BlazBlue:Phase Shift 1 Chapter 3

Chapter 3: Mind of Azure Deviation

Part 1

When there was no memory, there was no past.

When there was no past, there was a period of time when he wasn't alive.

All this time, Kazuma was always wondering whether he was truly alive.

Just what exactly was the he who was standing here presently? Was he alive or dead? Had he truly been born? Did he really even exist?

Such doubts always plague his mind.

Since the next day, Kazuma's mind was lighter.

When he woke up on morning, putting on uniform, and heading toward the academy he had gone to for seven years, he was so cheerful. Greeting the morning with such mood was the first time for him to experience it according to his short-term memory.

Usually, he had been living with uncertainty drifting around him. It felt like there wasn't a purpose even when he breathed.

He had wasted the unending time from these seven years only to wonder how deep rootless grass was buried under.

But today was different. No, it would surely be different starting from today.

His memory still hadn't returned and Kazuma still remained an extremely mediocre student. But there was just one big difference.

Kazuma had gotten a 'purpose'.

The reason was originated from last night.

A mysterious man who called himself Terumi had told him. Its existence was only known to limited number of people, but the Azure certainly existed in this world.

"If you can get the Azure, you can take back whatever you want. Everything. Things you lost, things you forgot, whatever."

Terumi's speech was like a tale from a dream.

Bur for Kazuma, it was indeed like a tale from a dream.

"If I have the thing called Azure, I can get my memories back?"

"Idiot. Not only memories. Everything, eeeeeverything. I said whatever it is, right?"

Whatever it is.

He had heard the most tempting phrase.

Until now, Kazuma had never been proactive in remembering his past. It was because he was afraid if he realized that there was no past to remember. And then, he was also afraid if he realized that he absolutely couldn't remember anything.

But if he got the Azure Terumi was talking about... perhaps he might have a chance.

"Azure..."

It was a warm morning. Kazuma was resting his chin in his hands on a desk of the academy's classroom, muttered while he was doing nothing.

Currently he was in the middle of a class with a female lecturer on her desk explaining about an important turning point regarding the history of magic. But as if her voice was distant like the congestion of the city, it never entered Kazuma's ears.

Kazuma's mind was occupied with nothing but the Azure.

Terumi never mentioned the specifics about that object. However, other than it definitely existed, he only gave a guarantee that it would give everything to Kazuma.

Terumi was a suspicious man whose background was unknown and never frankly showed his contentment.

Kazuma also had a thought that there was something wrong with him to just swallow the words of such a man. Normally when he thought about it, such convenient thing that Terumi had spoken of couldn’t possibly exist.

But even if he had doubts about it, Kazuma thought that it was okay even if it was a lie.

The important thing was that he wanted to get his memories back, and that there was a way to do so.

Out of just walking silently every day in the path of ordinary student which Relius Clover had arranged, it might be possible to return to those days as his true self.

It was okay even if it could only inspire such faint hope.

The bell marking the end of the class rang. Kazuma lifted his face as he came to his senses. In the end, there wasn't a single character filling his notebook. He also couldn't recall the contents of the lesson.

If it was the usual, he would have been more or less regretted that he had been dazing around. But today, there wasn't even a tiny amount of that feeling.

The lesson didn't matter. After Kazuma put the unused notebook and pen to his bag, he stood up with determination.

"...I'll search it."

I want to regain my memories back.

I want to know who and what kind of person I am.

It was the first time he clearly thought about that. As it was the first time he thought so, he felt that he was truly living in this world.

First, he must make it his objective to find out just what the Azure was and where it could be found.

Fortunately, this here was Ishana——the Magic Guild. The history hidden from the whole world was gathered in this island.

As Kazuma grabbed his bag, he left the classroom without looking aside.

Cutting across the academy's courtyard and then proceeded to the side of the auditorium, a building with soaring green roof on white wall appeared.

The building with its size approximately as big as a small scale school was the academy-managed Great Library.

Not only for the students, the library was opened for Magic Guild's staff members as well as the island's inhabitants. As the book collection consisted of books which weren't expected to survive or exist, it wasn't inferior to other libraries around the world.

It was reasonable for this library to have books that had existed in secret.

The inside was very large, and also very quiet.

The walls were white and there were endless polished stone tiles that went on and on. There were towering bookshelves as far as the tall ceilings. Ladders were placed everywhere in order to get book which was placed at high altitude.

The light from outside couldn't enter at all. All the illuminations were produced by magic. Different from artificial light bulb, the gentle lights gave off a whimsical atmosphere in the entire library.

Ever since the noon recess two days ago, Kazuma didn't attend classes, only going back and forth between the dormitory and here.

He attempted to use the search system for the book collection to look up about the Azure, but he was only guided to books that clearly didn't have any relation to it. Although he looked them over just to be sure, the majority of them were some sort of silly stories. Even if it wasn't like that, he couldn't rely upon the likes of artful writings and poems.

Lores which weren't made public, ancient magic patterns, synthetic table of alchemy. Every religious ceremonies around the world from ancient times. On top of those, the latest technology of science and medical treatment, also the combination between alchemy and science.

Even when he searched for books that came into his mind, it didn't appear they had the right description.

"Not good..."

When he closed the last copy of the book he brought from his countless round-trips, Kazuma's head fell over the desk while he groaned.

It looked like it didn't give any result.

He read books and books, but all of them were wrong. Since this failure couldn't make him to proceed even for one millimeter toward somewhere, he got broken hearted as expected.

"...Does it even exist?"

Azure that is.

He didn't expect to be able to examine it in details, but he didn't think that he couldn't find even a glimpse of it.

"In the first place, just what 'Azure' is...? It'd be nice if he just told me that much."

While grumbling, he poked the front cover of the book he had closed, feeling irritated.

Creature, substance, device, organization, belief, or concept. He couldn't get a plausible clue about what kind of object the obscure-named Azure was.

As his forehead hit the desk, Kazuma let out a sigh.

"Maybe I should ask Terumi again..."

However, it didn't seem likely for that man to tell him. He had asked various questions regarding the Azure, but in the end, he was told to look it up himself.

(Hmm, but wait.)

For example, in the case if Azure really existed and was an unfathomable technique that could make everything possible. Such ridiculous thing might not just simply be recorded in books.

Moreover, would such books usually get accessed and placed in these bookshelves which the people on the island or anyone else could read?

