——How did it come to this...?

"Hey! Tohka! Don't go too far ahead!"

——What could possibly lead to this situation?

"Shido! What's that!? They're wearing such strange outfits!?"

——I was just worried about Tohka...

"That's... don't worry about it. It's something you shouldn't pay attention to."

——And yet, why... why...

"Is that so? Hmm... What do you think? "

"I don't know... I don't want to know... I want to go home..."

——Why do I have to tag along on a couple's date...?

The beginning of this goes back to this morning, after I ended up spending the night unable to sleep.

Well, I kept saying I was sleepy, but maybe because I became a spirit, it seems I'm perfectly fine without sleeping. Actually, my current condition is perfect.

——Though, perhaps because my napping habit from my previous life hasn't been cured, I still have the urge to sleep. Maybe I'm just mistaking it for sleepiness because it had become a habit?

...Well, putting that aside, there's something that's been bothering me since my conversation with Tohka earlier. I just can't sit still without seeing it with my own eyes... Such an impulse is smoldering in my heart.

To put it bluntly, it's this: "Is this Shido guy Tohka mentioned a good person?"

I mean, come on? I can't help but wonder what kind of guy Tohka's (probably) boyfriend is, considering how utterly ignorant she is.

Judging by Tohka's reaction, he seems okay... but no offense, this is Tohka we're talking about? Her reaction might be because she's being deceived. I can't tell if she's being genuine, but based on her demeanor later, I can't help but feel anxious about whether it's really true.

Besides, now that I'm involved, I want to avoid any misfortune befalling Tohka. She finally brightened up from her gloomy expression; I want Tohka to stay just the way she is.

More than anything... I don't want to see a girl who seems so pure make a pained face.

That's why, if this Shido guy is someone who's deceiving Tohka——

——Mukkorus

ORE A KUSAMU O MUKKOROSU!! ZETTAINI DA!! KAKUGO SHIRO SHIDO!!!

Translation→ "I'll kill you!! Absolutely!! Prepare yourself, Shido!!!"

And so, I decided to follow Tohka.

This is absolutely not stalking. I'm purely worried about Tohka and just keeping a discreet watch on the guy she's with. If they're having a good time, I have no intention of interfering.

I decide to head to the destination wearing my usual hoodie and pants. ...Oh wait, if I wear the hood up, I'll look super suspicious. I should wear a hat that I can pull down low.

I search through advertisements for something suitable. Anything flashy is out of the question; something plain is fine.

And what I found was a burnt brown huntsman cap. It's nicely plain. The design suits my taste too.

I immediately manifest it and put on the huntsman cap. The size is a bit big, but that's fine. I love loose, baggy clothes, so I'm happy with it.

Even so... it's that, huh.

Because manifesting and teleporting are so convenient, and I have Heart-Eroding Mausoleum ( Irouel ) summoned constantly, it feels like the Heart-Eroding Mausoleum ( Irouel ) bracelet has fused with my hand... or rather, it feels like it's become a part of my body to the point I don't even notice it anymore. It's so inconspicuous that I only realize I still have Heart-Eroding Mausoleum ( Irouel ) out when I take a bath or something, you know?

...Somehow, I feel like Heart-Eroding Mausoleum ( Irouel )'s glow has dimmed a little. Is it feeling down? Sorry, sorry.

And so I head for the destination, Raizen High School—no, I'll teleport. That's faster.

Why Raizen High School, you ask?... It's a hunch. I have no proof whatsoever.

Well, I do have a bit of reasoning. Yesterday, the space quake happened here, so I thought if they didn't know each other's whereabouts, they might meet up here.

Judging by Tohka's vibe, the two probably reunited at this Raizen High School. So, going there would be the most likely place for them to meet again.

Using Heart-Eroding Mausoleum ( Irouel )—【 Drive ( Vinus ) 】, I repeatedly perform short-distance consecutive space teleports to get into position near a shadowy spot close to Raizen High School. Now all that's left is to wait—huh? The technique name has furigana? I know.

Finally, the technique names have furigana. How about it? Cool, right?

