* Gasp *
Reo's expression immediately changed when he saw Amami who was sitting leaning on the ground looked flinched when he heard his words. Likewise with Reki who was outside, he widened his eyes as they recorded everything that happened in the room.
Amami's body trembled violently and an expression full of horror was plastered on his shabby face, he tried to break free from the iron bonds that tied his hands and legs, his mouth was choked with a mouth covering to avoid suicide attempts made him unable to speak clearly.
"Ummmhhh !!"
"You really know her, huh." Reo put his hand in his pocket and glanced at the camera installed at the corner of the room. It was a surveillance camera that allowed Amami who was outside to monitor the situation inside.
"Sleepyhead, open the glass."
Meanwhile, Reki who heard that looked doubtful, but after a while he finally pressed the button on the control table and made the dividing glass between Amami and Reo open.
* pulp * * casssp *
The glass slowly opens downwards and finally Reo can interact with Amami directly. Reo then walked closer to Amami with a deadpan expression on his face. Seeing Reo who approaching him, Amami's movements were getting out of control, he squirmed, trying to break free and run away.
"Don't look at me like you're looking at a monster like that, Scout-san ~. I'm offended, you know." Reo said with a cold smile on his face.
Seeing the same smile he saw in the Dungeon a few days ago, caused fear to spread throughout Amami's body. Meanwhile Reo calmly squatted in front of him.
Amami looked towards Reo's golden eyes before Reo removed the mouthpiece covering his mouth.
* plug *
"Ah!" When Reo opened the lid of his mouth, Amami was seen trying to bite his tongue but his movements stopped when suddenly he felt a choke on his neck.
* fwuosh * * dap *
"Ack!" Amami roared in pain while Reo looked at him with a calm look and a smile on his face.
"You even tried to kill yourself without the slightest hesitation right after I removed your mouth cover. Aren't you so loyal to your master, " whispered Reo softly.
Before a voice could be heard.
[Shirogami-san, don't be too rude to him. We can get into trouble. ] said Reki through the microphone connected to the speaker on the cell wall.
"..."
No answer came from Reo, it made Reki repeat his words.
[Eh ... Shirogami-san, can you hear me? ]
But instead of answering Reki's question, Reo still didn't take his eyes off Amami. His left hand gripped Amami's forehead so that he couldn't take his gaze away from Reo's sight, their two eyes met.
And in those few short seconds, Amami could only stare into Reo's golden eyes. There was silence in the cell room. The horror expression on Amami's face slowly disappeared.
"Hey Scout-san, have you ever seen a ' monster ' in front of you?" Said Reo, the smile on his face also slowly disappeared. He stretched his grip on Amami's neck so he could answer his question.
However, when Amami heard the word ' monster ' his body trembled again and he tried to bite his tongue once again, but Reo swiftly held his jaw.
"Answer me ... Do you see it too, that monster, the view you emit from the retina of your eye, you have seen it right?"
"Arrgh! Let go of me, bastard, why are you always getting in my way, why ... why ..." Amami crying, cries full of despair left Amami's mouth, tears running down his cheeks.
"... I don't want to feel it anymore ... Stop, don't touch me .... Arrghh!"
Amami tried to struggle but couldn't do anything about it, his hands and feet were tightly bound to the wall. Reo who saw that fell silent and put on a flat expression, before he muttered softly.
"It's useless ... i guess."
Without saying anything, Reo then returned to gagging Amami's mouth with his mouth cover, before slowly walking out of his cell, leaving Amami alone who still crying and shaking there.
* hiks * * hiks *
Then, the dividing glass re-installed and the door opened, showing the figure of Reki who had a serious expression.
* tap * * tap *
He slowly approached Reo, before glancing at Amami.
"So how about the result. Did you get any important information from him?"
Even though he watched Reo and Amami's conversation directly, Reki couldn't conclude anything at all. So he tried to find out what was on Reo's mind right now.
Hearing that Reo just smiled and shook his head.
"Nothing, it's nil."
Hearing Reo's answer made Reki squint, he couldn't determine whether his words were a true or not.
Reo laughed lightly before he glanced at Amami with a mysterious gaze and muttered.
"I suppose further interrogation will be useless, this poor human's mind has been corrupted by someone."
Reki widened his eyes.
"Corrupted? Do you mean his mind is controlled by some kind of mind control magic that kept him remain silent until now? But why can't I feel any magical energy other than his own? It doesn't make sense."
"Ah, I also don't really understand that matter. You know, I'm not a magic user." Reo said with a sweet smile. Reki who heard that raised his eyebrows, he clearly did not know that Reo was an Unranked Hunter because the information was strictly confidential.
Then Reo continued his words.
"But if you consider that he was not hit by mind control magic, neither would I. His mind was not damaged by magic, but by a complicated mental game, almost akin to brainwashing. There was someone who somehow managed to manipulate his mind, or should I say. pull out his deepest fear? "
Hearing that, Reki fell silent.
"You should understand somethings like that too, right? Sleepyhead?"
What Reo said was the truth, but even for him who was someone who had learned about the psychological condition of humans, he simply couldn't come to a conclusion like what Reo just did.
'How can something like this escape my surveillance? Even though this is still included in the field that I am good at ... is it possible ... ' Reki then glanced at Reo's golden eyes.
And Reo who noticed his gaze just smiled at him and muttered.
"Well this is none of my business anymore, you can do anything to him even though I think it will be useless."
Reo fixed his scarf.
"Are you going home already?" Asked Reki.
"All my business here is finished, I will go to find a good breakfast place, you call me too early so it makes me have to skip Iris-nee chan's breakfast." Said Reo, slowly walking out.
And without saying anything else, Reo just walked out of the room, leaving Reki who was still standing there alone.
*bup
After the sound of the metal door closing echoed through the room, the atmosphere turned silent, Reki then took his smartphone from his pants pocket and was seen calling someone.
* beep * * beep *
"Hello, Inui-kun. Come to my office right now, I have a few things I want to discuss with you. Oh, and also ... Please collect as much data from Hunter Shirogami as possible."
"Yes, the white haired young man, one of the three witnesses of this incident."
***
Meanwhile, in one of the hallways of the association's office, at this time Reo was seen walking while thinking about something.
'Looks like the incident this time has become more complicated than I thought. ' thought Reo.
