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Kaze no Stigma:Ignition Volume1 Chapter 2

2011-03-13T04:33:50Z

Sreeml5thira:

'''Kaze no Stigma Ignition 1 Chapter 2
Meeting upon a dream'''

“I have always loved you.”

Kazuma said gently, hugging Ayano strongly at the same time.

“In this entire world, you are the only one I love------ I will never let you go again.”

“Kazuma……”

Ayano who was choking from the hug, used wet eyes to look at Kazuma.

“Me too, I have always------”

Half way through her sentence, Ayano instead used eyes filled with emotions to transmit her feelings across.

There was no need for words any further. In response to Kazuma who was closing in towards her, Ayano closed her eyes gently.

Then------

“Wahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!”

Ayano flipped her blankets over quickly and jumped up as if she was struck by lightning, a powerful scream coming out of her mouth.

The shriek that came with dawn spread across every corner of the Kannagi residence.

The Kannagi clan is a clan of En-jutsushis that are allied with the flame spirits, and are capable of controlling flames freely. For a thousand years, they have relied on their cleansing flames to eliminate all kinds of ghouls and demons, protecting people from harm.

The job they took on this time was just like one of the countless missions they have had in the past. But------

“------Oh?”

“Good afternoon, Nii-sama.”

With the appearance of an unexpected guest, Kazuma Yagami appeared a little surprised. Kannagi Ren on the other hand greeted him.

Kazuma shifted his glance towards the other girl. She was the one who brought Ren along.

“Why is Ren here, Ayano?”

“It doesn’t matter.”

The girl------ Ayano Kannagi said immediately.

“It is about time for Ren to learn to take on jobs.”

“-------Even though that is true……”

“Since you agree, just shut up.”

After Kazuma nodded, Ayano responded coldly, and then turned her head away in disdain.

Seeing that rejecting attitude, Kazuma and Ren threw a glance at each other.

Even though their surnames are different, they are brothers after all. Kazuma was exiled from their family four years ago, and after a series of events, he is now employed under the Kannagi, assisting the clan in their work.

On a side note, this pair of brothers are distant relatives of Ayano, but that is not important.

“Ayano seems to be in a bad mood today------ Is it because of that period?”

Kazuma whispered quietly like a bad kid making horny jokes by his twelve year old brother. But, his voice was a little too loud. After hearing that, a big green nerve burst out at Ayano's temple.

“------ I don’t know about that.”

Ren watched all this with a glance at the side of his eyes, replying calmly. He did it so as to not get dragged into their quarrels, yet Kazuma seemed even more enthusiastic:

“Or to say, because it didn’t come, that is why she is throwing a tantrum?”

“Nii-sama!”

Ren shouted painfully, but no matter what, this fatal speech couldn't be taken back. This sorrowful sighing boy's collar seemed to be grabbed by someone, and forcefully pulled him away from Kazuma.

Shortly after that------

“Go to hell!!”

Ayano used her left hand to pull Ren over, and with the counter-force that came with it, she reached her right hand out. Her right hand quickly reached beyond the original distance it is capable of, and continued to stretch forward.

Its color becoming bright red.

“Hey hey!”

It was a forward going crimson red blade engulfed in golden flames. Just as the strike was about to pierce through between his eyebrows, Kazuma shifted his head slightly and dodged it easily.

This sword is the prized treasure of the Kannagi clan “Enraiha”------ the one and only exorcising sword that is said to be bestowed upon by the Spirit Lord of Flames himself. Definitely not a weapon to be used against a guy making perverse jokes.

“Isn’t that too dangerous?”

Kazuma complained naturally. But, Ayano didn't accept any of it.

“Ren is still just a primary school kid, what the hell are you teaching him!?”

“No, I am just emphasizing on the importance of contraceptives, and used a failed example while at it.”

“Who the hell failed!? How dare you slander a pure girl!”

Ayano shouted out loudly, while waving the Enraiha in her hand. Faced against the fierce, deadly, and rough attacks that would burn one to a crisp accidentally, Kazuma simply dodged with ease.

“Don’t run!”

Ayano raised Enraiha high, and swung it down with force. Yet, Kazuma dodged this strike easily, and took the opportunity to stick close to the opponent, grabbing Ayano’s wrist at one go.

“------------!”

Seeing Kazuma’s face so close, Ayano couldn’t help but recall her nightmare just this morning.

Tightly holding her arms, the sweet whispers that spread into her ears, and, those lips that closed in slowly------

“……Wahhhhhhhhh!!”

The volume of sound that came out from the girl’s mouth was enough to make a building under construction collapse.

Ayano looked at Kazuma angrily with a blush on her face, using all the might she could muster to grab onto Enraiha. The flames that wrapped around the blade now shone even more brightly.

“Don’t…… Don’t come near me! Get away from me! Pervert!!”

Even though she said that, Ayano was waving Enraiha all around, preventing Kazuma from getting away.

Seeing Ayano enter an insane state, Kazuma was surprised.

“What is going on?”

He dodged as he asked Ren at the side. However, the young boy was currently facing them with his back, his elbow on the window ledge, looking at the sunset with a sorrowful look on his face.

<nowiki>------</nowiki> (''Seems like he has set his mind up to treat us as strangers..'')

“Where are you looking at! Is it okay with you to turn a deaf ear to your brother while he's in trouble!? Hey!”

Even though Kazuma was yelling for help, Ren continued to ignore the argument between the two.

“Ahh, the sun is about to set…… But, just what am I doing here……”

Looking at the distant sunset, Ren grumbled sorrowfully.

<nowiki>---------</nowiki>After three minutes.

“……huu……huu…….” [Sound of panting]

The breathless Ayano placed her entire body weight onto the ground and sat down. As for the similarly breathless Kazuma, he was looking at this scene with a surprised look on his face.

Despite all the training for becoming the next Soshu, after consistently engaging in vigorous anaerobic exercises in her fury, even Ayano can't keep on.. If she even has thirty percent of her strength left, that would really be something.

“------Gee, to be this tired even before we start our work.”

“This…… is nothing…… Will…… Recover immediately……”

“Is it------”

Hearing Ayano’s broken up reply, Kazuma opened his mouth without thinking, but on second thought, said:

“I say…… Just what the hell is wrong with you?”

“……Nii-sama should take half or more of the responsibility for it.”

“Ohh?”

He looked at Ren who was murmuring to himself, showing a smile on his face that made one get a nasty premonition. Seeing this, Ren tried to run away, but it was already too late.

“Uuuuuuug--------Uuuuuuugg------!”

A cute cry came out from the mouth of the boy whose cheeks were being pinched. Even so, Kazuma did not stop, but continued to pull his brother’s cheeks.

“Do you have the right to say such things? When your beloved Nii-sama was in a crisis, who was it that pretended to see nothing, and then talked to me as though such a thing never happened? You really are something.”

“That…… That is not even considered a crisis!”

Ren who was finally released from the evil clutches, acting unlike his usual self, rebutted.

“You obviously dodged so easily------ ugh……”

But, his glory lasted no longer than a few seconds------ When the boy’s eyes met Ayano’s scary stare, he shut up instantly.

A voice that seemed as though it came from the depths of hell said:

“…… I am so sorry. They were all so easily dodged by him.”

“Ah…… Erm…… I……”

Ren didn’t know how to explain at all and cold sweat ran all over his body.

''(..This is why I didn’t want to be involved in this..)''

His eager wish was not heard by the heavens. No, even if the deities heard it, just how effective would it be against these two that are just like stars of death------

(''I am such an unfortunate child……'')

Shrouded under the gaze of the two, Ren sighed deeply.

“------ Okay.”

After ending the nonsensical conversation, Kazuma put on a serious look on his face again.

“While the little shrewd recovers, explain the details of this job to me. I am still unsure of what we have to do.”

“Ah, okay.”

Ren hurriedly said before Ayano could make any noise. If the two of them continued arguing, then there would probably be no work done today.

“This building halted it's construction due to an economic crisis. Someone else took it over, intending to demolish it and rebuild it, but------”

“Ghosts appeared?”

“No, it is not something so distinct, instead, it is the gradual increase of unconscious people. Five people died in this manner, and out of those that woke up, two of them suicide thereafter. All the rest seems weak, at this rate------”

“Hmmm------”

Kazuma responded in accordance. Ren quickly asked:

“Did Nii-sama sense any youki?”

“Ahh.”

Kazuma nodded in confession. He is a fuujutsushi that can control the winds and air, and where there is air, there is practically nothing that he cannot find.

“But, I can’t pinpoint the actual location.”

He gave an ambiguous answer, and then looked coldly at Ayano who was sitting on the ground.

“You can walk now right? Let’s start quickly. Maybe the opponent will take the initiative if we roam around.”

“Do as you please……”

Ayano murmured as she stood up. Even though she was not too willing, given that there were no other plans, she could only do as Kazuma said.

“So then, let us set off!”

Even so, Ayano made the commands as if she’s leader, walking off before the other two.

“Hey------”

In less than ten minutes, Ayano who couldn't stand it looked back. She continued to move forward in this position, as she looked at Kazuma who did not show any signs of tension.

“Found it yet?”

“No point rushing me------”

Kazuma shrugged in helplessness.

“Because I haven't even started looking.”

“Huh?”

Ayano couldn’t help but suspect her ears. Kazuma emphasized once more:

“Didn’t I mention that we will wait for it to strike first?”

“But, at least try! Do you even want to work!?”

Ayano stared with an angry look. But even under such conditions, Kazuma was still being cheeky.

“Well then, let me give you some advice.”

“What?”

“You should look forward when you walk.”

“------Huh?”

Ayano who was just about to turn her head around had her neck suddenly hooked by an arm stretching out from the wall. The arm tugged Ayano strongly, not giving her any time to resist, and pulled her into the wall directly.

The cement showed ripples as if on a lake surface, and Ayano disappeared into the wall just like that.

“Nee……Nee-sama……?”

Ren was in a daze, and raised his head to look at Kazuma with a despaired look on his face.

His brother’s face showed no signs of panic. Kazuma looked dumbly at the wall where Ayano disappeared into for a long while, and then said something:

“Okay------ Let’s go on.”

“No…… No we can’t, how can we just leave like this!”

Seeing Kazuma’s intentions to leave casually, Ren rushed before him and stopped him in his tracks.

“Are you going to just leave Nee-sama like that!?”

The wall that swallowed Ayano was currently still undulating like a liquid. The diameter was around two metres, just big enough to let one man through------ and it seemed deliberate.

Kazuma’s reaction lookwd as though he was feeling unhappy from the bottom of his heart.

“Anyone can tell that it’s a trap. Asking me to save that kind of fool------”

“No!”

“How about this, we go have a search around this building, and if we don’t find------”

“No!”

Ren refused to give in. He tugged Kazuma’s hand, and forcefully dragged him towards the wall, as if he was forcing a kid who didn’t want to go to school.

“Ren------”

“No means NO!”

Ren refused Kazuma’s request. The boy who, even the most superior Fuujitsushi, Kazuma, had to listen to------ In a way, he may perhaps be the strongest.

“Hey? Ayano? Wake up.”

“Mmm……”

Feeling the gentle shake on her body, Ayano’s consciousness gradually recovered.

(''I…… was dragged in by hands stretching out from the walls, and then……'')

And then, she had no recollection of what happened next. She opened her heavy eyelids, and was shocked to see Kazuma’s face.

“Wah------”

Ayano instinctively felt like jumping up, but Kazuma was one step faster than her, and hugged her, preventing any kind of resistance.

“Huh? Ah……”

“Don’t make me so worried ever again……”

Beside the ear of the surprised Ayano came Kazuma’s slightly coarse voice.

“I thought you were dead.”

''His voice is filled with relief. This suffocating hug, could it be because he is afraid to lose her?
''
“------ I am sorry, I was too careless.”

Perhaps due to his frankness, Ayano changed her usual defiant attitude, and apologized to Kazuma.

“Good that you are okay. Can you stand up?”

“Ah, yeah. Thanks.”

Ayano held onto Kazuma’s hand and stood up. She wanted to let go of his hand after thanking him, but she was unable to.

“Kazuma?”

“Don’t leave me again.”

Kazuma said as he held tightly onto Ayano’s hand.

“Stay by me forever, I will protect you.”

“Ka…… Kazuma------?”

Ayano couldn't believe what was going on, and stared at Kazuma. To think this man would actually say such undisguised sweet words to her, it's like a dream.

Unsure of what to do, Ayano’s eyes wandered around------ Suddenly, she noticed something.

“What happened to Ren?”

“Huh? Ahhh------”

For some reason Kazuma hesitated, and then shrugged his shoulders as if it is unimportant.

“We got separated. But, I was more worried about you.”

“---------------------------------”

“Ayano?”

The stunned Ayano recovered upon Kazuma’s call. She showed a shy smile, and lifted her eyes to look at Kazuma.

“Thank you for being worried about me……”

“That goes without words.”

Kazuma answered, caressing Ayano’s hand gently while he spoke. Ayano held onto Kazuma’s hand, but her actions seemed rather stiff.

“But, its about time we set off to go find Ren. Can you walk?”

“Yes, no problem. Let’s go.”

And so, the two marched off.

Holding each other’s hands tightly.

“------Nii-sama?”

Just as they submerged into the wall, Kazuma who was originally holding his hand suddenly vanished without a trace.

“Nii-sama? Where are you------”

He looked around, but there was only darkness surrounding him.

“Nii-sama------?”

There was not a single reply. Ren’s voice was swallowed by the darkness, the entire world was filled with silence.

(''Just where is this place------?'')

