Tokyo Ravens - Volume SS1 - Chapter 6

Part 6 
“Oh you are doing a great job.” 
“Because it’s work.” 
“That’s right.” 
“Then afterwards?” 
“Uhh?” 
“Why did you come here?” 
“Ah, well, I have a small thing to deal with.” 
Amami who hasn’t come in a long time rarely talked evasively as he did now. After Suzuka shot him a glance, she indifferently returned to her research. 
Today she didn’t bring Sohaya. Ever since the first day he was brought here resulted in a fever, Suzuka didn’t take him out of the house. Currently only Suzuka and Amami were in the research laboratory, and also the silently working shikigami ‘Asura’. 
Perhaps it was an illusion, as Amami seemed somewhat agitated. 
Suzuka seldom spoke when she was immersed in her work. Due to the ‘Asura’ not being able to speak, the interior of the spacious research laboratory was surrounded by a silent atmosphere for the majority of the entire day. Speaking of which, Amami was mostly familiar with Suzuka when she acted as an idol, therefore her silently researching appearance to Amami was somewhat rare. After coming to visit, Amami was constantly watching Suzuka work. 
Soon after, he slowly observed everything within the room. 
“……The security system is very tight.” 
“……Is that bad?” 
“How could that be.” 
“Why are you so indecisive.” 
“……Ah, I seem really like that.” 
Hearing Amami’s pointless response, Suzuka intentionally sighed forcefully, looking directly at him and stopping with the work in her hand. In the moment the two pairs of eyes met, Amami—-as she thought—-had a somewhat anxious look. 
“……What are you doing here today?” 
Suzuka directly questioned him. Amami seemed to give up on his wishful thinking, exposing a wearisome smile. 
“Okay, I’ll tell the truth. It’s concerning the security system here.” 
“Isn’t it great?” 
“Eh, but, it’s also not a good idea. Especially ‘in your case’. ……It’s somewhat excessive.” 
Amami seemed to be more careful in paying attention to his wording than usual, not knowing whether he is showing consideration towards Suzuka, or because he hesitating in his heart. 
This room used for research, originally incorporated the foundations for a spiritual boundary used to block external spirits from contact. 
But now, Suzuka set up in addition, a number of formidable enchantments. 
Among these included some magic techniques that, at the moment of trying to ‘dispel magic’, will automatically retaliate magically and were considerably dangerous. Not only enchantments, even a shikigami was often stationed within the in the room for apprehending or repelling intruders. Using excessive to describe this security system wasn’t an exaggeration. 
But. 
“……and it won’t cause trouble for others.” 
“You are not wrong. But it’s not ‘appropriate’.” 
As Amami spoke he sat on the chair, straightening his back showing a serious demeanor. 
With a snapping sound, he hit the fan into his hand making a sound. 
“I won’t beat around the bush, there are many people in the agency who detest you. These people are always finding faults to criticize you. In their eyes, installing a so thorough security system here is evidence that you are conspiring to commit ‘evil deeds’.” 
“……Then?” 
“I heard about the case with the newspaper.” 
The corner of Suzuka’s eyes suddenly twitched. 
“……What? Did you send someone to shadow me?” 
“Before you entered the building, someone happened to pass by. Then afterwards, you installed an excessive security system in this room.” 
“……” 
Suzuka didn’t have an answer, that’s exactly how it happened. 
Those guys who only annoy people were be unlikely to break through the magic enchantment to invade the room. Furthermore—-at this time only—-even if someone peeked into the situation in the research laboratory, there won’t be a major issues. 
But Suzuka nevertheless strengthened the security system. Although she had some thoughts of worry, but most importantly, she was unable to silently show restraint. 
“I can understand your feelings. But this way will only cause the opposite effect. I don’t know if it’s a single person committing the crime or if it’s is a group action, anyway those guys certainly had an idea like this, ‘provoke her slightly, she will immediately be on alert, furthermore she will be paranoid and will certainly do something suspicious’.” 
“……Boring.” 
“Indeed it is. But a fool is a dangerous existence, making needless provocations can’t be a smart move.” 
Amami’s tone was very serious. Suzuka snorted. 
Unable to get over it, she wasn’t happy. 
She definitely wasn’t happy. 
“Haven’t I also said so several times before? A professional is a kind of person that can still be able to peacefully do their work even when being made a fool of by an ignorant imp. I can understand that your position is very difficult, but it’s also not necessary ——to respond like this, it’s pointless.” 
Amami merely flatly advised in a business-like manner with a blank expression. 
Amami gave this opinion based on experienced. He himself also saw several similar cases. 
There wasn’t any actual damage in this current situation, regardless of who posted that newspaper, they never planned to take more drastic measures. After all Suzuka was a National First-Class onmyouji, and nevertheless nowadays, the spokesperson of the Onmyou Agency, no one could openly be her enemy. 
