Ark Simulator, Aren't I Incorporeal? Chapter 441

A formation of riot shields burst through the gate, and police lights instantly illuminated the entire terrace. The lead officer visibly paused when he saw Hoshiguma: "Hoshiguma? How did you get here..."

"A little trouble on the date." Hoshiguma's green hair gleamed coolly under the police lights as she casually put her arm around Su Rui's shoulder. "My pastry chef was frightened and needs medical assistance."

The officer's gaze swept over the bloodstains on Hoshiguma Oni Horn, then fell upon the silver-haired boy she was protecting behind her, his expression becoming quite intriguing. "According to the police report, a large-scale Originium Arts conflict has occurred here..."

"Oh, that." Hoshiguma lightly kicked away a twisted piece of metal. "Some inconsiderate fellows disturbed our meal; they've already been disciplined." Her green eyes suddenly sharpened. "But you guys, arriving twenty-seven minutes after receiving the call—your efficiency is worrying."

The police officer's forehead was beaded with cold sweat. "Because there have been multiple traffic accidents downstairs, the road is congested..."

"What a coincidence." Hoshiguma tapped her fingertips lightly on her Hannya Shield. "Do you need my help writing a report? A detailed account of how the dereliction of duty by certain individuals led to the danger faced by civilians?"

Yin Chen quietly handed over an encrypted data tablet, which clearly displayed the timeline of the police response delay. The officer's face instantly turned pale. "Hoshiguma, there might be some misunderstanding..."

"Of course it's a misunderstanding." Hoshiguma's green hair suddenly softened. "So I suggested that tonight's events be recorded as a kitchen gas explosion." Her demonic horn gently touched Su Rui's silver hair. "My pastry chef needs rest and doesn't want to be disturbed."

As the officer nodded in relief, Hoshiguma naturally led Su Rui towards the safety exit. Her green hair fell down, obscuring their clasped hands, while Ginchen quietly retrieved the rapid-fire gun from under the food cart.

As dawn broke, they sat on a park bench some distance from the scene. Hoshiguma gently pressed the bruise on Su Rui's hand with his fingertips. "Let's find a different place for our date next time."

Su Rui's silver hair shimmered softly in the morning light: [Where?]

"The Rhodes Island kitchen." Hoshiguma's green eyes reflected the morning glow. "At least the knives there are sharp enough." She wiped the powdered sugar from the corner of his lips with her thumb. "And nobody dares to bother us."

Silver dust formed tiny hearts in the air, shimmering with a rainbow-like halo as the sun rose. The distant city gradually awoke, and their figures quietly blended into the morning light.

Hoshiguma's fingertips traced the tactical tablet, the screen's cold light reflecting off her sharply defined profile. The only light source in the safe house was the moonlight streaming in from the window, casting a silvery glow on her green hair. Her demon horns gently pressed against Su Rui's forehead, sensing the subtle energy fluctuations emanating from the silver dust. "It's time," her voice was low and deep as the night wind, "Those rats should pay the price for disturbing our dinner."

Volume 16, Chapter 941: A party? That's great!

Su Rui's silver hair flowed like mercury in the moonlight, and silver dust condensed in the air to form an intricate three-dimensional map. Seventeen red dots marked the luxurious manor in the center of the map, each representing a potential threat. "[They're holding a charity gala.]" He tapped the manor's main building with his fingertip. "Using a charity auction to cover up a transaction of Originium artifacts. Three high-risk Originium items are mixed in with the auction items."

Hoshiguma's green eyes narrowed slightly. "I need a new dress." Her thumb rubbed the still-healing wound on Su Rui's hand. "You wear that dark blue kimono, and I'll be your bodyguard." Her fingertips traced the security layout on the map. "The main gate Originium sensors; special handling is required."

Su Rui's silver hair swayed gently. "[Too conspicuous.]" His fingertips brushed against his striking silver hair. "Why don't you dress as a nobleman, and I'll remain hidden in the shadows?"