Judging from the fact that his voice never echoed back, this should not be the interior of the building. Could they have been sucked into an alternate dimension------ Suppressing the anxiety in his heart, Ren looked behind himself subconsciously.

“Woah!?”

Not long after the suppression, a cry of shock came out from his mouth. He hurriedly retreated backwards, staring at “that thing” with widened eyes.

It was a white shadow floating amidst the darkness. That thing------ “She” gave no forewarning, and just appeared at the place before him suddenly.

It was a girl wearing a white one-piece dress. Her age seemed to be around the same as Ren, yet she was a little taller than Ren, and her curly hair extended all the way to her waist.

“You are……?”

This was the first time that they have met, there was no doubt about it. Because if they have ever met before, Ren would definitely not forget it, he would never forget such a lonely smile------

“-----------------------”

The girl opened her mouth, but her voice could not reach Ren’s ears, so he was unable to hear anything.

“What did you say? I can’t hear you at all.”

“-----------------------”

The girl seemed to ignore Ren’s question, and continued on with her silent words. Following that, she lowered her head sadly, and several seconds later, raised her head once more.

“------Huh?”

The girl’s expression changed as though it's someone else, her eyes looked cold, with a sinister smile at the side of her mouth. She suddenly wielded a dagger that came out from nowhere in her right hand, and then without hesitation, she slashed at Ren.

“Wait…… Wait a minute------”

The girl’s attack was relentless, but her actions were clearly those of an untrained personal. Just as Ren dodged easily, he voiced out to try to stop her:

“Stop it! Why are you doing this------”

Suddenly, the girl’s movements sped up. The tension of her muscles and the flexibility of her body did not change, it was just an increase of speed. Just like a tape that was being fast forwarded, it looked extremely unnatural.

“Waah!?”

Ren’s leg hit something, and he stumbled onto the floor. Facing the boy who was lying on the ground, the girl lunged at him with a deep murderous intent. The sharp blade was aimed at the position of his heart.

“Mmm------”

Even at this stage, Ren does not want to harm the girl. He began to focus his consciousness, intending to let the dagger------ let that steel dagger that was shining with great brilliance within the darkness melt away.

------Swish!

The girl stopped in mid-air, her body suddenly cut into half. The body that was sliced into two from her left shoulder to the right side of her waist, was then swallowed into the darkness and disappeared.

“Huh? What…… What was that……”

“Are you okay?”

The puzzled Ren heard an extremely calm enquiring voice at this moment. He sat up instantly, and searched for the source of the voice.

“Nii-sama!?”

“Yeah.”

Kazuma nodded calmly. Ren who finally set his mind at rest, started to observe his surroundings.

It was no longer pitch black. This was probably some room in the building, looking dark and desolate. The concrete floor was cold and hard, Ren stood up quickly.

He asked Kazuma who was right before him:

“Did Nii-sama save me?”

“Yeah.”

Kazuma gave a very short reply, he didn’t seem to be in a good mood.

“What was that just now?”

“Its your dream. I am not too sure of the contents.”

“Dream?”

“It's ‘Nightmare’.”

“------Hmm.”

Hearing the term, Ren more or less understood. In other words, it’s a psychological attack by the enemy.

There is a youma that is called “Nightmare”. Just as the name implies, it would give its host nightmares.

There is a “sacred area” in everyone’s heart. Their loved ones, precious memories, or mental wounds that cannot be healed------ hidden deep in their heart, a forbidden zone that does not allow others to come into contact with it.

Nightmare would intrude into this sacred area, and distort it.

Memories of time spent with your loved ones, would turn into a nightmare where you are being murdered by them.

When assaulted by the one you love so dearly, just how many people would bear to fight back? And so, people are forced into the fear and despair of being killed by their lovers, parents, or even children------ The purpose of Nightmare is to consume these negative emotions.

“Did Nii-sama have a nightmare too?”

Ren asked casually. Kazuma frowned slightly, and after keeping quiet for quite a while, he used a bitter tone to say softly:

“……Yeah. A past I don’t want to recall.”

“Is…… Is it……”

After realizing that he asked a question he shouldn’t have, Ren starts to ponder on ways to change the topic. He wanted to go through what he just went through, and suddenly realized something strange.

Ren’s dream did not turn into a nightmare.

Just as previously mentioned, Nightmare would distort important memories, and turn them into nightmares.

Yet, in Ren’s dream, he met a girl he doesn’t know. Even though he was about to be killed by her, he was merely shocked, and was not to the extent of feeling scared or despaired.

“……How strange.”

“What’s strange?”

”Hmmm, frankly speaking……”

After Kazuma who felt strange began to enquire further, Ren described his dream.

“------Oh?”

“What does Nii-sama think?”

“About that…… From Nightmare’s usual tricks, it is definitely your memories alright. But if you didn’t forget it, then perhaps it predicted your ‘memories from the future’?”

“Memories from the future? Can Nightmares really do that?”

Ren cried out in surprise.

“Who knows.”

Kazuma’s reply sounded like perfunctory remarks.

“I am merely stating my assumption, just let it go. Anyway let’s meet up with Ayano.”

“------You’re right.”

Ren does not think that the future is something that is fixed. Even if Nightmare really can predict the future, it's just but one of the possibilities.

Matters regarding the future, there is no point in thinking about it now. Ren shifted his attention towards the problem at hand.

(''Is Nee-sama also having a nightmare now……?'')

He was not unsure about Ayano’s strength. Ayano would never fall for a trap that even he was able to escape from.

Yet, it is still worrying.

“Let’s hurry up and go, Nii-sama.”

Grabbing onto Kazuma’s hand, Ren started walking off quickly.

Speak of the devil.

It was such a coincidental meeting.

They were moving along the outer walls of the building. Just when they were about to take a turn, they met at an extremely close range.

“Nee-sama!”

After recognizing the girl before him, Ren’s eyes brightened up instantly. But in the next moment, he changed into a shocked expression.

“……And…… Nii-sama……?”

He stared blankly at the man standing beside Ayano, and then he turned his head around, and looked to his side once more.

They looked exactly identical.

“There are two…… Nii-sama……?”

“Oh……”

“Hmm……”

The “two Kazumas” stared at each other, showing the exact cold smile at the same time.

“…………”

And Ayano on the other hand was watching from the side. On a side-note, the moment she saw Ren, the hand originally holding onto Kazuma’s was drawn back forcefully.

“Nee…… Nee-sama…… What’s this about……?”

“If you ask me, I too------”

Towards Ren’s question, Ayano shook her head as if she had no part in this.

“One of them must be an impostor right?”

“Bu…… But……”

Ren seemed hesitant, and looked at the Kazuma beside him.

“But, Nii-sama------ this Nii-sama saved me.”

“What a coincidence. It’s the same for me.”

Ayano answered calmly. Seeing Ayano’s strange attitude, Ren couldn’t help but show a troubled look.

“Nee-sama, why do you seem so calm?”

“That’s because------”

Ayano compared the two Kazumas, and then made a conclusion:

“We can’t tell which is the real one.”

“……So?”

“In that case, let’s not waste time. Let them prove themselves.”

“Prove themselves……”

Ren did not know what Ayano was trying to say at all.

He doesn't think that they can prove anything just by talking. Besides, the impostor won’t admit that he is the fake.

Leaving the puzzled Ren at one side, Ayano turned to the two Kazumas and said:

“So to say------ Both of you go over there and have a good fight.”

“Nee-sama!?”

Ignoring Ren's shock, she continued to say:

“The surviving one will be the real deal, got it?”

“This is too reckless! The winner might not be the real Nii-sama!”

“------What are you talking about?”

Seeing Ren’s violent reaction, Ayano blinked, surprised.

“How can Kazuma lose?.”

“------Huh?”

This was not a taunt. Her tone was so calm and peaceful, it was as if she was stating the obvious truth.

“Kazuma would never lose to an impostor.”

“That…… though its true……”

Even though there are a lot of problems with his personality, but as a Jutsushi, Kazuma’s abilities can be fully trusted. Faced against an unwavering argument, Ren could only swallow his own words.

“So------”

Ayano raised her finger with force, pointing at the two before her, and announced loudly:

“The two of you don’t have to go easy, just fight it out quickly!”

“…………”

Both Kazumas glanced at Ayano, and then stared at each other, and finally sighed at the same time.

Their actions were an exact mirror image, without the slightest difference at all. Even a pair of artists that have partnered for a long period of time might not be as harmonious as them.

“What’s up with this girl.”

“Doing things so arbitrarily-------”

“So violent------”

“Just like a tomboy……”

After finishing their final sentence at the same time, they both sighed together once more. Seeing this collaborative scene, Ayano’s temple twitched slightly.

“You……”

She grabbed a piece of concrete the size of her palm.

“Why are you having a twosome performance with the impostor! You idiot!”

And threw it out with all her might. Seeing the concrete piece that is entirely offtrack, the two Kazumas did not dodge, but only watched calmly.

“How dangerous.”

“That’s right.”

“Shut up!”

Ayano shouted out with a sinister look on her face:

“Hurry up and start! Or else I will slaughter the both of you!”

Both Kazumas widened their eyes instantly, with an astonishing look on their faces. Following that, once again, they spoke together harmoniously to ask the question in their hearts:

“How will you slaughter me?”

“------!!”

In her fury, Ayano drew out her Enraiha. But just as she was about to swing it, Ren stopped her.

“Nee-sama, calm down!”

“I can’t calm down anymore!”

Ayano struggled, trying to break free from the boy who was hugging her tightly.

“How can I accept two Kazumas in this world! Just one makes me mad, having two will drive me nuts!!”

“Nee…… Nee-sama……”

Ren tried to pacify Ayano, and turned to Kazuma with begging eyes at the same time------ As he did not know which was the real one, his eyes could only shift between the both of them.

“Nii-sama, please think of something. Nee-sama can’t take much more of this.”

“………..”

The two Kazumas looked at each other and shrugged helplessly.

“We don’t have much choice I guess, let’s begin.”

“------You’re right.”

Kazuma------ the one that appeared with Ayano------ reached out, and caressed the head of Ayano who was beginning to ease her anger.

“So, I am going.”

“------Have a nice trip.”

Ayano replied, a bit of her unhappiness still lingering in her tone. But, when Kazuma turned around with a bitter smile on his face, her voice turned freezing cold suddenly.

“I meant to hell.”

Poosh! [Sound of something splattering?]

With the sound of one’s body being pierced through, Enraiha stabbed into Kazuma’s body. The blade tip engulfed in flames entered from his back, and came out from the center of his chest.

It was a strike that accurately pierced the heart. As if time stopped, everyone seemed to have forgotten to breathe. At this moment, Kazuma turned around to look at Ayano.

“A……Ayano……?”

“Shut your trap.”

His coarse voice was cut off coldly by Ayano.

“ I have no idea who you are, but please don’t call my name out so casually.”

“Wha……What------”

“Quit the acting. If you didn't die instantly the moment Enraiha pierced through your heart, it doesn’t matter what you say anymore.”

“----------------”

Perhaps admitting its failure, “Kazuma”’s painful expression disappeared suddenly, and in exchange an evil smile revealed itself.

“When did you find out?”

“Since the beginning.”

“……How?”

“Why? Need you ask! How is it possible for Kazuma to leave Ren behind, and come rescue me alone? That is physically impossible no matter how you look at it!” [Actual translation would be “That is impossible in physics terms.” But I don’t understand why use physics here. Correct it if you do]

“……Nee-sama……”

Seeing how confident Ayano was when saying that, Ren couldn’t help but feel sad for her.

“So that’s the reason…… Seems like I let an unwanted girl have a nice dream…… Argh!”

Enraiha suddenly shone brightly “Kazuma”’s body was completely swallowed by flames.

“Shut your trap and go die! I will eliminate you! I will burn you till you won’t even have ashes left!”

Ayano shouted, while igniting the “furies of justice”. As if responding towards her will, the flames gave out an angry roar too, slowly eroding “Kazuma” off.

“Hey hey------”

Even after “Kazuma” was all burnt off, the flames showed no signs of subsiding. Instead, it spread out swiftly. Avoiding Kazuma, who set up a wind barrier and Ren’s surrounding area, the flames start to burn the entire building, streets, and even the entire world.

Shortly after that------

“Aaaaaarrrrrrhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!”

A dying cry came out from somewhere.

“------Strange?”

The feeling in her hand vanished suddenly, Ayano took a step forward quickly to prevent herself from falling over.

She looked around. This seemed to be a certain room in the building, which was obviously all burnt down just now, yet there were no burnt marks anywhere.

“What’s going on?”

“------Could it all have been a dream?”

Ren who understood the situation more clearly than Ayano, turned towards Kazuma and asked.

“Perhaps.”

“That is to say------”

“Its all over.”

Before the question is finished, Kazuma gave a short answer.

Just as “Kazuma” was burnt, Ayano burnt everything else as well------ The entire world that Nightmare created. Of course, the Nightmare that had been hiding naturally failed to escape its fate.

After hearing this explanation, Ayano raised her chest high up, and put on an arrogant front:

“Hmm hmm. How was that? Shocked, right!”

“Mmm------ So you won with brute force.”

“What! Does it matter------”

Ayano tried to rebut, but then changed to the smile of a winner, and looked at Kazuma with an expression of mockery.

“You didn’t do anything this time round. Even so you still want to get paid?”

She interrogated this “Money thief” with her eyes. Of course, Kazuma will definitely not push the reward at hand off just because of a slight mockery from someone else.

“Yup, there was no room for me this time round. You really became stronger.”

Kazuma hugged Ayano gently, and whispered softly by her ear. Faced with this sudden development, Ayano’s face turned beet red instantly, her entire body stiffened.