Honestly, the mental state of Amami that he saw just now really shocked him. He originally planned to ask Amami many things, such as the reason for his involvement with Anaceen and so on.
But after seeing Amami in person, Reo immediately abandoned his intention.
'Even if I force or even torture him it's still useless. A person with such a condition would not open his mouth at any time, at this time he was no better than someone in a coma. ' thought Reo, he then continued.
'Even I doubt he still remembers about the person behind all of this, because it is possible that his current mind was already visualizing that figure as a monster from his worst nightmare, be it his form or existence. Besides, it is possible that Miss Worm herself is the mastermind behind all this. '
* tap * * beep *
Reo then started to enter the elevator and planned to go straight down to the first floor.
'He may be just a disposable pawn that can be thrown away at any time, his failure to kill everyone who enters the Dungeon that time makes him probably no longer of any use to that figure's eyes. Trying to pry information from such a corrupted pawn was futile. '
But there is one thing that is still on Reo's mind. What is the motive behind Amami's actions? Is it a desire for revenge or something else. Reo didn't know, that's why he was a little disappointed today. In the end, his arrival to the association today ended in vain.
He did not get any valuable information from Amami.
'But it doesn't matter, there's no need to rush. Besides, I still haven't heard that guy's explanation about the transparent crystal. ' Reo smiled as slowly the elevator opened and--
"Uh!"
When he just got out of the elevator and stepped his feet, suddenly he saw someone he knew. It was a black haired young man who wore glasses, he was seen wearing formal clothes and walking while looking at his smartphone.
"Glasses-kun?"
That's right, the person is none other than Osamu Satō, like Reo, he just finished his business at the Association office, because he was also called to give his testimony today.
But when he heard that familiar voice, Osamu's shoulders suddenly trembled.
"Yo, it turns out to be you. Well, your face is very common and average so I find it difficult to distinguish you from other people," said Reo, walking towards Osamu.
But when he felt Reo approaching, Osamu seemed to pretend he didn't hear him. He accelerated his footsteps and tried to leave Reo as fast as possible.
Seeing that, Reo raised his eyebrows.
"Huh? Is he avoiding me?"
While Osamu, in his mind he was screaming.
'Shit! Why do I have to meet that person again. My God, why are you so cruel to this poor young man. '
And just as he was trying to escape, while passing the crowd of people passing by in the main hall on the first floor, all of a sudden--
"Oi!"
"Ah!"
Reo appeared in front of him and made Osamu blink in surprise.
"Why are you trying to run away from me, Glasses-kun?" Said Reo while smiling sweetly at Osamu in front of him.
As for Osamu, he was seen dripping with sweat.
"Well ... haha, running away? What are you talking about ... I'm the one who should be surprised because you suddenly appeared in front of me? Long time no see Reo."
Hearing such a clear lie, Reo just smiled. He then changed the subject.
"So what about the process?" Asked Reo. Knowing what he meant, Osamu answered with a little doubt.
"That's ... Everything is smooth, I guess." Replied Osamu, slightly lowered his head.
The atmosphere then became silent before Osamu opened his mouth.
"Then, I'll go first. There are a few things I have to do," said Osamu, starting to take his feet.
However, before he could walk any further, Reo stopped him.
"Why are you in a hurry, have you had breakfast? How about we drink tea while chatting lightly?"
Hearing that, Osamu scratched his head.
"I want to accept it, but like I said just now, I have business to--"
"So do you have any recommendations for a good breakfast place?"
Reo just cut Osamu's words and hugged his shoulders as if they were close friends. Seeing Reo's actions, Osamu was clearly a little uncomfortable. But in the end he gave up and let out a tired sigh.
"* sigh * Are you listening to me ...?"
Reo who saw that just smiled towards Osamu. And with that, the two of them left the Hunter association to eat together.
***
"Woah, this isn't bad. Looks like you have good taste when it comes to food, Glasses-kun." Said Reo.
He and Osamu are currently seen sitting on the balcony of a restaurant near Asakusa. It's a good breakfast ambiance, with the morning sun shining down on downtown Tokyo.
With a plate of French toast and a cup of tea, it's a simple western style breakfast.
"Uh, yeah ... This place is quite popular for association employees, especially because the place is not too far from their offices, considering that the area around here is dominated by office buildings and such."
Osamu explained. Although at first he refused Reo's invitation and tried to be indifferent, but in the end, because Reo's attitude was so friendly and easy to talk to, Osamu became a little talkactive at this time.
"Ho ~."
"Luckily we came a little earlier, because at lunchtime, this place will be filled with office workers," murmured Osamu, sipping his tea.
The atmosphere then became silent, Reo was seen cutting the bread with a smile on his face while Osamu who was in front of him looked at him with a serious expression.
Before he said.
"So, there's no way you could bother asking someone like me to have breakfast with you without any other means, am I wrong?"
"Why are you talking like that, Glasses-kun. We are friends right?"
"..." Osamu was silent, and stared at Reo intensely. He had known Reo recently, but during the Raid in the Dungeon, he had repeatedly noticed Reo's movements.
The side of him that was indifferent and filled with cute smiles, as well as the other side, that was capable of doing cruel acts without the slightest trace of hesitation. Honestly, Reo scared Osamu a lot.
"But you're not wrong, I told you before, I wanted to chat with you. It's about Scout-san." Reo rubbed his mouth.
But before Reo could say any further, Osamu was able to predict what he wanted to ask him.
"If you want to ask about his personal relationships with the rest of his team, then I'm sorry. I can't give you a satisfactory answer about that at all."
Hearing Osamu's words, Reo smiled.
"Looks like you already understand, huh, then I change the question. What do you think the motive behind Amami's actions?" Asked Reo.
"I don't know, as you know I just got transferred to Araki-san's team at the same time as you." Said Osamu.
"That's right, why did you switch teams like that all of a sudden?"
Osamu who heard Reo's question looked down.
"That ... The reason does sound lousy, but I will usually stop for a few weeks after I successfully clear the Raid with an Attack Force. But because the Attack Force needs a Healer when doing the Raid, I have to keep changing teams that can accept me after I do it. take a few weeks off, and so on. "
"I see ..." murmured Reo.
"But if you ask my opinion, then I guess I'll say it as revenge."
"Hm? That is the most common motive."
Osamu nodded.
