Aozaki Aoko Case File [197] 

Credits: SunyLaw1

When Aoko and the other two arrived at the scene, both Ciel and Noel were already unconscious. Most of Ciel's injuries had already healed, but the piercing wound in her heart was still bleeding and showed no signs of recovery.

As for Noel, there was even less to say. Her physical condition was only slightly better than that of an ordinary person. The fact that she had managed to survive such severe injuries was proof of her rigorous training and perseverance.

Touko immediately knelt beside the two to begin treatment. Judging by their injuries, she decided to start with Noel.

Being proficient in human anatomy, Touko was adept at using magic to treat injuries. With a simple wave of her hand, she extracted the bullet lodged in Noel's body. Supported by an unlimited supply of magical energy, her masterful healing magic swiftly repaired Noel's broken bones and torn wounds.

However, due to the excessive loss of blood, Noel remained unconscious. To fully recover, she would need to rest for an extended period.

Touko reached into her pocket and pulled out a bottle of alchemical potion. This was a product of her studies in Einzbern alchemy. While it was originally meant for maintaining the condition of Einzbern homunculi and was not entirely suitable for ordinary humans, the current situation left no room for alternatives.

After drinking the restorative potion, Noel's expression contorted in pain. The taste and effects of the potion were not pleasant, but its efficacy was undeniable. Noel's condition stabilized, and it seemed she would regain consciousness soon enough.

Ciel's condition, however, was more complicated. Aoko used dispel magic in an attempt to lift the curse on the wound in Ciel's heart. However, due to differences in their systems, the curse was only partially dispelled. While Ciel's wound began to heal, the curse that continued to drain her blood remained.

"Th-thank you," Ciel said weakly after regaining consciousness. She struggled to sit up, but the lingering curse in her heart left her dizzy and unable to return to fighting condition. "How is Noel?"

"She'll be fine," Touko replied. "She just lost too much blood and will need some time to recover."

"What happened? Were you ambushed by Roa? Who is his new incarnation?" Aoko fired off a series of questions.

"We need to hurry back to the church," Ciel said, forcing herself to stand. "Please, help me. Roa has reincarnated into Father Mario. The other Executors in the church have all been sacrificed as offerings..."

"Then let's move while we talk. First, let's get Noel to a safe place so she can rest," Aoko said. "Do you have any idea what kind of ritual he's planning?"

"If it's the same ritual that the previous Roa attempted back in our homeland, it might be to kill Arcueid Brunestud," Ciel said gravely. "But in the current situation, that's impossible. Killing the White Princess would require sacrificing at least ten thousand humans as offerings."

Arcueid, standing nearby, looked visibly annoyed. She seemed so displeased that she didn't even want to speak to Ciel, who had once been Roa's host.

"Alright, whatever his plans are, killing him for good will end everything," Touko said. "Ciel, you'd better prepare yourself—once Roa is destroyed, your immortality might disappear too."

"Immortality is something I never wanted," Ciel replied with a bitter smile. "To me, it's just the punishment for killing my kin."

The group brought Noel to a nearby hotel and set up a magical barrier to keep intruders away. They left her with enough food, money, and a letter explaining the situation before heading to the main church, where Ciel had managed to escape from earlier.

The battle from the previous night had left Aoko and the others without sleep, and by now, it was already the afternoon of the second day. Twilight was approaching, and with it came the ominous hour of the day.

From the outside, the Grand Cathedral of the Church appeared unremarkable—perhaps even too ordinary, which made Aoko suspicious.

"Hmph, playing tricks," Aoko scoffed, raising her right hand. A magical bullet shot straight at the cathedral's main doors.

The doors, struck by the magic, briefly glowed with a blue magical array. But Aoko's magical bullet was far too powerful for such defenses to withstand, and the array shattered instantly. Along with it, the tightly shut cathedral doors were destroyed as well.

Peering inside, they saw nothing but rows of pews and a crucifix. Everything appeared normal.

"To be safe, Touko and I will go in first," Aoko said. "Wait for our signal. If it's clear, you can follow us."

Arcueid and Ciel nodded. Although they stayed outside, they remained on high alert. Ciel even removed her nun's habit and donned her combat suit. The Seventh Holy Scripture had also transformed into the form of a rifle, ready in her hands.

Touko deployed several spider-shaped puppet familiars, as well as the Cheshire Cat, while Aoko maintained her RedShift mode and strode confidently into the cathedral.

After a thorough search, Touko's spider familiars discovered a hidden entrance to a basement in the cathedral's backyard. Aoko signaled for Ciel and Arcueid to join them.

"What's down there?" Aoko asked Ciel.

"I haven't been at the main church for long," Ciel replied, shaking her head. "But based on tradition, it's likely a dungeon, an interrogation room, or an armory."

Aoko nodded and snapped her fingers. The trapdoor to the basement opened instantly. With a wave of her hand, Touko sent her army of spider familiars marching into the basement.

Due to the urgency of the situation, Aoko and Touko didn't wait long and instructed Arcueid and the still-recovering Ciel to stay at the entrance and await further signals.

Contrary to their expectations, the basement of the main church wasn't dark. It was brightly lit, with electric lighting illuminating the area.

Aoko and Touko cautiously searched each room. As they approached the interrogation room, Touko's expression changed—her spider familiars had discovered something.

"Found him," Touko said. "He's in the center of the interrogation room at the end of this hallway. The sacrificial ritual is nearly complete. Besides that golden-haired brat, there's no one else alive in there."

"Give him a proper welcome, Touko," Aoko said. "Don't give him any time to react. Once we deal with him, this job will be done."