The whispering of two female voices awoke Kanashi. He opened his eyes and saw the same wooden roof with a distinct Edoland style arc above him. Sitting up in the light blue futon he’d been tucked into he saw two familiar faces.

The faces of two girls which were nearly identical in appearance except for their eye shape. They looked to be around Kanashis age, maybe a year or two older at most with light blue pattern less Kimonos and a nervous expression.

“What’s up?” Kanashi asked with a weak smile.

# # #

Kanashi listened as the two servants retold events from their perspective. They’d been called back to Mitous house where Kanashi had fallen unconscious. They hauled him back to the guest bedroom he’d been residing in previously and he slept for a good four hours before waking up.

“Are you guys in on it too?” He asked with a frown.

“In on what?” Mimiko asked, tilting her head to the right.

“I don't know what you’re referring to…” Sumika answered, tilting her head to the left.

“The Soutou clan thing.”

“Soutou?” Both of the girls repeated with a frown.

“Never mind, it looks like you guys are clean then.” Kanashi sighed, rubbing his forehead. They could be feigning ignorance to trick me further but based on the way Mitou spoke to and treated them they’re probably out of the loop completely. I wouldn’t be surprised if she thought telling them would be a risk.

The conversation Kanashi had had with Mitou and Asara repeated in his head.

Mitou answered my questions to lower my guard and then scoped me out with her own. After that she divulged what should have been private information to make me feel like she trusted me. Asara came in and put me on edge making me feel like our partnership was on the rocks so I’d grow desperate. Then he swept the rug out from under me and I fell straight into their trap.

Kanashis eyes grew dry and he hid his face in his knees.

I wasn’t asked to ally with the Hojo clan in fact I wasn’t asked to do any of the things I’ve done. My job was to ride the Cymba here and then place waypoints. Yet I ended up getting into a war with the Toumeikan, sank the Cymba and fought the Toumeikan again in Izumika… I murdered civilians, exposed my identity and now I’m being forced to assassinate a political figure. If I’d just stayed in my lane none of this would have happened.

But I just can’t help it. When the opportunity jumps at me I want to take it. With the Griffon, With the Visa and train pass, and now with the Hojo. I did things I didn’t need to do and I’ve made a mess of it all. I’ve done nothing but make a mess of things. I might as well just throw myself off the nearest roof head first at this point. Otherwise I’ll only make things even worse.

“You okay?” Mimiko asked, patting Kanashi on the back.

“Yeah, I’m just… allergies and stuff.” Kanashi croaked out with a sniffle.

“Do you need medicine?”

“No, I’ll be fine.” Kanashi lifted his face and wiped it with a towel Sumika handed him.

“Hey, do you guys like living here?” He asked with an awkward smile.

“?” Sumika and Mimiko both looked surprised at the question and their eyes glazed over with anxiety as they debated their answer.

“That’s what I thought!” Kanashi laughed. “I think I’m gonna run away right now, I’m done with this shit, I’m not meant for this life after all! You should come with me! We can run away together and live in some foreign small country! I can teach Shinkai and you two can be nurses. It’d be a perfect quiet life!” Kanashi cried as he said these words. His face was full of shame and desperation.

“We don’t know you though…” Mimiko said, pulling herself away from Kanashi.

It was as if her words had punched Kanashi in the stomach. He leaned forwards and pulled at his own hair. That’s right. I’m alone here in this country. No, in fact there’s not a single person who cares about me left in this world. I just met these two a few hours ago so why would they even consider it? I’m alone and have been for the past five months. I should have died with everyone else in Azhar. My survival was fluke, I shouldn’t even be alive right now. Just like Satoshi said, I'm a dead man walking.

“Can you two leave me alone?” Kanashi asked the two servants without looking at them.

“...”

Without so much as a word the two women got up and left the room. They quietly slid the Shoji door shut and left Kanashi alone in the room. The Prison Cell where he’d been trapped.

# # #

“Lunch is ready.” Sumika said, knocking on the Shoji door before sliding it open. In her hands was a porcelain tray covered with a variety of dishes filled with fish, rice, vegetables and soup. A traditional Edoland meal.

“Sorry, but I’m not hungry.” Kanashi said.

“You haven’t eaten anything in two days, you should be starving…” Sumika frowned, tilting her head to the side.

“Thank you for worrying but I’m fine.”

