Part 5
This is the truth without any lies, he had no solution at all.
When he first realised the truth during that time.
[He] totally couldn’t go against [talent].
The true master is in fact his own [talent], [he] is just a slave to the [talent]— just a mere [vessel].
That’s right, he was coincidentally allowed to use a huge form of [phenomenon] and [talent], this is the actual truth, his existence is just a [tool] to use the [talent].
He did not notice it all along.
By the time he understood the truth, it has already robbed him of many things. At first it was self-confidence, next was his dream, then it was his ambitions and wishes. The others were his happiness, sadness and even his anger. To go into more details, even his meaning and strength to live, these were stolen from him, finally even his answer to what should he do was robbed.
Perhaps he himself realised during that time, perhaps it was during that moment, that his [self] had disappeared.
In the midst of blazing hot light.
Surrounded by sea of flames that burns wildly.
“… Um.”
Miyachi Iwao shifted his body while resting on the chair as he wakes up.
He slowly stretches his hand towards the office desk, pushing the button on his phone that was ringing the alarm notification, confirming the current time. He had taken a 20 minutes nap, his mind cleared up slightly— there was such a feeling. “Um.” Miyachi stretches himself on the chair, yawned.
Even knowing things would not go smoothly as planned, yet trouble kept on coming unexpectedly. Just having to solve difficulties continuously is already giving him a headache, it wasn’t known how many days ago since he had a proper sleep. To this no longer young body, this kind of burden is really heavy.
However, this is not a problem that can be solved by worrying.
-- Hungry…
He remembered he had not taken dinner and decided to get food right away. The Exorcist Bureau Staff Canteen operates from evening till morning. Foods that would not burden the stomach… It is either Soba or Udon, he lazily stood up from his chair.
At this moment, the sound of knocking can be heard in the room.
He immediately [see] who was it and nearly let out a sigh. The person that knocked was Yuge. Miyachi’s office does not have a barrier, if he had concentrated more on [seeing], he could have left before she walked over. Of course, the other party had [saw] him as well, it is impossible to act as if he wasn’t in the office now. He should like act like he’s sleeping, he took serious consideration about this childish idea, in the end he still gave up that thinking.
There is no need to think about the amount of calls Yuge made today, he knew she was looking for him for something. He had to put on an irritating character act again, but this couldn’t be helped. He sat back onto his chair and gave a response, “Come in.”
“… Excuse me.”
Opening the door, Yuge enters the room.
The moment he saw her expression, Miyachi deeply felt that he hasn’t really wake up yet.
-- Sigh, I am really becoming useless.
He did not notice when he [see] just now, Yuge she— as a National First-Class Onmyouji having passed the [Onmyou First-Class] Exam did not completely control her aura. She tried her hardest to stabilise her aura, yet she couldn’t control the shaking, very chaotic.
If she only knew about the exposition, having watched that video, logically saying, she wouldn’t have this kind of reaction. Judging from Yuge’s character, if it is only related to that matter, she would surely think [there is something going on that I do not comprehend], or [perhaps there was some complicated reason that lead to such an unfortunate consequence], at least she would [hope to believe] the truth would be that way.
Yet, the Yuge now is positioned in a deeper location.
Looking this way, she must have [known] something, and she is disgusted, something that she couldn’t tolerate or deny.
“… Chief.”
Yuge started speaking in a stiff tone, her expression is unusually strict, she doesn’t have any intention of hiding anything.
“I… I have something to ask of you.”
“Um… ah ah, before that--” Miyachi gently interrupted her, smiling calmly. “I am sorry, you seem to have made many calls to me during the day, but I couldn’t manage to find a right time to return your call. Any way it is regarding that matter, you called me with regards to [Onmyou Monthly Magazine] and Amami-san, right?”
Miyachi spoke leisurely, his attitude, his tone and his expression were the same as always. In comparison, “… Yes.” The nodding Yuge is extremely tensed, as if a thin string that would break with a slight pull. “To be frank, I do not understand this matter as well, why would such a thing happen… Even the Chief is bothered as well. However, tomorrow is the day of the forewarned terrorist attack, honestly now is not a good time to deal with this.”