By the way, I've decided on the other two as well? 【 Manifest ( Kokumas ) 】 and 【 Control ( Yesos ) 】. As for their meanings... well, they're just names that popped into my head; there's no deep reason, yes.

Well, now's not the time to worry about that, so let's put it aside and get right to the stakeout!

But that doesn't mean I'll do something amateurish like peeking over a wall with just my head to observe, right? I anticipated something like this and leveled up my stalking skills in my previous life!!

It was to keep an eye on my little brother and sister from the shadows to make sure no pests came near them... Heh heh heh, I've left no stone unturned, right?

Furthermore, this time I've brought a proper camera. (Stole—borrowed it.) Combined with the huntsman cap and my overall look, I probably don't look unlike a photographer. Maybe.

From a reasonable distance, I take pictures of the half-destroyed school building and other interesting things nearby while keeping an eye out for Tohka and the others. The photos I take can also serve as mediums for my teleportation destinations and manifestations, so it's killing two birds with one stone.

As I'm leisurely clicking the camera shutter like this, a single male student appears in front of the school gate. The boy is looking at the collapsed school building, but...

——Huh? Isn't that the boy from back then?

I'm a bit taken aback. To think I'd meet him here of all places... Well, he hasn't noticed me, though.

Now that I look at him properly, he has quite a well-proportioned face. Not exactly a handsome guy, but not ugly either; he has a somewhat androgynous face.

It's just like a typical galge protagonist. Hahaha! What if he's Shido!? If so, then Tohka really had a fateful encounter——

"Shido."

"..."

"Hey, Shido! Don't ignore me!"

"—Huh? ...T-Tohka!?"

...You've got to be kidding me.

Whoa whoa whoa whoa. Seriously, Shido-kun? Isn't this a full-blown galge development?

Your nickname in my mind is now officially "Protagonist-kun," okay? Really... you're loved by fate, aren't you?

Watching the exchange between Protagonist-kun and Tohka... they seem to be getting along pretty well. Protagonist-kun also seems like a sincere guy from his appearance, so it looks like their relationship will work out fine.

...That's great, Tohka. I don't know if he's wonderful or not, but I'm sure he's a good catch? That Shido-kun guy.

In that case, I can leave things to Protagonist-kun. He probably won't do Tohka any harm.

Phew~. With that, my worries are gone.

Maybe because I'm relieved, I'm getting hungry. Since I'm here, I might as well go on a food tour——

"—Hm? ...Oh! If it isn't Chitose!! Long time no see!!"

"………"

——DASH!!

"Wh-what's wrong, Chitose!?"

I ran away. At full speed.

I mean, come on... Getting found out is one thing, but they're probably about to go on a date, right? These two. So that makes me the third wheel, doesn't it?

I just wanted to know what kind of guy Tohka was with. Now that I know his personality isn't problematic, any further involvement would be unnecessary and tasteless.

I have no intention of interfering with their fun time. None at all. Absolutely none.

And yet………

"Why are you chasing meeeeeee!!"

"If Chitose would just stop, that would be all!! Why are you running!?"

"It's obvious I don't want to get in your way, isn't it!? If it's a date with Shido, you don't need me, do youuuuuuu!!!"

"It's fine!! Having Chitose along would surely be more fun!!"

"Having another girl in the middle of a couple just makes me the annoying one, and I wouldn't be comfortable either!! So stop chasing me, you idiot aaaaaah!!!"

I'm screaming as I run, and Tohka is chasing after me at high speed. Damn it, Tohka, you're using your spirit power, aren't you!? Don't come at me making holes in the concrete with every step!! The residents around here are stunned and frozen solid!! If you're gonna chase me, do it with human potential, damn it!! I'm the one holding back my power, making me look like an idiot—isn't that right!?

Please...! Please just go back to the abandoned Protagonist-kun, damn it aaaaaah!!!

"Let me introduce you, Shido! This person is Chitose, the benefactor who listened to my worries earlier!"

——Yes, I got caught in the end. You're fast, Tohka-chan.

