happen next. For a few seconds, neither Aisa nor the kunoichi moved but kept their eyes trained upon each other.
Aisa asked Obaa-san: "Might this one be considering her next attack move?"
Obaa-san replied: "It's possible, but at the same time, ninja generally don't go for a long drawn-out fight."
With a charm concealed in one hand, Aisa slowly rises to her feet, keeping her eyes on her potential opponent. After a few seconds, the kunoichi does the same.
The kunoichi spoke first at that moment; even through her mask, her voice was clear enough to be understood: "I get the feeling you're not part of the security for this place."
To that, Aisa responded: "I am not. I'm merely seeking something. I suspect the same goes for you."
The kunoichi's eyes darted left and right for a moment, before she drew forth what appeared to be a folded cloth with one hand. Aisa's eyes widened as the cloth was unfolded with a snap of the wrist, revealing a picture of the sword artifact.
Noting Aisa's reaction, the kunoichi spoke again: "So it seems we're seeking the same object. In which case, we have a bit of a problem."
Aisa simply replied: "Indeed we do."
Tensions slowly built in the space, as the kunoichi, dropping the cloth, moved her hand to an object on her waist. Simultaneously, some more charms appeared in Aisa's hands.
Obaa-san reminded Aisa: "Beware, my apprentice – the longer you both linger, the higher chance that more of the building's security, whether it be machine or even persons, may arrive at your current position."
Just as it seemed that fighting might begin, a voice rang out from an as-yet unknown source: "Miko-girl, I propose that you let the kunoichi take the sword. You may take me instead."
Aisa remarked: "Did you hear that, Obaa-san?"
Obaa-san replied: "Yes, I did … in fact, that voice sounds strangely familiar, even if for the moment I don't recognize it. Notwithstanding, I'll abide by whatever choice you make, my student."
With that, Aisa slowly lowered her hands, saying to the kunoichi: "I'll yield the sword to you. But I suggest you move quickly before more of these flying machines appears."
The kunoichi responded by nodding slightly, before turning her eyes on the sword artifact, then leaping towards it, simultaneously drawing an object from within her own clothing. In a fluid motion, she seized the sword artifact with her left hand, before planting an object upon the stand with her right hand; it was apparently a replica of the sword. Then, executing a simple somersault in mid-air, the kunoichi landed squarely on the feet.
Securing the sword artifact within her uniform, she said to Aisa: "Perhaps we'll meet again one day", before throwing an object to the floor before her. A bright flash followed, accompanied by a cloud of smoke. Aisa was momentarily blinded by the flash, so that, when her vision returned to normal, and the smoke has dissipated, the kunoichi was nowhere to be seen.
"Well, that was interesting." Aisa mused. "Obaa-san, can you feel anything about the sword left on the stand?"
After a moment, Obaa-san replied: "it is a replica, very much as I intended you to place there. Evidently, someone else is also seeking the sword, if not the other artifacts as well, although I cannot say for now for what purpose."
Just then, the voice heard earlier rang out again: "Excuse me, but I volunteer that you should be on your way yourself, miko-girl. And it would help if you took me with you."
Moving closer to the display where the other artifacts were, Aisa's eyes fell upon the tetsubin she had felt drawn to earlier that day.
Aisa spoke up: "That voice ... it came from you, didn't it?"
The voice came forth again: "Indeed."
Obaa-san interjected: "Ah, that explains much. Quickly, Himegami-san; use the spell I taught you and create a replica of the tetsubin, then take up the original one. We can talk more on the matter after you have left that place."
A few hand-gestures and charms later, Aisa fashioned a replica of the kettle, as directed, then proceeded to replace the original item with the replica in its place. Then stepping some distance away from the display, the teleportation circle appeared again, spiriting Aisa and the original tetsubin away, back to the temple atop the mountain.
For about a minute or two, there was silence in the exhibition chamber. Then, if there was an observer present, or if the security cameras were operational, a figure would have been observed seemingly stepping out of the shadows. The person, clad in a black, rather form-fitting outfit, proceeded with sure and steady pace, seemingly making little sound, until they were about three feet away from the display.
After about a minute, the person drew an object from their waist and held it up before proceeding to speak. A female voice came forth, indicating that this mysterious person was indeed female: "It seems that the intruders, whoever they were, have departed. Whatever had been taken from the display, they seem to have left replicas behind, so that, to the untrained eye, nothing would appear to have gone missing or be disturbed. I'll arrange to dispatch some maintenance machines to clean up the display, after which the security system can be reset. Also, I noted that, for a portion of time, the security cameras were disabled. I recommend that we access whatever footage was captured and study it. Then, if we have sufficient grounds to do so, we can pass it onto Judgement."