“……”
“Whether that video is real or not, there is no way to judge now, but that film doesn’t seem to be fabricated, that’s why it is confusing.”
“……”
“What exactly is the [reason] for that exposition… Moreover, it is related to Amami-san, why did it [turn out this way], I really couldn’t understand. However, Amami-san is safe— at least it is relieving that he looks all right.”
Miyachi had a bothered expression and wore a bitter smile on his face. Unknowingly, his actions seem frustrated and tired. He is truly very tired, the fatigue accumulated on every cell on his body cannot be pretended, this is without question.
He looked at Yuge, he observed that the look Yuge used to look at him was shaking slightly, he realised she was swaying as she rather gave up thinking and let her mood relax slightly.
So—
“… Are you able to accept this explanation?”
His tone is cold, extremely devoid of emotions.
Yuge nearly let out a cry.
The pain of her heart being torn apart is beyond imagination. Haha, I apologise, I was just joking, Mariri— The desire for these words to be spoken was unusually strong, even she was surprised with herself. Regardless of a huge lie, or pretension that is dazzlingly exaggerated, as long as he said it, she would perhaps— even if it was for just a moment— show a salvaging and relaxing smile. In fact, deep in her heart she truly wished to hear this kind of words, even if it’s unruly, twisted, ugly like a comedy, he too would like to let her have a moment of relief.
However—
-- This could not be done…
“Childish.” Miyachi continued.
Among all the independent Exorcists, Yuge and Kagami has especially the most opportunity to be directed by Miyachi the most. He had frequently advised them on the skills of an exorcist as well as their attitude and also leading them. The two subordinates and disciples are two different types, Kagami had absorbed more of the skills, whereas Yuge had learned more about attitude.
However, the next step is to let her understand the attitude she should have not as an exorcist, but as an [Onmyouji], this is a duty that he should perform.
Miyachi slowly got up from his seat.
“If Shigeoka heard what I have said, even if he cannot accept it, he would still [bear with it], because this is work… If it’s Kogure, he wouldn’t just straight forwardly seek an [answer] from me. That is why he is determined to keep quiet about this. He tried using his own ways to find out if he could [accept it or not], because of this he had spend more than a year and a half on it. Then… That’s right, if it’s Kagami, he wouldn’t care if this is [acceptable], he is not someone who would take action base on this kind of standards.”
Miyachi placed both his hands on the table, with his sharp gaze he looked straight at Yuge who is frozen on the spot.
“Why did you come here? Don’t tell me that you did not consider the possibility that I might be an enemy? What if the suspicion you have is [real], what would you do then? I ask you, do you think you can win against me?”
Miyachi spoke harshly.
Next, he breathes in and slowly breathes out.
-- Intolerable…
He understands that this is a good quality of his subordinate Yuge, as an exorcist, this kind of display is not wrong, but as an Onmyouji, this kind of display cannot be considered as a pass, that is why Miyachi purposely provoke her.
“Only you, only you could think of getting an answer that is acceptable to yourself from [others].”
-- !
Yuge’s eyes were filled with tears.
Her biggest shortcoming is that she is too serious, and the level is very low— one could even say her seriousness level is [narrow and limited].
It would not be a problem if she is just a regular employee, it wouldn’t have any effect if she is an exorcist either.
Unfortunately, she is neither a regular employee nor an exorcist, she is one of [The Twelve Generals], the [Binding Princess] among all the National First-Class Onmyouji. To a Onmyouji— and as someone who has power and the responsibilities that comes with that power, this kind of narrow and limited level of seriousness could sometimes be harmful.
-- No.
Miyachi self-deprecate in his heart.
This isn’t something that is so high profile, it is just purely Miyachi being [unsatisfied], an upright Onmyouji is too boring, he would at least hope Yuge would tread towards a deeper path.
“Why.” Yuge painfully groaned, “Why did you do such a thing.” Her voice choked with emotion as tears fell.
Miyachi can’t help to smile bitterly, he imagined she would have this kind of reaction, in the end she really did.
