Chapter 1

I was standing on top of a tall building and staring out into the rest of Tenguu City at night.

The different lights that illuminated the area made it seem as if it were dazzling like a diamond.

I took in the scenery in for as long as I could and gave a sigh of disappointment after I had to stop.

"Well, that's enough for a break I suppose."

I turned around and expanded the shadow underneath me. I stepped inside and was brought to the ground level and directly outside of the building that I was previously standing on top of.

I walked into a dark alleyway and expanded my shadow once more, however instead of stepping inside this time, I brought myself outside, or more specifically, I brought other copies of myself outside, though I suppose clones would be a simpler term.

"I assume you know what to do, me."

"Of course, me."

One of my clones gave me an assuring grin and immediately but carefully flew out of the alleyway along with the other clones.

Except for one.

I looked at the clone that was still here with a look of perplexity. It's true that some of them have been able to think for themselves, but I made sure that I had taken care of them.

This one seemed dazed, however, as if she were searching for something. Eventually, she turned to me.

"Good evening."

She gave a friendly smile. For some reason it made me uneasy. I didn't find it disgusting or anything, but I didn't find it entirely welcoming either.

Yes, if I had to say, that smile was rather…

Threatening.

However it didn't seem as though it was a smile that I often made. It almost looked like…

For a moment, an image of myself flashed in my mind. It had caught me off guard, so I couldn't remember what kind of image of myself I had actually seen. I shook my head a little and returned a composed look to my clone.

"Good evening."

"…Do you happen to know where we are?"

This was an interesting phenomenon. I don't believe my clones had ever not known what their purpose was or where they were. Regardless, I informed her of what she needed to know. I made sure to not give too much information, in case someone was around to hear.

After explaining to myself what my objective was, I didn't notice a change in her expression. I guess it was normal, considering she wasn't sure of anything right now. But then…

"I see."

"And what exactly is it that you see, me?"

I wanted to confirm that I hadn't given too much information.

"All I have to do is search."

"Well, that's the gist of it."

My clone turned towards me. She leaned forward as if to inspect me. I admit it was a little discomforting. It was like looking into a mirror, except the reflection was moving without you having to do so yourself.

My other self then looked me in the eye, and for some reason her smile widened.

"So if I bring him to you, will you be happy?"

The air froze.

"Excuse me?"

"If I bring him to you, will you be happy?"

The question was rather unexpected. I decided to ask for more details.

"And who exactly are you thinking of bringing?"

"Isn't that obvious? Shido-san. Shido Itsuka-san."

I felt my stomach tighten.

"That won't be necessary."

"Ehh~"

My clone groaned in disappointment.

"Right now we have a more important target."

She started to pout.

"Why are you making that face?"

"…You seem a little grumpy today, me."

Perhaps I was treating my clone a little harshly compared to the rest. Even so, I don't think that I was out of line.

"I think he'd make you feel better."

"Could you please stop mentioning him?"

"Ehh~"

She groaned again.

"Are you going to search or not?"

"Why should I search? We already know where he is."

"Not him."

"But he's the only person I know."

I gave my other self a stern look.

"Are you going to do what you're supposed to or not?"

"Do you know what you're supposed to do?"

"Of course."

"Are you certain?"

"You're questioning the person in charge."

My clone tilted her head as if she didn't understand my reasoning.

"What does that have to do with knowing what you want?"

"You must be joking."

My clone shook her head.

"You should save your jokes for Shido-san."

I never thought that I would start getting annoyed at myself. Regardless, I did, and so I did what I normally do with clones that oppose me.

I expanded my shadow again. This time a large number of hands reached out from the dark puddle and began to pull my clone inside with them.

"It was nice talking to you, me."

My clone gave a chuckle. Had I always been laughing like that?

"You should go see him."

I continued walking away.

"I think he'd be happy to see you. After all, he l-"

My clone couldn't finish her sentence. I continued to head out of the alleyway.

I had to call in my clones again after half an hour.

For some reason I felt tired.