Bab 215: [215] Episode 5 · Paradox Spiral! (13)
Chapter 215: Episode 5 · Paradox Spiral! (13)
"Shiki Ryougi actually lost?"
"How is that possible? Doesn't she possess the Mystic Eyes of Death Perception, which can kill anything?"
"Did the Mystic Eyes of Death Perception really have no effect on Araya Souren?"
"This is absurd!"
"I can't accept it!"
"..."
Various voices of discussion filled the air in the television bar. As people expressed their dissatisfaction with the plot, they ultimately realized there was nothing they could do.
After all, a film is just a film. Once the outcome is set, it won't be changed, no matter what.
Compared to the frustration of ordinary viewers, many mages at the Imperial Mage Academy had already seen the ending in advance.
While some still held firm belief in Shiki Ryougi's power, the revealed result left them speechless.
This was because Araya Souren's oppressive presence during his debut was utterly overwhelming. His terrifying aura was palpable to anyone watching.
"What is Araya Souren's deal? How could he survive after being struck by Shiki Ryougi's Mystic Eyes of Death Perception?"
"I'm not sure, but it seemed like he wasn't entirely unaffected. He looked as though he barely managed to hold on."
"Even so, it's terrifying. Those are the Mystic Eyes of Death Perception we're talking about. Usually, if you get struck by them, you're dead, no exceptions."
"Did you forget? Araya Souren mentioned that his origin is 'Stillness.' If everything about a person is frozen, wouldn't that mean his life functions had already stopped? Maybe that's why he couldn't be killed."
"But these are the Mystic Eyes of Death Perception! Even ordinary inanimate objects can be destroyed if Shiki perceives them as 'alive.' How could she not kill a 'still' Araya Souren?"
"Are you suggesting that if the Mystic Eyes of Death Perception can kill anything alive, the fact that Araya Souren didn't die means he's no longer considered a living being?"
"You're saying... he's not even alive anymore?"
"..."
At this point in the conversation, the students collectively gasped, realizing just how shocking this possibility truly was.
As silence spread across the square, a student couldn't help but break it:
"By the way, doesn't Professor Stitch suit this kind of villain role perfectly? Just one look at him gives you chills."
"Totally! If I didn't know him in person, I'd think he was actually like this all the time."
"Huh? You're saying he doesn't normally give off that vibe?"
"You must not be in the Spirit and Soul Studies department, right? Professor Stitch is actually quite approachable in real life. Sure, he's not exactly the humorous type, but he's calm and reasonable. Most students in our department love attending his lectures."
"Really? That's surprising. I wouldn't have thought there'd be such a big gap between his on-screen character and his actual personality."
"Well, the same can't really be said for Master Rosa and Touko Aozaki. Master Rosa always gives off a similar vibe—generally friendly, but every now and then, she switches to this borderline dangerous aura, like she's got a dual personality or something."
"Haha, there's still a difference, though. Master Rosa specializes in soul studies, not doll-making like Touko Aozaki."
"You never know. The connection between soul and body is so intricate; for all we know, she could secretly be making dolls in her spare time."
"..."
Their casual comments, which would probably make Archmage Rosa roll her eyes if she overheard them, soon gave way to silence as the students shifted their attention back to the TV in front of them.
...
Compared to the ordinary mages' doubts about the battle, the Archmages had clearly already seen through the technique Araya Souren employed.
After all, with the detailed visuals and Araya Souren's own explanation, everything was laid bare for those with keen enough insight to understand.
And precisely because they had seen through his technique, the Archmages were even more astounded—its underlying concept was simply too shocking.
"So, it's stillness?"
"Araya Souren's origin is stillness. He somehow awakened his origin and transformed his physical body into a state of complete stasis."
"If a person's body is in stasis, yet their soul remains unharmed, wouldn't that mean they could achieve immortality—an existence that neither ages nor dies?"
"That's true. However, it seems that even an origin of stillness isn't entirely immune to the Mystic Eyes of Death Perception. What's truly shocking is how ruthless Araya Souren is—he deliberately allowed his body to die in advance. But how did he manage to trap his soul within a corpse?"
"No idea, but I suspect it has something to do with that building."
"Oh? Why do you think so?"
"Didn't you notice the final scene? When Shiki Ryougi was consumed by the building, its transformations were bizarre, almost as though the structure had come to life."
"Are you suggesting...?"
The discussion abruptly ended there. Evidently, even the experienced and knowledgeable Archmages couldn't deduce the exact mechanism behind Araya Souren's immortality from the available clues.
Still, though they couldn't pinpoint the exact answer, a probable theory was already forming in their minds.
"By the way, according to the film, Araya Souren and Aoko Aozaki knew each other, didn't they?"
Dean Hohenheim's question broke the silence, snapping the Archmages out of their thoughts. Instinctively, they turned to look at Archmage Rosa, who stood not far away.
Noticing the gazes of the Archmages upon her, Archmage Rosa quickly responded:
"Yes, they were indeed acquainted. It seems they were both students at the Clock Tower in the past and collaborated on research into dolls. However, for various reasons, they eventually went their separate ways."
"I see. But if he and Touko Aozaki knew each other, why has Touko never mentioned him before?"
"Uh… I wouldn't know."
"Aren't you Touko Aozaki?"
"Who are you talking about? I'm just the actress, okay? Stop confusing actors with their characters."
"Uh…"
Clearly, the Archmages had been so engrossed in the film that it took them a moment to snap back to reality, realizing that the Rosa standing before them was merely the actress who played Touko Aozaki.
For her part, Rosa felt utterly exasperated.
If she had overheard the students' earlier conversations in the hall, she would probably regret ever agreeing to play the role of Touko Aozaki.
Regardless, the Archmages eventually ceased their discussion and turned their attention back to the television.
At that moment, as the film transitioned away from Shiki Ryougi's storyline, an unexpected twist unfolded, leaving everyone stunned.
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