"That's my story with Shiki, even though it happened two years ago," Mikiya said with a calm tone, not much different from his usual deanor. But both Touko and Shinji could sense the deep affection and devotion hidden beneath his calm exterior and gentle voice.
It was precisely because of this that Shinji genuinely wished him the best, and Touko, a person who cared little about worldly matters, was willing to help an ordinary person like him, almost selflessly.
"So, did she stop growing then?" Touko asked, resting her chin on her hand, lost in thought.
"Based on my understanding, the only way for the body to completely stop growing is by becoming a 'Dead Apostle,' but that doesn't seem to fit your description," Shinji replied, brushing off the weariness on his face as he sat up from the couch.
Dead Apostles are a classification of vampiric beings.
Vampires are primarily divided into two major categories: "True Ancestors" and "Dead Apostles."
"True Ancestors" are innate vampires, a distinct species from humans since birth. They are special beings among vampires, akin to ancient "elves" or "primordial deities" predating human history.
It's worth ntioning that "True Ancestors" don't have a physiological need for blood. They are classified as vampires because they have a certain defect from birth, which is the urge to drink blood. All True Ancestors crave the blood of the very beings they should be restraining—humans. Blood is to "True Ancestors" what drugs are to humans. Once they taste it, it's hard to resist the temptation, and they can only continue to feed, filling the void in their souls.
"Dead Apostles" are acquired vampires, and they are the prototypes of vampires found in various legends and stories. The majority of vampires in the world are Dead Apostles.
Dead Apostles are essentially humans who have undergone certain processes of evolution. So are "Forr Dead," turned into vampires after being fed upon by True Ancestors, while others are magus who have transford through special rituals to prolong their lives.
Regardless of the thod, once one becos a Dead Apostle, it signifies a change in their form of existence. From the mont of becoming a Dead Apostle, the body enters a state similar to death and stops growing. To maintain their near-immortal bodies, Dead Apostles must regularly consu blood, much like how humans need to eat. It's an instinct for survival that cannot be denied.
"Yeah, if she had beco a Dead Apostle, she would have woken up and started to drink blood a long ti ago. She can't lie in bed for two years," Touko agreed with Shinji's explanation.
"Then how do you write her na? It's written with a single character in Kanji, right?"
"Her na is Shiki, spelled with the character '式.' What's the matter?" Mikiya gestured slightly, slightly puzzled.
"The 'Shi' in Shikigami, and her surna is 'Ryougi.' It's just too perfect," Touko murmured to herself, a hint of disbelief flashing in her eyes.
"Why, are you interested?" Shinji asked, implying sothing.
"Yeah, I'm very interested. What about you?" Touko admitted frankly.
"I'm also a little interested. Well, since you're planning to get involved, I won't bother worrying about it. I already have a lot on my plate. By the way, if you discover anything, rember to let know."
Although he appeared casual, Touko still sensed sothing unusual between Shinji's brows.
"You... seem to know sothing?"
Shinji unconsciously scratched his head. "Well, kind of, but it's not sothing important. The source of the information isn't reliable either, so I won't say it to avoid affecting your judgnt."
"I have a feeling you're hiding sothing. Whatever, the hospital is in the outskirts, right? I'll go take a look."
After receiving Mikiya's affirmative reply, Touko grabbed her coat and hurriedly walked towards the door.
As Touko left, Mikiya let go of the docunts in his hand and locked eyes with Shinji.
"Shiki... Does she have so kind of issue?"
"More accurately, it's not an issue, but rather uniqueness."
Shinji wasn't surprised by Mikiya's perceptiveness.
"I don't know if you've noticed, but your girlfriend isn't an ordinary person. She's a being similar to Miss Touko and ."
"Yeah, I know."
He had known for a long ti, but he didn't care.
"A person like that can never live a peaceful life. Are you prepared for it, Mikiya Kokutou?"
"Prepared? I don't know if I am, but no matter what happens, I'll be by her side and believe in her."
Mikiya's smile was warm, like a cask of aged wine, exuding the intoxication accumulated over ti.
"That's enough then. Never forget the words you said today," Shinji patted Mikiya's shoulder firmly. "To understand the uniqueness of the Ryogi family, you must first uncover the secrets of the Ryogi family. The information I have on this is very limited, mostly speculation. The only thing I can tell you is that the Ryogi family is one of the 'Four Great Exorcist Families.' The rest, you'll have to investigate yourself."
"The Four Great Exorcist Families, huh?" Mikiya imdiately took out his notebook and started jotting it down.
"Considering that the Ryogi family hasn't interfered in your relationship with Shiki for so many years, they probably won't do anything to you. But still, be cautious. If they issue a warning to you, back off imdiately."
"Understood."
"Also, take these with you."
Shinji reached into his waist pouch where he stored rune stones and took out three of them.
"The square one provides five minutes of protection; the triangular one temporarily enhances your physical abilities, allowing you to run faster; the circular one is a distress signal. If you encounter danger, crush it depending on the situation. After all, I'm the one sending you to investigate, so I should ensure your safety."
"Thank you very much," Mikiya expressed his gratitude while carefully stowing away the rune stones.
"No need to thank . I have sothing to ask of you as well. While you investigate the Ryougi family, gather information on the other three families as well—the 'Four Great Exorcist Houses': Ryougi, Fujou, Asakami, and Nanaya."
"Asakami?"
"That's the family Fujino cos from. After going bankrupt three years ago, they disappeared from the scene. Just keep an eye out for where they might have gone. As for the other two families, put in a little more effort, but rember, just a little. Don't delve too deep. I'll set a limit for you—your investigation should only be within the boundaries of the city of Misaki. If you need to go outside, stop there."
"Got it."
Mikiya was prudent in his actions. If it didn't concern Shiki, he never tried to be overly ambitious.
"Should I go now?"
"Go now. I'll inform Miss Touko, and I'll temporarily take care of the work at the agency."
Five minutes later, the spacious office was left with only Shinji. He moved the only phone used for external communication to the coffee table, then lay back on the table, his eyes half-open and unfocused.
"Ryougi Shiki, huh? Ryougi Shiki... Taiji gives birth to the Two Principles, Two Principles divided into Yin and Yang, Yin gives birth to Yang, and Yang gives birth to Yin, a spiral of contradictions that is already the most perfect equation. Compared to that, soone with only a single personality falls a bit short."
"Heh, Nasu-sensei... You really choose that na for Shiki."
PS: The original divine spirits are derivatives of planetary will, and there is no difference from the concept of True Ancestors.
Reviews
All reviews (0)