"No." Hoshiguma's green hair suddenly wrapped around his wrist. "You must be within my sight tonight." Her demonic horns gleamed. "Those people are after you, remember? The resonator incident proved they'd capture you at any cost."

Yin Chen quietly unfolded the holographic projection of the kimono, its dark blue silk embroidered with dark silver wave patterns. Hoshiguma's fingertips lightly tapped the sash. "Add a hidden pocket here, enough to hold two daggers and a miniature signal jammer." Her green eyes swept over the cuffs, "The lining should be made of Kevlar bulletproof material, and the collar should have an Originium shielding layer. The hem needs special treatment to ensure unrestricted movement."

Su Rui's eyelashes trembled slightly: [Four hours of modification required.]

"Two hours." Hoshiguma's Hannya Shield buzzed in the corner. "Mio's already modifying the car, Moe Moe Xiang got the invitation." Her fingertips suddenly paused. "Also, dye your silver hair black."

"Why?" Silver dust rippled with doubt.

"Because it's too beautiful." Hoshiguma's green hair brushed against his cheek. "I don't want those bastards staring at you."

The modified luxury car was filled with the scent of leather and polish. Su Rui's silver hair was dyed jet black, with a few stray strands falling across her forehead, which only made her amber eyes stand out even more. The dark blue kimono fit her figure perfectly, and the dark green belt around her waist was made from Hoshiguma's old uniform, with a pattern that was exactly the same as the design on the Hannya Shield.

Hoshiguma wore a sharply tailored black bodyguard uniform made of a specially made cut-resistant material. Her green hair was tied in a high ponytail, and her demon horns were treated with a special coating to resemble metallic decorations, looking like an exquisite headdress under the lights. Her Hannya Shield was disguised as a high-end briefcase, its surface shimmering with a camouflage sheen, but it could actually be unfolded into a battle form at any time.

"Remember," Hoshiguma's fingertips adjusted Su Rui's collar, concealing the micro-communicator within the folds, "You are an antique dealer from the Eastern Kingdom, specializing in Originium art appraisal." Her green eyes swept over the hidden pocket at his waist, "Unless absolutely necessary, do not use Silver Dust. Every movement you make alters the drape of your kimono's hem; a professional eye can tell."

Su Rui's fingertips lightly traced the protective matrix inside her cuff: [All etiquette movements have been simulated.]

Moe Moe Xiang's voice came through the earpiece. "Guest list confirmed! All three senior executives from Rhine Lab are present! Mio-nee has already sneaked into the kitchen! She added some 'special seasoning' to the cold dishes!"

The manor's lights shone like a cluster of stars in the night. As the car drove through the ornate iron gate, Hoshiguma's hand naturally rested on Su Rui's waist. "Look down. Although your silver hair has been dyed black, your demeanor is outstanding." Her voice carried the respect due to a bodyguard, but her eyes were as sharp as an eagle's.

Elegant string music filled the Banquet Hall, and the light from the crystal chandelier illuminated the elegantly dressed guests. Su Rui's gait was meticulously designed; every movement conformed to the etiquette of the Eastern Kingdom nobility, her kimono hem tracing a perfect arc. Hoshiguma maintained a constant distance of one step to his right rear, the angle of his Hannya Shield and briefcase ready to respond to any attack from any direction.

"Target on the second-floor terrace." Mio's voice came through the headset, accompanied by a slight metallic scraping sound. "Trading Originium Core. Need to create a Diversion."

Hoshiguma's fingertips lightly touched Su Rui's lower back: [Preparing for diversion.]

Su Rui's silver hair swayed slightly, and the champagne glass in her hand suddenly tilted. The golden liquid splashed precisely onto a passing waiter's tray, causing a small commotion. Taking advantage of the moment, Silver Dust attached itself to the collars of several key targets, while simultaneously interfering with the nearest surveillance cameras.

