Chapter 52

Kaori leans forward and looks intently at the science book in front of her, its pages fading. Her forehead is wrinkled in concentration as the study area of the library fills with dark light, casting an ominous shadow across her face.

Shouting just above a whisper, "I still can't make sense of it," she says. "These books are just basic science books, and they don't even hint at what I believe we are looking for."

"Three days," she says as she looks up at Kai. "Three days we've been at this, and we're still no closer to understanding what kind of experiments were carried out here."

Kai takes a deep breath and looks at the textbook in front of him, his displeasure evident in the tension in his shoulders.

He remarks, "We're missing something," in a dejected, quiet voice. "His journal is necessary. We won't be able to comprehend what they were doing in that lab in any other manner. However..."

His speech falters, becoming lost in the eerie quiet of the library. He looks up at Kaori, a quizzical mark on his face.

Kai, his frustration palpable, lets out a deep sigh and drops the book to the side, the dull thud echoing in the quiet library.

"We'll come back to this," he says, his voice low. "But right now, I need a break. I'm tired."

With that, he stands up, his movements slow and purposeful, his gaze fixed on the ground as he walks away.

Kaori watches him go, a worried look on her face. "Kai, wait!" she calls out, her voice strained.

Kai pauses, his hand on the door, his back to Kaori. "What is it?" he asks, his voice sounding tired and resigned.

Kaori drops her book to the side, the sound of it hitting the ground echoing in the quiet library. "I'm coming with you," she says, her tone determined. "I'm starving, and maybe we can talk about this while we eat."

Kai turns to face her, a hint of surprise in his eyes. "You're not going to try to convince me to keep going?" he asks, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

Kaori shakes her head, her expression resolute.

With that, Kai and Kaori make their way out of the library, the sound of their footsteps echoing in the empty hallway.

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Kaida's voice echoes with concern as she repeats Maria's words. "So you're saying there are nine advanced yomigaeri, and they're all in Kyoto now?"

Maria leans back in her seat, her expression thoughtful. "I don't think. I know," she says, her voice carrying the weight of certainty.

Ryu shifts uneasily, his eyes moving between the two women. "And how exactly do you know this?" he asks, his tone edged with suspicion.

Maria leans forward, her eyes flashing with a hint of irritation. "I have my ways," she says, her voice sharp and confident. "I haven't spent my time simply surviving like you have. I've been gathering information, learning everything I can about the yomigaeri. And trust me, what I know, it's more than you can imagine."

Ryu opens his mouth to respond, but Kaida beats him to it. "Okay, fine. So you know about the advanced yomigaeri. What about the markings? What do they mean?"

Maria's smile is thin and knowing.

Maria's eyes flit from Kaida to Ryu, her expression one of amusement. "By the looks of your markings," she says, her voice laden with condescension, "you haven't even scratched the surface of what they can do. You've been using the powers for speed and agility. That's barely 3% of what it offers."

Kaida's eyes widen, her jaw dropping in surprise. "What? 3%? But...but that's all we've been able to figure out!"

Maria leans back in her chair, crossing her legs.

Ryu, his arms crossed over his chest, glares at Maria. "How do you know all this?" he demands, his voice edged with frustration.

Maria's smirk doesn't falter. "Like I said before, I've been learning, gathering information," she says, the words a purr of satisfaction. "I've seen things that would make your hair stand on end."

Kaida's voice cuts through the tension, her eyes wide with concern. "Wait, you said something about dying before you turn," she says, her voice low and urgent.

Maria nods, a wry smile tugging at her lips. "Ah, yes, that." She takes a deep breath, her expression turning serious. "You see, those of us with markings are infected with the yomigaeri virus."

Ryu and Kaida gasp, their eyes widening in horror.

"But don't panic just yet," Maria continues, raising a hand to calm their fears. "The infection is actually quite beneficial, as long as you're alive. It's the source of your increased speed and agility, the markings on your skin. It's like a dormant power, waiting to be unleashed."

Ryu and Kaida exchange a look, their expressions a mix of bewilderment and fear.

"So, what happens when we die?" Ryu asks, his voice rough with emotion.

Maria's gaze is hard and unflinching. "You turn, of course.

"So...we're one of those things?" Kaida asks, her voice thick with disbelief.

Maria tilts her head to the side, considering the question. "Well...technically," she says, a half-smile playing on her lips.

Ryu, his eyes darkening with anger, glares at Maria. "How can you take all of this so lightly?" he demands, his fists clenched at his sides.

Maria's expression is calm, her gaze unwavering.

"Because I accept the truth, Ryu," Maria says, her voice quiet but firm. "This is the price we pay for our power. As long as you're alive, you have nothing to fear. But when you die...well, that's inevitable, isn't it?"

Ryu grinds his teeth, the truth of her words hitting him hard. "But why did this happen?" he asks, his voice shaking. "Why us?"

Maria shrugs. "Who can say? Perhaps it was fate. Perhaps it was luck. But whatever the reason, this is our reality now. So instead of sobbing I suggest we face it head on."