(If I think about it, it's not strange for it not to be here.)

It was natural if it was treated like classified information. And it sounded more credible, too.

However, even if that was true, what other places should he investigate? Since the books here didn't have information as far as rumors, there was no other way but to aim for the rumor he heard about the Magic Guild's highly classified information next.

(Magic Guild's highly classified information... huh.)

Despite the current Magic Guild's standpoint, there were things which were considered vital that shouldn't be publicized. Regardless that it was only their existences that were recognized, no one knew about the details.

The way to the deep underground below the Cathedral had secure barrier stretched which wouldn't let anyone other than Ten Saints to trespass. It might be stored there...

"Kazuma-san?"

"UWAH!?"

Tapped on the shoulder from behind, Kazuma, forgetting where he was, let out a hysterical voice.

The impulse made him fell from the chair. In a panic, he clung to the back of the chair and made clattering noise while lifting his face. As he did that, the smiling figure of Trinity was there.

"I'm sorry. Did I surprise you~?"

"I-It's okay. I was just a bit dazed."

Kazuma quickly got a look at his unsightly position. He smiled as if to smooth things over.

Pushing up her large circular glasses with her fingers, Trinity stared at the desk in wonder.

"Were you checking up on something?"

"Aah, yes. Something personal has been on my mind."

While answering without any offense, Kazuma piled up the thrown out books in haste and pushed them to the side of the table.

"Umm. I might sound meddling, but..."

Being conservative while lowering her eyebrows as if she was apologizing, Trinity started with the prelude.

"Today, it seems you didn’t attend the classes. You also didn't yesterday... and the afternoon before, too."

"...So you came to warn me? As one would expect from the well-conducted Trinity Glassfield-san. You don't overlook on your irresponsible fellow classmates."

He unintentionally let sarcasm slipped out.

Not expecting that kind of remark from Kazuma, Trinity looked a bit surprised and had a bewildered expression.

"Well, I have no intention like that. I apologize if I hurt your feeling."

Neatly putting both hands on front of her body, Trinity bowed her head courteously. Her soft platinum blonde hair gently swayed.

"Only... Kazuma-san, until now, you have never skipped classes even for once. I got a little worried in how you're doing~."

"You worried?"

Those words had a strange feeling to it.

How could she feel that way not to herself, but to someone else? Kazuma was baffled. She didn't wish for reward or expecting gratitude. The earnest kindness of Trinity was... awkwardly warm.

Even though he didn't think he deserved to receive such affection that asked nothing in return.

Unrelated to Kazuma's feeling, Trinity kept a light expression and smiled charmingly like a doll.

"If it isn't troubling you, can I assist you in the matter you're checking on? Since I come here often, I have a rough grasp on the kind of book and its whereabouts."

Hesitating to talk, Kazuma scratched his cheek. He would gladly accept it if the matter he was investigating was related to a lesson. But it wasn't the case. Besides.

"It pains me, but I was just about to finish. Sorry."

"Oh my... it's me who should apologize. It'd be nice if I had called out to you much sooner."

"Ha ha. Looks like it."

While using his laugh to feign ignorance, Kazuma didn't look at Trinity's eyes.

As Kazuma arranged the books and stood up, Trinity asked him with her mind in confusion.

"What were you searching for to make you secluded yourself in the library for two days?"

"Eh... Ah."

Just now, his body stiffened.

Peeking with sidelong glance, he saw Trinity looking at his direction with a curious look on her face.

She shouldn't have any ulterior motive. He understood that much. But having such pure and innocent eyes directed at him, made him couldn't help but think that she was only pretending to inflict great harm to him.

"Umm... It was something... about my memory."

He couldn't lie, but he couldn’t say the truth either.

However, Trinity didn’t have a slight doubt to Kazuma's vague reply. Putting both hands on her white cheeks, her eyes sparkled as she was both astonished and joyful.

"Oh! Could it be that you've remembered something?"

"No, it's not like that. Only, it seems... there's a way to recover it. But since the method isn't widely known, I thought that maybe I can get some clue."

Kazuma packed the books and arranged it before putting them back to the desk again.

He took a light breath. As he was with Trinity, he wanted to keep things like planning and calculating away.

When she was near, it was like time flowed slower.

Even with a slight hesitation remained in Kazuma's mind, he rubbed them off and opened his mouth again.

"...Can we have a little talk?"

"But of course."

Trinity's soft voice gently urged him.

Kazuma hesitated again... and then he began to talk.

"I haven't given much thought about my memory loss. But when I talked with someone and tried to do something in common... I can't handle it well no matter what. When something like that happens, the memory-less me feels cheated. It felt like my feelings and emotions weren't enough when compared to other person."

The impression he wanted to do was lacking and didn't strike at home. He didn't get the right tuning point.

He had a feeling like an important part was completely left out when his human soul was taking form.

"Sometimes, it feels like I'm different from other people. It'd be preferable if I were superior than the others, but I have a big disadvantage compared to other people. ...I feel like it's only me who don't have a presence."

"It must be... lonely."

Trinity murmured sympathy.

Saying sympathy that didn't have even a slight sarcasm on it seemed like Trinity's virtue.

"Of course I got used to it. It's not like I feels agony every day, you know? ...But."

Couldn't find the right word for it, Kazuma closed his mouth.

However, it was already enough. He felt that his feeling got a little bit refreshed.

Trinity was the first person he spoke his mind to. It might be because of the air she put, or rather the indifferent silence of the Great Library.

When the warm feeling came to an end, this time as he felt too much of embarrassment, Kazuma seemingly scratched his head roughly.

"Ah."

Suddenly, he had a thought.

When he raised his face, his eyes met Trinity's gaze while she had a blank look. Since Trinity herself couldn't clearly see Kazuma's eyes, it was Kazuma who knew that their gazes had collided.

"Trinity Glassfield-san. If I'm not mistaken, you are a close friend to Nine of the Ten Saints, right?"

"Eh? Yes, that's right~."

"Then can you talk over with her? It's extremely unlikely for the matter I'm searching for to be discovered in this library's books. But if it's the Magic Guild's highly classified information... if it's the confidential information that's stored inside the Cathedral by the Ten Saints, then...!"

Nine was a Ten Saints. Let alone inspecting highly classified information, she was in charge of it.

Certainly, she wouldn't comply if it was Kazuma who was asking. But she might be if it were Trinity's words. As he felt a slight hope, he lifted his head with a bit of expectation.

