Seraphim is a Bystander

Awakening and Emergence
(This time, for real, it’s from Aoi’s perspective.)

 
 
“…Where… am I?”

When I opened my eyes, I found myself in an unfamiliar place.
It was vast—an endless field under a starry sky, with water stretching across the ground like a mirror.
And in that space, countless towering bookshelves extended as far as the eye could see.
Just a second ago I was…
Right, I was on duty as a bodyguard.
The terrorists attacked.
I rushed the young lady to safety in the courtyard—
—and then that man in black showed up.
“Ahh… so I did die, huh?”

I couldn’t win.
I thought I’d gotten stronger, thanks to all the training with my master.
I thought I held my ground pretty well.
But in the end, I was weaker. That was the simple truth.
“I really wanted to win…”

“Then why not get your rematch?”
Suddenly, a voice called out from behind me.
Startled, I turned around—
—and saw an angel.

She looked like she had stepped out of a painting.
Wrapped in a white veil, with six wings—three pairs—and asymmetrical halos floating on either side of her head.
She sat casually on a fine, «N.o.v.e.l.i.g.h.t» minimalist chair, a book in one hand, not even glancing in my direction.
“Uh… who are you?”
“Don’t worry about me. You’ll forget all about this soon anyway.”

“R…right…”
She still didn’t look at me as she replied.
Well… okay, putting that aside.
What did she mean just now? Something about a “rematch”?

“It’s simple. You’ll meet him again someday anyway.”
“Really? …Wait, how do you know what I’m thinking?!”
I definitely didn’t say that out loud.
Can angels read minds?

“Nope. I’m me, that’s all.”
“…???”
I have no idea what that means.
Well, no use trying to figure it out.

“So, um, when you say I’ll meet him again…”
“Oh, you’ve already got a connection with that guy. Don’t know when, but you’ll cross paths again eventually.”
…?
That’s easy for her to say, but I’m pretty sure I died.
Even if I wanted a rematch…

“Hmm? Oh, you’re not dead.”
“…Huh?”
Finally, she turned her gaze toward me.
Whoa… she's stunning.

Wait, no! Focus!
“Wait, I’m not dead?!”
“Correct. And honestly, I’d be in trouble if you died in a place like this.”

“Huh???”
What does that even mean…?
Isn’t this some kind of afterlife?
Then what even is she?

She didn’t seem interested in answering my confusion.
“You’re probably about to wake up soon… Ah, yep. Looks like it.”
“Wait, wait—what’s going on?!”

While I was still reeling, my body’s outline began to blur.
I glanced back at the angel—
—and her outline was blurring too, along with everything else.
…Is it my vision that’s blurring?
“Well, not that it matters. You’ll forget all this anyway. Just… try to grow stronger, alright?”

“...! ……!?”
I—I can’t talk?!
I still have questions!
Where is this place?
Who are you?
I want to talk just a little more!
Please… just a little longer—

“Wait! Don’t go!!”
“Kyaa!”
Someone screamed.

I blinked—
—and found myself in a bed.
Standing beside me was Katagiri-san.
Wait… that cute little scream just now—
Was that her?
“Aoi-sama! Are you alright? Are you in any pain?”

“Huh? Oh, um… I’m fine. Where… am I?”
I was just…
Wait, what was I doing again?
It feels like I was just talking to someone…

“We’re at the hotel you were scheduled to stay in. Lord Morimiya brought you here after you collapsed.”
“Oh, I see… Wait—the young lady! Is she okay?!”
“She’s fine. No injuries, and she’s currently resting with the Ichijo family. Everything’s alright.”

She answered calmly and clearly.
Good… I managed to protect her.
“I see… That’s a relief. What about Master?”
“Lord Morimiya is handling the cleanup. I imagine you’ll be called in for questioning later, but for now, you should rest.”

I had sat up in bed, still worked up, but Katagiri-san gently laid me back down and pulled the blanket over me.
“But I really should go help…”
“It’s alright. I’ll notify Lord Morimiya myself, so please don’t worry.”

…If she says so, then… I guess it’s okay?
As she turned off the lights and quietly left the room, I lay in bed and slowly closed my eyes.
That guy in black… was unbelievably strong.

None of the skills or strength I’d honed with Master had any effect on him.
His speed, power, technique, ability usage, tactical movement—
I lost in every category.
The fact the young lady came out unscathed was nothing short of a miracle.
…I have to get stronger.

No matter what.
The next time I face that man in black—
I will win.