Owari no Seraph – Ichinose Guren, 16-sai no Catastrophe v5c4

It was rumored that under Kyoto, there was a huge vampire city.

Of course, there was no one that went to check. Because if anyone went to do that, the investigation team members would all be broken.

Vampires are overwhelmingly powerful, and regard the humans as mere livestock. But as long as humans don’t disturb them, they will not appear.

They have no interest in humans. No matter what kind of fighting goes on in the human world, they won’t care.

However, those vampires that have no interest towards humans always appear around Mahiru.

That was ever since she started to give up her humanity.

“Kyoto. Kyoto eh……”

Guren muttered softly.

Right now, he was in his living room. It was an apartment on the 25th floor of a high class apartment block in Shibuya. It was borrowed from the Ichinose family.

Sinking his body into the sofa, he was deep in thought.

He squinted at the clock on the wall; the second hand was fast approaching ‘12’.

At that instant, the date will change.

September 29.

Unless he kills Mahiru, his father will be executed—— there were only 48 hours left.

But, Mahiru was in Kyoto.

If he thought about the amount of time left, it was a devastating prospect. In this 48 hours, it wasn’t possible for him to kill Mahiru.

His father might be killed.

“…………”

In the house, he could hear the sounds of someone bathing. Sayuri was showering.

“……Ah, ah, Guren-sama.”

Shigure was in the kitchen as she asked him. He didn’t lift his head as he replied.

“What?”

“Do you want anything to drink?”

“No need.”

“Ah……if you need anything, please ask.”

“No need. You can go and sleep now.”

“Ah……”

Shigure said.

But, she didn’t move. Guren glanced towards the kitchen.

Shigure was looking over. In a body that wasn’t any larger than 150 cm, there was a brilliant and cold girl.

She has always been very cool, but right now, she was worriedly looking over at Guren.

“………….”

But she didn’t say anything. Because she was trained that she must carry out all orders.

“……then, I will go and retire first.”

“Yeah. Go and sleep.”

“Yes.”

Although she said this, she didn’t move a muscle.

Guren asked.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

“If you have anything to say, just say it.”

Then, she answered.

“No, I don’t have anything to say to Guren-sama.”

“Ah? What does that mean? Just say it quickly.”

Shigure’s usually cold expression was totally different from normal. With a face of extreme sadness, she replied.

“……I, I am Guren-sama’s aide. Therefore, I want to be of use to my master……but, my strength is not enough……I see my master worried and I can’t do anything to help.”

Suddenly, her eyes were filled with tears.

To this, Guren replied.

“What kind of joke is this? That’s my line. You’ve already done enough.”

“No, not enough.”

“I already said that you’ve done enough. Don’t refute it.”

“…………”

After that, Shigure fell silent. When she received an order, she has to obey; that was how she was brought up.

But, her eyes were filling with tears.

“……I am sorry. I am too unwise.”

Guren saw that she was crying, and closed his eyes.

“No, you aren’t unwise. Ah, really. What are you saying? I’m not worried or troubled.”

Hearing this, Shigure bit her lip. Her expression became troubled, and she said.

“Can I disobey orders?”

“……What?”

“I still don’t want to sleep yet.”

“Ah? If it’s just that then…….”

“Also, I would also like to ask. These few days, what has been troubling Guren-sama?”

“…………”

“……Every time the day is about to change, Guren-sama’s expression would turn to one of a cornered man. One that looks like he is about to cry, with a hurt expression. And then I can do nothing about it. I cannot be as strong as that 《Hiiragi Mahiru》, so there is nothing I can do……”

“…………”

“But……since it is like that……when my master is troubled, I want to share his pain. Although this is a little arrogant of me…… a little…… a little…… I want Guren-sama to rely on me. Then…..I……”

Shigure looked to be in pain as she said this.

“Am I……not enough?”

As she said those words, tears were streaming down her face.

Seeing this side of her, Guren’s chaotic heart settled down. Here he was selfishly thinking about his own problems to the point that his aides were saying such things.

In addition, he was letting his worries show up on his face.

Shigure doesn’t know that Ichinose Sakae has been taken as a hostage. She didn’t know that in 2 days, he will be killed. There are only a few that knew about this.

Of the people near him, only those who were there when Kureto gave the order, Goshi, Mito, Shinya. Also, Guren didn’t think there was a need to tell them. Even if he does tell them, they would still become lab rats of the Hiiragi family, only to be experimented on.

This thinking has some problems as well. Should he try and rely on them or not? If he doesn’t rely on them, would he hurt them instead?

But, if he told them, what will happen?

Mutually licking each other’s wounds, then what?

They would be able to console each other—— but what use is that in the future.

《There is no use. Don’t you know that?》

The demon in his heart said.

“Shut up.”

Guren muttered.

“……Eh?”

Hearing this, Shigure had a surprised expression.

To this he replied.

“No, I wasn’t talking to you. I was talking to my demon.”

This explanation would be enough for Shigure to understand.

Because right now, she too has a demon living in her heart. That was the result of the experimentation of the Hiiragi family.

“The demon said that I shouldn’t talk to you guys. But I’m going to disregard that.”

In that instant, Shigure’s expression brightened.

“Ah then!”

“……Ah ah. Wait until Sayuri has finished her bath, then I have some things to tell you.”

“Eh—, you don’t need to wait for Sayuri anymore.”

Shigure said happily.

Behind her, Sayuri who was only wearing a towel wrapped around her chest, stuck her head out.”

“……once you mentioned Sayuri, I was summoned and heard all your conversation.”

Shigure smiled as she turned around.

“Of course.”

“Eh—” Sayuri smiled and said. Then,

“Then, Guren-sama, I will go and change immediately. Would you please wait for a moment?”

Hearing Sayuri’s words, Shigure returned to the kitchen.

“Then let me make some tea. Guren-sama, will chamomile tea do?” (T/N: Coincidentally, I’m drinking chamomile tea too~)

“Anything’s good. Oi, Sayuri.”