"Kazuma-san."

However, even that disappeared with Trinity's single word.

Trinity retracted her sweet smile and had her pink lips tightening. With seriousness that didn't suit her, she stared straight at Kazuma.

"I understand the matter you're searching for is very important to you. I know it's something beyond my comprehension, and I can tell you're really serious about it. But... your request isn't possible."

With meek demeanor, there was firm strength hidden in Trinity's words.

Kazuma sighed in disappointment. He didn't consider that it would go smoothly, but he got depressed after being strongly rejected.

"So it's no good?"

"Yes, it's not possible."

Even then, Trinity still gave a modest smile.

"I'm really sorry that I can't be of help."

"Oh no, forgive me for asking unreasonable things."

If he thought about it calmly, it was unthinkable for the gentle Trinity who also had a strong sense of duty to do something that would hurt her position as a friend. Once he knew it was useless, Kazuma had to think about the next step no matter what.

As he held the piled up books along with his bag, Kazuma lightly smiled in a friendly manner.

"It seems I said a rather strange story. Please forget about it. And thank you for your concern. I will return to the dorm once I put these books away."

Before he got questioned too many, Kazuma prepared to leave from the spot as if he was fleeing.

Trinity's voice stopped him from doing that. This time, it was the voice he had always heard. A sweet voice that was filled with affection.

"I'm sure Kazuma-san will get those memories back. That's why, please don't be so reckless. I'm willing to give you a hand if I'm capable of it."

Kazuma only looked over his shoulder. He replied with indifferent smile.

He was grateful for her sympathy. But sympathy alone wouldn't let him reach the Azure.

Part 2

When he got outside, the sky had been dyed in bitter orange as if burning before he knew it.

The evening in Ishana which always have clear weather with few rains was lovely. The building and the trees were painted in the setting sun's vivid color.

Retracing his steps back at the academy's courtyard to go to the main school, Kazuma's cheeks got faintly hot as the evening sunlight blazed down on them like it did to the buildings and trees without exception.

Kazuma's manner of walking was nothing like a light walk. His gaze was dropped to the ground and the hand that didn't carry his bag was inserted into the pocket of his trousers.

He had been thinking.

The books that were kept in the Magic Guild's Great Library practically couldn't be obtained in other places. They described stuff that was related to magic, sorcery, and alchemy around the world. The description of the past that hadn't been marked down in official history. There was no place but Ishana where such books could be found in any kind of number.

However, it was no good there.

The books in the Great Library were only the surface of the so called hidden part of the world. They were things that had been passed down to humanity without any kind of obstruction; or even, they had to be passed down. There was no Azure among them.

To approach the Azure, an even deeper information was required. Information hidden from the world, placed deep on the bottom.

For example, the Magic Guild's highly classified information.

"But such a thing..."

For a common student who didn't have authority like Kazuma, there was nothing that could allow him to inspect those classified information. Unless he was a Ten Saint, he wouldn't be able to do it.

The Ten Saints phrase reminded him of Nine again.

Desperate, maybe he should ask her directly. But he immediately dismissed that thought. It could be said that the possibility for her to pay attention to him was zero. In addition, Nine had strange wariness toward him.

"Haa... What should I do?"

His thin shoulders dropped as he sighed.

Even if the hope called Azure existed, he didn't know how to get to get to the entrance of the method he finally discovered.

Dragged by disappointment, he exited the school gate and headed to dormitory. Disregarding the surrounding scenery while advancing his feet, he approached the alley where he was attacked a few days ago.

He didn't feel like going there alone anymore.

As if seeing unpleasant thing, Kazuma gave it a glance. A figure came out from the alley as if waiting for him.

"Ah..."

Kazuma got surprised and let out a voice.

It was Terumi.

"Hey, Kazuma-chan. Returning from school?"

Standing with burning red sky behind him, his silhouette was fringed with red and black, making it looked sinister for some reason. With the same usual unreadable expression and a crescent moon-like grin underneath the hood low over his eyes, he got close to Kazuma.

"What's wrong? You look like in a bad mood. Something troubling?"

"No. It's not like it's troubling..."

Getting tapped roughly on his back, Kazuma started walking after being urged by Terumi.

Avoiding the alley, they took the road that heading straight to dormitory. Although he didn't really want to be seen by other people when he was with Terumi, he presently didn't want to go to an even more deserted street.

While walking during the setting sun, Kazuma stole a glance at Terumi.

Terumi was an odd man.

Even though Terumi knew a lot about him, Kazuma didn't know anything about Terumi. However, Kazuma once again felt like he knew Terumi from a long time ago.

Perhaps he got along with Terumi during the forgotten seven years before.

Since he would get dejected if his assumption was wrong, Kazuma couldn't tell it now. But someday... for example, if he could know more about it after getting the Azure, he wanted to have private conversation about Terumi.

Straying from the continuing stone-paved road, Kazuma turned his feet to a public park through an avenue. With the sun shining, the park was bustling with the voices of many children. The nice park was spacious with unobstructed view.

Usually, Kazuma returned to the dormitory by taking a detour from this park. It was because he disliked the merry laughing voices of the children.

But now this annoying laughs gave him relief. Since the children wandered aimlessly in the park like he expected, there shouldn't be anyone brandishing sword swooping down on him.

From the other day's situation, it seemed that beastkin had been avoiding for someone to witness the attack.

"The park is lively... just like usual."

As if grumbling, Kazuma more or less wearily murmured.

He usually only glanced at it from the outside, but the boisterous noise was beyond his expectation.

The children determinedly chasing after a ball as it there was fun in it. With the scene of out of his sight, Kazuma went through the avenue along with Terumi. It seemed this park's lined up trees in this park and its vicinity had been growing from the beginning when the island was established. They grew up considerably big and imposing.

"Though the outside is in danger of world destruction, this island doesn't seem to give a damn at all."

Terumi walked on the same pace as Kazuma and making loud footsteps on the avenue that was paved with stone tiles. He was trying to act like he cared by shaking his head while letting out a sympathizing voice, but he failed badly.

As the lively scene he gave a sidelong glance at didn't make good impression on him, Terumi distorted his mouth and blatantly averted his eyes as if he got bored.

"So, Kazuma-chan."

"Yes?"

"You seem to give the Magic Guild's highly classified information quite an attention there."