“Wha……What……”

(''What…… What is this……? Could it be that I am still dreaming……'')

As she could never imagine that Kazuma would praise her, Ayano couldn’t feel happy at all. Kazuma continued to input more sweet whispers into Ayano’s frozen consciousness.

“Work harder from now on, and let my wallet earn even more.”

(''---------------------Hah?-'')

Ayano raised her head reflectively. Kazuma looked into her eyes and said:

“Just standing there and getting paid for it, how can I give up on such a job? So, I will be relying on you from now on.”

“……You……”

Ayano who was so angry her body was trembling, got kissed on the forehead at this moment. The sound of the kiss became the sound of the detonation switch being pressed at the same time.

Kaboom!

The moment Kazuma turned around, golden flames burst out Ayano’s entire body. Feeling the amazing heat behind him, Kazuma quickly grabbed Ren’s hand and started running.

“Time to run.”

“……Nii-sama.”

Ren cried out in a painful voice.

“Can’t you use a more normal way to encourage Nee-sama?”

“------Hmm, actually, that is not impossible, but……”

“But?”

“It's more fun this way.”

Dodging the plasma ball that came flying at a high speed, Kazuma hummed as he spoke.

“-------Sigh……”

Thinking about the fact that Ayano will probably still be toyed around by Kazuma from now on, and he would still get dragged into it, Ren can’t help but sigh with mixed feelings.

Kaze no Stigma:Ignition Volume1 Chapter 1

2010-11-05T18:02:52Z

Sreeml5thira: Tense changed to past, sentences repaired

Kaze no Stigma Ignition 1
Ayano-chan’s Misfortune

21.30 hours------

Normally at this hour, there should be no one in Seiryo Academy. The fully automated security system allowed this place to not require any teacher or guards to station here. It was impossible to avoid the sensors situated at the different significant spots and infiltrate the school. Once an abnormality was detected, the guards would be here within five minutes.

However, tonight was an exception. At this moment, a few shadows that obviously did not belong to those of guards, were loitering around school campus, not bothering to hide themselves.

“So------ Let the first Seiryo Academy ghost exorcism tour set off now!”

A girl raised her hand in declaration upon the lightless pitch black corridor. The soft slightly curly hair wavered with that exaggerated action, that gesture looked very cute.

“Yukari……”

Beside her, another short haired girl emotionlessly blew her trumpet.

Pabuuu------ A sound that spoiled the atmosphere echoed around their surroundings.

“Nanase------------!”

Ayano shouted. Just like how Caesar cried out “Brutus, even you……” when he was dying.

“You should stop Yukari!? Why are you joining her instead!”

Pabuu!

Nanase did not reply, but blew the trumpet once more instead------ Looked like she is enjoying it.

“Ahhhhh!”

“Don’t be so depressed.”

“Yukari shut up!”

The start of this goes back to several hours ago.

Ayano, who got to the headmaster’s office upon hearing the school broadcast, suddenly took up a job request. Of course, as an Enjutsushi that controls flames------ Ayano Kannagi.

“Is it a “human spirit”?”

“Yes. It is said that after dark, there will be countless spirits flying around in the campus. As it has begun affecting curriculum activities, I hope you will exorcise them as soon as possible.”

Differing from the term “Mysterious studies”, the fact that ghosts and magic exists was common sense to people of a certain social standing.

Schools has always been one of the two biggest origins for ghost stories, together with hospitals, and as someone managing a school, it is only right for him to know of the name Kannagi. This wasn’t the first time Ayano had gotten a request from the headmaster.

“I have already talked to your father about it, it will commence tonight.”

Since it was an official request, naturally, Ayano had no objections. She straightened herself and replied:

”I got it. Leave it to me.”

Hearing a confident promise, the headmaster nodded in satisfaction.

And so, Ayano and the Fuujutsushi Kazuma Yagami infiltrated the school at night together. But------

“……Why are you guys here?”

“Hehe♥”

Faced with Ayano who was staring at her with squinted eyes, Shinomiya Yukari showed a cute smile.

This girl was just like Kudo Nanase, both were Ayano’s best of friends. She has a lot of connections, and even though she is currently the secretary of the student council, she has private information networks among different committees and the more popular clubs, and even among the teaching staff.

And even though this information network has only been established for a year, but it is said to be the biggest in the school already------ Even so, can it really get to know the contents of the one-to-one speech with the headmaster on the day itself?

“Could it be…… that you planted a listening device in the headmaster’s office?”

“Gee, Ayano how can you ask such a question.”

Yukari bore the smile of a obedient child and made a vague reply.

Even though Ayano knew clearly that she was playing dumb, Ayano had no intentions of probing further. If Yukari said: “Aren’t you asking the obvious?” someday, it would still be fine, but if she said: “That is but of course”, Ayano really had no idea what to say then.

Ayano began to change the topic, trying to convince Yukari:

“Anyway, you guys should head back quickly, the season for bravery competitions is summer.”

On a side-note, it was December now and the school was so cold it left one trembling even without the scares.

“But it doesn’t necessarily mean that ghosts would appear in summer.

Besides, I am a member of the student council, how can I ignore ghosts that is a threat the school!”

Yukari held her fist tight, saying those words righteously. But, this didn't cover the curiosity that was being revealed from within her eyes------ Or should it be phrased as that she had no intentions of hiding them.

Understanding that there was no way she could convince Yukari, Ayano sighed deeply. The only way to let them go back quietly was probably by force.

“Kazuma, don’t you have anything to say?”

“Not at all. If you bring these two along, you better take up the responsibility to protect them well.”

Kazuma said in a tone as if it didn't concern him. Ayano knew very clearly, this was not a joke. If the two of them were in danger, this man would probably never lend a helping hand.

“…… Big jerk……”

After grumbling softly, Ayano turned to face Yukari. Yukari bore a usual------ Or should it be said, a smile that was certain of her victory.

“You guys have to obey my instructions, don’t act on your own.”

“Okay, don’t worry♥”

Hearing this sentence that was equivalent to a defeat declaration, Yukari nodded in agreement instantly. Following that, she announced loudly:

“So------ Let’s set off now!”

Pabuu------

Some time had passed, but nothing happened. As they loitered aimlessly in the school campus, Ayano asked Kazuma:

“Sense any abnormalities?”

“------Nope, nothing special.”

As a fuujutsushi that commands the wind and air, it was a piece of cake for Kazuma to sense the entire school premises.

Ayano only completely trusted this ability of his as well, and so said:

“Looks like everything is normal, so let’s just head back.”

“No such thing------ Ghosts definitely exist!”

Seeing Ayano’s intention to give up immediately, Yukari said confidently.

“This school has a very long history, so many things happened before. For example, five years ago, someone jumped off from the roof, and got stuck on the Sakura tree------”

“Then doesn’t that mean she didn’t die?”

“No, she died. Normally speaking, the branches should catch her like a spring bed, but that girl’s back hit a rather strong branch, and so her backbone broke just like that. So, it is said that when everyone found her, the corpse was in a state where it was bent backwards, the back of her head and her feet were almost together, hanging on the branch gruesomely------”

“Ahhh! Stop talking! How gross!”

“Huh------ We were just getting to the good part-------”

“This isn’t about whether its good! If there really had been some ghost haunting the school for five years, I would have realized long ago back when I just got to Junior high!”

“Is that so? Aren’t you really slow on this kind of stuff normally?”

“Nanase!”

Even though she shouted out to protest, but Ayano seemed to have noticed her own slowness in such issues, and then looks towards her back with an irritated look on her face.

“Even if I didn’t notice, he would definitely not miss anything. There is no ghost that can escape Kazuma’s eyes------”

Ayano suddenly shut up in the middle of her sentence, frowning slightly, because she sensed wind coming from behind her. In an enclosed school environment, there was air flow that should not possibly exist.

Before she could react to it, the gentle wind suddenly became a strong gust of wind. The upward air flow in the narrow corridor lifted the girls’ skirts up.

“Ahhhh!?”

With the cries of three, a mixture of three colors, pure white, striped and black lace------ Needless to say which belonged to who------ stood out clearly in the dim corridor.

“Ka…… Kazuma!”

Ayano held her skirt down hurriedly, and turns her head around with a red face.

Kazuma looked around with a troubled look on his face.

“……What……?”

He mumbles to himself, following that he placed his eyes straight ahead. And so------ his eyes met with those of the furious Ayano.

He seemed to have realized what happened, so Kazuma opened his mouth to apologize with his greatest sincerity:

“Sorry.”

”Did you think just a “Sorry” would be fine!!”

Ayano unsheathed Enraiha immediately, and swung this sacred blade of exorcism that was used to vanquish evil down at the head of the shameless man before her.

“Go to hell! Big pervert! Die! Go and die right now!”

Faced with these angry attacks, Kazuma unhurriedly dodges. He did not leave the attack range of the sword, but instead pressed closer towards it.

After dodging several tens of attacks, Kazuma finally took an offensive stand. He grabbed the hand that Ayano wielded Enraiha with, and pulled gently.

Ayano who lost her balance knelt onto the floor. At the next instant, a ball of light flew past coincidentally at the place Ayano's head was.

“------Huh?”

Ayano was stunned for a second, but her body made instinctive reactions to take on a battle stance.

At this moment, she thought to herself, this should be an attack by the enemy.

“------Whose it!?”

Ayano hurriedly faced the direction at which the ball of light came from, raising the Enraiha in her hand. But there was no one there.

“…………”

“There is no one there.”

Heaing Kazuma’s words, Ayano finally relaxeed, putting Enraiha down.

“……Who did that just now?”

“Who knows.”

Kazuma shrugs his shoulders.

“Didn’t you say there were no abnormalities?”

“Well……”

“------------”

Ayano stared at Kazuma with eyes of suspicion.

Very strange.

She couldn’t really tell what, but Kazuma’s attitude was really strange.

To describe it, he appeared to be overly calm. If what Kazuma said was true, then a mysterious enemy had just attacked without Kazuma noticing at all, and then vanished without a trace.

An enemy with such great power was currently hiding somewhere within the school. Just this alone should make Kazuma nervous.

Just as Ayano wanted to question further, a chirpy voice came from behind her suddenly, calling Ayano’s name:

“Ayano! You see you see! There are Ghosts! I was right wasn’t I? But, it moved too quickly just now, I didn’t manage to grab a shot in time.”

Turning her head around, she found Yukari holding a digital camera from who knows where, her face full of smiles.

Ayano wass lazy to rebut that how can there be ghosts flying at that kind of high speed, and used an unenergetic voice to reply:

“……Yeah, gee great.”

“Yup yup!”

Failing to notice the sarcasm within, Yukari nodded happily.

“Have you found that fellow just now?”

“Not a trace.”

Ayano and gang resumed their search, but were still lingering without a goal. After all, Kazuma who was the main force in the party did’t seem enthusiastic about it. And so, their actions came to a still halt.

Ayano slanted her eyes to stare at Kazuma, trying to see what she could tell from his expression, but gave up instantly. Ayano is very certain that with such a simple personality, it is impossible for her to tell what Kazuma, a guy that was hard to deal with, was thinking.

In the end, Ayano decideed to take an action that suited her personality the most, that is to ask Kazuma straightforwardly:

“Kazuma, you are hiding something from me right?”

“What? You wanna get to know more about me all of a sudden?”

“Don’t joke with me!”

Ayano stared at Kazuma who was trying to change the topic with sharp eyes. At the same time she grabbed his collar, pulling that cheeky face toward her.

“Spill it out! Tell me everything you know.”

“Or else I will strangle you to death”------ Ayano questioned him with such a “gentle” smile. But, Kazuma took an unexpected move of retaliation.

He didn't resist at all, instead he pulled the distance between them closer.

Seeing Kazuma getting closer and closer to herself, Ayano could not understand what he’s doing, and couldn’t help but release her grip. But, Kazuma’s face continued to close in------ in the end, his lips touched Ayano’s nose gently.

“………………………Waaaah!?”

After being stunned for a few seconds, Ayano suddenly made a weird noise as she retreated backwards.

“You…… You…… What are you doing……”

“Its nothing. I just felt that you will probably let go this way. Just like the story of “The northern winds and the sun”.”

Pachunk, nerves gathered at Ayano’s temple instantly.

“You……. You are really a……”

Her furious anger turned to power, emerging from Ayano’s body. She had gone serious about it entirely, preparing to gather her powers for a full fledge strike.

At this moment, Kazuma used his usual tone, opening his mouth to say slowly:

“By the way------”

“What!?”

“You should look ahead when you are walking.”

“------Huh?”

Ayano turned her head back hurriedly, and saw a trace of the ball of light flying straight at her instantly.

Judging from the distance, it was approximately ten centimeters away, there was no way she could dodge it. That glaring cold light made Ayano feel as though she saw her own death.

(----------------------)

She couldn’t scream, even her thoughts stopped right there. And just like that, the ball of light hit Ayano’s forehead directly, giving her a strong impact.

Bang!

“Wah!”

Ayano screamed out, and fell backwards entirely. Kazuma looked coldly at the girl lying with her limps spread wide on the ground, and grumbled in his mouth:

“Be it the scream or the pose when she fell onto the ground, why isn’t there any sign of femininity in them?”

“Because its Ayano.”

Yukari answered instantly. Kazuma nodded in agreement.

“Ahh, sounds very reasonable.”

“What did you say!”

Ayano jumped up to protest immediately. But Kazuma ignored her and shifted his eyes above him.

The ball of light that hit Ayano, was currently staying still around the ceiling, as if confirming the results from the hit. Kazuma squinted his eyes, trying to see what was within that ball of light. At this moment------

“Head back! Head back!”