Guren said.

“Ah, yes?”

“You’ll catch a cold this way. Dry your hair before coming back out.”

Hearing this, Sayuri stuck her head out of the room and said..

“Ah, Guren-sama is indeed very warm……”

She didn’t finish her sentence, but Guren stopped listening.

It looks like he will have to tell the news of his father to his two aides. Of course, telling them this will have no meaning. It will not change the time of his father’s death.

His phone began ringing.

Was it Kureto?

Guren looked at the screen. It was his father.

“…………”

He pressed the answer button.

『……Is this Guren』

“Yeah.”

『Are you okay?』

“Yeah. And you?”

『I’m good.』

Lies. His voice was very weak. For all he knew the Hiiragi family must have done things to him. But, even if he asked, his father would not have answered. This phone call, was definitely being listened in on by the Hiiragis.

Guren opened his mouth and said.

“Then……that’s great.”

『Don’t worry about me. Relax.』

“……Then, is there anything?”

『No, I just wanted to say that.』

“To tell me not to worry?”

『Yeah. Also, I wanted to hear my cute son’s voice. Because you’re so cute that people don’t know what to do with you.』

“What nonsense are you sprouting.”

『Ahahahaha…….sorry, Guren.』

“And what does that mean?”

『I’m too weak, sorry.』

Guren immediately replied.

“Dad, you aren’t that weak.”

『……I’m too weak. I can’t even reject the opportunity to make this call. Until the end, I’m still dragging you down……』

“No! That’s not your fault! Disgusting, oi Kureto! What kind of joke is this! Even if you don’t do this kind of things, I will still move! Let my father go now!”

Guren shouted loudly.

But the line had already been cut.

“Despicable.”

Guren threw the phone. It hit the TV, and it cracked.

Shigure with a face of shock, was watching this from the kitchen.

Sayuri, who hasn’t finished drying her hair, came charging out of the room.

His own self was reflected on the cracked 50 inch TV.

“…………”

A boy with no strength and a face full of pain. Guren stared at that face.

At this time, in the middle of the night, the doorbell rang. Guren looked at the door, and said.

“……Shigure. Can you get the door?”

But Shigure didn’t move, but instead looked over and said.

“Please tell me. Ichinose Sakae-sama, is still being held hostage?”

In a second, he contemplated whether or not to answer, and then replied.

“If I don’t kill Mahiru within the month, father will be executed.”

“Wha-”

It was hard to imagine that Shigure could produce such a sound.

Following that, Sayuri said,

“This kind of thing cannot be allowed……”

Although this was said, it was allowed. This detail, Sayuri also understood. The relationship between the Hiiragis and the Ichinose has been like that since ancient times. And it was not just his father. If he couldn’t kill her by the end of the month, even Sayuri and Shigure would be killed too.

But he cannot allow this kind of thing to happen.

Kill Mahiru.

He must kill Mahiru.

Guren said.

“……I won’t let Dad be killed. To kill Mahiru, for the next two days, we will go all-out.”

The two of them looked over, and nodded.

Guren ordered the both of them.

“That is my trouble. If you understand, hurry up and open the door. Who is it?”

“I will go immediately.”

Shigure said.

“Who is it?”

Guren asked, and Shigure answered.

“Hiiragi Shinya, Jujo Mito and Goshi Norito have come.”

Those three should know about Guren’s issue.

Shinya in particular, would have probably heard the conversation between him and his father.

And then took this opportunity to visit.

Because those guys are easily angered, so it was to be expected that they would show their (ugly) faces here. (T/N: He doesn’t exactly say ugly, but it was meant in a derogatory manner.)

He wasn’t very good at dealing with these kind of people. Not good at all. Opening up their hearts too easily, there was nothing good out of that.

“……let the idiots in.”

Shigure then nodded her head, and then unlocked the door.

◆

“Aiyah~, Guren-chan, are you well?” As he was saying this, Shinya with his happy face, walked in.

In stark contrast, Jujo Mito and Goshi Norito walked in with straight faces.

Mito said.

“Ah…about that…..”

Goshi said,

“……you, are you okay?”

It was an expression that said that they were clear about the whole situation. It really was an expression that showed that they understood.

Shinya said.

“Ya~ We were all listening in to Guren and Mahiru and Kureto-nii’s conversation.”

“Don’t eavesdrop.”

“We will still continued to do that because we’re friends.”

“If it were other friends, are you going to listen in to their calls?”

“Well, it was such an interesting war of words that it was impossible for me not to listen in~”

As he was saying this, SHinya moved towards the kitchen. He opened the fridge. He then pulled out some Coke, and then poured it into a glass.

“Ah, Mito-chan, Goshi, is Coke okay?”

Goshi replied.

“Ah~No. I want orange…………never mind, Coke is good.”

Then, Mito said.

“Ah, I don’t mind. Also, Guren……about that, sorry about listening in to your call. We wanted to help you……”

Guren looked at the apologetic Mito. She didn’t need to apologise. There was only one line to listen in to the conversation, and it was opened by the Hiiragis. So therefore the one that was listening in was Shinya. Mito and Goshi were probably there at that time so they listened in as well.

Guren looked at Mito and nodded, and then to Shinya, he said.

“Oi, Shinya.”

“Yes~?”

“Didn’t I say that you’re not supposed to anyone open fridges in other people’s house?”

“With our relationship——ah”

“What kind of relationship?”

“To investigate whether or not you were having an affair, we listened in to your conversations, that kind of relationship.”

Guren had a tired expression on his face.

“So was there any affair?”

“I didn’t think that you’d be having an affair with your father.”

No one laughed.

Rather, Shinya didn’t look happy as he said this. In one hand, he was holding a glass of Coke, and with a pained expression, looked over.

“……This squad will take the next opportunity within the next two days to kill Mahiru. We will help you.”

Guren also looked at Shinya.

Then at Goshi.

And at Mito.