Terumi began to spoke suddenly.

Kazuma's pace got disordered as he got confused.

"...Did I ever speak about that?"

"Hmmmm, no?"

Teasing him, Terumi smirked. His protruding chin was slightly facing toward Kazuma.

"I know about it. Even if you don't say anything, I know it. I can read what you're thinking after all."

Kazuma's spine got startled to Terumi's voice as if he was threatening a kid. Before he could think it was true, he thought that it was possible if it was Terumi.

After he took a look at Kazuma, Terumi burst into laughter.

"Kukukuku. What, did you take it seriously? Idiot. Of course that isn't possible. I heard you talking about it back at the library."

"Library... Did you mean when I was speaking to Trinity-san?"

"Hmm. So the glasses girl's called Trinity, huh."

Kazuma's face turned bitter as if he had been spat by Terumi's affirmation.

Kazuma felt considerable gratitude toward Trinity who gave him a ticklish stimulus called friendship into his empty every day. Should he laugh at that girl, criticizing her behavior? Or should he laugh along with her?

He almost laughed just now.

"It should've been fine if you just call out to us back then. Eavesdropping is a bad manner, you know?"

"Manner? I did a bad manner!? Shit, you're making me laugh! Hey hey, Kazuma-chan. Just because you got imprisoned in this disgusting island for seven years, don't get so corrupted that you want to become a honorable magician."

"Hey, please don't talk like that in the middle of the city..."

The flustered Kazuma interrupted Terumi's words while being startled at the same time.

What a nerve to just casually spoke ill of Magic Guild while treading on the land of Ishana, which was under protection of Magic Guild.

Terumi spoke with provocative tone like it was unclear whether he realized it or not, or realizing it but pretended he didn't know about it.

"Besides, you think it's okay if I called you out? The atmosphere was really nice, y'know. Youth is really nice, isn't it~."

"Spare me already. Trinity-san and I don't have anything like that."

Kazuma was bad at that topic. Completely indifferent with Kazuma's tone of voice, Terumi put his hand on his forehead and shaking his shoulders like there was something amusing.

"Hihihi. Hehe, I see. Then again, women are frightening. Generally, they don't care about our intention. Don't you remember? Be careful, Kazuma-chan... Kuku."

"Thank you for the advice."

He was completely ridiculed. Kazuma's mouth was warped as he replied with cold nod.

Nevertheless, the still laughing Terumi still spoke a bit ironically.

"While I'm at it, I'll tell you something. The Magic Guild's highly classified information... It surely exists inside the Cathedral. But that thing isn't like what you think."

Kazuma's expression tensed when he heard Terumi's manner of speaking. Couldn't believe it so suddenly, he looked at the hooded man beside him as if peeking at him.

The trees on the public park felt like they rustled in unrest.

"Do you know the contents of the classified information?"

Terumi lightly nodded.

"Yeah, I know I know. Where might that be, hmm?"

"No way. There's only a few person including Ten Saints to know about all of the classified information, isn't it? How can Terumi-san..."

It really didn't seem likely for Terumi to be deeply affiliated with Magic Guild. No matter how he looked at him, Terumi looked like an outsider. How could he acquire the knowledge of the highly classified information?

Kazuma's voice was clouded with doubt. He looked at Terumi's glaring eyes as if making fun of him.

"What, you don't believe it? Well, I don't really care if you believe it or not. "

"...Then please tell me. What exactly is the Magic Guild's highly classified information?"

It was true for the Azure, but likewise, he didn't know anything about the matter called Magic Guild's highly classified information.

Terumi stopped his feet and turned around in a pompous manner at the questioning Kazuma who was testing him.

Kazuma also stopped almost at the same time. It was evening in the public park. While listening to distant sound that was like from different dimension compared to the merry voices of the children, he faced Terumi.

Terumi showed his usual smile. A smile that ridiculed people.

"You want me to tell you? I'm okay with telling you... But right now, you don't have any business with the classified information."

"I believe I have something to do with it. You were saying you have knowledge regarding the Azure and the classified information, but you didn't tell me the important thing. Even if you say so, I don't have confidence in your words."

"Haa. Kazuma-chan's such a worrywart~."

Kazuma undauntedly talked back to Terumi who was trying to get Kazuma into his pace. Terumi calmly laughed at Kazuma like he was offended by him.

"Don't be afraid. It exists, okay? Rea~lly exists. Maybe saying it a way to reach Azure is closer than saying it as information."

"A way to reach Azure..."

"As for the meaning of it, find it yourself. Don't get people to tell you everything. Like people said, you should be willing to go through struggles. ...Right, Brother?"

As he spoke, Terumi grabbed Kazuma's shoulder and pulled him toward himself. Terumi's fingers were thin, but it dug to the flesh of Kazuma's shoulder with strength that could disrupt the joints.

Terumi looked at Kazuma who was grimacing because of the pain from the surprise attack as Terumi forced him to get close. He then showed a mysterious smile.

"Listen, you need to get to the Azure by yourself. This is what you'd call a fate that can’t be avoided, got it?"

Even if you don't get it, say that you do. With such atmosphere, Terumi whispered in low tone.

Kazuma casted his eyes down as if he got overpowered.

Just what actually is the Azure? To begin with, why is the management on the Cathedral so secure? If it's to protect the highly classified information, then what actually is that information?

Numerous numbers of question accumulated in his chest.

But just like Terumi said, it supposed to be his fate. He must pursue the Azure. No matter how difficult that was.

Still looking downward, Kazuma muttered faintly.

"...Someone that isn't a Ten Saint won't be permitted to get inside the Cathedral. It doesn't seem likely for Magic Guild to give permission either.

"Well, thinking about it normally, it's useless to outwit the Ten Saints just by words. It's a purpose the Magic Guild has been continually doing for hundreds of years, y'know?"

Even before Kazuma, there should be people who had an interest with the Magic Guild's highly classified information for various circumstances. No one had been successful in making contact with the classified information.

Persisting to protect the classified information with obstinate security was why the Magic Guild continued to have a great presence in the hidden side of history. The Magic Guild's massive history seemed to indicate that it was a symbol of authority's foundation; a symbol that wasn't easy to associate with.

"But then, what should I do?"

"Use your head a little, dear student. Besides, I'm not much of a thinker."

Terumi who seemed to be really appalled had his mouth distorted. As he started to walk again, his black leather shoes made noises as they trampled the pebbles below which were carried over from the public park by wind.

