Part 1: The Sisters' Silence
In the park, Aoi retracted her Shadow Sword, left panting slightly. Although her Step 3 (Demonic Embodiment) aura was gradually fading, her heart still raced with the lingering terror caused by the phantom image of Takuto.
Suddenly, Hana emerged from the shadows. Her eyes had returned to normal, but her posture was sharper, more defined than ever before.
Aoi: "Hana nee-chan... is everything okay? The enemy... he escaped."
Hana: (Calmly) "Yes... it's fine. He won't be coming near us ever again. Don't worry anymore, Aoi-chan."
Aoi sensed the underlying meaning in Hana's words. Her Void Oculus could still detect traces of a cold, murderous intent radiating from her sister. However, she chose not to pry and simply nodded in silence.
Hana: "Come on... let's go home. Onii-chan will be waiting."
As soon as they entered the house, they heard a commotion from the living room. Takuto was sitting on the sofa, flanked by Kaori and Ayano. Kaori, brushing back her bobbed black hair, was intently showing Takuto a book, her dark eyes fixed solely on him. On the other side, Ayano gazed at Takuto with her purple eyes, a soft smile on her face as her long dark hair flowed over her shoulders while she offered him a glass of juice.
Kaori: "Takuto! Look at this passage. This matches the data we've been searching for, doesn't it?"
Ayano: "Wait a moment, Kaori... Takuto must be tired. Here, drink this first, Takuto-kun."
Takuto, caught in the middle of the two girls, looked up as the door opened. "Ah... Hana, Aoi. You're back. That took a while... is everything alright?"
Hana instantly donned her innocent smile. "Everything is fine, Onii-chan! we just got caught up talking on the way back."
Aoi felt a pang of guilt looking at Takuto. She glanced at Kaori, who, as her mentor, immediately noticed Aoi's state and knit her brows slightly. Kaori's sharp black eyes scanned the dust on Aoi's clothes and her slightly trembling fingers.
Kaori: "Aoi-chan... you look a bit..."
Before she could finish, Hana draped an arm over Aoi's shoulder, laughing. "Oh, that! We ran into a pack of dogs on the way. Aoi got scared and had to bolt, so she's a bit out of breath. Right, Aoi-chan?"
Aoi nodded quickly. "Yes... yes, Kaori-san. I just need a little rest."
Kaori stared at Hana, knowing it was a lie, but she didn't want to cause a scene in front of Takuto and Ayano. However, a seed of worry grew in her heart.
Takuto stood up from the sofa and spoke to Kaori in a level tone. "Kaori... the day after tomorrow, during the school break, let's go to the 'Garden of Red Roses.' I think we need to meet the 'Gardener' and discuss the 'new plants'."
Hana blinked and smiled, assuming it was a leisure trip. "A park? Then I should prepare lots of snacks!"
However, the faces of the other three girls turned serious. 'Garden of Red Roses' was the code name for the Crimson Aegis base; the 'Gardener' referred to their leader, and 'new plants' signified enemy movements or Takuto's power progression.
Kaori: "Alright. The plants have grown quite a bit, so it's time to take proper care of them."
Takuto turned to Hana with an apologetic look. "Hana... tomorrow, just Kaori and I will go first. The cultivation details are complicated, and too many people might slow things down. You stay home and rest with Aoi, okay?"
Hana's face instantly fell. She puffed out her cheeks and pouted, playfully hitting Takuto's arm with her small fists.
Hana: "No way! Onii-chan! You're always leaving me behind! You just want to go alone with Kaori-san, don't you? Meanie! You're so stingy!"
Takuto laughed, shielding himself. "It's not like that, Hana... it's really important. I'll buy you whatever snacks you want when I get back, okay?"
Hana: "Hmph! Don't try to bribe me with snacks!" She turned her head away, though a glint of playfulness remained in her eyes.
Watching them, Ayano and Aoi smiled, but their hearts were heavy. The happier Hana appeared, the harder it felt to keep the truth hidden from her.
Meanwhile, Kaori was lost in her own thoughts. (Wait... just the two of us? What are you thinking, Kaori? This is business... it's not a date!) Her face began to flush bright red.
Takuto: "What's wrong, Kaori? Are you feeling sick? Your face is all red."
Kaori: "N-nothing is wrong! Ugh... forget it, you idiot!! Why are you even asking?!" She stormed off to her room in embarrassment.