"I'm so sorry." Su Rui's voice was soft, her Eastern Kingdom carrying an elegant Kansai flavor. Hoshiguma immediately stepped forward, using her body to separate the onlookers, her bodyguard demeanor impeccable. "My master is a little drunk." Her voice was steady and powerful, perfectly showcasing her professionalism.

Amidst the commotion, Hoshiguma's green hair brushed lightly against Su Rui's ear. "Well done." Her fingertips traced the hilt of the dagger at his waist. "Get ready, move out once the auction begins. Mio has taken control of the power system."

As the auctioneer struck the gavel, the lights in the entire Banquet Hall suddenly dimmed. Hoshiguma's Hannya Shield instantly unfolded, and the light of silver dust illuminated the darkness like moonlight, precisely marking all threatening targets.

"It's party time." Hoshiguma's green hair billowed in the silvery light, his demon horns gleaming with hunting excitement. "Stay close to me, my little antique dealer."

Su Rui's kimono hem traced a graceful arc, and Silver Dust wove a path to the truth in the darkness. His fingertips lightly touched Hoshiguma's hand: [Behind the pillar on the left, two men armed.]

The Hannya Shield cleaved through the darkness, the clanging of metal drowned out by the gasps of the guests. Hoshiguma's green hair danced in the silver dust, each movement possessing a deadly beauty. Su Rui followed closely behind, a short blade formed from silver dust sliding out of a hidden pocket in her kimono, precisely destroying the Originium device.

As the emergency lights came on, Hoshiguma gracefully retracted her Hannya Shield, while Su Rui helped up a "frightened" noblewoman. Their eyes met amidst the chaos, and Silver Dust quietly relayed the coordinates of the next target.

The banquet continued, but the hunt had already begun.

Hoshiguma's fingertips brushed against Su Rui's sleeve, deftly removing a blood-stained shard of silver dust. Her movements were fluid and natural, as if she were merely adjusting her employer's clothes. "Second-floor terrace," she whispered, her green hair brushing against his ear, "I need you to appraise an 'antique'."

Su Rui's eyelashes trembled slightly. "[Three guards, two disguised as servants.]" Yin Chen sketched a detailed layout inside his sleeve. "The target is inspecting the Originium Core."

They ascended the curved staircase, Hoshiguma maintaining a half-step guarding distance throughout. Her Hannya Shield briefcase emitted a faint hum, having detected multiple concealed weapons. "Relax," she said, her fingertips lightly brushing against Su Rui's lower back. "You're a drunken young nobleman now."

Su Rui's steps immediately became slightly unsteady, and the hem of his kimono swayed gently with his movements. When he "accidentally" bumped into the guard at the terrace door, Yin Chen had already temporarily locked onto the guard's weapon.

Volume 16, Chapter 942: Special Artworks

"I'm very sorry," Su Rui said in a slightly drunken Eastern Kingdom, her fingers "accidentally" brushing against the guard's wristwatch, and Yin Chen instantly copied all the data.

Hoshiguma quickly steadied the staggering Su Rui, simultaneously blocking the guard's view with her body. "My master needs some fresh air." Her green eyes swept over the guard's badge, "Could you do me that?"

Just as the guard hesitated, the sound of shattering glass came from the terrace. Hoshiguma's Hannya Shield immediately deployed, protecting Su Rui as they rushed onto the terrace. There, they saw Mio's snake tattoo wrapped around a target trying to escape through the window, while another was pinned to the wall with a kunai.

"Looks like the appraisal time has been moved up." Hoshiguma's green hair fluttered in the night wind as her Hannya Shield slammed heavily into the last remaining enemy. Simultaneously, Su Rui's Silver Dust sealed off all exits, the hem of her kimono drawing a sharp arc.

The Originium Core on the table emitted a ghostly blue light, and silver dust quickly enveloped this dangerous work of art. [A special container is required.] Su Rui's fingertip lightly touched the core's surface. "The energy is extremely unstable."

