Date A Live - Volume 22 - Chapter 10

Chapter 10: Yatogami Tohka 
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“……So he’s gone.” 
That empty space——while looking at the space where the crescent-shaped scar had occurred just a few moments ago, Kotori muttered those words. 
A loneliness that was difficult to describe had filled her lungs. In a world where Shidou had disappeared, she didn’t even care much about this thin silence. 
Of course, Kotori knew that this mood was a matter of concern. Dawn was soon approaching. They were at a field of rubble where inhabitants no longer remained. But now that <Beast> was gone, it was natural for this space to be dominated by certain stillness. 
“…………” 
Kotori clutched her chest. She believed that Shidou could surely do it. That surely he will come back safely. That was why in the end they had sent him off. 
But still——the tremendous sense of anxiety tightly squeezed Kotori’s chest. 
“——Kotori.” 
“Kotori-san……” 
Perhaps sensing her feelings from her appearance, the Spirits called out to her. 
The complexion of their faces was similar to Kotori’s own. Seeing this, Kotori slightly shook her head. 
Certainly, the opponent was an unidentified Spirit. And what he had stepped in was a world on the other side that was completely unknown. Perhaps they’ll never see Shidou again. With that in mind, she almost began to cry. 
But Kotori, as the commander, couldn’t let the others become worried. Kotori patted her cheeks to force more enthusiasm into herself and then turned her eyes to face everyone again. 
“I’m sure it’s fine since ……Let us do what we can. When Shidou returns and sees that post-processing isn’t over, we’ll defiantly be laughed at. 
As Kotori said that, the Spirits all uniformly nodded in response. 
“Yes……that’s right.” 
“Mun. Certainly that holds to be true.” 
After looking at everyone, Origami placed her hand against her chin. 
“We can leave the assumption that this destruction is caused by a spacequake. Then priority should be given to the people who saw our faces during the rescue attempts through the <Yggdrafolium>.” 
“Ah……speaking of which, they should have been able to clearly see the faces of Natsumi’s group.” 
“Concerns. Even if press relations can be controlled by the power of <Ratatoskr>, it wouldn’t be possible to capture all of the personal social media accounts——” 
“Please rest assured. We are already working on that.” 
Then, in response to everyone’s concerns, Maria’s voice came out from their headsets. 
“Currently, all networks in this area are under my control. All sightings uploaded through smartphones in the shelter have already been deleted. Any attached videos and photos have been removed from both terminal and cloud. Currently, we are running a fraudulent scheme to send false information over the network in advance. In a few days, this will all calm down and become just a legend of this town.” 
“……Haha, amazing.”’ 
Natsumi forced a smile with sweat dripping down her cheeks. From her expression, the idea of “it’ll be an absolutely no-good mistake to have you as an enemy…..” was oozing out. 
Ever the skillful wiles, Kotori let out a sigh in admiration. 
“As expected of you. ——Well then, everyone should undergo a medical checkup. If possible I want to collect data on Angels and Astral Dress while everyone still possess Reiryoku. Well, that shouldn’t be too hard. Ah, <Fraxinus>’s repairs are also an urgent priority.” 
As Kotori arranged the list of work needed to be done with her fingers, Nia let out an “ehehe’ sound while give off a relaxed smile. 
“Okay, let’s hurry it up without rushing, imoto-chan. I think it’s about time for boy to have a touching reunion now. Well, that’s not exactly correct though.” 
“Yes……wait, huh?” 
While nodding, Kotori suddenly looked at Nia suspiciously. 
The manner Nia was speaking, she could catch something off about it. 
And then it finally came to mind. The authority of the Angel that Nia possessed. It was left out of her thoughts because of being distracted by the fight with <Beast>……but what she carried was the book Angel <Rasiel>, which made all the information in this world available to her if desired. 
“……Nia. Do you know something?” 
As Kotori narrowed her eyes, Nia stayed silent for a while. 
“……………………Hehe?” 
And then she stuck out her tongue in a comical tone. 
“There’s nothing to laugh at! If you had already investigated through <Rasiel>, why didn’t you mention it any sooner!?” 
“T-That’s right! If you had told this to Shidou, he could have been more prepared!” 
As Kotori and the others pressed closer, Nia bowed with sweat dripping down her cheek. 
“W-Well calm down first……I would have spoken up if it was dangerous information. And also——” 
Nia suddenly smiled, casting her eyes down in a meaningful manner for some reason. 
“If he couldn’t take a step further without prior information, I thought it would have been better to not go at all. ——Well, since it was Boy, I didn’t think he would care about such things either.” 
Listening to what Nia said, the Spirits let out a collective “mu” groan. To be honest, even if there was still a feeling of being wrapped in smoke, it would be difficult to pursue an investigation after placing their faith in Shidou. 
But. 
“——Well, then you shouldn’t give spoilers here then.” 
“Yes, yes. Spoilers at this stage would be a little unsavory……huh?” 
In response to Maria’s voice from the headset, Nia nodded back in response——but then noticing everyone’s intense gaze, her shoulders trembled. 
“T-That’s dirty! I’ve been guided to an interrogation now.” 
“Niiiiiaaaaaaaa——?” 
“Kya! Save meeeeeee!” 
Nia sadly screamed while hiding behind Kurumi. 
It easy to see what Nia chose her as a shelter. Among the angry Spirits, Kurumi was the only one laughing with a smile. 
“Well, it should be fine. What Nia-san says is not wrong. If not prepared to step into the darkness, then inevitably nothing can be obtained. ——Don’t worry, Shidou-san will surely be able to return back safely.” 
“……It feels as if you’re also aware of something.” 
As Kotori pointed that out, Kurumi narrowed her eyes while laughing. 
“No, no, I have nothing specific to go off like Nia-san. In my case it’s just conjecture. No, a premonition may be a better way to phrase this.” 
“Get to the point. What do you mean?” 
As Kotori said that, Kurumi suddenly loosened her cheeks and snapped her fingers. 
“——<Zafkiel>.” 
The same moment of calling out that name, a giant clock emerged from the shadows behind Kurumi’s feet. 
“Noha!?” 
This was a huge disaster for the person cowering behind Kurumi right now. Nia, who was right there, toppled over, rolling up the hem of her Astral Dress in the process and then boldly exposing her buttocks. 
……But, for some reason there wasn’t even the fragments of sex appeal either. Miku was the only one saying “hoho, this is, this is……” while stroking her chin and giving off the impression of an expert for some reason. 
“…………” 
Rather than be bothered by that sequence of events, there was something more important to focus on now. Kotori narrowed her eyes while looking at <Zafkiel>’s dial. 
IV, VI, VII, VIII, XI, XII—— 
In fact, half of the 12 numbers had lost their color. 
“This is……” 
As Kotori was left confused over this, Kurumi looked up to the sky and let out a small laugh. 
“——It means that there is a rebellious deviant in every world.” 
 

In this land of death where all life had died out. 
Shidou was standing still quietly while holding onto that girl’s shoulders. 
Again, he looked at this girl’s appearance. Hair that had lost its color, worn out cheeks, a look that didn’t resemble the ‘girl’ in his memories at all. 
But, the light regained in those eyes. 
