Chapter 1212: If You Want to Die, Don't Drag Me Down
LCO, an acronym for "Library Of Criminal Organization," is also known as the Library.
It is a world-renowned massive criminal organization, composed solely of high-ranking magicians and witches, with a membership numbering in the thousands.
The Library earned its name from its vast collection of grimoires. They collect, categorize, and seal grimoires from all over the world, lending them only to chosen individuals. Their purpose is not to advance magical arts nor to protect world peace, but solely to wield power to satisfy their own desires, making them outright terrorists.
Take, for example, the Crimson Witch Octavia and the Jet-Black Witch Emma.
They belong to LCO's First Platoon, "Philosophy," and are Class-A international criminals. They once conducted dangerous magical experiments within the Northern Sea Empire, causing an entire prefecture to vanish from the map, hence their alias, the Witches of Ashdown.
As for Yuuma Kijyou, she holds no international reputation.
Yet, she is the primary leader of this operation.
Even this sisterly pair of witches must follow her commands.
Because she is the person in charge, only she can negotiate with the Fourth True Ancestor.
Of course, if the mission fails, the responsibility falls entirely on the leader; they bear no blame whatsoever.
These two sisters likely harbor such self-serving intentions.
"Hah, Mother?"
The Fourth True Ancestor let out a light scoff.
It seemed almost scornful.
Yuuma Kijyou frowned slightly, feeling a sense of aversion.
"You've never seen Kijyou Aya since birth, have you? She was imprisoned ten years ago, and you were born ten years ago. How could she have given birth to you?"
Yuuma Kijyou's expression changed dramatically.
"You... how do you know these things?"
It was true.
Despite her appearance as a youthful, beautiful girl who seemed sixteen or seventeen, she had actually just turned ten this year!
Because from the moment she was born, she had the form of a six-year-old child!
This was a secret known only to a very few within LCO. She had told no one, not even her childhood friend Kojou Akatsuki. Why did the Fourth True Ancestor know?
Emma and Octavia exchanged a glance, seeing shock reflected in each other's eyes.
Why did this Fourth True Ancestor seem omniscient?
"I have no desire to discuss this with you."
The Fourth True Ancestor coldly refused to answer her question.
"Regardless of your doubts about your origins, you will ultimately need to open the Prison Barrier and see Kijyou Aya in person to learn the truth."
"And I also wish to open the Prison Barrier. In this regard, our goals align, so I will specially assist you this time."
"I have only one demand: don't mess this up! You can manage that, can't you?"
"..."
Yuuma Kijyou took a deep breath.
She forcibly suppressed the tumult of complex emotions in her heart and bowed her head respectfully.
"Yes, we will certainly live up to your expectations!"
...
The next day, Saturday.
The Bormio Festival arrived as scheduled. The streets of Demon Sanctuary Island were filled with pumpkin lanterns, witches, and vampires reminiscent of Halloween, with crowds singing and dancing as streams of people flowed through the avenues.
In the eyes of genuine witches and vampires, this scene was undoubtedly utterly ridiculous.
"Impressive. Has the spatial distortion truly not affected the festival at all?"
From the rooftop of a skyscraper dozens of meters high, the Crimson Witch Octavia marveled at the obliviousness of the people, though her tone dripped with extreme displeasure. It carried the frustration of someone as remarkable as herself being completely overlooked.
"Just keep quiet," the Jet-Black Witch Emma sighed wearily. "Let's finish this job cleanly and get it over with. I don't want to keep dancing on the Fourth True Ancestor's fingertips—having my life completely out of my control is too unsettling!"
The mere thought of being manipulated like a marionette in the Fourth True Ancestor's palm sent an involuntary shiver down Emma's spine.
If only the Fourth True Ancestor were a lecher, she thought. With her figure, she was confident she could become the True Ancestor's favorite. Unfortunately, his self-control was astonishingly firm, leaving her only with fear.
"You two, get ready."
Saydo Yuma stood before them, holding a grimoire that resembled a crystal ball. Intense magical energy continuously emanated from it, further distorting the surrounding space.
The two witches couldn't help but cast envious glances her way.
Grimoire No. 539.
Not only could it predict the future to some extent and warp space, but it even had the potential to summon entities from other timelines. Among all grimoires, this one was unquestionably in a league of its own.
Their own grimoires were powerful, but they paled in comparison.
"The security forces are here. Protect me!"
No sooner had Yuma spoken than a series of rotor sounds rapidly approached.
A pitch-black military helicopter rose straight from the ground, hovering directly above the trio. The powerful gusts whipped their clothes fiercely.
"Warning! Intruders, descend from the top of Keystone Gate immediately and surrender, or you will be treated as terrorists!"
The facility beneath their feet was Keystone Gate—the very center of Demon Sanctuary Island. Below them worked the members of the Senate and corporate employees, and it also served as the headquarters of the Special Security Team!
"No wonder they're so tense!"
The Crimson Witch laughed cheerfully. She pulled out the grimoire tucked under her arm, her expression taking on a mischievous, childlike glee.
"But telling terrorists you'll treat them as terrorists? You really have a sense of humor!"
Squelch, squelch!
In the blink of an eye, numerous tentacles burst forth from the distorted space. A massive tentacle lashed out, tearing the helicopter apart with a single blow!
"You fool!"
The Jet-Black Witch hastily placed her hand on her grimoire. The tentacle, which had been about to shatter the helicopter, instantly reduced its force, merely swatting the aircraft away. It wobbled unsteadily as it crashed toward the ground.
"If you want to die, don't drag me down with you!"
Scolded by her glare, the Crimson Witch finally snapped back to reality.
I'm doomed, doomed!
How could I try to kill someone under the Fourth True Ancestor's protection right in front of him?
"Mustn't kill, mustn't kill!"
The Crimson Witch nodded repeatedly.
Bound by the True Ancestor's majesty, the tentacles completely gave up counterattacking and instead tightly encircled the surroundings, leaving no gaps. Even missiles from attack helicopters couldn't blast through the layered tentacles.
"This should be fine now!"
The Crimson Witch wiped the cold sweat from her forehead.
"Passable."
The Jet-Black Witch also breathed a sigh of relief.
Now they just had to wait for Yuuma Kiyotaka to succeed.
"I think it's completely inadequate!"
"Rarely do I agree with you."
But immediately after, two girlish voices, one echoing the other, abruptly appeared behind them.
"Who are you?"
The two sisters turned around in utter astonishment.