Yū woke up to a familiar ceiling, voices arguing nearby.
"Why won't you move? You know the guys who kidnapped my sister, right?!"
Kaito was shouting.
"The guy who took my sister was a supernatural like him!" he pointed at Ayato. "You have the power to find them, right? Please… just save my sister!"
Kaito prostrated himself on the floor.
Aria sighed.
"It's not that easy to infiltrate their organization. They have guards with affinities — all superhumans. Even if you've just awakened as a Trigger, it's still dangerous. We need preparation. As for your sister… they probably won't harm her since she's a normal human… probably."
"You're not even sure," Kaito muttered bitterly.
Ren noticed movement.
"Hey, you good?" he asked as Yū slowly sat up.
"What happened?" Yū groaned.
Ren scratched his head.
"Well, I heard that guy showed up banging on the gate, covered in bruises. He collapsed and started rambling about his sister being kidnapped or something. I thought he was just crazy… guess it was karma."
"That's not it," Yū said firmly. "His sister really was kidnapped… because of me."
"Huh? Why would she be taken because of you?" Ren frowned.
Yū's expression turned serious. I guess it's time to be honest.
He told Ren everything that had happened over the past few days.
---
Ren chuckled lightly.
"So you're a supernatural now, huh? Good for you."
He smirked.
"Guess you're the main character now not just a mob."
Then he grew serious.
"So what's your plan? That lady doesn't seem willing to go after them."
"I don't know…" Yū murmured. "But Kaito… he really cares about his sister. He'll do anything for her."
Just remembering the scene in the warehouse, Yū knew Kaito would do anything when someone he cared about was hurt.
Yū clenched his fist.
"I can't just ignore that."
Ren nodded slowly.
"We can't involve the authorities — this is supernatural business. Even my acquaintance in the Enhanced Division would take too long."
Yū stood up.
"Then we'll make our own plan."
---
Later In Ayato Kitsune's Chamber
"Well, well. The 'normal student' visits me. For what pleasure do I owe you— and you even brought the guy who beat up your friend."
Ayato grinned from behind his desk.
"Nice to meet you," Ren greeted casually.
"Mr. Kitsune," Yū said, meeting his gaze. "I have a proposal for you."
"Hoh?" Kitsune smirked. "Now that's what I want to hear."
---
Meanwhile — In a Deep Underground Chamber
A large figure entered, his steps heavy.
"You're back, other self," a voice said from the darkness.
The man laughed, carrying a sleeping little girl.
"Kikiki… I brought good news. And a little gift."
---
Elsewhere — Aria's Room
A loud knock echoed.
"My lady," a soldier reported, "Subject #85613 and three other boys escaped the chamber — and Subject #85613 released Subject #22119 and stole a car."
Aria's eyes widened.
"What?! Is he insane? Why would he let that out? Where the hell will they… No, you don't have to tell me. I already know where they're going."
She stood up, eyes cold.
"Ready all personnel. And…" Aria paused for a second.
"Call my father."
You could see bitter cold in her eyes.
---
Inside a Car
"Yes, Uncle, I know I'm late again. I'll sleep over at Ren's place—"
Ren snatched the phone from Yū.
"Yes, big bro Satoru, don't worry! Bye!"
He hung up with a grin.
"Do you really need to come?" Yū asked, worried. "You're still recovering."
"I'm fine. My mentor's training was worse than this," Ren said proudly.
Kaito, sitting in the front seat, glanced in the rearview mirror toward the trunk.
"Do we really have to bring that?"
Ayato, while driving, replied calmly,
"Yes. It'll help us a lot."
Ren crossed his arms.
"Got anything to say to me, Mr. Muramase?"
"No. There's nothing to talk about with some weirdo," Ayato said bluntly.
Ren's eyebrow twitched.
"This bastard—"
"Calm down, both of you," Yū intervened.
"It's his fault for messing with my friends," Kaito glared.
"They started it," Ayato replied coldly. "I just defended myself."
"So you're calling my friends liars?" Kaito snapped.
"I call them bullies and you're the biggest bully of them all," Ayato shot back.
Kaito was about to swing when Ayato suddenly hit the brakes.
"We're here."
"What? This is a forest!" Ren exclaimed.
"Exactly," Ayato smirked. "If you plan to rush in with no plan, be my guest."
He opened the trunk, revealing a large suitcase.
"You, take this. Alright, let's go."
"Wait, what?" Ren protested.
"Let me help," Yū said.
"No way," Ren countered flatly. "The one who isn't injured should carry it!"
"That's what you get for being a loudmouth," Kaito said.
The two glared at each other, bickering as they marched into the forest.
---
After a While — At the Abandoned Factory
"Hey, are you sure this is the right way?" Ren whispered.
"From what I know, this is it," Ayato replied calmly. "The entrance should be inside that factory."
"Shh—there are guards," Kaito warned.
Without hesitation, Ayato sneaked behind the two guards, raised his hand, and touched them lightly. His Trigger essence flared, and the two guards collapsed silently to the ground.
"Did you… kill them?" Yū asked warily.
Ayato smirked.
"I'm not that heartless."
Yū frowned. That's not what your record says. You always find a way to kill — like you do it for fun, he thought silently.
They stepped into the factory.
"Whoa… this place is huge," Kaito muttered, staring at the wide, empty space.
"Where are the guards?" Ren asked, scanning the area.
Yū's gut twisted. Something's not right…
"The security here is kind of lacking, but can someone please help me with this case already?" Ren bickered quietly, adjusting the heavy suitcase.
"Shh." Ayato raised a hand, silencing him.
…
Then, suddenly—
The floor beneath them shifted with a loud metallic creak. Panels opened like trapdoors, and the ground vanished beneath their feet.
"You gotta be kidding me— not this again!" Yū shouted as he fell.
"Waaah!" Ren screamed.
"Heh." Ayato smirked mid-fall, unfazed.
Mari… Kaito thought, teeth clenched as darkness swallowed them.
---End of Chapter 14---