“...”

“Well I’ll leave it here for you then.” Sumika said, placing the tray on the bedside table before retreating out the door. As she began to step out of it she paused for a moment and looked back at Kanashi. “It's Thursday the 23rd of July.” She said,

“What about it?” Kanashi grumbled, not looking up at her.

“The liberation is on the 1st of august isn't it? That’s next Saturday.”

“I’m not doing it anymore.”

“What do you mean?”

“I quit, I’m sick of this shit. I’m just gonna find my way back home. Whatever happens, will happen. Jin can do this whole thing himself. He's capable of it.”

“... I see.” Sumika sighed, walking out of the room and sliding the Shoji door shut. She stopped right before it closed completely and stuck her head inside so Kanashi could hear what she said.

“I’m only an artificial human so I don’t know anything about the outside world. To me this estate is my world… I find it a shame that I won’t be able to venture outside of these estate gates if the Orochi Kingdom takes control.” With that she slowly slid the door closed.

“...” Kanashi sat in silence clutching his head. A few minutes passed without him moving, his aura slowly writhing around.

“Did she think such a shitty pep talk would change my mind?” He asked with furrowed brows and an awkward smile.

# # #

“Are you sure you’re going to leave so soon?” Mitou asked as she handed Kanashi his belongings. Standing behind her were Sumika and Mimiko watching Kanashi part from the estate.

“Don’t play nice with me now, I have no reason to hide my true feelings and neither do you.” He hissed with the nastiest scowl he could mutter.

“I truly didn’t intend for things to do as they did, it was my hope for you to be eased into the agreement but Asara did as he saw fit and well, things worked out in the end.” She said, nodding her head.

“Things worked out the way you wanted them to. Don’t act like it was mutually beneficial…” Kanashi growled. He truly would have cut the old women down here and now if he would be free of consequences. He was already leaving the Venator Society with a big enough mess to clean up and didn’t want to add more to it.

“I see, well that’s unfortunate… You may leave as you so choose but until Soutou Raizen has been replaced you are not permitted to enter or speak to this estate-”

Kanashi didn’t wait for the women to finish, he turned his back and walked away clutching the small satchel she’d given him. He didn’t even check if the correct contents were inside of it. His mind was a swirling haze of emotions that clouded his vision with a tinge of red.

“Be safe!” Sumika called out.

“Y-yeah!” Mimiko echoed.

Mitou would surely be angry with the girls for speaking out of turn, Kanashi knowing this raised his hand in the air with a weak wave to signal their sacrifice was not in vain.

They were not to blame for his current situation and he felt guilty for accusing them of such but a strange sense of pride was inside his chest preventing him from apologizing. Something he knew he would regret yet refused to admit or concede to. A pride he knew to be his fault yet one he wore openly with shame.

As he walked through the estate's large wooden gates he felt as though he passed through a cold gel-like substance, a familiar feeling similar to what he’d experienced back in Albur with Julius.

“A barrier?” He muttered looking behind him and seeing the estate observed in a haze. It wasn’t hidden but at the same time it wasn't visible. It was clear and visible yet your brain refused to recognize it for what it was. Though not the same it resembled an advanced form of disruptive camouflage.

Kanashi turned his head back to the front of him and stared at the small trail which was carved into a densely wooded brush. Even though the trees in the brush were smaller than the ones in Nefert the brush was far denser. An elephant could be hiding just beyond the front patch and you’d be none the wiser.

“Is the path safe or is there a trap laid ahead?” Kanashi wondered, looking ahead of him. “I wish I had some kind of blessing like Jin… he can spot stuff from a mile away…” He muttered before walking down the path. Just in case he raised his observation higher than before. Not only that but he suppressed himself to a point in which he appeared as a normal human. If he had to guess he was probably close to four times as strong as he was when he’d first arrived in Edoland, the [Deus Ex Machina] surely had boosted his strength considerably with each one he activated.

“Speaking of which…” He muttered, peeling open the satchel Mitou had given him. He reached his hand inside and fumbled around its contents until he came to a slip of paper which he pulled out. An envelope with the name “Kenken.” written across it in Shinkai.

Coming to a stop and with a deep breath he opened the envelope while closing his eyes. He struggled to pull the paper out with his shaky hands and once he finally did so he opened his eyes and looked at the front of it.

