Chapter 24: A World Without Supernatural Powers

“To be honest, I had indeed heard whispers of a ‘peculiar world forged from a forest of gray steel,’ but I always dismissed it as some unfortunate soul merely straying into an alternate dimension conjured by a powerful mage.

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine it would manifest like this… a true crossing into another realm.”

Bastet sighed.

“To cross into another world while still living, an event so distinctly confined to the imagination, yet here it was, suddenly unfolding before me. Initially, I simply attributed it to exhaustion, believing I was lost in some strange dream…”

“Ah, hahaha, well, about that…”

Bai Zhi let out a strained laugh, her face flushing with a mix of awkwardness and discomfort, as if the black cat had inadvertently stumbled upon a delicate topic.

“Could it be that the ‘barrier’ separating our two worlds somehow malfunctioned… or something of the sort?”

“A barrier separating worlds? What a truly audacious hypothesis.” Bastet’s brow furrowed in contemplation, her feline tail swishing rhythmically.

“Under normal circumstances, one would immediately suspect some form of teleportation spell, wouldn’t they? But a barrier… could such a construct genuinely exist?”

“That’s not important!”

Bai Zhi, clearly disinclined to let the black cat elaborate further, quickly steered the conversation in another direction.

“In any case! You arrived in this world by pure chance, didn’t you? And you have absolutely no connection to that ‘White-Robed Figure,’ correct?”

“‘White-Robed Figure’? My apologies, but that name is entirely new to me; this is the first I’ve heard it spoken aloud.”

Bastet seemed momentarily lost in thought, a flicker of curiosity igniting in her eyes.

“Are you well acquainted with this person?”

“I’ve never encountered them, not once. I only learned of their existence a few days ago.” Bai Zhi balled her small fists, her voice laced with unconcealed vexation.

“Rumor has it they’ve been covertly operating in your world, dispatching all manner of individuals to this realm. All thanks to them, my workload has skyrocketed!”

“Ah, I understand. It’s likely because I’ve always remained confined within the academy’s walls that I’ve been oblivious to such matters.”

Bastet’s face brightened with an almost feverish enthusiasm, much like a researcher who had just stumbled upon a rare and captivating specimen.

“If I ever have the fortune of encountering them, I only hope they’d permit me to conduct a thorough study!”

“Don’t just casually treat people as mere research material,” Bai Zhi retorted, then adopted a demeanor of earnest solemnity.

“In any case! Now that it’s confirmed you have no ties to that ‘White-Robed Figure,’ I sincerely hope you’ll cooperate with my efforts. Frankly, I’d rather not resort to force against a kitten; it would weigh heavily on my conscience.”

“So… could I ask you to return to your original world?”

The atmosphere abruptly grew heavy with unspoken tension. Bastet, observing the solemn demeanor that now settled upon the black-haired girl, offered a calm, albeit helpless, smile.

“To have such words uttered while being scrutinized by a powerhouse like yourself certainly causes the pressure to mount precipitously. Might I at least inquire as to the reason? The imperative behind sending these cross-world travelers back.”

“…While it may be commonplace in your world, this realm is, in fact, devoid of any extraordinary powers. My current state is the result of certain, rather complex, circumstances.

In short! Should powerful individuals from other worlds roam unchecked here, they would undoubtedly unleash immense chaos, making it imperative to send them back without delay!”

“A world utterly devoid of supernatural powers… Is that truly the reality? If so, then a fresh set of perplexing questions immediately presents itself…”

Bastet murmured softly to herself, a flicker of understanding dawning upon her. Then, she raised her head, her gaze settling upon Bai Zhi.

“But if that’s the sole concern, surely I pose no threat? This world appears to be teeming with felines. Moreover, if I simply remain by your side, the possibility of me running wild and causing any trouble whatsoever is entirely negated.”

As she spoke, Bastet displayed a proud expression.

“What’s more! As a distinguished teacher at the ‘Seledet Magic Academy,’ while my theoretical prowess is commendable, my practical combat skills are, to be frank, rather dismal.

Thus, there’s absolutely no cause for concern that I might pose any danger to ordinary individuals!”

“I hardly think that’s a point to be delivered with such a proud inflection,” Bai Zhi deadpanned, before continuing.

