Wisesa slid the door of the Civil Guard headquarters open with a loud bang, jolting the night shift watchers immersed in their telemedia spectacle. "All right, gentlemen, where's that stupid girl?"

"Who are you?" asked one of the officers, eyes narrowing at the gruff countenance of the stranger. "Are you lost?"

However, it did not take long for the officer to spot a motley crew dogging the lad. Two wee bairns, then a chestnut-skinned lady who promptly charged at Wisesa.

"I know him. Allow me to handle this," asserted the lady, to which the officer's eyes widened.

"Izel. You again," intoned the officer, his voice deepening. "I trust you're not surrendering yourself in for monkey business, because lucky for tonight there is no Tamoanchanese languishing in the cells."

"It's not my kin I seek," Izel replied. "We believe a lady by the name of Alicia Crimsonmane is here."

"That crimson-haired gaijin bookworm?" The officer's neck straightened from the chair. He exchanged glances with his other colleague. "Are you intending to post bail for her or something?"

"What else could it be?"

"This one can't be done."

"Can't?" Wisesa interjected in a raised tone. "We have money and read your laws! What, because she's a Westerner? I mean, valid enough, a Westerner deserves a cage, but I hate to admit—"

"Wisesa. I said I'd handle this," Izel interjected in turn. "You have a penchant for wandering off into the weeds, yet contribute nothing. I'm feeling for her now!"

"We can't do that." In a huff, the officer abandoned his languid perch at the end of the room and then strode purposefully back to the front desk. "She's dangerous."

However, Wisesa remained true to his wayward nature—and he always would. A resounding thump on the front desk, and he argued again, "Wrecking a thug into someone's house until it's straight-up demolished? What's the problem? If anything, that thug had it coming for messing with a little girl!"

"Aren't you listening to yourself, sir?" the officer's face began to show signs of irritation, though thankfully not yet reaching the point of drawing a sword. "She's demolishing people's homes!"

"Kagatse is known for throwing up houses within hours, isn't it? And that's without any magic. You could level up that spot to a condo in seconds using the art of Ninshu. If you can't, fine, no judgement there. But there's a reason the refugee centre was built."

"It's not just about destroying houses! She's putting others at risk!"

"The thugs? Really?"

"No! The residents of the neighbourhood!" the officer smacked his lips and groaned in frustration. Wisesa could not possibly be that obtuse. That young bloke was messing with him—his expression revealed as much. "She's using Arcane power in the midst of a settlement. Moreover, using it as a child! We can't allow her to roam freely without jeopardizing the peace of the people once again!"

Izel elbowed Wisesa backwards and seized his forefront. "She won't do it again, we promise! Don't you know that a girl like her holds an important position in Kagatse?"

"Seriously—"

"Yes, indeed! She was invited by Dajō Daijin to her palace and will aid in combating the mujino plague! After all, the tumult arose when she found herself compelled to confront a number of depraved youths in your culvert unaccompanied. Never again. We shall ensure vigilant eyes upon her so she need not stand in defence alone in the future."

"Do you really expect us to swallow that nonsense—"

Wisesa scowled with fury. "Ugh! Do all civil guards I meet have to be this thick and stupid? It's as if they were manufactured!"

Not only the clerk at the reception desk, but all those with spiral-style armour swiftly rose to their feet with their katanas half-exposed. The reach of their patience. "Watch your language, you insolent child—"

"No, you think before you act powerful next time!" Wisesa rivalled their outburst. "Telemedia right in your face, and you're clueless about the undead plague out West and the burst of light in Lojitengara? Where have you been, hibernating? You should be the ones languishing in a cell for slippin' on guard duty before all this went down! Really? Watching telemedia? What if that missy ain't got no Arcane backup and was just a random tourist in a tragic random event? Could've disappeared, raped, or something, who knows but gods?"

Kaito instinctively shielded Tome's ears.

"I wouldn't utter such words in front of the children, Wisesa." Izel countered, stealing a glance at Tome who was clutching his older brother's cloth shirt.