There were two pieces of paper, a letter and some kind of ticket slip. With a gulp he focused on the ticket pulling it closer and inspecting it.

[Life Time Train Pass] He read aloud.

Kanashis eyes widened at this and he flipped it over, seeing a small stamp of approval with a complex Kanji he didn’t understand.

He tucked the ticket under his chin and quickly unfolded the letter. It was written in bright red, a shade similar to blood. The script was in Shinkai and extremely rough with a some letters even being drawn backwards.

He slowly read aloud its contents trying to make sure he understood the message conveyed and corrected any mistakes.

“Dear, Mr. Sarumalder Kanashi-San, I write this to you in hopes that it reaches you well. I’m writing this shortly after hearing of my husband's passing and before my emotions can take hold of me. I hold no ill towards you and appreciate your sacrifice for the people of Edoland. I only wish that we could have spent longer together so I could have understood the man my husband gave his life for better. Based on our short meeting I understand you’re a kind young man with a big heart and aspirations. I’ve attached to this a lifetime train pass which was given to you from the government of Edoland itself as your reward for your service. I don’t believe it to be compensation enough so if you desire anything else during your time in Edoland be sure to call me at…”

Kanashi didn’t read the last part aloud, his throat was too dry. He shakily closed the letter as neatly as possible and placed it along with the train pass inside the satchel. He quickly counted the rings inside the bag before tying it shut and continued on his way.

It wasn't much longer until he came to the capital of Kamitou prefecture also named Kamitou. It was a large wooden paradise with towering temples and ancient tile roads. If he understood correctly both Kamitou and Tousen were the capitals of Edoland and had been taking turns throughout history.

“So if the Hojo are here in Kamitou then the Soutou must be in Tousen? Where were the Kageki then? Probably somewhere in the middle?” Well it didn’t matter they were dead just like Kanashis own family was. Both him and Satoshi suffered from the same origin story. Julius and possibly Randolph did as well yet they all came out different. Kanashi ignored it, Julius obsessed over it, Satoshi let himself be molded by it and Randolph…

What was Randolph even after? The point of the Spear and Stone was to stop the horseman who would destroy the world in the year 2500 and surely this was something Randolph would also want to stop as well right? If he wanted the world to end then he wouldn’t ever hand over the Philosopher's stone that El-Saber said he was in possession of.

El-Saber also said Randolph had his own reasons for wanting to make a wish but didn’t clarify what they were exactly. So he must also want to stop the horseman but maybe through a dangerous means? Does El-Saber or the Venator Society even know what his wish is? Could they be fighting over the same goal?

“What am I even worrying about this for? I’m done with this, El-Saber can just order Jin to take the stone by force and then they’d use the wish that way.” Kanashi groaned, rubbing his head. “But will they be angry at me? Disappointed in or hate me? Will they try to kill me in some kind of revenge?” The thought made Kanashi uneasy but also satisfied. “I should have died back in Azhar so it’s not like dying now or the near future would be different. I got a second chance at life living the way I dreamed of and I ended up not liking it. Magic is cool and all but I’m not a genius, I don't have high potential and I’m not a prodigy. I’m just as average as I was in my normal life. An average loser with no purpose…” Yes he had no purpose or reason to live anymore. He’d failed horribly at the new purpose given to him and ruined it for everyone else. He was leaving the Venator Society with a mess they'd be forced clean up. One forged from his own incompetentce, pride and greed.

A greed to be different, to be the main character, the pride to solve things on his own, pride in his own non-existent strength. His incompetence in problem solving and communications. His incompetence in understanding his limits.

“I hate myself…” Kanashi muttered, biting his lip. He’d entered the City of Kamitou officially and walked down the cobblestone path among the crowd.

Unlike in Izumika where he was the only foreigner here he was just another part of the crowd. There were the same number of foreigners as Edoland citizens. No one batted an eye at his presence; he wasn’t special here. He was another forgettable face with an unimportant story that no one cared to hear. He was another cog in the machine of life just like he’d always been and he’d continue to be. Because that was who he was in this world.

He wasn't special, he wasn’t important, he was forgettable, he would be forgotten at some point in history. No one would remember his name, all traces of his actions gone. Yeah, he wasn’t important, he was normal.

And I hate that. He thought.

“Move!”

