Dislocated, dark, silent.
The people who had entered with her earlier were gone. Only the five towering figures ahead remained.
These five figures represented the highest combat power in the present world. They were also the stabilizing pillars that allowed Tokyo to maintain its current stability.
There was just one difference.
The last time Nanjō Emi had come, she had needed to raise her head to speak with them. This time, she no longer needed to look up.
"It has been a long time, Junior Official Nanjō."
As before, the Onmyo Assistant in the very center spoke first. After pausing, he smiled. "Perhaps I should call you Grand Official Nanjō now?"
"We have fully understood the [Red Tide] incident in Arakawa Ward." The Onmyo Assistant's voice carried a hint of respect. "Grand Official Nanjō, in the face of such a crisis, you chose to step forward and confront one of the Eight Sufferings. That was no easy feat."
"—We offer you our heartfelt gratitude and respect for purging Ai Bielie and suppressing the Red Tide."
The five figures simultaneously placed a hand over their chests and bowed slightly to her.
Nanjō Emi neither rejoiced nor showed any other expression. She merely shook her head. "There is no need for more formalities, Assistant Gen."
"That is only proper." The Onmyo Assistant laughed heartily. "But we are so far apart from Grand Official Nanjō. Without doing this, I am afraid we could not convey our gratitude."
"Then let us discuss something more practical."
The Onmyo Assistant asked softly, "Did Grand Official Nanjō come this time to receive a reward, or to request disaster-relief aid for Arakawa Ward?"
"No. Neither."
Nanjō Emi shook her head.
She calmly raised one finger. "I came for only one thing—to ask that none of you shield those