Part 2
When receiving the report, Shigeoka was accepting Public Security’s interrogation.
To be honest, he was very confused. To be someone like himself, when comes to such situations, he must stand in the frontlines commanding people below him—he was very clear about this in his mind, but this matter right now was something exceeding his capabilities, he couldn’t help but to develop this kind of feelings.
Just the matter about Amami Chief exposing Kurahashi Chief yesterday, was already something unimaginable, then the public security came in to do a forced investigation on the day of the forewarned terrorist attack. Even when he was interrogated, he had some kind of feeling that such things shouldn’t happen in reality.
Shigeoka believes that something went wrong somewhere in the middle, but this was just his own personal belief, there wasn’t any justification. It’s impossible for him to work based on his feelings, ordering his subordinates to believe what he believes in. Moreover, now is the time Onmyou Agency must put in all its manpower to stop the terrorist attack, why exact does things developed into this state?
[Early Spiritual Disaster Detection Network] to behave abnormally out of the sudden was the last straw before he was crushed. Shigeoka thinks in terms of efficiency in exorcising spiritual disaster work, the detection network was state of the art creation, giving a rather high commendation, thus, it was hard for him to accept when abnormalities happened.
So far, he knew that some magic was performed on the detection network formed by [Morito] units, perhaps the detection network was being used for unacceptable purposes, to place some sort of magical formation inside the city. But who was doing this for some unknown purpose, there was no way to judge now, the Magical Crime Investigation Department should have headed out to investigate, but due to the forced investigation by the Public Security, all their activities had to be stopped.
Perhaps this was actually the forewarned terrorist attack, next, spiritual disaster would happen inside the city. Anger, frustration and worry caused Shigeoka to nearly go crazy.
That’s why the moment he received that report, Shigeoka finally calmed down. The report stated very clearly o the things he should do— at least that was what he thought.
“Independent Officer! Three [Armoured Juggernaut] appeared on the capitol expressway! Moving towards us on the number four Shinjuku line.”
Looking at the report, the identity of the other party seems to be Tsuchimikado Harutora.
To bring him into justice was the last official order Shigeoka received. Anyway, it is an actual fact that he attacked Shinjuku Branch and Meguro Branch. Regardless of the contents Amami had exposed, he has actually committed a [crime], moreover now the military purpose [Armoured Juggernaut] were being used.
If that’s the case—
-- It’s my duty to stop him.
So far, Shigeoka wasn’t arrested, especially the terrorist attack that was about to happen, if he wants to go forward to stop it, it would be difficult for the Public Security to stop him forcefully. He then convinced the person-in-charge onsite and proceeded to meet up with the engineers of the Fujiwara Industries.
They seem to have received the news about [Armoured Juggernauts] appearing, the moment Shigeoka was seen rushing over, the main engineer in charge of developing [FAR] stood up from his chair excitedly.
“Shigeoka Independent Officer! We had just received news about the military purpose—”
“I know! Move out immediately, this is the first battle of [FAR]!”
Things outside of expectation happened one after another, not just the main engineer, the other engineers from Fujiwara Industries fell into a heavy mood. However, Shigeoka’s declaration swept away all their worries, the eyes of everyone were shining brightly, each of them rushed to their respective work place.
“That… Shigeoka-san? I know I should say this kind of things… Is doing this really alright?” the only main engineer who understands Shigeoka’s position spoke.
“It’s okay, we only need to perform our best in our respective fields— isn’t that right?”
Shigeoka asked sharply, the main engineer couldn’t find any words for a moment, “Yes.” Finally nodding his head in agreement. He then for the sake of fully supporting Shigeoka, he quickly gave out orders to his subordinates. “Technique release! [FAR 01], [02], [03], [04], [05], [06], [07], [08] activate!”
All the [FAR – VER 7] on standby activated at once, Shigeoka used magic for controlling, he then boarded the transport vehicle of the exorcising spiritual disaster team and left the branch. The main engineer accompanied him, the eight [FAR] moved on wheels on the road were following in a line behind the high-speed transport vehicle.
Sun had set, even though the sky was bright still, but the colour had gradually changed from red to purple and into dark blue. Ancient technology operating the latest machines, under the highly skilled operator’s control, they moved together forward in unison in the large city of Shinjuku where night fall approaches.