The eyes staring at Shidou as if frightened, surely that was ‘her’. 
“……Tohka——” 
“…………” 
As Shidou called out that name, Tohka lightly shook her shoulders. It was as if she considered hearing Shidou call out that name a serious crime. 
Yes. Tohka. Yatogami Tohka. 
With the exception of Mio and Kotori, she was the first Spirit that Shidou had met—— 
The Spirit who disappeared a year ago in front of Shidou. 
In the past year, there wasn’t a day that went by without thinking about her. There wasn’t a day where he didn’t think about her. 
Every day was full of regrets, wishing that he could have done more for her. If he could see her again, he was willing to make any sacrifice. 
That Tohka was right before his eyes. 
In fact, Shidou almost started to cry. 
“…………” 
——But, no. Bite your lips and suppress these emotions from running amok. 
Yes. The information permeated into his head when holding onto <Nahemah>. 
And, after kissing Tohka, a hazy and dim memory flowed in. 
Shidou then noticed it. 
——The girl in front of him right now, was Tohka but also not Tohka. 
“……Shidou……” 
Tohka whispered steadily. 
“But……you’re not……the Shidou I know……” 
And, it looks like she inherited the same words and thoughts that he had. 
“……Aah. It seems like that apparently.” 
Shidou suppressed the urge to yell in order to reply back. 
“Here……is a bit different from the world that I know.” 
Raising his face, he whispered while watching this desolate landscape. 
A distant world that he arrived by going through a scar opened up through <Nahemah>. 
A region that was slightly off from Shidou’s own world. A future where some of the options had shifted. 
——It was a place that could be called a ‘parallel world’. 
Of course, this sounded like an absurd story. But inferring from the information gained through <Nahemah>, Shidou was surprised to find out that was not a lie. 
But, Shidou didn’t doubt this. ——Strictly speaking, this wasn’t the first time that Shidou had experienced a parallel world. 
Yes. Kurumi’s Angel <Zafkiel>. Through the Twelfth Bullet <Yud Bet>, Shidou redid the worst world where Origami killed her parents with her own hands. 
Also, through the Sixth Bullet <Vav>, he redid the future where the Spirits were all trampled down by Mio. 
In other words, he could think of it as shifting to a new world where new options have been chosen. 
This was one of those different possibilities. 
Rather Tohka not disappearing had caused the world to be transformed into this. 
“I……” 
Tohka turned her gaze downward as if not quite knowing what to say. 
“Sorry, for troubling you. I know it’s not an issue I can just apologize for…… 
……Somehow……it felt like I was having a long dream.” 
“……Un.” 
Shidou briefly replied. It was easy to just grant forgiveness through his mouth alone. But he was convinced that would just end up hurting Tohka even more. Surely, Tohka apologizing was for others as well. 
“……Hey, Tohka. Can you tell me? What happened in this world. And why do you……look like that?” 
“…………” 
As Shidou asked, Tohka hesitated for a moment before spinning out the details of her story. 
“The specific parts……I can’t remember. There’s the feeling of mist covering my head. But…..ah, that’s right, I don’t even know how long ago it was——” 
Tohka continued on while tightly gripping the cuff of Shidou’s clothes. 
“——Shidou……died.” 
“————” 
Those words. 
Shidou felt as if his breathing was going to come to a halt. 

“I’m……?” 
Certainly, this is a world that followed a different future from Shidou’s own. Such a possibility was not inconceivable. 
It wasn’t his death in this parallel world that surprised him——but rather it was because of this that both Tohka and the world had undergone such a transformation. 
“……Umu. ……I felt sad, painful, and helpless……by the time I noticed, I already——looked like this.” 
After that, Tohka continued on. 
A tremendous despair filled her heart. She was attacked by the feeling of her very self being painted pitch-black. 
——Certainly, the feeling of being pulled into the abyss was similar to inversion. But as Tohka’s despair grew even more, so did the scale increase. 
Armored in this despair, Tohka had already become a different creature. 
She just swung her claw with these rampaging emotions, a beast that——severed the world. 
And that assassin’s dagger was even turned on her fellow Spirits. 
She killed everything. 
She erased everything. 
She destroyed everything. 
Until there was nothing left that could fill this emptiness—— 
“……That’s the end of this world. ——I’ve destroyed this world.” 
Quietly, Tohka whispered that. 
She told with difficulty, but also with concise words to detail the records of the destruction. 
Her expression was colored by an extraordinary grief, self-condemnation, with everything else being filled by a sense of self-depreciation. Shidou felt his heart being tightly squeezed from just seeing this. 
“………I, see.” 
Shidou said those words with a hint of regret. It was necessary to know more about this world. However, it may have been too harsh to force Tohka to explain it through her own mouth. 
Perhaps noticing Shidou act this way, Tohka shook her head a little. 
“……Don’t look like that. This is necessary.” 
“Ah……but.” 
As Shidou said that, Tohka suddenly relaxed her expression. In some respects, she must be yearning over the old days. 
“No matter which world, Shidou is still Shidou.” 
“……Haha.” 
With that said, Shidou vaguely laughed. 
Just as Tohka saw the face of this world’s Shidou through him, he also saw the traces of the Tohka he once knew through her. 
“…………” 
“Nu? What’s wrong Shidou?” 
“Ah, no……” 
While finding it difficult to speak, Shidou asked one more question. 
“……That’s right. Why did Tohka come to our world?” 
“Mu……” 
As Shidou asked that, Tohka placed her hand against her chin while having a difficult look on her face. 
“That……I don’t quite know. Destroying any scenery still visible, but even then the crying wouldn’t go away. I remember for some reason or another. ……Surely, I was looking for the scent of a Shidou that should no longer exist. ……But by then, I didn’t even understand what that meant anymore.” 
“Do you mean……you felt my scent? Is my scent something that can be felt even across different worlds?” 
‘Mu……” 
Tohka frowned as she pondered over this. After a while, she looked up as if recalling something. 
“It felt……like I was called upon?” 
And then, while slanting her head, she muttered those words. Shidou also moved his neck in a similar gesture. 
“Called upon? Wait……by whom?” 
“……I don’t know. ……In the first place, it’s like a vague memory or even an entirely intuitive circumstance. But, like a voice……I was being led by something that couldn’t be seen……that’s what it felt like.” 
“Hmm……” 
As Shidou groaned over not understanding this, Tohka faintly shook her eyebrows as if noticing something. 
“Shidou……how did you arrive at this world?” 
“Aah……thanks to this <Nahemah>. ……All because of this sword guiding me here.” 
While saying that, he tightly gripped the handle of the sword in his hand. 
Then, as if <Nahemah> was saying that its role was over——or perhaps saying it didn’t want to interfere with Shidou and Tohka——it’s form gradually vanished. 
“……The moment of grabbing this handle, various things were transmitted to me. At first I didn’t know what it was……but surely, there was an appeal for “I want you to save Tohka”. ……Ah, no, in the case of that person, I suppose, “I’ll kill you human if you don’t save Tohka” would sound better.” 
“That person……?” 
As Shidou spoke while straining a smile, Tohka tensed her brows in wonder. Perhaps in this world, Tohka and Tenka have never directly met before. 
