A beautiful girl who transmigrates into a Herrscher of the Void is treated like an elf and conquered

Reine nodded and noted down this information. "And Shido's performance?"

"It's... passable." Kotori pouted. "Although it was a bit clumsy, at least it maintained basic sincerity and didn't bring out those greasy lines taught by Fraxinus again. It seems that Chinatsu's statement yesterday, 'I don't like greasy guys,' did have a certain deterrent effect."

When Chinatsu was mentioned, both of their expressions became more serious.

“It’s not convenient here, let’s go back to Fraxinus first.” Kotori made a quick decision. She gestured to the shop manager, who was obviously one of her own people who had been arranged beforehand, and then she and Reine quietly left the dessert shop through the staff entrance.

Moments later, on the bridge of the Fraxinus.

Kotori had changed back into her familiar black commander's coat, and the jewel was in her mouth again, as if the maid outfit was just a fleeting dream.

She sat at the command post, staring at the real-time monitoring reports on Tohka's various physiological data and mental state on the main screen.

"How is it going?" she asked, looking at the main screen.

"Tohka's silent manifestation was very successful. She is currently emotionally stable, and her affection for Shido is steadily increasing. As long as nothing unexpected happens next, the conditions for the first sealing will be met soon."

"Very good." Kotori relaxed a little, but then her brows furrowed again.

"Then... another question. Regarding [Heavenly Judgment], have any abnormal spiritual wave reactions been detected? Especially after Tohka silently manifested."

"No, Commander. Since the Princess silently appeared, no spiritual energy fluctuations have been detected that match those of the Herrscher of Judgment."

She pulled up Chika's file, and the golden eyes in the file seemed to be coldly watching everyone on the bridge.

"Based on Tohka's previous testimony and our re-examined timeline, Chinatsu is an elf with the power of [Judgment], and may have later obtained the Spirit Crystal representing the 'Herrscher of Reason' from the 'Welt Yang' legacy through some means."

"She proposed the 'reverse entropy recruitment' plan, but when she tried to recruit Tohka yesterday, Tohka declined, saying she wanted to be with everyone."

Kotori hesitated for a moment, her fingers tapping lightly on the armrest: "Tohka has clearly rejected her invitation to 'Anti-Entropy.' Logically speaking, she shouldn't waste her time and energy on a failed goal."

"Perhaps... she really did go looking for the next Pokémon that might be 'recruited', just as we previously speculated?"

This is the most logical deduction. It's reasonable for a powerful spirit with a clear objective to move on to the next target after failing to recruit another.

However, Murasame Reine slowly shook her head, looking at Kotori with her unusually clear eyes despite their heavy dark circles, and offered another possibility:

“There’s another possibility, Kotori. Don’t forget, she possesses the powers of the Herrscher of Reason. Even if that power hasn’t fully recovered due to the damage to her core, it’s not impossible for her to construct some miniature surveillance units that barely emit any spiritual energy.”

She pointed to Shido's image on the screen, emphasizing yesterday's "real combat training".

“Let’s recall the timing of Chinatsu’s appearance yesterday—it was right after Shido received our… ‘special instruction’ and said those… well, ‘enthusiastic’ lines to Origami Tobiichi and Tamae Okamine. Her appearance, at least in part, was clearly directed and purposeful; it was aimed at Shido.”

From this, Reine concludes: "Therefore, we cannot rule out the possibility that Chinatsu may be continuously monitoring Shido through some means we haven't yet noticed. She's waiting for Shido's words or actions to cross her 'bottom line' again."

"—For example, if someone displays the 'greasy' or 'frivolous' qualities that she dislikes, she might just reappear to 'correct' them, just like yesterday."

"The timing is too coincidental. If she wasn't constantly watching Shido, how could she have so accurately grasped the moment of his 'abnormal behavior' and appeared immediately to 'correct' it?"

This deduction made the atmosphere on the bridge a bit more tense. If Chika was indeed continuously monitoring Shido, it meant that their every move, especially their strategy to capture the spirits, could be exposed to her.

This undoubtedly greatly increases the uncertainty and risk of the operation.

Kotori paused in her chewing of the jewel, her expression turning grim: "You mean...she might have been...monitoring Shido using methods we can't detect?"

(Staring at Shido all the time? That Chinatsu? What exactly is she trying to do? Is it just because she can't stand Shido becoming a 'scumbag'? Or... does she still have a deeper... concern for Shido?)

"The likelihood is high."

Reine nodded. "That also explains why she didn't show up today. Because Shido's performance today, although clumsy, was 'sincere' enough, which was in line with the direction she 'warned' yesterday. So she chose to remain still and observe the situation."

This conclusion is even more chilling than the statement "Chika has already left".

A powerful spirit with unclear motives, who may be constantly monitoring Shido, or even Fraxinus, through some unknown means...

Kotori took a deep breath and realized that the pearl in her mouth no longer tasted sweet.

