Act One: The Twins' Effect

Shingo's Diary

Being born as identical twins was one of

the greatest regrets of my life.

Shiori was so annoying!

Why must she bother me now and then?

Can't I have a day of privacy without her voice ringing inside my head?

Ironically, when Shiori's voice finally died down, it became my greater regret.

However, destiny is stronger than blood.

And only destiny can return us together again.

Shiro Amiga heaved a sigh of relief as the final bell of Norifumi High School rang, signaling the end of another long day of classes. He stretched his arms and let out a small yawn, grateful for the chance to finally relax.

“Whew, what a day!” he said to his classmate, Mariko Chime. “I’m glad it’s over.”

Mariko nodded in agreement, a smile playing at the corners of her lips. “It surely was. I always love it when I can finally take this stifling jacket off and be myself, an apprentice priestess at Tsubaki Temple, helping out my gramps.”

Shingo grinned. “Haha, me too. Tell you what, why don’t we get a snack at Uncle Kotatsu’s first? His cheesecakes are heavenly!”

Mariko’s eyes lit up at the mention of cheesecakes. “Oh yes, please do. With warm matcha green tea drink to match, it always works to give me the mood booster of the day.”

“Great! Just a few blocks away from here, and we’ll be in paradise. Off we go!” Shingo exclaimed, his excitement palpable.

But as he turned to leave, he heard a faint voice calling out to him.

“W-wait, Mari! I… I think Shiori is calling out for me!” Shingo said, his face contorting with worry. “Just let me do a quick check and search for her in the school, is it okay for you?”

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Mariko’s expression grew serious, and she placed a reassuring hand on Shingo’s shoulder. “I sense that too! Just go to her, Shin! Maybe she’s in trouble and she needs your help!”

“That’s what I like best about you, Mari! You can sense things that few people like me can,” Shingo said, his eyes shining with gratitude. “I hope this isn’t a prank or anything like that. Wait for me, okay?”

“Of course, Shin. Now go!” Mariko said, giving him a gentle shove towards the school’s entrance.

Shingo picked a broom from the janitor’s room and ran along the school corridors, his heart racing with fear and anticipation. What he saw there made his blood run cold.

Slimy creatures like konnyaku monsters, also known as flobbers in foreign countries, also some giant hornet bees and giant spiders were running rampant in the halls of Norifumi High School. Shingo couldn’t believe his eyes.

“But, aren’t monsters extinct in this Modern Age? Is someone trying to breed or conjure monsters and unleash them in this school?” Shingo thought.

Shingo felt a sudden surge of adrenaline, his instincts kicking into overdrive. “Sorry to say, monsters are fascinating for me to study, but this infestation makes me fight them!” he muttered under his breath.

With a determined glint in his eye, he tightened his grip on his broom, fighting his way toward his sister. The good thing was, he was so well trained the monsters were nothing more than pushovers.

Arriving at the third floor, Shingo entered the Kendo gym room, grabbed two wooden swords, and fought his way to Shiori’s classroom. The konnyaku monsters and all sorts of critter monsters were easier to defeat now.

Shingo burst into the classroom, ready to face the monsters and save his twin sister. The air was thick with tension as he scanned the room for any sign of danger. Shiori’s voice was ringing in his head, pleading for his help.

Shingo saw Shiori in the corner of the room, surrounded by a group of grotesque creatures that he had only ever seen in games or fantasy movies. They had sharp teeth, scaly skin, and glowing eyes that seemed to follow her wherever she went.

“Here, Shiori!” he yelled as he stepped forward and threw one wooden sword at his sister. “Let’s take care of these monsters.”

Shiori nodded, her eyes wide with fear. “Be careful, Brother,” she said.

The monsters hissed and growled, their claws bared and ready to attack. Shingo knew he had to act fast. He took a deep breath and charged at the creatures, his movements swift and calculated.

The monsters were strong, but Shingo was determined. He fought with all his might, dodging their attacks and striking back with powerful blows of his wooden sword. Each hit felt like a small victory, but the monsters kept coming.

As he fought, Shingo couldn’t help but think about how annoying Shiori could be at times. But now, with her in danger, he realized how much he cared about her. Their mental connection had always been a source of irritation for him, but now it was a lifeline that kept them connected in the face of danger.

Fighting back-to-back, the twins were as though giving out a spectacular show like a shadow dance of sorts.

Finally, after what felt like hours, the last monster fell to the ground with a thud. Shingo collapsed to his knees, panting and covered in sweat. He turned to Shiori, who was still huddled in the corner.

“Are you okay?” he asked, his voice hoarse.

Shiori nodded, tears streaming down her face. “Thank you, Brother,” she said. “I knew you would come for me.”

Shingo smiled, relief flooding through him. “Of course, I would,” he said. “We’re twins, after all. Our destiny is intertwined.”

“But, we must hurry to the auditorium now,” Shiori said. “It was Nena who summoned all those monsters! We must stop her there before we’re too late!”