"Indeed, but that makes it even more sensible. Let's just say someone has a grudge against that woman, Karen. If you look at his track record so far, Amami has never done anything that violates the law or the rules imposed by the Hunter Association. In other words , he is an exemplary Hunter. "
Osamu continued.
"But why would someone like that out of nowhere suddenly commit such heinous acts and even kill his comrades who have been with him for years? The most plausible reason is that this person ordered Amami to kill Karen and even everyone who had been with him for years with him to remove traces."
"Although I'm also not sure about what I said just now. You know, revenge is like drinking red wine, it's intoxicating, gives pleasure and satisfaction in the beginning, and makes us forget everything at the moment, but in the end it's all just an illusion that leads to pain and misery. " said Osamu, staring blankly at his teacup
"You sounded really wise all of a sudden when you talked about that," said Reo, leaning his chin.
"Well, you could say I've met people like that too many times ... Especially the people who deal with my family." He said that last sentence in a low tone, so that Reo could not hear it. But actually Reo can hear his words very clearly.
"But what you say makes sense," said Reo. What Osamu said was true, Reo forgot to consider Karen's whereabouts in this situation.
And then, Osamu and Reo continued their breakfast. And a little small talk, they even exchanged phone numbers before the restaurant waiter approached them and brought a box of food wrapped in plastic. Osamu said it was a gift that he would take to go to the hospital.
Seeing that, Osamu thanked him and immediately got up from his seat.
" Then I'll go first. "
"Yes."
And with that, Osamu left Reo who was still sitting in his seat while looking at the skyscrapers in front of him. The autumn wind brushed his silky white hair before the silence was broken by a clink.
*Klink*
The voice came from his smartphone, and when Reo checked the incoming message. He spreads a smile.
"I thought he was just saying nonsense, but it took him two days to get here. I guess finding that free time is tough for a busy person like him, huh."
***
"I think this is the place."
Currently, in front of the Shirogami residence. Seen a man who was standing while carrying a suitcase in his hand. The man has short red hair and seen wearing sunglasses. He looks casual with a black polo shirt and brown shorts.
That man was none other than Ardian Reynaldi. He just arrived in Japan around 9 this morning, and immediately went to the address that had been given by Reo a few days earlier.
Ardian deliberately went to Japan alone because he didn't need a companion. Agnis was unable to come with him because she had to replace his duties as chairman of the association during his absence, and because Ardian also understood Japanese and could read kanji, so it didn't matter to him.
And when he was checking Reo's home address again on google maps, suddenly a voice came from beside him.
"Why are you just standing there, uncle," said the voice, in fluent Indonesian, immediately catching Ardian's attention.
Ardian then glanced sideways, that's when he saw the young man he had met six years ago. With snow-white hair and eyes as bright as gold, Ardian recognized the person.
'I had no idea that the little child I saved six years ago had grown into a man. Time flies i guess. '
"Uncle? I think I'm too young for you to call me with that, Reo."
Reo then approached Ardian and they shook hands with each other.
"At first I wanted to go straight into the house, but I don't think I can just enter a traditional Japanese house like this, right?" Ardian said as he took off his glasses.
"Why not, there are no special rules like that in this house. Come on in, aren't busy people like you not having much time for this."
Ardian nodded.
"You're right, I have to go back to Indonesia tommorow in the morning. So I'll get to the point and discuss this matter with you."
Reo smiled, he then invited Ardian to enter. And then, Ardian followed Reo beside him, walking in the courtyard of the Shirogami residence while dragging the suitcase with his right hand.
"You do have that thing with you, right?"
Reo nodded.
"Yes, it's in my room. I already sent you the photo of i recall correctly."
"Have you ever heard of the term Photoshop? In this crazy era, anything is possible, technology and magic are correlated with each other, how could I just believe something by looking at a photo," said Ardian smiling as he moved his hand.
Ardian is tall for an Indonesian, his body rises up to 187 cm, this is influenced by the mixed genes he has. That right made him look not much different from Reo walking beside him.
"You thought I would lie just to call you here? I didn't know if you were a narcissist."
Hearing that Ardian only shrugged his shoulders. And after a while, they finally arrived at the main house.
* Ding *
" Wait a minute. "
When Reo rang the bell, Iris's voice was heard from inside and not long after, the front door opened and revealed the figure of Iris who had just finished taking a shower.
She is seen drying his beautiful golden hair using a towel, and wearing casual clothes that seem open. Ardian who saw that was slightly dazzled by Iris's beauty, especially in certain parts.
But Iris who saw Ardian put on a cold expression.
"Uh, I didn't know you had a friend to invinted over here, Reo. And also, an impolite one, staring at my body with a perv look." Said Iris coldly towards Ardian who in an instant gave him goosebumps, and without saying anything. She then immediately turned around and leave them alone.
The atmosphere then became silent before Reo took off his shoes while saying.
"Tsk, tsk, you stepped on dangerous mine, Uncle."
"Uh ... that was accidental."
"Boobs are just like a sun, you can stare at it longer if you're wearing sunglasses. So I don't think removing your sunglasses is the right decision, heh ~." Reo said with a mocking smile.
2
Hearing that, Ardian was silent and put on a wry smile, to be honest that was not the first impression he wanted to give someone when they met him. And after taking off his shoes, Reo then took off his scarf and turned around.
"What are you waiting for? Come on in." Said Reo. Ardian who heard that nodded and started to take off his shoes.
It is the most common etiquette to remove footwear when entering a home in Japan, and arrange it in genkan, which is the boundary between the outside of the house and the inside.
There was only Iris in the house at this time. Aisha, Takashi, and Phil are currently attending school while Heisatsu takes Char to an orphanage to play with the children who are there. Therefore, the atmosphere of the house is quite quiet.
Reo and Ardian then entered the living room and decided to discuss the matter there. It was a Japanese-style room with a brown tatami floor overlooking the garden.
While Reo went to his room to get the transparent crystal, Ardian was forced to wait alone in the living room.
"But this is really shocking, I didn't expect that there was a second crystal at all." Muttered Ardian as he glanced at the collar of the black suitcase that lay beside him.
It was a black suitcase containing all the items related to transparent crystals that he had brought from Indonesia.
Although his research was still ongoing, Ardian needed it to directly explain all of his team's research results to Reo.
'Either this will be a new clue to reach the truth that I want or it will be the source of another calamity that will befall the earth. I want to know that ... 'Ardian thought in his mind.