Shigure.

Sayuri.

He didn’t know why he had such compassionate friends.

That was because he was too weak.

Because unlike Mahiru and Kureto, he was unable to move swiftly forward, so everyone came to help him.

Either way, with this squad, he must kill Mahiru.

With his friends, he will kill the friendless Mahiru.

If he doesn’t do this, there would be no future.

“…………”

Right now, Mahiru was in Kyoto; in the vampire city—— whether or not he should share this information, he thought about it for a split second.

Because if he did so, he was betraying Mahiru. She had only allowed him to see her being taken away by the vampires.

Only to Guren did she share the information with.

Sharing this information, would be akin to betraying her.

So this was a choice.

Chose Mahiru.

Or chose his friends.

He was at a crossroad and he didn’t know what to chose.

His father’s life was hanging by a thread.

His friends trusted him. Even more reason.

“…………”

He didn’t want to take Mahiru’s life.

Was it romantic feelings? A romantic attachment? Or was it just a stubborn attachment? He didn’t know. He didn’t know what kind of feelings he had for her.

But, even if it were like that, he still got the feeling that she was still waiting to be rescued. Only in front of Guren, her emotions would flash. Happiness, joyfulness, loneliness, human-like expressions.

If it were possible, he would want to save her——

“…………”

Then, at this moment, Shinya, who had saw through Guren’s heart, said.

“You can’t save her. There’s no hope.”

Guren lifted his head.

Shinya continued speaking.

“I understand your sentiment. I also understand what kind of fellow you are.”

“What?”

“To live in a world that is created and controlled by the Hiiragis, you’re too gentle.”

“What are you saying……”

Shinya interrupted him and continued.

“If you were truly strong and had a savage heart, under those circumstances—— you wouldn’t have saved Mito and Goshi when they had been attacked by the 《Hyakuya Sect》.”

“…………”

Mito and Goshi looked over.

“Sayuri and Shigure, they should’ve been dismissed long ago.”

Those two, also looked over.

“But you didn’t do that. You lay down your life to go save your friends. Really, that is so naive. These kind of people, what can they do for you?”

It was as Shinya had said.

That was why Mahiru laughed. Called him a slow and stupid turtle.

That’s why Kureto trusted him. Said that once there were hostages, he would do anything.

Guren opened his mouth and said.

“Then you guys should have discarded the scum that is me.”

But, Shinya laughed and said.

“But no matter what you say, this is a really cute place, so we want to come and help you— right, Mito-chan?”

“Eh?! Ah, that…..”

Then, Sayuri quickly nodded her head.

“It really is cute.”

Hearing Sayuri’s words, Shigure chided her.

“Wait a minute Sayuri, no matter how cute it is, Guren-sama is still the master.”

“Awu, Shigure.”

Mito looked at the two of them, and then bit her lip.

Goshi, with a smirk on his face, looked at them like it was an exhibition,

“Ya—, how brilliant. No matter how you put it, everyone here is experiencing a good feeling right? This is the beginning of warm ties. I don’t hate this kind of thing. After entering high school and making such warm but shy friends, I have never thought about this kind of thing. Either way, I will listen and drink my Coke, so do continue.” (T/N: Goshi is my spirit animal lmao)

As he said this, he walked into the kitchen.

Shinya passed the Coke to him, and said.

“No no, Goshi, you say something too. Something that fits the atmosphere.”

“Eh? Me? Ah— warms ties eh. Warm ties……ah ah! Then, how’s this?”

“How’s what?”

To Shinya’s question, Goshi replied.

“I am the king of all heaven, hell and earth!”

He raised his fist and loudly shouted.

Mito had a tired expression as she watched Goshi, saying.

“What is that? That was totally random and not with the general atmosphere.”

Truthfully, it didn’t fit. To say that one was the king of all heaven, earth and hell, is to say 『 on this earth I am the best person alive. If anyone asks me why, then I will say it is because there is only one of me』. That kind of thing. But there was no way these words fell under the topic of “good interactions with friends”.

But, Goshi continued speaking.

“No, how do I say this; on the way here, I saw a wall with this graffitied on it~. But, won’t the small fry band together and say things like these? We are friends, but we keep on saying ‘I alone will do this this and this’. Things like that. Thinking about that does make me want to laugh. But these kind of small fry know have this thinking, sort of like a certain someone— that they are burdened with everything, thinking that they alone have to do everything, and are quite like that cute person that secretly likes it when people come and help him.”

In a second, Shinya, Mito, Sayuri, Shigure and Goshi all looked over.

To which Guren replied,

“…………ha”

He tiredly sat on the sofa. On the black TV screen that his phone had hit, it once again reflected him.

Tiredness, hurt, a happiness that came from being surrounded by friends, the delicate ‘I am the king of heaven, hell and earth’-kun.

He looked at the reflection.

“……what was that, really.”

Guren sighed tiredly, and used the controller nearby to switch on the TV.

“Wait a minute, are we being ignored? Don’t run away.”

Goshi said this, but Guren had already ignored him.

“Shigure. Chamomile tea.”

“Yes.”

At this moment, Shinya said.

“Ah, let me help you get it.”

After he said it, he left. Although he didn’t want Shinya to come over, but with what he said about friends and what not managed to reach his heart.

“Here, please drink.”

“Put it on the table.”

Guren said, switching the channel on the TV. The news didn’t show anything about the Metropolitan Expressway incident.

Even the resulting traffic issues were not reported at all.

Shinya came to Guren’s side and sat down, rested one leg on the other, and then took a gulp of the Coke.

Then he said.

“Then, what’s going to happen next?”

“…………”

Guren thought about this very carefully. What’s going to happen next? Of course, he will go to Kyoto.

“From what I heard Kureto-nii ordering his troops, I think we have to go to Kyoto, no?”

Guren heard this and turned to face Shinya.

It looks Mahiru had told Kureto about Kyoto.

“What’s there in Kyoto?”

