Owari no Seraph – Ichinose Guren, 16-sai no Catastrophe v3c4 part1

Title: Demonic Love

Disclaimer: This is a fan-made translation from Chinese translations! Please go easy and enlighten us on any mistakes or deviations from the original light novel. All credit goes to the original author and illustrators. - Hyaka and Kuro Shion

*Chapter 4 is a very long chapter, expect a few parts!

——————————————————————————————

It’s morning.

A normal classroom in First Shibuya High.

The fourth lesson of the day was a self-study block. Having the self-study block placed right before the afternoon break meant a longer break time for all students. Thus, a lot of students have already left the classroom.

Even though that was the case, there were no slackers in this school. If it was time for self-study, everyone would be engaged in some form of learning. If anyone did not do well in the regular sorcery exams, they faced the possibility of expulsion. On top of that, students were also forcefully pitted against each other; a slight bit of carelessness could result in death.

That’s why, everyone was putting in their best effort.

It was rumored that if one received recognition here, they would be given high-ranking positions in . Thus, everyone shouldered the hopes and dreams of their loved ones and worked hard.

Half the class had left the classroom.

Guren didn’t budge. Put it in another way, he was suffering from a lack of sleep.

Shinya, who was sitting beside, was slumped against the table and currently in dreamland. He probably didn’t get much rest as well. However, in a school crawling with enemies, Guren would definitely not want to doze off.

Guren looked enviously at the soundly asleep Shinya through heavy-lidded eyes before looking outside the window.

From his peripheral vision, he saw an annoying redhead approaching.

It was Mito.

In her hand was a shogi set. Perhaps, she was here to have a shogi match?

As she approached, Mito hid the shogi set behind her back. Just as Guren was wondering if he should expose the fact that he caught her hiding it,

“UWAHHHH~”

he yawned and forgot about the matter.

Mito asked.

“What’s wrong? Not enough sleep?”

“Yeah.”

“Taking care of one’s body is also the duty of a follower of . You must adhere to that.”

Indeed, she was annoying. If Guren retorted, it would be troublesome. So, he just nodded. Either way, he was too drowsy and wished to exit this boring conversation.

Thus,

“Yeah, I’ll reflect on that.”

Guren replied. Mito was slightly surprised at that.

“Ah……er, about that.”

Wearing a delighted expression on her face, Mito said.

“Fi, Finally, you understood. That’s right. That’s the kind of humility we’re looking for. For us students who serve under the Hiiragi House…..”

Mito enthusiastically continued.

So sleepy. Guren allowed Mito to continue that sleep-inducing speech.

Just then, Mito came closer.

“……About that.”

“Eh?”

“Yesterday….”

“Yesterday?”

Mito frowned in slight embarrassment,

“Yester, yesterday was fun.”

What was she talking about? Talking about this seemed to have made her feel embarrassed.

Mito’s casual talk triggered Guren’s memory of yesterday’s events. For Guren, being chased and nearly killed by a vampire was the most unforgettable incident that occurred.

“Really?”

“Aye, well…….you didn’t find it fun?”

She looked a little lonely. Her facial expressions betrayed the fact that she had hoped he found yesterday fun.

Guren replied.

“Ah, not bad. Perhaps, it was quite enjoyable.”

“You’re, you’re right about that!”

She brightened up instantly. Her expressions were very easy to read.

“Indeed, being partners serving under Kureto-sama, that kind of interaction and bonding is very important.”

Even though I disagree, I guess I’ll just yield to her.

“Yeah.”

“Thus, I wonder if we could get together sometime in the near future. That would be….”

“Alright.”

“About that.”

“Alright.”

Suddenly, Mito’s eyes became pointy as she glared at Guren.

“……you’re just playing along right?

She dug her own grave, finally arriving at this conclusion. Indeed, it’s all thanks to the lack of sleep.

“Horrible. That kind of attitude…..”

“Stop chattering it’s annoying.”

“That was not annoying! Guren, listen up. That was for your benefit…..”

“Ah—yes yes, I know.”

“You don’t, you….”

“Mito.”

“What?”

“I had lots of fun yesterday. I have never experienced that before. Shogi was also more interesting that expected and the chips were tasty…..and? Anything else I missed out?”

“Aye, er, you….really had fun?”

“Yeah.”

That was not a lie.

Drinking coke, eating chips and passing time without a care in the world was indeed enjoyable. Furthermore, both Goshi and Mito were idiots. Idiots who proclaimed that they want to assist Guren just because he saved their lives.

Perhaps Shinya was no different. Risking his life to save Guren.

“……”

Companions.

Squad.

Harmony— under the state of being divided into the Ichinose House and Hiiragi House, Guren didn’t know if all that boring bonding sessions had any value. However, the more meaningless it got the more,

“…..Yeah. Indeed. Probably was fun.”