Part 2: The Emerald Maid
The next morning, Takuto and Kaori arrived in the mountains outside the city. After passing through a dense bamboo forest, the secret headquarters of Crimson Aegis appeared—a collection of ancient Japanese-style buildings resembling a legendary swordsman's estate. Despite the peaceful atmosphere, the air hummed with the tension of Stella Flow energy.
Following a narrow path toward a private garden, they were met by a woman with emerald-green hair and eyes—Mika Izumi. She wore a meticulous maid outfit and radiated an aura of gentle mystery.
Mika: (Bowing gracefully) "It has been a long time, Takuto-sama, Kaori-san. Welcome back to the base."
Takuto: "It's been a while, Izumi-san. Things have become urgent."
Kaori: "Mika... where is Shizune-sama? We need to see her immediately."
Mika: "The Leader is in the garden watering the plants. Please, follow me."
In the center of a sprawling garden stood a woman who looked youthful and elegant despite being 39 years old. This was Shizune Rinoka, the leader of Crimson Aegis. Even as she quietly tended to her flowers, she carried an aura as heavy as a mountain.
Shizune: (Without looking up) "I felt you coming, Takuto-sama. Are you here for help... or have your eyes finally found an answer?"
When she turned, her gaze felt as though it was piercing through Takuto's very soul. She led them into a serene wooden pavilion adorned with ancient paintings and katanas. Mika entered shortly after, serving a vibrant blue-green tea that filled the room with a calming aroma.
Shizune: "Now then... let's put the past aside for a moment. You didn't come here just for tea. What is it you wish to tell me?"
Takuto: "I want to talk about Fallen Eclipse. Their movements are becoming bolder. They tracked us to our home."
He explained their plan to hunt Eye Power users and their use of non-human entities. Shizune's expression darkened.
Shizune: "They are moving faster than anticipated. Kage, the man behind Fallen Eclipse, is no ordinary power-user. He seeks the origin of the 'Demonic Eyes'. He doesn't just want your life, Takuto—he wants to drag your soul into the darkness to awaken the 'Eternal Night.' He will target those close to you to break your spirit."
Part 3: The Protective Brother
After discussing the tactical plans, Takuto's face showed a flicker of hesitation. He stared into his teacup before speaking.
Takuto: "And... Shizune-san. I have one more request. It's about my..."
Shizune: "About Hana?"
Takuto's eyes widened. "How did you... I never reported her to the organization."
Shizune: (Smiling faintly) "I know how much that girl means to you. You want to keep her far away from this world of shadows."
Takuto: "Yes. She is innocent. I don't want her caught in these blood-stained battles. I want her to live a normal, happy life."
Shizune: "Rest assured. Just as Crimson Aegis protects you, we will guard your family. Our operatives will watch over her from the shadows. I promise we will do our best to keep her out of this."
Takuto felt a weight lift from his chest. He had no idea that Hana herself was already moving within her own shadows, harboring secrets of her own.
As they left the main house, they passed a training ground where warriors were practicing. Kaori suddenly stopped and gave a challenging smirk.
Kaori: "Wait, Takuto. Before we go, let's spar. I want to see how much you've improved over the last three months."
Takuto: "Now? But—"
Kaori: "No Eye Powers. Just pure martial arts. Let's see what you've got."
The two took their stances. Kaori attacked with blinding speed, her movements fluid and sharp. Takuto countered, his reflexes far superior to what they were months ago. Amidst the flurry of strikes and kicks, Takuto attempted to sweep Kaori's legs. However, as she dodged and grabbed his arm, both lost their balance.
Flap!
Takuto tumbled forward, landing directly on top of Kaori. In the chaos of the fall, his left hand landed squarely and accidentally on Kaori's right chest.
The world went silent. As Takuto realized what he was touching, his eyes bugged out, and he froze. Kaori's face turned a shade of red deeper than any rose in the garden. She trembled with sheer embarrassment.
Kaori: "You... you... YOU IDIOTT!!!"
THWACK!
Kaori delivered a full-powered punch to Takuto's face. He went airborne, spinning before hitting the ground with a dull thud.
"Don't you dare touch me again! Seriously... you moron!" Clutching her chest with both hands, Kaori sprinted back into the base, mortified. Takuto remained sprawled on the ground, holding his swelling cheek, utterly dazed.
[END OF CHAPTER 28]