The most important thing was, if they frankly and uprightly criticized Suzuka, they wouldn’t do this kind of low behaviour. The suspect only wanted to create a little trouble without endangering themselves. 
Then, ignoring was the best response. 
Amami was correct. 
But…… 
“……Hey.” 
Suzuka calmly started the topic, Amami “What?” accepted the subject. 
“If I ask you to find the suspect who posted the newspaper……What will you do?” 
Suzuka watching Amami’s eyes attentively, asked. Amami did not avoid eye contact, looking back into Suzuka’s eyes. 
The period of silence was longer than imagined. 
Not long after, Amami slowly inhaled. 
“……I will exhaust every method to find out, then straighten out that guy with a twisted personality. To be honest, right now I wish to mobilize all my subordinates, to pull out this scoundrel. Only this way can I get be satisfied.” 
However, as Amami continued to speak, his voice even was filled with even more enthusiasm than before. 

“I will repeat once again, using this method ultimately will only cause the opposite effect. Even if this was done, it will only make guys who dislike you to treat the suspect as a hero to admire. The most important thing is, that this is still only the tip of the iceberg, not only is the fundamental problem unresolved, but also will make everyone lower their approval of you.” 
“Approval of me?” 
“We don’t know if the suspect is an onmyouji, it’s very possible that it’s simply an ordinary staff member. On the other hand, you are one of the ‘Twelve Divine Generals’, moreover the daughter of the terrorist Dairenji Shidou. The strong punishing the weak, the most people won’t approve. If there are also any ulterior motives, then it’s even more so.” 
“Even if I am justified?” 
“Yes. Even though you are justified, you will also at the same time be censured. This is how the world works.” 
Amami asserted unhesitantly. Suzuka saw Amami’s eyes now and cannot help but shiver. 
His only job was to handle with criminals using magic. 
After all, how much of the word’s darkness and vileness had this old man witness in his previous life. 
“Man will only believe what they want to believe. Of course, most people can obtain understanding though communication—-but for contemptible people no matter what is said, will merely produce contemptible imagination and pointlessly add to the trouble.” 
After he finished speaking, Amami finally relaxed his demeanor. 
He snapped his fan again. 
“Well, after becoming one of the ‘Twelve Divine Generals’, you will always come encounter various similar problems. Wasn’t posting a newspaper on the contrary very cute? If passing stray dogs bark at you incessantly, what will you do? This is unworthy of your attention.” 
“……” 
“If you carry out disruptive actions, it will make the situation worse. There aren’t any decent people who take a barking stray dog as a problem, but if the ‘Twelve Divine Generals’ do something, the circumstances would be different. You must be on guard against both benevolent and malefic people. You always must understand this sort of reasoning. 
Amami sitting on the chair gently sat forward, supported his elbows on his knees, as if reporting to Suzuka about work. 
“Dairenji, don’t be easily incited to anger. Real ‘PRIDE’ won’t be damaged by senseless things.” 
This isn’t what the Onmyou Agency cadre preach to new people, rather it’s a veteran fellow member of the ‘Twelve Divine Generals’ personal experience imparted to a young person close to them. 
Amami had told Suzuka before at the bar, in the event that something occurs, I will protect you, please believe me. 
Therefore, that’s why the busy Mystical Investigation Chief came like this specifically to find Suzuka, while he spoke about nothing serious with a smile, however he also wanted to seriously help her. Kogure spoke of in his likely accidental statement, this sly, seasoned strategist has a soft spot for children. 
“……” 
If say the heart isn’t swayed, then it’s certainly a lie. 
But Suzuka still has an important ‘goal’. 
For this goal that absolutely nothing can stop, Suzuka resolved to offer her own life. 
“……I won’t change the security system.” 
“Dairenji.” 
“Don’t worry, its only because it would be too troublesome now to restore it again. In the future I won’t do anything strange again, nor provoke anything again. I’ll just act obediently as an idol, shouldn’t this settle it completely?” 
To some extent, the moment right now was a critical juncture. Suzuka stared straight into Amami’s eyes using the calmest voice to respond. 
With the posting of the newspaper event as an opportunity to strengthen the security system of the research laboratory, if those around would produce misunderstandings like this, in any case it was advantageous to herself. Sooner or later Suzuka would do a few ‘suspicious things’ in this research laboratory, just as that guy’s delusions, therefore no matter how the security system was strengthened, it’s not regarded at all as ‘excessive’. 
“……” 
Amami’s stare wasn’t sharp, nor was it probing Suzuka, but it seemed like whatever Suzuka’s purpose is was seen through, her face lost colour. 
This was a kind of psychological warfare, the ‘Second-Class Magic’ different from ‘First-Class Magic’ that carried out magic battles. 
Not long after, Amami revealed a smile. 
Suzuka didn’t know the meaning of his smile. 
 
This is an ‘abnormality’, and also a ‘triumph’. 
Suzuka silently stared at a piece of iron under a dim light for a long time. 