Budi's death six years ago devastated Ardian, he cannot help feeling regretful because he failed to make Budi avoid his death. However, by that time he understood very well how much responsibility he had to bear after Budi's death.
The fate of his country and homeland and the fate of innocent people who had to die because of the cruelty of the monsters, he understood that at that time, Budi's fiery spirit of nationalism had been passed on to him. And keeping that fire of spirit to keep burning is his job.
As Ardian was deep in thought, suddenly the door to the room opened and revealed the figure of Reo who was seen carrying a crystal in his hand.
And when saw the crystal in Reo's hand, Ardian widened his eyes.
"That ... There's no mistaking it, it's the crystal," he muttered softly.
Seeing the look of surprise on Ardian's face, Reo said softly.
"You've seen it in the photo I e-mailed, don't be too dramatic."
But Ardian couldn't take his eyes off the crystal in Reo's hand at all, while Reo just approached before sitting in front of him and placing the crystal on the wooden table.
And Ardian unceremoniously took the crystal straight away, he stared at it with an analytical gaze, observing every inch of the crystal.
Reo who saw that put on a flat expression and said.
"So after confirming that it is indeed the same crystal that you currently have in your hand. Can you explain it to me, what is this crystal actually?"
Hearing Reo's words, Ardian immediately stopped his movements. He then put the crystal in his hand before calmly opening the black suitcase beside him.
Slowly he took out an object that was similar to the one Reo had, but in terms of size it was a little bigger than Reo's. The shape is also not as perfect as Reo's, and the pattern looks a lot rougher.
2
It was as if to symbolize that the crystal in Ardian's hand was a prototype of the crystal Reo got from the Toxic Devourer Dungeon.
"They are slightly different in shape, but there is no doubt that these two objects are made of the same mysterious material," Ardian said.
Reo who heard that raised his eyebrows as he looked at the crystal in Ardian's hand.
"Mysterious material, huh. So your research still can't conclude by what use it is made of?"
Hearing that Ardian nodded.
"That's right. This thing has a physical structure similar to a mana crystal and has a magical energy wave similar to that of a magic core."
"Then, isn't it obvious that this crystal was somehow generated from the fusion between the two objects?" Asked Reo.
"At first I also thought like that, but in theory it's impossible. Mana Crystal is a product of sedimentation of magic energy in the air which sublimes and turns into a diamond-like shape ... While as you know, this crystal is completely different. This crystal wasn't made of magic at all. "
"This is a physical object filled with magic energy, which means that if the magic within it disappears, this physical object will not be destroyed and will only become an ordinary crystal. It's different from a Mana Crystal which if it loses its magic energy, it is the same as losing its physical form. So, from the constituent structure, the two objects are clearly different. "Ardian explained in detail.
Reo who heard that could only remain silent and absorb all of Ardian's words like a sponge absorbing water. Before Ardian opened his mouth again.
"We call this thing the Magic Pump."
"Hm…" Hearing the title pinned to the crystal, Reo muttered with interest.
"We call this crystal the Magic Pump because the mechanism is similar to a pump. In certain circumstances, this Magic Pump will pump the magic energy that has been injected into it to another magic medium which is automatically connected when it makes contact with the center of the media's magic energy. "
"For example, if we put the Magic Pump which still contains magic energy in it into a magic medium such as a Magic Weapon, then the magic energy from the Magic Core which is the magic center of the magic weapon will increase drastically."
Hearing that Reo widened his eyes. That means, this Magic Pump can directly increase the value of a Magic Core itself. The grade of a Magic Core is no longer relevant if the magic core is connected to the Magic Pump.
In other words, a terrifying weapon that is considered mere wishful thinking like Magic Nuclear can be realized by using this Magic Pump. Because of that Reo felt sweat dripping down his forehead as he thought about the various possible uses of this small crystal in front of him.
'If something like this falls into the hands of insane people, then the fourth world war will be inevitable. ' thought Reo with a flat expression.
"Even though it's just a mere hypothesis because we've never done any experiments to prove the truth about it. Because in the end, we still didn't know how to inject such enormous amounts of magical energy into something this small and fragile." said Ardian, he looked down and thought of something.
Reo who heard that also fell silent. There was silence before Ardian spoke with a faint smile on his face.
"That's why I'm so grateful and scared after knowing about the existence of other crystals ... That way, I can find out more about this mysterious little object from various sources," said Ardian.
"So, I thank you, Reo."
"Well, I only did that to satisfy my curiosity. You don't need to thank me. " Reo said indifferently.
Hearing Reo's answer, Ardian muttered.
"Besides, I also came to Japan not only to see you. But I also have business that I have to settle here."
"Business?" Reo raised his eyebrows.
Ardian who heard that nodded.
"Yes, you know for yourself that Japan is one of the best magic weapons craftsmen in the world, right? That's why I had to buy some special magic materials that are exclusively produced in Japan such as the eucharist plate and magic catalyst. So I had to sign some documents of cooperation with one of the craftsmen companies managed by the Satō Family here. "
Hearing the familiar name, Reo raised his eyebrows and thought.
'Satō Family? Could it be ... No, it must be another Satō. '
Reo thought, he had thought that the Sato Family Ardian meant had something to do with Osamu, but that was just a ridiculous thought because Sato is a very common family name in Japan.
Thousands of people bear that name.
And when the atmosphere fell into silence, suddenly there was a sound of wood creaking, and the door to the room opened. It features an iris figure that looks like she carries a tray with two cups of green tea on it.
"Excuse me," she said gracefully, the stoic expression on her face that looked absolutely stunning as she slowly squatted close to Ardian and Reo while serving the tea to the two of them.
"Please have some tea," said Iris, with a cold gaze towards Ardian.
"Uh,... thank you." Ardian replied, although he looked calm but there was a sense of awkwardness when he talked to Iris, remembering the incident outside before. Reo who saw that just smiled mockingly before he felt his cell phone vibrate.
Sensing an incoming call, Reo then stood up from his seat and took out his smartphone. When he saw the name on the screen, Reo raised his eyebrows in confusion. It was a call from the Association.
"Hm? Why do they call me?"
* beep *
Reo then accepted the call and said.
"Hello, what's up?"