“……Aah. Haughty, arrogant, and terrifying——a gentle God that loves Tohka very much.” 
“Fumu……” 
Tohka, trying to recognize what Shidou is saying, tilted her head as if saying she couldn’t understand this. She gave a complicated look with a bitter smile. 
“No matter who it is, I have to thank that person. I was able to regain my sense of self. …….Maybe, it was a little too late.” 
“Tohka……” 
As Shidou felt the pain in his chest tightening, he thinly let out a sigh. 
“I also……need to give my gratitude. Thanks to that blessing, I was also able to see Tohka again.” 
“……? Also……?” 
Listening to Shidou say that, Tohka curiously rounded her eyes. 
Ah, that’s right. Shidou lowered his gaze. Not surprisingly, this Tohka didn’t know anything about the Tohka from his world. 
“I……also have to talk about my world.” 
And it was then that Shidou had noticed. Tohka was still left in a wounded and half-naked state. 
“……Hey, Tohka. Would you like to change the location? I want to talk more properly——” 
As he said that, Shidou quickly reconsidered. 
At times like this, there were more appropriate words to choose from. 
“Aah……no, that’s not it. 
——Tohka, go on……date with me.” 
“…………!” 
Hearing those words, Tohka raised her face up in surprise—— 
“……Umu.” 
And so, she replied back a little bashfully. 
From a single glance at this object, it was unlikely anyone would recognize it as a high school building. 
A distorted quadrilateral that consisted of stained steel frames and sparse wall material. Even clay work done by an infant would have captured the features more accurately. 
Nevertheless, just maintain its shape could be considered an anomaly in this land of death. ——Whether a coincidence or not, he didn’t know if Tohka had unconsciously avoid destroying this. 
“Could this be……?” 
“Umu……this is the school that we went to.” 
As Shidou blankly whispered, Tohka replied back while looking up at the crumbling school building. 
Yes. Tohka had said that there was a place she wanted to take Shidou——and the destination arrived was at the site of Raizen High School. 
“Why is it? If I could meet Shidou again, I want to come here together……that’s what I thought.” 
“……” 
Listen to Tohka’s words, Shidou opened his eyes. 
However, Tohka didn’t seem aware of Shidou noticing as she cleared her throat with a cough. 
“Mu……sorry, I can’t explain it well, but……” 
“——No, it’s okay. ……I understand.” 
Shidou said while staring into Tohka’s eyes. 
For Shidou, if it meant being reunited with Tohka, there were also so many places he wanted to go together. 
“Mu, yeah…… Fufu——” 
Tohka laughed happily in some way or another as she grabbed Shidou’s hand. 
“Now, let’s go, Shidou. The goal is the rooftop.” 
While saying that, she pulled on Shidou’s hand as they entered the ruined school building. 
But it was still a disastrous scene. If the corridor was in tatters, then the staircase wouldn’t remain satisfactory. The condition of the building grew worse the more one went upstairs. Eventually, while moving alongside the barely remaining steel frame, they forcefully crawled up to the rooftop. 
“Fuii……arrival……” 
After reaching the summit, Shidou stretched and caught his breath while looking around at the scenery. 
Perhaps because of the field of view was higher than on the ground level, there was an even wider area visible now. He didn’t know the exact time, but it seemed to be dawn. As the sky was burning red, the sun was peeked out half-way through a gentle curve. 
“Superb view……maybe it’s in poor taste to say. But……the scenery is amazing.” 
“Umu……” 
Tohka nodded in agreement to Shidou’s impression. As she was bathing in front of the morning sun, it was so beautiful that it was almost breathtaking. 
“——Ooh, that’s right. I forgot something important.” 
And then, Tohka clapped her hands as if remembering something. 
“What is important?” 
“Umu.” 
Tohka said as she looked down. And then after making a gesture of thinking up something in her head, she snapped her fingers. 
Then, to match that sound, Tohka’s body gave off a faint glow——her beaten down Astral Dress soon changed shape. 
It changed into a dark blazer with clear pleated folds on the skirt. A red ribbon decorated the white blouse. Near the chest, an emblem with the design of the letter R was glistening. 
“That’s——” 
Shidou couldn’t help but stare intensely at this. After all, this was the uniform of Raizen High School where Shidou currently resided. 
“Because it’s been a while——there may be little parts that I can only faintly recall. How is it?” 
While saying that, Tohka did a little spin. Her skirt fluttered in line with that movement. 
Because her skin and hair had still lost all its color, it gave an unusual feeling of being mismatched. But even with that, it was trivial matter compared to the sentiments filling Shidou’s heart. 
“……Ah, it looks good. The absolute best.” 
“Fufu.” 
Tohka gave off a slight bashful smile, bending her knees to also sit down on the rim of the rooftop. 
“——Now, let’s talk about your world.” 
“Aah——” 
After a brief reply, Shidou sat down next to Tohka. And then, he continued on while still looking at Tohka. 
“In return, please tell me stories about your world. To be honest, I’m very interested.” 
“Mu……? I don’t mind, but the story of this world is not much more than what I said earlier——” 
Tohka said that while looking troubled. 
Shidou shook his head to refute that idea. 
“That’s not it. ——The story of when I was alive in this world. Tell me the story of me, you, and everyone.” 
“——!” 
Listening to Shidou’s request, Tohka’s eyes opened in surprise, letting out an energetic “umu!” while nodding her head. 
And then, Shidou also began to talk. The things that happened in his world. 
The day he met Tohka. 
The days spent with Tohka. 
And——the moment when Tohka disappeared. 
“What……” 
Tohka listened to Shidou’s story with great interest, but then widened her eyes at that last part. 
“So I disappeared in that world? I see so——me as well.” 
Tohka muttered, casting her eyes downward as if recalling what Shidou had said. 
It was a mysterious sight. 
Shidou who had lost Tohka and Tohka who had lost Shidou. 
Such two people were talking side by side like this. 
“…………” 
And, as Shidou was smiling from this strange feeling, Tohka twisted her neck while keeping her arms folded. 
“But……mu, there are some points I don’t understand. Can I ask?” 
“Which points? What is it?” 
“No, what is Arubi?” 
“Eh?” 
Hearing what Tohka had asked, Shidou widened his eyes. 
“What……the island we went to for the school excursion. Where I met Kaguya and Yuzuru……” 
“Mu? Wasn’t the school trip to Okinawa? There was an amazing food-eating showdown of sati andagi between Kaguya and Yuzuru. ……But it seemed that because I ate more than both of them, it ended up being a no-contest.” 
“……I-Is that right?” 
Shidou replied while thinking it over in his head. Certainly, the first planned site was Okinawa, but it was changed to Arubi became of DEM’s interference. 
“Also, what we did at the Tenou Festival was a cat ear café rather than a maid café.” 
“Eh, so that was different too?” 
“Umu. The woman who isn’t Shidou was very popular. Did you go on stage with cat ears too?” 
“Damnit so that part wasn’t different!” 
Shidou involuntarily grabbed his head with his arms. Seeing this, Tohka giggled a little. 
“There are many other things. For example——” 
Tohka twirled her fingers as she searched through and recalled her memories. 
