Part 4
The sun is setting gradually.
The sky was dyed in red-orange colour, [disaster] could be felt from this weather, perhaps it was due to the situation Akino is in now. Among the various expressions the sky displays, that’s the weather that has the highest possibility to strongly shake people’s hearts.
Akino and Takiko boarded the vehicle that was driven by Kumomaru, Takahiro and Chizuru still stayed at that previous location. A silently tensed atmosphere dominated in the vehicle, no one spoke. Akino isn’t familiar with the geography of the city, but she didn’t ask where the group is heading, she fully understands the objective of this trip.
Even though Akino is part of the Souma Clan, but she didn’t expect Takiko brought her along as well even at this period of time. Trusting Akino— It doesn’t seem to be that way in reality.
Before departing, she asked for the reason. “I hope you could take a look.” She replied simply.
Akino and Takiko arrived at a certain shrine in the center of the city. The place where they got off the vehicle was in front of the Torii, raising her head, an inscribed board with [Kanda Shrine] written was hanged there. It seems like this is a famous shrine, but due to barriers being erected all around it to isolate people from coming in, no one can be seen visiting the shrine.
The driver, Kumomaru, got off the vehicle, “This way.” Directing the two.
The road approaching the shrine was a slope. At the top, a two-storey tall shrine gate could be seen. The bronze tile roof and the scarlet pillars were dyed in the evening atmosphere, the second layer portion was four gods sculptures, the two sides of the first layer were Zuijinzo— Toyoiwama Donokami and Kushiiwama Donokami guarding the magnificent Zuijinmon [12] . Perhaps it was because there wasn’t anyone around, the divine prestige of the god’s territory was more apparent, Akino couldn’t help but to get goose bumps.
Under Kumomaru’s lead, Takiko climbed the slope, Akino followed as well. Akino hasn’t once thought of running away, since Kumomaru is around, she didn’t think that she could successfully escape with her own leg muscles, moreover, she didn’t want to run away. She felt that she should stay at Takiko’s side now, it could very well perhaps she had been [mesmerised] by the faint divine prestige around Takiko.
The current Takiko isn’t wearing her usual Onmyou Academy uniform, she is wearing a miko outfit, and it is black miko outfit at that, this kind of outfit gives people a completely different impression from her usual white uniform. Because of this black miko outfit, it adds a beautiful and coquettish elegance to her innate royalty-like noble and awe-inspiring temperament.
The sinking sun merged with the world, the black miko approaches the shrine.
Akino’s group entered the Zuijinmon, entered the territory of the shrine. It wasn’t sure if she had been oversensitive, the sunset seems to turn redder. There wasn’t anyone to be seen paying respects in the wide temple grounds as well, however, in front of the praying hall ahead of them, there is a man in formal belt and a man in kasaya waiting for Takiko’s arrival.
One of them is Kurahashi, the other that is slightly shorter, it is the first time she met him, but she could guess his identity from the moustache on his chin and the side of his lips. Even though he is wearing a priest’s robe, that person should be an Onmyouji named Miyachi, she often hears Takiko and the others talking about this name.
Takiko proceeded forward, the two of them lowered their heads in respect.
“We have been waiting, please proceed this way.”
Kurahashi showed the way from here on, Kumomaru returned to Takiko’s side. Miyachi stood where he was, watching Akino and the rest leave.
The praying hall and the Zuijinmon are similar, their roofs were built with bronze tiles, the magnificently beautiful hall was painted in scarlet. Kurahashi turned towards the side of the praying hall, after passing through the phoenix hall proceeding towards the back of the shrine. Next, he made a hand seal in front of a seemingly normal looking outer wall, calling out… “Open.”
The next moment, a metal door appeared on the wall in front of them, that door was usually hidden using magical seal. While Akino was still feeling surprised, Kurahashi opened the door as if nothing had happened and entered inside.
Behind the door was a flight of stairs leading to the basement, there isn’t any light inside, but one can see a dim light source coming from the bottom of the stairs.
The Onmyouji lead the black miko into the underground, the rabbit living spirit fearfully followed behind. After going down the stairs, cracking sounds of burning woods can be heard from below. After reaching the bottom, there was another tunnel at the side, leading to a wide space. Upon arriving inside, Akiko gasped.