As he said this, Mito brightened up even more. She joyfully replied.

“…..Right? Right? Team bonding and harmony is indeed important!”

In general, her personality is idiotically straightforward. An ojou-san who wishes to repay me for saving her life.

She remained delighted as she took out the shogi set from behind her back.

“Look. I bought this this morning at the convenient store because we haven’t played against each other yet. Want to have a match?”

Guren wanted to refuse due to drowsiness. But he cannot sleep in this school.

So, he accepted her request.

“Where are we playing this?”

Thus, the student sitting in front of Guren hurriedly stood up.

“Ju, Jujo-sama. Please sit here.”

“Thank you.”

She rightfully sat down and placed the shogi board on Guren’s desk.

Goshi approached from the middle of the classroom.

“Oh, continuing what we left off yesterday?”

Shinya, who was supposed to be asleep, spoke without lifting his head.

“…..Is Guren going to show his true colors today? If he is then I’ll be watching.”

Hearing that, Goshi said,

“Heh? Yesterday, you didn’t play seriously?”

Shinya answered.

“He totally didn’t. Because Guren is a dirty cheat……”

Goshi stood beside the table and said.

“So I had been underestimated. Then let us have a rematch. Let me see your true colors. Mito, move.”

Mito replied.

“No, it’s my turn today.”

Alas, Shinya lifted his head up.

“No, if Guren intends to take this seriously, then I’ll be his opponent~”

Seeing this, Mito and Goshi looked at each other and gave up.

Guren looked at the still sleepy Shinya and said,

“……What’s the meaning of this?”

Shinya smiled as he replied.

“Guren, Kureto-nii would be calling you over during afternoon break. Thus, I feel that you should meet him fully awake.”

“So you want to wake me up?”

“Well, yeah.”

Guren sniggered at that.

“You won’t be able to do that.”

“Then prove me wrong.”

With regards to Guren’s words, Mito said.

“Guren, mind your words…..”

But was interrupted by Guren.

“Alright. There’s some time before the afternoon break. I’ll play against you.”

Thus, Shinya stood up, adjusted his breath and smiled.

“Let’s begin. 5-second limit per turn.”

“Make it 3.”

Guren said. In live battles, even 1 second of confusion or neglect could decide whether a person lives or dies. Not to mention 5 seconds to think through.

Shinya nodded. The battle to decide the ultimate winner began.

Guren played a total of 7 matches against Shinya in one hour.

Guren led the game with 4 wins and 3 losses, but it was close. With luck and circumstances, things could change.

Even though he won every match against Mito and Goshi, a classmate called Tanaka-kun, who was a shogi expert, came over. Under such overwhelming skill and power, everyone lost easily.

Thus, the matter about who’s the winner and who’s the loser became a joke.

In the end, just like those who trained for battle would win the battle, those who were trained in shogi would emerge victorious.

If that was the case, am I training for the current ongoing battle?

“…….”

The bell rang.

It marked the end of four hours of school.

Guren said to Shinya who was sitting beside.

“Anyway, I won.”

Shinya smiled.

“Wasn’t it Tanaka-kun who won?”

“I’m referring to our matches.”

“The next time, I’ll win. I’ll learn the relevant tactics.”

Mito and Goshi continued.

“I want to learn too.”

“I want to learn too.”

They said at the same time.

“Are you guys addicted to shogi?”

Guren said before standing up, annoyance plastered across his face.

The three of them looked at Guren.

Goshi spoke.

“Has Kureto-sama’s call arrived?”

Mito replied.

“Please, don’t do anything disrespectful….”

Guren agreed without a thought.

“Alright, I’ll put in my best efforts to use polite speech.”

“Really?”

Mito looked really worried. Worried over someone like Guren who was supposed to be an outsider. Goshi was no different. Worrying over his friend.

Guren nodded and said.

“Ah, I’ll be careful, no need to keep saying that.”

After that, he stood up, retrieved his katana from his locker and hung it on his waist.

With that, he responded to the call of the person with the highest position in school and walked towards the student council meeting room.

——————————————————————–

There was a girl standing at the entrance of the student council meeting room.

Guren hadn’t seen her much in class, but she should be a classmate of his.

Just like Mito, she was a pretty young lady from a famous House.

Donning two blonde pony tails, the girl called Sanguu Aoi was waiting for him.

Guren looked at Aoi and said.

“I was summoned by your master.”

“Please wait a moment.”

“Is Kureto not in the council room?”

“Please proceed here.”

Aoi started to walk away.

Guren followed suit. Wearing the First Shibuya High uniform, her skirt was little short. It seemed like she was not hiding any weapons underneath. From the looks of it, she had a certain amount of power and ability in her. By inferring from the fact that she did not bring any weapons, Aoi probably fought using sorcery.

