I became a heart-stealing thief in Azure Files

Chapter Fifty-Seven: The Relationship Between 'Hall' and 'Hall'

衣3V棋蹴锍3肰'Sizzle……'

The aroma of meat wafting from the kitchen, along with the soft sizzling of chunks of meat rolling in hot oil, created a 'melody of life' that left the short-haired girl, enveloped in steam and wearing only a yukata, bewildered and hesitant.

The coats and clothes, stained with dirt from battles and daily life, were taken to the washroom by Saori for cleaning as soon as they were taken off.

Given Kivotos's technological capabilities, it would take at least two to three hours from sending it for washing to complete drying and until it's wearable.

This time was roughly the same time the four members of the team announced their withdrawal after dinner.

Standing at a distance in the kitchen doorway, watching the young man busy inside, his figure reflected in the frosted glass-like window, a layer of mist obscuring his face, Misaki was at a loss for what to do.

...Shall we get closer?

Or……

Looking down at the yukata she was wearing—a new material (note: developed by the engineering department using Eden alloy) that was practically tailor-made for her, incredibly lightweight yet able to ward off the winter chill—Misaki ultimately gave up on the idea of ​​going into the kitchen.

She had assumed that the organization established by the 'Federal Students' Association' and the 'Sensei' they had invited were completely unrelated to her—there was no way she would ever have any contact with them.

However, that being who should have been surrounded by many students noticed them, Arius's team, in a... dark little corner.

Perhaps it was out of pity that a ray of light was cast upon him...

Or is it that helping them is something insignificant to him...?

"..."

Misaki suddenly realized that there were too many unexpected things in this world.

When she received the "Scapegoat Angel" from Amamiya and was asked if she had the courage to face death, she thought she could shoot herself in a vital spot without any hesitation or psychological reservations...

In fact, in the extremely short time between 'receiving the summoner' and 'pressing the gun against his chin and pulling the trigger,' he thought of far too many things.

Even though death might be the 'final ending' she longed for, Misaki only realized it when she was so close to death that her yearning and longing for death was nothing more than wishful thinking and 'self-liberation'.

What exactly are my own thoughts?

The expectations and dependence of her friends, along with other emotions, made her feel somewhat lost about her current situation.

Reason tells me that the education I've received all along has been wrong...

But my current feelings are conflicting with the worldview I've always held...

This is a kind of 'conflict' that is difficult to describe in words.

What was I thinking at the moment I 'fired' the shot?

The flickering of a bright candle flame in the darkness?

Is it still the starry sky that I could often see when I looked up at night?

'...'

'If you don't understand it, let's not think about it for now.'

'...Perhaps I really should try to get to know this 'strange adult' who isn't so far away from me.'

I felt Misaki's trust.

Coopation is now unblocked!

【Misaki Kaino (Dead) ★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆】

[★1 Ability "Death Longing" has been unlocked!]

"..."

Amamiya, who was making Leblanc curry, paused her work and looked towards Yuuki, seemingly sensing something. She was looking in the direction her newly established bond was pointing.

Through the frosted glass window shrouded in kitchen smoke, he could vaguely see the back of a girl in slippers and pajamas gradually receding into the distance.

"The situation of Arius's team, and Trinity..."

"It seems that resolving these issues is urgent."

Looking back on what he had seen in the other world today, the Palace of Beatrice, and the erosion that seemed to be 'rooted in every part of the Impression Space', Amamiya sighed deeply, feeling for the first time that things were getting a little tricky.

Impressionist spaces are reflections of the real world...

Beatrice's ability to extend her 'temple' so terrifyingly, even into the space of impressions... reminded Amamiya of the false god the Phantom Thieves fought in the end, and the enemy they would face in the third semester, an enemy that could hardly be called an 'enemy'.

At that time, Maruki also developed a connection with Impression Space, like Beatrice, which extended from the temple to Impression Space.

If Beatrice is unaware of the other world and has no way to influence it... then this situation means that she has already gained absolute control over the entire Arios branch school.

Or to put it another way, the Arios branch campus has been thoroughly eroded by nihilism such as "nothingness," and there is no possibility of rekindling any hope.

'Vines...palace...'

Amamiya pondered, then suddenly thought of the Trinity's Impression Space, which was also related to 'plants'—

The Holy Trinity Impression Space is a cluster of castles consisting of medieval castles under the World Tree.

And the World Tree, like Beatrice's vines, 'takes root' in various parts of the Holy Trinity's Garden of Eden... appearing ordinary and even becoming a kind of scene decoration.

In reality, these intertwined 'tree roots' can also symbolize a complex and intricate relationship.

Having conquered many halls, Amamiya realized the anomaly in the Impression Space and began to reflect on his observations and feelings during his conquests.

'The rulers of the temple are ruled...and this leads to the emergence of rulers beyond the rulers themselves...is this even possible?'

If Beatrice's image is that of a "mastermind" behind the scenes, then she is indeed capable of "cultivating" twisted beings who possess temples.