That was a basement, there was a burning bonfire inside, the glow of the flames lit up the entire basement, the space of the basement seems to be able to equal the space of the shrine, height wise perhaps it is as tall as the phoenix hall outside. There were pillars on the walls at uniform distance, cement was applied at about half the height of the walls, further up were rocks and soil from the outside. The ceiling only consists of a few beams, the entire architecture looks like a cavern.
At the center of the basement, an altar was set up.
That was a stone platform surrounded with Torii, a black Torii on the south, a blue Torri on the east, a red Torri on the north, a white Torri on the west.
The altar was made up of many platforms, there were many offerings placed on them, there were also a Taiko, a conch, silk, sun bell and moon bell [13] with other ritual tools and magical tools. The fire of the bonfires placed at each corner of the stone platform danced, the glows revealed the items on the altar.
The young man sitting in the middle of the shrine stood up and turned over, “… Princess.” That was Yashamaru.
“Apologises for making you wait, the preparations are finally completed.”
Yashamaru stayed here all along to do final checks for the ritual, Takiko nodded to the guardian without any expression, she then walked towards the altar.
The glows from the four corners shine on the altar, making Takiko in black miko outfit look like a shadow with a form, only the red hair of hers that is brighter than the bonfires shone into the eyes.
Once Takiko stood on the altar platform, the aura of the basement immediately changed. Akino did not know how to explain this, it felt like the air that was originally in slumber woke up, filling up the entire basement— wrong, it is a huge amount of air that even this large underground space cannot contain is gradually opening its eyes…
Akino unknowingly started to hold herself with both her arms.
Yashamaru retreated to the side, Takiko took strict steps as she moves to the center of the altar.
She stood in front of the pedestal, Yashamaru revealed a smile after [seeing] her aura. It’s just that due to the glow from the fires brightened his monocle, a circle seems to be missing in his smile.
Yashamaru turned towards Kumomaru.
“What about the Agency?”
“The barrier is still intact, but time is almost up.”
“The barrier was already meant to be raised to a strength that can last till sunset before this, did Yuge and Miyoshi appear?”
“Not yet till now.”
“Is that so, North Star King and [Shadow] not appearing is within expectation, I had originally planned to use this disturbance to catch those who left… seems like things didn’t went smoothly.”
Yashamaru spoke as if nothing happened, a smile appeared on his lips.
Give up Onmyou Agency. They had made such a decision, it was at that time when they found out Yuge and the rest chose to leave from Miyachi’s report yesterday.
When receiving this report, “Yamashiro left as well?” Kurahashi reaffirmed. After getting a firm answer from Miyachi, he did not say anything more. From his usual stern expression, no one could tell what he was thinking in his heart. On the other hand, Yashamaru attached extreme importance to Miyachi’s report, it felt like a strong quake appeared at the originally assumed, on certain levels, rather [stable] base.
That was why he made the decision to give up Onmyou Agency.
In fact, this decision was opposed by Satake, thinking he was too extreme. [Twelve Divine Generals] leaving together was indeed a blow, but the value of [Onmyou Agency] isn’t just revolving around them, the power and authority of it still remains as strong weapons.
The Onmyou Agency holds a rather special power in society, in an extreme way, if Onmyou Agency wants to distort facts— of course this would require thorough planning— everyone would accept their saying in the end. What other ministries cannot do, Onmyou Agency—the magic world is able to do it. As to why… it is because the issues in the magic world is only understandable by magic users, in the eyes of people that aren’t clear of the situation, Onmyou Agency’s power and authority can be used to its full effect.
This is why whether it’s the exposition from Amami, or any accusations from Yuge and the rest that have left, as long as they hold on to Onmyou Agency— even if the outside world start developing feelings of mistrust, suspicions or even hostility, all could be solved with brute force. When everything ends, Onmyou Agency’s existence will surely be a position of great importance.
After listening to Satake’s opinion, “What Masumi said makes sense as well.” Yashamaru agreed to the nephew’s speech too.
“If this was before the exposition appeared, I would have made the same judgement.”