A story of Tohka and Shidou that was slightly different from Shidou’s memories. 
While a parallel world, this world seemed to follow a slightly different path than Shidou’s own world. Natsumi had transformed into Yuzuru instead, they confronted Nia with nurse outfits rather than bunny girl costumes, Origami used fur seals more often than soft-shelled turtles as an energy stimulant, and Shidou had transformed into Snow White in the fairy tale world. And—— 
Whichever way it followed, Tohka loves Shidou and Shidou loves Tohka. 
——Eventually, the rising sun completely illuminated the earth. 
“————” 
And then, he noticed. 
There were tears falling down Tohka’s cheeks. 
“T-Tohka. What’s wrong? Did I say something wrong?” 
“Ah——no, that’s not it. Sorry.” 
Tohka rubbed her eyes with her uniform’s sleeves, staring off into the horizon, looking at something far away. 
“……But, I think that world’s me is amazing. Helping Shidou, saving everyone, being able to play such an intensely vigorous role. Really……I can’t compare at all.” 
And with a sad voice, she whispered those words. 
“…………” 
For her to gaze at the view of this ruined earth was too heartbreaking. 
Shidou held a certain thought in his chest. 
“——Tohka.” 
“Mu……what’s wrong, Shidou?” 
As Shidou called out her name, Tohka turned to him with a strange look on her face. 
As Shidou breathed in——he uttered those words with determination. 
“Why don’t you come to our world?” 
“……!?” 
Tohka’s shoulder shook in astonishment. It was as if she was struck by thunder. 
But——she slowly shook her head. 
“……As you can see from the story just now, I’m different from the Tohka of that world. For me, I won’t be able to replace your Tohka——” 
“That’s not it.” 
Shidou, staring into Tohka’s eyes, said those words to intercept Tohka from continuing on. 
“I don’t think of you as a replacement for Tohka. Just for you as you——I want to help you as a Spirit.” 
“……” 
Tohka looked like she was choking on her breath. 
Shidou added on a “besides” while scratching his cheeks. 
“Most importantly, I……someday plan to meet Tohka again. When that time comes, if I regard you as a replacement for Tohka, how angry would Tohka be?” 
“————” 
Hearing what Shidou had said, Tohka stared blankly with her eyes like a perfect circle—— 
“……Fu, haha, hahahaha——” 
Eventually, she started laughing as if not being able to contain it any longer. 
“W-What. You’re not saying anything particularly ridiculous, right?” 
“Fu……ah, that’s right. ——But, because I am a Spirit? In a world where Sprits are gone, is there any way to keep me in check if I go on a rampage?” 
“Even if that ever happens——I, we’ll, stop it.” 
“Hmm, you’re making too light of me.” 
“Haah, just a few hours ago, those words seems to reflect what we’ve done for someone.” 
“Ugu.” 
Shidou’s words landed on a sore spot. After hesitation for a bit, Tohka coughed a few times to regain her composure before continuing on. 
“But do you think such things will keep working repeatedly? ……Everyone was certainly amazing. But next time the following results may not be the same. Also, I was driven into that form from the despair of Shidou’s death. If you were to die right in front of me——” 
“What are you saying? Certainly, I don’t have <Camael>’s healing ability anymore. But there are no more other Spirits, DEM has currently watered down, and no one is actively seeking my life. For accidents and illness, <Ratatoskr>’s 24 hour surveillance solves all but immediate death instantly! I can say with self-confidence that I’ll be the hardest person to die on earth right now!” 
“M-Mu……” 
Tohka raised a groan while having a troubled look on her face. 
“A-As expected, it’s no good. I hurt everyone. It’s too late to be able to face them anymore.” 
“Oh, where the Spirits of this world the type of people to care about something like that?” 
“Mu……but——” 
While this exchange was occurring——Shidou recalled already experiencing this strange feeling before. 
It was about two years ago. The evening of the day he first went on a date with Tohka. 
Looking closely at the nearby cityscape that she had only been destroying until now, Tohka regretted what she’s done. 
She was worried that she shouldn’t be in this world. 
For that Tohka, Shidou told her. 
——You can stay here. 
“Even if you reject yourself——” 
Shidou reached out to Tohka just like at that time—— 
“Even more than that, I will accept you……!” 
He yelled that out while looking into those eyes. 
“————————” 
In response to those words, Tohka choked a little and eventually looked down. 
“……Fu. It’s the first time I’ve been told that.” 
It seemed that in this world, Shidou had said something else. Even at this spot, Shidou could feel the difference between the Tohka standing in front of him and the Tohka held in his memories. 
But, from the expression of the Tohka that received that, her hesitation held until then had neatly disappeared. 
“Thank you, Shidou. My mind is made. I——” 
Tohka spoke while slowly opening her eyes. 
But. 
“——I won’t go to your world.” 
What came out of Tohka’s mouth were those clear words of rejection. 
“……What is it? If there’s still any issues——” 
Shidou asked while making a sullen face. But, Tohka slowly shook her head. 
“That’s not it. I am very happy with your proposal. I can only imagine how wonderful it’ll be to live with everyone again in that world. But……” 
Tohka sighed a little and got up from that spot. 
“——My world is here. Here is where I met Shidou, and here is where I lived. I can abandon this world where my memories of Shidou still remain.” 
“————” 
Tohka’s words. 
This time Shidou let out a sigh. 
After taking a few seconds to exhale for a while, Shidou raised his face. 
“……I see. Yeah, that’s right.” 
“Umu……sorry. With that precious offer……” 
“Don’t worry. ——Perhaps, your version of me……would think the same.” 
“Fu——” 
Tohka faintly smiled as she got up from that spot. 
“Then, I can’t take up too much of your time here.” 
“Eh?” 
“I can’t get you involved in this world’s problems anymore. Besides, you——aren’t you planning on encountering that world’s me again? If so, then there’s not time to stop at a place like here.” 
While saying that, she raised her right hand to the side. 
“<Sandalphon>.” 
Tohka summoned a golden great sword in her hands, creating a crescent shape scar in the empty space. 
The invisible walls that separated the worlds from each other. A slight gap had opened there. It was same as how Shidou arrived at this world. 
Seeing that, Shidou was compelled to understand. The time for parting had arrived. 
Tohka slowly turned back to Shidou. 
“If it’s you, you’ll surely be able to meet again. I would know——I’m also Tohka too.” 
“————Un, no doubt about it.” 
Shidou said those hopeful words with a broad smile, standing up to face Tohka. 
Then, Tohka said with a gentle smile. 
“Farewell, my friend. My best friend. I won’t forget about you even for a lifetime.” 
“Aah. Me too. ——Well then, Tohka.” 
A goodbye that felt too light. It would be a lie to say there weren’t any regrets. 
But that was fine. 
Shidou waved goodbye to Tohka in a very relaxed manner, and as he was about to throw himself into the empty space’s scar—— 
“——Wait.” 
His feet were stopped by Tohka who suddenly extended out her hands. 
“Eh——?” 
Suddenly, he involuntarily rounded his eyes. 
That’s right. After all, Tohka had grabbed his collar and pulled him towards herself, kissing him on the check as close as possible to the lips. 
