Chapter 25: The determination to fight

During the initial “sync,” an Accommodator goes through a long and painful process.

This is the process of the body being completely reformed as it accepts the “Power of Order” for the first time.

That silver pillar of light is the overflowing energy stream from the rampaging Power of Order and the initial release of the sync.

Simply put, it is the most primal form of the Power of Order.

It is also its most violent form, unable to be utilized by an Agent before being synced.

This pillar of light will last for nearly a minute, and the immense Power of Order will indiscriminately affect any life around it.

Approaching it rashly is not a wise move.

“Fifi…na?”

Ephnel stared at the brilliant silver pillar of light, her expression shifting from astonishment to grim determination.

“So… that’s how it is? It seems… they’re an enemy…”

The new Accommodator was not from their organization.

Each “Beacon” was unique, corresponding to an Accommodator with a unique wavelength.

Like gears of different sizes and specifications, an Accommodator could only achieve “sync” with the Power of Order by obtaining a Beacon that matched their own.

Only then could the “gear” turn and transmit kinetic energy.

The process between an Agent and a Beacon was one of mutual selection.

Accommodators were extremely rare.

The Order Organization had screened everyone in the city, and anyone identified as a potential Accommodator was placed under observation.

In short, if “Fifina” had another Accommodator, Ephnel should have known about it long ago.

“I really don’t want to stir up any trouble at a time like this, but I’m not the type to back down easily. If it’s an enemy, I just have to deal with them—Nami, can you tell me the details about the stolen Beacon you mentioned?”

“Ah? Y-Yes… Our database was destroyed in the attack five days ago, and the key information stored within was also leaked… The ‘Beacon’ is estimated to have been lost forty-three minutes ago, which was when you were meeting with Yukina. Immediately after, we received an emergency communication about the sudden appearance of the ‘Whale’-type Erosion organism…”

In her earpiece, Yonomikenami spoke rapidly.

“I’m very sorry! I didn’t tell you about this right away, Ephnel… because… because it concerns Fifina, so… I hesitated…”

“It’s fine, don’t worry about it. In any case, if it’s confirmed to be an enemy, then it’s simple.”

Ephnel paused.

“More importantly, I’m more concerned about who the current ‘Fifina’ is, what faction she belongs to, and what her purpose is… If the other party came here prepared, then our situation might not be so pleasant.”

“Y-Yes… Headquarters should also be investigating this as soon as possible… If it’s an Accommodator for ‘Fifina,’ there might be some clues in the database…”

“There won’t be.”

Ephnel shook her head, interrupting Yonomikenami.

“I’ve never heard of ‘Fifina’ having another Accommodator. For ‘Fifina’—even in the entire city of Seikyo, Fuurin Shion was the only one who barely qualified. So this person probably came from the ‘outside,’ and…”

Suddenly, a figure appeared in Ephnel’s mind, and the words she was about to say were caught in her throat.

Her sister… Shiomi Yukina.

She was a rare “Absolute Accommodator.”

According to “that person,” if it was Shiomi Yukina, she should have the ability to sync with any Beacon.

If it were her…

“No… impossible…”

Ephnel muttered to herself, denying her own speculation.

‘Yukina has already been escorted to the shelter. The shelter would never let anyone out before the disaster alert is lifted, let alone appear here. And, Yukina would absolutely not be able, nor have the means, to get her hands on the Beacon “Fifina.”‘

“Ephnel… did you… say something just now?”

“Nami… there’s something I need to confirm with you.”

“Ah? If it’s something I know, then please, go ahead.”

“It’s about Yukina… You personally escorted her and saw her enter the shelter with your own eyes, right? And she didn’t show any unusual behavior until you left, right?”

“Ah? Y-Yes, I took Yukina to the shelter and even spoke with her for a few minutes before leaving. At that time, Yukina even mentioned you to me. She was very worried about you.”

“I see…”

Hearing Yonomikenami’s answer, Ephnel breathed a sigh of relief, feeling a little more at ease.

“Why bring up Yukina all of a sudden? Is something wrong?”