[FAR] had no problems. Shigeoka who had this thinking created his general purpose [ML28 – Karura] inside the transport vehicle. After the shikigami flew into the sky, he focused his mind on the shikigami, rushed towards the reported location first.
[Karura] and [FAR] were the same, both were specially made, shikigamis that requires the user’s mastery in control and accuracy. In order to allow them to work together more flexibly, he kept training for the past few days. First was to let [Karura] fly at high speeds towards the site, confirming the location of the target.
He quickly found it.
On the capitol expressway that only has few vehicles due to the traffic restrictions, there was a strange body travelling towards Shinjuku from the west.
There were three armoured type Tsuchigumo made with Metal, the Tsuchigumos formed a line, using their eight legs to move at high speeds, moving forward on the high road. A few years ago, he saw the outer form of Tsuchigumo at Magical Items Storage Facility in Hachiouji, however this is the first time he had seen Tsuchigumo in action. The awesome and fluid-flowing movements as if living organisms, it’s hard to imagine this form was created from battles.
-- Imperial Ground Forces… Properties left behind by Tsuchimikado Yakou huh.
The dead spirits of World War II were awakened in the modern era, running on the capitol expressway. Thinking about this calmly, this is something rather strange, but the him leading [FAR] doesn’t fit to say such things. On some levels of sense, this was a challenge from Shigeoka and the engineers towards Tsuchimikado Yakou and the Imperial Ground Forces.
The movement speed of the [Armoured Juggernauts] weren’t to the point of horrifying, even though they were considered fast among normal mechanical types, but they couldn’t compare to [FAR] that uses wheels to move. According to this situation, there was no need to worry about the other party escaping once the battle starts.
“Target has been confirmed, we will reach the initial stage in a few minutes. We are entering the expressway from Shinjuku, attacking them!”
The moment he received report on the appearance of [Armoured Juggernauts], he had given the order to seal the capitol expressway off completely. Perhaps there were still normal vehicles travelling on the expressway, but logically speaking, there should only be a few of them left, they can attack with full force. Shigeoka continued using [Karura] to pursue the [Armour Juggernauts], controlling [FAR] to overtake the transport vehicle he is on to rush to the site first, the eight [FAR] that originally travelled at similar speeds with the transport vehicle rushed out at full speed at the same time.
Once entered the expressway, Shigeoka controlled [FAR] through [Karura] instead. Even in the eyes of experts, even the switching of magic power transmission was done perfectly, this was the result of Shigeoka’s strict training, the degree of control through [Karura] was the same as how he used [Modified Emperor] and [Modified Yaksha] previously.
“… The information about [FAR] was sent here… they are working normally… their conditions are great…!”
The chief engineer stared that the laptop that he brought along, Shigeoka listened to his report as he gathered his focus. There were no civilian vehicles on the expressway, Shigeoka used this fact to control [FAR] to rush in the reverse direction, arranging them into two rows, then…
The three [Armoured Juggernauts] that were locked on as well as the [FAR] team appeared in the sights of [Karura]. Not knowing if they were being overly cautious — of course, they should have been overly cautious— the leader of the [Armoured Juggernauts], after finding out about [FAR], seems to panic due to the appearance of unknown bodies.
Shigeoka’s heartbeat increased.
“—Attack!”
The moment the words left his mouth, two [FAR] units— [01] and [02] initiated attack on the frontmost [Armoured Juggernaut].
Comparing their sizes, [FAR] was twice smaller than [Armoured Juggernaut], but their weights weren’t that much different, that was why the [FAR] units rushed in from the front and using their specialty of flexibility, made their way to the sides before initiating attacks from both sides.
The legs were their target of attack.
The [Armoured Juggernaut] raised its legs immediately, allowing its body to float, dodging [FAR] attacks while maintaining the same speed as it continues moving forward. Shortly after, [FAR] unit [03], [04], [05] began attacking, however, their attacks were skilfully dodged by the [Armoured Juggernaut]. It wasn’t just the frontmost unit, the two units behind as well.
--Impressive.
The movements of [FAR] were rather flexible, however, the reactive movements of [Armoured Juggernaut] were faster than [FAR], it’s as if old soldiers using their experience to cover up their lack of abilities. It could be observed from [Karura], the three [Armoured Juggernauts] could execute various kinds of movement, and were rather [skilled].