"Halah, they'll hear it sooner or later. They're hearing it now! At least my words are softer than before!" The man turned back to the civil guards. "Listen, alright? Don't be trying to school us on procedures when yall' are some unreliable folks, more into tawdry telemedia shows than working your asses up and going patrol. Imagine if mujinos busted through Takamagahara's defences and you were all still snug in that toxic box. You think there'd be some warning broadcast? Nah, man! Mujinos would've already wrecked the whole Kagatse channel office and had a feast with the staff! So please, we have the bail money and read the rules. Just get this over with!"

All the lad's ranting, and the front desk officer vaulted his own desk and unsheathed his katana. "I couldn't care less about her service to the outside world. The Kagatsean Law explicitly states that prisoners who disrupt order and possess both Arcane or Khaos will be exempted from release on bail until decided by a judge and the Shogun." The blade of the katana gleamed as it came closer to Wisesa's neck. "Mock us once more, and we will treat you the same as the prisoner in question."

"But she is the Shogun's special guest!" Izel underlined with a huff.

"And give us the proof! Now! If you come here with empty threats, I can arrest you all on false charges."

The two small children at the door thought the threat extended to them as well. "Sir, please! Don't arrest us!" pleaded Kaito aloud in Kagatse's tongue. "What Izel-neesan and Wisesa-nichan said is true! Alicia-neesan was invited by Kanri Kikan itself!"

"You want proof?" Izel nodded. "Kaito and Tome. Go back to the enclave. Make sure the elder or Nenexoch-nichan has contacted the Magisterium."

An unfamiliar voice echoed near the door, "That won't be necessary!"

A saviour in the nick of time! Hashomon, the Magic Shogun, materialised out of thin air like a spectre.

Kaito and Tome were the two poor kids most surprised; they swore no one could pass through the door without their knowledge, and now The Magic Shogun was right before them in the blink of an eye. He did not come unaccompanied; Henge and Toyoshige Domen passed through the kids and stood by him on each side.

"Hashomon-sama! Henge-sama! Domen-sama!" The civil guards' katanas immediately fell back into their sheaths as the officers prostrated themselves before the illustrious trio.

Without instructing them to cease bowing, Hashomon took a document from Henge's hand, perused it once more, then handed it to the front desk officer. "A warrant from Dajō Daijin, signed by Dajō Daijin, Domen-sama, and myself."

Hashomon refrained from elaborating on the letters' contents. Instead, he batted the officer's helmet with it since his lips were still longing for the chill offered by the cobblestone floor. What a bonehead. Should not a subordinate know when to bow and when to yield?

Hastily they stood up and braced themselves. With each page of the document passed, the civil guard's expression grew increasingly terrified and embarrassed. "We are truly sorry, Mahou Shogun-sama!" He bowed again. "All was our negligence. We are ready to bear the consequences."

"Good. You have only until sunrise to pack your things. You will serve Dajō Daijin by fighting on the front lines of Otnagochi until this outbreak ends."

The officers gasped in unison, sweat pouring down, saliva piling up only to be swallowed endlessly. The front desk officer's lips twitched. "M-Mahou Shogun-sama...?"

"Do you still need time to read the letter?"

"N-no, Mahou Shogun-sama! We're ready to go!" The officer sent his colleagues to the hidden room, and before long, they arrived with Alicia Crimsonmane. Like the false-charged dungeon prisoner she was, her face showed nought but distress and confusion. And like a true dungeon prisoner she was, she did not present herself in the best of appearance; dust and grime defaced her white shirt—even blood stain was there, just below the collar as the memento from the thug's crumbling teeth—and her painstakingly-groomed wavy hair now turned dishevelled and matted in a matter of moments as if it had been unkempt for months.

"Alicia-neesan!" Kaito and Tome ran over and hugged the lass.