“Yuge, if that was a second grade, that is still considered not a bad performance, but is this the right time to lose your composure?”
The next moment, Miyachi casted Unmoving Golden Chains, attacking the defenceless Yuge. “Ah.” Yuge gasped, her whole body froze. She is so vulnerable that this kind of effect could still be observed after having shown mercy.
“Because of seeking a correct answer from others… Because you did not think before taking action, the moment you have a situation like this you will lose control easily. Go ahead and dispel, if it’s you, you will only need a few seconds to undo it.”
“Chief!”
“What is it?”
“You, you…!”
“What are you trying to say?”
Miyachi smile bitterly once more.
What kind of method should he take, for example, continue playing the bad guy could be one of the ways. He could train Yuge with a new approach after having her experience the anger of betrayal, but this is a double edge sword. Considering her character, she might tilt towards [Yin] due to the backlash, destroying her [Yang] assets.
“Yuge.”
He used first grade spirit language to inject magic into his voice, activating it on Yuge. Due to the attack, Yuge shook a little, her body reactively goes into [on-site] battle mode. This is a trait of an excellent exorcist, sealing away personal feelings, focusing on the situation before them.
“Dispel.”
He repeated himself once more while continuously casting Unmoving Golden Chains on her.
Yuge raised her eyes, she desperately raises her magic powers under the restriction of the magic technique. With regards to Golden Chain related magic techniques, Yuge is more specialised than Miyachi, she quickly undid the magic on her body. Miyachi rearranged his thoughts once more, he slowly walked towards his office desk.
“I’m like a shikigami of the Chief, it has always been like this. Absolutely obeying my master’s orders— even though I am not that obedient, but we had known each other for a long time. Since we have already come to this point, I have decided to follow him till the end.”
“……”
“What do you plan to do now?” Miyachi spoke with malicious intentions. “You can also join us if you want.”
Yuge widened her eyes, Miyachi attentively observe his own subordinate.
No problems, Yuge had regained her normal sense of judgement.
“… This time round is a huge gamble, we do not know how the situation will develop. From an optimistic point of view, if things go well it should be our victory. The most important thing now is that, what will be the meaning behind our victory… or what meaning can we get out from it.”
Miyachi spread out his arms and relaxed his shoulders while he spoke, it has been a long time since he has spoken in such an honest manner. Even though it’s selfish, but after he finished speaking, he felt a little relaxed. He originally thought that he would not suffer from hiding things, but he had hide for too long this time.
“I do not need any meaning, to be frank I do not really care about victory or defeat. I am only flowing with the current, I just do not have the intention to flow against the current only… you wouldn’t understand even if I put it this way, right?”
“-- Yes.”
Yuge replied straightforwardly. Very good very good— Miyachi started stroking his bread on his chin. During this period, Miyachi is still gradually increasing his magic powers, continuously casting Unmoving Golden Chains, Yuge, on the other hand, is undoing the spells with all her effort without breaking a sweat.
“How about it, Yuge? You are most welcome to join us.”
“… You want me to become a terrorist?”
The gaze towards Miyachi is still filled with disbelief.
-- Terrorist huh.
Miyachi did not argue back. Yakou’s unfulfilled wish, Souma’s long cherished wish, there are many ways of saying it, but in the eyes of an exorcist at least, the actions of Miyachi’s group is equivalent to acts of terror, no other explanation.
“I will not force you to help.”
“I refuse.”
“This is really not a bad suggestion.”
“I refuse.”
“Um.”
He let his body lean lightly on the side of the table, nodding in the direction of Yuge.
“For you to come looking for me here shows that you are more naïve than Kogure, however, since you are already here, you must have come prepared, you can’t be panicking. I am very disappointed in you, Independent Officer Yuge Mari.”
“… I shall take my leave, Chief Miyachi.”
The pair of determined eyes shows great fighting spirit, Yuge answered with her head high and her chest out. Very well very well, Miyachi secretly laughed in his heart.
Even though he is this way, he still felt happy for being able to help her [regain herself]. Now then… What about this development?