“There are just a few things that are bothering me…”

“Did you find something, Ephnel?”

“Just a small thing… More importantly, Nami, please erase our conversation after the battle. I will personally report this matter to the Commander.”

“Understood.”

Ephnel stared blankly at the silver pillar of light.

At this moment, the silver pillar was gradually dimming.

This meant that this mysterious thief was about to complete her initial “sync.”

Ephnel’s gaze grew even sharper.

“Although I’m a little concerned… before that, I won’t just back down easily.”

‘Of all things, it had to be “Fifina.”‘

‘Fuurin Shion is still lying in a hospital bed.’

Unconsciously, Ephnel tightened her grip on the long spear in her hand.

“I need to go and confirm the enemy.”

“Please wait, Ephnel. Headquarters hasn’t issued a command yet. If the other party is an enemy, it’s too dangerous to go over so rashly…”

“I know, but leaving her alone would be more likely to cause problems, right? Since she’s an enemy, the simplest and most feasible method is to take her out when she’s at her weakest. In any case, Shion fought to the end as Fifina. The title of Fifina is not something just anyone can take. I will not turn a blind eye to this.”

Ephnel took a deep breath and looked up at the dark sky.

Because of their activity, the giant floating island and the countless “crows” above had slightly reined in their attacks.

The crowd had also been completely evacuated from this area.

The giant black shadow overhead let out a strange howl.

Ephnel pressed her lips together, staring at the slowly dissipating silver light.

“Alright, we’ll talk about the rest later. It’s about time for me to get moving now.”

“…Ayse, Canary! Can I leave this to you two for a while?”

Ephnel shouted into her earpiece.

Ayse, Canary, were the juniors dispatched to support Ephnel this time.

As the current Agents of Seikyo City, their seniority was second only to Ephnel’s.

They and Ephnel were the highest combat power the “Order” could currently deploy.

At this moment, one of them was keeping a close eye on the “Whale’s” movements, while the other was confronting the “crows.”

“If it’s just for ten minutes, it’s not a problem…”

Ayse’s voice came through the earpiece, followed by a piercing vibration.

A burst of starlight exploded in the air.

Canary leaped down from above and landed beside Ephnel.

She was panting, a willow-leaf-like blade held in her hand.

“Hah… forget ten minutes. If you don’t come back soon, Senpai, I’ll take all the credit here!”

Although the “crows” were numerous, more than half of them had been defeated by the combined attack of Ephnel, Ayse, and Canary.

She grinned broadly at Ephnel.

“Well, just kidding, haha. Anyway, Senpai, please give that fake ‘Fifina’ a good lesson. I can’t approve of a comrade’s belongings being taken by someone else.”

“Thank you for your help… Well then, I’ll leave this to you and Ayse. I’m going to meet that imposter.”

“Hmm, we’re not very good at fighting people, so even if you called us over, we probably wouldn’t be of much use.”

Canary spread her hands, a faint smile playing on her lips.

Ephnel turned around.

“Well… also, even if the crowd has been completely evacuated, don’t go too crazy. After you’ve eliminated the ‘crows,’ just keep an eye on the ‘Whale.’ Please make sure that thing doesn’t escape. And finally… whatever you do, don’t push yourselves.”

“Yeah, same to you, Senpai. If there’s any danger, please retreat. I wish you the best of luck in battle.”

Brushing past Canary, Ephnel faced the opposite direction and leaped from the steel frame.

Thick smoke and scorching wind brushed against her cheeks.

“Ephnel… are you planning to find that person… But, we have no idea why she’s here. Isn’t it a bit reckless to go over like this…”

“Yeah, maybe… There are a lot of things I don’t understand either. In that case, I just need to see it for myself.”

“Please be careful, Ephnel.”

“I will. As for Canary and Ayse, please help me keep an eye on them.”

“Leave it to me!”

Ephnel ran all the way to the front of the eastern stadium.

The silver pillar of light had almost completely dissipated, right before her eyes.

‘Up there on the third floor… is the preparation room.’

But…

The air seemed quieter than she had imagined.