The will of the ball of light sounded off directly within the consciousness of the gang. As if threatening, the light flickered, transmitting a strong hostility.

“Do not continue any further! Or else you won’t be so lucky next time!”

“Stop fooling around!”

Tossing all suspicion and shock aside, Ayano shouted back reflectively, releasing flames at the same time.

“Ahh!”

The ball of light dodged in the nick of time, giving a cute scream at the same time. Any ghosts or ghouls that comes into contact with the flame of the Kannagi even slightly will perish. Yet, the ball of light did not seem to have suffered any damage.

“Big idiot------! Watch it------!”

“Don’t even think about escaping!”

Aimed directly at the ball of light that tried to escape, Ayano was just about to release flames. But------

“Stop it.”

An instant before releasing her flames, Kazuma knocked Ayano’s hand away. The palm that changed its direction released golden flames right below it.

------ The floor caught fire instantly.

“You…… What are you doing!?”

“That’s not important, let’s extinguish the flame quickly.”

Kazuma ran far away, and pointed to the fire on the floor as he spoke.

“Don’t make such sarcastic remarks!”

Ayano protested as she calmed the fire spirits down, extinguishing the fire in such a manner. In the end, a big hole was burnt in the floor.

“……Look, what should we do now.”

“Why ask me?”

Faced with Ayano’s grumble, Kazuma just shrugged his shoulders, without a shred of sincerity.

Ayano glared at Kazuma with eyes filled with murderous intent at this moment.

“Fine, I won’t hold you responsible for this. Tell me everything!

------ Why did you stop me just now?”

A tone that allowed no room for error. Those eyes seemed to be telling the other party that if he doesn’t reply honestly, he would suffer.

Kazuma’s eyes shifted around, as if pondering about something. In the end, he finally broke the silence:

“Well------ Didn’t that guy threaten us “not to go any further”? That is to say, that guy probably is doing something somewhere. So instead of killing it, why not let it live so it can lead the way for us.”

Kazuma gave a bunch of reasons. Yet Ayano looked at him suspiciously.

“Why does this seem like an excuse you came up with last minute?”

“How can that be? Fuu-jutsushis don’t lie.”

“From what kind of old timed movie did this line come?------ Fine, if that's the case, how are we to find its position?”

Understanding that it won’t help at all to continue questioning him, Ayano changed the direction of her questioning.

“Well, there’s got to be some way------ Let’s go.”

With that, Kazuma showed a deep smile and without hesitation stepped off.

“Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!”

Following the shriek, the girls all “slipped” down from the stairs. And as she was falling, Ayano got a glimpse of Kazuma who was standing beside the wall, his feet actually pinned securely against the slope.

“You are so heartless------! Caring only for yourself------!”

Just before knocking into the staircase platform, Ayano screamed at the top of her voice.

Under the lead of Kazuma, the gang started searching for the ball of light, their direction wass correct. They have had several encounters with the ball of light------ Each time they get vigorously attacked.

The floor suddenly became abnormally smooth, causing Yukari to have a great fall.

The direction of gravity suddenly turned upside down. Nanase’s entire body broke through the ceiling, half her body getting stuck within.

And now, the stairs suddenly disappeared, becoming a steep slope. The three girls, like comedians, came tumbling down one by one.

“What…… is going on……”

Ayano shook her head as she stood up.

The power that the ball of light uses was just like magic in fairytales. How to achieve such effects, the cause-effect in-between is hard to guess.

Kazuma slid down behind them. Ayano stared at him angrily:

”Even at this stage, you refuse to let me use my powers?”

“What do you mean? Did any of us even got hurt?”

“Hmm……”

Ayano was unable to say anything then, falling into silence.

Kazuma was right. The strange phenomenon that the ball of light caused, though seemed exaggerating, almost did not cause any harm.

Even though it possessed amazing powers that can even destroy the entire school, all it did was like a child’s prank. Just what does that ball of light have in mind, Ayano couldn't understand at all.

“I suggest you don’t waste your effort, no one knows what it is thinking.”

As if seeing through Ayano’s thoughts, Kazuma said so. From his tone, he obviously knew what was the true identity of the ball of light.

Ayano stared straight at the cheeky Kazuma.

Even though he was flippant on the surface, Kazuma’s work attitude had always been serious. Once he accepted the rewards, he will take up his responsibility.

Even for those suspicious actions, there must be some hidden reason behind them. But------

“……Because you won’t tell me anything.”

She looked at Kazuma with eyes filled with grudge, and said in an unhappy tone. Kazuma patted on Ayano’s head gently like coaxing a child.

“I am not keeping things from you. It is just that I still don’t have clear evidence, even if I tell you now it won’t help.”

“------Liar.”

Ayano said coldly, turning around in disgust. Kazuma saw this, and whispered softly by her ear:

“Its true------ Believe me. I am here just so to protect you.”

A fatal hit. The sweet words that flowed into her ear smashed all consciousness of resistance.

(~~! Why does this guy’s voice sound so sweet……)

It felt as if the relaxing low pitch voice goes past her eardrums, and got transmitted straight to her brain. Her heart throbbed, her body beginning to heat up. The voice echoed in her mind, causing her to be unable to think anymore-------

<nowiki>------</nowiki> As a result------

When Ayano realized that she had been fooled, it was already the next morning------ after everything was all over.

“I wonder what is going to happen next------”

Walking beside Ayano, Yukari says happily, the pitch near the end of the sentence going slightly higher.

“Ayano?”

“Huh------? Ah, yeah you’re right.”

Seeing the still unfocused Ayano, Yukari looked at her with mischievous eyes.

“Don’t begin letting your guard down just because Kazuma-san will protect you.”

“That’s right. It is fine for you to indulge in your prince and princess fantasies, but the one in charge of protecting us is you, so please pull yourself together.”

Nanase appeared beside Ayano and used a deep smile to say. Ayano blushed all the way to her ears.

“Non……. Nonsense……. I didn’t……!”

She refuted loudly, while secretly observing Kazuma. Kazuma had now regained his usual self.

There was no way that he didn’t notice Ayano’s gaze, but Kazuma still seemed oblivious of it, being so calm that made one feel unpleasant about it.

Without knowing why, the more Ayano looked at him, the angrier she got, walking on her own at the front of the party------ Suddenly, she stops in her steps.

“What’s the matter?”

“I should be asking you that! Where are we headed to next? Give the next instruction already!”

Even though she was walking ahead, yet she was putting up an impatient look. Kazuma knew that she was just trying to vent her anger, and so treated her as he always did.

“Just go straight ahead like this. If you went the wrong way I will tell you.”

“------ You still refuse to tell me the destination?”

Looking at Ayano who bore an unpleasant tone, Kazuma thought deeply for some time.

“Destination------ is outside. Probably the backyard.”

“Backyard? On what basis is your guess?”

Towards Ayano who questioned once more, Kazuma answered discreetly:

“The wind are all gathered at the same location from all directions, and that spot is the backyard. I am not a specialist in this area, so I cannot be certain, but it seems they can control the geographic flow.”

“Aren’t you a wind specialist? Why didn’t you notice immediately?”

“Why? Because it is too natural.”

Kazuma replied without hesitation.

“Besides, no matter how slow you are, you probably would've noticed long ago right? Why do you always only notice the moment before the ball of light strikes? And let it escape every single time as well?”

“This is because------”

Actually Ayano noticed it as well. The existence of the ball of light was very natural, there was no strange feeling like those from a supernatural being like the spirit of a dead person and their weird “ki” from the ball of light.

That is to say, that ball of light was a “normal” existence that this world recognizes. And so, jutsushis that are used to tracking demonic auras find it hard to pick up its trace.

“Seems like trouble.”

Ayano murmured.

This comment had two meanings, one being that the enemy was hard to pick up.

And the other being, the enemy was not an “evil being”.

A being that possessed intelligence, able to communicate with people yet not human. Ayano had never fought with such an enemy before and when the time comes, Ayano is not sure whether she can destroy the enemy with her flames.

“It is pointless thinking so much, let’s just head to the backyard.”

Tossing away her unanswerable thoughts, Ayano walked in front of the group once more.

Passing by the hall with shoe cabinets, the group walked out of the school campus through the front entrance. Once they left the school campus, the backyard could be easily seen.

Kazuma followed behind Yukari and Nanase and walked to the open space. At this moment, his gaze shifted slightly upwards.

“-------Oh?”

“What’s the matter?”

Ayano with her sharp ears asks.

“Nah, its nothing------ I just feel that that guy really controlled it well.”

“What are you talking abo------”

Just as Ayano was trying to ask again.

<nowiki>------</nowiki>Badunk!

With a loud sound, Ayano’s eyes turned to darkness instantly. The rest on the other hand, looked at this scene with an unbelievable look on their face.

After several second, Yukari broke the silence first:

“Wow, what a classic trap♥”

“Indeed. I never thought I can actually witness it in real life.”

As if having seen some miracle, Nanase placed her palms together to express her gratitude------ and she targeted it at Ayano, who stood there motionless, with a bucket that fell from the sky on her head.

“Wahahahaha! Stupid fool, you deserved it------!”

An unscrupulous mockery rang within her minds.

The source was obvious. Under the night sky, the ball of light danced happily, forming a mystical scene------ But, that was also the premonition of the disaster to come.

“---------”

Suddenly, the metallic grey bucket covering Ayano glowed with a red brilliance. The red metal melted off in an instant, flowing down along Ayano’s body onto the ground.

After shaking off the metal piece that was stuck on her hair forcefully, Ayano stared up into the sky peacefully.

Her eyes did not shift the slightest bit.

Ten seconds ago, she was still hesitant about whether to fight, but now all of those thoughts have vanished without a trace. Ayano pulled out Enraiha immediately and slashed upwards forcefully, the tip of her sword giving off golden flames at the same time.

Dodge and dodge------ The ball of light began to run in all directions. And the search light-like golden flames sliced through the dark night, following closely behind it.

Witnessing this shocking scene, Yukari and Nanase couldn’t help but look at each other.

“This…… Doesn’t seem good.”

“It may even attract the police.”

With a silent expectation, they both looked at Kazuma at the same time.

“……Gee, that idiot.”

Kazuma said impatiently, and then walked towards Ayano. From the way he walked, he seems to be taking silent steps as he pleased, and with that, he snuck up behind Ayano, and grabbed the hand that was raising Enraiha high up.

“Let go of me!”

“You are so noisy, get a grip on yourself.”

“Bu…….But……”

Seeing Ayano who was about to burst into tears, Kazuma sighed deeply:

“…… Don’t cry, it is just joking with you.”

“Then have you ever been hit with a bucket? Such humiliation can only be understood by someone who experienced it for himself!”

“I don’t want to understand it at all.”

He replied simply, and turned to look at the ball of light floating in mid air. The floating object that was flying in an irregular manner, seemed to be obviously playing around with Ayano.

Kazuma warned the ball of light:

“Our princess cannot take it anymore. Stop the pranks.”

But------

“No way! Catch me if you can!”

The attitude of the ball of light seemed really arrogant.

“------------”

Towards that taunting response, Kazuma squinted his eyes slightly. At this moment, the ball of light suddenly began to fall.

An awkward cry followed along------

“Wh……What------Woah!?”

It dropped down.

Ayano looked at the ball of light. She seemed to have forgotten her anger from just now, and asked:

“------What did you do?”

“I just cancelled her lift.” [Translator’s notes: Lift refers to those of airplanes. When wind blows under the wings of the plane, a upward force called “lift” is created. Or I believe this is what he means. If anyone finds a better explanation, please do inform this ignorant translator. Thank you.]

A short reply. Yet this answer made Ayano even more confused.

“Lift? You mean that thing flies with lift?”

The outside of the ball of light looked just like its name, it is a rough sphere shape. No matter how you looked at it, it didn’t seem like a shape that can be affected by lift.

Kazuma did not reply, but just simply stretched his hand out. The ball of light lying on the ground originally was then slowly pulled towards his hand.

The ball of light kept on struggling at first, but gave up all resistance after a while, and rode on the wind itself, stopping before Kazuma.
The glow began to dim, revealing its true form within the ball of light.

A small and cute girl around twenty centimeters, was currently waving a pair of transparent wings to float in mid air.

“This is a…… Sprite?”

Ayano opened her eyes wide, understanding it all at the same time. Pixie------ This type of sprite with wings, has a mischievous personality. They enjoy instant entertainment, and would sometimes come into the human world and cause some extravagant pranks.

The pixie seemed to enjoy the attention, and blinked with a cute look.

“Call me Tiana♥”

“Who cares what your name is! Why are you causing trouble for everyone!?”

“Because I don’t want humans to get close.”

“This is a place where humans live, don’t fool around.”

“I don’t care------”

Tiana lifted her head, and said arrogantly.

“You……!”

Ayano wanted to use Enraiha to punish her, but was stopped by Kazuma.

“Calm down.”

“But……!”

“Why do you seem unlike yourself today? Don’t throw a tantrum at work.”

After hearing Kazuma’s words, only then does Ayano realized she was too emotional. Even though she knew that she was at work, she just couldn’t seem to control her emotions……

(This is strange indeed. Just what is wrong with me------?)

Ayano’s query in her mind was instead answered by Yukari voluntarily . She bore with her urge to laugh and told Kazuma:

“Because, Ayano is of the same mental age as that sprite.”

“Just like “Tom and Jerry”.”

“------Ahh, so that’s why.”

After hearing Nanase’s complementing statement, Kazuma nodded in agreement. Ayano’s blood pressure shot way high instantly.