Everyone heard it, a panicked yet stern bark from an authority-like figure. They all instinctively looked in the voices direction and took a step back. All except for Kanashi who stayed still and stared clear ahead at the man who said those words. He was slightly above average height with blonde hair parted to the left and square spectacles. He wore a generic dark blue suit with a bright yellow tie and brown boots. He walked towards Kanashi with a passion, each step planned and intentional with no room for error.

Kanashi stared at the man who approached him nervously as did the crowd. Their untamed auras grew tense and made the air thick with anxiety.

“Sarumalder Kanashi!” The man said coming to a stop exactly one meter from Kanashis person.

“...” Kanashi didn’t respond at first. This man looked like trouble, he was too refined and knew his true name. Yakuza? Did they find me out? No, they wouldn’t call me out in a crowd like this; they'd snipe me from afar or pull me into a back alley so he must be on my- no, the Venator societies side. “Who’re you?” Kanashi asked.

“Tatematsumi Nordon.” The man said with such authority it made Kanashis hair stand up.

“Now answer me, are you Sarumalder Kanashi?” The man asked.

“Yes…” Kanashi answered with a nod.

“Oooooh.” The man sighed, his shoulders drooping down. “I want to slap you for the trouble you’ve caused me but I honestly don't have the energy.” He sighed pushing his glasses further up his nose.

“Well thank you for that…” Kanashi hummed nervously.

“Follow me, I’ll reserve us a seat at a restaurant and you’ll tell me everything that’s happened.”

# # #

The restaurant Nordon took Kanashi to was extremely high class. Their fellow customers either wore western suits or custom tailored Kimonos with extravagant patterns. Kanashi being in a basic black T-Shirt and sweatpants felt like an alien.

The restaurant's menu was not only in Edogo but a majority of the Kanji used were ones Kanashi had never before seen. With help from Nordon he ordered Tonkotsu Ramen and Soda, both of which were ridiculously priced.

“I feel guilty only ordering the most basic thing on the menu… this is like the fries and chicken tenders of Edoland restraunts huh?” Kanashi joked while pulling at his shirt collar.

“I’m not sure what you’re referring to.” Nordon answered, flipping through the suitcase which had been sitting next to him at the booth.

“Never mind then…” Kanashi sighed, putting his chin in his hands.

I was hoping to lighten the moon before dropping the bomb on him but it looks like that’s not gonna happen. Should I just be upfront about it then? Or should I just explain everything from my perspective?

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“I’ve been roughly informed of your journey so far by Otsuga-Sensei and Takayama-San.”

“Takayama-San? Oh you mean Naori?”

“Yes, Takayama Naori. I was also informed of both Sakashima Furui and Watanabe Kenkens unfortunate passing.”

“....” Kanashi didn’t respond, only nervously fidgeting in his seat.

“Unlike the Main Branch of the Venator Society here in Edoland we only have a single sector, those which are directly under me, the president of this branch so I need to be informed of everything that’s occurred.”

“Got it… so you’re the equivalent of a captain then?”

“My duties are far greater than a captains but my rank and authority are equivalent.”

“How many people are under you?”

“Well, we have nearly forty members but for a mission as difficult as this we only have about a dozen able-bodied participants if you include me.”

“How powerful are they?”

Nordon looked at Kanashi with an intense yet neutral expression. His face was calm yet stern so much so that if you met his eyes you’d probably feel like your own were being gouged out.

“Why are you asking me all of this?” Nordon asked.

“Because I’m interested…?” Kanashi shrugged, feeling sweat dripping down his forehead.

“They’re roughly on the level of a Rear Captain and above.”

“Rear Captain…” Kanashi repeated. That's the third highest rank someone can get right? It's goes Rear Captain, Vice Captain then Sector Captain? Man this sounds like the military. “If that’s the case what rank would Naori and Otsuga-Sensei be?” He asked.

“If I had to compare them Naori would be a high level Rear Captain while Otsuga-Sensei in his current age is a Vice Captain.”

“So you should have everything held down then….” Kanashi muttered.

“Yes, but of course this mission all depends on your ability to set up the way points as without the help of the Venator Societies main branch we stand no chance against the Toumeikan as a whole.”

“Understood… the Hojo informed me of the Toumeikans ranking…” Kanashi muttered.