It seemed the hints were only up to this.

Kazuma dashed to catch up with Terumi. Advancing while giving a sidelong glance to the trees that were planted in regular interval, he kept thinking and concentrating.

The problem lied on the Ten Saints and securities who kept a watchful eye on intruders. They got eyes to see Kazuma, mouth to warn him, and brain to decide his punishment. Unless the obstructing people got away from the Cathedral, he couldn't do much.

"For example... When all the Ten Saints got involved in a situation away from the Cathedral..."

While thinking, Kazuma let out an incoherent muttering.

Beside him, Terumi seemed amazed as he snorted his nose.

"Good thinking... is what I wanted to say. Kazuma-chan, even a kid can think that much, y'know? That isn't the number one problem here. Think harder."

"...I know."

'I was about to think about that just now, so don't interrupt me' was what Kazuma's innermost thoughts bore. He then gave it a thought again.

An ordinary and inconspicuous student who casually walked and then stopping by the Cathedral. If such situation that wouldn't draw attention happened, he might be able to slip past the Ten Saints' eyes.

(But how can I produce such situation...?)

There was no meaning of it if the situation wasn't a situation that could only be resolved by Ten Saints, not the teaching staff and the town's vigilance committee. Then, his thought was interrupted.

"Aaah. As you're thinking, some dangerous guys got near."

Again, Terumi abruptly changed the topic. He halted his feet beside Kazuma before he could find out the reason.

"What are you talking about, Terumi-san..."

Late in his stop, Kazuma urged him while looking toward the surroundings. Then, he finally noticed.

It should have been the usual period, but there wasn't a single of those annoying child there. It was also true for the parents who were having a pleasant chat nearby. The same for the elders who sat in bench while gazing at the sky in daze.

With the exception of Kazuma and Terumi, there wasn't anyone else in the public park.

Terumi sneered like he was spitting at the thought.

"Not magic. Ars, eh."

"A-Ars?"

"Something like a counterfeit. Simply put, it locks us up inside this public park."

"Lock us up? Just who...!?"

Even when he returning home by deliberately choosing a path that had a lot of presences, it seemed he would experience strange things again. Kazuma went to panic as he had enough of it.

While Terumi fearlessly raised his mouth, he returned his glance at Kazuma as if urging him.

"Who you say? Well, isn't it them?"

Blocking the avenue on the front and the rear side, three silhouettes of person outfitted with black clothing surrounded Kazuma and Terumi.

Part 3

The park should have been bustling with kid's voices a little while back. Right now, it ominously fell silent.

The laughter, creaking noises of playground equipment, and jarring crying voice disappeared like they were illusions. The surrounding scenery grew dull. It was like the stench of deserted ruin was drifting about.

Standing within the midst of it were Kazuma and Terumi.

And three figures of people who appeared all of a sudden.

The silhouettes of them getting on their stance were very much resembled the person Kazuma encountered a few days ago.

Triangular ears protruding from the head; the swaying long and narrow tails on the back. The whole body was completely wrapped with black clothes they wore. They wore hood on their head that was low over their eyes and put on a strange black mask as if to conceal their faces.

It was bizarre. But thanks to that, it was easy to guess that those guys had a relation with the beastkin Tomonori from a few days ago.

And even guessing who might be their target.

"Wh-Who on earth all of you are!?"

Kazuma's throat got stiff from what a seemingly screaming voice. He took a step back as if faltered.

Ishana was protected by Magic Guild's barrier, so it should make it as the safest city in the world. Nevertheless, it once again suffered an attack in just a short period. Kazuma completely couldn't understand the situation.

On the other hand, Terumi displayed a composed behavior while putting both of his hands into the pockets of his trousers as if he understood the situation.

"How rare. Aren't they half-beastkin?"

"Ha... Half-beastkin?"

"Beastkin is like an incomplete brute that isn't human or animal. But a brute that fails to fall into human or beastkin category is called half-beastkin."

Now that he mentioned it, their heights were certainly tall compared to Tomonori. However, it was too low for a human adult. Their strange imbalance gave off too much of an odd feeling.

The unfamiliar odd feeling turned to fear.

Kazuma dragged his stiffened feet to retreat further. But he couldn't go away as his back hit something.

He thought it was a trunk of the lined up trees, but he was wrong. There was nothing there. There was space between the trees, but it was like as if there was an invisible wall that prevented Kazuma from retreating.

"Only that far you go. You can't get out. I said there's an ars here, right?"

Terumi laughed like he was looking at the stupidity of children toward Kazuma who gasped with shock that was too much like sorrow.

"The cat bastard from before also used that ars, too, back then. Didn't realize it?"

"Ah... That's why at that time..."

There wasn't anyone else on the street.

While curling himself up close to the invisible wall, Kazuma trembled because of the ominous understanding.

He didn't know the name of the executed ars, but it seemed to be a small scale barrier. Perhaps at that time, Nine appeared after she broke that barrier.

In other words, as long as those half-beastkins hadn't canceled the ars or got destroyed by Kazuma, it was impossible to get out from here. But under this circumstance, Kazuma simply couldn't cancel the ars.

As if enjoying this desperate situation, Terumi put his arm to Kazuma's shoulders while grinning.

"Looks like they're involved with the beastkin from the other day... So, these guys dangerous; whatcha gonna do, Kazuma Kuvaru-kun?"

"Wh-What can I do?"

As Kazuma got flustered and bewildered, the half-beastkins, with strange atmosphere drifting on them, simultaneously leaped.

The distance was shortened in an instant with dull silver cutting the wind.

"Hiee...!"

Kazuma desperately lowered his body and ran. The blade of the half-beastkin instantly diagonally slashed the place where Kazuma was before.

The unhesitating attack made Kazuma quickly became pale.

He was reminded of the other day's attack. They also intended to kill Kazuma without hesitation. Moreover, there were three opponents this time.

One after another, the half-beastkins wielded their respective specialized weapons. One had a sword; the other one took out daggers one by one while another one putting on huge claws on both hands.

The half-beastkin with sword leaped and swung downward in straight vertical line. Daggers were thrown, aiming for Kazuma's escaping feet. As if waiting for Kazuma to escape from it, the third person rushed to attack with claws. It looked random, but it was a good cooperation.

Kazuma rolled over, desperately trying to run from place to place.