...Well, for now, I should introduce myself.

"Hello... *sob*... I'm Chitose... *sniff*, boo hoo..."

"O-oh. I'm Itsuka Shido. ...Are you okay?"

Looking at the current situation, you ask "Are you okay?"—Really? Are you sane, Protagonist-kun?

Tohka had her arms wrapped around my waist and was carrying me over her shoulder like a sack when she brought me here, you know? And on top of that, you ask a sobbing woman in front of you if she's okay?

——I'm not crying.

"*Sniff*... Tohka, put me down. I won't run away anymore."

"...You promise?"

Ugh, I was thinking of using 【 Drive ( Vinus ) 】 to escape the moment she let me go, but she blocked my escape route, this girl.

When she asks me with such a sad face, I can't run away, can I...? You're not doing this on purpose, are you?

Well, she did put me down, but I can't betray Tohka's trust (I wonder if she trusts me?), so I reluctantly decided to stick around and see how things go.

Before that, I should at least tell Protagonist-kun that I didn't mean to interfere. The rest is not my problem.

"Sorry, Protagonist-kun. I ended up interfering with your date with Tohka... I was just worried about Tohka, that's all."

"(Protagonist-kun...?) No, don't worry about it. If Tohka's fine with it, I don't have a problem... If there is one, it's on my side."

On your side? What's that supposed to mean?

Protagonist-kun might think he muttered it quietly, but don't underestimate my hearing? I can hear that much, you know?

Could it be... he's planning something? But I don't get a vibe from Protagonist-kun that he'd deceive someone... Is he being ordered by someone? ...Maybe I'm overthinking it.

"Shido! Then let's quickly start this 'date' thing! ...By the way, what is a 'date'?"

Anyway, for now, I should think about how to handle the trouble that's bound to come later. Sigh, what a pain...

And here we return to the beginning.

Just one thing to say.

You know...

"This 'frankfurter' thing is delicious too, Shido!"

"And try putting the ketchup and mustard we got earlier on it. The taste changes."

"Is that so, Shido? *munch*... Oh! It's completely different from before!! How does that work!?"

"Hey now, calm down and eat it."

Really now... You don't need me here, right? I'm totally out of place.

Arrows have been pricking my heart since a while ago... Arrows labeled "You're in the way" are mercilessly piercing me, you know...?

I definitely think so too? I think even getting kicked by a horse would be justified for the current me.

And yet, the moment I try to go home, Tohka makes a face like an abandoned puppy? What am I supposed to do about that?

I'm starting to feel like giving up on everything and wanting to die... I just want to go home.

I'm happy that Tohka seems to be enjoying herself. I just wanted to know she was happy and then go home.

So please let me go home soon, Tohka-sama.

...Oh right, I don't have a home to go back to.

————————————————————

Now loading...

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During his date with Tohka (with Chitose tagging along), Shido was troubled.

The cause of his trouble was... the girl Tohka brought along, named Chitose—a spirit.

Originally, he wasn't supposed to m ( ・ ) a ( ・ ) k ( ・ ) e ( ・ ) c ( ・ ) o ( ・ ) n ( ・ ) t ( ・ ) a ( ・ ) c ( ・ ) t ( ・ ) with her, but it was already too late. If the people at were to confirm this situation, they would undoubtedly be just as troubled as Shido...

"Listen, Shido. You must absolutely not make eye contact with the spirit recently identified by that appearance... the identification name ."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

This happened a few days after Shido first met Tohka—during what could barely be called training.

On the aerial ship , Shido was informed by his adoptive sister, "Kotori Itsuka," about the dangers of that spirit, .

Displayed on 's monitor was the figure of a girl wearing casual clothes with no particularly striking features.

Faced with such a girl, Shido, who hadn't even considered the possibility of multiple spirits existing, was bewildered... but more than that, Shido found it hard to believe this girl was a spirit.

From her appearance, she looked like an utterly ordinary girl. She didn't possess the fantastical aura that Tohka had; she seemed like a perfectly normal girl, so it was only natural for Shido to be half-convinced.