“Speaking of which, what occurred with the Hojo Clan? I was not permitted to enter the estate and I found breaching their barrier to be unfavorable so I allowed you to work it out yourself. This was surely not a mistake, correct?”

Kanashi flinched at Nordons words, they were harsh and overly critical as if he expected nothing but the worst out of Kanashi. Unlike Julius who had come to Kanashi with a form of tough love Nordon seemed to genuinely dislike Kanashi and expect nothing of value from him.

But maybe his feelings are correct… Kanashi thought, drooping his head down.

“Well? What exactly happened?” Nordon asked as the server brought their food and drinks to the table.

She set the steaming bowl of pork broth and noodles in front of Kanashi and a brown soda next to it. As for Nordon he’d ordered a large variety of small dishes of both fish, horse, vegetables and green tea.

“Well…” Kanashi muttered as his hand shakily reached for his drink. He took a small sip to wet his throat before he spoke and Nordon watched him with cold sharp eyes.

“Never mind, let us eat first. Perhaps you’ll feel up to the task with a full stomach.” Nordon sighed, snapping the chopsticks in his hands apart.

“O-oh okay…” Kanashi hummed, nodding his head. He took the fork he’d been given by the server and shakily put it into his bowl of ramen slowly twisting it inside the broth to collect the noodles.

“Do you know how to use chopsticks?” Nordon asked.

“Y-yeah, I do but she must have assumed I didn’t…” Kanashi answered, sweat dripped down off his forehead onto the table.

“I see, unfortunately even I am considered to be a foreigner because of my blonde hair and pale skin. However when I speak Edogo they realize I’m a native.”

“Interesting.” Kanashi muttered. He put the fork to his mouth and slurped the noodles into his mouth.

“!”

Kanashi gagged as he tried to swallow the noodles, the urge came from the pit of his stomach not from the noodles. They tasted delicious the best he’d ever had in his life yet he felt the urge to vomit all over himself. Without a word Kanashi quickly got up from the table and speed walked to the bathroom while flexing his stomach to contain the rising bile in his chest.

Kicking the door to the bathroom open he ran into one of the stalls which had a squatting toilet. He practically collapsed to the floor as he vomited into the basin in the ground.

He vomited multiple times in quick succession until only his stomach had nothing in it. It only spasmed painfully as his anxiety reached a boiling point.

“Shit!” He grunted standing up shakily. He held his hand up against the wooden stall divider which threatened to buckle from the applied weight.

Am I having second thoughts about quitting? He wondered, his eyes curving upwards. No, I can’t be! I made my decision to quit! I’ve done nothing but ruin things thus far! The Cymba, the Izumika Incident, everything has been my fault. It'd be better if I wasn’t a part of it!

Kanashi wiped the sweat from his forehead with the stalls toilet paper.

But if I quit now everything that happened would have been for nothing! Kenkens death, the Cymbas destruction and those people who died from smoke inhalation none of it wouldn't have any meaning! But if I wasn’t here none of those things would have even happened in the first place, if I wasn’t a part of this those peoples lives would have been different, they’d still be alive. Look at me I can’t even commit to my own non commitment…

“!”

A sudden sharp pain came from Kanashi's right side, one which seared with boiling hot pain. He ripped his shirt upwards and saw the stab mark from Satoshi still present on his stomach and burning with passion.

After a few moments of clenching his teeth the pain faded and he could let out a sigh of relief. With that he walked over to the sink and washed both his hands and face with cold water. He looked at himself in the mirror, his right arm nearly pitch black and his left covered in new scars. His crystal clear blue eyes had large bags under them and blood red veins spread across his sclera like a spider's web.

“Phew.” With that Kanashi walked out of the bathroom and to the booth where Nordon was now talking to the server who’d given them their food.

“...”

Kanashi couldn’t understand what they were speaking about but he sensed it had to do with his stomachs sudden explosion.

“Are you okay Sarumalder-San?” Nordon asked Kanashi, his eyes still razor sharp.

“Yeah, I just… the soda's carbonation upset my empty stomach.” Kanashi shrugged. Nordon looked to the server and explained what Kanashi had just said in Edogo. She nodded her head and retreated from the table so Kanashi could return to his seat.

“Feel free to order a different item if you feel as though your current meal will upset your stomach more.” Nordon said motioning towards the menu, hanging on the wall beside them.