“Yuge, I am sorry but you will have to stay, otherwise I won’t be able to answer to Chief. Moreover, I still have things to ask you, for example, [what have you heard] and from [who] did you hear from.”
“……”
“Do you understand now? Your rash actions have not only cause harm to yourself, it also harms the person that trusted you. You need to learn how to see things in a wider perspective.”
Facing the stern looking Yuge, Miyachi smiled. Next, he gathered his strength— but has adjusted so that it would not rob away consciousness— for Unmoving Golden Chains. As if electricity surged through the whole body, Yuge’s body went numb, falling onto the ground helplessly. Miyachi gave a big nod after watching, he then turns his body around, slowly reaching over his mobile phone on his desk.
In that brief moment—
“Order!”
Undoing invisibility, Yamashiro opened the main door of the office and took out a few talismans, releasing noxious fumes spreading through the whole interior. Miyachi can’t help but to be amazed, this wave of attack is much more fierce and stronger than what he expected. He nearly released flames, yet he decided it would be bad to do it, so he quickly set up a barrier, focusing on defence.
“Yamashiro?”
“Do not move!”
Noxious fumes filled the entire room, the room is filled with water element talisman magic that counters fire element.
Miyachi counted to three in his mind, he then burned down the entire room of magic with fire.
The controlled flames swallowed the office whole, producing radiating heat… and disappearing next. Just with one attack, burnt smell filled the whole interior, the burnt wall collapsed.
Yuge and Yamashiro disappeared from his sight.
“I can’t stand them.”
He was shocked.
“… Miyoshi.”
From behind the door that had been blasted away, Miyoshi appeared at the doorway with a handkerchief covering his nose and mouth. He frowned deeply while looking at the interior, he then makes a step onto the burnt mat.
He faced Miyachi sideways, Miyachi sighed and said…
“It can’t be that you are here to join us, right.”
“How is that possible.”
“Then why are you here, there will be people arriving here soon.”
After all, he was previously a Special Spirit Sensor, he surely would have already [seen] through Miyachi’s tricks. Miyachi turned angry from embarrassment, asking him to leave using an unrefined attitude.
In comparison, “… I always thought that you are a person that is bad in expressing yourself.” Miyoshi seems to not care about Miyachi’s attitude, spoke in his own way. “I did not expect things to exceed my imagination, and please forgive me for my harsh words, your methods are childish as well.”
“There is no need for you to interfere.”
“Before you describe someone being very naïve, I would prefer that you take a good look at yourself in the mirror before saying such things to others.”
“Spare me, please stop talking about it.”
Looking at him shaking his head with frustration while speaking, Miyoshi kept his handkerchief back into his pocket, revealing a cold smile.
“Is this alright? This is considered an act of betrayal to the Chief’s group, you know.”
“Anyway, the Chief did not have any expectation for my loyalty as well.”
“Umm…… Even after betraying The Exorcist Bureau, yet do not wish to be too heartless— This is what it is, right? Kurahashi Chief is quite pitiful, he has no choice but to have this person, not sure friend or foe placed by his side, it is complicated to have such powerful talents.”
“Do you have the right to say others?”
“I do have my ways of living… However, it is because of such ways this time, I might need to suffer for quite a bit.”
Miyoshi spoke calmly, but he definitely did not make up his mind on a whim. You are childish as well— Miyachi originally wanted to ridicule him this way, but he dropped the idea.
Miyoshi is using his ways to take responsibility, he is far more resolute and determined compared to his conflicted self.
“What are your plans?”
“I do not have any directions or strategies that I can speak of.”
“Is that so, both of our sides are troublesome eh.”
“Since both sides are [troublesome], how about you come to our side?”
“There is no way… ah ah, are you going to take the twins along with you?”
“It is fortunate that the two of them holds admiration for me.”
“What about Amami-san?”
“It’s regrettable, I have not managed to contact him yet. Oh yes, how about finding him first as a starting goal.”
“Please send him my regards once you meet him, and… Please tell him I’m sorry.”