As soon as he turned away, the sound of blade grazed his ear. The terror gave him goose bumps.

"Hii... Uwaah... Hah... Hah..."

Standing with his back against the thick wood as if knocking his body to it, Kazuma's disordered breath made his shoulders went up and down furiously.

Why is this happening? That was the only words going round and round inside his head.

"Ooh, ooh. That's a surprisingly skillful dodge."

Terumi's voice resounded unexpectedly close.

Kazuma turned his about-to-cry face. Terumi was sitting on a nearby bench as though it were a refined noon of a holiday, leisurely crossing his legs.

Kazuma complained to Terumi with desperate look while hugging his school bag.

"D-Don't just watch! Help me!"

"Eeh? Me? What a bother."

"How can you say it's a bother...!"

While keeping attention with the half-beatkins' movements, Kazuma pestered Terumi.

But Terumi leisurely dangled his feet while carelessly resting his chin in his hand, watching Kazuma.

"In the first place, even if I don't give you a hand, you can avoid these guys' attacks. Don't you want to get attention? Just play along."

"T-That's..."

After Terumi spoke, Kazuma suddenly had a doubt.

When the beastkin who called himself Tomonori attacked, the slashes always grazed Kazuma's skin, making him felt death appeared before his eyes each time. Still, how could it not resulted in his death back then? There was no explanation outside of good luck and miracle.

But now he felt a little... or a lot depending on the situation, self-composure.

These guys were slow. Much slower when compared to Tomonori.

"...It seems so."

It wasn't easy, but he could avoid it if he observed them. It gave a modest hope for the completely cornered Kazuma. But he immediately realized it didn't turn around the situation in any way.

"But no matter how many I dodge, it's pointless if they're not defeated, isn't it?"

"Aah, right. Sooner or later you'll get tired and may be killed in a slash."

"I-I don't want it to happen...!"

As Kazuma yelled miserably, the half-beastkins attacked in coordination again. The killing intent that was directed to Kazuma only had quite a tenacity displayed.

The slashes of sword and claws approached from the left and right side. As he ran off by making his way between the gap, daggers were pierced into the ground as if obstructing him to go to his destination.

"Wh... Uwaah!"

Kazuma fell forward because of the sudden obstacle. As a sword was swung downward there, Kazuma rolled over to escape, not minding his uniform to get dirty.

When he raised his out of breath body, he was near the bench where Terumi was sitting.

"I beg of you... Please do something!"

"Hmm, what should I do~? If you're blockhead that can't get the Azure, then you're not necessary for me. Besides, look, fighting isn't my forte."

"You said the opposite a while ago!"

A little while ago, he said that he wasn't much of a thinker.

But toward the sorrowful complain of Kazuma, Terumi teased him like it was completely not his problem without a slight nervousness on him.

"I said that?"

"You did say it! Whatever, it doesn't matter... Hii!"

Whether he had already finished speaking or not, the sound of slashed air rushed.

Grazing the top of Kazuma's head as he squatted while screaming in high pitch, three thrown daggers of the half beastkin pierced the bench behind.

Exactly right beside Terumi.

If Kazuma's reaction were late for a second, his body might be sewed there by now. It was terrifying thinking about it.

"Hihhihi. I'm joking, I'm joking. Well, it seems I'd get troubled if you were to die."

Like it was really troublesome, Terumi got up from sitting. With half of his waist unable giving out, Kazuma looked up at the standing figure of Terumi as his upper body swayed.

"So... Kazuma Kuvaru-kun."

Terumi casually gripped the half-beastkin's dagger that was stuck on the bench and pulled it. He then tossed it over his head and skillfully caught it while looking at Kazuma from under his hood as if taking a peek.

"It's not interesting to just help you. I got a condition."

"Wh... What is it?"

"Promise that you'll get the Azure."

A low voice like it was creeping up.

As it was certain that the supposedly couldn't be seen glint in Terumi's eyes was shining, Kazuma unintentionally stopped breathing.

It wasn't just breath. Everything felt like they fell into stillness for a moment. In the midst of it, only Terumi's existence that had meaning there.

The feeling was but like staring at a snake. Getting watched by the cold stare, Kazuma's spine froze still. If he were to compare Terumi's eyes, those swords of the assailants felt like toys.

"I-I promise. I mean it. That's why..."

Averting his eyes from the glint directed at him, Kazuma squeezed out his answer. If he didn't answer, he got a hunch that something terrible would happen.

Terumi pulled another knife and grinned.

A fearless and eerie one.

The cold gaze of reptile shifted from Kazuma toward the black clothed assailants.

"Don't forget those words."

No sooner after he spoke, Terumi moved.

He went in between those assailants by walking, and then played the daggers in both hands by rotating them.

The black clothed people must have changed their target as they pointed their blades from Kazuma to Terumi. Each of them assumed alerted posture and approached in irregular movement.

The half-beastkin who carried sword went around behind Terumi, and then swung the sharp blade, aiming his neck.

But at the same time, Terumi turned around with his arm quickly brushed it away. As a dull noise of slash could be heard, immediately a black figure leaped right beside Kazuma.

The bench where Terumi had been sitting on until a while ago got smashed as loud noises rang out.

"Hiiii!?"

"Ooh. My bad, my bad. Careful, Kazuma-chan."

Instead of being flinched, Terumi waved his hand with dagger still in hand.

Currently unable to stand up, Kazuma moved his feeble neck vertically.

"Ye-Yes..."

The answer was the best he could do.

In the meantime, Terumi twisted his body and kicked the claws wielding assailant high up. Then he jumped and slashed the chest of the last person who had thrown daggers from blind spot.

"C'mon c'mon c'mon! Just like this? Hyahhaha! You small fries have to make it more interesting like a small fry can! Man, this is boring!"

The bodies that were crumbled down under his feet were like lumps of shadow. He kicked them like a ball or something else entirely before stomping on them.

Even though it was three against one, Terumi's strength was overwhelming.

While assuming no stance just like when he stood in the middle of downtown, he definitely had seized and counter attacked the approaching assailants. Also, it was one crude movement like he was casually showing off his ability.

"Kuh... Move out! Report to Tomonori-sama...!"

As someone who seemed to be the leader raised his voice, the assailants began to pull back. They jumped back before disappearing from the public park.

The vicinity once again regained the tranquility of dusk.