[Shirogami-san, there is emergency news, suspect Amami ... He has been killed in his cell !! ]
" Hah? "
* Gasp *
Reo's expression immediately changed when he saw Amami who was sitting leaning on the ground looked flinched when he heard his words. Likewise with Reki who was outside, he widened his eyes as they recorded everything that happened in the room.
Amami's body trembled violently and an expression full of horror was plastered on his shabby face, he tried to break free from the iron bonds that tied his hands and legs, his mouth was choked with a mouth covering to avoid suicide attempts made him unable to speak clearly.
"Ummmhhh !!"
"You really know her, huh." Reo put his hand in his pocket and glanced at the camera installed at the corner of the room. It was a surveillance camera that allowed Amami who was outside to monitor the situation inside.
"Sleepyhead, open the glass."
Meanwhile, Reki who heard that looked doubtful, but after a while he finally pressed the button on the control table and made the dividing glass between Amami and Reo open.
* pulp * * casssp *
The glass slowly opens downwards and finally Reo can interact with Amami directly. Reo then walked closer to Amami with a deadpan expression on his face. Seeing Reo who approaching him, Amami's movements were getting out of control, he squirmed, trying to break free and run away.
"Don't look at me like you're looking at a monster like that, Scout-san ~. I'm offended, you know." Reo said with a cold smile on his face.
Seeing the same smile he saw in the Dungeon a few days ago, caused fear to spread throughout Amami's body. Meanwhile Reo calmly squatted in front of him.
Amami looked towards Reo's golden eyes before Reo removed the mouthpiece covering his mouth.
* plug *
"Ah!" When Reo opened the lid of his mouth, Amami was seen trying to bite his tongue but his movements stopped when suddenly he felt a choke on his neck.
* fwuosh * * dap *
"Ack!" Amami roared in pain while Reo looked at him with a calm look and a smile on his face.
"You even tried to kill yourself without the slightest hesitation right after I removed your mouth cover. Aren't you so loyal to your master, " whispered Reo softly.
Before a voice could be heard.
[Shirogami-san, don't be too rude to him. We can get into trouble. ] said Reki through the microphone connected to the speaker on the cell wall.
"..."
No answer came from Reo, it made Reki repeat his words.
[Eh ... Shirogami-san, can you hear me? ]
But instead of answering Reki's question, Reo still didn't take his eyes off Amami. His left hand gripped Amami's forehead so that he couldn't take his gaze away from Reo's sight, their two eyes met.
And in those few short seconds, Amami could only stare into Reo's golden eyes. There was silence in the cell room. The horror expression on Amami's face slowly disappeared.
"Hey Scout-san, have you ever seen a ' monster ' in front of you?" Said Reo, the smile on his face also slowly disappeared. He stretched his grip on Amami's neck so he could answer his question.
However, when Amami heard the word ' monster ' his body trembled again and he tried to bite his tongue once again, but Reo swiftly held his jaw.
"Answer me ... Do you see it too, that monster, the view you emit from the retina of your eye, you have seen it right?"
"Arrgh! Let go of me, bastard, why are you always getting in my way, why ... why ..." Amami crying, cries full of despair left Amami's mouth, tears running down his cheeks.
"... I don't want to feel it anymore ... Stop, don't touch me .... Arrghh!"
Amami tried to struggle but couldn't do anything about it, his hands and feet were tightly bound to the wall. Reo who saw that fell silent and put on a flat expression, before he muttered softly.
"It's useless ... i guess."
Without saying anything, Reo then returned to gagging Amami's mouth with his mouth cover, before slowly walking out of his cell, leaving Amami alone who still crying and shaking there.
* hiks * * hiks *
Then, the dividing glass re-installed and the door opened, showing the figure of Reki who had a serious expression.
* tap * * tap *
He slowly approached Reo, before glancing at Amami.
"So how about the result. Did you get any important information from him?"
Even though he watched Reo and Amami's conversation directly, Reki couldn't conclude anything at all. So he tried to find out what was on Reo's mind right now.
Hearing that Reo just smiled and shook his head.
"Nothing, it's nil."
Hearing Reo's answer made Reki squint, he couldn't determine whether his words were a true or not.
Reo laughed lightly before he glanced at Amami with a mysterious gaze and muttered.
"I suppose further interrogation will be useless, this poor human's mind has been corrupted by someone."
Reki widened his eyes.
"Corrupted? Do you mean his mind is controlled by some kind of mind control magic that kept him remain silent until now? But why can't I feel any magical energy other than his own? It doesn't make sense."
"Ah, I also don't really understand that matter. You know, I'm not a magic user." Reo said with a sweet smile. Reki who heard that raised his eyebrows, he clearly did not know that Reo was an Unranked Hunter because the information was strictly confidential.
Then Reo continued his words.
"But if you consider that he was not hit by mind control magic, neither would I. His mind was not damaged by magic, but by a complicated mental game, almost akin to brainwashing. There was someone who somehow managed to manipulate his mind, or should I say. pull out his deepest fear? "
Hearing that, Reki fell silent.
"You should understand somethings like that too, right? Sleepyhead?"
What Reo said was the truth, but even for him who was someone who had learned about the psychological condition of humans, he simply couldn't come to a conclusion like what Reo just did.
'How can something like this escape my surveillance? Even though this is still included in the field that I am good at ... is it possible ... ' Reki then glanced at Reo's golden eyes.
And Reo who noticed his gaze just smiled at him and muttered.
"Well this is none of my business anymore, you can do anything to him even though I think it will be useless."
Reo fixed his scarf.
"Are you going home already?" Asked Reki.
"All my business here is finished, I will go to find a good breakfast place, you call me too early so it makes me have to skip Iris-nee chan's breakfast." Said Reo, slowly walking out.
And without saying anything else, Reo just walked out of the room, leaving Reki who was still standing there alone.
*bup
After the sound of the metal door closing echoed through the room, the atmosphere turned silent, Reki then took his smartphone from his pants pocket and was seen calling someone.
* beep * * beep *
"Hello, Inui-kun. Come to my office right now, I have a few things I want to discuss with you. Oh, and also ... Please collect as much data from Hunter Shirogami as possible."
"Yes, the white haired young man, one of the three witnesses of this incident."
***
Meanwhile, in one of the hallways of the association's office, at this time Reo was seen walking while thinking about something.
'Looks like the incident this time has become more complicated than I thought. ' thought Reo.
