March 18, 2096, 9:27 A.M - Hachiouji, Kanto - Tokyo, Japan
Sallie's footsteps echoed through the bustling hallway, weaving between a diverse sea of middle school students clad in a myriad of school uniforms. Some were seated by the windows, absorbed in conversation, while others stood chatting animatedly beside them.
In a sharp black tuxedo and matching round hat, he approached the cutting-edge c.a.d, where holographic and augmented reality displays awaited. His fingertips grazed the sleek surface of the monitor, an instantaneous surge of radiance enveloped the display. A virtual hand materialized, its every contour outlined by a mesmerizing dance of animated numbers, forming an intricate, ever-shifting bracelet that pulsed with data-driven vitality.
Bathed in a soft white light, Sallie raised his other hand, directing his palm toward mystical parameters. The scale advanced, determined, only to pause abruptly as if encountering an invisible barrier, represented by an unyielding blue graph.
Before him, results materialized, akin to his name surfacing at the bottom, proudly claiming the 50th position. Sallie's gaze shifted to the approaching Japanese officials, their purposeful strides signaling acknowledgment of his achievement.
"Salcedo-kun, your success in the entrance exams is evident. However, owing to a challenge in Japanese language proficiency, you are assigned to Course 2," the official articulated in Japanese.
Sallie's confusion heightened; his head tilted, caught in a moment of linguistic disconnect as the intricate nuances of the unfamiliar language eluded him.
Despite the officials repeating their message in Japanese, the language seemed to have no impact on Sallie, creating an odd sense of bewilderment among the surrounding students, who exchanged perplexed glances in response to his apparent immunity to the language barrier.
"Damn... What's with this guy... He couldn't understand what we're saying!?" One official's frustration was palpable, exchanged glances with his counterpart revealing shared confusion.
"Did that guy come here for the entrance exam without Japanese citizenship? How on earth did he pass without grasping our language!?" Another official pondered aloud, the murmur of students intensifying around Sallie, each whisper carrying a questioning tone as they tried to fathom this linguistic enigma.
Sallie stood there, a silent observer, watching the officials ponder aloud in their native language—a realm of sounds and nuances that remained elusive to him.
The official turned towards Sallie. "Hey kid... You couldn't understand what we're saying, right!? What are you... A foreigner...?"
Sallie gasped, his gaze averting in an awkward expression. The Japanese words held a mystery he couldn't unravel.
A mysterious set of footsteps approached from behind Sallie, and a girl with light brown hair emerged, clad in a sleeveless white dress beneath a green coat adorned with a flower symbol on her shoulder.
"Excuse me... What's this about?" the girl inquired in Japanese.
"Mitsui-chan, is that you!?" Sallie asked, recognizing the girl from the café.
"Sallie-kun, what are you doing here!? Are you taking the entrance exam!?" Honoka questioned, switching to English.
"Do you know this mysterious person!?" questioned the Japanese official, seeking clarification from Honoka.
"Yeah... I apologize; this is his first time in Japan... He couldn't understand Japanese..." Honoka switched to Japanese, bowing in sincere apology. Her words carried an undertone of regret, mirroring the complexity of the situation. "He's my friend whom I recently met."
"It's fine... At least he needs to learn one... After all... He passed the test... But he's in the lower class like everyone else," the official explained to Honoka, his tone holding a subtle blend of understanding and a hint of bureaucratic indifference.
"Sallie-kun, you happened to take the entrance exams, right!? Without me knowing!?" Honoka switched to English, her voice rising as she placed her hand over her chest in surprise.
"Yeah... I just placed below 50. And the officials approached me and said to me in Japanese... which I couldn't understand..." Sallie explained, his words carrying a mix of realization and frustration.
"I could ask that same question to you... What are you doing here!?" Sallie inquired, surprised to find Honoka, a 2nd-year student at First High School.
"I attend here... But it's not what it looks like...!? Like... What gives you the idea to enroll here!?" Honoka questioned, her tone a mix of curiosity and bewilderment.
"Hey... I didn't know you studied here..." Sallie expressed his surprise before letting out a sigh. "Look... I know it was shocking, but... I was asked to do so... okay... So no questions asked... I understand you're upset... But something tells me I need to do this..."
"Because you wanted to find some information about those criminals, right...?" Honoka questioned, her eyes piercing the man in the black outfit as if seeking the truth within the depths of his gaze.
