"Well, she's gone now. Let's go meet Kaede," Alistair said.
Hikari and Tamagane stayed behind to continue their investigation into the actual murder, while Alistair and Yukino reached the summit. The shrine was surprisingly humble—a simple, elegant wooden structure.
"I expected something more... extravagant for a Kuryuin," Alistair noted.
"True power doesn't need to flaunt itself," Yukino replied.
"More guests? Oh, wait... Yukino?" A girl in miko robes stepped out, her eyes widening as she recognized her old friend.
Inside the shrine, the three sat around a low table.
"So," Kaede said, sipping her tea. "You've come to see if I can help Mr. Alistair control a... 'volatile' ability?"
"Yes," Yukino said, looking down. "I'm sorry for only visiting when I need something."
"It's fine. I can see you've been... 'relieved' of your stress. Alistair seems to have a very healthy constitution," Kaede teased, making Yukino turn scarlet. "Now, tell me about this power."
"It's my voice," Alistair said. "Everything I say becomes reality."
"Oh? Demonstrate."
"Look at me," Alistair said.
Kaede blinked. She tried to turn her head, but her eyes remained locked on Alistair's. No matter how she moved her body, her gaze was magnetically fixed.
"Word Soul (Kotodama)?" Kaede muttered. "Impressive. But you said it was 'uncontrollable.'"
"A friend is suppressing it for me right now. If she stops, I can't speak without accidentally altering the laws of physics."
"I see. You need a 'safety switch.' A seal should be simple enough," Kaede noted.
"Standard seals won't work. My power comes from a higher source. Try to resist it," Alistair challenged.
Kaede channeled her massive mana pool into a 'Resistance' ward. Nothing happened. She still couldn't look away. She summoned a magical barrier to block her sight; a hole literally dissolved in the barrier so she could keep looking at him.
"Fascinating," Kaede's eyes sparkled. "It's not just mana-based suggestion."
"It's annoying," Alistair sighed. "Release."
Kaede rubbed her neck. "I felt it. Your power doesn't draw from your own mana. You're using the World's Authority. When you speak, it isn't you giving the order—it's the Universe. And nothing living can disobey the Universe."