"Kaito! Tome!" although her voice still trembled, Alicia plastered a faint smile. "Did you come so late to save me! What two true warriors! I forever owe you my gratitude!" she lauded weakly, reciprocating their embrace. When she glanced at the other five people she knew, a sense of malaise washed over her, prompting Alicia to bow. "I am also sincerely grateful to you, and sorry for giving you all trouble."

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Alicia bowed only due to the presence of the three esteemed officials of Kagatse. However, Wisesa seemed eager to bask in that respect as well. "It is good that you recognize our benevolence, Criminal," he jeered. "Tell me, are you weeping so much languishing here?"

The lass turned her face to the man, her eyebrows knitted together. "I'm crying a wee bit, Your Highness Wisesa, if that's the desire and answer you crave."

Somehow Wisesa failed to be impressed. "Hm. That doesn't sound pleasant," he remarked, then stepped outside.

Tome, with a face haggard and innocent eyes sparkling, exchanged glances with the spectacled lass. "It's a good thing Orb was with Alicia-neesan! So Alicia-neesan didn't have to cry for too long!" she exclaimed. Orb in the bag chirped happily until the little girl laughed.

It pained Alicia that she could not share the same relief.

"Let's talk outside when you're ready," Hashomon said, heading out with the others.

When Alicia came out holding two small children, she again expressed gratitude to her friends and the higher-ups. Hashomon had little intention of returning the gratitude and instead cut to the chase. "I understand you had to do what you had to do in the face of the unruly individuals. However, you have to bear in mind that faith in Arcane here is scarce, unlike in the Western Countries or anywhere else."

"I apologize, Magic General. I had no other choice. Orb is my only power." The next sentence faltered, because of how much she hated having to emphasise those words, as if they were a sickening reminder of herself. "Besides... I have no magical abilities other than Orb. And the pursuit isn't solely for me; they covet Orb as well."

"But other than us here, I thought no one knew that you were an Arcane wielder."

"It wasn't just street thugs who ambushed me. The underlings of the pirate kingpin Senbō were also involved."

A sharp intake of breath trickled out of Hashomon's nose. The two officials-Henge and Domen-seemed to subtly jerk their heads, while the other two teenagers... well they had already predicted that. What was there to be surprised about, after all?

"I guess it's like you said, Izel. Those damn pirates are starting to mobilise their network on land," Wisesa turned to the Orange Witch.

"I know. It's no small matter anymore," Izel replied.

"So, you were intercepted the first time you arrived here," Hashomon deduced. His eyes slid in a brief reflection session. "Well then, it's our fault again for understanding your situation as an Arcane wielder too late. Once again, please forgive us." Hashomon bowed, and the other two officials followed suit. As solemn and grim as someone like Hashomon and the others were, Alicia found herself impressed at their humility.

"That won't happen again, Alicia-san. Not while in Kagatse," Hashomon assured again. "Based on the documents I provided to the civil guards earlier, you will be granted privileges and immunity here, as long as they are in line with Dajō Daijin's interests. Also, starting tonight, you will be escorted by two elite practitioners from the Magisterium wherever you go. Only while in Kagatse. I hope you understands this."

Tome felt her hair rise. When she turned around, she immediately hugged Alicia's skirt and hid her face. "Alicia-neesan!"

"Tome? What's wrong?"

Alicia instantly dragged Kaito and Tome back with her. Since when did two automatons with talismans on their heads stand there, right behind them?

"A-automatons from Zuban Engineering? The same ones guarding the war room?" Alicia adjusted her glasses once more. Her mouth was still agape in astonishment. "Isn't this a bit much, Magic General?"

"A gift from Dajō Daijin. Not excessive. They will always look after you when you are awake and asleep. It does not need clothing, food, and shelter. The perfect automaton to prevent you from exposing yourself to Arcane sources."

Alicia tried to get closer, though she was somewhat stymied by Kaito and Tome's anxious tugging. Her fingers reached the surface of the automaton's shiny blue armour. It was slick. The smell of manufactured goods fresh out of the factory was always heavenly. The automatons simply turned their heads towards Alicia, gently bending their bodies so that she would not be surprised. Automatons with courtesy superior to Wisesa!