“No problem, then—” Miyoshi straightened himself, and gave a deep bow to Miyachi. “Thank you for your care, Miyachi Chief, thank you for willing to let us go.”
“Are you ridiculing me? Forget it, I apologise for doing those things before.”
After finish speaking, [Fire Demon] and [Divine Eye] look at each other with a bitter smile. Miyoshi then turned around, leaving the office in his normal pace of walking. Miyachi was kept quiet, silently watching him off. He shook his head, then lifted his head towards the celling with his eyes closed.
It was another 30 seconds later before the other members arrived.
That is a closed off training area.
It is a First-Class Magic Technique training area opposite of the ruins of the old Onmyou Academy, the structure of the interior looks similar to that of those countryside citizen association or athletic association competition grounds, Kagami is sitting cross legged alone there.
Lights weren’t on, the only thing that is brightening the room are the lights of the streets weakly shining through the windows. Morning hasn’t arrived yet; the surroundings were filled with silence. As if merging into this kind of surroundings, Kagami closed his eyes, he relaxes his shoulders while placing his strength on his kneecaps, he straightened his back as well.
Then, “… Reiji, what are you trying to imply with your actions just now.” In the midst of darkness, a voice echoed.
The one speaking was Shaver, a man that wore a normal shirt with a long pants, he is abnormally tall and is slightly thin. At this point, madness was dancing in his eyes, height of fury and the changes in emotions slid of his face, revealing a cold expression. His right hand holds a long Japanese sword hanging downwards—his form [Higekiri].
“Why? We could have rushed in and started fighting, right? I don’t understand you, it was good [that person was there] as well, saying something like [it will be a shame to act now], you are really unbelievable.” Shaver was so angry that his voice was shaking, as he interrogates his master, Kagami. His sights weren’t focused, he was near exploding of anger. The way he swings his long hair in anger is as if a lighted fuse, radiating sparks while it burns and shortens.
Shaver is a Shikigami with a form of a [sword], his natural liking is to kill enemies, for Kagami who wants to gain power, he is a perfect partner. The only difference from that gentle looks, his wishes for [battles] is far stronger than his master, Kagami. Even though he is a very strong Shikigami, to be able to control him is no easy task.
However, “… So noisy.” Kagami couldn’t care less about him.
“They are indeed strong, I don’t want to have any regrets, if we were to battle we should give our all.”
“But—”
“Shut up.”
He used First-Grade Spirit Language without any restraint, a lag appeared through Shaver’s body, resulting in him falling onto the ground on his back. He widened his eyes in surprise, speechless and fuming with anger, he waved his arms and legs on the ground, throwing tantrum. His actions seem to be that of a stubborn child, but if a normal person was to be affected by this would surely die from it. The barrier that was set up inside the competition grounds produced severe grinding noises, it is not exaggerated to describe that a Spiritual Disaster had happened in that area.
Even so, Kagami wasn’t affected by it at all.
“I have said this before, tomorrow is the day for the real battle… Or do you want to be sealed here right now.”
After hearing that sentence, Shaver stopped his horseplay. Not only that he couldn’t enjoy the joys of battles last time, now he still has to be locked up, he would want to avoid this kind of thing no matter what. This shows that even he is having a bad mood, he is still able to distinguish what is important, maintaining a certain level of calmness.
Moreover, it would be a problem if he couldn’t remain calm now.
“— Besides, Shaver. What I have said just now was regrettably not meant for them, but us.”
What master said made Shaver stood still, Kagami continue speaking without minding much.
“Once it starts, everyone will move at the same time. In that case, it would be a perfect scenario where no one comes and interfere like just now, even though perfect…”
Yet, it wouldn’t be satisfying.
Kagami relied on his own strength climbing up, relying his natural born talents and the skills he gained from training on flexibly using his talents, including the use of flexible and brilliant strategies to complement his strengths— ability. For example, he is weaker than Ohtomo in the latter, he had always thought this way, that is why he accumulated [actual battle] experiences as for as possible. Because he wanted to become stronger, not willing to lose to those guys that he dislike.
