Report Results
To describe what stood before them in a single phrase...
'Something' resembling a human, shrouded in black mist.
That was the most accurate depiction.
Billowing black energy obscured its true form, the only discernible features being a pair of crimson eyes, or what they presumed to be eyes.
"I didn't expect you to reveal yourself first. Did you, Thorn Carpenter?"
"Be careful. We don't know what it might do."
"I'll provide support."
Upon confirming the figure's appearance, the three reacted swiftly.
Fernand and Leje drew their swords, while Rudell channeled his mana.
'That's the Thorn Carpenter...'
Gazing at the crimson glow flickering within the black mist, Rudell thought to himself.
An unsettling mana emanated from the figure.
It was undeniably similar to the mana he had sensed countless times while confronting the Cult.
"[--------------!!]"
Just then, an indescribable shriek erupted from within the mist, and a multitude of red thorns materialized from the swirling darkness surrounding the figure.
"Shield!"
Rudell reacted instantly, releasing his mana and chanting the spell.
Simultaneously, the red thorns shot out like projectiles.
A blue force field appeared in response to Rudell's cry, intercepting the incoming barrage with a sharp, resounding clang.
"Well done, Rudeus!"
As the force field dissipated, Fernand, as if waiting for the opportune moment, charged towards the crimson-eyed entity.
Leje followed close behind, while Rudell began preparing his next spell.
Leje and Fernand rapidly closed the distance.
"[-------!!]"
Withered fingers emerged from the mist, pointing at the two as another volley of red thorns erupted in their direction.
"Not so fast!"
But the thorns never reached them.
Blue force fields materialized with impeccable timing, blocking most of the projectiles.
The few that slipped through were effortlessly deflected by their swords.
"Leje! Flank it from the other side!"
"Yes, Professor!"
Responding to Fernand's command, Leje spun around, leaping into the air and thrusting his sword into the black mist from behind.
Fernand simultaneously lunged with his sword from the front...
"[------!!]"
Two gleaming blades pierced the crimson-eyed entity, eliciting a piercing shriek from within the mist.
However...
"It's still moving…!?"
"What the…!!"
"Tch…!!"
Surprise registered on their faces as the entity continued to move.
A viscous, black liquid oozed from its wounds as it slowly raised its head, its crimson eyes fixated on them.
"Everyone, get back!!"
"[----------!!]"
Sensing an ominous surge of mana, Rudell shouted a warning.
At that very moment, a high-pitched scream pierced the air from within the black mist.
'Crash!!'
"Ugh…!!"
"W-What…!!"
"Damn it…!!"
The piercing shriek shattered nearby windows, and the three recoiled, grimacing in pain.
Then, in the next instant...
'BOOM!!'
"Gah…!?"
"What, what just happened!?"
"...!!"
With a sound like exploding air, the black mist composing the entity's body dispersed in all directions.
The powerful shockwave violently shook the signs and clotheslines in the alley.
But only for a moment...
"…?"
"I-Is it over?"
The alley fell silent as quickly as it had erupted.
Leje spoke, his voice echoing in the sudden stillness.
***
The next day, after school.
"That's the end of the report."
"Intriguing."
Cayley narrowed her eyes as she read Fernand's report.
The encounter with the Thorn Carpenter the previous night had yielded unsatisfactory results.
All they had learned was that it wasn't human.
And that it was, 'for now', a living being.
"This... is the Thorn Carpenter's blood?"
Cayley swirled the viscous black liquid contained within a clear glass vial.
It was the only clue Rudell had managed to secure from the scene.
"Yes, it's our only lead at the moment."
"Good. I'll have my contacts in the North Tower analyze this."
"Understood."
Rudell bowed his head, and Cayley shifted her gaze back to the others.
"So? What are your thoughts?"
"About what?"
"Your impressions after facing the Thorn Carpenter."
"Hmm..."
A low groan escaped Fernand's lips, and Leje and Rudell watched him expectantly.
After a moment of contemplation, Fernand raised his head and spoke cautiously.
"I believe there's more than one Thorn Carpenter."
"What!?"
"What do you mean…?"
"Oh…?"
Rudell and Leje voiced their surprise, while Cayley's eyes narrowed with interest.
"What do you mean? Are you saying there's another Thorn Carpenter besides the one we encountered last night?"
"If my assumptions are correct, there are two. The one we encountered last night and another."
"I assume you have a reason for thinking that, Professor Fernand?"
"Firstly, the condition of the bodies."
"You two. Have you closely examined the victims, from the first incident up until recently?"
"No, sir."
While Rudell remembered each of their faces, he saw no reason to reveal that information.
"The wounds on all the previous victims were consistent with being pierced from below. But do you remember how the Thorn Carpenter attacked last night?"
"It shot thorns... Ah!"
Leje let out a low groan of realization.
"Precisely. The wounds on the recent victims are inconsistent with its method of attack."
"But wouldn't that also suggest the Thorn Carpenter simply changed tactics?"
"There's more."
Fernand reached into his pocket and retrieved something that made Rudell catch his breath.
"Do you recognize this?"
"A rosary? But... the shape is a bit strange. How should I put it… it's rather unsettling."
Leje squinted, examining the object in Fernand's hand.
A cross-shaped rosary adorned with a red eye.
It was the rosary used by the Death Eater Cult.
"This is the symbol used by the Death Eater Cult, a symbol of their god, Thanatos. All the previous victims possessed one of these."
"Meaning..."
"They were all members of the Cult."
"And the recent victims weren't?"
"..."
"Hmm..."
Fernand nodded silently, and Leje let out a low groan.
"That's why we're trying to make contact with the real Thorn Carpenter. The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Regardless of his motives, if he's against the Cult, he could be a valuable ally."
"I see..."
Leje trailed off, finally understanding.
Meanwhile...
"..."
Rudell struggled to hide his discomfort as he observed them.
Putting their conversation together, the conclusion was clear.
'So... they're looking for the real Thorn Carpenter... which is me?!'
The unidentified individual who had been targeting and eliminating Cult members in the back alleys and slums since the beginning of the year.
The possibility of two such individuals existing was practically zero.
And the implication was undeniable.
The Thorn Carpenter they were talking about was none other than Rudell himself.
Should he be pleased or worried?
As Rudell wrestled with these conflicting emotions, Cayley spoke.
"Young Master Weinstein, what are your thoughts?"
"Huh!? W-What do you mean!?"
Rudell was startled by Cayley's sudden question.
Had she figured it out?
A chill ran down his spine as he looked at Cayley.
"About the Thorn Carpenter. Whether he's an enemy or an ally. I'm asking for your opinion."
"Hmm..."
Fortunately, it seemed she hadn't.
Her golden eyes, crinkled in a faint smile, were unreadable.
It was only to be expected from her, the cunning princess from the original story.
Calming his racing heart, Rudell responded carefully.
"As you said, Princess, the enemy of my enemy is my friend. If we can bring him on our side, he would undoubtedly be a powerful asset."
"You think so too?"
Cayley rose from her seat, a satisfied smile on her face, and addressed the three of them.
"Well then, I'll leave the rest to you. Please let me know if you need anything."
"I'll take my leave then."
"We'll be going as well."
"I'll visit again soon."
With those final words, Rudell, Leje, and Fernand exited the Student Council President's office.
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