“Wait! You mean to say I am the same as that bug that only has a tiny bit of brain capacity!? You must be joking!”

“Wait a minute! Don’t put me on the same level as this woman who has nothing but brute strength! This is a serious humiliation!”

At almost the same time as Ayano, Tiana made a protest as well. As the timing was too coincidental, the other three did not say anything at first------ after a few seconds all three began laughing altogether.

“Hey! What are you laughing about!? Don’t laugh! Stop laughing already!!”

The angrier Ayano was, the more comical it seemed. The laughter lasted for several minutes continuously.

“Phew------ That was a good laugh.”

After finally managing to hold onto his urge to burst out laughing, Kazuma exhaled, satisfied. On the other hand, Ayano shifted her face to the side in fury, ignoring the other three completely.

Kazuma walked to Ayano’s side, and softly caressed her head, consoling her:

“Don’t be angry. I will treat you to a meal next time.”

“What------!?”

Ayano widened her eyes, turning her head over abruptly.

“You…… What did you just say……”

“Great, it’s a date.”

Yukari said with a “pure and innocent” expression.

“No…… no, it isn’t……”

Ayano tried to deny with blushed ears, but thought of something, and stared at Kazuma with a suspicious glare:

“By your treating to a meal, you don’t mean burgers at fast food or something right?”

“You can eat anything you want.”

“You said it yourself! Be prepared! I am gonna eat till your bankrupt!”

“Yes yes, as you wish princess. So then, let’s settle things now.”

Kazuma responded to Ayano’s taunt very simply, and then walked off on his own. Ayano who wanted to catch up with him, was stopped by someone who held onto her neck from behind.

“------What!?”

Nanase laid onto Ayano’s back, saying softly:

“Congratulations on having your first date.”

“I….. I told you that’s not it……”

Even though she says so, Ayano still couldn't control her accelerated heartbeat.

“By the way, what do you guys intend to do in the backyard?”

Kazuma asked Tiana who was flying above his head. Knowing that she couldn't hide it any further, the sprite answered honestly:

“We aren’t doing anything bad, we are just granting the last wish of a dying old gramps.”

Kazuma could not understand, and turned to look at Ayano.

“Don’t tell me that wanderers live in the backyard?”

“How can that be possible?”

While chatting, the gang reached the backyard. From the outside nothing seems to be special about it, but Kazuma found the problematic spot instantly.

“------That is the focus.”

Planted among the trees in the backyard, there was a gigantic Sakura tree[cherry blossom]. Energy gathered from the heavens and earth, was currently being poured into this tree.

“Focus? “The cursed sakura tree”?”

Hearing Yukari speaking to herself, Kazuma turned his head around to ask:

“What’s that?”

“As I mentioned before, the sakura tree that the suicidal girl got hanged onto. From that year on, the entire tree no longer blossomed. People began having rumors, that it is because the suicidal girl placed a curse, so it is called “the cursed sakura tree”.”

“…… That suicide happened five years ago right? A sakura tree that doesn’t blossom was just left here for five years?”

“Yeah, after all the tree is very old. But, I heard that they plan to chop it down during the winter holidays.”

Yukari revealed information that only the teaching staff know without realizing it.

“So that’s it.”

Kazuma nodded slightly, and then looked at Tiana above him.

“So then, work hard.”

“No problem------”

Waving her transparent wings, the small sprite flew towards the cherry tree. At the same time, countless balls of light appeared from different areas of the branches.

The glowing sprites as if toying around began dancing to their hearts content around the sakura tree, the originally messy actions, slowly became neat and tidy, forming a circle that surrounds the sakura tree in the end.

The sprites danced continuously, granting the final wish of the dying tree, letting its flowers blossom one last time.

The circle of sprites kept spinning, the glowing circle lent its life to the old tree. In the end------

The originally withering tree began becoming young once more. The dry barks showed luster & buds grew out from the thin branches. The flower buds expanded instantly, revealing sakura flowers.

The pink sakura flowers blossomed, decorating the old tree to its former glory. The petals that fell with the wind, danced in the air under the frolic-like effort of the sprites that showed a bright brilliance.

Almost covering as far as the eyes can see, a beautiful sight of sakura petals as if they are snowing down, and the dancing sprites. And the gigantic sakura tree that stood tall in the center------ Anyone would link this to the term “Paradise”. That's how dreamy the scene truly was.

“……Ah……”

Yet, just like how it began, the end came suddenly as well. The sakura flowers stopped falling, and when their sights became clear once more, before them was a tree similar------ No, even older than before it blossomed.

Perhaps the old tree had used up all its remaining life for that brief moment of beauty and magnificence. Now, there was not a shred of life that could be felt from the tree.

As if announcing the end of the carnival, the sprites gradually flew up into the sky. The last ball of light on the other hand circled above Kazuma and gang, as if bidding farewell, and then flew off with its companions.

<nowiki>------</nowiki>This was a the true end of a mysterious event mixed with reality and fantasy.

“Wow------ It was such a wonderful scene------”

Yukari murmured with all sorts of feelings in her heart, Ayano nodded in agreement. She looked at the old tree that made a perfect closure with respect.

“Yeah, even though a lot of unlucky things happened. But just thinking about that scene then, they all seem unimportant.”

Ayano said. Yet Kazuma looks at her with peculiar eyes.

“What?”

“------No, its nothing.”

“If you have something to say, say it. Acting all mysterious all the time.”

Seeing Kazuma equivocate, Ayano questioned further. And so, Kazuma struggled to speak:

“To protect something, the best way is to not anyone notice its existence.”

“What are you trying to say?”

“As long as no one notice, it won’t get attacked, nor will people come close. But, we noticed the abnormality, and it was when we were chasing that sprite that was loitering in the school.”

“…………”

“That is to say, what the sprite did was not protecting something. They are mischievous, but they aren’t stupid, there is no way they didn’t notice this.”

“So then, why did she……”

“You still don’t know the personality of sprites?”

Love pranks, enjoying fun. Naïve and pure like a child, acts without thinking------

Kazuma shrugged, and got to the main point:

“That guy only wanted to play with humans.”

“…………”

Ayano lowered her head, her entire body trembling. Everyone around her seemed to have understood what was about to happen, and fled the scene quickly.

With eyes that were about to burst into flames, Ayano stared furiously in the direction at which the sprites left.

“Get your asses back here! Dumb sprites! I am gonna roast every single one of you------------!!”

The angry roar echoed pointlessly within the dark school.

Kaze no Stigma:Ignition Volume1 Chapter 2

2010-11-05T13:12:03Z

Sreeml5thira:

'''Kaze no Stigma Ignition 1 Chapter 2
Meeting upon a dream'''

“I have always loved you.”

Kazuma said gently, hugging Ayano strongly at the same time.

“In this entire world, you are the only one I love------ I will never let you go again.”

“Kazuma……”

Ayano who was choking from the hug, used wet eyes to look at Kazuma.

“Me too, I have always------”

Half way through her sentence, Ayano instead used eyes filled with emotions to transmit her feelings across.

There was no need for words any further. In response to Kazuma who was closing in towards her, Ayano closed her eyes gently.

Then------

“Wahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!”

Ayano flipped her blankets over quickly and jumped up as if she was struck by lightning, a powerful scream coming out of her mouth.

The shriek that came with dawn spread across every corner of the Kannagi residence.

The Kannagi clan is a clan of En-jutsushis that are allied with the flame spirits, and are capable of controlling flames freely. For a thousand years, they have relied on their cleansing flames to eliminate all kinds of ghouls and demons, protecting people from harm.

The job they took on this time was just like one of the countless missions they have had in the past. But------

“------Oh?”

“Good afternoon, Nii-sama.”

With the appearance of an unexpected guest, Kazuma Yagami appeared a little surprised. Kannagi Ren on the other hand greeted him.

Kazuma shifted his glance towards the other girl. She was the one who brought Ren along.

“Why is Ren here, Ayano?”

“It doesn’t matter.”

The girl------ Ayano Kannagi said immediately.

“It is about time for Ren to learn to take on jobs.”

“-------Even though that is true……”

“Since you agree, just shut up.”

After Kazuma nodded, Ayano responded coldly, and then turned her head away in disdain.

Seeing that rejecting attitude, Kazuma and Ren threw a glance at each other.

Even though their surnames are different, they are brothers after all. Kazuma was exiled from their family four years ago, and after a series of events, he is now employed under the Kannagi, assisting the clan in their work.

On a side note, this pair of brothers are distant relatives of Ayano, but that is not important.

“Ayano seems to be in a bad mood today------ Is it because of that period?”

Kazuma whispered quietly like a bad kid making horny jokes by his twelve year old brother. But, his voice was a little too loud. After hearing that, a big green nerve burst out at Ayano's temple.

“------ I don’t know about that.”

Ren watched all this with a glance at the side of his eyes, replying calmly. He did it so as to not get dragged into their quarrels, yet Kazuma seemed even more enthusiastic:

“Or to say, because it didn’t come, that is why she is throwing a tantrum?”

“Nii-sama!”

Ren shouted painfully, but no matter what, this fatal speech couldn't be taken back. This sorrowful sighing boy's collar seemed to be grabbed by someone, and forcefully pulled him away from Kazuma.

Shortly after that------

“Go to hell!!”

Ayano used her left hand to pull Ren over, and with the counter-force that came with it, she reached her right hand out. Her right hand quickly reached beyond the original distance it is capable of, and continued to stretch forward.

Its color becoming bright red.

“Hey hey!”

It was a forward going crimson red blade engulfed in golden flames. Just as the strike was about to pierce through between his eyebrows, Kazuma shifted his head slightly and dodged it easily.

This sword is the prized treasure of the Kannagi clan “Enraiha”------ the one and only exorcising sword that is said to be bestowed upon by the Spirit Lord of Flames himself. Definitely not a weapon to be used against a guy making perverse jokes.

“Isn’t that too dangerous?”

Kazuma complained naturally. But, Ayano didn't accept any of it.

“Ren is still just a primary school kid, what the hell are you teaching him!?”

“No, I am just emphasizing on the importance of contraceptives, and used a failed example while at it.”

“Who the hell failed!? How dare you slander a pure girl!”

Ayano shouted out loudly, while waving the Enraiha in her hand. Faced against the fierce, deadly, and rough attacks that would burn one to a crisp accidentally, Kazuma simply dodged with ease.

“Don’t run!”

Ayano raised Enraiha high, and swung it down with force. Yet, Kazuma dodged this strike easily, and took the opportunity to stick close to the opponent, grabbing Ayano’s wrist at one go.

“------------!”

Seeing Kazuma’s face so close, Ayano couldn’t help but recall her nightmare just this morning.

Tightly holding her arms, the sweet whispers that spread into her ears, and, those lips that closed in slowly------

“……Wahhhhhhhhh!!”

The volume of sound that came out from the girl’s mouth was enough to make a building under construction collapse.

Ayano looked at Kazuma angrily with a blush on her face, using all the might she could muster to grab onto Enraiha. The flames that wrapped around the blade now shone even more brightly.

“Don’t…… Don’t come near me! Get away from me! Pervert!!”

Even though she said that, Ayano was waving Enraiha all around, preventing Kazuma from getting away.

Seeing Ayano enter an insane state, Kazuma was surprised.

“What is going on?”

He dodged as he asked Ren at the side. However, the young boy was currently facing them with his back, his elbow on the window ledge, looking at the sunset with a sorrowful look on his face.

<nowiki>------</nowiki> (''Seems like he has set his mind up to treat us as strangers..'')

“Where are you looking at! To turn a deaf ear to your brother while he's in trouble, is that okay with you!? Hey!”

Even though Kazuma was yelling for help, Ren continued to ignore the argument between the two.

“Ahh, the sun is about to set…… But, just what am I doing here……”

Looking at the distant sunset, Ren grumbled sorrowfully.

<nowiki>---------</nowiki>After three minutes.

“……huu……huu…….” [Sound of panting]

The breathless Ayano placed her entire body weight onto the ground and sat down. As for the similarly breathless Kazuma, he was looking at this scene with a surprised look on his face.

Despite all the training for becoming the next Soshu, after consistently engaging in vigorous anaerobic exercises in her fury, even Ayano can't keep on.. If she even has thirty percent of her strength left, that would really be something.

“------Gee, to be this tired even before we start our work.”

“This…… is nothing…… Will…… Recover immediately……”

“Is it------”

Hearing Ayano’s broken up reply, Kazuma opened his mouth without thinking, but on second thought, said:

“I say…… Just what the hell is wrong with you?”

“……Nii-sama should take half or more of the responsibility for it.”

“Ohh?”

He looked at Ren who was murmuring to himself, showing a smile on his face that made one get a nasty premonition. Seeing this, Ren tried to run away, but it was already too late.

“Uuuuuuug--------Uuuuuuugg------!”

A cute cry came out from the mouth of the boy whose cheeks were being pinched. Even so, Kazuma did not stop, but continued to pull his brother’s cheeks.

“Do you have the right to say such things? When your beloved Nii-sama was in a crisis, who was it that pretended to see nothing, and then talked to me as though such a thing never happened? You really are something.”

“That…… That is not even considered a crisis!”

Ren who was finally released from the evil clutches, acting unlike his usual self, rebutted.

“You obviously dodged so easily------ ugh……”

But, his glory lasted no longer than a few seconds------ When the boy’s eyes met Ayano’s scary stare, he shut up instantly.

A voice that seemed as though it came from the depths of hell said:

“…… I am so sorry. They were all so easily dodged by him.”

“Ah…… Erm…… I……”

Ren didn’t know how to explain at all and cold sweat ran all over his body.