It’s just that— in the past magic battles, every time he lost or lost unexpectedly, Kagami would have an indescribable strange feeling.
The person that made him notice this is actually Touji. Kagami trained him with the level that would [annihilate] him, without caring if the other party is a student or a professional Onmyouji. He purely applied [stress] continuously that is slightly higher than the limits of what the person in front of him could handle, this method is indeed able to encourage the other party to grow, but the speed of growth Touji is expecting is very extreme. It would be impossible without the use of [annihilate first, talk later] brute method. In fact, if at any point in time Touji [falls], Kagami wouldn’t be too surprised.
However, Touji managed to pull through. Even though it wouldn’t be strange for him to collapse any time, but he was not knocked down in the end.
This situation can be simply described as Kagami made an erroneous judgement of Touji’s limits… if that is really the case, why would this kind of erroneous judgement happen? What is the area have he neglected about Touji?
The essence of combat, to put it bluntly, is surely related to talent, technique and ability, these three factors, it is not related in any way with other things, he thought this is the correct understanding.
However, there is something that run through and yet support these essences— an existence that will uplift talent, technique and ability, Kagami finally noticed this while watching Touji struggle his hardest without giving up.
That could be stubbornness, faith, determination or persistence about [something], even though it couldn’t be described with words, it could be said as the realisation of burning one’s boats, the determination of not hesitating to sacrifice one’s life. Without a care about anything else, willing give up [one’s] life for that moment.
A strong determination— this kind of thing will only serve as a hindrance, it will blind one’s eyes during combat, he originally thought this way. If he were to be concerned about this during actual combat, perhaps it would become a chain that would bind himself. Only relying on a strong determination, there is no way of influencing the battle outcome between the strong, especially during a magic battle, there is not a single battle that can be won with vigour alone.
However… what if he is to set the perspective to look further? Not limiting to in the midst of battle, there is also the attitude before battle— to be more detailed, what if he looks from his [method of living], how will that be like then?
An unwavering determination, an unswerving attitude, isn’t these factors that turns into a support in one’s heart during battles, transforming into [strength], in turn, making some one [strong]? Including talent, technique and ability, isn’t this perhaps the key to improve these essences?
Touji had this belief, thinking back, the same kind of strength can be felt from Ohtomo and the opponent from before, Harutora, as well.
The determination to fight, even if there is a need to throw away everything.
Whether or not there is this belief, there will be differences in the process of developing into a battle, in the various kinds of battles, especially in very dangerous situations, it will turn out to have some small effect, yet, it has a big effect on winning or losing in the end. Thinking carefully, Ohtomo did not have a great natural talent such as Kogure and himself, yet he is invincible, could the reason be he had the determination to sacrifice himself every time he battles?
Kagami possesses great natural talent, equipped with well trained, brilliant techniques and the abilities honed through battles.
However, the more fundamental question is… in fact, could it be perhaps his strength of [conviction] pales in comparison to them? Since they are very powerful, but if it really was the case of losing in terms of [the level of desperateness], causing him to be defeated… there is nothing more frustrating than this. If there is such a possibility, Kagami would surely unable to forgive himself.
Regardless of winning or losing, he cannot enter a fight in such circumstances.
So, “… Shaver.” Kagami spoke calmly… “Cut down my seal.”
The order from master caused the Shikigami’s expression to turn blank, as if not able to comprehend his meaning.
Kagami repeated once more.
“I want you to cut down the seal that restricts magic placed by Kurahashi Genji.”
Shaver widened his eyes in surprise this time.
There is a huge X shaped wound on Kagami’s forehead that seems to be made with a knife. It isn’t a normal wound, it is a seal placed on Kagami by Kurahashi. Kagami is an extremely brilliant exorcist, as well as a problematic troublemaker. He should be exiled from the agency originally, but after taking his abilities into consideration, the seal was placed on him as punishment. The seal is restricting Kagami to this moment and he even considered it to be part of himself already.
That is an original technique created by Kurahashi that is difficult to undo, other than Kurahashi himself, no one else is able to undo the technique. It was said that Ohtomo managed to [bluff] through the seal on Suzuka in the past, but that was just a temporary measure. This seal can’t be undone, the only way is to give up— was what he thought.
