Chapter 3: A Male Spirit, Huh?

This document is classified and requires Level II Clearance to access.

Combat Report - AST 

Operation Time: 14:50 - 15:00

Team Leader - Kusakabe Ryouko

Summary: 

At 14:50 hours, a spacequake warning was issued to the general public. Within five minutes, however, the spacequake began to show signs of instability. Equipment readings stated the space was folding in upon itself, increasing its mass much like the creation of a black hole. The spacequake also compressed itself into a black sphere with an approximate 20-meter circumference before disappearing without causing any damage to the city. No abnormal gravitational fields were detected during this time. 

The manifested Spirit (hereby referred to as the Subject) did not correspond to any known readings of previous Spirits, nor did it show any major visual similarities. Subject, standing at approximately 6'0" with brown eyes and black hair, donned a black cloak that faded into green and mainly black clothing, as well as a katana that is assumed to be the Angel. Furthermore, later visual recordings revealed that Subject appeared to be male.

Upon first contact, Subject began evasive maneuvers and screaming in English. Audio recordings have verified that the Subject was attempting to make peace and was aware of the normal impact of spacequakes. Subject's evasive maneuvers were initially slower than [Hermit], and multiple hits were confirmed. However, Subject did not appear hindered by the wounds, implying that all hits were superficial. Thus, all units deployed melee weapons and attempted to engage Subject in close-quarters combat, causing Subject to attempt to draw his katana. At this moment, visual recordings slowed down to fractions of a second per frame revealed that Subject immediately sheathed the sword and instead used the scabbard to strike down the flight units on the CR-units of every AST member present. Purple sparks of lightning were also sighted at this time, and Subject's hair and eyes gained a deep violet color. Not one member of the AST was fast enough to mobilize their Territory to defend themselves. However, no member was struck by Subject directly, and the expansion of Territory afterwards minimized any fall damage.

Subject then switched to Japanese and grabbed the hilt of their katana while uttering what is presumed to be the name of his Angel,「白」[White]. Immediately, all contact with Subject was lost. After 24 hours of continuous search, Subjected was officially deemed as [Lost] and the alarm was called off.

While attempting to record Spirit Data, equipment seemed to malfunction, and no data was able to be recorded. However, the speed at which Subject struck down the CR-units has been approximated to be as fast as the speed of light. Despite this, no shockwaves from the sound barrier being broken were observed. 

An estimated data report has been submitted below.

-Risk Factor: B - Did not show aggression and did not cause massive collateral damage

-Spacequake: D - Imposing visuals, but no real harm was observed to surroundings

-Spirit's Astral Dress: Unknown - All observed Astral Dresses thus far have demonstrated the ability to block live ammunition

-Angel: Unknown

 -Strength: >100 - Able to easily destroy CR-units at least

 -Consistency: Unknown - Equipment was unable to verify

 -Reiryoku: Unknown - Equipment was unable to verify

 -Agility: ~260 - Faster than [Berserk], but did not display such speed until minutes into combat

 -Intelligence: ~200 - The first Spirit to attempt communication upon first appearance

This report has been verified by:

-Master Sergeant Tobiichi Origami

-Team Leader Kusakabe Ryoko

———————I am the dividing line that shifts perspective———————

"Ahahaha~ Ellen, have you read the latest report from the AST?" Isaac Ray Pelham Westcott called from his office desk, waving a paper with CONFIDENTIAL stamped at the top. The director of DEM Industries, the main market dealer in Realizer technology, and a world-class genius himself, smiled lazily as he called for his childhood friend.

"Of course. I familiarize myself with combat reports as soon as they are released." Ellen Mira Mathers replied with a hint of pride.

"As expected from the 'World's Strongest Wizard.'" So, what do you think?" 

"There is nothing to think about. By your will, I can eliminate this new Spirit at any time."

"Oho, so you've trained yourself to beyond the speed of light?" Westcott leaned back into his chair, smiling at Ellen. Ellen stared back sullenly.

"Of course. I have the top score in all training modes, including laser weaponry evasion."

"But this Spirit has yet to demonstrate the full extent of their abilities." Westcott suddenly leaned forwards, beckoning Ellen to approach. "Don't be careless now."

"Understood."

"Now, now. No need to be so formal." Westcott slapped the document onto Ellen's head, giving her a grin. "Why don't you give an official designation to this new Spirit?" 

"How about 'Assassin?' After all, the Spirit has demonstrated the ability to disappear and incredible speeds."

"Oh, no. That's a terrible idea." Westcott shot her down immediately, earning a dirty look. "After all, this Spirit has no recorded kills. What's an assassin without a little red in their ledger? No, no. How about..." At this moment, a strange shadow appeared on Westcott's face, and he spoke with a somberness quite unlike him. "How about...

[IX]?"

"[IX]?" Ellen looked at him, puzzled. "Because they're the ninth spirit to be discovered? But [Deus], [Sister], [Nightmare], [Hermit], [Efreet], [Berserk], [Witch], and [Princess] all have code names based on their traits. Why choose something so meaningless as [IX]?"

"I simply have a feeling, dear Ellen, that any name other than [IX] is a name that is truly meaningless." 

"Didn't you say I could name the Spirit?"

"Next time."

"Honestly, Ike..." Ellen sighed.

———————I am the dividing line that shifts perspective———————

"A new Spirit, huh? [IX]? What's with this designation? It doesn't seem to mean anything!" 

A red-haired girl with long pigtails tied with black ribbon complained.

"Well, DEM has never been predictable or orthodox in their methods. Speaking of, if such a name displeases you so, perhaps I can change my own name into XII (12) or HAUK-" The long-haired blond was suddenly elbowed hard in the ribs.

"Thank you, Commander!"

"Just be quiet." The girl sighed. "At least this one isn't violent either. Though, him being a guy does put a small wrench in our plans..."

———————I am the dividing line that shifts perspective———————

"For some reason, I feel like I'm being severely underestimated by two relatively important people..." Kyo frowned in a random house he had decided to "borrow" temporarily. It was really quite nice of the owner to leave the door wide open, and even more so that they left their wallet on the dinner table. "Oh well. After all, Acheron left me a wealth of knowledge, but she really did only leave one technique involving the Nihility available: [White], the concealment technique. I wonder if this can also conceal my Reiryoku?"

Kyo picked up [Naught] and gave it a scrutinizing look. Even slashing with the scabbard no longer tears apart space like it did in-game. At least I still have the lightning powers. Must be a Raiden thing. Hm, something doesn't feel quite right. Am I disappearing? In that case-

"Gimmie that money." 

Just before Kyo disappeared, he snatched up the wallet on the table. A few hours later, the neighborhood was subjected to the pitiful cries of a certain blue-haired brother and the angry yelling of a certain red-haired sister.