Chapter 26: Shadows

Chapter 26: Shadows

I kept it brief, cutting out the more confusing details and tweaking a few things to keep it plausible. I shared just enough information for Alter to digest.

I told her about being attacked by Burnatville.

About being discarded for scrap by a nameless staff member.

And about how, as my consciousness blurred during my brain memory reboot, I drifted until I stumbled upon Dr. F's experimental facility.

"There... I found this eye."

I removed my eyepatch, exposing both eyes.

"Purple eyes... The Lica series originally has green eyes. Is this an undiscovered Legacy?"

"Let’s move to a different table."

I pressed some credits into the hand of a passing waiter and had him lead us to a seat further in the back.

"It’s Dr. F’s Legacy No. 4. Its ability is... well, something like this."

"So it’s an adaptable manual that works across three automatic types? From the way you talk, I assume there's more to it."

"Yeah. This eye... can see into the future."

That’s what I’ll tell her. I need to make sure it doesn't seem strange when I start showing off my knowledge of the original story later. In that regard, the OYS's spatial manipulation ability is incredibly compatible. For example...

"That waiter over there. He’s thinking about the money he just tucked into his left pocket, and he’s about to have a spectacular fall. A cat will meow just behind my right shoulder. The manager will come over with some complimentary yakitori. 452."

I activated the OYS discreetly. I had intentionally handed the money to his left hand, so if he wanted to hide it quickly, he’d put it in his left pocket. After that, I just had to fix the air near his feet to trip him up.

"Whoa!"

Crash!

"What are you doing?!"

"Sorry! I tripped on something!"

Next, the cat. I had asked that black cat from earlier—the one who guided us—to meow on my signal.

Meow.

Good girl. I’ll bring her some food later.

"Master Alter, it’s good to see you again today."

"Ah... no, I should apologize for coming so suddenly without a reservation."

"Think nothing of it. This yakitori is on the house. It’s a small luxury we can afford because you went out of your way to stabilize our supply chain."

"You can see things in that much detail?"

"That was just a special demonstration. I already knew we’d be coming to this shop."

I used my knowledge of the original story to find the shop’s name, look up the phone number, and spread some rumors. Of course, it wasn't just this place. I did the same for every shop Alter frequented, making sure that if she didn't choose one, that shop would be incredibly busy that day anyway. Though, if she chose it, it would naturally be popular.

As for Yoruyami, the cat, she just had to follow my scent.

"What did '452' mean?"

"It’s not important right now. Let's get back to the point. The future I see revolves around the actions of a certain individual. That person is..."

"Kazuto Amane, I take it?"

"Bingo. Kazuto Amane’s squad is the hope of humanity. But the future I see is always a bad end. I need them to get stronger—just like Yellow."

"Was that another scene you saw with your future sight?"

"No. That was a truly unexpected evolution. Tell me, how is she doing?"

"There are no side effects to the girl herself. At most, she has some full-body tremors and muscle aches. Also, a point-symmetric lightning mark has appeared in both of her pupils. She’s taken to calling you 'Master.'"

"I don't remember taking on an apprentice. And the newbie? How is Kazuto?"

"He grew even stronger through this trial. It seems having a small, elite unit where he participated in the combat himself was effective. Also... I have a message for you."

"Someday, I’m going to bring you into my squad."

"Heh... then give him my reply."

"Tell him I’ll consider it if he manages to outlive me. Boss, the check!"

"I’ll pay. How much?"

"That will be XXXX credits."

"I’ll pay with ten thousand."

"Thank you. Here is your change: 452 credits."

"..."

The look of complete defeat on Alter's face at that moment is something I’ll treasure for the rest of my life.

"Good work today..."

"Meow."

Yoruyami rubbed against my legs. How cute.

"Man, I’m usually a dog person, but cats are adorable too."

...

"Do you want to come with me? You and your kittens, of course."

"Meow."

The cat let out a cry toward the back of the alley.

The figure was dressed in purple, red, and white, yet the colors were well-coordinated, forming a cohesive fashion statement. The face was expressionless, and the eyes were closed in two straight lines rather than being squinted—making the person look like a living sculpture.

"Go on ahead."

"Meow."

"Now then..."

Cold sweat dripped from my temple. My heart hammered against my ribs, the sound echoing in my ears. I took a deep breath to hide the fact that my hands were shaking.

"Do you have some business with me?"

"Criminal, Lica-A37. In the name of the Balancer, I pass judgment."

"You’re earlier than I expected."

I drew the Phantom Sword hidden at my waist and settled into a combat stance.

I swung my blade toward the Balancer—toward the shadow of myself that had finally arrived to tune the world.