The eight legs vibrated the surface of the asphalt road, the [Armoured Juggernauts] sped through the highway. Unit [07] and [08] which did not participate in the attack, moved in reverse at high speed after applying emergency brakes, parading in front of the three [Armoured Juggernauts] that formed a line, maintaining a certain distance and try to shave the opponent’s speed in a controlled manner. The remaining six units of [FAR] quickly turned back, pursuing the [Armoured Juggernauts] from behind.
My side is better in terms of speed, thus, when facing an opponent with an advantage in terms of weight, it’s best to attack from the back rather than the front.
It’s just…
-- Where is Tsuchimikado Harutora?
The three [Armoured Juggernauts] seems to be moving on their own, however, logically speaking, it should be Tsuchimikado Harutora controlling their general movements. Even if he is using remote controlling, he should have a shikigami like Shigeoka’s [Karura], but no suspicious shikigami could be spotted in the surroundings.
-- The priority now is to stop the [Armoured Juggernauts].
The six [FAR] units chasing behind, attacked the rear of the [Armoured Juggernauts] simultaneously, however, at the very moment when the attack was launched, the [Armoured Juggernaut] at the center immediately slowed down, covering their blind spot together with the last unit of [Armoured Juggernaut], additionally both units turned over and kicked towards the incoming [FAR] unit.
The surface of the asphalt road shattered, in the midst of the scattering pieces, the [FAR] unit, making waves of clip-clop sounds, moving left and right to dodge the attacks.
This time, that last [Armoured Juggernaut] unit raised its legs, sweeping them towards the side.
“Boom!”
Even quickly retreating wasn’t of use, he immediately made the [01] on the far side to turn at maximum speed and jumped, using the jump to dodge the incoming attack aimed towards the ground. However, the [02] behind didn’t manage to dodge in time, the armour installed on the legs took the blow of the [Armour Juggernaut].
Heavy.
The armour, which was made of a special material that is lightweight, hard and tough, was dented and cracked, but it survived the strike. Yet, the momentum could not be stopped, the machine slide to the side and crashed into [04]. Shigeoka immediately made [03] and [06] that were on standby to advance and restrain the opponent. The [01] on the ground and [05] that was prepared for incoming attacks were switched of their positions and moved backwards, assisting the two machines that crashed.
“Has the data arrived?”
“Not yet… It’s here! The front left leg of [02] is damaged, the armour was broken, part of its internal pneumatic system is destroyed, it should have stop operating right now. The left front leg and the left back leg of [04] is slow in response, hmm… the are no problems otherwise. Both machines can still continue to move!”
After the chief engineer finished his report, Shigeoka quickly turn his consciousness to [Karura], the eyes under the hat shone with passion.
-- How fascinating…!
Shigeoka was impressed, despite knowing he shouldn’t be feeling this way.
To be able to perform such mechanical flexibility despite the large body size, especially when the [Armoured Juggernauts] seem to be moving independently. As a technique user—the owner of mechanical-type shikigami, there were many things to learn from the movements of the [Armoured Juggernauts]. Shigeoka was absorbing these knowledges, while at the same time reorganising the [FAR] units. The [Armoured Juggernauts] returned to their original formation as well.
It wasn’t long before they arrive at West Shinjuku, there is a interchange there, Shigeoka decided to launch an attack at the sharp corner, controlling [05] and [06] to rush forward in full speed. The [Armoured Juggernauts] sensed this and extended their legs in an attempt to hinder their opponent’s movements, but, Shigeoka dodged the attacks and went through them by the side, going around to the front position.
These two units, along with [07] and [08] that was on standby, blocked the road, all four units were moving in reverse, facing towards the [Armoured Juggernauts].
With four units at the front and four units at the back, they launched a pincer attack according to the turn of the road. Shigeoka took the movement speed into consideration while calculating his timing.
“— Deploy capturing net.”
“We have not tested this component yet!”
“It doesn’t matter.”
The four units at the front lured the [Armoured Juggernauts] on to the intended path, they were guiding towards the corner while spreading to the side, the four units behind were spreading to the side as well, exerting pressure to make three [Armoured Juggernaut] units into the corner.