Honestly, the mental state of Amami that he saw just now really shocked him. He originally planned to ask Amami many things, such as the reason for his involvement with Anaceen and so on.
But after seeing Amami in person, Reo immediately abandoned his intention.
'Even if I force or even torture him it's still useless. A person with such a condition would not open his mouth at any time, at this time he was no better than someone in a coma. ' thought Reo, he then continued.
'Even I doubt he still remembers about the person behind all of this, because it is possible that his current mind was already visualizing that figure as a monster from his worst nightmare, be it his form or existence. Besides, it is possible that Miss Worm herself is the mastermind behind all this. '
* tap * * beep *
Reo then started to enter the elevator and planned to go straight down to the first floor.
'He may be just a disposable pawn that can be thrown away at any time, his failure to kill everyone who enters the Dungeon that time makes him probably no longer of any use to that figure's eyes. Trying to pry information from such a corrupted pawn was futile. '
But there is one thing that is still on Reo's mind. What is the motive behind Amami's actions? Is it a desire for revenge or something else. Reo didn't know, that's why he was a little disappointed today. In the end, his arrival to the association today ended in vain.
He did not get any valuable information from Amami.
'But it doesn't matter, there's no need to rush. Besides, I still haven't heard that guy's explanation about the transparent crystal. ' Reo smiled as slowly the elevator opened and--
"Uh!"
When he just got out of the elevator and stepped his feet, suddenly he saw someone he knew. It was a black haired young man who wore glasses, he was seen wearing formal clothes and walking while looking at his smartphone.
"Glasses-kun?"
That's right, the person is none other than Osamu Satō, like Reo, he just finished his business at the Association office, because he was also called to give his testimony today.
But when he heard that familiar voice, Osamu's shoulders suddenly trembled.
"Yo, it turns out to be you. Well, your face is very common and average so I find it difficult to distinguish you from other people," said Reo, walking towards Osamu.
But when he felt Reo approaching, Osamu seemed to pretend he didn't hear him. He accelerated his footsteps and tried to leave Reo as fast as possible.
Seeing that, Reo raised his eyebrows.
"Huh? Is he avoiding me?"
While Osamu, in his mind he was screaming.
'Shit! Why do I have to meet that person again. My God, why are you so cruel to this poor young man. '
And just as he was trying to escape, while passing the crowd of people passing by in the main hall on the first floor, all of a sudden--
"Oi!"
"Ah!"
Reo appeared in front of him and made Osamu blink in surprise.
"Why are you trying to run away from me, Glasses-kun?" Said Reo while smiling sweetly at Osamu in front of him.
As for Osamu, he was seen dripping with sweat.
"Well ... haha, running away? What are you talking about ... I'm the one who should be surprised because you suddenly appeared in front of me? Long time no see Reo."
Hearing such a clear lie, Reo just smiled. He then changed the subject.
"So what about the process?" Asked Reo. Knowing what he meant, Osamu answered with a little doubt.
"That's ... Everything is smooth, I guess." Replied Osamu, slightly lowered his head.
The atmosphere then became silent before Osamu opened his mouth.
"Then, I'll go first. There are a few things I have to do," said Osamu, starting to take his feet.
However, before he could walk any further, Reo stopped him.
"Why are you in a hurry, have you had breakfast? How about we drink tea while chatting lightly?"
Hearing that, Osamu scratched his head.
"I want to accept it, but like I said just now, I have business to--"
"So do you have any recommendations for a good breakfast place?"
Reo just cut Osamu's words and hugged his shoulders as if they were close friends. Seeing Reo's actions, Osamu was clearly a little uncomfortable. But in the end he gave up and let out a tired sigh.
"* sigh * Are you listening to me ...?"
Reo who saw that just smiled towards Osamu. And with that, the two of them left the Hunter association to eat together.
***
"Woah, this isn't bad. Looks like you have good taste when it comes to food, Glasses-kun." Said Reo.
He and Osamu are currently seen sitting on the balcony of a restaurant near Asakusa. It's a good breakfast ambiance, with the morning sun shining down on downtown Tokyo.
With a plate of French toast and a cup of tea, it's a simple western style breakfast.
"Uh, yeah ... This place is quite popular for association employees, especially because the place is not too far from their offices, considering that the area around here is dominated by office buildings and such."
Osamu explained. Although at first he refused Reo's invitation and tried to be indifferent, but in the end, because Reo's attitude was so friendly and easy to talk to, Osamu became a little talkactive at this time.
"Ho ~."
"Luckily we came a little earlier, because at lunchtime, this place will be filled with office workers," murmured Osamu, sipping his tea.
The atmosphere then became silent, Reo was seen cutting the bread with a smile on his face while Osamu who was in front of him looked at him with a serious expression.
Before he said.
"So, there's no way you could bother asking someone like me to have breakfast with you without any other means, am I wrong?"
"Why are you talking like that, Glasses-kun. We are friends right?"
"..." Osamu was silent, and stared at Reo intensely. He had known Reo recently, but during the Raid in the Dungeon, he had repeatedly noticed Reo's movements.
The side of him that was indifferent and filled with cute smiles, as well as the other side, that was capable of doing cruel acts without the slightest trace of hesitation. Honestly, Reo scared Osamu a lot.
"But you're not wrong, I told you before, I wanted to chat with you. It's about Scout-san." Reo rubbed his mouth.
But before Reo could say any further, Osamu was able to predict what he wanted to ask him.
"If you want to ask about his personal relationships with the rest of his team, then I'm sorry. I can't give you a satisfactory answer about that at all."
Hearing Osamu's words, Reo smiled.
"Looks like you already understand, huh, then I change the question. What do you think the motive behind Amami's actions?" Asked Reo.
"I don't know, as you know I just got transferred to Araki-san's team at the same time as you." Said Osamu.
"That's right, why did you switch teams like that all of a sudden?"
Osamu who heard Reo's question looked down.
"That ... The reason does sound lousy, but I will usually stop for a few weeks after I successfully clear the Raid with an Attack Force. But because the Attack Force needs a Healer when doing the Raid, I have to keep changing teams that can accept me after I do it. take a few weeks off, and so on. "
"I see ..." murmured Reo.
"But if you ask my opinion, then I guess I'll say it as revenge."
"Hm? That is the most common motive."
Osamu nodded.
