One-way traffic

The girl tapped her fingertip and asked the phantom in front of her a question.

What exactly are your intentions towards the people around that person?

The phantom looked directly at her.

Their goals are essentially the same.

"The child next to that person... that girl with the light blue hair, is indeed a very good prospect."

"If she can obtain the Spirit Crystal and become an elf, she will surely gain power that is second to none... no, even surpassing everything."

"Hehe, so it seems you're going to be my rival?"

"So, your goal is also that child?"

"The power contained within that girl is far more extraordinary than I imagined. If I could completely absorb it... perhaps I could achieve my goal right now."

"Is this so?"

Phantom seemed to have anticipated this outcome.

So it spoke the words it had prepared long ago.

"I advise you to stop."

"...?"

"Because, now, I no longer intend to have any thoughts about that child."

For a moment, even Kurumi Tokisaki couldn't help but frown.

"What did you say…?"

“My original intention was to let the child come into contact with the spirit crystal in my hand so that he could become a spirit, but now I have given up on that idea.”

"Because I've come to understand something."

Even with the sound as indistinct as a mosaic, Kurumi Tokisaki could still hear the actual tone of voice.

A tone of extreme vigilance.

"No matter what, I will try my best to distance myself from everything around that person."

"Perhaps others can become pieces on my chessboard, but that person can never be controlled by anyone."

"Even I wouldn't dare to control such an absolutely unstable and uncontrollable piece."

The girl couldn't help but fall silent.

She knew perfectly well the identity and strength of the phantom before her; even she dared not cast a contemptuous glance at her.

But that's exactly what it is.

When facing another person, he actually said a series of such words.

This was something Kurumi Tokisaki never imagined.

"Therefore, I advise you to abandon your original purpose."

"Hehe...Do you really think that's possible?"

"If you insist on doing it, that's fine too. After all, it's your own choice."

The phantom turned around.

"But in any case, I will never again attempt to be his enemy."

"—At least, that's how it is for now."

A gentle night breeze was blowing.

When she came to her senses, the figure had completely vanished from in front of Tokisaki Kurumi.

"...It's really interesting."

The girl, with her back to the moonlight, slowly walked into the shadows of the ruins ahead.

"Accelerator... he really is a very interesting character."

Then, accompanied by radiance.

They disappeared into the shadows together.

——————————————————————————————————————

The two of them ate out for dinner tonight.

The reason is not only because they don't feel like cooking at the moment.

More importantly, it's because they have things they can only accomplish by going out.

"Gentlemen, here are the dishes you ordered, and they are all ready!"

"Okay... thank you, I'll leave it here."

"Well then, enjoy your meal!!"

The waiter placed all the dishes they had ordered on the table and then left.

Hatsune Miku placed the dish that belonged to Accelerator in front of him.

But the other party didn't seem to notice.

"Alright, isn't it about time to eat?"

"Tsk, there's still too little information to investigate."

Clicking his tongue in amazement, Accelerator put the laptop on the table aside.

Although we have seen so many different things today, there are still basically no places that can be used as sources of intelligence.

To think you can understand the truth of the world based solely on information found online is simply wishful thinking.

But at least, OnePass managed to find some information.

"DEM Corporation, the world's largest manufacturer of display devices, and these so-called display devices are products born from the aftermath of the space earthquake thirty years ago..."

"Well... at least, that's what Miss Ellen said."

Even so, there was still too little news.

It's difficult to even find information about a company called DEM online, so it's likely that even hacking into networks all over the world wouldn't yield much information on this topic.

Once Accelerator realized this, an impatient expression immediately appeared on his face.

"...What is this?"

"It seems to be... one of the more famous coffee shops in Tengu City?"

"Famous? Are you kidding me... This kind of thing is called famous? There should be a limit to being funny, right?"

Picking up the most expensive canned coffee he'd just bought at a roadside convenience store, Accelerator frowned after just one sip.

It tastes way too sweet.

It's less like coffee and more like 90% sugar with a small amount of instant coffee.

"The food culture here doesn't seem to be primarily coffee-based, so... trying other cuisines might be better, right?"

"After visiting once, I dare not continue to be so respectful."

Seeing Accelerator in this state, Hatsune Miku couldn't help but smile wryly.

"Okay... I'll make some delicious food for Yifang when we get back."

"...Are you treating me like a kid?"

Before he could say anything...

The laptop placed to the side emitted a peculiar notification sound.

Not only Accelerator, but even Hatsune Miku couldn't help but look over.

The above is a private email.

"Huh...? An email..."

"Would anyone recognize us in this godforsaken place?"

Slightly puzzled, they eventually opened the email.

We know that the two of you are searching for information related to spirits and manifestation devices.

We will meet you when we arrive at the outskirts of Tiangong City Park.

If you would like to obtain further information, please come to the designated location.

Ratatoskr

"This is…"

Hatsune Miku couldn't help but freeze in shock.

After thinking for a moment, Accelerator made a decision immediately.

"Isn't it better than having nothing at all?"

Upon hearing this, the girl nodded directly.

So the two of them made their next decision immediately.

Chapter 339 Did you have enough fun?

Consciousness was very blurred.

It's like falling into an abyss; even though you can feel your body, you still can't control it.

The icy feeling, like the pressure of water from the deep sea, pressed down on my whole body little by little.

then.

"...This is...quite interesting..."

“But… Miss Eileen… continuing with this level of damage… will definitely cause problems…”

"That's alright... as long as you understand that..."

Is that...Ike's... voice...?

"Mr. Westcott! Miss Ellen's vital signs are responding...!"

"oh…?"

The change in circumstances brought a look of pleasure to the figure standing outside.

"Is she able to communicate with me now?"

"Judging from his mental state, there shouldn't be any problems. However, he probably won't be able to use the display device for a while."

"So it really is because the injuries to my body were too severe."

"...Yes, although I hate to admit it, Miss Eileen has never suffered an injury of this level before. The sudden shock has made it difficult for her body to recover to its full strength in a short time. Even with the most advanced medical treatment, it will take at least two weeks to recover."

"Well, I should be thankful that I was completely safe and sound in such a short time."

The man's voice gradually became expectant.

squeak--

The top glass cover of the culture tank located above my head was thus opened.

Eileen, who had already regained consciousness, was now awakened almost instantly by the bright light shining directly on her face.

The figure that had just spoken came into view.

The man was wearing a black suit, had short silver hair, and looked very young.

After realizing he was awake, he turned around.

He spoke to himself in an incredibly gentle tone.

"Oh, you're awake, Ellen."

“Ike…”

Now that he had awakened, all the memories from before he fell into a coma returned to his mind.

The image that caused his coma still occasionally flashes before his eyes.