Though they did not know one another, neither played any tricks after asking their questions. They exchanged a glance, then answered at the same time:
"The number of Fate Nodes encountered is one, but the matter has not been fully resolved."
"'Weeper of Blood' Hermes is preparing something major, and there are no people gifted in Destiny within the Blood Spirit School either. Through our ally, The Truth Society, The All-Number-One Society obtained this relic."
Shade did not mention the date on which he became a "Protagonist Candidate," but he had not lied either. His sentence had no subject, and the Demon truly had not been dealt with. As for "Father," he had merely mentioned their relationship of mutual benefit, saying nothing about what price The All-Number-One Society had paid to make the Blood Spirit School risk lending out a controllable Fate Relic that might never be recovered.
But the answers to those questions could only be found by the two of them separately. The battle resumed the moment their voices fell silent. This time, as the three strange humanoid figures charged at Shade, a Destiny Ring finally appeared behind Father as well.
Nine rings—the same level as Shade. But with the trees and those humanoid figures blocking his view, Shade could not see the contents of the Core Ling Runes.
Enlightenment—Numbers, Enlightenment—Acceleration, Enlightenment—Control.
She spoke gently, but Shade had no time for the moment to marvel that two or three Core Ling Runes really were the normal state.
As Father's Destiny Ring, the notebook in his hand, and the spiritual glow on the three humanoid figures resonated with one another, Shade vaguely felt as though something had changed in the world around him.
The evening breeze swept over his skin, the setting sun slanted across his cheek, crystalline snow