"Where did you learn about this...?" Sallie turned serious, his words barely audible in a whispered intensity, hinting at the gravity of the situation.
"I heard about it from Yakumo-san... The monks were talking about it... Heard some things about it... I overheard what they were saying, Sallie-kun." Honoka's face transitioned into a mask of seriousness, the weight of her revelation hanging in the air.
"Were you eavesdropping...?" He asked her, his stern expression reflecting both surprise and a demand for honesty in this clandestine pursuit of information.
"Just come with me!!!" Honoka's voice echoed with a mix of urgency and frustration, her fingers gripping Sallie's arm as she vehemently tried to pull him away from the bustling school hallway.
"But what about the entrance exam!!!" Sallie resisted, his voice reflecting both confusion and concern.
"He said you passed the test!!! Although you were placed in the lower class!!! Which you are not fond of!!!" Honoka's tone escalated to anger, her words carrying the weight of disappointment. "So how come you came here for the entrance exams, passed to Course 2 without realizing the consequences of your actions!!! Now come on!!! We'll talk!!!"
With a determined resolve, Honoka forcefully dragged him outside the school, leaving behind the chaotic symphony of students and the unresolved questions hanging in the air.
Honoka gripped Sallie's arm tightly, propelling both of them towards the parking area before abruptly stopping near the student canteen building.
"Jeez, stop, stop!!!" Sallie forcefully pulled away, his exasperation palpable. "What's with you!!! We turned ourselves into an embarrassment for us... Arguing in front of everyone!!"
"And how come... How come you come here...? You are a foreigner with very limited Japanese. And you passed the test. You should've told me..." Honoka's frustration reverberated through her words, her gaze piercing into Sallie's.
"And we already first met at the café... How come you scold me like you're my older brother!!!? I can manage on my own..." Sallie retorted, a mix of defiance and annoyance coloring his response, the emotions lingering in the air between them.
"Then you don't even know what to say, like... 'Hey, how are you?' in Japanese... And you could not respond if someone talks to you!!" Honoka's frustration echoed in her words, her tone emphasizing the challenge.
"Look, if you're going to study here, practical communication skills are required!!! And there's no use in relying on translation tools. And you don't have one!!!?" Honoka's admonishment carried the weight of concern for his adaptability.
"You don't have to lecture me like that!!!" Sallie pointed his finger accusingly at Honoka's face. "I'm just trying to be friendly here, and here you are... Being concerned about—" he then mimicked her voice with exaggerated sarcasm, "'Hey... Are you hunted by criminals... That's so scary!!' You're making a big deal out of nothing!" The tension between them escalated as their voices echoed in the vicinity of the student canteen.
Sallie sighed, his uncertainty etched across his face. "Look... I am an idiot for being friends with you back then... I'm sorry, alright... I will cut ties with you, and that's it... I want nothing to do with you."
"Why is that!!?" Honoka asked, her eyes widening with surprise and a hint of hurt.
"Because I have a personal mission I need to take care of once the school year starts. Trust me... It will be even much more dangerous than you might think," Sallie revealed, his expression carrying a mixture of regret and concern for the challenges ahead.
"It's a mutual understanding if you decided not to be friends anymore, and I accepts it willingly. The sentiment is reciprocal because me, with a heavy heart, doesn't want to forge deeper ties with you. The reason is clear—i determined to shield not only you, but also everyone else from the intricate and perilous web of dangers that awaits me in the path i chose to tread."
"Then what are you going to do..?" Honoka asked, a tinge of sadness in her voice.
"It's a cryptic venture that you would vehemently avoid delving into. A treacherous rabbit hole that sensing its ominous depths, you will recoil yourself from exploring. And... It's a journey with a descent so profound that there's no climbing back up once initiated.," Sallie responded, his words carrying the weight of an impending journey into the unknown.
"Is this the way you wanted?" Honoka whispered, tears glistening in her eyes.
"Send Kitayama-san my regards... I want nothing to do with her anymore... Now that she is a member of the Ten Master Clan," Sallie declared, leaving her in tears. The weight of his decision hung heavy in the air, casting a somber shadow over their parting.
"My determination to enroll here remained unswayed, regardless of your opinions on that matter."
Sallie's P.O.V
My steps echoed with determination as i exited the school grounds, the weight of my decision palpable. Even though I consigned myself to Course 2, the university's bottom tier, i embraced the challenge. My resolve shimmered, fueled by a thirst for knowledge that would lead me to scour the depths of the international network, extracting every ounce of valuable information within my reach.