(''That is why I didn’t want to be involved in this……'')

His eager wish was not heard by the heavens. No, even if the deities heard it, just how effective would it be against these two that are just like stars of death------

(''I am such an unfortunate child……'')

Shrouded under the gaze of the two, Ren sighed deeply.

“------ Okay.”

After the nonsensical conversation ended, Kazuma put on a serious look on his face again.

“While the little shrewd recovers, explain the details of this job to me. I am still unsure of what we have to do.”

“Ah, okay.”

Ren hurriedly said before Ayano could make any noise. If the two of them continued arguing, then there would probably be no work done today.

“This building halted it's construction due to an economic crisis. Someone else took it over, intending to demolish it and rebuild it, but------”

“Ghosts appeared?”

“No, it is not something so distinct, instead, it is the gradual increase of unconscious people. Five people died in this manner, and out of those that woke up, two of them suicide thereafter. All the rest seems weak, at this rate------”

“Hmmm------”

Kazuma responded in accordance. Ren quickly asked:

“Did Nii-sama sense any youki?”

“Ahh.”

Kazuma nodded in confession. He is a fuujutsushi that can control the winds and air, and where there is air, there is practically nothing that he cannot find.

“But, I can’t pinpoint the actual location.”

He gave an ambiguous answer, and then looked coldly at Ayano who was sitting on the ground.

“You can walk now right? Let’s start quickly. Maybe the opponent will take the initiative if we roam around.”

“Do as you please……”

Ayano murmured as she stood up. Even though she was not too willing, given that there were no other plans, she could only do as Kazuma said.

“So then, let us set off!”

Even so, Ayano made the commands as if she’s leader, walking off before the other two.

“Hey------”

In less than ten minutes, Ayano who couldn't stand it looked back. She continued to move forward in this position, as she looked at Kazuma who did not show any signs of tension.

“Found it yet?”

“No point rushing me------”

Kazuma shrugged in helplessness.

“Because I haven't even started looking.”

“Huh?”

Ayano couldn’t help but suspect her ears. Kazuma emphasized once more:

“Didn’t I mention that we will wait for it to strike first?”

“But, at least try! Do you even want to work!?”

Ayano stared with an angry look. But even under such conditions, Kazuma was still being cheeky.

“Well then, let me give you some advice.”

“What?”

“You should look forward when you walk.”

“------Huh?”

Ayano who was just about to turn her head around had her neck suddenly hooked by an arm stretching out from the wall. The arm tugged Ayano strongly, not giving her any time to resist, and pulled her into the wall directly.

The cement showed ripples as if on a lake surface, and Ayano disappeared into the wall just like that.

“Nee……Nee-sama……?”

Ren was in a daze, and raised his head to look at Kazuma with a despaired look on his face.

His brother’s face showed no signs of panic. Kazuma looked dumbly at the wall where Ayano disappeared into for a long while, and then said something:

“Okay------ Let’s go on.”

“No…… No we can’t, how can we just leave like this!”

Seeing Kazuma’s intentions to leave casually, Ren rushed before him and stopped him in his tracks.

“Are you going to just leave Nee-sama like that!?”

The wall that swallowed Ayano was currently still undulating like a liquid. The diameter was around two metres, just big enough to let one man through------ and it seemed deliberate.

Kazuma’s reaction lookwd as though he was feeling unhappy from the bottom of his heart.

“Anyone can tell that it’s a trap. Asking me to save that kind of fool------”

“No!”

“How about this, we go have a search around this building, and if we don’t find------”

“No!”

Ren refused to give in. He tugged Kazuma’s hand, and forcefully dragged him towards the wall, as if he was forcing a kid who didn’t want to go to school.

“Ren------”

“No means NO!”

Ren refused Kazuma’s request. The boy who, even the most superior Fuujitsushi, Kazuma, had to listen to------ In a way, he may perhaps be the strongest.

“Hey? Ayano? Wake up.”

“Mmm……”

Feeling the gentle shake on her body, Ayano’s consciousness gradually recovered.

(''I…… was dragged in by hands stretching out from the walls, and then……'')

And then, she had no recollection of what happened next. She opened her heavy eyelids, and was shocked to see Kazuma’s face.

“Wah------”

Ayano instinctively felt like jumping up, but Kazuma was one step faster than her, and hugged her, preventing any kind of resistance.

“Huh? Ah……”

“Don’t make me so worried ever again……”

Beside the ear of the surprised Ayano came Kazuma’s slightly coarse voice.

“I thought you were dead.”

''His voice is filled with relief. This suffocating hug, could it be because he is afraid to lose her?
''
“------ I am sorry, I was too careless.”

Perhaps due to his frankness, Ayano changed her usual defiant attitude, and apologized to Kazuma.

“Good that you are okay. Can you stand up?”

“Ah, yeah. Thanks.”

Ayano held onto Kazuma’s hand and stood up. She wanted to let go of his hand after thanking him, but she was unable to.

“Kazuma?”

“Don’t leave me again.”

Kazuma said as he held tightly onto Ayano’s hand.

“Stay by me forever, I will protect you.”

“Ka…… Kazuma------?”

Ayano couldn't believe what was going on, and stared at Kazuma. To think this man would actually say such undisguised sweet words to her, it's like a dream.

Unsure of what to do, Ayano’s eyes wandered around------ Suddenly, she noticed something.

“What happened to Ren?”

“Huh? Ahhh------”

For some reason Kazuma hesitated, and then shrugged his shoulders as if it is unimportant.

“We got separated. But, I was more worried about you.”

“---------------------------------”

“Ayano?”

The stunned Ayano recovered upon Kazuma’s call. She showed a shy smile, and lifted her eyes to look at Kazuma.

“Thank you for being worried about me……”

“That goes without words.”

Kazuma answered, caressing Ayano’s hand gently while he spoke. Ayano held onto Kazuma’s hand, but her actions seemed rather stiff.

“But, its about time we set off to go find Ren. Can you walk?”

“Yes, no problem. Let’s go.”

And so, the two marched off.

Holding each other’s hands tightly.

“------Nii-sama?”

Just as they submerged into the wall, Kazuma who was originally holding his hand suddenly vanished without a trace.

“Nii-sama? Where are you------”

He looked around, but there was only darkness surrounding him.

“Nii-sama------?”

There was not a single reply. Ren’s voice was swallowed by the darkness, the entire world was filled with silence.

(''Just where is this place------?'')

Judging from the fact that his voice never echoed back, this should not be the interior of the building. Could they have been sucked into an alternate dimension------ Suppressing the anxiety in his heart, Ren looked behind himself subconsciously.

“Woah!?”

Not long after the suppression, a cry of shock came out from his mouth. He hurriedly retreated backwards, staring at “that thing” with widened eyes.

It was a white shadow floating amidst the darkness. That thing------ “She” gave no forewarning, and just appeared at the place before him suddenly.

It was a girl wearing a white one-piece dress. Her age seemed to be around the same as Ren, yet she was a little taller than Ren, and her curly hair extended all the way to her waist.

“You are……?”

This was the first time that they have met, there was no doubt about it. Because if they have ever met before, Ren would definitely not forget it, he would never forget such a lonely smile------

“-----------------------”

The girl opened her mouth, but her voice could not reach Ren’s ears, so he was unable to hear anything.

“What did you say? I can’t hear you at all.”

“-----------------------”

The girl seemed to ignore Ren’s question, and continued on with her silent words. Following that, she lowered her head sadly, and several seconds later, raised her head once more.

“------Huh?”

The girl’s expression changed as though it's someone else, her eyes looked cold, with a sinister smile at the side of her mouth. She suddenly wielded a dagger that came out from nowhere in her right hand, and then without hesitation, she slashed at Ren.

“Wait…… Wait a minute------”

The girl’s attack was relentless, but her actions were clearly those of an untrained personal. Just as Ren dodged easily, he voiced out to try to stop her:

“Stop it! Why are you doing this------”

Suddenly, the girl’s movements sped up. The tension of her muscles and the flexibility of her body did not change, it was just an increase of speed. Just like a tape that was being fast forwarded, it looked extremely unnatural.

“Waah!?”

Ren’s leg hit something, and he stumbled onto the floor. Facing the boy who was lying on the ground, the girl lunged at him with a deep murderous intent. The sharp blade was aimed at the position of his heart.

“Mmm------”

Even at this stage, Ren does not want to harm the girl. He began to focus his consciousness, intending to let the dagger------ let that steel dagger that was shining with great brilliance within the darkness melt away.

------Swish!

The girl stopped in mid-air, her body suddenly cut into half. The body that was sliced into two from her left shoulder to the right side of her waist, was then swallowed into the darkness and disappeared.

“Huh? What…… What was that……”

“Are you okay?”

The puzzled Ren heard an extremely calm enquiring voice at this moment. He sat up instantly, and searched for the source of the voice.

“Nii-sama!?”

“Yeah.”

Kazuma nodded calmly. Ren who finally set his mind at rest, started to observe his surroundings.

It was no longer pitch black. This was probably some room in the building, looking dark and desolate. The concrete floor was cold and hard, Ren stood up quickly.

He asked Kazuma who was right before him:

“Did Nii-sama save me?”

“Yeah.”

Kazuma gave a very short reply, he didn’t seem to be in a good mood.

“What was that just now?”

“Its your dream. I am not too sure of the contents.”

“Dream?”

“It's ‘Nightmare’.”

“------Hmm.”

Hearing the term, Ren more or less understood. In other words, it’s a psychological attack by the enemy.

There is a youma that is called “Nightmare”. Just as the name implies, it would give its host nightmares.

There is a “sacred area” in everyone’s heart. Their loved ones, precious memories, or mental wounds that cannot be healed------ hidden deep in their heart, a forbidden zone that does not allow others to come into contact with it.

Nightmare would intrude into this sacred area, and distort it.

Memories of time spent with your loved ones, would turn into a nightmare where you are being murdered by them.

When assaulted by the one you love so dearly, just how many people would bear to fight back? And so, people are forced into the fear and despair of being killed by their lovers, parents, or even children------ The purpose of Nightmare is to consume these negative emotions.

“Did Nii-sama have a nightmare too?”

Ren asked casually. Kazuma frowned slightly, and after keeping quiet for quite a while, he used a bitter tone to say softly:

“……Yeah. A past I don’t want to recall.”

“Is…… Is it……”

After realizing that he asked a question he shouldn’t have, Ren starts to ponder on ways to change the topic. He wanted to go through what he just went through, and suddenly realized something strange.

Ren’s dream did not turn into a nightmare.

Just as previously mentioned, Nightmare would distort important memories, and turn them into nightmares.

Yet, in Ren’s dream, he met a girl he doesn’t know. Even though he was about to be killed by her, he was merely shocked, and was not to the extent of feeling scared or despaired.

“……How strange.”

“What’s strange?”

”Hmmm, frankly speaking……”

After Kazuma who felt strange began to enquire further, Ren described his dream.

“------Oh?”

“What does Nii-sama think?”

“About that…… From Nightmare’s usual tricks, it is definitely your memories alright. But if you didn’t forget it, then perhaps it predicted your ‘memories from the future’?”

“Memories from the future? Can Nightmares really do that?”

Ren cried out in surprise.

“Who knows.”

Kazuma’s reply sounded like perfunctory remarks.

“I am merely stating my assumption, just let it go. Anyway let’s meet up with Ayano.”

“------You’re right.”

Ren does not think that the future is something that is fixed. Even if Nightmare really can predict the future, it's just but one of the possibilities.

Matters regarding the future, there is no point in thinking about it now. Ren shifted his attention towards the problem at hand.

(''Is Nee-sama also having a nightmare now……?'')

He was not unsure about Ayano’s strength. Ayano would never fall for a trap that even he was able to escape from.

Yet, it is still worrying.

“Let’s hurry up and go, Nii-sama.”

Grabbing onto Kazuma’s hand, Ren started walking off quickly.

Speak of the devil.

It was such a coincidental meeting.

They were moving along the outer walls of the building. Just when they were about to take a turn, they met at an extremely close range.

“Nee-sama!”

After recognizing the girl before him, Ren’s eyes brightened up instantly. But in the next moment, he changed into a shocked expression.

“……And…… Nii-sama……?”

He stared blankly at the man standing beside Ayano, and then he turned his head around, and looked to his side once more.

They looked exactly identical.

“There are two…… Nii-sama……?”

“Oh……”

“Hmm……”

The “two Kazumas” stared at each other, showing the exact cold smile at the same time.

“…………”

And Ayano on the other hand was watching from the side. On a side-note, the moment she saw Ren, the hand originally holding onto Kazuma’s was drawn back forcefully.

“Nee…… Nee-sama…… What’s this about……?”

“If you ask me, I too------”

Towards Ren’s question, Ayano shook her head as if she had no part in this.

“One of them must be an impostor right?”

“Bu…… But……”

Ren seemed hesitant, and looked at the Kazuma beside him.

“But, Nii-sama------ this Nii-sama saved me.”

“What a coincidence. It’s the same for me.”

Ayano answered calmly. Seeing Ayano’s strange attitude, Ren couldn’t help but show a troubled look.

“Nee-sama, why do you seem so calm?”

“That’s because------”

Ayano compared the two Kazumas, and then made a conclusion:

“We can’t tell which is the real one.”

“……So?”

“In that case, let’s not waste time. Let them prove themselves.”

“Prove themselves……”

Ren did not know what Ayano was trying to say at all.

He doesn't think that they can prove anything just by talking. Besides, the impostor won’t admit that he is the fake.

