Shinji Matou at Your Service

In certain fields, those who achieve great success often possess a tenacity that refuses to accept defeat. This is a good trait, but when tenacity turns into obsession, it becomes very dangerous. Zepia, who was just killed before dawn, is a prime example of such obsessive madness.

Touko Aozaki once teetered on the edge of obsessive madness. Fortunately, she recognized it in time and found her path. Sion, however, still lingers at the crossroads of fate.

According to the development in Melty Blood, Sion might recognize her true self, return to Atlas to research a way to remove her vampirism and become an outstanding alchemist.

Alternatively, she might follow a different branch of fate, becoming the successor of Night of Wallachia, transforming into a dead apostle more terrifying than Zepia. The previously mentioned Dust of Osiris is one possibility for Sion's ultimate form—one where she never visited Japan and lived in Atlas Academy.

Although Dust of Osiris is essentially blood extracted by Zepia and materialized using the Tatari function after Zepia's death, and this blood itself was also absorbed into Shinji's magic bag, the opportunity for Sion to recognize her true self has been disrupted by changes in the world line.

Originally, she would have sought out Shiki in her search for Arcueid, forming an alliance to defeat vampires. In the process, Sion would gradually be moved by Shiki, finding solace and thus continuing to seek a way to become human again after the incident.

But now, with no connection between Arcueid and Shiki, Sion's transformation ended before they even began. There's a real chance she might truly give up on being human and become a vampire.

Shinji approached Sion hoping to prevent this outcome. Unexpectedly, before he could even broach the subject, Touko had already become a guiding light, and in such a manner.

"The Newest Magician?"

Sion quickly sorted through the information in her mind.

Aoko Aozaki, the user of the Fifth Magic, is one of the four existing magicians, with nicknames like Miss Blue, Witch of Destruction, and Magic Gunner.

Look at these nicknames. Aside from the first one, representing the highest rank Primary Color: Blue in the Clock Tower's color assessment (a color Touko desperately desired), the other two are not flattering. In fact, like her sister, Aoko is also a troublesome individual, a significant headache for the Clock Tower.

When she mastered magic, she followed tradition and went to the Clock Tower to register, but found the registration process too cumbersome. She gave up on registering and left with her suitcase for an impromptu trip. Such behavior naturally caused some discontent and inevitable trouble, but she resolved all issues with her fists and magic bullets. She earned the nicknames Witch of Destruction and Magic Gunner during that time.

Aoko's talent as a magician is average, but she has an unparalleled talent in destruction. Her favorite attack method is forming a barrage of magic bullets, delivering a storm-like assault. Hence, the nickname Magic Gunner is easily understood.

"I remember she's your..."

"She is my sister, but I've severed ties with my family and have a terrible relationship with her. If you find her, don't mention my name; otherwise, she won't help you and might even hit you. My sister is very rough."

Even in her warning, Touko didn't forget to tarnish Aoko's reputation, despite the latter's reputation already being bad enough.

"I'll keep that in mind, thank you very much."

Sion bowed according to Japanese custom.

"No need to thank me," Touko waved her hand.

"I'm just telling you that the Fifth Magic can reverse processes, but it doesn't necessarily mean it can restore your humanity. Even if it can, that idiot might not help you. And based on her last use, it would accelerate the universe's destruction—oh, I wonder what kind of expression that idiot would have upon hearing such a request."

"Accelerate the universe's destruction..."

Seeing Sion's strange expression and combining it with Touko's last words, Shinji finally confirmed that Touko was still Touko, unchanged—she wouldn't help others without a price. What seemed like free assistance always had her motives, like causing trouble for Aoko.

"Oh, by the way, I don't know where that idiot is now, but I know her credit card company. They must have a way to find her; otherwise, they'd have to bear all the bills and card charges themselves."

Since Touko was defeated by Aoko, she frequently caused trouble for Aoko, often spending extravagantly and charging it to Aoko's name. Even with Shinji's support and Fujino helping manage finances, Touko still occasionally spent money in Aoko's name, as if she couldn't function otherwise.

These sisters truly leave one speechless.

Despite many uncertainties, Sion decided not to delve further. As long as there was hope, it was enough. Next, she needed to deal with the Church and win over Aoko Aozaki.

As for finding Aoko Aozaki, Sion wasn't worried. With her Etherlite, she could easily read other's memories. As long as Aoko wasn't hiding in a coffin-like Arcueid, she couldn't escape Sion's search.

Of course, those are matters for the future. For now—

"Mr. Matou, shall we continue our previous conversation?"

"Alright. I wanted to give you some suggestions. Do you want to hear them?"

"Of course. As Ms. Touko said, the Fifth Magic might not solve my problem, so more guarantees are necessary."

"My approach is similar to your initial thought. Although Arcueid said reversal is impossible, that's from the perspective of a True Ancestor, not a human. Humans have evolved from a species on this planet to now being able to rival the planet itself—"

At this point, Arcueid let out a displeased snort from her nose.

Shinji casually tapped her forehead and continued.

"Facts are facts, regardless of right or wrong, and they must be acknowledged. The development of humanity to this point is a miracle in itself. So even if Arcueid thinks it's impossible, you need not feel discouraged. Besides, when the True Ancestors first appeared, did they anticipate that magus could transform into Dead Apostles through magical rituals without being bitten by a vampire? If I remember correctly, at least two of the Twenty-Seven Ancestors were transformed through rituals and are still alive today."

The two Dead Apostles he referred to are Nrvnqsr Chaos, the Tenth Ancestor, also known as Fabro Rowan, and Caubac Alcatraz, the Twenty-Seventh Ancestor, known as the Dead Apostle of the Millennium Lock.

"If humans can transform into Dead Apostles through such means, then reverting to humanity shouldn't be an impossible task."

"Hmm... I can't argue with you," Arcueid said, turning her head away in a huff.