Having apparently concluded her conversation, the as-yet unidentified female person silently departed the exhibition hall.
Back at the mountain-top temple, Aisa and Obaa-san were seated (seiza style) with the tetsubin between them. For a moment, Aisa noted that the elder priestess looked older in appearance, and even seemed to move marginally slower than she could previously recall, but she recalled that even Obaa-san told her that she is inevitably approaching the moment of her own passing.
"It appeared that we had stumbled upon no mere tetsubin, my apprentice," stated Obaa-san, "but rather, it is actually a tsukumogami (an otherwise inanimate object that, after 100 years, had acquired a kami or spirit). In fact, this one had existed for hundreds of years, perhaps even passing through our priestly order at one point in its history. But I must admit, this is the first time I have met or encountered this one."
After a pause, the elder priestess addressed the iron kettle directly: "By chance, do you bear a name, tsukumogami-san?"
"It has been a very long time since I was addressed by name, but if you like, you may call me: Tomohiro (a name meaning 'extensive wisdom')." replied the tsukumogami. "As for me, I have observed much of what has happened over time, not only regarding the disappearance of the original mystical artifacts, but even the endeavors of that foreigner from across the seas to rid the world of all magic, and its effects upon the spiritual realm … at least so far as this land is concerned. At this present day, there are probably not many like myself still abiding in this world, and very likely because the majority of the people of this country have lost touch with the old ways of maintaining the balance between the realms."
"Well, to make an otherwise lengthy tale short, Tomohiro-san," remarked Obaa-san, "my apprentice whom you met tonight (glancing towards Aisa) will be instrumental in working to restore that balance. I'll not deceive anyone by denying that it will be a daunting task, for a single person, but Himegami-san has agreed of her own will that she will help to do so." Aisa nodded as if to re-confirm her earlier commitment.
"Please excuse me," Aisa interjected at that moment, "but might I ask what is to be done now about the sword artifact?"
"Ha ha, in that case, the answer is very simple." was Tomohiro's reply. "If you would, please open my lid and reach your hand in. Do not worry; you will come to no harm."
After glancing at the elder priestess, who merely nodded in response, Aisa shifted her position so that she was in arm's reach of the tetsubin. Rolling up one of her outfit's sleeves, she opened the kettle lid and slowly reached inside. Her hand went in, surprisingly as far as her elbow, before her fingers came into contact with a seemingly solid object. Extending a bit further to firmly grasp the mysterious object, and then withdrawing her hand, Aisa at least was surprised to she that she was grasping a short sword and scabbard.
"Oh my, this is indeed remarkable!" exclaimed Obaa-san, "and the mystic energies I sense confirms that this indeed the genuine sword artifact we had intended to secure tonight. Even I am pressed to ask; how can such a thing be?"
"I can provide the explanation on that, elder one." responded the tsukumogami. "Long ago, one of your predecessors fashioned a replica and, after securing the original item in an otherworldly space within me, set the replica in its place, as a precautionary measure. The replica was bound to the original artifact by mystical means, so that the power was present to a degree, but very likely not to the full extent."
"Excuse me," interject Himegami, "but might there have been a time in the past where one or more others might have been seeking the artifacts, and this one was hidden away within you, as we have just witnessed?"
"Your speculation is more or less correct, Himegami-san." was Tomohiro's answer. "It seems there was a time when one or more malevolent persons or entities were seeking to acquire the artifacts and their powers. Even in this modern age, where relatively few persons might know the truth behind the artifacts, there exists the possibility that there might still be some who remember. Possibly the kunoichi who you encountered tonight in the exhibition hall may have been an agent sent on behalf of some unknown party for that very purpose."
After a moment of silence, it was Obaa-san who spoke: "For the moment, we can rest in the knowledge that the two of the three original artifacts – the Sword and the Necklace – have both been secured, so that, for the moment, only two significant tasks are to be dealt with: the locating and securing of the third artifact (the Mirror) and exactly how to deal with the imbalance between the spiritual realm and this world."
"I might volunteer that possibly a third task is to seek out and determine who dispatched the kunoichi and for exactly what purpose." commented Tomohiro. "Notwithstanding, I will also lend whatever aid I can in respect of the first two."
"Well, you've had a rather busy night, my apprentice." said Obaa-san specifically to Aisa. "So I surmise you have earned a well-deserved rest, not only for you to resume who scholastic duties tomorrow, but also to prepare for what may lie ahead."
"Understood. Well with that, I shall take my leave, to return here tomorrow after school." replied Aisa.
The scene has shifted to another location; still in Japan, but remotely far from Academy City. Within a relatively small room, there is little or no lighting, whether artificial or natural to completely dispel the darkness. However, if one was in that room, and their eyes had adjusted to the low level of light present, they would eventually make out a tall chair, upon which a person was seated. The observer would also eventually make out a small stand before the chair.
