Chapter 27: Information, Reyna Shionogi
"You are…"
Reyna stared at Rael for a moment, his expression shifting from confusion to recognition.
"Shhh."
Rael raised a finger to his lips, signaling him to stay quiet. There were too many people around, and Reyna seemed… popular.
As they held each other's gaze, a man approached.
"It's been a while, Young Master Reyna. Your father told me about your splendid awakening. A talent like yours is always welcome in the Association."
Reyna turned toward the newcomer and immediately recognized him—one of his father's business partners.
"You flatter me, Mr. Max. It's nothing extraordinary," Reyna replied calmly, offering a polite handshake.
"And this is…?" Max asked, shifting his attention to Rael. "I don't recall seeing your face before. Which family do you belong to?"
'Shit.'
Rael's mind raced. He had no idea what families existed in this area. The identification badge didn't display such information.
'Maybe I should say I was recently recruited after a sudden awakening…'
Before he could respond, Reyna noticed the slight tension in his expression.
"Hahaha! There's no need to be embarrassed," Reyna said lightly. "Our family values talent regardless of origin. I hadn't seen him in a while—I can't believe he actually passed the awakening test.
The orphanage truly has promising prospects."
"Oh! So you're another Aoyama recruit?" Max smiled approvingly. "It really is a golden year for your family. It's rare for newcomers to be allowed to participate in today's events."
"I'm sure everyone is looking forward to it," Reyna replied with a faint smile.
"Well, I won't interfere in the affairs of the young. Enjoy yourselves, Young Master Reyna."
Max departed.
Reyna immediately grabbed Rael by the sleeve and pulled him closer.
"Let's find somewhere quieter," he murmured.
-
After weaving through the crowded streets, they finally found a relatively secluded area.
"So," Reyna began, "may I ask why you're here? And what are your intentions? I doubt you belong to the Association."
"I need information," Rael answered, deliberately vague.
Reyna studied him carefully. He could tell Rael was still holding back—but he didn't mind.
This place. The Association. His so-called family. None of it mattered to him.
"You may ask what you want. I'll answer what I can. But be quick—we don't have much time."
"Why help me?" Rael asked. "You don't seem particularly concerned about what I'm doing here."
Reyna's fists clenched subtly.
"Because everyone here is selfish and greedy."
"…"
"And let's just say… I can vaguely perceive a person's intentions."
Rael frowned. "Perceive my intentions?"
Reyna didn't elaborate.
"I just want the truth," Rael said firmly. "What are the Awakened? How did they appear? What's the purpose behind all this?"
Reyna blinked.
"I assumed you were from another organization. But if you're asking those questions… You truly know nothing." He paused. "How did you get here without learning any of this?"
Rael remained silent.
"…I see." Reyna exhaled softly. "Fine. I'll summarize."
-
"A long time ago—perhaps hundreds, perhaps thousands of years ago—a 'bright star' crossed the skies of Kytherra, our planet. Some believe it was a meteor. It fractured in the atmosphere and fell in separate regions across the world. One fragment landed in Kyōtoshu."
Reyna looked up at the sky as he spoke.
"That star brought with it artifacts… and other unknown substances. After that, everything began to change—plants, animals, ecosystems… and eventually, humans."
"Artifacts?" Rael repeated.
"Yes. One of them is known as the Awakening Artifact. Organizations use it to forcibly awaken individuals. After coming into contact with an Awakening Artifact, the body undergoes a transformation. From that point on, the individual gains the ability to manipulate the ambient energy of the world and produce extraordinary effects. However, we still don't truly understand what that energy is. The prisoners you freed awakened naturally. That is precisely why they were captured."
Rael's eyes narrowed.
"The Association and other factions cannot afford to lose control," Reyna continued. "However…"
"However?"
"Things are accelerating. Natural awakenings were once extremely rare. Recently, they've become increasingly frequent. That suggests the world itself is undergoing rapid change."
"And that means…"
"A significant portion of humanity may awaken in the future," Reyna finished. "And when that happens…"
"Chaos," Rael said quietly.
"Exactly."
Reyna's expression hardened.
"I don't believe that would be a good outcome."
"Everyone deserves to know the truth," Rael interrupted firmly.
Silence hung between them.
Reyna sighed.
"Perhaps you're right."
He continued:
"After the artifacts were discovered, powerful families and clans monopolized them. Over time, they consolidated control over most Awakened. That gradual centralization is what created today's system."
"This Awakening Artifact… do you know where I can find one?" Rael asked.
Reyna stared at him.
"You're not thinking of doing what I think you're thinking, are you?" He shook his head faintly. "Artifacts like that are kept under extreme security. But… considering today's event… It's possible one may be displayed."
Rael's eyes sharpened.
"Good."
He was about to ask another question, but Reyna raised a hand.
"Our time is up. Security has been tightened since the incident in the District. Be more careful."
He glanced toward a group of approaching figures.
Reyna straightened his posture, his calm, aristocratic mask settling back into place.
Rael watched him walk away.
'It won't be long before they notice me… I need to move.'
'If there's an Awakening Artifact here…'
"Kirishima."
>"I'm listening," the mechanical voice replied in his mind.
"Scan the island for any unusual objects or high-density energy signatures. Prioritize anything resembling an artifact."
>"Understood, Rael-san."
High above, the camouflaged drone accelerated across the sky, searching.
-
In the shadows of a distant structure—
"Is everything prepared?" Edward asked quietly.
Draven nodded.
A slow smile spread across Edward's face.
"Then… let's begin."