“In truth, there are deeper concerns…

Someone I once knew cautioned me that if a significant number of individuals not native to this world were to remain active here for prolonged durations, it would inflict grave negative repercussions upon this realm. In the direst scenario, the very fabric of this world could unravel and collapse.”

Bai Zhi sighed as she spoke.

“Though I don’t fully grasp the underlying mechanics, that individual was quite the authority on such matters, leading me to believe their words carry considerable weight.

This conviction is precisely why I’ve tirelessly pursued the policy of capturing all cross-world travelers who enter this realm and ensuring their return.”

“It’s a necessary protective measure for this world.”

“I see…”

Bastet nodded.

“However, I distinctly recall you mentioning a dear friend from ‘Granzenias,’ a woman named Rena, if I’m not mistaken? She, too, must still reside in this world, correct?

You even expressed a desire for her to care for your pet cat. So, is she… uniquely privileged, exempt from your mandate to return?”

“Rena, she…” Bai Zhi’s expression contorted into an unreadable strangeness for a fleeting moment, only to swiftly settle back into its familiar, weary bitterness.

“Rena is an exceptional case. She has pressing matters yet to be concluded in this world. Furthermore, the presence of merely one or two cross-world travelers would not precipitate such dire consequences.”

Bai Zhi sighed as she spoke, an expression of helplessness on her face.

“Yet, it was only moments ago that I discovered, entirely unbeknownst to me, that countless individuals from other worlds have crossed over and infiltrated this very city.

A faction among them has even established an organization, the ‘Thirteen-Member Council,’ apparently with hostile intentions toward me. Beyond that, the sheer number of others lurking in the shadows is something I scarcely dare to contemplate.”

“Speaking of which, I was just about to ask you something.”

Bastet suddenly spoke.

“That ‘Thirteen-Member Council’ is an organization that has unequivocally displayed its animosity towards you, is it not? Its very inception was predicated on opposing you.

Therefore, in dealing with Kuka, a member of this adversarial group, wasn’t your chosen method a touch… excessively gentle?”

“Gentle? I…” Bai Zhi paused, momentarily taken aback by the observation, then stammered, “Given that he willingly divulged so much information, I felt it was only fair not to inflict too severe a beating—nothing to the point of rendering him unconscious, at least…”

“That’s not the point I was trying to make!” Bastet interjected, pausing for a moment to carefully select her words.

“He is your adversary, isn’t he? One who overtly demonstrated his animosity. I had initially assumed you would employ more drastic measures, perhaps something along the lines of…”

Bastet’s words trailed off, her eyes hardening with the predatory glint of a wild beast as she drew her tail across her own throat in a chilling gesture.

“That… surely isn’t necessary! While he’s certainly bothersome, it hasn’t escalated to that degree.”

Bai Zhi shrugged, appearing utterly unconcerned.

“I think knocking him unconscious is sufficient.”

“Am I to conclude you are excessively benevolent, or merely so overwhelmingly powerful that you perceive no true threat in them?” The black cat distilled her conclusions from Bai Zhi’s demeanor. “Regardless, I feel I’ve gained a deeper insight into your character.”

Perceiving the conversation on the verge of veering off course, Bai Zhi promptly cleared her throat twice, deftly guiding them back to the original subject.

“In essence! Under these prevailing circumstances, further augmenting the number of cross-world travelers remaining in this realm presents an unacceptably high risk, and I simply cannot countenance the potential repercussions.

Therefore, my apologies, Bastet… your research endeavor will, regrettably, likely remain unfinished.”

Bai Zhi extended her right hand, lifting it skyward. With a sharp “shhhk,” akin to the tearing of fabric, an opalescent, milky-white aperture abruptly shimmered into existence in the air before them.

“This is the very conduit that facilitates world-crossing. Passing through it will allow you to return to your original realm, though I confess I have never ventured inside myself.”

Witnessing the black-haired girl before her speak of the portal while simultaneously preparing to scoop her up and hurl her inside, the black cat, seized by a sudden panic, swiftly recoiled several steps.

“Just a moment, please don’t be quite so impetuous. Would you perhaps indulge me by listening to a proposition?”

“A proposal?”

“Indeed.” The black cat nodded, then slowly articulated,

“You permit me to remain in this world, observing you to pursue my research, and in return, I shall assist you in locating those ‘Granzenias’ individuals currently hidden within the city. What are your thoughts on this arrangement?”

