The lights in the AST lounge had long been extinguished, with only the faint red glow from the instrument standby indicators casting vague spots of light on the ceiling.
Tobiichi Origami lay flat on the hard, simple cot, a thin blanket neatly pulled up to her chest, her hands resting flat at her sides—a sleeping posture so standard it was almost rigid.
But her eyes were open in the darkness, her blue pupils devoid of any sleepiness.
The darkness. I am familiar with the darkness of the AST lounge, carrying the scent of disinfectant and machine oil.
But tonight, I cannot let my brain enter standby mode as usual... I cannot sleep. My mind is chaotic. It is like two versions of myself are arguing.
One part of me says: Origami, you are an AST member. Phoenix-in Chinatsu has a seventy percent or higher chance of being a Spirit. If she is a Spirit, she must be eliminated. Tell Ellen Mathers about her date with Shido tomorrow, and everything can be resolved quickly and most effectively.
The other part immediately jumps out to refute: No! Absolutely not! Shido will be there! Let him be within the attack range? Are you kidding me! Just thinking about the seventy percent chance of him getting injured... Duty and... What is that other word? I do not want to define it.
Phoenix-in Chinatsu... She is a transfer student, and she cooks very well. She is getting too close to Shido. And now Lady Ellen says she might be a Spirit.
And that 'Herrscher of Reason'... The evidence is a 7.3% similarity in Spirit Wave patterns.
7.3%... Is that number high?
Uncertain. But her attitude toward Koushi does not seem fake.
Also, last time at the entrance, the way she looked at Shido—rather than wanting to harm him, it was more like... completing a mission?
No explicit 'killing intent' or 'malice' was observed in her gaze toward Shido either.
She gently rolled over, facing the wall, bending her fingers and unconsciously dragging them across the rough sheet.
Tomorrow, Shido is going on a date with her. The probability is over ninety percent.
DEM is also taking action tomorrow; it sounds like they intend to completely wipe someone off the face of the world.
If I go now and tell Lady Ellen their itinerary for tomorrow... DEM will be able to set up an inescapable net in advance, and Chinatsu most likely will not escape.
This is the most compliant and efficient course of action. But... Where will Shido be?
He will definitely be with her. Those anti-Spirit weapons... What if... What if Shido is caught in the blast?
He might get injured... or even... No. Scratch that option. Absolutely not.
She rolled back over, looking up at the pitch-black ceiling, her chest rising slightly, her breathing a little more rapid than usual.
I recalled Ellen's weapon, that deep blue muzzle... If something like that misses, or if the blast spreads... Shido... Her fingers, resting at her side, unconsciously curled up, gripping the rough sheet.
I need to think this through. If I report it:
Advantage: I can use DEM's power and likely eliminate the transfer student suspected of being a Spirit.
Disadvantage: Shido will be in extreme danger. No, this single point makes it absolutely unacceptable.
If I do not report it:
Advantage: Shido will be much safer.
It will not be easy for DEM to find them, and even if they do, without pre-deployment, the scope of the battle will be smaller, giving me a chance to take Shido away.
Shido can avoid DEM's main ambush, safety probability: 85% or higher.
Disadvantage: Phoenix-in Chinatsu might escape, or... she might do more things to get close to Shido. Also, an 85% safety probability... is not enough. I need 100%.
She slightly turned her head, looking at the heavy darkness outside the window, her brow furrowing almost imperceptibly... Getting close to Shido... The image of Chinatsu holding Shido's arm flashed in her mind, as well as that indescribable gaze she directed at him... This is also unacceptable.
She suddenly flipped over to face the wall, her movement significantly larger than usual, causing the bed frame to emit a slight sound of protest.
Why hesitate? She is a Spirit. Spirits are the enemies who killed my parents. All Spirits must be eliminated. This is the truth.
Shido's face appeared in her mind.
Not the current him, but the younger him, the one who reached out to me during my moment of deepest despair.
What if... What if Phoenix-in Chinatsu is not exactly the same as the other Spirits?
Or what if she is not a Spirit at all? Just an ordinary girl, merely the younger sister who was separated from Koushi years ago?
A 7.3% similarity... is not 100% conclusive evidence.
If it is a misjudgment... using anti-Spirit weapons on an ordinary student... No, Ellen Mathers' judgment is rarely wrong. The probability that she is a Spirit is still very high.
So, what is the solution?
Conclusion: The intelligence will not be submitted. The target will not be handled by DEM. I will handle her personally... Risks of withholding intelligence: military tribunal, expulsion, becoming an enemy of DEM.
Assessment conclusion: Acceptable compared to the risk of Shido being harmed.