“What a minute, is uncle that concerned with the exposition? Surely there is a portion of the media stir up trouble, but to be honest, that shouldn’t cause any direct obstructions. Now we do not have the spare time, but if we manipulate the media later, it would be easy to settle this.”
“This kind of thinking is too naïve. I did say this before, right? Since Chief Amami has come forward, there will surely be a [next move]. That man never used methods that do not cause [direct obstruction], moreover, if the [next move] connects with the leaving of Yuge and the rest, this could perhaps turn into a rather thorny situation.”
A complete preparation must be done for all kinds of things, this was mentioned during yesterday noon as well. Yashamaru established the policy to not stubbornly hold control of Onmyou Agency at this time, has received Kurahashi’s agreement as well. Then, at the moment they received news on public security making their move, he thought of using the barrier that is already in place in reverse to lockdown the agency.
Not just Amami and Suzuka, now that Yuge and the rest of the [Divine Twelve Generals] have left, the intervention by the administration of justice has turned their situation into something very dangerous, this proves Yashamaru’s initial fears were right.
After receiving the news of Onmyou Agency being under forced investigation, it will be an ideal situation to trap everyone in one go after Amami and the rest, as well as Yuge’s group rushed to Onmyou Agency. Even if things did not develop smoothly, they had originally hoped, like in the past, that by capturing Tsuchimikado Natsume and the rest, it could have an effect of luring out Harutora, in the end, this seems to turn out to be a disappointment as well.
“To disappear at this critical junction is indeed suspicious, but we have to move to the final step no matter what, there is no way to keep up guarded.”
Yashamaru said, Kurahashi nodded heavily.
“The sun is setting soon.”
“I understand… princess?”
Making her way up to the altar, Takiko observed the sacrifices placed on the platform, silently standing there. After hearing the call from her guardian, she leisurely looked over, “Let’s start, raise the altar up.” She mentioned casually in a calm voice.
Yashamaru place his hand on his chest, gracefully gave a bow. Kumomaru swiftly jumped onto the altar on the stone platform.
Kurahashi made his way up to the stone platform as well, “Souma Akino, come over as well.” Akino was scared frozen by the sudden mention of her name. “Akino.” However, after Takiko called out her name, her nervousness relaxed, she hurriedly made her way up to the altar.
After making sure everyone is on the altar, Kurahashi took out a round mirror. “Is that thing going to be okay?” Yashamaru asked, “It has been strengthened.” Kurahashi answered.
“Alright, let’s put in our all.”
Yashamaru took out a talisman, threw it towards the ceiling. The talisman stuck on the ceiling, the magic inside the talisman pierce through the ground.
Then, Kurahashi held the round mirror up, he began chanting incantation.
“O’ ancient city sealed temporary, reveals itself to the world from now on— Heavenly altar seal.”
After which, aura appeared in the mirror, the Torri surrounding the altar resonated with the aura of the mirror, each producing a black, blue, red and white ray of light, finally reflecting yellow light from the mirror. Akino stood alert, the bright five coloured rays surround the entire altar.
The five coloured rays formed a steady barrier, sealing the altar.
A few seconds later, an explosion like shock pierce through the ground, a huge quake appeared in the basement. “Yaa!” Akino screamed.
The ceiling cracked along with the noise, magma like flames seep into the ground. Intense lag appeared on the barrier that surrounds the altar due to the falling flames, however, most of the flames did not fall on the floor, rather, it rages mid-air, destroying and also collapsing the ceiling. Rocks and soil fell continuously, but the barrier of the altar repelled all of it.
Akino’s body shook helplessly at the shocking scene above her head, yet it couldn’t leave her sight.
Next, the floor below started to shake.
The stone platform rose up suddenly, the shock from below caused Akino to lose her balance and fell sitting on the floor. The ground swelled, it rose higher and higher after swelling. The falling flames and soil were instead repelled upwards by the barrier, all the way up— from the slumbering underground to the surface.
Akino couldn’t control herself any longer, she curled herself up while screaming, lying on the floor. She shifted her sight away from the chaotic scene surrounding her, emptying her mind, only to hope everything be over soon.