With a fervor burning in my eyes, I delved into the labyrinth of shadows, methodically sifting through encrypted files and clandestine networks. Each keystroke resonated with intent as i navigated the virtual realm, determined to unearth the enigmatic criminal organization's concealed identities. The dim glow of multiple screens illuminated my unwavering focus, casting a silhouette of purpose against the backdrop of digital secrecy. Every algorithm dissected, every virtual alley explored — all in pursuit of the truth that could ultimately rescue those oblivious to the impending peril.
As I said before, my name is Sallie Mae Salcedo, the informant-in-the-making, declared my name with a resolute tone. In the pursuit of justice, I embraced the moniker "The Informer," vowing to reciprocate the favor bestowed upon him by bringing the truth to light. Unflinching in my commitment, i willingly plunged into perilous realms, risking it all to uncover the sinister puppeteer behind the haunted hotel – a clandestine hub for illicit operations. My pursuit of truth walked the tightrope of danger, as i navigated through shadows, aware that my actions might attract the attention of those who sought to silence the revelations i aimed to unveil.
Yakumo-san's warning echoed in my mind, a reminder of the delicate dance i was undertaking. Tasked with gathering intel from the ten master clans discreetly, i navigated the intricate web of secrecy. Each revelation i sought had to be extracted with surgical precision, avoiding the keen ears of the clans whose secrets i sought to unveil. The weight of Yakumo-san's warning lingered, urging me to tread lightly as i delved into the enigmatic world of the master clans, where every misstep could echo with consequences.
In the labyrinth of intrigue, i shouldered the burden of responsibility like an invisible Atlas. The corridors of the haunted hotel became my clandestine battlefield, where every creaking floorboard bore witness to my covert endeavors. Hunched over dimly lit screens, i meticulously unraveled the threads of the criminal tapestry, my heartbeat synchronized with the pulsating urgency of my mission.
Each interaction with members of the ten master clans required the finesse of a master manipulator. I danced on the precipice of exposure, extracting morsels of information while concealing my true intentions. The weight of the information i carried was a ticking time bomb, and the price of misjudgment loomed like a specter in the shadows.
As i pursued the elusive truth, I will became a spectral figure myself, slipping through the cracks of the clandestine world. The risk of being labeled a double agent was an ever-present specter, threatening not only my existence but the safety of every soul entwined in the delicate dance of secrets and revelations. The haunted hotel, once a mere backdrop, now resonated with the suspense of an espionage thriller, where the consequences of a misstep could shatter the fragile equilibrium, plunging all into the abyss of danger.
As the school year dawned, i plunged headlong into the abyss of clandestine pursuits. The corridors of the university, my new battleground, echoed with the silent footsteps of my resolve. The commitment to gather intel, like a silent pact, bound me to a path with no retreat.
Enrollment marked the point of no return for me, and the clock of covert revelations started ticking. With each passing moment, the flow of information became my silent companion. The haunted hotel, once a symbol of mystery, transformed into my nexus of operations.
The decision to tread this perilous path was irreversible; my fate intertwined with the secrets i sought. The echoes of Yakumo Kokonoe's warning resonated, a constant reminder that the pursuit of truth came at a cost. The journey ahead, fraught with danger, unfolded with the unwavering steps of a determined informant, committed to navigating the shadows for the sake of unraveling the enigma that threatened not only my existence but the safety of all who walked beside me
End of P.O.V.
In the heart of Kanto, Tokyo, Sallie stumbled upon a desolate refuge—a burned-down apartment, forsaken and devoid of any landlords or tenants. Its scorched facade stood as a silent testament to a bygone tragedy, yet within its ashen walls, Sallie saw a haven untouched by supernatural forces.
Choosing this abandoned sanctuary over the haunted house, Sallie embraced the solitude of charred remnants. The absence of spectral entities lent an eerie tranquility to the place, providing a stark contrast to the malevolence he sought to unravel elsewhere. Within the solitude of the scorched apartment, he ascended the top floors of the abandoned apartment, exploring its desolate corridors. Within the burnt-out husk, he chose a room—a silent sanctuary untouched by spectral forces, where solitude became his companion before the pursuit of secrets consumed the space.