However, just as they were to arrive, the frontmost [Armoured Juggernaut]—unbelievably—continued speeding straight, destroyed the outer wall of the expressway with its large body.
It jumped on to the ground from the highway.
“What!”
Shigeoka was helplessly speechless, the large body of the [Armoured Juggernaut] was thrown mid-air, the action it took which seemingly ignored the laws of gravity looked as if CG was used to create this ultra-realistic view. It was a road directly below, the metal pieces fell, “Don”, the ground produced a huge noise as the metal pieces hit the ground.
The impact the machine experienced was surely immense, however, the [Armour Juggernaut] behaved as if it’s nothing, it shook its body slightly and resumed running on the road. Its stunningly good durability reminded people the fact that [Armoured Juggernauts] was designed for [military use].
After the first machine, the second and third [Armoured Juggernaut] quickly followed and jumped off the capitol expressway. These extremely heavy metal Tsuchigumos shattered the asphalt road they stepped on, “Don”, “Don”, and landed on the road. Shigeoka speechlessly witnessed this scene which looked unreal through [Karura].
However—
-- Wait a minute, just now that was!
The moment when the second [Armoured Juggernaut] unit that was positioned in the middle hit the ground, a figure could be seen on top of its body. The figure only appeared briefly before disappearing, the opponent has turned invisible.
There was someone on top of the [Armoured Juggernaut], it is reasonable to say it was Tsuchimikado Harutora, at least it’s confirmed that this person was the technique user commanding three units of [Armoured Juggernaut]. -- You shall not escape.
“The target had jumped of the expressway onto the regular road! They are travelling from Koshu Street towards the direction of Shinjuku Station. Relay this message to all units, request for an emergency traffic closure, we shall make our way there too!”
Shigeoka shouted, while he reorganised the [FAR] data in his mind.
-- No problem.
After making this judgement, the [FAR] units made chase from the highway as well. All eight units consecutively landed, the voltage on the legs were increased to maximum, allowing all four legs to absorb its own impact. The alarm in the chief engineer’s computer sounded.
“Shi, Shigeoka-san! What are you doing!”
“Ignore the detailed data for now, could you help me readjust, only report major damage to me.”
The [Armour Juggernauts] continued towards Shinjuku Station. There were more cars and people on regular roads, those witnessed the metal Tsuchigumos frantically screamed and ran, the surroundings quickly turned into a state of panic.
Shigeoka controlled the [FARs] to move at high speeds.
-- Damn it, their reactions slowed down.
Jumping down from the highway seemed to have caused a rather huge burden on the machines, even though all [FAR] units were operational, but their reaction slowed, the reaction of [02] was especially slow due to taking an attack from the enemy. That said, the abilities of the technique user could be used to overcome the suboptimal condition of the machines, the true value of the shikigami can only be decided with the master considered into the overall performance, [FAR] is no exception. In fact, [FAR] was still better in terms of speed, the distance between the two closed up quickly, closing into the [Armoured Juggernauts]. The front most units were [07] and [08]. After realising the enemy was closing in, the [Armoured Juggernauts] continued forward while allowing the armoured warriors to turn around, entering into battle mode.
“Shoot the capture net!”
The launchers that was on the outside of [07] and [08] took aim at the mechanical bodies, shot a bullet that was as large as a golf ball tube at the same time towards the last [Armoured Juggernaut]. The bullet spread open towards the front in mid-air, shooting out the net that was installed inside.
This net bullet was something he had requested the Fujiwara Industries engineers to rush it out for him. The [Armoured Juggernaut] doesn’t seem to expect a projectile type attack, it was shocked while immediately dodge the first bullet. However, perhaps due to the loss of balance, it did not had time to dodge the second bullet, it hit the leg.
The net that was on the leg caught on another leg, greatly obstructed the [Armoured Juggernaut] movement. The other six legs hurriedly paced, trying to regain its balance, it was during this time that [06] which was approaching in the opposite direction shot the third bullet.
It was bullseye this time, four legs were caught at once, the [Armoured Juggernaut] fell on to the ground with a loud noise. The remaining five units seized this moment and immediately attacked another unit— the [Armoured Juggernaut] that remained in the center all this while, the one which seemed to have the figure of a technique user on it.