Terumi tossed away the daggers on both of his hands like they were toys he had lost interest with. Then he walked up to the still sitting Kazuma, stretching out his foot and poked him with the leather shoe's tip.

"How long will you keep sitting, Kazuma-chan~. Is your hips giving out?"

"Y... You're really strong, Terumi-san."

Raising his eyes at Terumi who were looking down on him from a high position, Kazuma spoke with a weak voice that surprised even himself. Terumi's shoulders were shaking as he burst into laughter.

"Strong? You said I'm strong? That's so obvious. Well, you'll eventually get it back though."

"Me? What is it that I'm getting back?"

"Khukuku. Like I said, you'll understand soon enough."

Terumi grabbed Kazuma's arm while laughing and pulled him. He slapped the shoulder of the petrified Kazuma who was still holding his bag tight and made a crescent moon shape on his lips.

"Don't forget the promise."

"Promise..."

"Hey hey, that's not good. Are you pretty much still only half awake?"

The arrogant voice reverberated on Kazuma's willpower.

Strength was put into Kazuma's arm that was hugging his bag. Forceful, like it was crushing his arm.

"...It's fine. I'm not forgetting about it."

Fooling the Ten Saints' eyes and entering the Cathedral. He had to obtain it.

The Azure that is.

For that purpose, Kazuma was willing to do anything.

Kazuma didn't realize it, but he thought about it as his last resort.

Afterwards, Kazuma and Terumi separated in front of the dormitory.

Terumi stood still in front of the dormitory for a while. Before long, he abruptly looked up over his shoulder.

There was a three stories residence stood up near the dormitory. A figure was standing on the rooftop. The height was small; the long tails were the most characteristic of all, but its silhouette emerged as it got basked by the setting sun.

It was Tomonori.

Standing on the rooftop, Tomonori stared at the dormitory with eyes that were aiming for a prey. Until just now, he must have been focusing on the vanishing figure of Kazuma there.

He might be waiting for the chance to kill him. Or else, he might be making sure of something.

Either way, it was only an eyesore for Terumi.

Tomonori slightly moved. His large eyes moved for a bit, staring at Terumi who was standing in front of the dormitory.

The distance where they were glaring at each other was somewhat far. But disregarding such a thing, Terumi and Tomonori were aware of each other's existence and their obvious hostility.

But this time, the distance didn't get shortened further. Tomonori turned his heel; and like an olden spy from a faraway island country that was currently in ruin, he became a shadow and disappeared in an instant.

The cat's presence had completely disappeared, yet Terumi glared upward at the uninhabited rooftop.

"...Tch."

He clicked his tongue in annoyance.

Whatever. It has already begun anyway.

The gears have engaged and started to move. It can't be stopped anymore even if they struggle.

Part 4

As dinner on the dormitory came to end, Kazuma went back to his room without speaking to anyone else.

After turning on the lamp in the dark room, he closed the door.

An ordinary room with ordinary furniture lined up. But for Kazuma, it was the most calming place.

Boiling hot water in a small pot, he brewed black tea. It was a poor quality one he bought at a shop in the main street of the island, but it was enough for Kazuma.

After blowing his breath to cool it, he had a sip. And then, he unconsciously sighed.

He had to experience something unpleasant again today. Although it went well as he was fortunately together with Terumi, Kazuma wondered what would happen if he was alone.

There was something with his surroundings lately.

Celica A. Mercury, a beastkin, and Terumi appeared. Today, even half-beastkins also appeared.

And then the Azure.

"Azure..."

He had to think some kind of a plan.

Ten Saints were a given prestige that made them considered as the most excellent magicians among the Magic Guild; it was also a social status. If they had to act, it would require an incident with a level that simply couldn’t be resolved by other magicians.

Nonetheless, the one who would initiate the plan was Kazuma.

An incident that couldn't be resolved without Ten Saints, but also one that Kazuma could realize.

"Dammit... There must be something."

He unconsciously spoke rude to himself.

Then... a knocking resounded on the room's door.

Kazuma raised his face and frowning. The time was late as it had already beyond dinnertime. Even while disregarding the time, he had no idea who would visit his room.

"Yes?"

It might be Terumi, he thought.

But the returned voice from the other side of the door was different.

"I'm sorry since it was so sudden. It's Trinity Glassfield."

A voice as sweet as marshmallow. Kazuma couldn't immediately grasp the meaning of the words he had heard. Several seconds being absent minded later, he hurriedly opened the door.

The figure there made Kazuma stopped thinking once more.

Without a doubt, Trinity Glassfield was there.

It was prohibited for girls to visit the boys' dormitory, but such a thing was practically rare.

The spectacle of Trinity, who was famous for her good conduct in the academy, to be alone in the hallway of boys' dormitory felt out of place one way or another.

"Thank god, you're safe."

Looking at Kazuma, Trinity brushed aside the discomfort with a sigh of relief as her expression began to smile broadly.

"Huh?"

What did she mean by safe? Still with the door opened, Kazuma asked a question in return with a surprised and dull face.

Putting both her hands together on her mouth, Trinity bashfully smiled.

"Aah, sorry~. The truth is, this evening, just like when Kazuma-san was attacked before, Nine said that she sensed unusual force... So I thought perhaps something happened to Kazuma-san~."

"And then you went out of your way coming here at this time?"

A truly whimsical person. Kazuma went out to the hallway while amazed.

Fortunately, there wasn't anyone else in the hallway.

Since Kazuma's room was at the most end, there shouldn't be anyone passing there and got in the way. But since there was just the two of them in a secluded place, with the girl being the same age as him, the circumstances made him felt a quite sensitive mood.

"I'm really sorry. But no matter what, it's been on my mind."

As she spoke, Trinity's gentle eyes looked like as if they miraculously saw through everything.

How could it be? Such a thing shouldn't be possible, but it was like the bottom of Kazuma's heart that he didn't even aware of was being scooped up. Kazuma confronted her with a forced smile.

"I'm sorry for troubling you. But it's all right. Nothing was happened."

Kazuma decided to keep quiet about being given a hard time by black clothed people. He felt awkward to cause further worry to Trinity who somehow couldn't help but felt concerned. Above all, he wanted to avoid a situation where he had to speak about Terumi.

He didn't want unrelated person to know about Terumi and the Azure.

"Is that so? Thank goodness."

Trinity whispered quietly.

After hanging her head for a moment, she reservedly raised her face.