Entering the room without a hint of cost, Sallie found himself in a desolate space. Despite its emptiness, the room bore the weight of neglect, with dirty carpets underfoot and an unused wooden table collecting dust. The bathroom, bereft of running tap water, housed a shower veiled in cobwebs, and a dusty mirror reflected the room's abandonment. Everywhere he looked, layers of dust whispered tales of time passing without care.
The kitchen, an untouched realm, mirrored the general neglect that draped the apartment. Utensils and cooking wares, laden with filth, adorned the countertops, while the unused refrigerator had become a haven for spiders and their intricate cobwebs. Flies buzzed in a chaotic dance around the wooden, creaked cabinet, adding an eerie ambiance to the forgotten space where time seemed frozen amid layers of dust and disarray.
With a determined nod, Sallie affirmed his choice—the neglected apartment, a covert haven far removed from the extravagance of hotels or the commonplace dwellings scattered across Japan. This seemingly forsaken space, draped in dust and echoes of abandonment, became his clandestine refuge. Here, hidden from prying eyes and keen ears, Sallie embarked on the solemn duty of safeguarding the gathered intel, the dilapidated surroundings serving as the unsuspecting guardian of secrets.
Briefcase in hand, Sallie sealed the door behind him, stepping into the midst of the neglected room. The cobweb-laden bed, infested with bedbugs and spiders, awaited transformation. Determined to refurbish his clandestine refuge, Sallie aimed to revitalize the room while treading cautiously, mindful that a complete overhaul of the entire building could draw unwanted criminal attention—a risk he couldn't afford after choosing this covert haven.
In the hushed moment before the transformation, Sallie's fingers traced the contours of the revolver-shaped C.A.D, its metallic surface resonating with latent power. As he closed the briefcase, the room plunged into temporary darkness, a canvas awaiting the strokes of arcane artistry.
In the quiet cocoon of concentration, Sallie stood with closed eyes, the green luminescence beneath him casting an ethereal glow. Circles of moving numbers, like celestial dancers, ascended around him, weaving an intricate spell. Within his mind's eye, a kaleidoscope of matrix codes and ancient symbols converged, a blueprint for the renewed room taking shape.
The gust of wind intensified, carrying whispers of mystic incantations as Sallie focused, gathering energy into the revolver-shaped C.A.D. Its glow transformed from green to a brilliant white, a beacon of arcane might surrounded by a tempest of spinning numbers.
The room vibrated with the crescendo of a symphony, a loud hum resonating through the air. In those charged minutes, Sallie harnessed his mystical prowess, the space around him transformed by the fusion of intention and energy.
"RESTORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
As he opened his eyes, the room stood reborn. A masterpiece of renewed energy, the ceiling bore the mark of his metaphysical craftsmanship. Aiming the revolver-shaped C.A.D, he pulled the trigger, unleashing the beam of light into the ceiling, the green radiance surged, spreading with a voracious appetite. In a mere blink, the room underwent a metamorphosis beyond mere cleanliness.
A symphony of sparkles erupted, hanging in the air like ethereal fireflies, weaving through the currents of arcane energy. Yet, this transformation was not just a visual spectacle. The very essence of the room was reborn. The walls, once dulled by neglect, now exuded a vibrancy as if infused with the breath of life.
Every nook and cranny resonated with the echo of revitalization. The wooden floor creaked with newfound vigor, and the dusty air, now replaced by a refreshing breeze, danced with the scent of rejuvenation. The dormant fixtures, from the unused table to the cobweb-covered shower, stirred back to life, their functionalities restored in a mesmerizing choreography of magical revival.
Sallie stood amidst the radiant aftermath, the room not just spotless but pulsating with a vitality that transcended the physical. It was as if he had orchestrated a dance of time itself, resurrecting the space to a state that surpassed its former glory, leaving behind a testament to the unfathomable depths of his mystical prowess.
The kitchen underwent a profound rejuvenation. The utensils, once tarnished and laden with filth, now gleamed in the soft light, transformed into pristine stainless steel. The cooking wares, including the once dull knives and worn chopping boards, radiated a renewed vitality, now healthy and ready for culinary pursuits.
A glance beneath the cooking stove revealed a transformation in the fundamentals. The gas, once a neglected resource, now stood at full readiness, a reservoir of energy waiting to fuel the flames. The room, now an alchemical blend of mystic craftsmanship and practical functionality.