Hoshiguma took a specially made container from her suitcase. "It's been prepared for a long time." Her green eyes reflected the core's light. "Now, it's time to make this charity gala truly spectacular."

As the sirens grew louder, they had already vanished into the night. Only the Hannya- patterned card left on the table signaled the end of the hunt.

The Originium Core emitted a rhythmic pulse within its specially designed container, its eerie blue light filtering through the lead glass and casting an unsettling glow on Hoshiguma's green hair. Su Rui's fingertips lightly touched the container's surface; silver dust, like a fine spiderweb, enveloped the dangerous work of art, outlining intricate energy patterns in the darkness. [Energy fluctuations are increasing at a rate of 3.7% per second.] His silver hair moved without wind, a few strands of dyed black falling across his forehead. "The critical point will be reached in nine minutes and forty-two seconds."

Hoshiguma's green eyes swept across the rearview mirror, and the Hannya Shield briefcase emitted a slight warning sound. "Mio, cleaning progress?" Her fingertips tapped rapidly on the steering wheel, and the modified car's engine roared.

"Eighty percent complete." Mio's voice came through the communicator, accompanied by the urgent sirens and the clanging of metal. "They're initiating the self-destruct sequence. Three minutes required. Six guards with heavy equipment are approaching through the underground passage."

Su Rui's silver hair suddenly shimmered, and silver dust condensed into a complex array of runes on the container's surface. "[We can leave them a return gift.]" His fingertips traced the container's outer shell, the sleeves of his kimono swaying gently with the movement. "Reverse the core energy into their main security system, and diffuse it through the ventilation ducts."

Hoshiguma's green hair fluttered slightly, her demon horns glowing a dangerous red in the darkness. "A bomb?" A dangerous smile played on her lips. "I like the idea. What's the yield?"

Silver Dust rapidly restructured the energy flow, transforming the previously stable core into a sophisticated delayed-detonation device. Su Rui's kimono sleeves brushed lightly across the container's surface, leaving dark silver ripples: [Detonate in thirty minutes, enough time for them to discover and attempt to dismantle the 'gift.' Explosive yield equivalent to 1.5 kg of Originium explosives, with a radius of 200 meters.]

"Too long." Hoshiguma lightly touched the container's surface with her fingertip, leaving a faint fingerprint. "Change it to fifteen minutes, so those scum don't have time to retreat. Increase the yield to three tons." Her green eyes swept over the surveillance camera on the street corner. "Let them remember this lesson."

The silver dust's radiance suddenly intensified, and the runes rearranged. The ripples on the container's surface transformed into blood-red Hannya patterns, and the pulse frequency increased dramatically: [Complete. Countdown begins in 14 minutes and 59 seconds. Energy output increased to 324%, potentially triggering a chain reaction.]

Mio's voice came again, slightly breathless. "Cleanup complete. Police have arrived at the front entrance. We recommend evacuating through the west alleyway."

Hoshiguma jerked the steering wheel, and the car swerved sharply into a narrow back alley, the tires screeching on the wet cobblestones. "Time to go shopping, my antique dealer." Her fingertips lightly brushed against the collar of Su Rui's kimono, straightening his slightly crooked lapel.

The commercial street was brightly lit at night, and the hustle and bustle of the crowd mingled with the faint sound of police sirens in the distance, creating a peculiar symphony. Su Rui's deep blue kimono gleamed subtly under the neon lights, and a few strands of her dyed silver hair broke free of their hairpins and fell across her forehead. Hoshiguma maintained a distance of half a step to her right and behind, Hannya Shield briefcase had been replaced with an exquisite lacquer shopping bag, imprinted with the emblem of a local old shop.