But that wouldn't move the conversation forward. Shido confirmed with Kotori whether she was truly a spirit.

"Is she really a spirit?"

"Yes, without a doubt. 's observation devices detected an immense spiritual power reaction from her. ...Even greater than the you met, in fact... right?"

"Wha!? Then that means——"

"...It means there's a possibility she possesses power surpassing that of . And the most dangerous aspect of that is——"

Shido let out a gasp of astonishment at Kotori's words.

The spirit who easily sliced through city buildings. If spiritual power indicates the magnitude of a spirit's power, then one could surmise that she, possessing spiritual power greater than 's, might have power exceeding hers. At the very least, Shido reached that conclusion and showed his shock.

To this Shido, the analyst, Reine, added supplementary information and began to reveal further dangers.

Reine operated her terminal and switched to the next video.

What was displayed there was——

"This, is..."

Shido was rendered speechless by the scene. By its bizarre nature.

The recorded footage showed the moment vanished in an instant. And then... some of the AST members were shown c ( ・ ) o ( ・ ) l ( ・ ) l ( ・ ) a ( ・ ) p ( ・ ) s ( ・ ) i ( ・ ) n ( ・ ) g ( ・ ) l ( ・ ) i ( ・ ) k ( ・ ) e ( ・ ) h ( ・ ) u ( ・ ) m ( ・ ) a ( ・ ) n ( ・ ) d ( ・ ) o ( ・ ) l ( ・ ) l ( ・ ) s ( ・ ), their eyes hollow.

"Wh-what's happening...? Don't tell me——"

"...According to analysis, they are not dead."

Just as Shido began to imagine the worst-case scenario, Reine's response came, denying that thought. Shido slumped his shoulders in relief.

——But it seemed reality wasn't that kind.

"...However, those who developed these symptoms have yet to awaken. They appear to still be in a comatose state."

"Wha!?"

"Yes. This is the primary reason for considering dangerous."

"...In the current state, recovery from this symptom is nearly impossible. Initially, since she only seemed to put people to sleep and didn't show aggressive behavior, her danger level was supposed to be set at B... but there are many who remain in a comatose state. Probably... her danger level will be updated soon."

"They might never wake up again... It's only natural, given they've been put in such a state. If the coma continues indefinitely, their vital functions will begin to deteriorate. From a certain perspective, it could be seen as euthanasia. ...Either way, it's undoubtedly dangerous."

"That's..."

Shido couldn't hide his agitation at the severity of the matter. Seeing Kotori and Reine's grave expressions made it painfully clear that this was the truth.

And the cause of putting them into a coma was——

"...Her eyes."

"Her eyes?"

"...Yes. According to information obtained by hacking the AST, the common factor among the fallen members was... they were standing directly in front of her, and moreover, they had looked into her eyes."

"How did you determine the eyes were the cause? If those who saw them fall asleep, then there shouldn't be anyone who could tell you..."

Puzzled by Reine's explanation, Shido questioned her as if asking for clarification.

Why did they determine it was those who saw her eyes? If anyone who sees them falls asleep, then there should be no one to convey that information. It's a question anyone would wonder about.

To that question, Reine continued explaining the circumstances matter-of-factly.

"...Actually, it seems there were a few members who saw her eyes and remained unharmed. Their testimonies... consistently mentioned those eyes."

"H-how come those people were unharmed?"

"—'Because they managed to escape,' apparently."

Kotori was the first to answer Shido, who was about to question Reine again. However, Shido didn't understand what that answer meant.

Managed to escape? Escape from what?

Shido's疑问 began to be answered by the next video Reine displayed by operating her terminal—a scribbled document.

What was written there was——

——Dark, dark, sinking to the bottom——

——Surroundings are entirely, monochrome black——

——In an eternally continuing darkness——

——I kept sinking, further and further——

——Unable to grasp anything, unable to see anything――

——The only thing there was... peace——

——My heart feels at ease, healed——

——Sinking into a darkness of nothing but happiness——

——There is absolutely nothing else——

——There is nothing that threatens——

——I want to stay like this forever, in this darkness——

——I want to entrust my everything to it——

——I don't need anything else, only this darkness——

——I want to seek only this peace——

——There is absolutely nothing there——

——The terror that pervades this world... and such——

"What is... this..."