Then—
Unknowingly, wind blew past Akino’s ears. The scary situation seems to cause the appearance of her rabbit ears without her knowledge. Akino twitched her ears, raising her head timidly.
They are outside.
The view in front is the temple grounds where they had walked pass before, the two-storey high Zuijinmon could be seen. She hurriedly turned behind, the praying hall was right there. The ground between Zuijinmon and the praying hall has collapsed, the altar and the stone platform along with the surrounding Torri had rose from below. Akino was scared speechless.
“Miyachi, great work!”
Yashamaru shouted, the man in priest robe in front of the praying hall— Miyachi nodded, and walked towards the altar.
“Are the preparations in the main hall done?”
“Yes, preparations are completed, coordination with the ceremony can be done any time.”
“Very well.”
Yashamaru broadly smiled, he was in an unusually happy mood. As for Kurahashi, he smashed the round mirror that is used for the barrier on the ground, next, a lag appeared in the barrier that survived the collapse before disappearing, the remaining aura left within the barrier drifted off at the same time as well.
The raging ancient aura from underneath mixed with the aura of the surface, a whirl is created.
The miko in black stood in the center of the whirl, silently watching sunset, “… Finally…” her lips whispered softly.
Yet, this soft whisper made Yashamaru, Kumomaru and even Kurahashi stop what they were doing, turned and looked in her direction.
Their eyes held different feelings as they watched Takiko. The truth is as she described, the moment they have been waiting for is finally here.
This is a thousand year long-cherished wish of the Souma clan, as well as a duty of the Kurahashi Clan. Their emotions were high, their goal is within reach.
At the same time, this was something extremely personally for them— the end of their plans which they had place their lives on. The whisper of the miko made them remember this once more.
Facing various situations, a long period of time has passed.
Gaining or losing many things in the process, moving forward a step at a time.
Then, finally reaching this step. The altar they had kept hidden underground for so long is finally revealed to the world.
The long robe of Takiko swayed, she walked towards the altar placed with offerings. Even though it has been through severe shaking, the altar, as well as the offering and ritual tools on the platforms were still in their neat positions. Takiko took the round bamboo box placed in the middle of the platform, opened the lid, taking out the folded decorated paper placed inside.
That was a scroll with incantation recorded on it.
Yashamaru gave a look at Kurahashi, Kurahashi walked down from the altar after understanding his intentions, walking out in the direction outside of the Torri. “You come over as well.” Akino jumped after hearing him, clumsily walked down from the stone platform.
Miyachi stood beside Kurahashi, Kumomaru held the conch on his hands, Yashamaru moved to the front of the Taiko, taking the drum stick. After Akino walked out of the Torri, she turned back with her ears straightened, observing in full attention at Takiko on the altar.
“We shall now begin [Tensou Chifu Ritual].”
Takiko made this declaration, Yashamaru hit the drum.
Dong, the sound of the drum tears the air apart, piercing through the fiery red sky.
“Keep up the effort! Flaws has appeared in the technique.”
Under the encouragement of Suzuka, Natsume and the rest increased their magic power once more.
At the main hall on the ground level of the building, many personnel— almost all the Onmyouji in the building gathered at the main entrance. Everyone worked with each other, combining their efforts to break the barrier that is trapping them, of course Natsume, Touji, Kyouko and Tenma were among them.
“We are going to succeed! It seems that time is up for this barrier, the structure of the technique became loose, we can now rely on the accumulation of magic power to break this barrier!”
The one in command is Suzuka, Amami, whose Spirit Vision got sealed and couldn’t [see] aura, was unable to handle the barrier surrounding the building, this way, the next [person with actual strength] after him belongs to the [Prodigy Child] of the [Twelve Divine Generals], Dairenji Suzuka.
Suzuka had the same seal as Amami on her as well, the difference is that her magic powers weren’t fully sealed, only being limited. Moreover, Suzuka is specialized in researching [Imperial Style Onmyou Techniques], analysis of techniques can be said to be her [main job].
With that said, it is very difficult to break the barrier that is surrounding the building even with Suzuka as well. This barrier that was set by the enemy has complicatedly merged with the original permanent barrier, moreover, to increase the difficulty of undoing the spell, they had added many difficult to undo yet useless spells. Of course, this couldn’t be a barrier created in a short while, surely it was before this— and it’s a trap that was set long time ago.