“No thank you. I just need to eat something.” Kanashi grinned nervously. He took another bite of the Ramen and the noodles melted in his mouth, the delicious warm broth slipped down his throat and warmed his stomach from the inside out. “It’s really good.” He said with a weak smile.

“I see, well then let us continue to eat.”

# # #

Kanashi sighed as he laid his head back against the booth behind him, his stomach wall full and he felt much better than before. The anxiety which had once plagued him is nothing more than a distant memory. That is until Nordon began to speak.

“So Sarumalder-San what happened at the Hojo Estate?”

“...” Kanashi sat up straight and looked at Nordon who pulled a stack of papers from beside him in the booth. “Well… are we safe to discuss it here?” Kanashi motioned to those around them.

“The Toumeikan don’t have a very strong presence here in Kamitou, it’s not suited to their business as much as the eastern coast.”

“Oh, okay… well…. I met Mitou Hojo and Asara Hojo.”

“You did? Interesting, do you know why exactly?”

“Well… they wanted to talk about a potential alliance between the Venator Society and them.”

Nordon puckered his lips in thought and tapped his fingers on the table softly. “An alliance with the Hojo Clan? Interestingly, I can see certain benefits from our partnership but they’re not significant enough in our victory to risk the entire mission over. What were their demands?”

“Well… they explained to me the dynamic within the Hojo clan and their relation to the other important figures in Edoland and how the Toumeikan have a lot of the cards in their hand in the situation.

“...”

“So they requested that we meet a mutual goal that would help us both you could say…”

“...”

“If The Venator Society were to r-remove Soutou Raizen from power and replace him with his son Soutou Sosuke then the other members of the six powers would probably join the Venator Society and the Hojo wouldn’t feel like they’d be a huge risk with a partnership.”

“And your response?”

“W-Well… I said that was a ridiculous request and that it wasn’t something we’d be interested in, or well at least to my knowledge and they threatened to leak their info to the Toumeikan if I didn’t agree…”

“What info do they have?”

“They know the date and the plan with the way points, but that’s all I told them… I know I shouldn't have but they got me to trust them…”

A massive vein formed on Nordons forehead, one which stretched from the lower right of his neck in a spiral pattern up to his right temple. His mouth curved downwards into a frown and the overhead light of the restaurant cast a perfectly placed shadow which obscured Nordons eyes behind his glasses reflection.

“Well this is certainly an unexpected series of events…” Nordon said his voice low and neutral.

“I’m sorry, I really am.”

“This is not your fault entirely, I am also to blame for putting my trust in you.”

Those words might as well have punched Kanashi in the heart, he felt his eyes begin to water and wiped them away quickly.

“I also am to blame for my own impatience, if I had waited longer I’d have received Otsuga-Senseis phone call and been present for the Izumika Incident. But this is certainly a massive failure on your part.”

“Well… what should you do?”

“What should I do?” Nordon asked, raising his brow.

“I mean what should we do?” Kanashi corrected himself. If he told Nordon he wanted to quit the man might have killed him then and there.

“Well, their assessment is correct in that if Soutou Sosuke replaced Soutou Raizen then things would certainly be to our advantage, however that would involve the Venator Society breaking the restrictions put onto us.”

“Restrictions?” Kanashi repeated.

“Yes, what is humorously referred to as the [Ten Commandments] are ten restrictions or laws put onto the Venator Society by the United Nations, one of them being that the Venator Society is not permitted to interfere with foreign political affairs without express permission form the United Nations.”

“What are the others?”

“You truly don't know of these?”

“Jin seemed to miss out on a lot of my traninning.”

Nordon sighed and pushed his glasses further up his face before speaking. “There are general rules that limit the Venator Societies action, specifically around politics and warfare, what they need permission to and for. It’s pointless to explain them all here and now but the other most important one for our situation is that of not starting a war with another country without express permission. That which we’ve not received.”

“Wait, aren't we breaking that law with the liberation?”

“No, the Orochi Kingdom hasn’t officially invaded Edoland. So we’re only stopping a rebellion and not starting a war.”

“Oh, I get it now. The Orochi Kingdom would need to declare their Invasion of Edoland in order to impose that commandment but then they'd be breaking international law by doing so.”

“Correct, in no situation can the Orochi Kingdom truly stop the invasion legally. However they have the Toumeikan to enforce their laws and fend of invaders."