Then, through other means, such as exploitation, seduction, or domination, they eventually control the master of another 'temple'.

This situation is possible.

Amamiya had previously made contact with a 'Phantom Thieves member' codenamed Wonder in a certain timeline.

That 'leader of the Phantom Thieves' in another sense has encountered such a situation.

'If Beatrice can control the highest levels of Trinity—that is, someone at the tea party—then she can indeed manipulate events between Trinity and Arius at will.'

'And if this phenomenon is reflected in impression space...'

Amamiya rubbed his temples and gave a final summary.

Beatrice's temple spreads and controls the 'Misty Rose Garden'.

The same is true of the intricate root system of the Holy Trinity's 'World Tree'.

Beatrice may be extending its reach to Trinity...

Reflected in another world, that is...

"As the shadow of that angel had said before, 'Eden' is in turmoil."

In addition...

If my prediction is correct, I should go to the Trinity's Impression Space right now and check it out. I might be able to find what appears to be the 'Black Thorn' from the Beatrice Temple.

Moreover, these black thorns will surely cling to the tree roots and follow them all the way to the very top of the World Tree—that is, the Garden of Eden.

'This is troublesome...'

Amamiya frowned, muttering to himself.

—Unlike the previous predicament of Abydos, and the subsequent hidden dangers of the Millennium Technology Academy.

The problems at Trinity are much more complicated.

"It seems... we need to conduct a more rigorous and detailed exploration of Trinity's alternate world..."

"In addition, it's time to really get in touch with the core members of the tea party."

Chapter 58 Ako: The most frustrating episode!

Saori had no idea how long she had been soaking in the bathtub.

Only after the water in the bathtub gradually cooled down and she felt a slight discomfort did she sit up with a splash, quickly wipe her body, and change into the specially prepared bathrobe.

After hurriedly opening the bathroom door, the scene before her eyes left her slightly stunned.

……

"Please take your time eating... I have plenty of curry left."

"Hiyori... there's no need to be so afraid of me. I really wouldn't... lock you in some basement. By the way, where did you hear this rumor from?"

"Misaki, even for your health, you should eat more... You're the biggest contributor to today's energy expenditure."

"Azuko, should I try feeding her? Ah~"

Standing at the bathroom door, Saori, simply draped in a yukata, froze, unable to recover from the scene before her for a long time.

I have this inexplicable feeling of 'soreness' in the corners of my eyes...

I never imagined that everyone in Arius's team would actually have such a 'normal' day.

—You know, even just recently at Christmas, they were only in a cheap, rented room, making do with their last bit of money…

"Saori?"

Noticing Saori standing blankly at the bathroom door, leaning against the door frame in a daze, Amamiya greeted her with amusement.

"Change your clothes first... Your clothes have been washed and dried beforehand, you can change now... Go to the restroom over there to change."

"Come over for dinner as soon as you're done changing."

Strange... the soreness in my eyes seems to have gotten worse... even in my nose...

Is it an illusion?

Take a deep breath and calm yourself down...

Calm down... This is a required course for members of Arius's squad...

The emotion conveyed between her brows became softer than she had ever imagined. The mature, cool, and handsome girl slowly lowered her head and gave a soft, almost imperceptible response.

"……Um."

……

After hosting Saori and her group for dinner, Amamiya watched as the girls, refreshed and full of energy, their faces beaming with an unprecedented sense of happiness and even a touch of euphoria, quietly departed into the increasingly quiet night.

Saori, carrying a travel bag filled with strange spoils, turned back for one last look at Amamiya, who stood in the sun-drenched Sharai residential area.

"Thank you for your hospitality, Sensei... Time is of the essence, we need to dispose of the stolen goods as soon as possible..."

"Looking forward to your next contact."

In response, Amamiya's calm and gentle voice said, "Xia Lai, you are always welcome."

【~??~】(from Hiyori)

【~???~】(From Saori; Azuko)

【~?~】(from Misaki)

After watching the 'special team' disappear into the night, Amamiya finally looked away.

According to the plan, the next step should be to explore the Trinity Impression Space...

It seems we need to contact Hifumi and borrow the resources of the cram school...

Alternatively, contact the pastry department and ask them...

In any case, Amamiya believed that even if he had the opportunity to make contact with the Justice Realization Committee, it would be impossible for him to gain their true trust in a very short time.

Similarly, regarding Gehenna's Disciplinary Committee... although it currently has the support of the Disciplinary Committee Chairman and enjoys a good reputation among a considerable number of Disciplinary Committee members, will they be willing to disobey the orders from the Pandemonium when the time comes...?

That was almost predictable.

Things like "I will also disobey the orders of the Demon Palace!", "If this continues, the Demon Palace will be destroyed!", and "I appoint you as the head of the Disciplinary Committee"—things from novels like "Rebirth: I am a member of the Mountain Team"—could never happen in reality.

"Let's see if there are any invitations we can handle tonight..."

“Especially those sent by Trinity, we need to pay extra attention to them.”

Rubbing her temples, Amamiya still opened her phone and checked today's momotalk.