Guren asked, and the Shinya shrugged.

“Who knows. Mahiru didn’t say anything else. Looks like the troops are going to Kyoto.”

That means to say, the information that Mahiru would be in Kyoto has been spread. But, in regards to the vampire’s involvement, the orders regarding them would have been issued in a place where Shinya would not have been able to listen in. If the vampires were interested in 『Mikado no Oni』, their existence may be threatened (but then again, the vampires might not mind humans doing their own thing quietly).

But, the problem is that Kureto they all might not know about the vampires.

Then, he would be able to be one step ahead of Kureto, and then try to catch up to Mahiru. Although he was only able to find Mahiru, there was the other issue of whether he might be able to kill her or not.

Shinya asked.

“Then what shall we do? Do we need to prepare a helicopter?”

If they go, then what? This group of people here, were they able to kill Mahiru?

Her 《Kiju》 research was moving ahead.

But then, with the new technology that was forged due to the cooperation of 『Mikado no Oni』 and the 《Hyakuya Sect》, it was hard to say that their 《Kiju》 technology was inferior to that of Mahiru’s 《Kiju》 abilities—— but, because she cast aside all logic to use that power, right now, it will be hard to beat her.

He himself still had the need to work within reason to beat her.

So,

“Right now, even if we manage to find Mahiru, we still don’t have any way to kill her.”

The words on Guren’s lips, were voiced by Mito.

“That means that we have to release the chains of the curse and allow to demon to run free?”

“Yeah.”

“But then……”

That would need the authorisation of the Hiiragis. The one that gave the demons to them, the one that controlled the strength of the curse and the chains surrounding them were the Hiiragi family.

This was in order to make sure that they did not have a power that was stronger than what the Hiiragi family could control.

Shinya said.

“We beg Kureto-nii?”

Goshi said.

“Would he allow?”

“Who know? But there’s no time left. I don’t think Kureto-nii would give us the order to kill Mahiru without making sure that we have enough power to kill her.”

But then, Shigure said.

“About that, may I please say something?”

Guren looked at her.

“Say it.”

Then, she said.

“About that, Sayuri and I have secretly accepted the experimentation the 『Mikado no Tsukki』’s researchers……”

Suddenly, Shinya interrupted her.

“Kureto-nii already knows that. He just closed one eyes and ignored it.”

“Oh……”

“Your risk of turning traitor has already been speculated. If there was something interesting discovered about you, then you would have been taken away.”

“Ah……”

Shigure looked disappointed.

But that was of no matter. In the end, they would still have to ask Kureto.

Whether it was to go to Kyoto.

Or it was to kill Mahiru.

There still was the need to ask for instructions from Kureto.

From that guy that held his father hostage and threatened him with his life.

“…………”

Shinya said.

“Then? Is there anything you have that you’re not sharing with us? Mahiru is that kind of woman to share information with you only.”

Hearing this, Guren glanced at Shinya.

“What about you?”

“Why would she leave information for me?”

“Aren’t you her fiance?”

“Ahaha, don’t look down on people, eh. Then aren’t you the guy that slept with someone’s fiancee?”

Hearing this, for reasons unknown, Mito,

“Uwah……”

Made this kind of sound.

Then Goshi,

“Ah, ah, wait! Actually, I really want to ask you about this……Ah! That was painful!? Sayuri, why did you hit me?”

“Because I don’t want to ask.”

“Eh—”

“Right now is not the time to be asking about this. Guren-sama. Although if something was to happen, we can’t be of any use, but……”

Mito nodded and said.

“Share the info, Guren.”

Although he was being chided, he felt that he actually had friends.

Surrounded by friends that thought deeply about things.

Having friends, means that he was moving further away from Mahiru.

That means, the traitor Mahiru was running nonstop with the speed of a rabbit.

That means, he has made up his mind that he must kill her.

“…………”

No, it was too late. With only 48 hours left for his father and subordinates to live, Guren still hasn’t made a decision.

In order for him to be the first to reach Mahiru, he needs to make a decision.

So,

“…………”

Guren stood up. He then walked into his room, touched the drawer in his table and used a spell to open a hidden chest. There were many wards to ensure that if one used force to open the chest, it would make all contents of the chest explode. Guren moved his fingers many times over the wards, and undid them.

Then he opened the chest.

It contained books of information that Mahiru had brought.

The contents of the books involved the experiment called 《Seraph of the End》 that was conducted by the 《Hyakuya Sect》, as well as things related to the 《Kiju》 and the research on weapons of mass destruction.

But, it wasn’t very detailed. Only things——this research could end the world——like that were written.

Also, all of this stemmed from human experimentation, where there were different kinds of curses residing in the test subjects.

By using humans as testing material, the tests were more destructive than a nuclear weapon.

On the back of the page, the names of countless children were recorded.

Amane Yuichiro Shindo Mikaela

Kimizuki Shiho Kimizuki Mirai

Saotome Yoichi Saotome Tomone

………… …………

………… …………

………… …………

What was primarily recorded were names. In the whole of Japan, secretly conducting experiments.

Surpassing the 《Kiju》 weapons testing.

If the 《Hyakuya Sect》 continued with this, it could be the experiment that ends the world.

Speaking of this, the past Mahiru has once said.

『God is angry at our greed. To blindly carry out such ugly research, letting people’s desires expand beyond their ugliest imaginations.

So the earth will decay.

Monsters will roam.

Poison will fall from the heavens.

The Seraph of the End will sound the horn, and the world will collapse.

When this happens, humans would not be able to survive. Weak humans will never be able to survive in such a world.』

That was how Mahiru had put it.

As if she were a prophet talking about the apocalypse.

Saying that everything will be poisoned.

At Christmas this year—— December 25th.

The destruction will come.

Then, was the name of the poison 《Seraph of the End》?

That wasn’t clear. In the end, why would they need to use weapons? Weapons that would result in the end of the world shouldn’t be used. It should be kept and protected, as it threatens the world.

