[475] The Prison Barrier
Boom!
A terrifying spatial ripple spread outward, the distorted space now visible to the naked eye.
Under Yuma Tokoyogi's spellcasting, her grimoire erupted in a dazzling light, followed by an overwhelming surge of power—the true might of the Fourth Primogenitor's magic.
Though Kojou Akatsuki had inherited the Fourth Primogenitor's power, he'd been an ordinary human before and had no idea how to wield it.
It was like giving a machine gun to a civilian. Sure, they could pull the trigger, but their aim would be wild, and they'd lack the experience to use it effectively in combat.
In contrast, that same weapon in the hands of a seasoned soldier would become a devastating tool.
This was why Kojou, as the Fourth Primogenitor, was so underwhelming. At his core, he was still inept. His only combat technique was summoning familiars.
Beyond that, he had next to nothing—maybe some basic close-quarters ability, but it was severely limited.
Even someone with minimal fighting experience could easily overpower him.
The sky above Itogami Island was shrouded in dark clouds that seemed to come from nowhere.
While it wasn't quite night, a gray gloom enveloped the entire island.
Crack!
A flash of lightning illuminated the scene. Over the ocean at the northern end of Itogami Island, a faint, illusory island began to take shape.
Its terrain was rugged, resembling a prison built atop jagged cliffs, isolated from the world.
"It's finally here."
At that moment, August's figure appeared on the scene.
"The prison barrier—it's finally emerged."
Yuma Tokoyogi smiled. Freeing her mother was her sole purpose now.
Once she liberated her mother, her mission would be complete, and she could live according to her own will.
It might be wishful thinking, but it was the only thing keeping her going.
She longed for freedom—to be with Kojou Akatsuki. That was her one true desire.
"What is that?"
Kojou stared at the half-real, half-illusory island, his face full of shock.
After all, on Itogami Island, the prison barrier was merely an urban legend—no one had ever seen it with their own eyes.
"The prison barrier—a secret facility on Itogami Island designed to contain dangerous magical criminals," explained Motoki Yaze, standing beside Kojou, his expression unusually grave.
As a member of the island's elite, Motoki's father, Kenju Yaze, was an honorary director of the Artificial Island Management Corporation and the most powerful figure in the prestigious Yaze family, which controlled numerous major conglomerates.
"It's here at last. Natsuki-chan, from this day forward, you'll serve me, the demon lord, as my witch."
August grinned, drawing the attention of everyone around him.
Yuma didn't recognize August, but seeing Beatrice at his side, she realized this was the man she'd been cooperating with.
And judging by his words, he clearly hadn't lied to her.
"So you're the one behind her?" Kojou asked.
"That's right, Blue Witch, Yuma Tokoyogi. You've done well."
"Then our deal is complete?"
"Yes. I won't stop you from freeing Aya Tokoyogi."
"Thank you."
"Hm."
Their conversation reached Kojou's ears, fueling his anger. He couldn't understand why Yuma would work with someone like August.
But right now, he was in Yuma's body. After Beatrice's earlier strike, he was injured.
He could barely stand without Motoki's support—this wasn't his durable Primogenitor body anymore.
Of course, he and Yuma hadn't truly swapped bodies. It was more like their senses had been exchanged to some degree.
What he perceived now was Yuma's reality, and she experienced his.
As a result, they could control each other's bodies, but it was only a magical effect.
Actually taking over a Primogenitor's body was impossible. Beyond the "Curse of the Gods" he bore, his familiars would never allow it.
August ignored everyone else's thoughts and strode toward the prison barrier, Yuma following close behind.
"We need to go too," Kojou said.
"Really, Kojou? Are you sure?" Motoki replied.
"Of course."
"Fine…"
With a sigh, Motoki gave in. What else could he do when his best friend was a hotheaded fool?
The two chased after them, though Kojou's injuries slowed them down.
Inside the prison barrier, they passed through a long corridor and entered a dimly lit hall.
The room was sparse, containing nothing but a single chair. Seated upon it was a delicate, doll-like girl—none other than the Witch of the Void, Natsuki Minamiya.
Seeing Natsuki, Yuma didn't hesitate. She summoned her guardian and launched an attack.
Bang!
But the moment she struck, a surge of powerful magic obliterated it.
The destruction of her guardian sent a devastating backlash through Yuma. A witch and her guardian were one; if the guardian was destroyed, the witch suffered grievously.
Though guardians couldn't truly die, the recoil from its destruction was crippling for Yuma.
"Argh!"
In an instant, the magic sustaining her spell unraveled. Kojou returned to his own body, and Yuma reverted to hers.
Kojou blinked in confusion, looking at August and the nearby Natsuki. Meanwhile, Yuma, supported by Motoki in the corridor, collapsed to the ground, writhing in pain.
Having her guardian's form shattered was akin to a vampire's familiar being forcibly destroyed.
"The magic's undone?" Kojou muttered, glancing around.
Then he spotted Yuma and Motoki approaching, especially noticing Yuma twitching on the ground. He rushed to her side in a panic.
"Yuma, are you okay?"
Helping her up, Kojou's face was filled with worry and distress.
Motoki stood awkwardly nearby, feeling utterly out of place.
"W-Why…?"
With all her strength, Yuma lifted her head to look at August in the hall.
She didn't understand. They'd made a deal—so why had he attacked her?
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