The text felt somewhat eerie.

If one were to describe it in words... perhaps "prison"?

Once you enter, you can't escape. Once you taste it, you can't break free.

Even if you manage to escape the prison, the darkness clings to you persistently.

An addictive quality like narcotics. A permeating quality that corrodes the body.

——Corroding. The body, the heart, even the soul——

"...It seems to be something one of the members who managed to escape wrote down. We had them write freely about what they saw while asleep or how they felt. The result is... as you can see."

"Based on this, the AST named her 'The One Who Sinks into the Depths'—hence Abyss ( Abyss ). Don't you think it's quite fitting?"

"...Some of the AST members are probably still being eroded by the darkness she shows ( enchants with ). It seems some who returned later fell into a coma again over time. There's no guarantee that just because they returned, they're safe."

"We don't know if this was done intentionally. ...That's precisely why you must be careful, Shido. If you get captured by the darkness, it's literally game over..."

"Chitose."

"—Huh? What is it, Protagonist-kun. Don't mind me, just go on your date with Tohka. She's your girlfriend, right?"

"No, she's not my——"

"Hey, wait. Don't tell me you're toying with Tohka——"

"No, no! I'm trying to teach Tohka about this world, you see——"

"Hearing just that part makes it sound like you have an overactive imagination. Are you a chuunibyou?"

"I'm not, okay!? I'm not suffering from chuunibyou anymore!!"

"How boring."

"Hey, 'boring'..."

"Hahaha, just kidding. —So? Did you need something?"

"—Huh? Ah, no... it's nothing."

"What's that supposed to be."

"...Well, whatever. Look, the princess is getting bored~"

Chitose urged Shidou toward Tohka, who was waving at them from ahead.

Ever since earlier, she had been showing signs of trying to get Shidou and Tohka to get along better—as if saying she herself didn't matter.

In fact, Shidou had thought this would be a date with just Tohka, so this situation was unexpected. He had thought that having Chitose around might ruin his date with Tohka.

——But in reality, even with Chitose present, Tohka's mood remained good.

By now, it was clear. Tohka had let her guard down around Chitose.

Shidou didn't know exactly when the two had met. But if Tohka had let her guard down... then he figured it was fine.

After all, it meant there was one more person who accepted her...

With that in mind, Shidou resolved to ask Chitose—whether she had done that intentionally.

But his chance to ask was cut off by Chitose's unintended words. Well, looking back, maybe that was for the best.

The reason he knew she was a Spirit was because Kotori and the others had informed him beforehand, not because he heard it directly from Chitose. So if he suddenly asked her about it, it was only natural she'd become wary. She might even see him as hostile.

Still, the conflict of wanting to know the truth made Shidou feel restless. If she was doing it intentionally... then he was in an extremely dangerous situation.

——But

"Hey! Chitose, hurry up and come here too!"

"Why should I... sigh, whatever."

Watching the two of them—watching Chitose—he couldn't believe she had done it intentionally.

The way she trudged over to Tohka, looking annoyed... was a little... just a little? Though unique, to Shidou, she seemed like nothing more than an ordinary girl.

She carried an atmosphere fitting her age, treated Tohka gently, and interacted with Shidou—whom she was meeting for the first time—frankly. All of it felt natural.

Would someone like that intentionally make others unhappy? ——He didn't think so. Even if she was causing unhappiness, it surely wasn't something she intended.

That's why... Shidou thought. And then... he decided.

——If this girl was suffering because of his power, he would do everything he could to save her from that suffering...

Shidou headed toward the two making a commotion in the distance. Holding a new resolve in his heart, to save the girls before his eyes——

Shido's questions began to be answered by the next footage Reine displayed after operating her terminal again—through the hastily scribbled text.