In the end he still doesn’t understand.

In general, this alone would not end the world.

Guren took the books that Mahiru had given him and brought them to the living room, placed them on the table and opened it.

Shinya studied it.

“What is that?”

“……The material that Mahiru left behind.”

Guren replied, and Shinya frowned.

“Well well~, now then you bring it out.”

Saying this, he held the book in his hand.

Mito and Goshi maneuvered until they were standing behind the seated Shinya, and looked at the material.

Shigure and Sayuri didn’t move. They glanced over, checking whether they could look, and Guren nodded his head.

The two immediately moved behind the sofa to take a look.

Although they were looking at it, but the parts that could be read were only limited to a few pages. The rest of the pages were devoted to the names of the children that had been experimented on.

Guren said to the Shinya and co.

“Other than this material, Mahiru also spoke to me just now.”

“Huh?! You met her!”

Saying this, Shinya lifted his head.

Guren replied.

“Just now, Mahiru appeared on the Metropolitan Expressway. She was attacked by vampires, had her blood drunk, and was taken away.”

“Huh? Wait……”

“But it looked like it was according to Mahiru’s plan. It purposely for me to see. Not for Kureto. Mahiru got rid of all nearby surveillance cameras and eyewitnesses. As if it was planned with those guys. Then, Mahiru said to the vampires—— Kyoto, vampire Queen—— in that instant, they gave up on killing her, and took her away.”

Upon hearing these words, Shinya had a tired expression.

The rest of them were silenced.

Shinya said.

“……then, that vampire queen, what is she……anyway, do vampires have a king? Are you saying that these guys have a monarchy?”

Of course, know one knows about this kind of thing. There was no human that knew anything much about vampires. Vampires weren’t creatures you could just talk to. Nor were they the kind of creatures that one can negotiate with.

Entering the vampire city? That was absurd.

But Mahiru had negotiated with them. Interacted with their queen.

Even when vampires were sucking blood from all over her, she could still look over with a carefree smile.

She really is a monster.

And not because of the 《Kiju》. This was something that he who had allowed the 《Kiju》 to run away with him, understood.

No matter how much free reign one gave to the 《Kiju》, they would never become as formidable a monster as her.

She really was a prodigy.

A prodigy to the point where it hurt.

A prodigy that made the genius Kureto afraid.

At his current level, even if he put two or three lives on the line, he would not be able to catch up.

Right now as he was interacting with his friends, leisurely being indecisive as they go through happiness and worry, would they still be able to be the early bird that catches the worm?

Shinya frowned worriedly, and with a tired voice, said.

“……Ha……a queen. A queen ah……alright, I got it. I’ll just look at the material.”

The one that was able to understand those feelings that he was sick of.

He was chasing after that woman who was a traitor, but in the process got lost.

Add on the word ‘also’, christmas was very important.

Vampire queen.

Christmas.

Destruction.

The Four Horsemen of John.

The trumpet of the apocalypse.

The Seraph of the End.

Although there was this feeling of meaningless fun with friends, but the number of people casualties was no laughing matter.

“…………”

Shinya, who was reading the material, had finished. He lifted his head and looked over.

“Hey, Guren.”

“What?”

“You shared the information too late.”

“I know.”

But he also knew, that even if he had shared the information, there wasn’t much progress to be made. Because in the end, everything was controlled by Mahiru.

Shinya continued and said.

“Also, what other information is there*? You’ve already read this from cover to cover many times, right?”

Of course.

What he found out from reading was that the 《Hyakuya Sect》 was conducting some large scale research.

Also, it wasn’t easy to get near things that the 《Hyakuya Sect》 were managing.

If Guren could get close to the 《Hyakuya Sect》, then 『Mikado no Oni』 would spring into action. His father and his subordinates would most probably be killed.

Even if he did not consider this point, the first time he met Shinoa, there had been that message from Mahiru.

——Don’t go near the Hyakuya Orphanage.

That was the first of Mahiru’s messages for him. Then, he knew that in the orphanage, there were the names of children that had been recorded down in the material she had left him.

Shindo Mikaela.

It was the boy that Saito was with. Golden hair, pure and pretty. He probably wasn’t Japanese. Or perhaps he was only half Japanese.

Although he wasn’t sure whether he remembered, but Guren remembered his face clearly.

However, their meeting was by chance.

He wasn’t sure, but Guren started to notice the Hyakuya Orphanage ever since his meeting with Saito. Saito brought Mikaela out shopping—— and then Guren knew about Mika living in the Hyakuya Orphanage.

That was the first time he knew of the Hyakuya Orphanage.

Guren said.

“……There’s a brat called Mikaela in the Shibuya branch of the Hyakuya Orphanage. I saw Saito bringing him out. But Mahiru told me not to get close with the orphanage.”

Then, Mito asked.

“Who is that guy you called Saito?”

Guren answered.

“An assassin from the 《Hyakuya Sect》 that wears a black suit. When they attacked 『Mikado no Oni』, he was working together with Mahiru.”

“Then, Mahiru-sama……no, Hiiragi Mahiru, joined forces with the 《Hyakuya Sect》?”

But, Guren thought that this thinking was a little strange.

Mahiru would not join forces with anyone at all.

Mahiru probably wasn’t able to manipulate the 《Hyakuya Sect》.

But, since he was thinking about this,

“Shinya. How do you see this?”

After this was brought up, Shinya also seemed to be pondering over the same thing.

“What is the possibility of Saito betraying the 《Hyakuya Sect》?”

“Hm.”

“Well, there definitely is a possibility. The situation’s in Mahiru’s favour just a little too much. Even if it was her, she couldn’t have done it alone. Then-”

“She had help”

Unfortunately, Mahiru is likely receiving help from Saito. Although it can’t be sure if they share a common goal, but there’s a possibility Saito has betrayed the 《Hyakuya Sect》.

There had been evidence to support this idea.