"Relax." Hoshiguma's fingertips lightly touched his lower back. "You're a noble young master who's just finished browsing an auction and bought a few precious Originium artifacts." Her green hair brushed against his ear. "Look at that dessert shop on the left, act interested. The strawberry daifuku in the window looks tempting, doesn't it?"

Su Rui adjusted his pace slightly, the hem of his kimono swaying gently with his movement, the dark silver wave pattern on the fabric shimmering faintly under the light. He paused in front of the dessert shop window, his silver dust silently scanning the surroundings. [Nine o'clock, two plainclothes police officers. Eleven o'clock, suspected to be an investigator from Rhine Lab.] His fingertips unconsciously traced the lining of his cuffs. "The detectors they're carrying are quite new."

Hoshiguma naturally stepped aside to block the view, her fingertips brushing against the strawberry daifuku in the shop window. "Want some?" Her voice carried the respect due to a bodyguard, but her eyes sharply swept over any suspicious targets. "That shop's mochi skin is said to be especially soft and chewy."

Silver Dust vibrated slightly inside his sleeve: [Detector sensitivity set to maximum, scanning my energy signature.]

"Then let's show them something interesting." Hoshiguma suddenly reached out and straightened Su Rui's collar, cleverly attaching the miniature jammer to the back of his neck. The action looked like she was tidying up her master's appearance, so natural and flawless. Silver Dust immediately responded by emitting a faint Originium fluctuation, perfectly mimicking the energy signature from the auction, and even deliberately adding a few "unstable" tremors.

The plainclothes police officers' detectors immediately emitted a piercing alarm, and two men quickly approached. Hoshiguma stepped in front of Su Rui, presenting a forged security pass. "My master just attended an Originium art auction and needs immediate purification." Her pass cleverly bore the emblem of the Eastern Kingdom Ministry of Culture. "These ancient artworks sometimes retain residual energy fluctuations, as you know."

Just as the police were checking identification, a muffled explosion echoed in the distance. A crimson flash illuminated the night sky, and the shockwave caused the shop window to vibrate slightly. Silver Dust displayed a countdown in Su Rui's sleeve: [Gift delivered on time. Explosion yield 3.2 tons, shockwave spreading.]

Volume 16, Chapter 943: Public Security Issues

Hoshiguma's green hair billowed in the explosion's light as she casually put her arm around Su Rui's shoulder. "Looks like the fireworks show has started tonight." Her voice carried just the right amount of concern. "We should go back, Master. These security issues are really worrying."

They blended into the panicked crowd, their deep blue kimonos like flowing shadows in the night. Su Rui's fingertips lightly touched Hoshiguma's hand: [Trackers, two o'clock. Three-person team, carrying restraint gear.]

"Perfect." A hint of amusement flashed in Hoshiguma's green eyes. "Take them for a stroll around the city at night. Remember to act like a frightened young nobleman."

The ancient street along the canal was teeming with tourists, the lanterns casting shimmering shadows on the water. Hoshiguma bought a candied apple from a roadside stall and handed it to Su Rui: "Take this, like a normal tourist." The sweet aroma of syrup filled the air, and the red candy shell gleamed enticingly under the lights.

Su Rui's fingertips gently gripped the candy stick, while Yin Chen quietly analyzed the syrup's ingredients: [Contains trace amounts of sedative, concentration 0.3%.] His eyelashes trembled slightly. "Why did you buy this?"

"Because you look too nervous." Hoshiguma's green hair brushed against his cheek. "And you need to create the illusion for your pursuers—a noble young master who will lower his guard after eating sweets." Her fingertips seemingly casually traced the candy, but in reality, they wiped away some of the suspicious syrup.

She stopped at the bridgehead, pretending to straighten Su Rui's collar. Yin Chen quickly replaced the candied apple with a safer version, while cleverly sticking the original candy to the stalker's shoe sole. [Effective in three minutes] Yin Chen displayed a notification on her cuff, thoughtfully including the stalker's real-time heart rate data.

