After Luo Shu voiced his suspicion that Abe no Seimei's return might be a test by certain forces regarding the world's capacity for Demigods, Kirika Tachibana pondered for a moment before speaking thoughtfully:
"Theoretically, that is possible."
"Based on current intelligence, even during the earliest appearances of the Abyss, there are only sparse records of Demigod Rank supernatural entities."
"When did they appear? When did they vanish? Where did they go after disappearing?"
"These questions remain unanswered to this day."
"If we hypothesise that back then, for some reason, our world—this planet—couldn't accommodate the emergence of Demigod Rank existences, causing these visiting Demigods to disappear, then the current situation would indeed make sense."
Hearing this, Meer frowned in confusion:
"But although Demigods only appeared briefly, haven't we discovered many Demigod Rank Abyss Artefacts?"
"If that's the case, why couldn't Demigod Rank beings exist while Demigod Rank artefacts remained intact? That doesn't add up, does it?"
At this, Kirika Tachibana also furrowed her brows and said hesitantly:
"That is indeed an unsolvable paradox. Demigod Rank individuals couldn't exist, yet Demigod Rank objects could? There's certainly something strange about that."
Just then, Luo Shu murmured quietly:
"Could it be that those vanished Demigods have all turned into so-called Demigod Rank Abyss Artefacts?"
As these words fell.
Meer and Kirika Tachibana's expressions froze.
The two exchanged glances, both guessing at a possibility, involuntarily holding their breath.
If this were true... then those powerful Abyss Artefacts in the hands of major organisations...
Surely not...
Just as the two were stunned, Lacus suddenly addressed Meer:
"Add this speculation to the investigation files."
"Understood..."
Meer acknowledged, then turned her head curiously towards Luo Shu, her eyes glinting mischievously as she said:
"Speaking of which, to propose such a speculation, Shu-kun, have you seen actual examples?"
Hearing this, Luo Shu recalled Mio Takamiya, sealed deep within the Hidden Management Zone, and the communicable Lucky Wallet and Demon Heart. After a moment's thought, he replied:
"You can assume I have."
"Oh." Meer immediately ceased further questioning. If Luo Shu wasn't willing to elaborate, she wouldn't press—after all, it wasn't information that absolutely needed exhaustive scrutiny.
Of course, if it were truly vital information requiring thorough investigation, she could always sneak into Luo Shu's bed at night and ask slowly. Whether with words or... other means, Luo Shu would surely satisfy her one way or another, wouldn't he?
Seeing Meer's lively, mischievous expression made Kirika Tachibana's lips twitch.
As an old colleague, she knew this girl's temperament all too well. Judging by Meer's expression, she was undoubtedly scheming something naughty again.
However, if the target of such mischief was Luo Shu, Kirika couldn't have cared less.
After all, these two would inevitably end up sharing a bed sooner or later. Letting them fool around now was just giving Lacus a trial run.
At that moment, Lacus, after prolonged contemplation, asked with utmost seriousness:
"Following Luo Shu's line of reasoning, can I assume there exists an unspoken force in the current world suppressing the emergence of Demigod Rank powerhouses? And that whenever they do appear, undesirable events like turning into Abyss Artefacts occur?"
As for this 'unspoken force,' both Luo Shu and Kirika Tachibana immediately thought of the Divine Pantheon Reconstruction System.
If the system's true purpose was indeed to cultivate and develop the Divine Pantheon, elevating Luo Shu as the new Supreme God King...
Then such restrictions on dangerous entities might very well be the system's doing.
At this, Kirika thought to herself:
'Suppressing the old monsters from acting, yet leaving peers unchecked—a man-made gladiatorial arena?'
'No wonder Luo Shu was so cautious, always strengthening himself at a snail's pace under the safest possible conditions. There was logic to it.'
'In an environment resembling a dark forest, where formidable beings could emerge at any moment, the wisest growth strategy for someone like Luo Shu was to conceal his existence, develop quietly, and only reveal himself once capable of self-protection.'
'Given the restrictions' intensity, what rank would Luo Shu need to reach before he could act freely? Hero Rank? Or Demigod?'
As Kirika pondered, Luo Shu suddenly confessed:
"Let me put it this way—I happen to know of a case where an existence beyond Demigod Rank was suppressed by some force."
"But since it's just one instance, I can't be certain."
Seeing Luo Shu being so cautious, Kirika Tachibana wasn't surprised.
Although the virtual space was developed by SDS, the actual developer, Tabane Shinonono, still had investigation privileges. Besides her, Verde, some other scientists, and Lacus's father, Siegel Clyne, also had corresponding access.
In such an environment, referring to the Divine Pantheon as a certain power was being prudent.
Thinking this, Kirika Tachibana shot Lacus a meaningful look:
After the meeting, they should consider bringing Tabane Shinonono into the Divine Pantheon ahead of schedule...
As old classmates and current partners, Lacus clearly understood Kirika's meaning. With a slight nod, she smoothly changed the subject:
"Then let's temporarily treat these individual cases as general matters for now."
"Following this line of thought."
"Abe no Seimei and those behind him, attempting to test whether the current environment permits Hero Rank advancement to Demigod, can almost be included in our investigation scope."
After speaking, Lacus smiled faintly:
"If most major forces in Japan remain silent, that would practically confirm it."
Japan's major powers only included the Onmyou Agency, the Cabinet, and the six major Buddhist sects that barely qualified for this assessment.
Among these factions, despite their complex relationships, the strong still held considerable authority.
Among them, there were quite a few suspected of surpassing Great Yokai in strength.
If Abe no Seimei were truly being used as a scapegoat, these forces would certainly not step forward to prevent his resurrection.
Hence, Lacus's assertion that silence would largely confirm their suspicions.
At this moment, Meer chimed in:
"Our contacts in the Onmyou Agency report that the Tsuchimikado director has tacitly permitted the Gokadoin Family to resurrect Abe no Seimei."
This seemed like further evidence.
Hearing this, Luo Shu turned to Meer. His knowledge about the Onmyou Agency director was limited, making him curious about Meer's mention of the official.
Kirika Tachibana then supplemented:
"The Onmyou Agency director has been attempting to advance further over the past decade - this isn't any secret in our circles."
"And ten years ago, he was already a Great Onmyoji who single-handedly defeated three Great Yokai with ease."
Realisation dawned on Luo Shu: "So you mean the Tsuchimikado director might be one of those tacitly allowing Abe no Seimei to attempt Demigod ascension?"
"Using his ancestor as a pathfinder... what a filial descendant."
Meer chuckled, then added:
"Oh, one more thing - the swallows report that Hao Asakura, previously in New York, has gone missing."
This evidence was so compelling that Luo Shu's expression froze momentarily.
Considering the relationship between Hao Asakura and Abe no Seimei, he strongly suspected Hao might also be using Seimei as a test case. Smiling wryly at Lacus, he remarked:
"Truly turbulent times!"
Lacus could only respond with a helpless smile:
"It seems we'll need to make some preparations in advance!"