Either way, it means they must readjust their strategy for dealing with Chika.

This spirit, possessing dual powers and with an unpredictable behavior pattern, has become the most complex and dangerous variable on Shido's path to conquering spirits.

"Immediately increase monitoring of all transmitted signals, especially weak and atypical energy signals! At the same time, reassess all suspicious items that Shido has come into contact with!"

Kotori gave a stern order. "If she's really spying on us in this way... then we have to find her!"

She didn't want her brother's terrible "acting" to draw out that troublesome white-haired elf again. Today's date had to proceed smoothly!

Fraxinus once again tensed up because of Chinatsu's potentially ubiquitous "attention".

They realized that the struggle against [Heavenly Judgment] was far more than a direct confrontation of power; it was more likely a ubiquitous, covert war of surveillance and counter-surveillance.

Meanwhile, Shido, who was strolling through the shopping street with Tohka and trying his best to play the role of a "sincere" date, was completely unaware of all this.

He was unaware that his every move might be being silently watched by the "departed" white-haired girl in a way he couldn't comprehend.

Chapter 150 presents the world to you

Following the guidance of the "lucky ticket," at the end of their date, Shido and Tohka unknowingly arrived at this still-developing plateau on the edge of the city.

The hustle and bustle was left far behind, with only the sound of the wind and the gradually softening sunset accompanying them.

"Wow……!"

“So beautiful…” she murmured softly, her voice filled with an almost reverent amazement, “It feels completely different from what I’ve seen before.”

Shido walked to her side and followed her gaze. Indeed, the city seen from here, stripped of its daytime hustle and bustle, revealed a tranquil and warm beauty in the interplay of twilight and city lights.

“Yes, it’s really beautiful from here,” he replied softly. “This is… the world we live in.”

Stepping onto the smooth cement ground of the platform, Tohka couldn't help but let out a soft gasp. The view suddenly opened up before her, with no tall buildings obstructing her view.

The magnificent sunset painted the entire sky into a warm and glorious picture, with orange-red, gold powder and light purple haze intertwined, a breathtakingly beautiful scene.

Below, the city's outline gradually becomes clear in the twilight, with twinkling lights appearing like scattered stars on earth.

She ran quickly to the edge of the terrace, gripped the temporary fence with both hands, took a deep breath, and let the evening breeze caress her face, blowing her night-black hair and the hem of her school uniform skirt.

“So beautiful…” She turned around, her eyes reflecting the glow of the sunset, sparkling with pure and delighted light. “It feels completely different from what I saw on the street before. It’s so quiet and comfortable here.”

Shido followed and stood beside her. Seeing Tohka's undisguised joy, his tense nerves, which had been taut all afternoon, finally relaxed, and a gentle smile unconsciously appeared on his lips.

"Yes, it's really beautiful from here," he murmured in agreement, his gaze also drifting into the distance.

"This is... the world we live in. It can be noisy and troublesome at times, but it also has many beautiful corners like this."

Tohka listened quietly, her gaze slowly shifting from the distant city skyline to Shido's profile. The golden light of the setting sun softened his features, and his blue eyes, now devoid of the previous tension and panic, held only a calm gentleness.

"Shido," she suddenly called out, her voice soft yet exceptionally clear.

"Hmm?" Shido turned his head and met her focused gaze.

"I'm very happy today." Tohka's expression was serious, as if she were stating a very important discovery.

"I ate a lot of delicious food, saw a lot of things I'd never seen before, learned about 'dating'... and, of course, I was with you."

Her bluntness made Shido's heart skip a beat, and his cheeks flushed slightly.

He lowered his head somewhat embarrassedly, his fingers unconsciously picking at the rust on the railing: "Is...is that so? As long as you're happy...actually, I'm...quite happy too."

Even Shido himself was somewhat surprised when he said those words.

Looking back on the afternoon, from being chased by Chiin and Hiroto, to frantically explaining the menu at the dessert shop, to taking Tohka, who was full of curiosity about everything, to strolling through the shopping street.

...Although there were many unexpected situations and all sorts of "accidents" that he had not anticipated, seeing Tohka's eyes, which were originally full of vigilance and confusion, gradually lit up with novelty, joy and satisfaction, filled his heart with an indescribable sense of accomplishment...and a touch of warmth.

This was completely different from the "elf strategy" he had envisioned, which required serious preparation. There was no scheming, no tricks, only the most genuine contact and response.

“When I’m with you,” Tohka continued, tilting her head slightly as if savoring the feeling.

"It seems... I won't be so scared anymore. And I won't feel... all alone."

Her voice carried a hint of vulnerability, like someone who had been walking in darkness for too long finally touching a glimmer of light.

This unconditional trust, like a feather gently tickling Shido's heart, stirred a strong protective instinct within him.

“Tohka…” Shido took a deep breath, mustered his courage, raised his head, and looked at her with a firm gaze.