Hoshiguma's fingertips brushed against the corner of his lips. "Smile, my antique dealer. That couple on the left is watching us."

Su Rui's lips curved slightly upward, a stiff smile that appeared remarkably captivating in the lantern light. The pursuers were clearly bewildered; a muffled command came through the communicator, and their pace noticeably slowed.

"Very good." Hoshiguma naturally took his hand, her fingertips gently drawing a "safe" sign in his palm. "Now I'll take you to eat some real desserts. I know an old shop whose warabi mochi is absolutely amazing."

They entered a traditional wagashi (Japanese sweets) shop, and Bell jingled softly as the paper door opened. The old shopkeeper paused for a moment when he saw Hoshiguma's demon horns, but quickly resumed his professional smile, "Welcome. Are you two?" His gaze lingered on Su Rui's kimono for a moment. "This gentleman has excellent taste. Is this fabric Nishijin-ori from Kyoto?"

Hoshiguma gently seated Su Rui by the window, her green hair gleaming softly in the warm light. "One warabi mochi and two cups of matcha, please." Her fingertips lightly tapped Su Rui's knees under the table. "The stalker collapsed on the bridge; the police are handling it. Mio has already arranged the evacuation route."

Su Rui's silver hair swayed slightly: [Police have begun cordoning off the surrounding area. People from Rhine Lab are negotiating with the police.]

"Perfect." Hoshiguma's green eyes reflected the police lights outside the window. "Let them be busy." She pushed the first bracken cake in front of Su Rui. "Try it, it's much better than the pastries at the auction. This place grinds the bracken powder fresh every day."

Su Rui's fingertips gently picked up the bamboo skewer, and as her kimono sleeve slipped down, it revealed fine scratches on her wrist. Hoshiguma's thumb suddenly traced those scratches. "Don't go out alone again next time." Her voice was soft, but carried an undeniable resolve. "Those scratches... they're an eyesore to me."

Yin Chen gently twirled her fingers under the table. "[It won't happen again.]" The light was soft and warm. "Your guard is very competent."

The old shop's paper door was suddenly pushed open, and the smell of wind and rain rushed into the room. Hoshiguma's Hannya Shield instantly unfolded into a folding fan shape, cleverly blocking Su Rui's way. The one who entered was Mio, who was soaking wet, with a snake tattoo moving around her neck, and water droplets dripping from the tip of her kunai.

"The ship is ready." Mio's voice was damp with rain. "The waterway has been cleared; we can safely evacuate."

Hoshiguma's green hair billowed in the damp air. As she rose, she naturally smoothed the front of Su Rui's kimono, her fingertips brushing against his dyed black hair. "Looks like our shopping time is over." Her green eyes, deep as pools in the lantern light, continued, "I'll wash off the dye when we get back. Silver hair suits you better, like moonlight."

The covered boats on the canal waited quietly in the rain, lanterns hanging from their prows swaying in the wind. Hoshiguma's Hannya Shield transformed into an umbrella, shielding the drizzle, while silver dust formed a transparent protective layer around the boat. Su Rui's kimono hem billowed in the wind, the silver dust shimmering faintly in the night. As the boats sailed deeper into the mist, the distant explosions finally subsided completely, leaving only the soft patter of raindrops on the roof.

The delicate feel of the kimono fabric still lingered on Hoshiguma's fingertips, her green hair mingling with Su Rui's dyed black in the night breeze. Boats swayed gently on the canal, their boatmen humming ancient Eastern Kingdom songs as they poled their vessels. In the distance, smoke still rose from the mansion destroyed by the explosion, orange-red embers flickering in the night sky like fallen stars. The water reflected the firelight, turning the entire canal a flowing amber hue.

"Turn around," Hoshiguma suddenly spoke, her demon horns gleaming faintly under the ship's lanterns. "To the Cherryview River."

The boatman paused, his pole tip creating ripples on the water. "But guest, there's martial law over there..."