For one, Saito aided Mahiru by causing Guren’s 《Kiju》 to be activated. Ordering the 《Hyakuya Sect》 soldiers to attack Shigure and Sayuri, made Guren lose his rationality.

Or, that incident that was reported on the TV.

The mother, in one hand holding a lighter and then pouring gasoline over herself, and shouting that her child was a demon as she prepared to kill herself.

Saito had been there. But, why would the 《Hyakuya Sect》 allow that incident to be broadcasted? If an incident of that extent was allowed to be played on TV, then the news would be filled with reports on the 《Hyakuya Sect》 and 『Mikado no Oni』’s human experimentation.

Under normal circumstances, there would have been no news.

But, that incident was played out.

Then, again, who was meant to see it?

What was the 《Hyakuya Sect》 trying to show? Or, was it that, under the pretense it was an accident, Saito had been trying to relay information.

“…………”

Guren looked at the material that Mahiru left behind. He looked at the first name that was cited.

The name 《Amane Yuichiro》 was written on the material.

With one hand holding a lighter, shouting that she would kill her demonic son; what name had that mother been shouting?

Yuichiro.

She’d said that Yuu was the son of a demon and had to be killed.

Was this something by chance?

Was this something that had been prearranged?

After reading the material he then notice this point; was it under Mahiru’s control, or was it not?

Shinya looked over. Guren pondered over whether or not he should make eye contact.

Then, Goshi said.

“Wait a minute. I don’t understand. Two smart people won’t talk to each other without authorisation what.”

But it was not because Goshi was dumb that he didn’t understand. Because he didn’t know who Saito was, so he didn’t know the relevance between him and the material.

So he needs to understand.

He needs to make them understand.

But descriptions are nowhere near to the information Mahiru gives.

In the end, they were still being fed with information. It wasn’t anything that he was able to obtain on his own.

“………….”

Everyone was silent.

How would they be able to be the first to reach her?

How would they be able to move ahead before the genius?

Do they want the share this information with the Hiiragi?

Or will they act in secret?

“…………”

Either way, everything was under the manipulation of Mahiru.

Goshi said,

“Wu~~~~~~ah, this is like Shogi. No matter what, we’re in the palm of the opponent. Under these circumstances, what are we going to do?”

To this question, Guren folded his hands and began thinking.

Mito said.

“……under these circumstances, I will wait a turn.”

Goshi said.

“But this time, there’s a time constraint.”

“Ah……”

Mito looked over.

The time constraint in question, was the execution of Guren’s father. And it wasn’t something that was planned by Mahiru. Mahiru had manipulated Kureto to take such drastic measures.

How was that possible.

It was impossible for something as irregular as human thought to be controlled. The only one who could do that would be God.

And this was not Shogi.

Not one on one.

Power was involved in many aspects—— Mahiru, 《Hyakuya Sect》, 『Mikado no Oni』, 『Mikado no Tsukki』, the vampires, Kureto, Guren, Shinya. Right now, Saito could possibly be added into the mix.

Mahiru was controlling this complex board.

The reason why Mahiru could do so easily, was because her own goals were hidden in the darkness, seen by no one. At the same time, she was able to amass large amounts of intelligence from everyone else.

Mahiru knew what the other players desired. So she could easily control them.

Everyone else didn’t know what Mahiru wanted, so they were left spinning around in a frenzy.

“…………”

But, if you want a player that has no desires to move, what should be done?

It was simple. Take the other players hostage and force them to participate in the game.

And that is something that cannot be predicted. No one knows what could happen in the future.

Mahiru merely tempted the other players with easy choices, while she herself moved forward.

If that was the case…

“…….right now, from the choices that are in front of us, the one that Mahiru would not choose is……”

Although this was said, the general feeling was that they couldn’t make this kind of wild wishes. So Guren dared to say.

“No, at least, what was the option that Mahiru didn’t think of?”

This time, there was the sound of someone knocking on the front door.

Everyone turned to face it. And then they got into a battle formation.

The movement was swift, the result of rigorous training.

Shinya pulled his 《Kiju》 weapon to his waist, and with his right hand on the handle, he said.

“…….wait a minute, isn’t this reaction a little over-board? Doesn’t Guren have friends that visit him in the middle of the night?”

“Aren’t you guys already here?”

“But other than us, you don’t have any other friends right?”

“You can say that.”

“Ah, you finally admitted it~”

“There are few people that are so thick skinned as to show their ugly faces in the middle of the night.”

As he was saying this, Guren swept the material that Mahiru had left him under the sofa.

Everyone understood. Within this group of friends, they would keep this a secret.

Goshi said.

“Then, who can it be?”

In Guren’s mind, there were two possibilities.

Saito.

Kureto.

If it was Saito, then Mahiru’s manipulation had started.

If it was Kureto.

“…………”

No, probably, Kureto could also be manipulated. To take his father hostage and force Guren to hurry to Kyoto, the person behind that was Mahiru.

The front door opened. It was Kureto.

Mito let out a sound of exclamation.

“Ku, Kureto-sama?!”

Of course, Guren wasn’t surprised. Kureto did say that he would come over later.

Kureto walked through the door. The door banged shut. His cold gaze swept over the room, and then he looked over.

“…….Is this your house, Guren. It’s really empty.”

Guren answered.

“Go and use the auto lock then come in.”

“Don’t worry. I’m not here to do anything. Keep your weapons.”

Guren put down his knife.

Kureto nodded, and walked into the room.

He didn’t remove his shoes.

That was the right choice. Since he wasn’t going to come back to this place, wearing shoes was better. In addition, the place was near the Metropolitan Expressway where that incident happened. They should prepare to escape at any time.

Shocked by Kureto who had entered the room, Goshi and Mito had an expression that was established from no-where**.

Shigure and Sayuri were staring at Kureto.

Kureto didn’t pay any heed to it.

Guren said.

“Also, why are you here?”

At Guren’s question, Kureto had replied.

“What about you? What are you doing, secretly hiding here?”