Leaving the puzzled Ren at one side, Ayano turned to the two Kazumas and said:

“So to say------ Both of you go over there and have a good fight.”

“Nee-sama!?”

Ignoring Ren's shock, she continued to say:

“The surviving one will be the real deal, got it?”

“This is too reckless! The winner might not be the real Nii-sama!”

“------What are you talking about?”

Seeing Ren’s violent reaction, Ayano blinked, surprised.

“How can Kazuma lose?.”

“------Huh?”

This was not a taunt. Her tone was so calm and peaceful, it was as if she was stating the obvious truth.

“Kazuma would never lose to an impostor.”

“That…… though its true……”

Even though there are a lot of problems with his personality, but as a Jutsushi, Kazuma’s abilities can be fully trusted. Faced against an unwavering argument, Ren could only swallow his own words.

“So------”

Ayano raised her finger with force, pointing at the two before her, and announced loudly:

“The two of you don’t have to go easy, just fight it out quickly!”

“…………”

Both Kazumas glanced at Ayano, and then stared at each other, and finally sighed at the same time.

Their actions were an exact mirror image, without the slightest difference at all. Even a pair of artists that have partnered for a long period of time might not be as harmonious as them.

“What’s up with this girl.”

“Doing things so arbitrarily-------”

“So violent------”

“Just like a tomboy……”

After finishing their final sentence at the same time, they both sighed together once more. Seeing this collaborative scene, Ayano’s temple twitched slightly.

“You……”

She grabbed a piece of concrete the size of her palm.

“Why are you having a twosome performance with the impostor! You idiot!”

And threw it out with all her might. Seeing the concrete piece that is entirely offtrack, the two Kazumas did not dodge, but only watched calmly.

“How dangerous.”

“That’s right.”

“Shut up!”

Ayano shouted out with a sinister look on her face:

“Hurry up and start! Or else I will slaughter the both of you!”

Both Kazumas widened their eyes instantly, with an astonishing look on their faces. Following that, once again, they spoke together harmoniously to ask the question in their hearts:

“How will you slaughter me?”

“------!!”

In her fury, Ayano drew out her Enraiha. But just as she was about to swing it, Ren stopped her.

“Nee-sama, calm down!”

“I can’t calm down anymore!”

Ayano struggled, trying to break free from the boy who was hugging her tightly.

“How can I accept two Kazumas in this world! Just one makes me mad, having two will drive me nuts!!”

“Nee…… Nee-sama……”

Ren tried to pacify Ayano, and turned to Kazuma with begging eyes at the same time------ As he did not know which was the real one, his eyes could only shift between the both of them.

“Nii-sama, please think of something. Nee-sama can’t take much more of this.”

“………..”

The two Kazumas looked at each other and shrugged helplessly.

“We don’t have much choice I guess, let’s begin.”

“------You’re right.”

Kazuma------ the one that appeared with Ayano------ reached out, and caressed the head of Ayano who was beginning to ease her anger.

“So, I am going.”

“------Have a nice trip.”

Ayano replied, a bit of her unhappiness still lingering in her tone. But, when Kazuma turned around with a bitter smile on his face, her voice turned freezing cold suddenly.

“I meant to hell.”

Poosh! [Sound of something splattering?]

With the sound of one’s body being pierced through, Enraiha stabbed into Kazuma’s body. The blade tip engulfed in flames entered from his back, and came out from the center of his chest.

It was a strike that accurately pierced the heart. As if time stopped, everyone seemed to have forgotten to breathe. At this moment, Kazuma turned around to look at Ayano.

“A……Ayano……?”

“Shut your trap.”

His coarse voice was cut off coldly by Ayano.

“ I have no idea who you are, but please don’t call my name out so casually.”

“Wha……What------”

“Quit the acting. If you didn't die instantly the moment Enraiha pierced through your heart, it doesn’t matter what you say anymore.”

“----------------”

Perhaps admitting its failure, “Kazuma”’s painful expression disappeared suddenly, and in exchange an evil smile revealed itself.

“When did you find out?”

“Since the beginning.”

“……How?”

“Why? Need you ask! How is it possible for Kazuma to leave Ren behind, and come rescue me alone? That is physically impossible no matter how you look at it!” [Actual translation would be “That is impossible in physics terms.” But I don’t understand why use physics here. Correct it if you do]

“……Nee-sama……”

Seeing how confident Ayano was when saying that, Ren couldn’t help but feel sad for her.

“So that’s the reason…… Seems like I let an unwanted girl have a nice dream…… Argh!”

Enraiha suddenly shone brightly “Kazuma”’s body was completely swallowed by flames.

“Shut your trap and go die! I will eliminate you! I will burn you till you won’t even have ashes left!”

Ayano shouted, while igniting the “furies of justice”. As if responding towards her will, the flames gave out an angry roar too, slowly eroding “Kazuma” off.

“Hey hey------”

Even after “Kazuma” was all burnt off, the flames showed no signs of subsiding. Instead, it spread out swiftly. Avoiding Kazuma, who set up a wind barrier and Ren’s surrounding area, the flames start to burn the entire building, streets, and even the entire world.

Shortly after that------

“Aaaaaarrrrrrhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!”

A dying cry came out from somewhere.

“------Strange?”

The feeling in her hand vanished suddenly, Ayano took a step forward quickly to prevent herself from falling over.

She looked around. This seemed to be a certain room in the building, which was obviously all burnt down just now, yet there were no burnt marks anywhere.

“What’s going on?”

“------Could it all have been a dream?”

Ren who understood the situation more clearly than Ayano, turned towards Kazuma and asked.

“Perhaps.”

“That is to say------”

“Its all over.”

Before the question is finished, Kazuma gave a short answer.

Just as “Kazuma” was burnt, Ayano burnt everything else as well------ The entire world that Nightmare created. Of course, the Nightmare that had been hiding naturally failed to escape its fate.

After hearing this explanation, Ayano raised her chest high up, and put on an arrogant front:

“Hmm hmm. How was that? Shocked, right!”

“Mmm------ So you won with brute force.”

“What! Does it matter------”

Ayano tried to rebut, but then changed to the smile of a winner, and looked at Kazuma with an expression of mockery.

“You didn’t do anything this time round. Even so you still want to get paid?”

She interrogated this “Money thief” with her eyes. Of course, Kazuma will definitely not push the reward at hand off just because of a slight mockery from someone else.

“Yup, there was no room for me this time round. You really became stronger.”

Kazuma hugged Ayano gently, and whispered softly by her ear. Faced with this sudden development, Ayano’s face turned beet red instantly, her entire body stiffened.

“Wha……What……”

(''What…… What is this……? Could it be that I am still dreaming……'')

As she could never imagine that Kazuma would praise her, Ayano couldn’t feel happy at all. Kazuma continued to input more sweet whispers into Ayano’s frozen consciousness.

“Work harder from now on, and let my wallet earn even more.”

(''---------------------Hah?-'')

Ayano raised her head reflectively. Kazuma looked into her eyes and said:

“Just standing there and getting paid for it, how can I give up on such a job? So, I will be relying on you from now on.”

“……You……”

Ayano who was so angry her body was trembling, got kissed on the forehead at this moment. The sound of the kiss became the sound of the detonation switch being pressed at the same time.

Kaboom!

The moment Kazuma turned around, golden flames burst out Ayano’s entire body. Feeling the amazing heat behind him, Kazuma quickly grabbed Ren’s hand and started running.

“Time to run.”

“……Nii-sama.”

Ren cried out in a painful voice.

“Can’t you use a more normal way to encourage Nee-sama?”

“------Hmm, actually, that is not impossible, but……”

“But?”

“It's more fun this way.”

Dodging the plasma ball that came flying at a high speed, Kazuma hummed as he spoke.

“-------Sigh……”

Thinking about the fact that Ayano will probably still be toyed around by Kazuma from now on, and he would still get dragged into it, Ren can’t help but sigh with mixed feelings.

Kaze no Stigma

2010-10-18T17:30:50Z

Sreeml5thira:

[[Image:KnS.jpg|300px|thumb|Title Image]]
Kaze no Stigma (風の聖痕, Kaze no Stigma lit. Stigma of the Wind)

Also available in the following languages:
*[[Kaze_no_Stigma_~Spanish_version|Espanol (Spanish)]]

(Note: Translation varies for each version)

== Story Synopsis ==

Four years ago, Kannagi Kazuma was defeated by his cousin Kannagi Ayano for the right to be the successor of Enraiha, a sword passed down in the Kannagi family. His defeat, along with his lack of talent for En-Jutsu (The fire arts, and is also the Kannagi Clan's specialty), resulted in his banishment from the family. Now, Kazuma returns as Yagami Kazuma, a skilled master of Fuu-Jutsu (the wind arts). At the same time, a number of murders at the Kannagi residence perpetrated by a powerful Fuujutsu-shi cast suspicion on him. (from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaze_no_Stigma)

== Translation ==

=== [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Registration Page|Registration]] ===

Those who wish to contribute are asked to first notify a supervisor beforehand.

'''Translators are asked to [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Registration Page|register]] which chapters they're working on'''

=== Help Needed ===
'''If you are interested in this series and would like to help, feel free to join. We urgently need more Translators, Editors, and Staff. So please help.''' (Pop a message at the forums.)

=== Format Standards ===
'''Every Chapter (after editing) must conform to the agreed points highlighted in the below guidelines'''
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]

Some of these chapters are translations of the '''Chinese edition''' of the novels, which are known to have some minor mistakes compared to the original Japanese text. If you have access to the originals and you spot an error, '''please feel free to make the corrections yourself''' - this is a Wiki which means it's meant for anyone to fix things (and if you screw up, we can revert back your changes if all deem necessary). We can see the corrections you make, so just go ahead instead of hiding or waiting for permission.

== Updates ==
*December 29, 2009 - Kaze no Stigma - Ignition Volume 1 Chapter 1 Completed
*December 9, 2008 - Volume 2 Chapter 5 Completed
*November 1, 2008 - Volume 2 Chapter 4 Completed
*October 22, 2008 - Volume 2 Chapter 3 Completed
*August 26, 2008 - Volume 2 Chapter 2 Completed
*August 5, 2008 - Volume 2 Chapter 1 Completed

Older updates can be found on the [[Kaze no Stigma:Updates|Kaze no Stigma Updates page]].

== The ''Kaze no Stigma'' series, by Takahiro Yamato ==
These are the main story novels.

=== ''Kaze no Stigma'' / 風の聖痕 [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1|(Full Text)]]===
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Chapter1|Chapter 1 - The Disinherited Son Returns]]
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Chapter2|Chapter 2 - The Sudden Disaster]]
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Chapter3|Chapter 3 - A Battle with the Past]]
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Chapter4|Chapter 4 - Returning to Visit, and Then——]]
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Chapter5|Chapter 5 - Rescue]]
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Chapter6|Chapter 6 - Decisive Battle]]
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Epilogue|Epilogue]]
::*Author's Notes
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Translator's_Notes|Translator's Notes and References]]

===''Kaze no Stigma 2: The Price of a Soul'' / 風の聖痕2 -魂の値段 [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume2|(Full Text)]]===
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume2_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume2_Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Banquet for Victory -The Chosen Ones-]]
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume2_Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Assault -Determination After Removing All Doubts-]]
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume2_Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Friendship -Contributions and Mistakes-]]
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume2_Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Fall -The Price of Power-]]
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume2_Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - Fall Part Two -The Price of Soul-]]
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume2_Chapter 6|Chapter 6 - Finale -The Brave and Selfless Rescuer-]]
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume2_Epilogue|Epilogue]]
::*Author's Notes
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume2_Translator%27s_Notes|Translator's Notes and References]]

===''Kaze no Stigma 3: The Confession under the moon '' / 風の聖痕3 -月下の告白 ===
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume3_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2
::*Chapter 3
::*Chapter 4
::*Chapter 5
::*Chapter 6
::*Epilogue
::*Author's Notes

===''Kaze no Stigma 4: The Lazuline Afterimage '' / 風の聖痕4 -瑠璃色の残影 ===
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume4_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2
::*Chapter 3
::*Chapter 4
::*Author's Notes

===''Kaze no Stigma 5: The Scarlet Contract'' / 風の聖痕5 -緋色の誓約 ===
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume5_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2
::*Chapter 3
::*Chapter 4
::*Chapter 5
::*Chapter 6
::*Epilogue
::*Author's Notes

===''Kaze no Stigma 6: The Hurricane Pike'' / 風の聖痕6 -疾風の槍 ===
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume6_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*Chapter 1
::*Chapter 2
::*Chapter 3
::*Chapter 4
::*Chapter 5
::*Author's Notes

== ''Kaze no Stigma - Ignition '' ==
These are the side stories of the novel.

==='' Kaze no Stigma Ignition 1: Ayano-chan's Misfortune'' / 綾乃ちゃんの災難 ===
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Ignition_Volume1_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Ignition_Volume1_Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Ayano-chan's Misfortune]]
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Ignition_Volume1_Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Let's meet in a Dream]]
::*Demon Beast, Puppy and a natural airhead Daughter
::*Haunted Holiday
::*Let's go to the Amusement Park!
::*Ayano-chan's Further Misfortune
::*Author's Notes

=== ''Kaze no Stigma Ignition 2: Just my Madonna'' / 僕だけのマドンナ ===
::*[[Kaze_no_Stigma:Ignition_Volume2_Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
::*Just my Madonna
::*Someone is watching
::*From the passing Days
::*Shape of a certain Love
::*Father and Child
::*A certain Daily Life of the Special Reference Section of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police coordination Room
::*Author's Notes

===''Kaze no Stigma Ignition 3: Ren-kun's Suffering'' / 煉くんの受難===

===''Kaze no Stigma Ignition 4: All for Love'' / すべては愛のために===

===''Kaze no Stigma Ignition 5: A happy day'' / 幸せなイチニチ===

== Project Staff ==

*Project Administrator: [[user:The naming game|The naming game]]
*Project Supervisor: [[user:ShadowZeroHeart|ShadowZeroHeart]]

=== Translators ===

'''ACTIVE'''
::*[[user:ShadowZeroHeart|ShadowZeroHeart]]

'''INACTIVE'''
::*[[user:The naming game|The naming game]]
::*[[user:erehwon|erehwon]]
::*[[user:Kwok|Kwok]]

=== Editors ===
This is the Project Editorial Team.