This kind of thinking is too naïve.
If the seal cannot be undone, then just destroy it, things are simple, isn’t it?
“You… What did you want me to do…”
The effects of First-Grade Spirit Language seem to have weakened, Shaver placed both his hands on the floor, shifting his body forward, questioning his master.
“… What nonsense are you saying, Reiji, the seal has fused with you right? To only cut the seal is impossible—”
“Who said anything about cutting [only] the seal?”
“What?”
“What I want is for you to cut the seal, even if it’s cutting along with me.”
Shaver is actually frightened to the point that his whole body froze, on the other hand, Kagami isn’t afraid at all.
He still can remember vividly about the summer last year, the scene when Harutora’s shikigami, Hishamaru, materialised before him.
During that time, in order for Hishamaru to break the seal on herself, she [disintegrated] her own spirit. She slipped through the gaps of the seal that was forcefully opened before restructuring herself. She can use such a rash method is because she is a Shikigami, on the other hand, because she is a spiritual existence, this method is a way that basically destroys her very own structure. After that, even though there wasn’t any news about Hishamaru taking action together with Harutora, but the repercussion of forcefully breaking the seal during that time seem to be rather serious. Perhaps that was the reason why Harutora only brought Kakugyouki along with him these two days and did not let Hishamaru follow along.
It is impossible that Hishamaru doesn’t know she would end up in an irreversible state, yet at that point of time she broke the seal without hesitation, resulting in successfully protecting her master, she could be described as [desperate] during that time.
Not just her, Harutora as well. He hasn’t awakened as Yakou during that time, yet he was ready to throw away his life to protect his own shikigami. He sacrificed his left eye, protected his shikigami—Hishamaru. What he is chasing after is power, to be more powerful than anyone else.
He could give up his life for it, since those guys were able to do it, there is no reason that he can’t.
“… Shaver.”
Kagami began injecting magic power into the shikigami, at the same time he adjusted his aura to equilibrium, allowing the seal that was placed on him to appear.
Just as what Shaver has mentioned, the most troublesome part of this seal is that it is half fused with the aura of that person it is placed on. To destroy this seal, it is necessary that Kagami’s aura— the technique, along with his spirit to be destroyed and remove at the same time, at least to the level where the seal wouldn’t be able to work as intended.
Shaver alone won’t be able to handle this kind of detailed job; the master has to control certain things at his end. In other words, Kagami has to cut his own spirit with his own hands, moreover, he has to cut non-stop until the seal stop working, this method could be described as operating a magical surgery on oneself.
One wrong move would turn this into a suicide, even if it’s done with the appropriate methods, he would taste hell like pain.
Even so—
“Cut.”
“… If, if we do this, it would be impossible for Reiji to come out unscathed, right?”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“But…”
“Hurry up and cut.”
He forcefully gave the order, Shaver continued hesitating.
Then… He quickly licked his lips.
He placed his hand on the handle of the sword, pulling out [Higekiri] from the scabbard. Kagami injected magic into the blade, as if turning the white physical blade into a spiritual blade, this blade will be the operating knife for the surgery.
“Are you sure about doing this?”
“Stop nagging.”
“I’m going to start.”
“Hurry up.”
Shaver took a deep breath and raised [Higekiri]. After raising the sword, the blade did not move at all. Kagami, through his shikigami’s sight, coldly [observed] his aura and the seal technique.
Different from Hishamaru, Kagami is a human. Any hesitation would result in a mistake, a minor mistake would mean losing his life. He has to confirm the reaction of the seal, at the same time, doing detailed controls and making calm judgements, doing such things while harming his own spirit. After that… even if he completed this job with near perfection, he couldn’t remove the possibility of suffering from any magical repercussions.
Even so, Kagami is determined.
“… I’m starting…?”
Kagami did not reply Shaver’s final confirmation, Shaver thrusted the blade of [Higekiri]— using the spiritual form of the blade to pierce through his master’s body.
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