Shinya answered.

“Playing poker. Does Kureto-nii want to play as well?”

“I don’t know the rules.”

“It’s the one where you draw a ghost card and and then some. Do you know it?”

“Shinya.”

“Yes~?”

“Stop with your jokes. I am asking you what you all are up to.”

Hearing this, Shinya squinted and looked at Kureto.

“……Because Kureto-nii was using Guren’s father’s life to threaten Guren……so in a state of panic, we all met here, and we were discussing how to kill Mahiru.”

“Listening in eh. Did you hear the conversation just now between Guren and his father?”

In a second, Goshi and Mito’s expressions morphed into fear, looking at Shinya. Because if this was told to the Hiiragis, then they would be executed immediately.

However, Shinta smiled and said.

“We were only listening in to Guren’s handphone. Just like that, you’re going to get mad?”

“No. This guy’s relationship with Mahiru, has a lot of other fellows listening in as well. Anyway, it’s good that the whole squad is together. Regarding the task to kill Mahiru……”

Guren interrupted him.

“Before that, I have something that I want to ask.”

Kureto stopped.

“……what is it?”

“Are you being manipulated by Mahiru?”

Kureto stared at him. And for reasons unknown, he began to smile.

“Eh, probably. I don’t know when it started, because she kept on progressively planting the seeds for it. So it’s around……..the time when I took your father hostage, it was exactly what Mahiru wanted.”

So that was it. Mahiru knew what Kureto would do, and then she acted.

Most likely, Kureto also realised this.

Then,

“…….Let my father go.”

Kureto laughed.

“Absolutely not. Since I have already acted in accordance to Mahiru’s plans, as long as it is the right thing to do, I will not give up.”

“The right thing? You’ve clearly lost to Mahiru; you really do have a lot of self confidence.”

In reply, Kureto said.

“Nothing to do with self confidence. And I don’t think my own strength is enough. But, as I said before, I am more rational than you. I don’t want to cut short other people’s lives. (T/N: And the liar of the year award goes to….KURETO. Also *cough* chapter 40). When things have to be done, I will do them. That is what someone who has made up their mind will do.”

Then, Shinya said.

“If that’s the case, then you can’t beat Mahiru…….”

Kureto raised his hand and interrupted him.

“I have…….already said. If I suddenly turn into Mahiru and then step off the path, there is no way to beat her. But, irrational fellows that step off the path, so what? That is the irregularity in Mahiru’s thinking.”

“What do you mean?”

Guren asked, and all of a sudden, Kureto stuck his hand into his pocket and took out his phone. After a few movements, he made a call.

He didn’t know why he suddenly had a panicked expression, and took a deep breath.

Then, Kureto said.

“……Well, ah, Aoi, save me! Guren……. Ichinose Guren has betrayed us! I’ve been attacked, the blood’s not stopping!”

“Wha……”

Guren and co. all let out sounds of surprise and shock, Kureto raised a hand and stopped them, and he continued.

“Guren also wants to come to where you are! He’s been taken over by his demon! Fortify the guards! And then tell them to kill Ichinose Sakae……”

At this time, Kureto dropped the call.

From now on, Guren has been branded as a traitor of 『Mikado no Oni』.

He knows what this guy is thinking. He wanted to lure Mahiru over. The irrational Guren’s betrayal, if she believed this——then she would be caught.

He understood this plan.

His father would end up dead.

However, the indecisive Ichinose Guren that didn’t want to kill Mahiru, had once again rejected the instigations of his demon, had run off.

But, this method,

“You bastard! You killed my father?!”

Guren grabbed Kureto’s collar and lifted him off the ground.

But Kureto didn’t pay any mind.

“Release me. There is not just one hostage.”

Saying this, he looked at Shigure and Sayuri——no, Shinya, Goshi and Mito as well.

“……ah”

Yeah. He was right.

The closer the relationships he formed, the more weak points there would be.

《So kill. Kill them all. You just need to slash your blade in one circle. Then the number of important things, your weakness, will immediately lessen.》

The demon murmured, but, he must not listen.

Kureto laughed.

“You understand so well. Mahiru can also be easily manipulated. So, you will be the tool that I use to control her.”

“……YOU.”

“Your hand. Release me. Calm down. Your father is still alive.”

“Ah.”

“Aoi understands the situation. Although it looks like he’s been killed, he’s still alive. But, the dateline doesn’t change. Kill Mahiru within the next two days. If you can’t do that, your father will die. That is not my fault. That will be yours.”

His right hand began shaking. The hand which he used to grab Kureto’s collar, was shaking. Was it because of anger, or despair?

《I’m already tired. In the end, you’re still being manipulated, ordered around, consoled. Mahiru is fast. Kureto has patience. Then, what is your specialty? Is it being weak and gentle? But, the more gentle you are, the stronger your reaction will be. Aiyah. Aiyah aiyah, but, this is not what Mahiru expects of you. Weak and gentle, but greedy, and you will sink in the darkness that is coming for you. If you want to get out of Mahiru’s palm, then you must immediately kill them. All of them. Right now.》

But, he couldn’t do it.

Guren let go.

Seeing that Guren had released him, Kureto ordered.

“Come, in 47 hours, kill Hiiragi Mahiru.”

“You don’t need to say it. I already know.”

In the end, the situation didn’t change at all. No matter how many friends he has, the situation will not change.

At this time, Kureto pulled out six sheets of paper. Written on it were weird spells that he had not seen before.

“What is that?”

Guren asked, and Kureto answered.

“It is a ward that that will slowly release the restrains on the demon.”

“Giving us this kind of thing……”

Kureto smiled and interrupted him.

“If you guys are a bit stronger, it will have no impact on the overall situation. Do you understand? Roll it around your sheath. Right now, that is the latest 《Kiju》 equipment. With these, even if you are traitors that have harmed me and run away, you would still be able to escape.”

To test it out, he rolled the wards around his sheath.

In an instant, he knew the results.