"Indeed, but that makes it even more sensible. Let's just say someone has a grudge against that woman, Karen. If you look at his track record so far, Amami has never done anything that violates the law or the rules imposed by the Hunter Association. In other words , he is an exemplary Hunter. "
Osamu continued.
"But why would someone like that out of nowhere suddenly commit such heinous acts and even kill his comrades who have been with him for years? The most plausible reason is that this person ordered Amami to kill Karen and even everyone who had been with him for years with him to remove traces."
"Although I'm also not sure about what I said just now. You know, revenge is like drinking red wine, it's intoxicating, gives pleasure and satisfaction in the beginning, and makes us forget everything at the moment, but in the end it's all just an illusion that leads to pain and misery. " said Osamu, staring blankly at his teacup
"You sounded really wise all of a sudden when you talked about that," said Reo, leaning his chin.
"Well, you could say I've met people like that too many times ... Especially the people who deal with my family." He said that last sentence in a low tone, so that Reo could not hear it. But actually Reo can hear his words very clearly.
"But what you say makes sense," said Reo. What Osamu said was true, Reo forgot to consider Karen's whereabouts in this situation.
And then, Osamu and Reo continued their breakfast. And a little small talk, they even exchanged phone numbers before the restaurant waiter approached them and brought a box of food wrapped in plastic. Osamu said it was a gift that he would take to go to the hospital.
Seeing that, Osamu thanked him and immediately got up from his seat.
" Then I'll go first. "
"Yes."
And with that, Osamu left Reo who was still sitting in his seat while looking at the skyscrapers in front of him. The autumn wind brushed his silky white hair before the silence was broken by a clink.
*Klink*
The voice came from his smartphone, and when Reo checked the incoming message. He spreads a smile.
"I thought he was just saying nonsense, but it took him two days to get here. I guess finding that free time is tough for a busy person like him, huh."
***
"I think this is the place."
Currently, in front of the Shirogami residence. Seen a man who was standing while carrying a suitcase in his hand. The man has short red hair and seen wearing sunglasses. He looks casual with a black polo shirt and brown shorts.
That man was none other than Ardian Reynaldi. He just arrived in Japan around 9 this morning, and immediately went to the address that had been given by Reo a few days earlier.
Ardian deliberately went to Japan alone because he didn't need a companion. Agnis was unable to come with him because she had to replace his duties as chairman of the association during his absence, and because Ardian also understood Japanese and could read kanji, so it didn't matter to him.
And when he was checking Reo's home address again on google maps, suddenly a voice came from beside him.
"Why are you just standing there, uncle," said the voice, in fluent Indonesian, immediately catching Ardian's attention.
Ardian then glanced sideways, that's when he saw the young man he had met six years ago. With snow-white hair and eyes as bright as gold, Ardian recognized the person.
'I had no idea that the little child I saved six years ago had grown into a man. Time flies i guess. '
"Uncle? I think I'm too young for you to call me with that, Reo."
Reo then approached Ardian and they shook hands with each other.
"At first I wanted to go straight into the house, but I don't think I can just enter a traditional Japanese house like this, right?" Ardian said as he took off his glasses.
"Why not, there are no special rules like that in this house. Come on in, aren't busy people like you not having much time for this."
Ardian nodded.
"You're right, I have to go back to Indonesia tommorow in the morning. So I'll get to the point and discuss this matter with you."
Reo smiled, he then invited Ardian to enter. And then, Ardian followed Reo beside him, walking in the courtyard of the Shirogami residence while dragging the suitcase with his right hand.
"You do have that thing with you, right?"
Reo nodded.
"Yes, it's in my room. I already sent you the photo of i recall correctly."
"Have you ever heard of the term Photoshop? In this crazy era, anything is possible, technology and magic are correlated with each other, how could I just believe something by looking at a photo," said Ardian smiling as he moved his hand.
Ardian is tall for an Indonesian, his body rises up to 187 cm, this is influenced by the mixed genes he has. That right made him look not much different from Reo walking beside him.
"You thought I would lie just to call you here? I didn't know if you were a narcissist."
Hearing that Ardian only shrugged his shoulders. And after a while, they finally arrived at the main house.
* Ding *
" Wait a minute. "
When Reo rang the bell, Iris's voice was heard from inside and not long after, the front door opened and revealed the figure of Iris who had just finished taking a shower.
She is seen drying his beautiful golden hair using a towel, and wearing casual clothes that seem open. Ardian who saw that was slightly dazzled by Iris's beauty, especially in certain parts.
But Iris who saw Ardian put on a cold expression.
"Uh, I didn't know you had a friend to invinted over here, Reo. And also, an impolite one, staring at my body with a perv look." Said Iris coldly towards Ardian who in an instant gave him goosebumps, and without saying anything. She then immediately turned around and leave them alone.
The atmosphere then became silent before Reo took off his shoes while saying.
"Tsk, tsk, you stepped on dangerous mine, Uncle."
"Uh ... that was accidental."
"Boobs are just like a sun, you can stare at it longer if you're wearing sunglasses. So I don't think removing your sunglasses is the right decision, heh ~." Reo said with a mocking smile.
2
Hearing that, Ardian was silent and put on a wry smile, to be honest that was not the first impression he wanted to give someone when they met him. And after taking off his shoes, Reo then took off his scarf and turned around.
"What are you waiting for? Come on in." Said Reo. Ardian who heard that nodded and started to take off his shoes.
It is the most common etiquette to remove footwear when entering a home in Japan, and arrange it in genkan, which is the boundary between the outside of the house and the inside.
There was only Iris in the house at this time. Aisha, Takashi, and Phil are currently attending school while Heisatsu takes Char to an orphanage to play with the children who are there. Therefore, the atmosphere of the house is quite quiet.
Reo and Ardian then entered the living room and decided to discuss the matter there. It was a Japanese-style room with a brown tatami floor overlooking the garden.
While Reo went to his room to get the transparent crystal, Ardian was forced to wait alone in the living room.
"But this is really shocking, I didn't expect that there was a second crystal at all." Muttered Ardian as he glanced at the collar of the black suitcase that lay beside him.
It was a black suitcase containing all the items related to transparent crystals that he had brought from Indonesia.
Although his research was still ongoing, Ardian needed it to directly explain all of his team's research results to Reo.
'Either this will be a new clue to reach the truth that I want or it will be the source of another calamity that will befall the earth. I want to know that ... 'Ardian thought in his mind.