Action plan: Prioritize ensuring Shido's safety. If the target poses no immediate threat, observe; if the target is threatening but controllable, I will subdue and relocate her first; if a DEM attack endangers Shido... I will take necessary measures to interfere with the attack sequence as the situation dictates.
Final contingency: The 'Non-Lethal Tactical Obstruction against DEM' protocol is ready for activation.
In that case... I will not tell DEM.
Let them search for themselves tomorrow. That way, Shido can stay further away from the main battleground and be much safer. Although the possibility of Chinatsu escaping increases, Shido will be safe... But what if she really is a dangerous Spirit and causes greater destruction afterward?
...Responsibility.
But Shido's safety is more important than that. This must be guaranteed first.
Origami abruptly sat up, her movements slightly stiff. She leaned against the cold metal headboard, hugging her knees, and resting her chin on them.
The faint green light outlined her somewhat slender figure.
Tomorrow, I will "just happen" to appear at their date location as well.
First, and most importantly, I must keep a close eye on Shido and ensure his absolute safety.
Then, I will use this opportunity to take a good look at Phoenix-in Chinatsu, to see whether she is truly a Spirit and what exactly she intends to do to Shido.
If she dares to pose a threat to Shido... then I will eliminate her with my own hands.
This is the safest approach.
In the event... just in case... DEM personnel still find their way here and threaten Shido... then I will send Shido away first, even if it means giving them wrong directions or causing a minor disturbance.
This means I will stand against both the AST and DEM.
This thought brought a faint, unprecedented sense of dissonance, but it was quickly overwritten by a stronger, more resolute emotion.
For Shido... I can do it.
Final ruling: The plan to conceal information and act independently will be executed... It does not matter, as long as Shido is safe.
The decision is made. The conflict still exists, but the path of action is now clear.
Tomorrow will not be a simple date, nor a mere subjugation.
It will be my solo mission, walking the tightrope between loyalty and protection.
Thinking this, her constantly tense body seemed to relax slightly.
She lay back down, tugged the edge of the blanket to restore its absolute flatness, and then slowly closed her eyes.
Her breathing slowed, and her heart rate stabilized.
Close my eyes, I need rest now. Tomorrow, I will need to be in absolutely optimal condition.
It is fine, I have already prepared myself.
For... Shido.
The room became completely silent, leaving only the sound of her increasingly steady and deep breathing.
The night outside the window remained heavy, but the decision had been made; the final calm before the storm belonged to this girl who had made her own choice amidst conflict.
Deep in the night.
Tian Dou Royal Academy.
In a luxurious room, Yu Tianheng sat by the window, his gaze quietly fixed on the brilliant starry sky.
"It really takes some getting used to, with Yanzi suddenly leaving Tian Dou Royal Academy."
Yu Tianheng muttered to himself, his tone tinged with a hint of melancholy.
Just at this moment, the room's door was knocked upon.
"Please, come in."
After adjusting his thoughts, Yu Tianheng turned his gaze toward the door.
The door opened, and the figure of Ye Lingling walked into the room.
"Lingling, you have come so late; is there something the matter?"
Watching Ye Lingling walk in, Yu Tianheng asked softly.
"I am leaving Tian Dou Royal Academy."
"So, I came to let you know."
Standing at the doorway, Ye Lingling spoke in her cold, clear voice.
"You are leaving, too?"
Hearing Ye Lingling's words, a look of surprise appeared in Yu Tianheng's eyes.
Earlier during the day, Dugu Yan had told him she was leaving; how could it be that by evening, Ye Lingling was also here to tell him she was leaving Tian Dou Royal Academy?
"Mm."
"It is the Family's arrangement, but it is also my own decision."
Ye Lingling nodded slightly, her tone devoid of any change.
Hearing this, Yu Tianheng frowned in thought, not speaking for a moment.
The room fell into silence at this time.
After a while, Yu Tianheng looked back at Ye Lingling and tentatively asked: "Lingling, you are leaving—could it be because of that Ye Xi?"
Although he was asking, Yu Tianheng basically already had the answer in his heart; otherwise, the consecutive departures of two people would be far too coincidental.
"Yes."
Ye Lingling's reply was very brief.
"As expected, it is because of Ye Xi."
"Since you have already decided, Lingling, then you should go back."
Yu Tianheng revealed a bitter smile and did not try to persuade her to stay.
After receiving Yu Tianheng's reply, Ye Lingling did not speak, but instead walked straight away from Yu Tianheng's door, heading toward the location of the Nine Heart Begonia Family.
After Ye Lingling left, Yu Tianheng placed his hands behind his head, deep contemplation appearing in his eyes.
"Both Yanzi and Lingling have left."
"The Tian Dou Royal Team is missing a control system Spirit Master and a support system Spirit Master; it seems I will have to find two suitable replacements from within Tian Dou Royal Academy."