Ability-wise, she was probably on par with Mito and Shigure. Even if she attacked, I could probably kill her without any injuries.

Guren thought as he asked Aoi.

“You’re probably in the same class as me, is it possible for Kureto’s subordinates to skip classes?”

He seldom saw her. From the moment school started, he only saw her three times.

Aoi replied.

“Because I detest useless activities.”

“Going for classes is considered useless? Well, I agree wholeheartedly.”

Aoi replied.

“No, I mean this conversation is—”

“Useless?”

“Indeed. You have no interest in me anyway, you’ll not voice out your true thoughts right? After all, you’re an outsider.”

Outsider. Outsider. Everyone in this school was an outsider. Then why is is that Mito and Goshi would idiotically strike a conversation with me?

Aoi continued.

“I, too, will not voice out my true opinions. As such, why are we even talking?”

Aoi let loose a cold smile.

“Perhaps like….the scorching weather recently….something like that?”

Guren smiled.

“Indeed.”

“Then please shut up.”

“Sure.”

“Kureto-sama is currently stationed at the basement of the gymnasium.”

That triggered Guren’s memories. Just recently, Guren was imprisoned in one of the rooms in the basement of the gymnasium and underwent harsh interrogation by Kureto.

“Another interrogation session? Just how much does he enjoy interrogating people?”

“Because it is the most effective method.”

“So, he wanted to interrogate me again?”

“No, it’s someone else being interrogated now.”

“Who?”

Aoi turned back and said.

“Hiragi Mahiru-sama’s younger sister, Shinoa-sama.”

Aoi watched his facial expressions.

Guren maintained a poker face. He knew that when Aoi turned back, she would say something provocative.

So, he’ll not be affected easily.

At least, not expression-wise.

“Who’s that?”

As Guren asked, Aoi’s phone, which was placed in the pocket of her skirt, started to ring. She answered it.

“Hello. This is Sanguu Aoi. Really? Understood.”

Aoi ended the call and looked up.

“….Your expression has been photographed. It looks like you did not lie. You passed the test.”

“What test?”

“A test to determine if you have interacted with Hiragi Shinoa.”

“What’ that? Why such a test?”

“More will be explained by Kureto-sama. Come with me to the interrogation room.”

Aoi continued walking.

Guren continued his pretense.

He pretended not to know Shinoa.

Pretended to not have encountered the missing Mahiru.

But at the same time, Guren felt a pressing need to speed up his plans. Things might worsen more quickly than expected.

Clues about Mahiru’s whereabouts were discovered. Shinoa had been interrogated. In other words, Kureto is considering Mahiru as the traitor.

Mahiru had told Shinoa.

About Guren.

About her feelings.

About her current plans.

About unleashing a formidable power that could topple the Hiragi House.

About teaming up with the Hyakuya Sect in betraying the Hiragi House before betraying the Hyakuya Sect.

She revealed everything to Shinoa.

Shinoa might be interrogated or even killed.

Or be taken as hostage.

If Shinoa were to admit the truth, Guren would be killed. Just now, when Kureto ran that test on Guren, it was indicative of the fact that Shinoa had yet revealed anything. But it would only be a matter of time.

Young Shinoa would eventually admit the truth. She needed to be killed before that could happen. Disguise her death as an accident.

Am I able to do this?

No, is that the right choice?

“……”

Guren thought as he walked along the corridor, towards the interrogation room.

He could not predict what might happen afterwards. There was too little information. As such, he pondered mostly about the case of Mahiru.

Had she progressed to the stage where even sacrificing her sister didn’t matter anymore?

Sacrificing the only sibling she could confide in to continue running forward?

Mahiru’s goals.

Kureto’s goals.

’s goals.

The Hyakuya Sect’s goals.

Indeed, this was a whole different ball game compared to shogi. Too many enemies. In achieving each other their goals, one wrong move could get him killed.

“Then, what do I do?”

Despite whispering so softly only he could hear it, Aoi turned back.

“….Just now, what did you say?”

“Ah, I was complaining about the heat.”

“Indeed. Apparently, the number of days with such heat was high even when compared with that of the past years.”

“Yeah.”

“Well, meaningless things anyway.”

How irritating. Meaningless things anyway.

With that, Guren headed towards the interrogation room in the basement of the gym.

——————————————————————————————-

The moment the door of the interrogation room was opened, Guren smelled blood.

A chair was placed in the middle of the narrow room.

A young girl was constrained to the chair, her hands and feet tied up.

A girl about seven or eight years old.

A girl with cold eyes and Mahiru’s beauty— Hiragi Shinoa.

Blood was dripping from where her nails had been forcefully removed.

Bruises were present on her face. It looked like she was beaten.

Shinoa looked up and glanced at Guren.