When they finally saw a glimmer of hope, it was after they realise the strength of the barrier weakens with time, however this realisation also exposes the enemy’s intention behind setting up this trap. That was to drag their time out.
-- Hurry! If we don’t hurry…!
Because she was forced to be on standby for a long period, her magic powers were rather abundant, it just that they couldn’t stop being anxious. Even though she had thought of just releasing the seal and use Hokuto’s dragon aura, but with so many Onmyouji combining their powers, mixing Natsume’s dragon aura would just scatter the magic powers, Touji did not go into living spirit due to the same reasoning as well. Ultimately, she can only listen to Suzuka’s suggestions, concentrating everyone’s powers to expand the flaws of the technique.
“I had [judged the situation wrongly].” After realising they had been trapped in the Agency, Amami said this with an expression filled with regret. “I did not expect those people would give up Onmyou Agency so easily… damn it, I had underestimated their [determination].”
With regards to undoing the barrier, the current Amami couldn’t help in any way, he could only pray and watch over at the side as his comrades’ fights.
Regarding this, it was the same as for the public security policemen.
The public security policemen watched the large group of Onmyouji following the instructions of a young girl, their minds were rather confused. To be trapped in the building when they are doing forced investigation, it was the first time they had encounter this. Even though they were still able to exchange information with the team outside, but to break the current deadlock, they can only rely on the Onmyouji that are their investigation targets.
Looking through the glass panels and the automatic doors of the main hall on the ground level, one can [see] ripple like lag appeared on the barrier surrounding the building. Due to the many Onmyouji using their magic powers without stopping, the ceaseless lag continued shaking the barrier.
It would be a tremendous help if Kogure comes to assist, it’s a pity that he hasn’t regain consciousness yet. Even though his magic powers weren’t sealed away, but his physical condition is extremely weak right now. The Exorcist Bureau has many specialists that specialises in aiding the recovering of magic powers, but there were none of them inside Onmyou Agency, they are now relying on a few Onmyouji taking time off to treat him with their best effort.
From the corner of Natsume’s sight, Amami could be seen checking the time. Sunset is approaching very soon, Natsume felt a cramping pain in her stomach.
However, the hard work of Natsume and the rest had finally shown results.
“—We succeeded!”
The moment Suzuka cried out, different to previous in terms of scale, a lightning kind of lag passed through the barrier. The technique broke at the same time, the barrier collapsed, the magical powers injected in it spread out.
All the Onmyouji kept silent, after which they gave a tremendous cheer. “It is opened?” the public security in charge couldn’t help to be excited as well.
Among all the people, the earliest to run outside was Touji, followed by Natsume.
The two of them ran out of the main entrance to the circular car park outside, the surrounding police were taken aback. The pair did not pay attention to their reactions, raising their heads looking towards the sky. Sunset. The scarlet sky was far brighter and deeper than usual, the setting sun sank behind the tower, disappearing without a trace.
“How was it! It hasn’t start right!”
“Not sure! But I haven’t gotten the feeling of a large-scale Spiritual Disaster yet--!”
There wasn’t a way to confirm the aura outside when they were trapped in the barrier, [seeing] nothing unusual so far, the agency did not receive any news of Spiritual Disaster occurring as well.
However, Amami had predicted the ritual would be held in the evening, if his guess was right, the ritual could start any moment.
Shortly after Natsume and Touji, Tenma and Kyouko walked out of the building as well. Followed by Suzuka, then Suisen pushing Amami on the wheelchair came outside with the public security man.
The man ordered the subordinates rushing over to quickly regroup, he then passed his commanding powers to the other party before following behind Amami.
“Could this be the forewarned terrorist attack?”
“You know it yourself that this is impossible.”
“Amami-san, you couldn’t think of where could Kurahashi Chief be?”
“Do you think Chief would be at the place where I can guess? He is surely at Souma Takiko’s side, perhaps they are starting the ceremony right now.”
