Akihabara.
On the streets, lingering passersby stared blankly at the sky, their faces full of bewilderment:
"What's that in the sky? A magic circle? An arm? What on earth is going on..."
"Is it some new VR technology? I heard companies are working on holograms... but there's been no mention of it online?"
"Look, look! That hand seems to be disappearing - is the test over?"
While curious onlookers gathered below to watch the spectacle in the sky...
...
In Akihabara, Tomoki Asuka was sprinting towards Akihabara Station on foot when he saw the phenomenon above. A chill ran down his spine:
"That thing... is actually alive?"
At that moment, Tomoki Asuka's earpiece transmitted the forcibly calmed voice of Shigeaki Nagoya:
"Things have taken a turn for the worse, Asuka."
"The Five Great Powers have sent word that massive spatial fluctuations were detected above Akihabara. They suspect something terrifying is attempting to descend from the Abyss."
"Though I can hardly believe it myself, judging by current circumstances, that hand in the sky and the earlier magic circle appear to be the work of two separate groups."
Tomoki Asuka raised his hand to press the earpiece, panting heavily as he spoke:
"So you're saying two waves of Abyssal visitors are trying to descend into our world and have collided mid-air? And one of them is the owner of that ridiculous hand?"
"Correct." Shigeaki Nagoya's voice turned grave. "Though the reason remains unclear, this was likely the objective of those who attacked Akihabara."
Ignoring the red light, Tomoki charged across the pedestrian crossing before turning sharply into the subway station:
"Who exactly? Which organisation?"
"Unconfirmed, but Phenex Society is suspected. More likely though, it's Truth Astronomy behind them..."
Shigeaki Nagoya paused before warning:
"If that's truly the case, what we'll be facing next is probably the legendary noble demons."
"What about military support?"
Tomoki Asuka's expression darkened as he bypassed security to enter the subway station:
"They're the ones who stopped me from heading to that northern light pillar and ordered me to activate Abyss Artefact No.4-19 to rush here, right?"
"I'm here now. Where's their backup?"
"And why such vague instructions about Akihabara Station? What do those military bastards know?"
"Allow me to answer that."
The response came in a soft yet emotionless female voice.
Startled, Tomoki whirled around to see a woman with pinned-up golden hair wearing a pale purple suit skirt, a cigarette dangling from her lips.
Recognition flashed across his face as he saw her:
"Of course. In Japan, only your people could command the military like this."
The woman raised her hand to remove the cigarette, exhaling a slow smoke ring.
Tomoki pressed on grimly:
"Kirika Tachibana, Director of SDS Operations."
"You must know something about that magic circle in the sky earlier, and that hand."
As he spoke, he raised his right arm, pulling back his sleeve to reveal a silver metallic armband:
"What's the real reason for making me bring the Ring of Restart here?"
"This thing only has one function - to shut down and restart the Akihabara Grand Barrier."
"But the barrier's already destroyed. What use is this now?"
"Don't ask unnecessary questions..."
Kirika Tachibana exhaled another smoke ring, her gaze indifferent as she regarded Tomoki:
"Sometimes, knowing too much isn't good for you."
Tomoki couldn't help looking up at the silver ceiling, his eyes seeming to pierce through to the monstrous hand writhing in the sky beyond:
"With things like this happening, you're telling me not to ask questions?"
"Are you waiting until after I die to write it on a note and burn it for me?"
Hearing this, Kirika Tachibana didn't respond, only slightly raising her eyelids as she said:
"Don't worry too much about that hand in the sky. Someone will deal with it."
"Who would that be?" Tomoki Asuka couldn't help asking.
Kirika didn't answer. Just then, a third voice chimed in.
"Oh? You've even prepared an Abyss Artefact to block escape routes?"
"It seems that Viscount has fallen into your SDS's trap..."
After these words came a light chuckle:
"Care to hunt some demons together, followers of the Enchantress?"
Hearing the voice, both Tomoki Asuka and Kirika Tachibana paused, turning towards its source.
A man with wine-red hair cascading down his back, draped in a white cape, made no attempt to hide, standing openly in the subway station hall. Eyes closed, he smiled at them.
Seeing that still-youthful face, Tomoki Asuka felt his scalp prickle with dread.
He recognised that face.
After all, it belonged to the man who'd killed the former leader of Japan's Joint Task Force, indirectly helping him rise to his current position.
"Hao... Asakura..." Tomoki's voice came out parched as he named the newcomer. "Why are you here..."
Hao Asakura didn't answer, not even glancing at Tomoki. Instead, he smiled at Kirika Tachibana:
"Need help?"
"If it's demon hunting, I'd say my experience is quite extensive."
At this, Kirika's eyebrow twitched. She studied Hao deeply before replying:
"You staying put would be the greatest help."
"After all, he wouldn't want to face you while dealing with that demon noble."
"How harsh."
Hao looked genuinely regretful as he said:
"Aren't we on the same side when facing them, living in the same world?"
Kirika answered coolly: "A suspicious ally is more dangerous than a powerful enemy."
With that, she cut off any chance for Hao to continue, warning calmly:
"This ends here, Hao Asakura. There's no need for you to interfere in what comes next."
As she spoke, the Kusanagi Sword materialised in her hand.
The jade-white blade hummed faintly, as if issuing its own warning to Hao.
Gripping the sword, Kirika stated levelly:
"Of course, if you insist on interfering, try defeating me before reinforcements arrive!"
Hao gave a derisive snort at this.
But his smile froze as he suddenly lowered his head, staring at the floor.
For a moment, his vision seemed to pierce through the ground, seeing deeper.
Having assessed the situation, Hao looked up with an amused smile, sounding almost cheerful:
"That one seems to be doing rather well."
"But this means there's truly nothing left for me here."
Turning his back to Kirika, he murmured:
"Give him my regards."
"And I hope next time we meet, he'll spare some time for discussion."
"After all..."
"I've never seen anyone who could perfectly consume a demon's power before."