Next moment, there was a sound akin to that of a wind-chime ringing for about two seconds or more, before another figure seeming dropped down from a height to stand a few feet before the stand and chair.
The second figure then dropped on one knee, before speaking: "I am here, and the object I have been engaged to locate is with me."
Almost simultaneously, a light appeared over the stand. A soft voice rang out from the figure seated on the chair: "Please place the item on the stand before you."
Rising to stand upright, the second figure approached the stand, all the while clasping said object in both hands. As the figure drew close to the stand, it was revealed to be the kunoichi Aisa encountered in the security hall in Academy City. The kunoichi placed on the stand the object, revealed in the light to be the sword artifact she had obtained from that place, or rather, a replica; for now, the fact of it being a replica seemed to be unknown to either person present in the room. Having done so, the kunoichi stepped back from the stand, to again drop to one knee, as if awaiting further instructions.
The figure on the chair, still shrouded in darkness, said nothing for a moment. Then, a light seemed to emanate from his or her forehead. For a few seconds, the replica glowed with a similar light.
After which, the seated figure spoke: "I have confirmed that you have completed the task for which your organization has been engaged."
For approximately ten to fifteen seconds, nothing was said in the room, until an electronic chime rang out. The kunoichi reached for an object on her person and held it before her for a moment or two, before speaking again: "I have received confirmation from my superiors that payment for our services has been received. It would appear that our business is concluded."
"You have my leave to be on your way." replied the seated figure. "If at any time your organization's services are required in the future, I shall call upon you."
With a nod, the kunoichi sprang up and disappeared into the shadows.
After a few moments, the seated figure arose from the chair and, with slow and deliberate steps, approached the stand. The person, as they entered the range of the light from above, was revealed to be a man, seemingly middle-aged, relatively short in stature and of slim build; from a distance, he would almost resemble a small boy. The man's clothes constituted a typical dark-colored western-style business suit.
Once before the stand, the man, again with slow and deliberate movement, reached for the artifact with one hand. Just before touching it, he froze in place. After a few moments, the mysterious light that previously emanated from his forehead shone again; only this time with seemingly greater intensity. This time, not only did the replica glow in the same manner, but what appeared to be wisps of smoke began rising from it, almost as if it was about to alight into flame.
Suddenly, there was a crackle, akin to that of an electric spark, in the room. For the briefest of moments, the man's face seemed to twist and shift into something that, if an observer were present to witness it, would not resemble that of a human being. Then, the man's face shifted back into a more human appearance. At the same time, the replica upon the stand now appeared blackened and deformed, as if it were both subjected to intense scorching heat, as well as impacted by a tremendous physical force.
After a few moments, the mysterious man spoke; his soft voice now tinged with an air of menace that no-one could fail to detect, were they present to hear: "So, it turned out that even this is merely a replica of the Kusunagi no Tsurugi. The fact that I did not recognize it to be one at first can only lead to one conclusion … the ancient order of priestesses who opposed me in the past are somehow still active, even now, as they are likely the only ones who know the truth about the artifacts and their powers. No matter; I have been patient and endured much for close to 1,000 years … I will not give in to impatience or frustration at this point. The fulfillment of my ambition is still within my grasp. And if the order, or their descendants are indeed present now, not even they shall ultimately deter or deny me."
The man's voice trailed off into soft laughter, nonetheless tinged with malevolent intent.
Almost simultaneously, back in Academy City, and in an unknown location, a female figure sat at a desk, observing something on a tablet. It was the figure who entered the hall after Aisa and the kunoichi had departed. There was some camera footage that had been captured before the CCTV system was disabled, but there was enough for the figure to see Aisa's face, so that, if one knew her, she could be identified.
The figure turned off the video footage, then, reaching for a nearby remote control, turned on the light in the room. As a slow smile comes to her face, she mused aloud (for now to herself): "Mmmm, … it seems that another one of my kouhai has become an active participant in certain extraordinary events. For now, it will likely do no harm to pass the CCTV footage over to Judgement, but perhaps I should start looking into just what Himegami-chan is involved in."
The mention of Aisa's name revealed the mysterious figure to be none other than a certain soon-to-graduate third-year student of the same high school Aisa attended … a young lady named Kumokawa Seria.
Phew … I'm glad I finally got to this point, and in the end, the extended delay in doing this chapter has given me space to come up with one or more ideas to incorporate into the remained of this story. So that, in the long-term, it was and will be worth it that I didn't rush to put up this chapter. But as to what those other ideas might be, … there is only one way to find out what they are. And until the next installment is posted ….. I'm out.
Peace.