Tales of the Eight Thunder Gods: Shikoku's Stratagem Ch.7: The Observer's Defeat — Proof of an Irrational Bond

Before dawn, on the stone bridge, their breath clouded white. The silence left behind after Shikoku's space collapsed had an unnatural quality to it, like a ringing deep in the ear, and the light falling through the gap in the thick clouds was weak, as if picking up frost crystals one by one. Tenka traced her fingertip along the Infinite Chain wrapped around Kyoka's wrist. The silver chain carried a faint tinge of purple, biting into Kyoka's skin. The wedge Shikoku left behind is sealing Kyoka-chan's ability. To remove it, we either wait for Shikoku's space manipulation to recover, or we force her to release it herself. Tenka's voice was quiet, like setting down a cold stone while the heat of battle had yet to fade. ...My chain still won't come undone. Kyoka stared at her own wrist. Her voice was hoarse, her lips dry and peeling white. Inside the spatial cage, she hadn't slept a wink—deprived of her voice, she had done nothing but worry about Yuki. Kyoka-san, please don't push yourself. For now, go back to the dorm and rest. Yuki placed a hand on Kyoka's shoulder. That hand was trembling faintly from exhaustion since the night before. You're one to talk—what happened to your hands? Kyoka's gaze dropped to his bandage-wrapped fists. Blood had seeped through, and the cloth had already begun to stiffen dark red. I'm fine. This much is nothing. Yuki tried to force a smile. Only his mouth moved; his eyes remained bloodshot. Yukky, you're lying. With hands like that, how did you even throw those punches? Shushu wrapped both her hands around Yuki's. The bandage on her own shoulder was also bleeding through, from where Shikoku's lightning had struck. Shushu, your shoulder—you need to get that treated. I'm fine. More importantly, we need to get Kyoka-san back to the dorm. Shushu tried to support Kyoka's other arm. ...I'm sorry, Shushu. I caused trouble for you, for Himari, for Tenka—for everyone. Kyoka's voice trembled slightly. It's not trouble at all. We came because we wanted to save you, Kyoka-san. Shushu's amber eyes glistened with tears. Shushu's right. Squad Seven can't afford to lose you. Come, let's head back. We need to rethink our strategy regarding Kyoka-chan's chain, too. Shikoku will come again—that's certain. Tenka's voice was gentle. But beneath it lurked the cold sense of crisis that belonged to a wielder of space. The four of them and Kyoka crossed the stone bridge, passed through the center of Kagari City, and headed for the Squad Seven dormitory. The city was still asleep. Shop shutters were drawn, and only the streetlights cast their pale blue glow. Each time the wind blew, dead leaves tumbled across the cobblestones. Yuki walked on, still holding Kyoka's hand. Her hand was cold, trembling faintly. Kyoka-san, there's something I have to apologize for. Yuki spoke without turning his head. What is it? I jumped at Shikoku's false information, and that's why you were captured. If I'd been more level-headed, none of this would have— Yuki's voice caught in his throat. ...Yuki. Kyoka stopped walking. You only wanted to save your sister. Who could blame you for that? If I were in your position, I would have done the same. Kyoka squeezed his hand back firmly. But let me say this much. You are my slave. Until I give you permission, don't you dare die on your own. Don't you dare blame yourself on your own. Kyoka's voice trembled with tears, yet it was strong. ...Kyoka-san. Tears spilled from Yuki's eyes. Yes. I'm your slave, Kyoka-san. So I will protect you. No matter what happens. Yuki gripped her hand tight. Shushu watched the exchange in silence. Something pricked at her chest, a small ache. But she didn't put it into words. ...Let's go home. Everyone's waiting. Shushu spoke in a bright voice. But it sounded somehow forced. When they reached the dormitory, Himari was waiting at the entrance. You're late. Himari's voice sounded displeased. But her eyes caught sight of Kyoka and softened, just slightly. Kyoka-san, thank goodness you're safe. Himari walked up to Kyoka and bowed deeply. Himari, you made it out too. Yes. I was trapped in Shikoku's maze, but thanks to Yuki breaking the space, I was able to escape. Himari glanced at Yuki. ...Your fists weren't half bad. Himari's voice was small. Huh? If you didn't hear me, that's fine. Himari turned her face away. Tenka smiled faintly. Come, let's go inside. We'll let Kyoka-chan rest, and then we'll discuss what comes next. Tenka opened the dormitory door. In the dining hall, Ine had warm tea ready and waiting. Oh, thank goodness. Kyoka-chan, you're safe. Ine's wrinkled face crumpled with relief. Ine-san, I'm sorry to have worried you. Kyoka bowed her head to Ine. What are you saying? As long as you're safe, that's all that matters. Now, drink some warm tea and rest. Ine rubbed Kyoka's back. Kyoka wrapped both hands around the teacup. The warm steam seeped into her frozen fingertips. ...I'm alive. Kyoka murmured softly. Inside Shikoku's space, I thought it was over so many times. But I believed you would come. Believing—that was my strength. Kyoka's voice was quiet. But her words carried deep gratitude. Kyoka-san, don't push yourself anymore. Please, rest easy today. Yuki sat beside Kyoka and took her hand. You're one to talk—you haven't slept, have you? Your face is a mess. Kyoka touched Yuki's cheek. So are you, Kyoka-san. The two gazed at each other for a while. Shushu watched the scene from a little distance away. ...Yukky really does care about Kyoka-san, doesn't he. Shushu murmured under her breath. Shushu-chan, let's treat that shoulder. If we leave it, the wound will reopen. Tenka touched Shushu's shoulder. Oh, right. Thanks, Tenka-san. Shushu was led by Tenka to a corner of the dining hall. Tenka carefully unwound Shushu's bandage. The wound was scorched by Shikoku's lightning, red and swollen. ...You fought with a wound like this? Tenka's voice trembled slightly. Well, I