“————” 
After a few seconds, Tohka smiled as she lifted her lips off Shidou’s cheek. 
“For continuation, do that with your Tohka.” 
As Shidou was left dumbstruck, Tohka deeply smiled, pushing his body into that empty space’s scar. 
 

At the next moment, what came into Shidou’s view was neither a desolate earth nor a crumbling school building. But rather, it was a futuristic ceiling. 
Within the intense dizziness striking him from one beat after the other, he somehow managed to grasp his situation. 
He wasn’t upright. He was lying on his back after having posture pushed by Tohka. But strangely there wasn’t any back pain. Even though there was the sensation of falling, it felt like his back had landed on a soft cushion. 
“…………?” 
Only after recognizing this, from Shidou’s surroundings, there was a small groan coming from under him. 
“……Welcome back. Was it so bad that you had to immediately retreat?” 
Following that voice, he turned over by rolling sideways. Over there, Kotori, who he thought was the one under him just now, was clutching her forehead while trying to stand up. Right now, she was wearing her crimson jacket over her shoulders rather than her Astral Dress. 
That wasn’t all. Surrounding him, Origami, Nia, Kurumi, Yoshino, Mukuro, Natsumi, Kaguya, Yuzuru, and Miku, all of the former Spirit girls were there. A little further away, he could see Maria, Kannazuki, and the other crew members. Everyone seemed to be undergoing some sort of work, but now they were all staring blankly in surprise over Shidou’s sudden entrance. 
Yes. It seemed Shidou was pushed into the empty space’s scar, falling through the barrier between worlds and onto <Fraxinus>’s bridge. 
A coincidence……it probably wasn’t due to that. He didn’t know if the parallel world Tohka took careful care sending him or if he was just automatically drawn here from a deep connection to this spot. 
“……Shidou!” 
“Nushi-sama——!” 
“Shidou-san!” 
In just a few seconds, the girls likely grasped the current situation. His shoulders jolted as they rushed forward. Shidou greeted them with a gentle smile as he placed his hand against his forehead to suppress the dizziness. 
“……Looks like I made everyone worry. I’m home.” 
As Shidou said that, the girls all said, ‘welcome home’ with a relieved expression. 
And after waiting for that to finish, Kotori stepped forward with a question. 
“——So, how was it Shidou?” 
“……Aah——” 
Shidou slightly nodded while looking down. 
There would be so much to explain. Everyone would want to hear about her. 
But what he needed to say now didn’t seem to be that. Suddenly smiling, he whispered those words. 
“It was brief……but it was a good date.” 
 

And so—— 
Soon April arrived. 
The clear spring weather was powerful enough to lure one to sleep for ten more minutes even after remembering that morning had arrived. At the very least, Shidou who overslept this morning, had set the challenge for receiving an allied Kotori and Mukuro attack on his bed. ……With the goal of waking up Shidou, the two of them killed their footsteps until arriving at the bed, ensuring a painful wake-up call once again. 
Incidentally, there was an ongoing investigation of the time where packaging tape and green foxtail were used, since it was an inhuman weapon that violated the Itsuka Household Sleep Protection Treaty. Additionally, the main culprit denied all charges, saying “Did you fall asleep and make a mistake?” 
Well, nevertheless, he still needed to thank them for making sure he was on time. 
On this day, this morning for the Itsuka household was busier than ever. 
“——Okay, the bacon and egg paste is here. There is lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese over there. You can eat it as it is, or have it as a sandwich. Oh, the butter and jam is over here. If you want to toast it, the oven and toaster are both in order for use.” 
As he said that, Shidou placed the plates with bacon and eggs on the table. Then, at the next moment, spoons and chopsticks from both sides snatched away the ingredients on the plates in an instant. 
“Nuah! Nia-chan’s crispy bacon!” 
“Kukaka! Sweet, there’s nothing sweeter than Shidou’s home cooked strawberry jam, Nia!” 
“Preparations. Breakfast is on the battlefield. The results won’t be realized until entering the mouth.” 
“Hey, don’t steal the bacon from under my bread!?” 
And so, a fervent battle unfolded. 
It should be like this. The Itsuka household right now had Origami, Nia, Kurumi, Kaguya, Yuzuru, and Maria’s interface body all lined up together. 
Each day, the usual members would gather in the Itsuka household for dinnertime. But since during the morning there was school and work, this would usually be completed in their homes and it would be considered unusual for them to gather in here at this time. 
Inevitably, the breakfast was also needed in larger quantities than usual. So the original sandwich method was adopted where one could pair up their favorite ingredients with bread. 
However, this plan had lit a fire in everyone’s (chiefly the Yamai sisters and Nia) hearts. 
“Hey, hey, please calm down and eat. There are still seconds to come.” 
As Shidou said that with a wry smile, Maria, while wearing an apron, nodded in agreement. 
“That’s right. Kaguya and Yuzuru, both of you are university students now, so please behave more like an adult. With no composure remaining, you’ll end up looking just like Nia.” 
“Hey, what is Roboko implying?” 
Listening to Maria, Nia grew angry at how easily understandable that was supposed to be. 
Kaguya and Yuzuru nodded to each other, correcting their postures while sitting down. 
“Sorry Yuzuru. I’ll give you half the bacon.” 
“Apology. Yuzuru was also in the wrong. Let’s split the eggs halfway.” 
“Eh, why did everything completely tidy up now, Kaguyan Yuzurun!?” 
As Nia screamed, Kaguya and Yuzuru both laughed as they brought their handmade sandwiches to their mouths. 
Incidentally, Kaguya was too greedy for the ingredients, causing the majority of ingredients to slip out of the bread and back onto the plate. Looking at this, Yuzuru laughed as if she couldn’t hold it in any longer. 
Also, just like Maria, Origami and Kurumi, also dressed in aprons and assisted Shidou while carrying trays to the table. 
“You don’t have enough vegetables. Eat some salad as well.” 
“There’s also the soup. That’s my specialty.” 
While saying that, the soup and salad was also placed onto the table. The expression of Nia and the others brightened as they smacked their lips in anticipation for the cooking of those two. 
“Un, thank you for the help, Origami, Kurumi. You saved me the trouble.” 
“I don’t mind. This is a matter of course.” 
“Yes, yes. After all, I have to do this much to stand by Shidou-san.” 
Origami spoke quietly as Kurumi cheerfully spoke. 
The two of them exchanged glances out of nowhere, staring intently for a few moments. 
Then, as if trying to offer an olive branch, Maria spread out her hands. 
“Please calm down, both of you. At this stage where “thank you for the help” has been said, I must make it known that my collaboration work won’t play second fiddle.” 
“…………” 
“…………” 
This wasn’t calm at all. Rather, this was heating up. Looking closely at the exchange of glances becoming a three-way struggle, Shidou gave a helpless bitter smile. 
——Then. 
And so, as the living room door was knocked, everyone’s gazes turned to that point. 
It seemed that ‘preparations’ had been completed. 
Yes, the girls here now didn’t come to the Itsuka household just for breakfast or for a heated battle. 
——They gathered to see a ‘certain thing’ performed here today. 
“All right. Come in.” 