Amami used a rough tone to answer Touji who is rushing towards himself. It’s just that while he answered the man and Touji’s questions, his brain is working is full speed, predicting how things will develop from now. On the other hand, Natsume jumped upon hearing the term ceremony.
“On the Heavenly Altar.”
“What?”
“[Tensou Chifu Ritual] is a magic ceremony extended from [Taizan Fukun Ritual], if Takiko and the rest wants to hold the ceremony, they must be at a place with Heavenly Altar set up!”
From what Natsume knows, the Heavenly Altar is set up in two locations. One of them is on the top of the [Imperial Hill] that is near the Tsuchimikado Main House, the same place where Natsume and Harutora went to stop Suzuka, as she tried to revive her brother back then, but that Heavenly Altar is too far away from Tokyo.
“—The head of Souma Clan Souma Takiko hereby humbly report to the ancestral spirit Taira no Masakado—”
After finish reading the incantations, Takiko raised the scroll to her head level, the scroll then automatically floats up above her, it then burned up as in seemingly green blue flames. The spiritual pressure on the stone platform appear to be highly destructive, escaping into a corner inside the temple grounds, Akiko curled up with her rabbit ears straightened, her body shook uncontrollably.
“Kurahashi! I’m leaving it to you!”
Standing together with his mistress on the altar, Yashamaru sent him instructions while continuously repairing the magic technique. For [Tensou Chifu Ritual], other than Takiko attaining god form, her guardians, Yashamaru and Kumomaru had to be involved in the magic technique as well, unable to leave, thus, things related on how will the magic technique proceed, they had checked thoroughly a few times before.
Among the Torri that surrounds the stone platform, Kurahashi was standing by at the side of the Black Torri that stands in the north, Miyachi could be seen on standby at the side of the Blue Torri of the east. Coordinating with the instructions from Yashamaru, the two of them faced each other, allowing the spiritual pressure between them to change, directing the aura that is coming out of the altar.
Between the Blue and Black Torri, the stone platform which is filled with aura— was released at one go through the Demon Gate positioned in the North East. The front of the Demon Gate on the altar is the praying hall of Kanda Shrine— behind the praying hall is a magnificent main hall. The aura went straight through the praying hall and was completely absorbed by the main hall, then with the prepared magic technique, magic power lines shoots out in all directions.
The magic power lines extend towards the ends of [Early Spiritual Disaster Detection Network], mechanical type [AR4 – Morito]. [Morito] units were broken while sustaining magic power lines that is over their limited capacity, but they were not completely broken, so they continued connecting magic power lines to other neighbouring [Morito] units. This kept on repeating, causing a chain reaction, the connection of magic power lines resulted in an explosive growth, forming into a strong magic technique on the [net] of the [Early Spiritual Disaster Detection Network].
Magic power lines extended throughout the entire city, forming a large altar. Onmyou Agency— the [Early Spiritual Disaster Detection Network] Kurahashi promoted, is actually a preparation for this moment. [Morito] had a shape of a small shrine, but perhaps no one had realised that shape is a copy of the main hall of the Kanda Shrine.
The huge altar and the ley line underground of Tokyo started to resonate, that ley line was previously dug by Dairenji Shidou and Mutobe Chihiro and they revived it. The ley lines of other places were directed by the magic technique flowing in the magic power lines, flowed to the center of the Heavenly Altar— the stone platform that appeared at Kanda Shrine. The ley lines pulsated, cycling along with the magic power lines.
Flowing from the sky to Takiko, flowing from Takiko to the detection network, flowing from the detection network to the ley lines, then return to Takiko, it looks as if blood vessels that goes through the entire city. If the Heavenly Altar is described as blood vessels, the stone platform and Takiko standing on it could be described as the heart of the incarnated [god].
Bright light fully surrounds the miko, the ley lines connecting the sky and earth is like a standing pillar holding the heavens. The aura flowing downwards changed the appearance of the surroundings, reminds people of the myth of the birth of the country, where Izanagi no Mikoto and Izanami no Mikoto dive the spear, Ame no Nuboko, to churn the chaos in the lower world.
Everything is going well. As the worshipping ceremony is in progress, Yashamaru gave such a comment.