"You're not alone. From now on... I'll be with you whenever you want. I'll take you to eat more delicious food and see more beautiful scenery."

These weren't lines spoken to complete a mission; they were his truest thoughts at that moment.

He didn't want to see her with that sad and angry expression again under the attack of AST, nor did he want to see her disappear alone because she was misunderstood.

Tohka stared at him blankly, her amethyst-like eyes widening slightly, clearly reflecting Shido's sincere face.

She could sense that Shido's words were different from the previous complicated and difficult "dessert introductions"; they flowed directly from his heart, warm and reassuring.

A strange, warm feeling quietly spread through her heart, as if she were being bathed in the lingering warmth of the setting sun. She didn't quite understand what this feeling was, but she liked it very much.

She didn't speak, but the corners of her mouth slowly curved upwards, forming a smile more radiant and captivating than the sunset.

In that smile, there was satisfaction, trust, and a hint of nascent affection that even she herself was unaware of.

The two stood side by side in the sunset, letting the golden light envelop them.

The hustle and bustle of the distant city seemed to be shut out, and the world was left with only the sound of the wind and the distance between each other quietly closing.

A tranquil and beautiful atmosphere filled the air, as if time itself was willing to stand still at this moment.

As Shido looked at Tohka's profile softened by the setting sun, and at the pure smile in her eyes, he felt a soft spot in his heart being gently touched.

He suddenly felt that if he could always protect that smile, it seemed... to be a pretty good thing.

However, this warm and tranquil moment did not last long.

Chapter 151 The Declaration of World Denial and the Final Shot

Tohka remained silent for a moment, as the evening breeze gently lifted her night-black hair.

She suddenly turned her head and looked at Shido, her eyes no longer filled with simple joy, but with a complex confusion that Shido had never seen before.

“Shido,” she said softly, as if afraid of disturbing the tranquility of the sunset.

"This world... has so many beautiful things, delicious food, and people like you... who smile at me and talk to me."

Shido watched her quietly, waiting for her to continue.

Tohka's brows furrowed slightly, and a hint of pain gradually seeped into her confusion.

“But… my appearance will cause a ‘spacequake’.” She raised her hand, looking at her palm as if it were stained with indelible sins.

“All those beautiful things, those delicious restaurants, those smiling people... will be destroyed and disappear because of my appearance.”

Her voice trembled slightly, and her gaze returned to the peaceful lights below, her eyes filled with contradiction and sorrow.

"I...love this beautiful world. But, it seems...I'm also one of the culprits who destroyed this world?"

This is a heavy question, stemming from the intense conflict between Tohka's instincts and her understanding.

She felt the beauty of the world, but at the same time realized that there was a devastating contradiction between herself and this beauty.

Shido was touched. He looked into Tohka's eyes and saw the clear pain and confusion in them, no longer the pure hostility or incomprehension he had felt when she first appeared, but rather a reflection on her own existence and its connection to this world. This in itself was a huge step forward.

He looked at her, his eyes serious and determined, and slowly began to speak.

"Tohka, do you see those lights?" He pointed to the twinkling city lights below.

"Behind every light, there may be a family, with someone preparing dinner, someone watching TV, someone waiting for their family to come home... That is the peaceful and precious life of countless people."

Tohka followed his finger, her gaze focused.

"And the soybean flour bread you just ate, the ice cream, and all those interesting items in the shopping street exist because many, many people are working hard to create these things and make life better."

Shido paused, then refocused his gaze on Tohka's face, his voice steady and powerful:

"This world is indeed beautiful and worth cherishing. But, Tohka, this beauty does not only belong to those unmoving buildings and landscapes, but also exists in the hearts of everyone who lives here, in their yearning for and efforts towards a better life."

He took a deep breath and said the most crucial words: "And you, Tohka, you will also be happy to eat delicious bread, amazed by beautiful scenery, and joyful to have someone by your side."

"These feelings are essentially the same as the beauty you see in this world! The fact that you can feel this beauty proves that you and this world are not in opposition!"

Tohka's eyes widened slightly, as if she were somewhat shaken.

"Your presence will trigger a spacequake, that's a fact."

Shido did not shy away from the question; his tone carried an undeniable certainty, "But that doesn't mean you are the 'culprit,' nor does it mean you are not qualified to feel and appreciate the beauty of this world!"

"The important thing is that you are here now, you don't want to destroy anything, you are just looking at it, feeling it, and... being moved by its beauty."

He looked at Tohka and gave her a gentle, encouraging smile: "This 'liking' and 'feeling' are real, they belong to you, Tohka, and no one has the right to deny them. And..."

He leaned closer, his voice becoming more resolute: "I believe there must be a way that allows you to stay in this world you love without destroying it. There must be!"

He stepped forward and pressed his hands firmly on Tohka's shoulders, forcing her to look into his eyes.