Shidou opened the door while saying that. From there, five girls entered in. 
“Ta-dah! We’ve arrived.” 
“Fufu……somehow, it’s a little embarrassing.” 
“……Yeah, its super bad to get attention like this……” 
“Mufu. Isn’t that fine? I longed for everyone to see this being worn.” 
“That’s right. Nii-sama and Origami-san also once looked like this.” 
Kotori, Yoshino, Mukuro, Natsumi, and Shidou’s real little sister Mana. 
All of them were lined up and wearing the uniform for Raizen High School either proudly or bashfully. 
Yes. Today on April 10th was the day of the entrance ceremony, where the five of them had become high school students. 
So, before heading to the school building, everyone had gathered early in the morning at the Itsuka household to try and show off their uniforms. 
“Ooh, good, good. Everyone looks great!” 
“Ufufu, isn’t that lovely. ——Especially, Mana-san. It looks just like a schoolgirl.” 
“Fu……Raizen huh……everything about it feels nostalgic……” 
“Identifying. Yuzuru and Kaguya were wearing that normally until two weeks ago.” 
Everyone in the living room clapped their hands in applause while speaking. ——The girls wearing the uniforms dyed their cheeks red as if looking bashful. Well, there were exceptions, like Mana who had a vein popping out over what Kurumi had said. 
“So, how is it? Onii-chan?” 
And so, Kotori asked that while taking up a cute pose. Shidou nodded in approval as he stated his honest impressions. 
“Oh, it looks great. I’m sorry I couldn’t go to high school with everyone. Then, I could have boasted about have an adorable little sister.” 
“Fufu……it’s not too late now. Isn’t your attendance missing a few days?” 
Kotori’s cheeks were dyed in faint complexion as she mischievously spoke and smiled. It was like having mannerisms of both an innocent little sister and a mighty commander. 
“Hey, hey……please forgive me.” 
Shidou grinned. There were no lies in those words. If possible, he would like to avoid starting over from scratch. 
“————” 
Then——Origami’s eyebrows twitched as she turned to look at the window. Shidou wondered what she was looking at. 
“Hm? What’s wrong, Origami?” 
“Something is coming.” 
“Eh?” 
As Shidou curled his eyes over that statement; the next moment, the windows of the living room were opened up by someone invading. 
“Kyaaaaaaaaa!? Is this the rumored paradise!? Greeted by angels in uniforms!? For the time being, let’s have everyone surrounded me and play Oshikura Manju!” 
Right after noticing the mysterious shadow was Miku, she leaped after the girls wearing uniforms. 
However, rather than the end result arriving at the girls, the Yamai sisters caused Miku’s legs to stumble from both sides, causing her to dive head first into the sofa. After that, Kotori’s karate chop was delivered onto Miku’s head. 
“Guu.” 
“Really, what are you doing right now? ……I mean, Miku didn’t you have a job over there today?” 
Kotori asked that while folding her arms. Speaking of which, Miku’s outfit was just a coat over a sparkling costume. 
Right. Miku eventually decided to head overseas and moved her base of operations to the United States this month. 
“——Yes! But I have a little time until the next turn up, so I flew over at Mach speed! I couldn’t miss out on everyone’s uniform debut!” 
Miku gave a thumbs up while having an amazing look on her face. ……Yes, surprisingly despite going to the United States, the frequency of her visits to the Itsuka household hadn’t changed much. 
Maria shrugged while letting out a sigh. 
“I would like you stop using the Realizer Manifestation Device on that small boat as a substitute for a taxi. That’s supposed to be kept top secret.” 
“Aah, Maria-san. Thank you every time! Would a kiss be okay for the charge fee!?” 
Miku twisted her body without any hint of malice. Maria let out a sigh once again. 
“Haha……but in this case, there aren’t much regrets for going overseas anymore.” 
“What are you talking about Darling!?” 
As Shidou said that, Miku turned around and suddenly pressed closer. 
“Even when using the <Ratatoskr>’s small boat to travel, it still takes 15 minutes more than before! How much of a loss do you expect that in a year!? Anyway, Darling! Looking closer, your skin looks lovely! Can I rub it!?” 
“……I-I see……sorry.” 
Pressed by a mysterious force, Shidou apologized for some reason. It was probably because of the end of that story suddenly getting derailed. 
Seeing this situation, Kotori smiled bitterly. 
“Well, I’m glad you were able to rush over even while being so busy. Hey, there, there.” 
While saying that, Kotori stroked Miku’s head. Then, deeply moved, Miku let out a “Fuwa!” cry while shedding tears. 
“! K-Kotori-san! That’s, don’t mention it!” 
Miku was crying out tears while embracing Kotori. However, her hand movements became so irritating that she immediately ate another karate chop. 
“Jeez……” 
Kotori let out a heavy sigh, and then she turned as if to remind everyone. 
“——Now then, we’ll have breakfast as well. We still have time, but we’ll be late if we keep playing forever.” 
“Yes” 
Following Kotori’s voice, the first year high school students all took a seat. As expected, the dining room couldn’t fit this number, so they had to use the living room table as well. Incidentally, Miku also had some time left, forcefully talking a seat between Natsumi and Mukuro with a cheerful look. 
“……Oh?” 
And then, it was at this moment. 
Maria slightly changed her expression and raised her face. 
“What’s wrong? Maria.” 
“——<Fraxinus>’s observation machine has detected a Reiha response. I think there shouldn’t be any problems due to it being faint……for the time being, approval to confirm it?” 
“What was that?” 
Kotori knitted her brows at Maria’s words. At the same time, there was also a hint of tension on everyone else’s expressions. 
“Reiha response……wait, no way, it can’t be <Beast> again……” 
Natsumi asked with sweat dripping down her cheeks. Then, Maria replied with an “of course”. 
“I don’t think irregularities like Spirits from other parallel worlds would appear this often. Moreover——didn’t you say that she already regained her sense of self?” 
Maria spoke while turning her gaze to Shidou. Shidou deeply nodded his head forward. 
“Ah, she’s——Tohka is no longer rampaging anymore.” 
Listening to Shidou, the girls all gave complicated looks. 
<Beast>——parallel world Tohka’s story was told to everyone immediately after Shidou returned to this world. 
In the other world, it seemed that Shidou had already died. 
Tohka, who saw this, was trapped in despair and destroyed the world. 
And after regaining her sanity——she decided to stay in the other world. 
Everyone had different reactions when they heard that, but what they all had in common was the feelings of nostalgia for Tohka——the desire to talk to her even if just a little after regaining her sanity. 
“…………” 
The bustling atmosphere just now unexpectedly turned solemn. 
Kotori coughed a little to brush away this mood. 
“Understood. I still have time, so I’ll go to <Fraxinus> just in case. Please go on ahead first.” 
“I see. But……” 
“Are you okay with that? Mana and the others will accompany you if necessary.” 
Kotori responded to everyone’s concerns by waving her hand. 
“It’s fine. Also, I don’t want to start a school legend about being late to the entrance ceremony.” 
Kotori joked while shrugging. Hearing that tone, everyone’s expression’s softened again. 
Seeing, this Shidou breathed out to regroup his composure, raising his voice while looking at everyone’s face. 