The refrigerator, reborn from neglect, now stood free of dust and arachnid inhabitants. Its interior, once stagnant, hummed with life as the cooling mechanisms came to life. The freezer, albeit previously dormant, now functioned, emanating a chill that permeated the space. In this alchemy of restoration, he not only banished the remnants of neglect but also rekindled the essence of functionality within the once-forgotten appliance.
Its opulent touch to the bedroom, transforming it into a realm reminiscent of luxurious hotel suites. The once neglected cabinet, now resplendent, exuded an air of extravagance. The drawer, once mundane, bore the mark of artisanal refinement, and the bed, reborn from dust-laden anonymity, now stood as an epitome of lavish comfort. Each piece of furniture seemed to have transcended its humble origins, taking on an aesthetic that bespoke opulence. The room, once a forgotten space, now radiated the allure of a haven fit for royalty.
Opening the door with cautious anticipation, Sallie peeked outside, relieved to find that the meticulously renewed splendor of his room remained an isolated oasis amid the sea of neglect. The corridor outside, adorned with remnants of abandonment, told a different tale. Other rooms, still veiled in filth and disuse, stood as untouched echoes of the forgotten past.
Sallie's haven remained a hidden gem amidst the overlooked spaces, a solitary testament to the mystical transformation that had unfolded within the confines of his chosen refuge.
"It's a good thing that I didn't overhaul the restoration. Let this be a lesson that I don't want to be a living target from a previous incident ever again." Sallie's sigh of relief echoed with a profound sense of reassurance.
Closing the door behind him, Sallie's pocket buzzed with the vibration of an incoming call. Retrieving his phone, the screen illuminated a playful image of a bald monk with a distinctive brown scar over his left eye.
"So, it was Yakumo-san," Sallie mused, recognizing the caller who had entered his mystical journey not too long ago.
"Hello..."
"Ah... Sallie-kun is it you... I assumed you made it through the enrollment process...?" Kokonoe's voice held a mix of curiosity and reassurance.
"Definitely... I secured a spot just below the top 50 of those who took the entrance exams before me. The exams went well, and I did manage to pass. However, due to my limited understanding of the Japanese language, they assigned me to the weed class... Even my supposed friend from the cafe I met earlier didn't seem too pleased about it," Sallie conveyed, the weight of his experiences adding texture to his words.
"Yeah, I know this girl... It's my dear Miyuki's friend... The one with the low twintails. I can tell she is a close friend to the powerful Shiba Clan," Kokonoe said, a knowing tone coloring his words.
"You mean one of the most ten powerful clans?" Sallie asked, a hint of intrigue in his voice.
"I can give you a heads up. Shiba Clan is one of the members of the ten master clans who are experts in using unconventional magic such as the Decomposition and Material Burst spells," Kokonoe imparted, the weight of the information palpable in the gravity of his tone.
"What's happened to the girl you met at the café after you took the rigorous entrance exams I just mentioned?"
"We had a heated argument in the parking lot at the school grounds of First High... She wasn't pleased with how I handled communication issues with officials who couldn't understand each other. And, of course, she assumed the role of an older sister, scolding me. We hadn't even scratched the surface of being best friends. Our attempt at friendship hit a roadblock, and I made the decision to sever ties. It felt necessary for both our sakes... I know she needs to stay away from me if she knows what's best for her," Sallie conveyed, the weight of the emotional exchange evident in the depth of his expression.
"I see... Did you tell her that--" Kokonoe's words were abruptly cut off.
"I said to her that it was dangerous because I have personal business that she doesn't want to stick her nose into," Sallie answered, his response carrying a note of finality.
"Well, that's good to hear..." the playful bald monk said, a tone of relief evident in his voice.
"The information about the mysterious criminal organization is not yet available until the beginning of April. You know the start of the school year is after March, right?" the young teenage informer asked, his words reflecting a keen awareness of the timeline.
"Oh, yes, Sallie-kun, I'm aware... Now that you've gained access to the elite schools in Japan and a gateway to the most powerful knowledge you can find as you see fit, do you have a plan in mind?" The question hung in the air, carrying the weight of anticipation for the informant's strategic approach to the enigma ahead.
"I don't know... I'll find out..." Sallie's voice carried a hint of uncertainty, the weight of the mysterious task ahead evident in his tone. "I'll be seeing you soon... That's all I have to say."
"Sure thing... Just let me know if the time comes..." Kokonoe's response held a touch of solemnity. The phone call concluded.
