After working through his usual physical training at the temple, Tatsuya decided to ask Yakumo about the recent Vampire Incidents.
"Master."
"My, my. As expected of you, Tatsuya-kun. I certainly never expected anyone to break through my Cloak of Fleeing Water."
"That wasn't your usual illusion magic, was it?"
"I suppose you would figure that out. The Cloak is originally a technique designed to deceive eyes that do not belong to this world. As for the mechanics behind it... I'm sure someone like you understands immediately."
Tatsuya offered a wry smile at Yakumo's deflection. The monk had anticipated exactly what Tatsuya wanted to ask and had preemptively shown him a technique to counter it.
"I am a human being, Master..."
"You are certainly human, yes. But you aren't an ordinary human, are you? A human capable of shattering the Cloak can hardly be called ordinary anymore."
Half of it was likely a joke, but Yakumo's expression remained as elusive and detached as ever. Trying to divine his true intentions was like trying to grasp smoke; his inner thoughts remained completely opaque.
"Perhaps the Fujibayashi young lady might know something?"
"My aunt has forbidden me from making contact with her."
"That prohibition applies to interacting with a member of the 'Independent Magic-Equipped Battalion,' does it not? I would think meeting the 'daughter of the Fujibayashi Family' in a casual capacity would fall outside those restrictions."
"That kind of sophistry won't work on my aunt. And you know that, Master."
Yakumo grinned with evident amusement at Tatsuya's reproachful gaze.
"That is as much as I can tell you. I cannot say anything more for free."
"For a monk, you are remarkably materialistic, Master..."
"You say that often enough, don't you? I admit it—I am a corrupt priest, after all."
Even as he spoke self-deprecatingly, Yakumo didn't truly believe it. Tatsuya knew this clearly.
"Bring Miyuki-kun next time. If it were her, I would tell her everything for free."
"Miyuki does not particularly like coming here."
"Is that so? ...What a pity."
Tatsuya was certain that Yakumo was the sole reason Miyuki disliked visiting. Yakumo was fully aware of this fact, yet refused to change his behavior—proof that he was simply enjoying himself at their expense.
"Come to think of it, similar incidents are occurring in America, aren't they? If I recall, don't you have a friend studying abroad there?"
"Master... are you suggesting the cause of the Parasite outbreak lies in America?"
"Well, they came from America, didn't they? The Parasites."
Leaving only that cryptic hint, Yakumo refused to speak further. Tatsuya, knowing better than to press him, did not attempt to pry any more information from the monk.
Two days had passed since visiting Leo in the hospital.
Erika and Mikihiko seemed to be moving with desperate urgency; both wore expressions of deep exhaustion at school. During lunch breaks, Erika would collapse onto her desk, falling asleep instantly with soft, rhythmic breaths, while Mikihiko would head straight for the infirmary the moment he finished eating. Mizuki was left in charge of looking after him.
Meanwhile, Tatsuya had a concern of his own. He asked Honoka to help him place a call to Shizuku.
"Shizuku? Sorry to call so suddenly."
『No, it's fine. What's wrong?』
"Um, Tatsuya-san said there was something he absolutely needed to ask you."
Having explained the situation, Honoka nodded to Tatsuya.
"I'm sorry for calling so late at night. I considered sending an email, but I thought talking directly would make it easier to get to the point."
Modern communication systems could display video on small handheld terminals with a clarity that rivaled face-to-face interaction. Through the screen of his terminal, utilizing the simultaneous call function, Tatsuya saw Shizuku's face. Although less than a month had passed, she looked slightly more mature than he remembered.
『It's okay. It's only eight o'clock.』
The girl on the screen narrowed her eyes slightly in a smile. It was a subtle expression, as always, yet they could all tell she was genuinely happy.
『So, what is it?』
"Ah, I heard from Honoka that vampires are running rampant over there, too. I wanted to know if you had any detailed information... Shizuku?"
When Shizuku tilted her head to the side with an adorable, inquisitive motion, Tatsuya couldn't help but call her name.
『...Oh, that. So, a vampire really appeared in Japan?』
"In Japan?"
『In America, it's still being treated as an urban legend. At the very least, the media isn't reporting on it.』
"Just rumors are fine. I want to know as much detail as possible."
『Did something happen?』
Tatsuya wasn't foolishly honest enough to say, 'I talked to Yakumo and thought I might get more details from you.' However, he hesitated, feeling that he shouldn't burden a girl living alone in a foreign country with the fact that their friend had become a victim.
"Leo was attacked by something that looked like a vampire. Fortunately, his life isn't in danger."
『No...』
"No, really, he's okay, so don't look like that. Leo managed to repel the vampire on his own. He just took some damage from the opponent's unique ability during the fight, so he's in the hospital as a precaution."
Tatsuya's attempt at comfort wasn't exactly skilled, but Shizuku's expression brightened.
『He's really okay? That's good... I see. So that's why you want to know what's happening over here, Tatsuya-san.』
Shizuku asked not with doubt, but with certainty. Tatsuya affirmed it.
"However, it's not absolutely critical. Just tell me what you know, within reason."
『But you think there's a clue in America. Don't you?』
"Not just a clue. To be honest, I suspect the culprit behind the Vampire Incident came from America. That is exactly why I want you to avoid doing anything dangerous, Shizuku. Please, do not cross any dangerous bridges. This information isn't worth risking your safety."
『...Okay. I won't push myself. So just wait for me, and don't expect too much.』
"Just to be clear: the 'don't expect too much' part refers to the information, correct? I can trust you on the 'not doing anything dangerous' part, right?"
『Of course. I don't want you to get mad at me, Tatsuya-san.』
Shizuku was neither an idiot nor reckless, yet despite his renewed warning, Tatsuya still felt a vague sense of unease. When he ended the call and turned his gaze to Miyuki and Honoka, both looked somewhat dissatisfied—and somewhat uneasy.
"What's wrong?"
"Shizuku seemed remarkably happy, didn't she?"
"Isn't that because she was able to see you and Miyuki?"
"Brother, please do not feign ignorance. No matter how you look at it, Shizuku's expression showed she was happy to speak with you."
Shrugging his shoulders to deflect Miyuki's interrogation, Tatsuya began walking back to the classroom at a pace that was brisk, but not unnatural.
(Author's Note)
Shizuku is cute, after all. Cuteness is justice!
Sorry, my excitement got a little out of hand there...
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