Smiling, she said,

“Another~ person is here for interrogation? I didn’t do no wrong, it’s about time to let me go~”

What a cheerful tone.

Nonetheless, it could be concluded from her words that she did not reveal anything about Guren. She had yet admitted the truth. But he sensed his facial expression changing.

The moment he saw Shinoa.

The moment he saw Mahiru’s sister being interrogated, he made an expression showing disgust.

“……What kind of expression is that, Guren Ichinose.”

A voice rang out from inside the room.

Lifting his head up, Guren saw a man standing in the darkness.

An expressionless and rational-looking man— Kureto Hiragi.

He was leaning against the wall, arms folded. A katana hanging from his belt.

Whether he was there from the beginning or he just came didn’t matter– Guren did not sense Kureto’ presence at all. If he launched a surprise attack on Guren, it was possible that he would have been killed. Kureto was this powerful.

Devoid of any bit of emotion, Kureto’s calculating eyes were staring at Guren from the dark.

Guren stared into those eyes are said.

“I despise torturing kids.”

“Me too.”

“Then what is this?”

“For us Hiragis, such things don’t matter one bit. Look, she’s smiling.”

Kureto said.

Indeed, Shinoa was smiling joyfully. It seemed like she had been through training on tackling interrogations. If that was the case, then she was probably fine. But despite so,

“…..I don’t like your way of doing things.”

Hearing that, Kureto smiled.

“I don’t need your approval.”

“That’s true.”

“In other words, Shinoa won’t spill the beans even under interrogation. The Hiragis were trained this way.”

“……”

“So this interrogation room is useless. No matter how I torture her, she won’t budge. Even if she was killed, she won’t let loose a single word.”

Was it true that the Hiragis were put through such harsh trainings? Or could he have lied about Shinoa not admitting the truth to calm Guren down?

It should be the former.

This was a crazy place. A crazy organization ran by despicable people. Shinoa, Mahiru, Kureto and Shinya all went through tough training to ensure that they did not buckle no matter how harsh the interrogation.

Kureto continued staring at him.

“Even if you don’t tell the truth, you’ll also have things which, once lost, will never be able to be retrieved. Right, Guren?”

“…….”

“She’s only eight. She hasn’t even had a first love. But to lose something important here…what do you think?”

“…….”

“Since you don’t like seeing kids being interrogated, that means you want to protect her right?”

Guren murmured.

“…..what a dreg.”

Kureto smiled again.

“I don’t care what you think of me. Are you going to lecture me about the unfairness and filth in this world?”

“…….”

“Then I’ll continue. The Hyakuya Sect called for a meeting. The traitor is rumored to be Mahiru. Is that true?”

Suddenly, Kureto asked in a straightforward manner. He continued to look at Guren as he patiently and calmly observed for any response.

There was no reply.

With that, Kureto narrowed his eyes and said.

“Silence, I take it you acquiesced then.”

Guren did not know how to answer to that. Guren did not know which choice was right. That was because he had no idea how much Kureto knew.

Nevertheless, he cannot remain silent forever. Even though the wrong words could get him killed, silence would send him to his grave too.

Guren replied.

“….I don’t know.”

“Which part you don’t know.”

“I do not know if Mahiru is the traitor or not.”

“Then are you the traitor?”

“No. The Ichinose House does not have enough power to become traitors. On top of that, even if we betrayed, it won’t mean a thing for the Hiragi House.”

“That’ correct. When you betray us, all we have to do is to kill you. Alright, I’ll believe this. But you surely know about Mahiru’s betrayal.”

“I don’t.”

“Doesn’t she love you? She told you right?”

“Never heard anything.”

“But Shinoa said Mahiru discussed that with you.”

“Stop lying.”

Indeed, Shinoa had given in to the harsh interrogation. Now, Guren would probably be branded a traitor and killed.

Perhaps she revealed his meeting with the Hyakuya Sect and Mahiru to Kureto. He would be killed too anyway.

However, Kureto smiled.

“Well, you don’t get tricked so easily.”

It looked like he chose the right option. But that was as dangerous as walking a tightrope. Kureto seemed to have only received information about Mahiru’s betrayal from the Hyakuya Sect.

But what was the Hyakuya Sect planning by revealing such information?

-Part 1 End-

Translator’s comments:

K. Shion: Lol I yawned when translating the part about sleepy Guren. And Mito, it’s obvious that you like Guren, but you’re hitting on him in all the wrong ways and with all the wrong topics. OMG EVERYONE DON’T EVER HURT SHINOA. (Kureto can actually smile)

Tags: owari no seraph owari no suffering owari no serafu light novel gureshin guren ichinose ichinose guren shinya hiragi hiiragi shinya shinoa hiiragi kureto hiragi mito jujo mito juujou norito goshi sangu aoi owasera

Chapter end