Only one bullet was installed on each [FAR], there remains five more shots. Shinjuku Station is within sight, in order to ensure the target is hit, it was necessary to close in to the enemy as much as possible. Out of the sudden, a man in black appeared on the top of the targeted [Armoured Juggernaut]. That person dispelled invisibility, observing the nearest [FAR].
-- Is that him?
Shigeoka let [Karura] in mid-air dived at high speed.
Yet, before Shigeoka could identify his opponent, the man in black swiftly swing his right arm to the side. Shigeoka thought that the opponent was going to use magic, it wasn’t the case, it was a signal. The front [Armoured Juggernauts] cleanly moved its eight legs and rotated its entire body to the back.
The sides of that particular [Armoured Juggernaut] shifted up and down slightly, Shigeoka froze in fear.
The next second, the mechanical cannons of the [Armoured Juggernaut] sprayed fire.
A loud explosion was produced, the cannon bullets rained down on the [FAR] as if a heavy storm, easily destroying the shield that was hastily installed for defence. Shigeoka quickly made the [FAR] retreat, but the [02] with its armour destroyed, did not escape in time. The cannon bullets penetrated the armour and hit the main body. The cannon kept on shooting, quickly enough, [02] was severely damaged and fell on the asphalt road.
-- Damn it!
“F, [FAR02] has stopped operating! What happened?”
“The target fired automatic cannon.”
“Automatic cannon? – That, that was mentioned in the reports, right? But, to openly fire in the avenue!”
The report states that during the disturbance at the dark temple, the [Armoured Juggernauts] had used automatic cannons, however, like the chief engineer had mentioned, it was unthinkable that opponent would fire the cannon in an open street. This was an error in judgement by Shigeoka, he let the [FAR] distanced themselves. The figured waved his arm once again, the cannon attacks stopped. Looking at the situation, it seems like the cannons was only installed on that particular [Armoured Juggernaut], but it was threatening enough even with just that one unit.
Two [Armoured Juggernauts] and seven [FARs] faced off while moving, and Shinjuku Station finally came into view. In the midst of screaming from the surroundings, both parties had entered the bridge passing the front of the North entrance.
At this moment, “I saw it!” the subordinate that was driving the transportation vehicle screamed, Shigeoka stood up from his seat, opening the window then leaned his body out to take a look.
The view that was seen using [Karura] which was flying appeared before him quickly using the same viewpoint. A total of nine large mechanical-type shikigamis crossed the bridge while facing each other, the transportation vehicle that was maintaining a certain distance behind quickly followed.
Continue forward would be the tunnel at Shinjuku National Garden, if he could trap the enemy in the tunnel—
--- No, it wouldn’t be possible to use the speed of [FAR] on the narrow road, moreover, if the enemy used the cannons to destroy the tunnel, it would be difficult to continue chasing.
Attack at the front of the tunnel. Shigeoka aimed at the battlefield, reorganised the [FAR] formation. The frontmost units were those which had used the net bullets, [06], [07] and [08], following behind were [01], [03], [04] and [05] running in parallel.
After making up his mind, they immediately close up the gap between the enemy and themselves.
The man in black signalled to open fire once again, the explosive sound made its way to the transportation vehicle, directly shook Shigeoka’s eardrums.
His first time experiencing such boldness caused him to tremble helplessly, the armour of the three units at the front was shattered as if ice shattering into pieces after being hit by a hammer, however, Shigeoka wasn’t fearful at all, continued to control the [FARs] to move forward.
“Shi, Shigeoka-san!”
“I’m sorry! I’m letting those three units to act as our shield, I couldn’t think of any other way.”
The chief engineer went pale, he continued to make the [FARs] forcefully close in on the [Armoured Juggernauts].
In the midst of the smoke from the cannons and the sound of destruction, cannon fires and sparks split, the cannon bullets that hit the ground shaved off the asphalt surface of the road. The armour of [07] finally reached its limits and was destroyed, the legs of [06] were shattered and it fell.
“I won’t allow you!”
A barrier attacked towards them. Kumomaru got slammed by the spell barrier, deviated from his jumping path. “Uh!” He clenched his teeth, readjusted his stance.
