Chapter 43: The Name That Shook Eternity

In a massive ceremonial hall deep within the Arius Autonomous District, meticulously prepared by Beatrice, the air was thick with tension.

“You, a mere puppet playing at grandeur, dare lecture me about manners?”

Beatrice spat, still fuming as she returned to the hall just before her long-prepared ritual was set to begin.

Moments earlier, she’d been embroiled in a heated argument with a Gematria colleague who had stormed in, enraged.

“I never agreed to let you use my masterpiece at your whim, let alone flaunt it against Sensei!”

Maestro bellowed, his usually composed voice laced with rare fury over the unauthorized use of his Mimesis in Arius.

Beatrice, unfazed, scoffed mockingly at the self-proclaimed artist.

“Your Mimesis isn’t your property, is it? Shouldn’t you be thanking me instead?”

“Insolent! I’m not claiming ownership—” Maestro began.

“You dare call me insolent?” Beatrice cut in.

“Now, now, both of you, calm down,” another Gematria member interjected, mediating before the argument escalated further.

“Hmph, you’re all pathetic,” Beatrice sneered, casting a final jab at her colleagues.

“Studying such power only to waste it on childish games.”

Turning her piercing gaze to the hall, she whispered, “Now, shall we finish this?”

Just before Gematria’s visit, Beatrice had caught a girl spying on the hall, seizing her in her grasp.

But now, the only figure present was Atsuko, bloodied and bound to a cross-shaped altar as a sacrifice.

No trace of the spy remained.

“Hmm… did the little rat escape?” Beatrice muttered, unbothered.

Smirking at Atsuko, her teeth glinting ominously, she continued, “No matter where you hide, you can’t escape me once the ‘Color’ ascends. And soon, Sensei and that trash outside will share the same fate.”

In stark contrast to Arius’s grim atmosphere, warm sunlight poured through the open veranda of an elegant, Eastern-style mansion.

Where… am I? Seia thought, blinking awake in this unfamiliar, serene space.

Moments ago, she’d been observing Beatrice’s ritual with Atsuko as the sacrifice in a prophetic dream, only to be discovered and nearly killed before barely escaping.

This structure… is this the Hyakki Yagyo Autonomous District? But why am I here?

“You’re awake,” a voice said from the corner.

“Eek?!” Seia spun around, startled.

Before her stood a figure with pale pink-tinged white hair and eyebrows, dressed in an absurd yet strangely harmonious outfit: a bikini top, kimono, spats, sneakers, and geta sandals.

Behind a travel bag adorned with countless talismans, a pair of fox tails swayed gently.

Despite appearing Seia’s age, the figure exuded an aura of ancient wisdom.

“Nice to meet you. It’s rare for someone else to step into this place—my first guest,” the figure said, casually waving a pipe.

“I’m Kuzunoha. And you, who’s come so far, what’s your name?”

“I’m… Yurizono Seia from Trinity,” Seia replied.

“Seia, huh? A fellow fox as my first visitor—how delightful. So, what brought you here?” Kuzunoha asked, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.

“I…” Entranced, Seia began recounting her recent ordeal.

“Tch, tch. Willingly entering a coma to spy on the ‘Color’ in a dream? Not exactly a brilliant move,” Kuzunoha said, shaking her head as she sat on her talisman-covered bag, having heard Seia’s lengthy tale.

“But… it was the only way I could warn Sensei of the threat,” Seia protested softly.

“Hmm, I haven’t met this Sensei, but I’d wager she wouldn’t approve,” Kuzunoha replied, narrowing her eyes.

Turning to the sunlit courtyard, she explained, “The ‘Color’ inverts anything it touches. Even witnessing it leaves an indelible mark on your soul.”

“That’s…” Seia’s face fell, despair creeping in.

Kuzunoha smiled reassuringly.

“Don’t fret. For someone like you, there’s a way to escape its grasp.”

“There is?” Seia asked, hope flickering.

“Yes. If you can completely discard something tainted by the ‘Color,’ its mark vanishes too.” Kuzunoha studied Seia’s small frame, then nodded.

“In your case, abandoning your ‘prophetic dreams’ should suffice.”

“That’s… possible?” Seia asked.

“Of course. If you wish, I’ll seal that ability here. Once it’s gone, the ‘Color’ won’t pursue you anymore,” Kuzunoha said.

“Thank you, Kuzunoha. How can I repay you?” Seia bowed deeply.

“Haha, just think of it as thanks for keeping me company,” Kuzunoha said, waving dismissively as she stood, taking a puff from her pipe.

With a gentle smile, she added, “Time to send you off. Will you go straight to help your Sensei?”

“Yes. Since Sensei’s already headed to Arius, I must ensure she returns safely… for her and the one from outside fighting by her side,” Seia said, mentioning another figure.

Kuzunoha chuckled, like an elder amused by a tale.

“Oh, right, you mentioned a wanderer following your Sensei. The outside world’s full of interesting folks these days.”

“Yes, that person from beyond Kivotos… Itokonoue Kaoru. She’ll surely bring a different future to—” Seia stopped, startled.

Thud.

Kuzunoha’s pipe clattered to the floor, spilling its contents.

Her usual composure shattered, she stared at Seia, stunned.

“Why… what’s wrong?” Seia asked, confused.

The ancient fox, whose name had faded over countless years, asked in a trembling voice, “Who… did you just say?”