''' Active '''
::*[[user:Hiyono|Hiyono]]
::*[[user:Nerevarine|Nerevarine]]
::*[[user:SDK|SDK]]
::*[[user:Azelf and Jirachi|Azelf and Jirachi]]

=== Special Thanks ===

This is for people who deserve special thanks and is currently not on the Staff.

::*[[user:Trigger-happy|Trigger-happy]]

==Series Overview==

Kaze no Stigma
*Volume 1 (January 2002, ISBN 4829114037)
*Volume 2 (July 2002, ISBN 4829114479)
*Volume 3 (February 2003, ISBN 4829114940)
*Volume 4 (October 2003, ISBN 4829115580)
*Volume 5 (March 2004, ISBN 4829115998)
*Volume 6 (October 2005, ISBN 4829117699)

Kaze no Stigma Ignition
*Volume 1 (August 2004, ISBN 4829116382)
*Volume 2 (May 2005, ISBN 4829117206)
*Volume 3 (March 2007, ISBN 4829119082)
*Volume 4 (June 2007, ISBN 4829119403)
*Volume 5 (December 2007, ISBN 4829119845)

Kaze no Stigma:Ignition Volume1 Chapter 2

2010-10-03T14:15:13Z

Sreeml5thira:

Kaze no Stigma Ignition 1 Chapter 2
Meeting upon a dream

“I have always loved you.”

Kazuma said gently, hugging Ayano strongly at the same time.

“In this entire world, you are the only one I love------ I will never let you go again.”

“Kazuma……”

Ayano who was choking from the hug, used wet eyes to look at Kazuma.

“Me too, I have always------”

Half way through her sentence, Ayano instead used eyes filled with emotions to transmit her feelings across.

There is no need for words any further. In response to Kazuma who is closing in towards her, Ayano closes her eyes gently.

Then------

“Wahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!”

Ayano flipped her blankets over quickly and jumps up as if she was struck by lightning, a powerful scream coming out from her mouth.

The shriek that came along with dawn, spread across every corner of the Kannagi residence.

The Kannagi clan is a clan of En-jutsushis that are allied with the flame spirits, and are capable of controlling flames freely. For a thousand years, they have relied on their cleansing flames to eliminate all kinds of ghouls and demons, protecting people from harm.

The job they took on this time, is just like one of the countless missions they have had in the past. But------

“------Oh?”

“Good morning, Nii-sama.”

With the appearance of an unexpected guest, Kazuma Yagami seems a little surprised. Kannagi Ren on the other hand, greets him.

Kazuma shifted his glance towards the other girl. She is the one who brought Ren along.

“Why is Ren here, Ayano?”

“It doesn’t matter.”

The girl------ Ayano Kannagi says immediately.

“It is about time for Ren to learn to take on jobs.”

“-------Even though that is true……”

“Since you agree, just shut up.”

After Kazuma nodded, Ayano responds coldly, and then turns her head away in disdain.

Seeing that rejecting attitude, Kazuma and Ren throw a glance at each other.

Even though their surnames are different, they are brothers after all. Kazuma was exiled from their family four years ago, and after a series of events, he is now employed under the Kannagi, assisting the clan in their work.

On a side note, this pair of brothers are distant relatives of Ayano, but that is not important.

“Ayano seems to be in a bad mood today------ Is it because of that period?”

Kazuma whispers quietly like a bad kid making horny jokes by his twelve year old brother. But, his voice is a little too loud. After hearing that, a big green nerve bursts out at Ayano's temple.

“------ I don’t know about that.”

Ren watches all these with a glance at the side of his eyes, replying calmly. He did it just so as to not get dragged into their quarrels, yet Kazuma seems even more enthusiastic:

“Or to say, because it didn’t come, that is why she is throwing a tantrum?”

“Nii-sama!”

Ren shouts painfully, but no matter what, this fatal speech cannot be taken back. This sorrowful sighing boy's collar seemed to be grabbed by someone, and forcefully pulled him away from Kazuma.

Shortly after that------

“Go to hell!!”

Ayano used her left hand to pull Ren over, and with the counter-force that came with it, she reaches her right hand out. Her right hand quickly reaches beyond the original distance it is capable of, and continues to stretch forward.

Its color being bright red.

“Hey hey!”

That is a forward going crimson red blade that is engulfed in golden flames. Just as the strike was about to pierce through between his eyebrows, Kazuma shifts his head slightly and dodges it easily.

This sword is the prized treasure of the Kannagi clan “Enraiha”------ the one and only exorcising sword that is said to be bestowed upon by the Spirit Lord of Flames himself. Definitely not a weapon to be used against a guy making perverse jokes.

“Isn’t that too dangerous?”

Kazuma complains naturally. But, Ayano would not accept any of it.

“Ren is still just a primary school kid, what the hell are you teaching him!?”

“No, I am just emphasizing on the importance of contraceptives, and using a failed example on it while at it.”

“Who the hell failed!? How dare you slander a pure girl!”

Ayano shouts out loudly, while waving the Enraiha in her hand. Faced against the fierce, deadly and rough attacks that would burn one to a crisp accidentally, Kazuma simply dodged with ease.

“Don’t run!”

Ayano raised Enraiha high, and swung it down with force. Yet, Kazuma dodges this strike easily, and takes the opportunity to stick close to the opponent, grabbing Ayano’s wrist at one go.

“------------!”

Seeing Kazuma’s face so close, Ayano can’t help but recall her nightmare just this morning.

Tightly holding her arms, the sweet whispers that spreads into her ears, and, those lips that closes in slowly------

“……Wahhhhhhhhh!!”

The volume of sound that came out from the girl’s mouth was enough to make a building under construction collapse.

Ayano looks at Kazuma angrily with a blush on her face, using all the might she can muster to grab onto Enraiha. The flames that wrap around the blade now shines even more brightly.

“Don’t…… Don’t come near me! Get away from me! Pervert!!”

Even though she said that, Ayano is waving Enraiha all around, preventing Kazuma from getting away.

Seeing Ayano enter an insane state, Kazuma was surprised.

“What is going on?”

He dodges as he asks Ren at the side. However, the young boy is currently facing them with his back, his elbow at the window ledge, looking at the sunset with a sorrowful look on his face.

<nowiki>------</nowiki>Seems like he has set his mind up to treat us as strangers.

“Where are you looking at! Knowing that your brother is in trouble, yet to turn a deaf ear to me, is that okay with you!? Hey!”

Even though Kazuma is yelling for help, Ren still continues to ignore the argument between the two.

“Ahh, the sun is about to set…… But, just what am I doing here……”

Looking at the distant sunset, Ren grumbled sorrowfully.

<nowiki>---------</nowiki>After three minutes.

“……huu……huu…….” [Sound of panting]

The breathless Ayano places her entire body weight on the ground and sits down. As for the similarly breathless Kazuma, he is looking at this scene with a surprised look on his face.

Despite all the training for becoming the next soshu, after consistently engaging in vigorous anaerobic exercises in her fury, even Ayano can't keep on.. If she even has thirty percent of her strength left, that would really be something.

“------Gee, to be this tired even before we start our work.”

“This…… is nothing…… Will…… Recover immediately……”

“Is it------”

Hearing Ayano’s broken up reply, Kazuma answers without thinking.

“I say…… Just what the hell is wrong with you?”

“……Nii-sama should take half or more of the responsibility for it.”

“Ohh?”

He looks at Ren who was murmuring to himself, showing a smile on his face that makes one get a nasty premonition. Seeing this, Ren tries to run away, but it is already too late.

“Uuuuuuug--------Uuuuuuugg------!”

A cute cry came out from the mouth of the boy whose cheeks are being pinched. Even so, Kazuma did not stop, but continued to pull his brother’s cheeks.

“Do you have the right to say such things? When your beloved Nii-sama is in a crisis, who was it that pretended to have seen nothing, and then to talk to me as though such a thing never happened? You really are something.”

“That…… That is not even considered a crisis!”

Ren who was finally released from the evil clutches acts unlike his usual self, and rebuts.

“You obviously dodged so easily------ ugh……”

But, his glory lasted no longer than a few seconds------ When the boy’s eyes met Ayano’s scary stare, he shut up instantly.

A voice that seemed as though it came from the depths of hell said:

“…… I am so sorry. They were all so easily dodged by him.”

“Ah…… Erm…… I……”

Ren doesn’t know how to explain at all, cold sweat running all over his body.

(That is why I don’t want to be involved in this……)

His eager wish was not heard by the heavens. No, even if the deities heard it, just how effective would it be against the two that are just like stars of death------

(I am such an unfortunate child……)

Shrouded under the gaze of the two, Ren sighs deeply.

“------ Okay.”

After the nonsensical conversation ended, Kazuma put on a serious look on his face again.

“While the little shrewd recovers, explain the details of this job to me. I am still unsure of what we have to do.”

“Ah, okay.”

Ren hurriedly says before Ayano can make any noise. If the two of them continues arguing, then there will probably be no work done today.

“This building halted its construction due to an economic crisis. Someone else took it over, intending to demolish it and rebuild it, but------”

“Ghosts appeared?”

“No, it is not something so distinct, instead, it is the gradual increase of unconscious people. Five people died in this manner, and out of those that woke up, two of them suicide thereafter. All the rest seems weak, at this rate------”

“Hmmm------”

Kazuma responds in accordance. Ren quickly asked:

“Did Nii-sama sense any youki?”

“Ahh.”

Kazuma nods in confession, he is a fuujutsushi that can control the winds and air, where there is air, there is practically nothing that he cannot find.

“But, I can’t pinpoint the actual location.”

He gave an ambiguous answer, and then looked coldly at Ayano who’s sitting on the ground.

“You can walk now right? Let’s start quickly, as long as we roam around, maybe the opponent will take the initiative.”

“Do as you please……”

Ayano murmur as she stood up. Even though she is not too willingly, but given that there are no other plans, she can only do as Kazuma says.

“So then, let us set off!”

Even so, Ayano makes the commands as if she’s leader, walking off before the other two.

“Hey------”

In less than ten minutes, Ayano who couldn't stand it turned back. She continued to move forward in this position, as she looks at Kazuma that does not show any signs of tension.

“Found it yet?”

“No point rushing me------”

Kazuma shrugs in helplessness.

“Because I have not even started looking.”

“Huh?”

Ayano can’t help but suspect her ears. Kazuma emphasizes once more:

“Didn’t I mention that we will wait for it to strike first?”

“But, at least try! Do you even want to work!?”

Ayano stared with an angry look. But even under such conditions, Kazuma was still being cheeky.

“Well then, let me give you some advice.”

“What?”

“You should look forward when you walk.”

“------Huh?”

Ayano who was just about to turn her head around had her neck suddenly hooked by an arm stretching out from the wall. The arm tugged Ayano strongly, not giving her any time to resist, and pulled her into the wall directly.

The cement showed ripples as if on a lake surface, and Ayano disappeared into the wall just like that.

“Nee……Nee-sama……?”

Ren was in a daze, and raised his head to look at Kazuma with a despaired look on his face.

His brother’s face showed no signs of panic. He looked dumbly at the wall where Ayano disappeared into for a long while, and then said something:

“Okay------ Let’s go on.”

“No…… No we can’t, how can we just leave like this!”

Seeing Kazuma’s intentions to leave casually, Ren rushed before him and stop him in his tracks.

“Are you going to just leave Nee-sama like that!?”

The wall that swallowed Ayano was currently still undulating like a liquid. The diameter was around two metres, just big enough to let one man through------ and it seems deliberate.

Kazuma’s reaction seems as though he is feeling unhappy from the bottom of his heart.

“Anyone can tell that it’s a trap. Asking me to save that kind of fool------”

“No!”

“How about this, we go have a search around this building, and if we don’t find------”

“No!”

Ren refused to give in. He tugged Kazuma’s hand, and forcefully dragged him towards the wall, as if he is forcing a kid that doesn’t want to go to school.

“Ren------”

“No means no!”

Ren refuses Kazuma’s request. The boy that even the most superior Fuujitsushi, Kazuma, has to listen to------ In a way, he may perhaps be the strongest.

“Hey? Ayano? Wake up.”

“Mmm……”

Feeling the gentle shake on her body, Ayano’s consciousness gradually recovered.

(I…… was dragged in by hands stretching out from the walls, and then……)

And then, she has no recollections of what happened next. She opens her heavy eyelids, and is shocked to see Kazuma’s face.

“Wah------”

Ayano instinctively wants to jump up, but Kazuma was one step faster than her, and hugged her, preventing any kind of resistance.

“Huh? Ah……”

“Don’t make me so worried ever again……”

Beside the ear of the surprised Ayano, came Kazuma’s slightly coarse voice.

“I thought you were dead.”

''His voice is filled with relief. This suffocating hug, could it be because he is afraid to lose her?
''
“------ I am sorry, I was too careless.”

Perhaps due to his frankness, