Araya Souren was a man who looked like the concept of hell after it had gained a will of its own—
"Shirou who went astray—Araya gives off pretty much that exact feeling, so I rather like him."
Touko gave a wicked grin, earning an unhappy glare from the boy.
"Araya Souren tried several times to open a path to the Root, but failed each time because of the Counter Force's interference.
"He must have chosen to hide behind the scenes this time in order to avoid the Counter Force's intervention."
"Sorry, Touko, but I don't understand what you're talking about."
Shirou asked, "Why bring up the Root? Is there some inevitable connection between Ogawa Apartment and reaching the Root?"
"Araya Souren possesses a special ability that even I can't match."
Touko said, "He can see the 'origin' of human beings.
"Someone who can see the 'origin' of humanity was expelled from his school by his master for pursuing the prototype of the soul...
"And now he's set his sights on Shiki. Shirou, you understand what I'm trying to say, right?"
Shirou was startled, and his expression grew solemn.
"All right, that's all the help I can offer. From here on, I'll leave it to you young people."
Touko Aozaki sat on the bed and removed the jacket she had worn while receiving guests. "Shirou, my medicine."
Absentmindedly, Shirou carried a glass of water and cold medicine to the bedside, muttering to himself:
"So that's it... I see... Tch, I should have noticed sooner. That man you mentioned is probably hiding in the apartment—
"No, he is the apartment itself."
The red-haired boy frowned. "It'll take an hour to get from here to the apartment, even by motorcycle. If we leave now, we won't make it in time.
"Touko, send me