Staying in the real world even after dying, the stubborn shikigami observed the mythical scenery, was extremely excited. Yet, he did not lose his cool because of it, the technique could collapse anytime, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Heavenly Altar couldn’t withstand the load and collapse.
However, the ceremony continues on, it is not a discussion of theory in the research laboratory, but an actual demonstration in the real world.
He could feel many or many levels of large [existence] that spread across the entire world, one of it being inside of Takiko’s body slowly showing its entity form, that is an [existence] which is called out by Takiko, directed by her blood. His heart beat increased, he even felt faint. Yashamaru, who is Dairenji Shidou and Souma Clan, had worshiped and waited for a long thousand years, this spiritual existence which everybody has been long waiting for— one of the gods or a portion of god’s [existence].
Takiko is trying to let such a [existence] wake up from a thousand-year slumber, appearing in reality. Yashamaru kept up his guard, observing this moment.
It was this thinking, that he had lowered his guard.
“Yashamaru!”
Kurahashi shouted, Yashamaru returned to his senses, as if waking up startled.
He did not feel the change immediately. Nothing had changed— wrong, the cycle had slowed down. After noticing this, the situation where the flow of magic power had stopped rapidly deteriorate. “Kumomaru!” even though he injected magic power to aid the cycle as the same time, but it was an inadequate measure.
“How could this happen!”
Yashamaru desperately used magic to break the stopping of magic power flow, but it was ineffective. His mind went black, he couldn’t think of the cause and the counter measures for it. Thinking of the things in front of him breaking soon, yet he had no way of stopping it, this situation called out a feeling that he had long forgotten.
Fear.
However, “Yashamaru!” after Kurahashi shouted at him angrily, he came back to his senses.
“There are other magic techniques mixed into the back-flowing ley lines! Someone had set a trap!”
He immediately turned his focus towards the ley lines where magic powers were back-flowing. The magic power follows the technique to become a magic technique, but a portion of the back-flowing magic powers from the entire city had its technique changed out. Moreover, the techniques that were changed— it’s like adding poison into water current, contaminating the entire cycle. Where did it came from? In order to search for the source, Yashamaru concentrated on following the flow of the ley lines. He then realised the truth, clenching his teeth angrily.
Those [unknown things] that is mixed into the magic powers flowing into the Heavenly Altar were all from Shinjuku Branch and Meguro Branch of the Exorcist Bureau.
“Goddamned that guy!” he scolded in a low voice.
“Princess! Princess! Can you hear me?”
Yashamaru called out to his mistress, yet Takiko did not respond. She closed her eyes and stood there swaying lightly, as if she had lost her entire mass. She was already god descended half way—in a state of being possessed. Yashamaru clenched his teeth, “Kumomaru!” he called out viciously.
“Stop the ceremony for now! Move away from the technique!”
After receiving the order, Kumomaru added a new technique into the [Tensou Chifu Ritual] that is still in progress. The flow of magic powers completely stopped, the waves of aura stabilised, but it did not disappear. The ley lines connecting the sky and earth remained in its shape, if this ley line were to break, the ritual would completely collapse. Of course, to let the ritual stop half way was quite a difficult task, but Kumomaru succeeded.
“Chief? What is going on?”
Kumomaru was confused after being expelled from the technique, rushing to the side of Yashamaru, Kurahashi and Miyachi went over with a stern look as well, only Akino did not understand what had happened, continued looking at the altar from a distance.
On the other hand, Yashamaru, like Takiko, is still in the [Tensou Chifu Ritual] technique, “It’s Tsuchimikado Harutora.” He said hatefully.
“He pulled one over us. Last night and the previous night, Tsuchimikado Harutora didn’t just attack the branches, even in the detection network-- he had placed magic techniques inside the [Morito] units in the branches!”
Inside the net shaped [Early Spiritual Disaster Detection Network], the [Morito] in the main branch and in the other branches are important rely points. Harutora had hide techniques in the two locations that would activate after reacting to [Tensou Chifu Ritual], the area that it had spread has perhaps reached more than half of the Heavenly Altar.
Compared to his angry comrades that were clenching their teeth, Kurahashi nodded his head, remained calm, it’s just that his expression was rather stern.
“Is there any counter measure to this?”
