Chapter 17

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Fourteen Years Old (Seventeen)

Setting aside the fact that Shinkansen stations are naturally crowded places, Shin-Yokohama Station is an expansive, multi-level complex encompassing both aboveground and underground structures.

If such a large number of bombs were simultaneously detonated in this already hollow underground area...

There would be no need to consider the explosive power itself; one could easily foresee the chain reaction of collapses and cave-ins that would follow. The scope of the disaster, the number of casualties, and the extent of the damage would be immeasurable.

These bombs must never be allowed to go off.

But if that’s the case, could they really hand over Utaba to the enemy?

This was nothing less than a magnified version of the classic trolley problem, and for anyone with a basic sense of conscience and morality, it was a dilemma without a clear answer. Whichever choice was made, the side sacrificed would forever become a thorn in their heart.

The mastermind behind this was undeniably malicious, and at this moment, they were likely observing the situation unfolding here through some other means.

When they saw the struggle etched on the faces of Chōno Saiku and Suehiro Tetsutarō, the mastermind felt an unparalleled sense of satisfaction.

Yes, this was exactly how it should be! They were utterly fed up with these so-called “agents of justice” who, in reality, had hands stained with so much darkness and blood!

All beings are sinners.

Only they could find the sole path to survival amidst this darkness and evil, bringing salvation to the world!

And to achieve this...

The presence of the Saintess was indispensable.

The Sanctuary had worked for five years across the globe to accomplish this goal; now, as if even the gods themselves were rewarding their perseverance, the girl named Hoshina Utaba was delivered right into their hands.

Thinking of this, the mastermind instantly grew restless and tired of wasting time.

Thus, on the bomb’s LCD screen, the previously frozen crimson digits began to tick steadily, accompanied by an increasingly urgent “beep beep” — like a death sentence ringing out from the depths of hell.

Clearly, the mastermind had no intention of wasting even a second, watching their struggle and agony while forcing them to hurry and make a choice.

“Give me the Saintess.” The voice over the broadcast laughed, confident in their victory, mocking the two military police. “The joy of reclaiming the Saintess is worth more than the lives of everyone here today. After that, I will cancel the bomb’s countdown—no one here will be harmed.”

Suehiro Tetsutarō glanced toward Chōno Saiku, who noticed his gaze and gently shook her head.

Though Chōno Saiku and Suehiro Tetsutarō could, with swift and simultaneous action, subdue all those surrounding them in a very short time —

First, they could not be sure if there were more bombs on others who had yet to appear;

Second, Chōno Saiku sensed that these bombs must have multiple means of control, and the mastermind might possess a remote detonator capable of triggering all the bombs instantaneously.

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There was no denying that they were completely at the mercy of this mastermind, caught in a dilemma where any move risked grave consequences.

But could they really allow the enemy to take Utaba away?

Neither Chōno Saiku nor Suehiro Tetsutarō could accept such a choice — it would violate their principles and make them appear utterly incompetent.

Amid this impasse, a highly inappropriate sneer sounded from behind them.

Yes, a sneer.

The girl who had been unconsciously shielded behind them finally lifted her eyes, her exquisitely delicate face expressionless, but anyone who saw her could tell she was displeased.

Though threatened by such ruthless criminals and about to be handed over as a bargaining chip, Utaba showed no sign of fear, terror, or unease.

On the contrary, her gaze was calm, as if none of this mattered enough to trouble her heart.

“Have you been rambling to yourselves this whole time? I never said I would follow your arrangements.”

Her eyes swept over the human barrier surrounding her — both “hostages” and “perpetrators” — then she gave a faint, emotionless smile.

“Though it’s not yet perfect... at least it’s good enough to show others.”

The girl raised both hands to her chest, crossing and shifting her fingers.

“My heart, Un Lock.”

***

What is supernatural power? What extent can it reach?

Few can provide a definitive answer.

It is probably a gift of evolution bestowed upon humanity by the world and nature after a long passage of time. The exact moment the first supernatural being appeared is no longer reliable to pinpoint, but suddenly one day, people realized that “supernatural powers” were no longer rare, secret forces wielded by a select few.

Without warning or prelude, supernatural abilities became neither “commonplace” nor “rare curiosities.”

Like geniuses born with exceptional talent — rare, yet undeniably real.

Even after hundreds of years to this day, those with such powers remain a tiny fraction of the global population. Yet the public has accepted living in a world that includes “supernatural powers” and “superpowered individuals,” no longer reacting with shock.

This world had fully entered the era of the supernatural.

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The effects and applications of supernatural powers are diverse. Some are mighty enough to trigger celestial phenomena, summon storms and earthquakes, and single-handedly command armies. Others are so weak they are indistinguishable from ordinary humans, making the existence of their powers irrelevant.

There are strong powers and weak powers; ultimately, their impact depends on who wields them and how they are used.

Chōno Saiku and Suehiro Tetsutarō are both supernatural beings, rare among thousands, possessing powerful abilities perfectly suited for combat.

Although their powers are rated as “safe” and “stable” within the Special Supernatural Operations Unit — not requiring strict control or surveillance like the ultra-class abilities — that does not mean their powers are gentle or harmless.

Chōno Saiku can molecularly disperse her body and then reconstruct herself wherever she desires—the “Tears of a Thousand Gold.”

Suehiro Tetsutarō can manipulate the length of his weapon at will, extending it to lengths unimaginable to ordinary people—the “Plum Blossom in the Snow.”

Enhanced by modifications from supernatural technicians, their physical prowess has reached the pinnacle of human capability, making them living weapons.

As members of the elite suppression squad Alpha Unit within the military police, they have handled countless dangerous and complex supernatural cases, witnessing types of powers beyond ordinary comprehension or lifetime experience.

But, and yet...

Suehiro Tetsutarō’s eyes widened—since Chōno Saiku was unable to see, no one else could share his shock—

Could the phenomena before him really be the extent of supernatural power?

As the girl murmured what sounded like a spell, pure white energy, untarnished by any impurity, converged from all directions, enveloping her and forming a soft, sweet dress resembling pale pink cotton candy.

Layers of wide skirts surrounded her sides like petals embracing a blossom’s core—pure and beautiful, evoking an instinctive compassion in anyone who saw her.

Massive, snow-white, soft wings suddenly spread behind her. The girl slowly opened her eyes; her crystal violet irises shimmered with faint starlight before settling on those clutching bombs that were now counting down.

There was not a trace of fear in her gaze; instead, it held a divine compassion.

“Here I go, Eru.” Utaba spoke habitually, as if communicating with her guardian spirit as she had during every transformation before. When no usual reply came, she belatedly realized her guardian was no longer by her side.

This understanding caused her to furrow her brow slightly. She pressed her lips together, setting aside the rising feelings to deal with the pressing matter ahead.

“Angel Cradle!”