(Shido's heart was still pounding from Chinatsu's words "anywhere is fine" earlier, while Chinatsu closed her eyes to rest, actually rehearsing in her mind all sorts of possible situations at the amusement park and how to deal with them.)
We finally arrived at our destination—Tiangong City Amusement Park. The huge Ferris wheel and roller coaster tracks stood out against the blue sky, exuding a joyful atmosphere.
As the two approached the ticket gate and were about to join the queue, a familiar figure emerged from the side, blocking their way, as if he had been waiting for them for a long time.
It's Origami Tobiichi.
She was still dressed casually, her face expressionless, as if being there was the most natural thing in the world.
"Itsuka Shido, Hououin Chika."
She greeted them calmly, her pale gray eyes sweeping over the two of them before finally settling on Shido's face, where she directly posed the core question.
"How did you two end up together? Coming to the amusement park together today. Are you on a date?"
(Origami?! She really came!)
Shido's heart tightened, unsure how to explain this situation, which was clearly a date.
(Here it comes! The classic "master catching adulterers" segment!) Qianxia instantly went into a吐槽 (tu cao, meaning to complain or criticize) state in her mind.
However, perhaps due to lingering male-centric thinking, being directly asked "Are you on a date?" would definitely elicit the first reaction of—
Deny it! Absolutely deny it! Dating a man? Are you kidding me!
So, before Shido could speak, Chinatsu had already reacted dramatically, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on!
"Who, who's dating this guy?!"
However, as if she had realized something, she suddenly crossed her arms in front of her chest and forcefully turned her head away, seemingly to increase her persuasiveness.
She left Origami and Shido with only a side profile flushed red, her voice slightly raised with excitement, carrying a distinctly tsundere tone:
"I just happened to see that the amusement park was having a sale yesterday, so I bought two tickets!"
"Then...then yesterday, Itsuka-kun happened to come to my house, and I figured it would be a waste not to use the ticket...so I invited him to come along! It wasn't a date at all!"
After she finished speaking, she lightly stomped her foot, as if to emphasize her "unwillingness".
However, Origami's next words made her expression freeze instantly.
After listening to Chinatsu's explanation, Origami's expression remained unchanged. She simply continued to ask in her calm, even tone:
"Really? Then why didn't Chika invite me yesterday?"
(……ah?)
Qianxia was speechless for a moment.
(Why did I invite you?! And weren't you here yesterday to "monitor" us?!)
But the words were already out, so she could only grit her teeth and continue trying to smooth things over, her blush seeming to deepen (this time it was half acting, and half she was just anxious):
"Who, who told you to leave so fast yesterday! I... I couldn't invite you!"
The more she talked, the less plausible her reasoning became, so she could only shift the blame to Shido, her tone becoming even more indignant:
"Besides, I wouldn't have invited Shido if it weren't for not wanting this ticket to go to waste!"
(Excellent! The reason is attributed to "not wasting the ticket" rather than "wanting to come with Shido," creating a logical loop!)
Chika silently gave herself a thumbs up for her quick-thinking addition.
But she never expected that this would fall into the logical trap of origami.
After listening, Origami nodded very naturally, as if accepting the explanation, and then said in a statement of fact:
"Is that so? I see."
She took a step forward, reached out naturally, and took Shido's other arm, pressing herself against him.
"Since you're not on a date, I'll join you."
She raised her pale gray eyes, looked at the stiff-faced Chinatsu, then at the bewildered Shido, and calmly added:
"If three people play together, the tickets won't be wasted."
Chinatsu: "!!!"
Shidou: "!!!"
(What a blunder!!!!) Chika let out a silent wail in her heart.
(Oh no, I was so focused on denying the date to avoid awkwardness that I forgot I was giving Origami a legitimate reason to intervene!)
(Since it wasn't a date, she wasn't a third wheel; she was just there to "have fun"! Now there's no reason to kick her out!)
Seeing Origami clinging tightly to Shido's arm, looking determined as if she were determined to stay here, Chinatsu felt a lump in her throat, unable to breathe.
This is practically digging their own grave and jumping into it!
“Um… Origami-kun… this…” Shido looked at Origami, who was clinging tightly to him on the left, and then at Chinatsu, whose face was turning pale and then red, clearly suppressing her anger. He felt like he was sandwiched between two mountains, and cold sweat broke out on his brow.
