The light along the coastline gradually faded.
"Warning... The first three defensive layers... have been damaged... regeneration... impossible..."
Index lost all support and immediately fell toward the ground. Arata quickly caught her by the waist and let her rest her head against his shoulder. Her body temperature was far higher than usual, most likely a side effect of the collapse of the magic circuits within her body. A faint, sweet fragrance drifted through the air.
"The first three defensive layers were destroyed? In other words, the 'Automatic Writing System' itself was not compromised." Arata gently patted her back as he spoke softly to himself.
"As expected, something personally set by Coronzon already operates at the level of pure concepts. 'Rule Breaker' cannot fully interfere with it."
"Rule Breaker" is effective only against magic. It has no effect on conceptual phenomena. Outside of magical systems, it cannot even influence something as simple as a physical object.
The golden swastika faded after a few breaths. The binding ropes of light dissolved into countless white particles, drifting slowly through the air like fireflies.
Arata slowly descended onto the beach, holding Index securely in a princess carry. The sound of the sea breeze and rolling waves filled the surroundings, creating a strangely peaceful atmosphere.
"It's finally over." Stiyl collapsed onto the sand, breathing heavily. He was so exhausted that he lacked even the strength to wipe the blood from the corner of his mouth.
"It's over..." Kanzaki Kaori remained half-kneeling on the ground. Her usual calm composure could no longer suppress her emotions as she looked at the unconscious Index, a gentle smile forming on her face.
This time, I have finally saved you.
Compared to that boy, I am far inferior. Although his personality is far from ideal, he is more exceptional than anyone else, the kind of person many strive to surpass.
In just two days, Index was saved.
However, even someone others aim to surpass must still face their destined future.
As both a Level 5 esper and a Christian Saint, his future path is bound to be filled with hardship, and the entire world will inevitably turn against him.
The cruelest fate is to belong to neither world.
Arata carried Index toward Kanzaki Kaori. Her left thigh had been pierced through, leaving a bloody wound, a cruel injury for someone with such a flawless figure.
However, Arata was not concerned. As a Saint, her body would recover quickly as long as no limbs were severed.
"Can you still stand?" Arata asked.
"No bones are broken. Thank you." Kanzaki Kaori replied calmly as she stood up, supporting herself with the hilt of her katana, though her brows tightened slightly from the pain.
"What do you intend to do now? I am not handing Index over to you. Just because we saved her this time does not mean the same thing will not happen again." Arata spoke plainly, looking down at Index's peaceful, sleeping face with a faint smile.
"This... we..." Kanzaki Kaori fell silent. Her gaze lingered on Index, filled with conflicted emotions.
Their duty was to protect Index. Yet they had unknowingly been harming her all along. Opposing the current system would harm Index in the short term, but obeying it would mean continuing the cycle. Either choice forced her into an impossible position.
"..." Stiyl also remained silent. No matter which outcome they chose, it would not end well for Index.
If they brought Index back, the Archbishop would likely impose another restriction similar to the Collar. But handing her over to an outsider would directly conflict with the interests of the Anglican Church.
Those old figures within the Church might even nail him to a cross and throw him into the Thames.
Furthermore, this boy's identity itself was a dangerous unknown, making Index's situation even more unstable.
"Leave it to me. Contact your Archbishop. I will speak to her directly. I will take full responsibility."
Seeing Kanzaki Kaori's hesitation, Arata smiled faintly and spoke.
"Ah?" Kanzaki Kaori and Stiyl both reacted in surprise.
"You want to speak to the Archbishop? Are you serious?"
"Are you truly serious?" Kanzaki Kaori asked in disbelief.
"I am serious." Arata nodded.
"Fine. I doubt the Archbishop will consider your opinion." Stiyl clicked his tongue. Even so, pushing the responsibility onto this boy and the Archbishop gave him a strange sense of relief. However, that Archbishop would never compromise for the sake of Puritan interests. The idea of letting Index remain in Academy City was nothing more than a fantasy.
Stiyl took out a tarot card from his black priest robes. The card bore the emblem of St. George's Cross and emitted a faint blue glow.
"Archbishop, can you hear me? Archbishop."
After a few moments, a languid and teasing voice echoed from the card.
"My, my, Mr. Stiyl Magnus, contacting me while a young lady is bathing hardly fits the conduct of a proper gentleman~ Who bullied you this time~"
Stiyl's expression darkened, and his lips twitched. "You are absolutely right. I was bullied again. Last time, I was beaten by an esper and you laughed at me. This time, I was beaten by Index and you are laughing again. Are you doing this on purpose?"
"Archbishop, you are older than my grandmother. Is it really appropriate for you to act like a young girl?" Stiyl said with open sarcasm.
"What are you saying, Stiyl? I am still an eighteen-year-old beautiful young lady. Do not spread such rumors~"
The playful voice carried a chilling undertone that made Stiyl shiver involuntarily.
That woman...
Despite possessing the appearance and voice of a young girl, she was, at her core, an ancient monster.
Suppressing the chill running down his spine, Stiyl quickly changed the subject.
"Archbishop, it is not me who wishes to speak with you. It is an esper from Academy City."
"An esper from Academy City... how interesting. Very well, I accept." The voice paused slightly.
Arata took the tarot card and narrowed his eyes. Laura Stuart. No, that was merely the name of the body being used. Her true identity was Coronzon.
"Ahem... Grandma. I have something I would like to discuss with you."
...
Re@d adv@nce ch@pters on p@t
guilt_free_daoist
Jo!n d!sc0rd I!nk in synops!s.
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