“But can’t Jin just show up and kick their ass?” Kanashi asked nervously.

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Because he can't, that would break a commandment.”

“What, how?”

“Jinen cannot act alone as long as he represents the Venator Society he must receive permission from Ignius-Sama who in return must receive permission from the United nations.

“So why haven’t they given him permission? Wouldn’t that be one and done?”

“The reason is both simple and foolish. They don’t like Jinen because he represents their opposition. Laws are of course made up constructs formed by joined human belief. Nothing is stopping you from breaking the law and nothing is making you follow it. Of course if you do not abide by the law then you’ll be punished by physical force, the physical force of either the country or city you’re in or in the United Nations case the world itself. However this does not apply to Jinen Lutece. No physical force can bind Jinen to the laws of the world. So keeping him on a tight leash is the best choice in their mind even if it does make things muddy.”

“Well that raises another question that’s been in the back of my head. About how exactly the liberation can fail, with Jin on the Venator Societies side then there’s no way you can lose to the Toumeikan right?”

“Correct.”

“So in this case losing is ruining the image of the Venator Society and making the Toumeikan and Orochi Kingdom look like the good guys? If Jin is sent here alone it will be seen as an attack instead of a liberation right?”

“That is one way to interpret it, but that’s more speculation, what I proposed was a definite reason.”

“Got it…” Kanashi nodded. The tense air had died down somewhat but Kanashi still felt the rush of blood in his own body. The fear of telling Nordon he wanted to quit.

Should I really quit? I mean he’s taking this good right now right? No, I already made my choice, I’m going to quit. That’s the best choice for everyone. No one gets hurt in this scenario. Then there’s no potential for me messing up more than I already have.

“Now with regards to this Soutou and Hojo Situation… things are certainly in a bad state at the moment. On one hand the Hojo would be somewhat beneficial as our allies but it’s not worth breaking international law to secure that relationship. However with their threats this is indeed a pressing matter…” Nordon said.

“That actually brings me to my next topic…” Kanashi muttered.

“Don’t interrupt me.” Nordon frowned.

“Oh… sorry.”

“In this situation I’m quite confused as to what the correct choice is.”

“...”

“So I shall not make one.”

“Huh?”

“We shall commence as if nothing happened for now, it’s best to think on these things and not make any hasty decisions. If possible I’d like to contact Ignius -Sama and ask for his input. If he gives me permission to act on the Soutou option we shall pursue it.”

“But wouldn’t that break one of the commandments? Unless he’s going to petition or ask for a meeting with the United Nations right? Isn’t that too much to ask on such short notice?”

“In these situations Ignius-Sama has the power to make decisions without permission. Although afterwards a council will be held to analyze his decision and either approve of it or punish him as needed.”

“What’s the worst punishment he can receive?”

“Death.”

“!?”

“But that’s unlikely, as he is a Citizen of Aufrenthos and as such he can be pardoned by the President Ronald Rooney.”

“Oh, that’s good to hear but also really corrupt.”

“While I don’t personally agree with such dirty methods and exploits in situations like this it certainly makes things much easier. Of course there’s plenty of ways to remove Soutou Raizen from power without doing anything particularly violent.”

“Yeah…” Kanashi nodded.

“Well, now that we have things momentarily decided we should begin our journey to place the way points-”

“Sorry for interrupting you but I actually have something really important to say first.”

“...” Nordon looked at Kanashi with an expression that was either anger, confusion or acceptance, perhaps all three of them at once.

“Um I actually…” Kanashi bit his tongue before he spoke the words he wanted to.

Is this really the right decision? Am I really going to quit right here and now? What will he think of me? What will Jin, Hayai and Julius think of me? I messed everything up and then quit? No, I made my choice! I said I’d quit and I have to stick to it! If I can’t even do that then what right do I have to be involved in anything like this?

“You were saying?” Nordon asked tapping his fingers on the wooden table top

“Hm? Oh, yeah…” Kanashi hummed, snapping back to reality, “well I wanted to let you know that I want to….” Kanashi paused and stared at Nordons face, his own twisting into a pained expression. It was as if the words were physically painful to speak, he couldn’t get them out of his mouth no matter how hard he tried.

“You wanted to let me know what?” Nordon asked.

“I wanted to let you know that…. I’m um… thankful for the food.” Kanashi sighed, putting his face in his hands.

