(Heartfelt thanks to 'Gs Da Shi,' 'Lei Xiang,' 'Xin Hun Luo Po,' and 'Sui Feng Qi Wu' for their donations!)
The magical fluctuations continuously circulating through the small space quietly faded away, while the platinum Magic Array at the center of the room gradually shrank back and vanished into the air...
Wu Yan, Kotori, and Kurumi suddenly opened their eyes. Surprise flashed within them, as though they had been jolted awake from a nightmare, their breathing even becoming slightly hurried.
"Just now... that was..."
Kotori covered her forehead. She had done so instinctively, while she herself remained immersed in the memories she had just recovered. Her red eyes churned violently, even her pupils losing focus...
"I... remember now... why I became a Spirit..."
Compared to the dazed Kotori, Wu Yan's expression was filled with regret.
"So that 'shadow' had been there from beginning to end. Why didn't I notice it?..."
Though he said that, Wu Yan also felt rather helpless inside.
What could he have done?...
His return to Tengu City five years ago and his meeting with Kotori had merely been an accident, something entirely beyond his control. He had only been there for a brief period, unable to come freely and unable to leave freely. Even if he had noticed that 'shadow,' he likely could not have done anything.
Still, the fact that the 'shadow' responsible for turning Kotori into a Spirit had watched everything from the moment he arrived in Tengu City five years ago until he disappeared left Wu Yan quite displeased.
"That 'shadow'..." Kurumi frowned slightly, then relaxed her brow. She murmured softly.
"So it was the one that turned Kotori into a Spirit..."
"Hm?" Hearing Kurumi's words, both Wu Yan and Kotori froze. Kotori, having come back to herself, hurriedly asked.
"Kurumi, do you