Chapter 1171: Don't Expect to Get Off Easy Next Time
Sayaka was utterly exasperated.
At the time, she had been focused on how to survive—how could she have cared about anything else!
Of course.
She omitted the part about the boy named Eiji, claiming instead that she had single-handedly defeated the Annihilation Priest and the homunculus. Everything else, including the part where the Annihilation Priest was taken away by the Fourth True Ancestor, was disclosed without reservation.
In truth, if Eiji hadn't shown up to save the day, she would already be a corpse by now.
Just thinking about it sent another wave of fear through her.
"First, report on the mission!"
Sayaka slapped her cheeks hard to snap herself back to attention.
She found a secluded spot, took out her phone, and dialed a specific number.
"Is the mission complete?"
From the other end of the line came a cool, composed young woman's voice.
"For now, yes."
Sayaka sighed heavily.
"The violin case has been delivered to the Adyrad Abbey, and I've met the Fourth True Ancestor… though I nearly died in the process."
"Heh."
For some reason, the person on the other end chuckled softly.
"What? Is it funny that I almost died?"
Sayaka's eyebrows shot up in irritation.
The person on the other end was her contact for this mission.
Though they had never met, given her status as an elite Mage-Warrior, within the Lion King Organization, aside from the Three Saints, instructors, department heads, and a few seasoned veterans, she had no reason to show anyone respect!
If you dare laugh at me, don't blame me for cursing you!
"It's nothing. Please continue."
The laughter on the other end quickly faded.
Sayaka rolled her eyes openly.
But all she wanted now was to rest, and she had no energy to stir up trouble, so she recounted the day's events to her contact once more.
This time, she laid everything out—not just about the Fourth True Ancestor and Rudolf, but also about Eiji.
"I see. Understood."
The cool voice acknowledged with clarity.
"Since it's confirmed that the Fourth True Ancestor is on Itogami Island, you'll remain there for the time being. Continue investigating the Fourth True Ancestor's identity and objectives."
"Understood…"
Sayaka sighed wearily.
She had wanted to leave the island as soon as possible, but now she was stuck here indefinitely.
Still, there was no helping it. The Fourth True Ancestor was a matter of utmost importance and had to be investigated promptly.
At the very least, they needed to uncover the face hidden beneath that armor.
That would make future work easier.
"By the way, there's something I want to ask!"
Suddenly recalling something, Sayaka's expression turned serious.
"Why was that violin case sent to the Adyrad Abbey? Did the higher-ups already know it had ties to the Fourth True Ancestor?"
"I'm not sure about that."
The person on the other end replied without hesitation.
"I'll report everything you've mentioned to the higher-ups. I look forward to your future results."
With that, the call ended.
Sayaka didn't press further.
After all, a mere contact likely had no insight into what the higher-ups were thinking.
This matter would have to be discussed with someone of greater authority.
"Grrrgle~"
A loud growl erupted from her stomach.
Sayaka's expression fell as she patted her empty belly.
"No use overthinking it now. Filling my stomach comes first!"
She left the secluded alley and headed toward the bustling main street.
The mention of food suddenly reminded her.
"I have no way to contact Eiji at all!"
That guy left in such a hurry last time—he didn't even leave a phone number, let alone arrange a next meeting place!
How is she supposed to find him like this?
"But isn't it better that he's not around?"
Sayaka muttered to herself.
Right.
That annoying guy had such a troublesome personality, and she'd already suffered enough dealing with him for just one day.
If she couldn't see him, wasn't that actually a good thing?
However.
Hmm.
For some reason.
She still felt a faint sense of regret in her heart.
...
At the shoreline.
The girl ended her call while gazing at the Pacific Ocean looming dangerously like a giant beast in the distant night.
She had twin braids, wore black-framed glasses, and carried an unknown book under her arm. Though her features were quite delicate, her fashion sense was inexplicably plain, making her nearly invisible in a crowd.
"The Fourth True Ancestor won't harm you, Sayaka."
Facing the sea breeze, the girl let out a cheerful laugh.
After all, he had personally protected her himself!
With his protection, the space around her should be the safest place in the world.
"I'm a little envious."
The girl sighed with melancholy.
Originally, the Lion King Organization had planned to assign another girl to "monitor" the Fourth True Ancestor—a girl with exceptional qualifications no less impressive than Sayaka's. But she had strongly opposed this, overriding all objections to assign Sayaka instead.
Because she knew that other girl wouldn't do—she had no connection with that person. If she came to investigate the Fourth True Ancestor, she probably wouldn't find even a trace.
The only one with that connection was Sayaka.
But when it came down to it, she couldn't help feeling intense envy.
In comparison, she was merely a useful subordinate who had hardly received any favor from that person, while Sayaka had gained his attention immediately upon arrival!
Even though she had been teased all day long—
What an honor it was to be toyed with by that person!
But she didn't feel jealous.
That person was like the wind itself.
No matter what, humans cannot catch the wind—one can only wait quietly for its blessing.
"Next, I'll send Sayaka to that person's side."
...
The night passed by like flowing water.
Western District of the Artificial Island, top floor of a high-rise building.
Eiji woke up in the spacious bed, yawned, and stretched. After a night of deep sleep, he was full of energy.
"Good morning, Natsumi-chan!"
After changing into his school uniform, Eiji went downstairs and saw his guardian sipping black tea and reading the newspaper on the sofa early in the morning.
Eiji plopped down on the sofa and opened a takeout container with a look of disgust.
It was from the same place as always.
After eating it for over half a year, he was really getting sick of it.
In this household, whether it was the tables, chairs, sofa, appliances, or stove, everything was lower than in typical homes. Correspondingly, most of the outer wall was made of glass, offering a view of most of the artificial island.
"There was an incident on the East Island last night. Do you know anything about it?"
The petite guardian set her teacup on the table, her cold gaze fixed on Eiji.
"Is that so? What kind of accident happened?"
While eating takeout, Eiji asked with a face full of surprise.
"The Demon Tribe was attacked... Even the legendary Fourth True Ancestor appeared. According to eyewitnesses, it's a very petty individual."
As she said this, a pleased curve lifted at the corner of Nangong Nayue's lips.
Excellent.
Sayaka.
Next time we meet, you won't get off easy!