“I see… well I’m pleased that you ended up liking it, I was afraid after you’d used the bathroom so suddenly that you weren't feeling well.” Nordon nodded. “Now returning back to the topic at hand, we’ll travel to-”

Nordon rattled off prefecture names and the addresses the way points would need to be placed for the liberation. He read them off of a piece of paper before him while Kanashi picked at his own arm till it began to bleed.

I need to say it, I can’t keep being a coward like this! I made my choice and I can’t go back on it now! I don’t want to do this! I’m not changing my mind because I actually want to do the mission, I'm changing my mind because I’m afraid of their reaction to me quitting! I’ll do nothing but make things worse if I pursue it further. If I don't care about the work I’m doing I know I’ll do it poorly and in a situation as important as this that’s not acceptable.

“Well then, if you’re ready we’ll be heading to the train station immediately, we should arrive in Chidori Prefecture before the clock strikes Seventeen.” Nordon said, raising his feet.

“Okay…” Kanashi nodded glumly, he got out of the booth and followed Nordon through the restaurant to the exit. The whole time he felt like a man being walked to the gallows, his heart raced and his palms were sweaty, his knees were weak and arms were heavy. He’d thrown up already yet the urge once again rose in his stomach.

I need to say it now! I need to be a man!

Nordon opened the restaurant's door and Kanashi followed him outside. The sunlight shone down brightly reflecting off Nordons glasses obscuring his eyes completely.

“Nordon…” Kanashi muttered, poking the man in the arm.

“Hm?” Nordon grimaced, pulling his arm away as he spun around. “Saying my name was enough to get my attention.” He frowned.

“I-I…”

“You what?”

“I want to quit.” As the words left Kanashis mouth he felt both an indescribable amount of relief as if a massive weight was removed off his shoulders but also an indescribable sense of dread. He’d taken the plunge, he’d jumped into the deep end head first and now the sharks were to deduce his fate.

“Is that so...” Nordon said, his tone neutral.

“I’m sorry! I really am!” Kanashi felt like he was going to cry, his eyes grew dry and shame welled up inside his whole body.

“Yes, this is indeed an unfortunate decision but not unforeseen.” Nordon straightened his suit tie and rolled his shoulders back, the action making Kanashi on guard.

Is he gonna punch me? Is he gonna slap me like he said he was going to before? If so I probably deserve it…

“Well then, are you sure this is your decision?”

“Y-....” Again Kanashi bit his lip and clenched his hands into fists. Say it! Say it! He screamed internally. “Yes.” The word sounded painful to speak, it was guttural and almost sounded like it’d been vomited out.

“Then I ask that you surrender all things which belong to the Venator Society immediately.” Instructed Nordon.

Kanashi didn’t speak, he only flipped his backpack around and dug through it quickly, finding the satchel the Hojo had given him and handing both the rings and Hojo Pendant to Nordon.

“What is this?” Nordon asked, raising his brow at the pendant.

“Jin gave it to me…”

“Since it belongs to Jinen, not the Venator Society, I have no reason to take it.” Nordon said, handing it back to Kanashi.

“Can’t you just give it to him for me then?”

“I cannot take any item with a spell imbued into it from a citizen.” Nordon explained.

“I- I see…” Kanashi sighed.

“It would be standard to have your memory sealed by a clairvoyant type spell but as we’re short staffed at the moment so that seems to not be possible, so I instead ask that you swear your secrecy to me.”

“Is this a [contract]?”

“No, I’m not permitted to form a contract with a citizen, I’m merely asking you as a man.”

“Yeah, I won't speak to anyone about any of this…”

“Do you understand the laws regarding magic usage and the exposure of magic to society at large?”

“Yes.”

“Well then, I’m sure you’ll be contacted in the future for further developments but as of this moment there is nothing more that can be done.” Nordon said, pushing his glasses further up his face.

“I’m sorry… I really am sorry for being such a coward and a failure.” Kanashi croaked out his voice dry and face dripping with tears.

“Yes, it is unfortunate.” Nordon said, “I request that you do not contact me from this point forward.”

“...” Kanashi stood in silence, his head down as Nordon turned around and disappeared into the crowd, he stood there like that, his face scrunched up with both snot and tears dripping down it.

“I hate myself.” He muttered.