The green eyes affectionately stared at Kazuma.

"Umm~. Kazuma-san."

It was Trinity's sweet voice he had always heard. But there wasn't only sweetness in there. A dignity that seemed suppressing the noise on the surrounding was drifting about.

That purity also pulled Kazuma's consciousness as if being prompted gently.

"If you're being caught in some kind of trouble, then I'll lend you my strength. So please, at least don't do dangerous thing."

"Eh...?"

"I don't know anything about the circumstances surrounding you. However... I can't help but feel that there has been some kind of unrest around Kazuma-san these days."

While she said that she didn't know about it, her words totally hit the mark.

Kazuma's heart jumped. But at the same time, various kind of emotions swirling within him

It was pleasant to receive this kind of genuine care, but it was shameful to be seen helpless like this.

He felt guilty to deceive Trinity from here on. If he were to trick Nine, it would be like he also betrayed Trinity.

He missed the ordinary, inconspicuous dull life of a student and her greetings on every morning.

When Kazuma's wish were to come true, the same as always scene wouldn't be there anymore. For a little. Just for a little...

"You needn't worry... about me."

Covering the emotion that was too much to handle, Kazuma gently slackened his cheeks.

He had grown used to make a smiling face, but it felt slightly painful when the other party was Trinity. It was like he paid back her pure sincerity with impure faithlessness.

However, Kazuma continued.

"I don't particularly get caught up with anything. I have no clue regarding what Trinity-san is speaking of. Certainly, I had a dangerous experience on the other day... but that was all. I'm all right."

Toward Kazuma who spoke like he was persuading her, Trinity watched him intently without averting her eyes even for a little. Not even a sign of doubt appeared on her crystal clear green eyes.

"...I'm relieved to hear about that."

But somehow, her presently expressed smile appeared to have relief while simultaneously had sadness, too.

Taking a step backward, Trinity bowed politely with a behavior that was as gentle as her tone of voice.

"I'm glad I summoned my courage to come this far to see you. Thank you for showing your face. Excuse me for coming so late~."

"It's okay. Be careful on your way back, Trinity Glassfield-san."

Trinity bowed her head once more, left a well-mannered smile, and then slowly returned to the hallway.

After seeing off Trinity's leaving figure, Kazuma turned back to his room.

As if snatching his consciousness, the passing by Trinity's seemingly sad smile lingered in his chest.

Did she see through the lie Kazuma had told her? If that was the case, then why didn't she question him?

After closing the door and locking it, Kazuma hit his forehead at the door.

She had especially come all the way here. Since it would have been easy, maybe at least he should have given her a word of thanks.

"——Hey hey. Don't tell me you just gonna swallow that woman's words?"

From behind Kazuma, a scornful voice jumped at him like cold water.

It was like being snapped out of dream in a single breath. Kazuma turned around with inconceivable feeling.

There, just like the first time they met, Terumi sat on a wooden chair, acting like he owned the place.

"P-Please don't surprise me. Just where did you come from!?"

His waist gave out from too much of a surprise. With Kazuma's back clung to the door while miserably complaining, Terumi happily laughed while sitting on top of the chair.

"Khukuku. I dunno what you mean by that, but it's really funny. I've been here from the beginning."

"But that..."

'Can't be possible', was what going to be his retort; but Kazuma swallowed the words in the middle of it. When Terumi first appeared, there was never any common notice.

If Terumi was saying it, then perhaps he was truly had been in this room from the very beginning. But Kazuma just didn't notice it.

For some reason, the air around Terumi gave an impression like that.

After separating his back from the door, Kazuma walked slowly before sitting down on the edge of his bed.

Before he knew it, Terumi was drinking the black tea he brewed some time ago on his own. It would have become lukewarm anyway, so Kazuma didn't feel like making his way to get it back.

"What did you mean when you said not to swallow Trinity-san's words?"

Joining his hands together on the opened gap between his knees, Kazuma looked at Terumi.

Both Kazuma's long bangs and the hood Terumi put on low over his eyes were concealing their eyes. But strangely, their sights clashed spontaneously.

Terumi, holding the cup by hooking it with his fingers, drained its contents as he gulped them.

"I told you not to just swallow it, right? But... was she called Trinity? Well, it doesn't matter. Do you think it's okay to really trust that woman?"

"Why are you saying such a thing? She is just worried."

Unable to comprehend the meaning of Terumi's words, Kazuma criticized Terumi like he was irritated.

Looking amazed and in sympathetic tone of voice, Terumi exaggeratedly shook his head.

"Oh man, you poor, poor thing. You've been living a lukewarm life in this ignorant, peaceful island. But I guess it can't be helped. Stupid people will get taken advantage of, used, and dumped in the end, y'know?"

"What are you trying to say...?"

When he was speaking that far, Kazuma got more and more uneasy. Toward Kazuma who glanced quizzically, Terumi gave him unpleasant smile with his usual tone of voice.

"You really don't notice? That woman is monitoring you."

Monitoring.

The unexpected word froze Kazuma's thought.

Terumi rudely put back the cup to desk. The coarse noise made Kazuma got back to breathing.

But he simply couldn't get back to being calm.

"Monitoring... Trinity-san... at me?"

"Who else is there?"

"But why..."

"You don't have any idea? Really? Even one? ...Really?"

Terumi's voice fueled the suspicion that began to grow in Kazuma. The gradually growing suspicion grew larger as he would find something if he searched the memories of the past few days.

"Remember... Kazuma Kuvaru."

Terumi's words shook his mind.

The awfully sharp gaze of Nine who was cautious against Kazuma. Those eyes that were like they were groping for Kazuma's innermost thoughts one-by-one. She was a Ten Saint after all. It wouldn't be a miracle even if she guessed something.

And then Trinity. Inside that undiscriminating and tender smile she wore, what kind of face did she have? She was hidden in Nine's shadow, but she was the excellent Platinum the Trinity.

"Trinity-san is... monitoring me..."

It wasn't like the mutter was directed to anyone, but Kazuma acknowledged it. It spread on his heart in a flash. The gratitude and obligation he held toward Trinity until now were dyed in black.

It was hard to believe.

However... was it possible to say that there was absolutely zero chance of her giving such harmless smile while monitoring every single of Kazuma's move?

While casting his eyes down with his crossed fingers biting the back of his hands, Kazuma held a distinct suspicion.

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