Budi's death six years ago devastated Ardian, he cannot help feeling regretful because he failed to make Budi avoid his death. However, by that time he understood very well how much responsibility he had to bear after Budi's death.
The fate of his country and homeland and the fate of innocent people who had to die because of the cruelty of the monsters, he understood that at that time, Budi's fiery spirit of nationalism had been passed on to him. And keeping that fire of spirit to keep burning is his job.
As Ardian was deep in thought, suddenly the door to the room opened and revealed the figure of Reo who was seen carrying a crystal in his hand.
And when saw the crystal in Reo's hand, Ardian widened his eyes.
"That ... There's no mistaking it, it's the crystal," he muttered softly.
Seeing the look of surprise on Ardian's face, Reo said softly.
"You've seen it in the photo I e-mailed, don't be too dramatic."
But Ardian couldn't take his eyes off the crystal in Reo's hand at all, while Reo just approached before sitting in front of him and placing the crystal on the wooden table.
And Ardian unceremoniously took the crystal straight away, he stared at it with an analytical gaze, observing every inch of the crystal.
Reo who saw that put on a flat expression and said.
"So after confirming that it is indeed the same crystal that you currently have in your hand. Can you explain it to me, what is this crystal actually?"
Hearing Reo's words, Ardian immediately stopped his movements. He then put the crystal in his hand before calmly opening the black suitcase beside him.
Slowly he took out an object that was similar to the one Reo had, but in terms of size it was a little bigger than Reo's. The shape is also not as perfect as Reo's, and the pattern looks a lot rougher.
2
It was as if to symbolize that the crystal in Ardian's hand was a prototype of the crystal Reo got from the Toxic Devourer Dungeon.
"They are slightly different in shape, but there is no doubt that these two objects are made of the same mysterious material," Ardian said.
Reo who heard that raised his eyebrows as he looked at the crystal in Ardian's hand.
"Mysterious material, huh. So your research still can't conclude by what use it is made of?"
Hearing that Ardian nodded.
"That's right. This thing has a physical structure similar to a mana crystal and has a magical energy wave similar to that of a magic core."
"Then, isn't it obvious that this crystal was somehow generated from the fusion between the two objects?" Asked Reo.
"At first I also thought like that, but in theory it's impossible. Mana Crystal is a product of sedimentation of magic energy in the air which sublimes and turns into a diamond-like shape ... While as you know, this crystal is completely different. This crystal wasn't made of magic at all. "
"This is a physical object filled with magic energy, which means that if the magic within it disappears, this physical object will not be destroyed and will only become an ordinary crystal. It's different from a Mana Crystal which if it loses its magic energy, it is the same as losing its physical form. So, from the constituent structure, the two objects are clearly different. "Ardian explained in detail.
Reo who heard that could only remain silent and absorb all of Ardian's words like a sponge absorbing water. Before Ardian opened his mouth again.
"We call this thing the Magic Pump."
"Hm…" Hearing the title pinned to the crystal, Reo muttered with interest.
"We call this crystal the Magic Pump because the mechanism is similar to a pump. In certain circumstances, this Magic Pump will pump the magic energy that has been injected into it to another magic medium which is automatically connected when it makes contact with the center of the media's magic energy. "
"For example, if we put the Magic Pump which still contains magic energy in it into a magic medium such as a Magic Weapon, then the magic energy from the Magic Core which is the magic center of the magic weapon will increase drastically."
Hearing that Reo widened his eyes. That means, this Magic Pump can directly increase the value of a Magic Core itself. The grade of a Magic Core is no longer relevant if the magic core is connected to the Magic Pump.
In other words, a terrifying weapon that is considered mere wishful thinking like Magic Nuclear can be realized by using this Magic Pump. Because of that Reo felt sweat dripping down his forehead as he thought about the various possible uses of this small crystal in front of him.
'If something like this falls into the hands of insane people, then the fourth world war will be inevitable. ' thought Reo with a flat expression.
"Even though it's just a mere hypothesis because we've never done any experiments to prove the truth about it. Because in the end, we still didn't know how to inject such enormous amounts of magical energy into something this small and fragile." said Ardian, he looked down and thought of something.
Reo who heard that also fell silent. There was silence before Ardian spoke with a faint smile on his face.
"That's why I'm so grateful and scared after knowing about the existence of other crystals ... That way, I can find out more about this mysterious little object from various sources," said Ardian.
"So, I thank you, Reo."
"Well, I only did that to satisfy my curiosity. You don't need to thank me. " Reo said indifferently.
Hearing Reo's answer, Ardian muttered.
"Besides, I also came to Japan not only to see you. But I also have business that I have to settle here."
"Business?" Reo raised his eyebrows.
Ardian who heard that nodded.
"Yes, you know for yourself that Japan is one of the best magic weapons craftsmen in the world, right? That's why I had to buy some special magic materials that are exclusively produced in Japan such as the eucharist plate and magic catalyst. So I had to sign some documents of cooperation with one of the craftsmen companies managed by the Satō Family here. "
Hearing the familiar name, Reo raised his eyebrows and thought.
'Satō Family? Could it be ... No, it must be another Satō. '
Reo thought, he had thought that the Sato Family Ardian meant had something to do with Osamu, but that was just a ridiculous thought because Sato is a very common family name in Japan.
Thousands of people bear that name.
And when the atmosphere fell into silence, suddenly there was a sound of wood creaking, and the door to the room opened. It features an iris figure that looks like she carries a tray with two cups of green tea on it.
"Excuse me," she said gracefully, the stoic expression on her face that looked absolutely stunning as she slowly squatted close to Ardian and Reo while serving the tea to the two of them.
"Please have some tea," said Iris, with a cold gaze towards Ardian.
"Uh,... thank you." Ardian replied, although he looked calm but there was a sense of awkwardness when he talked to Iris, remembering the incident outside before. Reo who saw that just smiled mockingly before he felt his cell phone vibrate.
Sensing an incoming call, Reo then stood up from his seat and took out his smartphone. When he saw the name on the screen, Reo raised his eyebrows in confusion. It was a call from the Association.
"Hm? Why do they call me?"
* beep *
Reo then accepted the call and said.
"Hello, what's up?"
[Shirogami-san, there is emergency news, suspect Amami ... He has been killed in his cell !! ]
" Hah? "