Yu Tianheng muttered to himself, then stood up from his seat and walked straight out of the room.
The next day, early morning.
Ye Xi, who was sitting on the bed engaging in meditative Cultivate, suddenly heard a knock at the door.
"Young Miss, there are guests at the mansion."
"Young Miss Tian Yue asked me to invite you over."
Zhong Meng's voice echoed leisurely from outside the door.
"I understand."
After acknowledging this, Ye Xi stood up from the bed and walked out of the room.
The door opened, and seeing Ye Xi walk out, Zhong Meng bowed respectfully toward her.
"Zhong Meng, go prepare some pastries and drinks to entertain the guests."
After saying this, Ye Xi strode toward the main hall.
Upon receiving Ye Xi's instructions, Zhong Meng immediately went to prepare the pastries and drinks.
Just as she walked into the main hall, Ye Xi saw Tian Yue, Ling Yuan, Ye Qingxue, and Ye Lingling and the others sitting in the hall, waiting for her arrival.
"I apologize for keeping you waiting."
Ye Xi said, sitting down in front of Ye Qingxue.
Ye Lingling, who was sitting next to Ye Qingxue, was currently looking at the Ye Xi before her with an appraising gaze.
"It is no matter; we have only just arrived ourselves."
"Let me introduce her to you; this is my daughter: Ye Lingling, currently a level 23 Spirit Grandmaster."
Ye Qingxue gestured to the Ye Lingling beside her and introduced her.
"Hello, my name is Ye Xi. You can just call me Ye Xi in the future."
Ye Xi revealed a smile toward Ye Lingling, her voice sounding very gentle.
"Hello."
Ye Lingling nodded slightly, her voice ethereal and cold.
Ye Xi and Ye Lingling's gazes kept scanning each other; this was the first time they had met, so both of them felt a bit curious.
"My daughter has a somewhat aloof personality and is usually taciturn, so please do not mind."
Ye Qingxue revealed a smile, then turned her gaze toward the Ye Lingling beside her and said: "Lingling, Ye Xi and I already spoke about this yesterday."
"From now on, you will stay by Ye Xi's side."
Hearing Ye Qingxue's words, Ye Lingling rose from her seat and walked straight in front of Ye Xi.
"Please take care of me from now on."
Ye Lingling's voice remained cold, but her gaze toward Ye Xi was full of curiosity.
"There is no need to be so polite."
Ye Xi gestured with her hand, signaling for Ye Lingling to sit.
After receiving Ye Xi's signal, Ye Lingling sat back down.
Just at this moment, Zhong Meng also walked into the main hall carrying pastries and drinks. After placing the pastries and drinks on the table, Zhong Meng silently withdrew.
"Family Head Ye, this mansion was bought by me not long ago. The only maid is Zhong Meng, so it usually feels a bit desolate. If there is any lack of hospitality, please forgive me."
While speaking, Ye Xi reached out and picked up a pastry, handing it to the Tian Yue beside her.
"There is no lack of hospitality."
"However, since there aren't many people in this mansion of yours, why not let Lingling move over as well and live with you all?"
Ye Qingxue picked up a pastry to taste and asked with a light smile.
"That is naturally fine."
"There are still plenty of empty rooms in this mansion. If Lingling is willing, she can choose one to stay in."
Ye Xi said, turning her gaze toward Ye Lingling, her eyes full of inquiry.
Ye Qingxue's gaze was also directed toward Ye Lingling, asking for Ye Lingling's opinion.
"That is fine."
Seeing the gazes of the two, Ye Lingling did not hesitate in the slightest and agreed immediately.
"Sister Tian Yue, could you please take Lingling to choose a room first?"
Seeing that Ye Lingling had agreed, Ye Xi turned and said to Tian Yue.
"Alright, Lingling, come with me, I will take you to choose a room."
Tian Yue stood up from her seat, made a gesture of invitation toward Ye Lingling, and then led Ye Lingling out of the room.
Watching the two walk out of the room, a faint smile appeared on Ye Qingxue's face.
"Ye Xi, you don't need to keep calling me Family Head Ye, Family Head Ye. If you don't mind, you can call me Aunt Ye."
Ye Qingxue picked up a drink and tasted it unhurriedly.
"Aunt Ye, I naturally would not mind that."
Ye Xi crossed her hands together and naturally called out 'Aunt Ye'.
"Mm."
"If there is anything you need Aunt Ye's help with, you can just say so."
"Although our Nine Heart Begonia Family is not as powerful as the Heaven Dou Royal Family that supports you, in some areas, we can still be of help."
Ye Qingxue looked at the Ye Xi before her, her voice full of sincerity.