He could only manage an awkward laugh as he tried to smooth things over: "Since Origami-kun also wants to play... then... then we'll..."
Before he could finish speaking, he received a cold glare from Qianxia, which startled him so much that he swallowed back what he was about to say.
(You idiot! It's all your fault!) Chika conveyed her message with her eyes.
(I... I didn't want to either!) Shido responded with an innocent look.
Ultimately, what was originally planned as a "date for two" turned into a bizarre "trip" due to Chika's clumsy and arrogant denial.
Shido, sandwiched between Origami (whose expressionless face but strong presence) on his left and Chinatsu (whose sullen aura and face clearly said "I'm not happy") on his right, stepped into the amusement park with an incredibly heavy and awkward feeling.
(Oh no... Will today's date even go smoothly...?) Shido was heartbroken.
Meanwhile, Chika cursed Aha and Fraxinus in her mind once again.
(It's all your fault! If you hadn't caused so much trouble, I wouldn't be in this situation!)
The joyful atmosphere of the amusement park contrasted sharply with the subtle yet tense tension between the three. It was clear that the rest of their visit would be anything but peaceful.
Chapter 82 The Pawns on the Reverse Track
The atmosphere in the AST base operations conference room was even more somber than during regular training sessions in the early morning.
Not only were all members of the AST team in Tiangong City fully armed and on standby, but the elites of the Second Executive Department of DEM Company were also present.
Leading the group was Alan Mathers, dressed in a sharp combat suit with eagle-like eyes, and standing beside her was Mana Takamiya, whose expression was cold and stern.
On the huge tactical screen, real-time images transmitted from high-altitude reconnaissance units were displayed—enhanced images.
You can clearly see that Phoenix Inu Chinatsu is in her apartment bedroom, facing a full-length mirror, holding two pieces of clothing in her hands as if she is trying them on, and her dressing table is covered with a dazzling array of cosmetics.
“Based on the continuous scanning feedback from the ‘observer’ units,” a technician from DEM calmly reported.
"The target, 'Hououin Chika,' is making preparations for going out. Behavioral pattern analysis... highly suspected to be preparations for a 'date.'"
"Although its spiritual wave activity is in a dormant state, it is extremely stable and not significantly different from that of ordinary humans. This provides an ideal window for us to conduct in-depth scanning and imprint locking of the 'Genesis Reversers,' but it will take time."
Captain Ryoko Kusakabe stared at the seemingly harmless girl on the screen, her brows furrowed and her face filled with disapproval.
She took a deep breath, turned to Allen, and raised her objection in a serious tone:
"Lord Allen, I understand DEM's determination to eliminate the threat of the spirits, and I also acknowledge the power of the 'Genesis Reverser' system."
"However, if, as the monitoring indicates, the target is about to head to a crowded public place for a so-called 'date'..."
She pointed to the predicted area of potential target activity on the screen, her voice becoming more forceful:
"This means that during your long-term scanning and targeting process, the target and their date will be exposed to crowded areas such as busy streets or amusement parks for an extended period of time!"
“Once we sound the spacequake alarm, panic and evacuation will take time! And your weapons, according to the description, have uncertain effectiveness! What if... I mean, what if the attack has a ripple effect, or the target notices at the last moment and reacts violently, the consequences would be unimaginable!”
"We cannot guarantee the absolute safety of ordinary citizens! I believe it is irresponsible to carry out such a high-risk operation that requires a long period of preparation in a densely populated area!"
After listening to Liao Zi's words, Alan Mathers's face remained expressionless; she simply responded in her icy voice, carrying an unquestionable authority:
"I've heard Commander Kusaka's concerns. But let's face reality: First, the target's threat is undeniable; its ability to silently infiltrate inherently represents an extremely high risk. Second, the 'Genesis Reverser' is the most effective weapon we've developed specifically to counter its power characteristics, and it must be used. Third…"
She paused, her gaze sweeping over the AST team members present, carrying an almost cruel rationality:
"War always involves risk. Localized, controllable risks are acceptable in order to eliminate a greater threat. This is DEM's first operational principle."
"The highest priority is always to completely eliminate the target. As for the civilians who may be affected... as long as the cleanup is done quickly enough, the subsequent impact can be controlled."