These automatons had proven their mettle during the attack on the palace. The accolades of being deemed as the Magisterium's elite practitioners by Hashomon also sparked her curiosity. Despite all the favourable reviews of the automatons, Alicia returned her gaze to Orb nestled in her waist bag that, emitting a soft drone. Doubts began to gnaw at her. Was she truly incapable of using Arcane at least until she attained enlightenment from her meditation? When would that moment arrive? Orb's chirp was delicate as it understood the look on its wielder's face, but such doubts could not simply vanish with magical intervention. Not this time. Her hand stiffened as it stroked the blue orb's glassy surface, wary that henceforth she could not harness its power without imagining that the Divine Grace was also a harbinger of destruction and mayhem, especially in the hands of a little girl.

"Can I study them first?" Alicia asked shyly.

"As long as there is no tampering, I don't see any reason not to. But they'll keep coming with you," Hashomon replied.

Alicia did not want to enjoy that little happiness alone. She embraced Kaito and Tome and brought them closer. "It's okay, dear. They're with me. My automatons will extend their hands to you," Alicia turned to the two machines, "Right?"

The two automatons understood and opened their palms to be caressed by the two little hands. While they were busy frolicking, Hashomon declared, "Henge and I must depart. We will leave tomorrow morning, at the appointed time and place. Don't be late. Don't stay up late." And with that, they leapt onto the rooftops and were never seen again.

"I have to go too, Kiseko," said Domen. "I also have to apologise for letting you take the train home alone. I should have cared more about the living than the dead."

Izel and Wisesa seemed puzzled—they had not heard the news, apparently. Alicia straightened up and approached the priest. "Oh, Lord Domen. Please dinnae say that," she expressed with concern. "I'm such a nobody that I have to interrupt your funeral service."

"No need to worry, Kiseko. The ritual I was leading was already completed when I was contacted by the Mahou Shogun. After all, you are the saviour of us all. Kagatse's saviour. The form of enlightenment that the people need now. I know that, and I'm sure of it."

Domen bowed and walked away alone. Alicia and the others returned as well, bringing two new toys with them. Hopefully, the people of Tamoanchan would not react with hysterical screams upon encountering the two towering machines guarding the camp.

***

However, the Tamoanchan women and children struggled to acclimate to Alicia's new companions. The dream kicked Alicia out sooner after a series of hysterical screams reverberated through the air.

Silhouettes were etched on the orange fabric of the bespectacled lass's tent. Nevertheless, Alicia remained on the bed, seemingly with no intention of ever-rising at all. Orb still resided in Tome and Kaito's embrace, both of whom, to her surprise, were still sound asleep.

"Wow! Calm down, friend!" a woman's rough voice rang out. "I just wanted to wake her up! You must have seen me and Wisesa last night!"

"How could they see with the amulet paper stuck to their faces?" another familiar voice retorted. Wisesa.

Alicia forced herself to summon up all her life force, perched her round spectacles, and then peered through the camp curtains to see that her two automatons remained where they were, albeit with mechanical hands already reaching towards their katana sheats.

"Thanks for the new alarm, Alicia. It works well. I've never slept so soundly and regularly!" Wisesa sarcastically remarked as he assisted the fallen with Nenexoch the warrior.

"Hey. No need to overdo it," Alicia pleaded with her two robot bodyguards, her voice still feeble. "They're not bad people. This is their home."

And just like that. The two automatons obediently relaxed their defences, cancelling their "killing" intentions. At least, Alicia as an early bird averted a new bloodbath in Kagatse in a matter of hours.

***

Alicia had already prepared everything she needed, and by sheer coincidence, the elder Cipac's sphereship had awaited in the yard behind the campsite. Just as she was preparing to board, Kaito and Tome came running to her.

"Alicia-neesan is leaving now?" Tome asked with a grim expression.