A motorcycle rush in from the side, the motorcycle carried a man and a woman rushing into the fierce battle.
That was Yuge Mari and Yamashiro Hayato.
What was surprising was that Natsume recognised the motorcycle that the two were on, that was Kogure’s. “It was actually you guys!” Kumomaru widened his eyes in anger. Hummer and [Armour Juggernaut] ignored Kumomaru who was being slowed down and rushed to the exit, following behind was Yamashiro’s motorcycle, and following them closely was the three mechanical-type shikigami units.
After the mechanical-types confirmed Yuge and Yamashiro’s identity, their movements slowed down.
Yuge’s group rode the motorcycle to the side of Hummer, “We are here to help!” Yuge, who was seated at the back, lean her body out and shouted.
“You guys are too slow!”
“Dairenji Shizuka! And the living spirit, you too— you guys are really working together with Chief Amami! Was the Shikigami just now Souma’s?”
“You guys took action without understanding what was going on? Yes, that was Souma’s, let me remind you, that is a very difficult guy.”
As if validating Touji’s words, a loud noise of destruction came from the back. Looking over, one of the three mechanical-type units was destroyed, Yuge, who looked over, was speechless.
To ordinary shikigamis without physical body, mechanical-type shikigamis are troublesome. The opponent had destroyed the mechanical-type shikigami effortlessly, this was something unusual. Yamashiro who was holding on the grips ascertained through the rear mirror, “Uh!” He gasped.
“What a powerful aura… Is that the shikigami that fought with Kogure-san!”
“It seems like he was the only one that came over here. How? Should we battle him?” Just as Touji was getting determined, “No.” Natsume landed on the frame of Hummer after jumping from Tsuchigumo.
Yuge and Yamashiro looked at her body surrounded by dragon aura in silence, especially Yamashiro who had fought Natsume before was even more suspicious if he was wrong, as he admired Natsume as her hair whipped with the wind. “We are now heading towards Kanda Myoujin!-- Independent Office Yuge, and… Mystical Investigator Yamashiro, the [Armoured Juggernaut] is on our side, that mechanical-type shikigami shouldn’t lift its hands against you two. Can we leave this to you?”
Facing the older [Twelve Divine Generals], Natsume displayed a tone without explanation, Tenma and Kyouko were shocked, Shizuka was snickering with pride, Touji grinned as well.
Soon after—
“On, Gozu, Daiba, Seigan, Zuiki, Enmei, Sowaka!”
Kumomaru recited the True Words, placed both his hands on the ground. An explosive amount of Yin energy was injected into the ground, as if the asphalt road underwent very high temperatures, it began to bubble and melt.
Miasma began to spread, as if a continuous dynamic spiritual disaster created with simple technique. That was a level three spiritual disaster [Chimera Type], Kumomaru had showed this power during the fight against Kogure as well. However, it seems like the ley lines have been affected by the altar, the number was higher than last time, moreover, it was developing into level four spiritual disaster soon.
A frightening scene.
Yet, this was something that straight away sparked the fighting spirit of the [Twelve Divine Generals], especially Independent Officer Yuge, Shigeoka as well.
In the hearts of the exorcists that are loyal to the Exorcist Bureau, it was so deeply engrained that their [mission] was to exorcise spiritual disasters, any one who creates spiritual disasters were, without a doubt, [enemies].
The remaining two mechanical-type shikigamis stopped the chase, changing their course towards battling the spiritual disaster. Yuge’s eyes turned sharp upon seeing the situation.
“— Understood.” Just as she replied, a [Chimera-type] pounced over the mechanical-type shikigami, attacking the Hummer from above. Yuge strike with a sword seal without even chanting the spell, the spiritual disaster was caught in mid-air immediately before falling on to the ground.
Yamashiro pulled the brakes and turned the motorcycle around.
“Go!”
Yuge shouted while the motorcycle rushed into the massive amount of spiritual disaster.
Saotome looked towards Natsume and nodded as well, making the Tsuchigumo take aim at the [Chimera-types] too.
“—Tenma!”
“Alright!”
Hummer sped up, Natsume closed her lips tightly, feeling the increase in speed.
Even though she was warned not to go over, but she really cannot accept the instructions this time.
Natsume’s group back faced the battlefield, continued rushing to the other battlefield.
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