Chapter 18

Perhaps out of curiosity about what kind of supernatural ability Kaoru possessed, or perhaps simply because they did not believe she could take any effective action—whatever the reason, throughout the entire process, the person behind the scenes clearly had no intention of stopping her, thus allowing Kaoru to fully unleash her “supernatural power.”

What sounded forth was a song like an angel’s lullaby. A melody never heard before, gentle and peaceful enough to make one feel as if their very soul was being purified along with it.

All irritation and unease were swept away; there was a stillness like the surface of a calm lake, a warmth and peace like a spring breeze brushing across the water, sunlight scattering golden rays.

Pure white feathers drifted down, carried by a wind from nowhere, fluttering like a snow that was not cold. They fell softly into the hands of everyone present, carrying a gentle warmth that was not burning.

As if under some spell, no one discarded the feathers. Instead, they carefully and reverently cupped them in their palms. Then, like the first snow melting swiftly, each feather dissolved into tiny sparkles—yes, like stardust ground from diamonds—so radiant that one could hardly look away.

The light quickly faded, but as it vanished, the faces of the once frenzied zealots gradually froze.

They seemed to awaken suddenly from an absurd and bizarre nightmare, finally beginning to examine just how outrageous and ridiculous their previous actions had been.

“Ah, this is...”

“A bomb! It’s a bomb!”

“There’s not much time left...! Save me, I don’t want to die!”

For a moment, the scene grew chaotic, yet it was as if a meticulously disguised nightmare of splendor was finally shattered awake, ushering in a reality that, though less beautiful, was undeniably true.

Saigiku Tateno could not see exactly what was happening, but with his keen hearing, he was able to gather enough information to form a rough judgment of the current situation.

The ordinary citizens, who had been the greatest obstacle to their operation and seemed unable to move freely, were finally “awakened,” all thanks to the girl’s song.

Was it a supernatural power? If so, Saigiku had to admit this was undoubtedly the most uniquely beautiful ability he had ever encountered.

—For Saigiku Tateno, who had no sight but exceptional hearing, the shock and messages carried by sound surpassed all else in this world.

No one could have found more comfort and awe from this lullaby than he did.

“This is truly... an unforeseen development.” The broadcast finally began, but there was not a trace of anger or resentment at the disruption of the plan. Instead, an almost uncontrollable joy shone through, like a traveler stumbling through darkness for too long catching a glimpse of a ray of light.

“Miss Kaoru... no, Your Holiness the Saint!”

“That Russian did not deceive us. Indeed, we have found your trace here in Yokohama! Allow us to welcome you back to the Sanctuary. The Twelve Saints have long awaited your arrival.”

“This will surely be—the salvation for all humanity!”

Compared to before, his voice was thick with overwhelming emotion, tinged with a faint hint of madness.

One could imagine that if he were present in person rather than watching through a monitor set up somewhere, he might have rushed out then and there to hold Kaoru in his arms, like a dragon clutching a rare treasure, refusing to ever let go.

For now, he could only gaze at Kaoru greedily through the screen, scrutinizing her from head to toe. If anyone stood before him, they would see the ecstasy written all over his face, twisted to the point of grotesque expression.

“Please come back to the Sanctuary with me.” The person behind the scenes once again extended this invitation with fervent devotion. “You will be the only light in this dark, somber, and sinful world, the herald who brings God’s gospel to mankind!”

“I refuse.” Kaoru was not the sort to be easily swayed or have her thoughts and attitude influenced by others. On the contrary, this young girl, still tender in age, possessed a confidence and resolve that many adults could scarcely match.

Just as she had once been told by Dia—Kaoru’s brilliance was flawless. Like a diamond, perfect and radiant.

Perhaps, besides her beloved elder brother, Kaito Tsukiyomi, who held a special place deep in her heart, nothing could make Kaoru change her mind or attitude.

“They are just a bunch of dark schemers hiding in the shadows, resorting to such despicable means to act,” she said, glancing at the bombs with a cold sneer.

“I have no interest in standing with the likes of you!”

She clasped her hands together before her chest, as if in prayer. “White Wing!”

White feathers, materialized through her supernatural power, appeared once more out of thin air, enveloping each bomb and whisking them away. Then, like a swirling white tornado, they carried the bombs out through the exit and finally cast them high into the sky beyond the station.

“Beep beep beep beep!”

Accompanied by the increasingly urgent beeping of the bomb countdown, as the feathers lifted the explosives to their highest point in the air, the final second arrived—and they exploded with a bang!

What should have brought endless disaster, death, and sorrow caused no damage at all. To the unaware passersby, it appeared as fireworks blooming in midair.

The golden-haired girl, dressed in a pink-and-white princess gown with snow-white wings spread behind her, lifted her eyes, her gaze clear and pure, as if able to see through the screen.

This gaze should have been oppressive, yet to the person behind the scenes, the hostility contained within it was utterly ignored. All they knew was that their entire spirit had been completely captivated, leaving no will to resist or struggle.

They heard the voice of a presence noble as a celestial maiden—dignified, sacred, beautiful—speaking with a chill and disdainful mockery.

“Now, let me see what other tricks you plan to use to take me away.”