“Even though it would be tedious, but we could only use the most direct method to solve it. We first have to undo the opponent’s technique, then let this undoing technique flow through the cycle, of course the Heavenly Altar must retain its shape.
“Wait a minute, should we move princess to somewhere safe?”
“No way.” Yashamaru immediately rejected Kumomaru’s view. “The aura of the Heavenly Altar had stabilised, it would not move unless we undo it, this ritual would end once we undo it, so we can only proceed in this kind of situation.”
Harutora surely wouldn’t think that they would be wiped out with this single attack. Even though the Heavenly Altar was contaminated, but Yashamaru prevented the situation from getting worse as well, the opponent would logically expect for this kind of development. To be honest, the aim of Harutora setting this trap, is to create this sticky situation.
In other words—
“Kurahashi, the princess is the target of the opponent, by making princess unable to move from here. He is coming. I cannot move, but I will start undoing the spell immediately, you must defend this place in the meantime, start preparing with Kumomaru and Miyachi against the incoming attack.”
Tokyo Shinjuku.
There were three shadows looking into the east on the rooftop of a tall building that prohibits anyone from entering.
A single eye Onmyouji dressed in black.
A single arm oni dressed in a suit with the left sleeve swaying with the wind.
A young fox demon with animal ears and tail.
Five eyes looked towards the ley line at a distance that extends straight towards the setting sun from the ground. That was a pillar that connects the sky and the earth, it is also the bridge that connects the under world and the secular world. At a rather early stage, they had already notice that the opponents would use the detection network for [Tensou Chifu Ritual], the question was where would Takiko be at. They had thought of a few locations, Souma seemed to have used one of them.
That location is at Kanda Shrine.
“They fell into the trap.” Oni laughed.
“Of course.” The Onmyouji answered.
“To remove the wild scheme of those guys, the only way is to remove the miko, that is their lifeline, they are well aware of this as well.”
“That was why you let them prepare till the last moment, pulling them up to the surface, waited until they are nearly finished with their goal before you made your move…”
The Onmyouji did not reply to all the Oni’s words.
Even if there was no need to consider about Onmyou Agency, they still have to prepare the most important ritual on their own. Because of this, they had no time to care about other things, resulting in a chance for the others, allowing Amami to come forward about the exposition, for Harutora to lay a trap. [Time] isn’t just tight for the attacking side.
It’s just, “What happens next is key.” The Onmyouji swayed his black cloak after finish speaking. He stepped on the ground with a [knock] sound.
“Being affected by the magic technique casted by us, they cannot use the ley line, it also means there is no way of using Far Step. Moreover… the opponents are, of course, prepared for attacks.”
Onmyouji spoke calmly, he then turned his head to the side.
“… Kon.”
“Yes.”
The one that answered this call was a young girl.
After a moment of hesitation, “No problems, really?”—Onmyouji did not ascertain this with her, “I will leave it to you.” But rather with such an order.
The young girl was waiting for him to display such an attitude, to be reserved or being considerate would hurt her pride instead. The young girl placed the order from her master in her heart, displaying with pride and determination, she forms a hand seal.
Lag appeared on her entire body, the frozen powers were released, transforming her into her original look.
A coquettish lady in her prime of youth appeared before them.
Having an extremely unstable aura, she had remained in younger form with her powers frozen for the past few days, concentrating on recovering. A guardian that was suppose to protect her master originally, in the end, not only she wasn’t useful, she even burdened her master. She had much regret about her own inability during this period of time— now a chance to redeem herself has arrived.
Her master had finally made up his mind due to how things had developed. He was ashamed to let his unstable guardian to take such a risk, however, if they lose the battle, she [will not stay alive] is a fact as well. They must win this battle, for the sake of victory, he is willing to use any methods.
This is a group battle.
Kurahashi and Souma side must have the same idea as well.
“—Let’s go.”
A cold declaration.
If the others had heard this, they would surely tremble in fear. Regardless of his voice, attitude or aura, all of them carry a bone chilling strength.
Oni revealed his fangs as he smiled, the body of the fox demon trembled. The clothes of the Onmyouji whipped, rushing to the battlefield along with the two guardians.
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