"Hey, what's with the gloomy face?" Alicia laughed. She crouched down to align their heights, then let her gloved hand stroke the little girl's cheek. It was inevitable that the two children and the bookworm would miss each other, especially since it also meant that the siblings would lean on each other without her cosseting Orb.

"Will Alicia-neesan be back?" asked Tome again, hopeful.

"I'll only be there for a few days, dear," Alicia reassured her. "Just until my mission there is complete. We'll meet again, alright? We'll play, have more snacks, and sleep with Orb again, alright?"

"Promise?"

"Only if you promise to be a good girl! Can you handle the challenge?"

"I promise!" she exclaimed excitedly. "Tome can do it! And! Will Orb also promise?"

"Orb?" Alicia was about to take out the ball mate in question, but her hand faltered for a moment at the mouth of the bag. The thought came again. She imagined it.

Alicia, are you still afraid of me? Orb chirped mournfully.

And Tome seemed to grasp its tone, gazing at Alicia's face with an uncomfortable look.

Alicia shook her head to dispel the suggestion and quickly picked up Orb. "Come on, Orb, tell me that you also promised."

Orb resonated with an unbroken high-pitched exclamation, then ended with the strains of a song that never failed to break the little girl's laughter. Tome hugged Orb, and Orb gave him a soothing purr.

"Please take care of Alicia-neesan too, Orb. Don't be too hard on her." Tome whispered. How could Alicia not melt into her? Oh, she could not wait to have a child of her own! Another sweet, understanding soul like Tome.

However, Alicia's affection was still the same as Kaito, the older brother. When her eyes turned to Kaito, the boy said, "I won't ask for any promises. I'll be a good boy and take care of my sister. But can Alicia-neesan at least reveal the whereabouts of our parents?"

At those words, both Alicia and Tome's expressions darkened. "Otosan, Okasan...," Tome muttered while gazing downwards.

"I'll do my best, Kaito...." Alicia rubbed his shoulder. "Not just about your parents, but also to reveal everything about this royal plague and stop it. I will not leave Kagatse until that is done."

And with that, Alicia rose to her feet and began ascending the ship's stairs. Izel was the second to ascend after hugging the women and giving advice to the Tamoanchanese children. She came to the Kagatsean siblings, ruffling their hair as well. "So it is with you," she said. "Take care, both of you. Look after your sister, Kaito, and don't cause trouble for your brother, Tome. And one more thing," Izel looked back at Kaito. "I think it would be a good idea for you to help the women here take care of the camp."

"I-I'll do it, Izel-neesan." Hopefully, he did not flat-out lie about it. "We hope Izel-neesan's safe return."

"Of course, I'll return safely! Don't wish me that," Izel replied. "Pray that I become stronger and worthy of Citlalicoatl's gaze!"

The problem was that the two children were not familiar with the Orange Witch's idol. "Well... er... sure. Regardless, Tome and I hope for the best."

Wisesa, with Barong waving to the Tamoanchanese, was the last to board. "You know what, kids? Don't listen to those women too much. Go out, play outside whenever you want, eat whenever you want, and go home whenever you want. You have a little time to do whatever you want before you really have to work and suffer. Like me!"

"Alicia-neesan doesn't like that idea!" Kaito frowned.

"Huh? Oh, Alicia is officially your mum now? You obey your mother, not some dishevelled nerd girl like her." Wisesa chuckled, and Kaito was infected too. Tome blinked, round eyes alternately looking at the two figures in confusion.

"But seriously," Wisesa said again, cocking his head at Tome. "Your sister is fragile. Don't let her slip from your eyes again."

And suddenly Wisesa offered something unusual of himself. A clenched hand.

Kaito bumped it with his fist as well.

Wisesa then nudged Kaito's head. "Get out of here."

The farewell speech was finished. Everyone closed their eyes and mouths as the dust from the energy wave of the sphereship began to push upwards, further and further, before reversing direction and the distance between them became infinite.

The three teenagers' next destination: Otnagochi. []