CH-54 : Sheila's Wish

 Chapter 54.1

"Well done."

I dispel Illusion Mimicry ｢Rainel｣ and appear.

"Ah…no, I only managed to get something useful in the middle of the conversation…ahahaha…"

Fumu. Doesn't look like she's being humble.

I'm interested in Ray's background and circumstances as well.

"The result is the same."

I put my fingertip on Sheila's head and activate Time Manipulation ｢Lebaido｣. I go back to the time in her origin where she picked up Ray. Though there are many vague parts in Ray's story no two people are the same.

I only restore her body to the time where she picked up Ray. Even if you don't know the source of the illness or how to treat it most illness can be cured by turning back that persons time.

Her body is enveloped in the magic formation and goes back in time.

But…Nothing happened.

"…Did it fail?"

"No."

｢Lebaido｣ was successful. Her body has surely become like it was before her illness but her magic power is as feeble as ever.

This needs more thought.

What else is different from her body and her origin? Something that isn't here is affecting her life and leading to death.

How can such a thing be possible?

I'm almost certain it's not her mazoku half but her spirit half that's the problem. Is her weak body the result of being half spirit and half mazoku or due to the spirit disease?

The thing is, Misa's the same but she's very lively.

Spirits are very strange beings.

"How are they keeping the spirit disease in a state of remission? I've got no choice but to investigate it."

I begin walking to the door.

The unidentified mazoku running this clinic is the key. I wish I had more clues.

"Arnos-sama…!"

Misa calls out to me in surprise.

"What's wrong?"

Misa is looking at Sheila.

Her eyelids are slightly open.

As I returned to the bed her eyes opened fully and looked at me.

"…You are Arnos-kun…?"

"How do you know of me?"

Sheila should have been unconscious and sleeping for over a year now. She shouldn't know me.

"…I've always been conscious. When Ray comes to visit he talks about you and how he's made a friend."

I see. Not as much of a mystery as I thought.

"Then do you know of the contracted demon sword placed in Ray's body?"

"Yes."

"Due to that contracted demon sword if I cure you Ray will disappear but I'll do something about it What can you tell me about this spirit disease?"

"…Someone was in here once talking about it. I think it was a doctor. It's not a disease. Spirits are born from peoples hearts…"

"I know. Traditions and legends, rumours, desires, fears and hopes. These are the concrete things that are the embodiment of spirits."

Sheila nods slightly then leaks a painful sigh.

"…Spirits are born from the strong wishes of many hearts so they are fully mature from the moment of birth but half spirits are different. They are born as babies. It's probably because of that they said."

Fumu. I've got a rough outline to read now.

"So in other words, newborn rumours, weak desires and faint hopes fill in the spirit side of your dual nature."