This warehouse was similar to an aircraft hangar, the inside was very spacious, but it wasn’t popular with people. Rain drops stuck the roof causing pattering noises just like echoes of small calm waves. 
This was one of the Onmyou Agency’s Research Department magic object storage warehouses, located in Hachioji. The head office building in Akihabara also has a magic object storage room inside called the sealed storage room. Unimportant, or magic tools and objects that will cause spiritual disruptions if stored at the head office building were all be stored here. 
However, this ‘object’ in front of Suzuka now, originally ought to be sealed tightly in the sealed storage room at the head office building. But now it was collected in here, only because it’s oversized and also very heavy, so the room in the head office building couldn’t accommodate it. That’s the reason why it was stored here. 
This gigantic piece of metal was made of a few complex components, giving the impression of steel spider sitting crouched with its legs retracted. But the shape of a human’s upper body sprouted from the equivalent of its head and torso parts—-furthermore it was attired in armour, a cowled warrior. 
Ancient armour, a conical helmet, an iron mask covering the entire face portraying an angry scowl. The forehead of the helmet was decorated with a glittering dim gold five point star, this was the symbol of the path of onmyouji. 
This metal object was called the ‘Armoured Juggernaut’. 
This was a shikigami taking the form of an enormous metal body, a type of mechanical shikigami. The interior of the protective armour was engraved magic to protect against magical attacks, the muzzles of machine guns could be seen on the two sides of the body. This kind of military shikigami was developed, and manufactured during the time of the Pacific War. 
It was created by Yakou. 
“……Stop.” The undisturbed metal of the shikigami was in a state depleted of magical power, but it was still permeated with an oppressive feeling. Suzuka gazing the metal piece snorted, as if to drive away this depressing feeling. 
Before the war, the army had revived the Onmyou Bureau, after the war the name had been changed to the Onmyou Agency and it was to fix the frequently occurring spiritual disasters at the capital Tokyo. But the fact that it had once supported the old Japanese Army, yet even though after the end of the war it was resulted in the Onmyou Agency—-was one of reasons for the poor image of all onmyouji. 
Although now already very few people noticed, originally the ‘General-Style Onmyouji’ employed by the Onmyou Agency used the ‘Imperial-Style Onmyouji’ as its foundation, which was also the magic system created at the army’s request. The magic world was frequently spoken of by people as an enclosed community, one of the reasons was that the modern onmyouji had ‘roots’ in the old Japanese army. 
The ‘Armoured Juggernaut’ in front of her eyes could be considered as a kind of symbol of the past. 
In the modern age, even though with occasional exceptions, the onmyouji occupation however was limited to cleansing spiritual disasters. Magic research and magic tool development was also only emphasized on the spiritual disaster cleansing related aspects. Of course it was impossible to get involved with the military. 
Consequently, when only considering ‘fighting strength’, this ‘Armoured Juggernaut’ which had already gone through half a century since after the war, still possessed the highest level of strength. 
“……If it’s this guy……” 
Even if the opponent was one of the ‘Twelve Divine Generals’, it should be able to ‘fight’ for enough time. 
Fortunately Suzuka’s specialty was researching the ‘Imperial Style’, and the ‘Armoured Juggernaut’ was a product of the ‘Imperial Style’, Suzuka had the confidence in herself be able to use it. 
Suzuka stared enthralled at the undisturbed towering metal shikigami. This ‘mechanical shikigami’ was stored here as research material, even though no one used it, there was minimum maintenance so rusty areas cannot be seen. 
However examining closely, it could be discovered that the armour has tiny scars all over the place, are they bullet marks? There is also spots smoked black by coal. It seems that this guy experience ‘actual combat’. 
“……Really scary……” 
The first time Sohaya saw the armoured juggernaut, he expressed a lamentation like this. 
The last time she came here had been after obtaining the ‘Onmyou First-Class’. At the time rising to a National First-Class Onmyouji, she received the authority to enter here. This time Sohaya didn’t come, moreover she herself also stealthy infiltrated without obtaining permission. 
Just as Amami said earlier, her own research direction was the ‘Imperial-Style’, and in addition she was the daughter of the spiritual disaster terrorism main culprit, if she accessed the Yakou representative military use shikigami ‘Armoured Juggernaut’, it will only cause an unstable atmosphere. And in fact, Suzuka due to some discontented purpose visited this place. 
Of course, Suzuka prepared to secretly carry out her plan. The ‘Armoured Juggernaut’ was just insurance, it was preferable if she did not need to use it. 
However, Suzuka had some inconceivable premonition, she would probably use the Yakou artifact in front of her. 
The ‘Armoured Juggernaut’s’ nickname was ‘Tsuchigumo’. 
“……I’m relying on you, Tsuchigumo……” 
Suzuka towards the undisturbed metal piece before her eyes, quietly whispered. 
Then after she began to rewrite the shikigami’s magic.