Chương 34: Aozaki Aoko Case File [32]

"It's a bit of a pity," Alice said.

"You're not physically here."

Still hiding in the old school building, Aozaki Aoko bit her lip in silence, continuing to watch Kuonji Alice in the sky through the eyes of her familiar.

"I originally wanted you and your little dog to have some fun in this amusement park—but what a shame."

"—Do you think you can make it through tonight?"

The last sentence was directed at Beo, and Alice's words were filled with delight.

It was an invitation from the fairy-tale witch, inviting the resurrected miraculous beings to visit a kingdom that would exist only for one night. Kistynd, the long-abandoned amusement park, had returned to its former glory. Neon lights illuminated the night, and loud, festive music blared through the speakers. The Ferris wheel spun once more, and laughter echoed from the carousel.

If this were a grand magecraft like a Reality Marble, it could be explained, but the miracle Alice had unleashed was something else entirely. It was a mystery deeper and stronger than anything linked to phantasmal species. Toy soldiers, mounted on wooden horses, arranged themselves in battle formation. They raised their ridiculous lances and charged at the golden wolf.

To an observer, this scene might appear absurd, but for Beo, the target of this assault, there was no time for amusement. Seeing the animated amusement park creatures launch an attack on him, Beo roared and retaliated.

Though not powerless, these strange entities were no longer the weaklings Beo had easily crushed earlier. Gradually, the once-pristine, dazzling golden fur became stained with grime, and even this embodiment of modern phantasms—which supposedly couldn't be harmed—began to show signs of injury. Having never experienced pain before, Beo found itself maddened by the irritation of these pesky wounds.

These injuries weren't life-threatening, but they were undeniably uncomfortable. Beo's instincts warned it that among these seemingly ridiculous and bizarre creations, there was something that could deliver a fatal blow…

The giant lobster model on a seafood restaurant sign also came to life, snapping its massive claws at Beo. With a fierce roar, the giant wolf bit into the lobster's shell, creating large cracks, but it couldn't break through. The two colossal creatures became entangled, locked in a brutal struggle.

Meanwhile, Aozaki Touko found herself in complete disarray. This was not how her plan was supposed to unfold. Beo was undeniably strong, and modern magi stood no chance against it—but its strength was not absolute.

It had overwhelmed Kuonji Alice initially, inflicting significant damage. But neither Touko nor Beo had anticipated that Alice would have two lives. Back when Touko and Alice had been friends, Touko had learned about Alice's witch bloodline—a lineage tracing back to the ancestor of all witches, the First Magician, Yumina.

Yumina, born on the eve of the year 1 AD, found a shortcut to the Root the day after and obtained the First Magic. To Aozaki Aoko, this story mirrored the way she and Touko's grandfather had acquired Magic, by discovering a cave leading to the Root. Unlike others, witches of Yumina's family line did not fall or regress as others did.

In the Botany Department of the Clock Tower, many witches had contributed to establishing the First Magic. As a result, their essence transcended human traits, evident in the supernatural abilities Alice displayed. An old witch had once bitterly said, "I hate that mainstar, that little brat. Does being a direct descendant of a magic user mean you can do as you please?"

She was referring to bloodlines like Alice's and her friend, the Soot Witches, who managed to preserve their uniqueness while continuing their lineage, partly due to the First Magician's blood. Contrary to common belief, the Third Magic was older than the First Magic. However, after the Age of Gods ended, the Third Magic wasn't rediscovered until Justeaze appeared.

Twenty years after the First Magician's birth, the First Magic returned, allowing access to Ether and sustaining mysteries. This ultimately became the cornerstone of modern magical systems, particularly the unique nature of the First Magic.

In magecraft theories, Ether is considered the "fifth true element," one of the five recognized magical attributes and a singularity that formed the basis of subsequent systems. But unlike the elements of earth, water, wind, and fire, Ether inherently didn't exist in this world. Only the First Magician, Yumina, who could "negate nothingness," was capable of creating such nonexistence.

While studying at the Clock Tower, Touko met Alice's friend, May Riddell Archelot. The relationship between Alice and May mirrored that of the Aozaki sisters, with both being potential heirs to the First Magic. From scattered hints, Touko pieced together that Kuonji Alice might possess an artifact from the First Magic, though its function remained unknown.

On this strange night, the Grand Puppeteer found herself facing the most bizarre enemy she had ever encountered. Cold light and mist enveloped the amusement park, while Beo, furious and frustrated, continued to fight against the endless waves of enemies. The giant golden wolf howled, its roar echoing through the eerie green night.

"Look up at the sky," Touko thought, "you innocent bloodline without supernatural powers."

What she saw was a glimpse of the magical heavens, the pinnacle of phantasms—a fragment of the First Magic, known as the Flat Snark: Oil of the Moon.

Through her familiar's eyes, Aozaki Touko realized that her side had no chance of victory. A grinning green skull hung high in the sky, mocking the mortals below. The lingering scent of the First Magic shattered her confidence.

"Why has Magic always been an obstacle in my life?"

Touko asked herself, angered by the unfairness of fate. She also felt resentment for the things she'd once possessed but lost. Just a fragment of Magic was enough to halt her. How would she ever face her sister, who possessed complete Magic?

Despondent, Touko thought that perhaps it was time to call for Beo's retreat…

"Beo—"

Touko's voice called out once more.

"Retreat."

"What—?!"

Beo replied in shock.

"Are you kidding me? This goes against the terms of the contract—"