“You’ll help me track them down?”

Bai Zhi froze, clearly having never entertained such a possibility.

Observing Bai Zhi’s entirely predictable reaction, Bastet’s confidence surged, emboldening her words.

“While I may be but an unremarkable instructor within the magic academy, beyond my studies in magical theory, I have also extensively explored the ecology and history of ‘Granzenias.’

My comprehension of the ‘Granzenias’ people undeniably surpasses your own, and I am confident I can offer you substantial aid.”

“Is… is that so…?”

Observing Bai Zhi’s seemingly swayed demeanor, Bastet seized the opportune moment to press her advantage.

“Thus, you understand… while I may lack prowess in combat, I am nonetheless capable of assisting you in a myriad of other ways.”

The moment the words left her lips, Bastet lifted her gaze, a delicate cat paw gesturing toward the vast expanse of the night sky.

“Take this very moment, for example. Have you not perceived anything amiss in our surroundings?”

“Unusual?”

Guided by Bastet’s gentle prompting, Bai Zhi inclined her head, her gaze sweeping across the immediate vicinity.

Night had fully descended, and beneath the flickering luminescence of the surrounding streetlights, one could faintly perceive insects congregating in their glow.

Residential buildings in the distance were ablaze with light, and through windows radiating a brilliant sheen, the intermittent silhouettes of residents could be seen moving within.

It was a tableau perfectly consistent with any ordinary evening, a scene that could be aptly described as utterly devoid of anomaly.

Devoid of anomaly, indeed?

A sudden realization seemed to strike Bai Zhi as she turned her head to gaze at the black cat, Bastet, who, in turn, subtly puffed out her chest with a touch of pride.

“It appears you’ve caught on. Precisely, the absence of anomaly is the most profound anomaly!”

“That Kuka character earlier stirred up quite a disturbance. And it’s not even the dead of night; surely many would have taken notice by now.

Coupled with the considerable time that has elapsed, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to expect curious onlookers to have gathered, yet why…”

Confusion clouded Bai Zhi’s features. The surrounding streets lay utterly deserted, silent to a truly baffling degree.

“A cognitive interference barrier, merely a trivial trick.”

Before Bai Zhi could voice her question, Bastet preempted her with the answer.

“While it cannot restrict the actions of those within or outside the barrier, it effectively obstructs the perception of external individuals regarding events occurring inside.

Therefore, as long as one remains within the barrier, nothing that transpires will attract external attention.”

“Well… I originally devised it merely to evade the academy head’s incessant harassment, but I felt it might prove useful in the recent situation, so I activated it on my own initiative.”

“So, what do you think? It’s rather helpful, wouldn’t you say?”

Bastet spoke unhurriedly, all the while subtly observing Bai Zhi’s reaction. Seeing the girl’s response wasn’t particularly pronounced, she seemed to grow a little anxious.

“Oh, there’s so much more! Invisibility, telepathic communication… or, if absolutely necessary, I could even use my physical form to soothe your weary mind and body. That’s also an option…”

Before Bastet could finish her sentence, Bai Zhi swiftly scooped her up, eliciting a startled “Meow!?” from the black cat.

“This is truly, absolutely wonderful!”

Bai Zhi was overcome with uncontrollable excitement, repeatedly rubbing her head against Bastet’s soft body.

“Oh, I thought I’d have to pull another all-nighter today, but I can go home right away now, and it’s all thanks to you!”

“Oh, oh. I’m glad I could help. Your emotional shifts are rather… intense, aren’t they?”

Bastet, still somewhat dazed and unaccustomed to the sudden enthusiasm, responded belatedly, while Bai Zhi, cradling the cat in her arms, continued to ramble effusively.

“This way, I won’t have to spend countless hours on damage control, and I won’t have to hold back when dealing with those cross-world travelers, constantly fearing I’ll cause too much of a commotion!”

“The cognitive interference barrier can only obstruct perception; it can’t erase the traces you leave behind…”

Bastet offered an additional reminder, then moved on to the main point.

“So, I…”

“You can certainly stay! In fact… please, you absolutely must stay!”

Bai Zhi gazed at the black cat in her arms with an incredibly fervent expression.

“You are nothing short of a savior for my sleep!”