“Well, first off is the meal. ——No matter what is done, we’re powerless on an empty stomach.” 
“Fufu……that’s certainly right.” 
“Well, in Tohka’s case, it was a bit more extreme.” 
Everyone’s cheeks relaxed. Shidou greatly nodded, clapping his hands together to let out a nice sound. 
“——Itadakimasu!” 
“Itadakimasu!” 
Lively voices resonated in the Itsuka household. 
 

A moist wind blew through the scarce earth as unevenly as possible. 
“……Mu.” 
Tohka, staring at the horizon overlooking the sea, faintly shook her eyebrows. A subtle change, but the wind blowing against her cheeks was slightly warmer than a few days ago. 
She couldn’t confirm the exact date or time, but it must be springtime now. Well, the miraculous encounter regained the warmth in Tohka’s heart——it may have been because of a nice reason such as that. 
——About roughly two weeks had passed since the secret date with the parallel world Shidou. Since then, Tohka had been traveling alone through the desolate earth. 
Only two weeks. But there were plenty of discoveries. There were things that she didn’t notice that filled the world when she lost her ego. 
The biggest discovery——was the existence of humans. 
In a world ravaged by a Spirit’s power, many humans however still survived. Not to mention countries far away from Japan, even in the lands directly damaged by Tohka, she was able to confirm the existence of people who moved underground. 
Thinking back, when Tohka lost her ego, she tried not only to destroy the world, but also to kill every last human. 
But the world was bigger than what Tohka had thought. 
Humans were more resilient that what Tohka had thought. 
The obvious fact made Tohka feel quite happy. When Tohka found survivors, she inadvertently shed tears. 
However, times had changed from when Spirits were an existence kept secret. Tohka’s presence had become a symbol of fear across the entire world. Tohka couldn’t stop shaking at that thought. 
“Now then, like this, what should I do?” 
Tohka whispered softly while stretching in a single go. 
The moment she regained her ego. The moment she realized her sins. She thought she had to do something, even if crumbling away was the only chance for atonement. 
So at that time, she made a decision to not hold onto the hand of the parallel world Shidou. 
Certainly, there must be something that could be done. There was plenty of time. First she needed to think it over—— 
“——Ara, ara. 
It’s been a while since last seeing you, but your face seems brighter.” 
Then. 
“————” 
At that moment, a sudden voice echoed, causing Tohka to turn around. 
Spread out there was a land of rubble with everything crushed. There was nowhere to hide. But even while so close, Tohka couldn’t notice anything approaching until hearing that voice. 
Yes——suddenly, the shadows on the ground extended outwards as a girl emerged out of there. 
“Wha……” 
Tohka’s eyes widened while staring at the appearance of this women. 
A ghastly woman who wore a morning dress matching the shadows. The white hands peeping out from the collar made her black clothes all the more prominent. The entire face wasn’t visible because of a jet-black parasol, but those thin lips clearly showed a suspicious smile. 
Those ominous looks caused her body to stiffen. As Tohka was trying to grasp these circumstances, the woman’s smile grew deeper. 
“Ufufu, I’m honored to have place the strongest Spirit on such alertness.” 
“……What the hell are you. A Shinigami……or maybe a messenger from hell?” 
Tohka raised her eyebrows, breathing out that reply. ——If truly the case, God must be extraordinarily attentive in carrying out self-mockery. 
However, she laughed with a smile while slowly lifting up her parasol. 
“It’s a bit painful to be called a Shinigami. In any case——please call me Angel.” 
“……! You are——” 
Tohka held her breath when looking at that face. 
Glossy black hair loosely gathered at her shoulders. A sharp face just like a counterfeit. 
——And also, the numerals of a clock engraved on her left eye. 
While the age was a little older than Tohka’s memories, having this fragrant color and smell——there was no doubt about it. This was unmistakable. 
“Kurumi——?” 
Yes. Tokisaki Kurumi. The girl once called the Worst Spirit. 
But this couldn’t be true. Tohka’s expression was dyed in a puzzled manner. 
“Impossible, you must have died. No one else, myself……certainly, killed you.” 
In response to Tohka’s words, Kurumi gave an amused smile. 
“Who are you talking about? I am person with a face that often looks similar by chance. Who did you misunderstand me for?” 
“……! But, surely <Zafkiel> has become my ‘sword’——” 
Halfway then, Tohka stopped talking. 
A sense of incongruity not felt when she had lost her ego. Among the Angels that had become her ‘swords’ <Zafkiel> had strangely weak Reiryoku. 
Almost as if——it was operating at half-power. 
“——Kihihi, hihi.” 
Enjoying staring at Tohka’s confusion, Kurumi leaked out her laughter. 
“I’ve been waiting for a long time Tohka-san for you to regain your sanity. ——Well, the one who came to rescue was a parallel world Shidou-san. ……That was indeed unexpected.” 
“What……?” 
Tohka frowned in response. 
“Hey, Tohka-san. ——Do you want to redo this world?” 
Kurumi narrowed her clock eye, smiling while saying that. 

“——Wha!? What wrong, commander, that look! Ha, could it be you’ve come to use me as seat for the high school entrance ceremony!? To use me to sit before the high school chairs! This is Kannazuki Kyouhei, at the peak of happiness! Now, by all means, use me to confirm the sitting comfort of that new uniform!” 
“Noisy.” 
Kotori, landing a single blow on Kannazuki who let out a strange voice and fell onto <Fraxinus> bridge, walked around and sat at the captain’s seat. Incidentally, there was pain, but Kannazuki leaked out a “thank you very much……” voice. 
“So, what is this response you’re concerned about?” 
Kotori turned her eyes to the Maria that was on the bridge. It was a different body than the Maria that was at the Itsuka household earlier, but the same AI was controlling it. 
“Yes, it is this.” 
As Maria raised her right hand, a graph with detailed figures was displayed on the main monitor in line with that movement. 
“This is……” 
Staring at this, Kotori frowned. By itself, it resembled what was observed before <Beast> appeared, but——responses that were widespread worldwide last month were now concentrated locally. 
Kotori looked at Maria with sweat dripping from her forehead. 
“……What a faint reaction. This is, as if——” 
“——The Spirit Formula itself?” 
Then, as such a voice came from behind, Kotori’s shoulders trembled. 
Looking closely, she could tell that it was Origami and Nia. 
“Why are you here……?” 
Her eyes rounded wide from the unexpected personal. Surely after breakfast Nia should have gone home and Origami should have gone to university. 
Origami, in particular, pushed against the teachers’ opposition and fiercely decided to go to the same university as Shidou. It was unthinkable for someone like her to miss a chance to attend school together. 
“Un, well, just to talk a little?” 
“——I, asked Nia for the details. I imagined it would be today……” 
“……?” 
Kotori leaned her head at what Origami had said, but then immediately reconsidered and sharpened her gaze. 
Yes. Rather than that, the words that couldn’t be ignored had been uttered now. 
Spirit Formula. The forbidden work once done by the Magician Isaace Westcott. 
Collect and gather all of the mana in the world, the ultimate lifeform——the lost technology used to create a Spirit. 
Just as Nia said, the response of the observer showed a wavelength very close to when that was performed. 