The voice of the demon became much louder. Inside, the trouble-making desire of the curse became much thicker, and, the sound of the demon that was jumbled and hard to hear, was no longer in his heart.

“That ward is able to release the demon, drawing out larger amounts of power. But, it becomes easier to be possessed by the demon. The order to kill the guy that has been possessed and ran away has been given. So, don’t be carried away by anger and jealousy. Slowly calm down, listen to some classical music. Don’t listen to Marches.”

(T/N: A march is piece of music that has a strong, regular rhythm. Used, as the name suggests, for military marching.)

In reply to the smiling Kureto, Guren said.

“What if we don’t have classical music?”

“What? Do you not listen to music?”

“This house only has jazz.”

“Haha. Listening to Jazz….. are you being pretentious?”

In an instant, a memory from his childhood surfaced.

Mahiru was happily talking about something related to music. She was smiling as she said that she wanted to try and become a musician, although it was impossible. She said that classical music was too hard to understand, and then pouted. Smiling and saying that Jazz was really strange, just like Guren.

And then he began liking Jazz.

At that time, Mahiru probably didn’t have a demon in her heart. And as for him, at that time, she had already began to control him.

Kureto said.

“Ah, anything also can. Just calm your heart.”

Calm your heart.

Calm your heart.

Calm your heart.

Father has been taken hostage, calm your heart.

“…………”

Guren looked at his own sword. It was much stronger that it had been just now.

With this kind of strength, it may be possible to even kill a god, and in the process draw people into thinking that they have this kind of strength.

Of course, there is no doubt that this is all an illusion.

One can’t do anything by being just strong.

Kureto opened his mouth and said.

“Then, use that blade and slash me. Watch your strength.”

Hearing this, Guren lifted his head.

“Do we really need to slash you?”

“Mahiru isn’t so naive to overlook that point.”

“But, am I that trust worthy? I could very well kill you.”

Then, Kureto laughed and opened his arms.

“If you want to kill me, kill me. Even if you kill me, nothing in the Hiiragi family will change.”

It was like that. It would probably make someone sad, but it will change nothing.

So, Guren pulled out the sword. Facing Kureto, he slashed.

《Kill him~♪》

In a second, the demon in his heart started yelling at him.

But Guren didn’t do that. He couldn’t. With a light stroke, he slashed Kureto where his heart was.

Blood spurted out. It even hit the ceiling.

“Ouch……”

Kureto furrowed his eyebrows in pain, and staggered back two or three steps. The sound of approaching helicopters could be heard.

The ‘pa-da’ sound pierced through the silent night.

Kureto said.

“They have come. 『Mikado no Oni』’s soldiers. Hurting me is a very serious offence. Flee quickly. And then kill Mahiru.”

This was their task.

Guren immediately ordered his two aides.

“Shigure, Sayuri, 2 days’ worth of preparations……”

Shigure immediately ran into her own room.

Sayuri said.

“It has already been prepared. Ready to leave at once!”

Then, Guren turned to Shinya, Mito and Goshi. He said.

“You guys don’t need to come. No need for you guys to carry the weight of this capital offence……”

But Shinya interrupted him.

Shinya heavily patted Guren on the arm that was holding the knife that had slashed Kureto.

“No, I don’t mind. Since I don’t have any family members that can be used as hostages against me, I can come with you.”

“But there is no need.”

“And it’s for the guy with very few friends~”

“…………”

This guy is an idiot. And one cannot use this kind of reasoning to follow a friend.

Or, his other reason could be that——

But, Mito said.

“I, I want to go.”

Followed by Goshi, saying.

“Wah—, you must be joking. Then I must come along as well.”

Saying this, the two of them grabbed Guren’s hand.

The stupidity has increased.

They don’t understand the situation at all. It was irrational to choose this option. These two have families. Once they have been ‘contaminated’ with the status of a traitor, everyone will be affected.

They should think about it a minute longer and they would understand.

Then, why would this group of fellows——

“………….”

Why would you guys make such a stupid decision?

“…….How troublesome, if you guys are stuck in a situation where you might die, I would never be able to forgive myself.”

This was the meaning of not wanting to bear this stigma.

This was the meaning of the anguish upon seeing your friends in a situation where they will die.

Friends.

Friends.

Friends.

Shinya said.

“Ahaha, it’s because the restrictions on the demon have been loosened. No matter, everyone is good. Where’s our thanks?”

“……whatever.”

Saying this, Guren glanced at the direction of the front door.

And then said.

“Enough for six people.”

Shigure and Sayuri walked out carrying canvas bags. Although there was no important luggage, it was filled with weapons and disposable phones and things that could not be bought.

Sayuri said.

“Ready to leave!”

Because the blood was still flowing, Kureto was in some pain as he said.

“On the roof, there is a helicopter that I used to take me here. I don’t know if it is still there. If it is, take it and run.”

But the sound of the soldier’s helicopters was really close. It would be hard to take Kureto’s helicopter without running into them.

And if they don’t take the one here, they would have to steal one from somewhere else. If that happens, then they would have to involve normal people. It can’t be said for sure that there won’t be a situation where they have to kill people.

He wanted to escape from this situation. In the end, there was no time left to go steal a helicopter.

The dateline is in 47 hours.

This fact never changed.

“Let’s go to the roof then~”

Saying this, Guren glanced at Shinya.

In a second, Guren’s focused changed.

Underneath the sofa.

Where the material Mahiru left was.

But before his focus changed, his meaning was conveyed to Shinya.

Shinya closed his eyes. Guren was saying that whatever happened next was in Shinya’s hands.

“Kureto.”

“Yeah?”

“We want to take you hostage and escape in the helicopter.”

“Ha ha.”

Kureto laughed.

But Guren didn’t mind, and let loose the power of the 《Kiju》. Up and down his body, a dark power expanded.

It was a powerful strength.

Felt that in this form, he could kill anyone.

Felt that anyone could be cast as

Chapter end