What was written there was—

—Dark, dark, sinking to the depths—

—Everything around is monochrome black—

—In darkness that continues eternally—

—I kept sinking deeper and deeper—

—Unable to grasp anything, unable to see anything—

—All that was there... was peace—

—My heart feels at ease, healed—

—Sinking into darkness where only happiness exists—

—Nothing else exists there—

—There's nothing that threatens—

—I want to stay like this forever, in this darkness—

—I want to entrust everything of mine—

—I don't need anything else, only this darkness—

—I want to seek only this peace—

—There absolutely doesn't exist—

—The fear that spreads through this world—

"What... is this..."

The text felt somewhat eerie.

If one were to describe it in words... perhaps "prison"?

Once you enter, you can't escape. Once you taste it, you can't break free.

Even if you could escape the prison, that darkness would persistently linger.

Addictive like drugs. Permeating and corroding the body.

—Corroding. Body, mind, even the soul—

"...It seems to be something written by one of the squad members who managed to escape. They were apparently made to freely write about what they saw while sleeping or how they felt. The result is... as you can see."

"Based on this, AST named her 'The One Who Sinks into the Depths'—hence Abyss(Abyss). Don't you think it's quite fitting?"

"...Some AST members are probably still being corroded by the darkness she shows(enchants with). It seems some who returned eventually fell into coma again over time. There's no guarantee that just because they returned, they're safe."

"I don't know if she's doing this intentionally. ...That's exactly why you need to be careful, Shido. If you get captured by that darkness, it's literally game over..."

"Chitose."

"—Huh? What is it, Mr. Protagonist? Don't mind me and go on your date with Tohka. She's your girlfriend, right?"

"No, she's not—"

"Hey now. Don't tell me you're messing with Tohka—"

"No, no! I'm trying to help Tohka learn about this world—"

"Hearing just that part makes it sound like you're overthinking things. Are you a chuunibyou?"

"I'm not!? I'm not suffering from chuunibyou anymore!!"

"How boring."

"You think I'm boring..."

"Hahaha, just kidding. —So? What did you need?"

"—Eh? Ah, no... it's nothing."

"What's with that? ...Well, whatever. Look, the princess is getting bored~"

Chitose urged Shido toward Tohka, who was waving at them from ahead, as if pushing him to go to her.

Since earlier, she had been showing signs of trying to make things work between Shido and Tohka—as if saying she herself didn't matter.

Actually, since Shido had thought this would be a date with just Tohka, this situation was unexpected. He had thought that having Chitose here might ruin his date with Tohka.

—But in reality, even with Chitose present, Tohka was in good spirits.

By now it was clear. Tohka had let her guard down around Chitose.

Shido didn't know exactly when they had met. But if Tohka had let her guard down... then that should be fine, he thought.

After all, there were now more people who accepted her...

Shido had resolved to ask Chitose—whether she had done that intentionally.

But that opportunity was lost when Chitose unintentionally interrupted him. Well, thinking back now, maybe that was for the best.

The reason he knew she was a Spirit was because Kotori and the others had informed him beforehand, not because he heard it directly from Chitose. So if he suddenly asked about it, it was inevitable she would become wary. She might even become hostile.

However, the conflict of wanting to know the truth still made Shido feel anxious. If she was doing it intentionally... then he was in an extremely dangerous situation.

—But

"Hey! Chitose, come quickly too!"

"Why do you... sigh, whatever."

Watching the two of them... watching Chitose, it didn't seem like she was doing it intentionally.

The way she reluctantly headed toward Tohka... was a bit... a bit? While unique, to Shido she just seemed like an ordinary girl.

She carried an atmosphere appropriate for her age, treated Tohka gently, and interacted frankly with Shido even though it was their first meeting—all of it felt natural.

Would such a girl intentionally make people unhappy? —He didn't think so. Even if she was making people unhappy, it probably wasn't something she intended.

That's exactly why... Shido thought. And then... he decided.

—If this girl was suffering because of her own power, he wanted to save her from that suffering with all his might...

Shido headed toward the two making noise in the distance. Holding a new determination in his heart, to save the girls before his eyes—