Hoshiguma flicked a gold coin from her fingertip. The coin traced an elegant arc in the air before landing precisely in the boatman's hand. "Go around."

Su Rui's silver hair swayed slightly. "[The police have blocked all paths leading to the Cherryview River.]" His fingertips lightly touched Hoshiguma's hand. "Too risky."

"It's safe precisely because of martial law." Hoshiguma's green hair brushed against his ear. "Those rats are busy putting out fires and dealing with the police; they don't have time for us." A smile played on her lips. "Besides, I want to see you in a kimono enjoying the cherry blossoms."

The covered boat quietly changed direction and entered a narrow tributary. Weeping willows on both banks brushed the water's surface, bringing with them the moist scent of vegetation. Silver dust formed a denser protective net around the boat, shielding it from all possible detection signals. The boatman was surprised to find that the boat's speed suddenly increased, yet he could not see any source of power, attributing it solely to the mysterious current.

The banks of the Cherryview River are lined with late-blooming cherry trees. At this time of year, the cherry blossoms should have faded, but some Originium Arts have caused them to bloom abnormally. The pink and white petals fall in the night breeze, like gentle snow. Hoshiguma catches a petal with his fingertips and gently tucks it into Su Rui's lapel.

"Beautiful." Her green eyes softened against the backdrop of cherry blossoms. "Much more beautiful than those explosions and flames."

Su Rui's fingertips traced the petals, while Yin Chen quietly analyzed the Originium residue on them: [Clear signs of human intervention. The flowering period can only last for a maximum of two more hours.]

"That's enough." Hoshiguma's Hannya Shield transformed into a small folding fan, gently fanning the night breeze carrying the scent of flowers. "Sometimes, things that are fleeting are the most precious."

Volume 16, page 944: Executing the Mission

The police tape along the shore was clearly visible, but the patrolling officers were obviously distracted by the distant explosion. Hoshiguma casually put his arm around Su Rui's shoulder, feigning drunkenness. "Just cooperate, my antique dealer."

Su Rui's kimono hem swayed gently, her steps deliberately appearing unsteady. Yin Chen cleverly interfered with the nearest surveillance camera, freezing the image briefly in the beautiful moment of cherry blossoms fluttering in the air. As he walked, the dye on his silver hair gradually faded, and a few strands shimmered with a familiar silver light under the moonlight.

"Please wait, you two!" A young policeman ran over. "This area is closed..."

His words trailed off abruptly. Hoshiguma's folding fan lightly touched his epaulettes, revealing the Ministry of Internal Affairs ' logo as it unfolded. "We're on a special mission," she said in a low voice, "We need to observe the unusual Originium."

The police officer immediately stood at attention and saluted. "Excuse me, sir! Do you need any assistance?"

"Keeping your distance is the best form of assistance." Hoshiguma's green hair fluttered in the cherry blossom rain. "The night is beautiful tonight, isn't it?"

The young policeman blushed and stepped back, clearly intimidated by Hoshiguma's imposing presence. Su Rui's Silver Dust discreetly recorded the policeman's identification number and vital signs: [Follow-up monitoring required.]

"Relax." Hoshiguma's fingertips traced his back. "Now you should appreciate the cherry blossoms."

They strolled along the Cherryview River, petals constantly falling onto their shoulders. Hoshiguma bought a bag of sakura mochi and handed it to Su Rui: "Try it, they say it's made with cherry blossoms from here."

Su Rui took a small bite, the sweet red bean paste and the delicate fragrance of cherry leaves filling his mouth: [Excessively sugary, but with a smooth texture.] His eyelashes fluttered slightly. "Why did I suddenly want to admire the cherry blossoms?"

"Because it suits you." Hoshiguma's green hair brushed against the falling petals. "Kimono, cherry blossoms, moonlight... all these beautiful things are worthy of you." Her fingertips brushed the petals from his hair. "Much more suitable than all that fighting and killing."