However, Nia, who pointed that out, continued on without a sense of tension. 
“I think it should be safe though. It’s a close to that wavelength, but it’s probably a natural phenomenon.” 
“It’s a natural phenomenon? So this flow of mana is occurring by coincidence and not by someone’s will?” 
Then, Kotori noticed. Maria, despite bringing her here, looked calm despite this unusual situation. 
“……Maria. Did you also ask Nia something?” 
“That’s of poor reputation. Origami is one thing, but I can’t stand being treated as an accomplice with Nia.” 
“Is that any different?” 
“No comment.” 
“I still don’t understand!” 
Kotori irritatingly ruffled her hair and casted a sharp glance to Nia. 
“……Will you explain it properly? What the hell is going on?” 
As Kotori asked while having a steep look, Nia muttered out a ‘mu” while having her hand against her chin. 
“Un, the expression is difficult. It’s not a perfect coincidence. Speaking of will……it’s not quite that. Who is different…...” 
“If you want to force a name……it should be called ‘the will of the world’.” 
As Origami said that, Nia cried out “ah, that’s the feeling, that’s the feeling” while pointing with her finger. 
“……Are you kidding?” 
As Kotori sharpened her gaze, Nia shook her head. 
“It’s not something I would joke about. But you know, <Rasiel> can teach anything, but it’s the head that has to understand that. It’s sad to say, but even I don’t fully understand this.” 
Kotori frowned at Nia’s words. 
“……Nia. What do you know? At that time, didn’t you search information about <Beast> through <Rasiel>?” 
“Hmm? Yeah? About Bea-chan. But, I don’t know. Why did she appear in this world in the first place?” 
“Huh……?” 
With that being said, a question mark filled Kotori’s head. 
Certainly, it was an important issue. The reason why irregularities like Spirits from a parallel world appear in this world——if there is such a thing to be made clear, unless it is removed, the threat may come back to this world again. 
However, what was obtained so far was what Shidou had heard from parallel world Tohka, only a vague ‘sense of being called upon’. 
“Because I can’t think up another good expression, I’ll make do with the assumption that it’s the ‘will of the world’……that means, it’s been doing a job for over a year now.” 
“Job?” 
“Yes. Once an existence has fallen apart, to be able to return to the original form with the same configuration without any differences——” 
“……! That means——” 
“Rather than a simple structure, it’s difficult because the completed form would be immensely complexed and outrageous. Even for something described as the will of the world, it would be an extremely laborious task. Hundreds of years……a huge job that could take thousands or tens of thousands of years. 
——So, the will of the world worked out a plan. 
Sending a passionate love call to a parallel world with a being as close to the goal as possible. 
Of course, as long as it’s described as a parallel world, it’s not the exact same as the target. But at that moment, in this world there was an existence with ‘living blueprints as close to the target as possible’. ——Don’t you think that would shorten the work process?” 
“…………” 
Kotori took a deep breath while placing her hand on her chest. 
From tension or excitement, she felt her heart beat a little faster. 
After standing up from the captain’s seat, Kotori walked towards a crew member seat on the left. 
The analytic seat where no one was sitting. There was now a stuffed bear full of patchwork left behind by the owner of that seat. 
——The will of the world. 
Origami and Nia described this existence in a vague and roundabout way. 
But why? When listening to that story, Kotori’s mind recalled a certain figure. 
An excellent engineer and Kotori’s subordinate. 
Once a peerless close friend that was always by her side. 
——And a certain woman that became mana and melted into world. 
“……Really, what a troublesome person.” 
Whispering that at the same time as embracing that stuffed bear, something feeling warm traveled down her cheeks. 
 

Making rattling sound, the cherry blossom blizzard soared into the sky. 
Shidou leaked out his admiration to the unexpected superb view. 
“——Wow, it’s in full bloom.” 
Lightly brushing aside the cherry blossoms that fell on his bag and shoulders, he resumed his walk. The soft sunshine pouring in-between the trees uplifted his spirits and made him pick up his pace. 
This week was university orientation. In short, a lecture for explaining lectures for the upcoming school year as well as the hands-on experiences classes. Courses and required courses that interested him, the percentage of credits needed for promotion/graduation, he needed to select a good balance of both. Actually, he wanted to consult Origami who went to the same university as him. But for some reason, she had an important task to do and asked him to go on ahead. 
The road Shidou was walking had a row of cherry blossoms along the river. Cherry blossoms lined up side-by-side, the flowers in full bloom formed a natural arch. 
This landscape however wouldn’t last long. Today is April 10th. He had heard that the blooming process was slower than usual, but the flowers will still fall over the course of next week. 
It felt a little lonely, but it was also inevitable. If the flowers fall, the leaves become cherry blossoms. Then as the cherry blossom scattered, buds will grow from the branches again. It spun a continuous cycle of reincarnation that continuously repeated up to now. Next year, they’ll be able to see these beautiful flowers again. 
“April 10th……huh” 
Within the light pink veil, Shidou whispered. 
Yes. April 10th. 
Today’s date held a special meaning for Shidou. 
Two years ago today, Shidou met a girl. 
Terrifyingly beautiful, but also innocent and with something missing——a girl who was nobler and stronger than anyone else. 
And, she left behind various things to Shidou—— 
Then without even waiting for whole a year, she disappeared. 
“…………Haha.” 
With that in mind, Shidou unintentionally laughed. 
When remembering again, Shidou had spent less than a year with her. 
Ah, but for that year. 
Compared to the life lived until then, it was full of surprises, hardships, and above all else brilliance that made it feel never short. 
It was no exaggeration to say that Shidou’s entire life completely changed from before and after meeting her. 
Because of meeting, he was his current self. 
Because of her, everyone is here. 
For Shidou, for everyone, she was that much special. 
“…………” 
Shidou suddenly smiled when looking over the scenery again. 
Come to think of it, he once brought her here. 
That’s true, right on the day where she disappeared. 
She, her sister, the three of them came to see the cherry blossoms together. 
Thinking back to it, the cherry blossoms then were in full bloom just like today. 
“————” 
That moment. A stronger breeze passed through the area, both the flowers still on the trees and those falling onto the ground flashily fluttered. 
A pale-colored curtain covered his sight. Suddenly, Shidou unintentionally closed his eyes. 
“……Amazing wind——” 
Then. 
With his eyes slightly opened, he stopped talking. 
The long, long, cherry blossom road. 
Beyond that. Just in front of Shidou, not until just now the figure of a person stood there. 
“————” 
Looking at that figure, Shidou involuntarily opened his eyes. 
Long night colored-hair that shined on the light pink background. 
A pair of crystal-like eyes that projected an illusory color. 
A violently beautiful face, but also one that made up a soft expression. 
“——You, are……” 
Within his semi-consciousness, Shidou spilled out those words. 
He wondered why? If meeting her, he would need to ask——somewhere in his head; it felt like he understood to do that. 
“……Name, huh.” 
And so, this girl, understanding of this for a long time and also looking as if she had directed those words for herself already, replied back as her entire face expressed a smile. 

“——My name is Yatogami Tohka. An important name given to me by a important person. ——Isn’t that nice?”