wanted to save Kyoka-san, and I wanted to protect Yukky. I told him—I told Yukky I'd protect him. So I couldn't run away. Shushu winced at the pain but smiled. Her eyes were serious. ...You're strong, aren't you. Tenka said quietly as she applied medicine to Shushu's wound. Ehehe. Being praised by Tenka-san makes me happy. Shushu smiled bashfully. But don't overdo it. If you collapse, Squad Seven's sun will go out. Tenka placed her hand on Shushu's head. Tenka-san, I'm not a sun or anything. I'm just a girl who likes games. That's perfectly fine. You being yourself—that's what gives Squad Seven its strength. Tenka smiled gently at Shushu. Himari leaned against the wall, watching in silence. ...Tenka-san, please let me treat you as well. Himari looked at Tenka's hands. Himari-chan, you're hurt too. Worry about yourself first. I don't have any serious wounds. More importantly, Tenka-san, you must have used considerable power suppressing the spatial distortion. Himari's voice was worried. I'm fine. More importantly, we need to think about Kyoka-chan's chain. Shikoku's wedge is part of her space manipulation. My Ameno-Torifune-no-Mikoto is of the same system, so I can't interfere—in fact, I might end up feeding it power instead. Tenka's voice was heavy. Then what do we do? Either Shikoku releases it herself, or we wait for her ability to fully recover and strike in that opening. But that means waiting for her to attack again. At Tenka's words, the dining hall fell silent. ...I'll defeat Shikoku. Yuki stood up. With my fists, I'll defeat Shikoku and break Kyoka-san's chain. Yuki's voice was strong. But impatience bled through his eyes. Yuki, calm down. Your fists did break Shikoku's space—yes. But that was because her ability was weakened. The same won't necessarily work against Shikoku at full strength. Kyoka checked him. But if this keeps up, Kyoka-san— I'm fine. Even if the chain won't come undone, I can still fight. Especially if you're there to draw out my power. Kyoka looked Yuki straight in the eyes. ...Yes. Yuki clenched his fist. The dining hall clock ticked quietly. Morning was drawing near. —— Deep in the demon city's depths, in the domain of the Eight Thunder Gods. Shikoku had returned to her research domain through a spatial distortion. Countless streams of data floated across the walls. The emotions, actions, and words of Squad Seven's members—all of it was recorded and analyzed by Shikoku's ability. ...This wasn't in my calculations. Shikoku stared at Yuki's face projected on the wall. A human's feelings break my space. Controlling the remnants of Kūsetsu, striking precisely at my weak points. There's no data like this. Not until now. Shikoku toyed with a lock of her hair, tilting her head slowly. So bonds are this irrational, and this strong. My research thesis was not proven. No—rather, it was disproven. Humans can grow stronger even without their bonds being betrayed. Rather, they grow stronger to protect those bonds. Shikoku's dark violet eyes flashed white like lightning. How interesting. I don't have enough data. I must observe more deeply. Wakura Yuki. The power of your feelings—next time, I'll observe it more deeply. How far your heart can endure. Where the bonds shatter. I won't miss that moment. A thin smile rose to Shikoku's lips. ...You've returned, Shikoku. A low voice echoed through the research domain. Taikyoku stood in the entrance. Her long, jet-black waves flowed to her waist, streaked here and there with white. Her sharp, copper-colored eyes fixed straight on Shikoku, and the old lightning scar running from her left shoulder to her right flank surfaced in the dim light. Lady Taikyoku. I'm honored by your welcome. Shikoku bowed elegantly. You acted without my permission, Shikoku. Taikyoku's voice was low as thunder, shaking the air of the research domain. Yes. You cannot leave Izanami's side. So I had no choice but to act. To observe the humans and gather data in your stead. That is my role, is it not? Shikoku raised her face. Her eyes were not smiling. Silence. Your willfulness is not my command. Do you intend to repeat Kūsetsu's fate? Kūsetsu was defeated by a human and left her remnants in Wakura Yuki. Will you walk the same path? A golden wine cup was gripped in Taikyoku's right hand. When her emotions ran high, lightning raced across her fingertips. No, Lady Taikyoku. I will not become like Kūsetsu. I am an observer. One who collects and analyzes human emotions as data. I am not trying to fight humans—I am trying to understand them. Shikoku looked Taikyoku straight in the eyes. Understand? You, understand humans? You see the emotion called bonds only as data. With that, you will never understand. Taikyoku slammed the wine cup to the floor. Clang. The golden cup rolled across the floor with a dull sound. ...Lady Taikyoku. You're still grieving Kūsetsu's death, aren't you. Shikoku said quietly. Kūsetsu was my right arm. Her death was my miscalculation. Your willfulness widens that wound further. Why do you fixate on that man? Wakura Yuki. The man who holds the key to the enslavement ability. What do you intend to gain from him? Taikyoku pressed in on Shikoku. Data. Wakura Yuki is a being who embodies human bonds. The master-servant relationship, the bonds with his comrades, his feelings for his sister. All of it is my research subject. By observing that man, I can approach the essence of human emotion. That is my thinking. Shikoku answered without retreating a single step. The essence of human emotion? And once you understand that essence, what will you do? For the future of the Eight Thunder Gods. To ensure victory in the war against humanity. To exploit human weaknesses—the nuances of their emotions. Shikoku's voice was cold. ...You haven't changed, Shikoku. You see humans only as tools. ...I still don't understand the meaning of Kūsetsu's final smile. I exp

What is Novelia?

Tales of the Eight Thunder Gods: Shikoku's Stratagem Episode 7: The Observer's Defeat — Proof of an Irrational Bond