These words sent a chill down the spines of many AST members.
However, due to DEM's authority and Allen's powerful aura, no one dared to utter a word of rebuttal; their expressions of worry only deepened. The atmosphere in the conference room became tense.
Just then, a calm voice broke the silence.
"Captain, Lord Allen. I have a proposal."
Everyone turned to look at the source of the voice, and it was Origami Tobiichi, who was standing at the front of the line, who spoke. She still had that expressionless look, but a calm light flickered in her light blue eyes.
"Please speak, origami," Captain Liaozi immediately gestured.
Origami stepped forward, her gaze sweeping over Chinatsu's image on the screen, and stated in a calm tone:
"I have a certain... personal relationship with my target, 'Hououin Chika'. I know her and have had contact with her."
This made Allen raise an eyebrow slightly.
Origami continued, "Based on this, I request to intervene in advance in my 'personal capacity' and go to the possible locations to conduct close surveillance."
She began to articulate her plan, her logic clear and her goals well-defined:
"My mission objectives are threefold: First, confirmation and monitoring: to confirm the target's movements in real time, assess its threat level, and provide more accurate coordinate guidance for the 'Genesis Reversal' system."
"Second, Protection and Guidance: The priority is to ensure the safety of the key hostage, namely the date. At the start of the operation, I will prioritize guiding him away from the core combat zone."
"Third, guidance and avoidance: When conditions permit, I will try to guide the target to a less populated and easier-to-manage area through interaction, so as to minimize the potential risks to ordinary citizens."
She concluded, "My involvement allows us to obtain firsthand intelligence without prematurely revealing our operational intentions, and effectively reduces the risk of engaging in combat in densely populated areas."
"This is more feasible and safer than blindly waiting or forcibly launching an attack in a busy city center."
Origami's proposal was well-organized, taking into account both operational needs and the civilian safety principle that AST has always emphasized, and even taking the initiative to undertake the most dangerous frontline surveillance and guidance missions.
Captain Liaozi's eyes lit up; the origami plan clearly aligned better with her ideas.
She immediately looked at Allen: "Sir Allen, I believe Sergeant Origami's proposal is highly feasible! It can ensure the element of surprise in the operation while effectively controlling the risks!"
Alan Mathers's sharp gaze lingered on Origami for a few seconds, as if assessing the true intentions and abilities of this seemingly aloof girl.
After a moment, she nodded slightly and made her decision:
"Alright. Sergeant Tobiichi Origami, I approve your action plan."
She emphasized, "Your primary task is to work with the 'Genesis Reversal' system to scan and lock onto the target and ensure that it cannot escape."
"Provide these two points are guaranteed, and you can proceed with your protection and guidance plan. Remember, no action must interfere with the final purification process."
"Understood." Origami stood at attention and saluted, her expression unchanged, but deep down, the core objective of protecting Shido's safety had been locked in.
"Very good." Captain Liaozi breathed a sigh of relief. "Origami, change into civilian clothes immediately and set off! Keep communications open and report back at any time!"
Origami turned around decisively and left the war room.
She quickly changed into casual clothes that were easy to move in, checked the hidden communicator and necessary equipment, and then left the AST base quietly.
Like a highly skilled hunter, he stepped into this dangerous and complex game of chess revolving around Shido and Chinatsu ahead of time.
Her involvement will add countless variables to what was originally a simple "date".
At this moment, her true purpose also subtly deviated from the organization she served.
Protecting Shido became her highest priority personal mission.
Chapter 83 Sudden Change in Mindset, Panic on the Bridge
Upon entering the amusement park, the colorful decorations and cheerful music failed to dispel the awkward atmosphere among the three.
Shido, caught between Origami and Chinatsu, felt like he was walking on an invisible tightrope.
He tried to start a conversation, forcing a somewhat stiff smile, and pointed to the carousel not far away:
"That...looks kind of interesting...should we...?"
"Shido, according to ergonomic data, the carousel has limited appeal to teenagers, and the time spent queuing is not proportional to the experience value."
Origami immediately and calmly offered her analysis, while simultaneously tightening her grip on Shido's arm, her light blue eyes constantly scrutinizing Chinatsu, who was walking a little ahead.
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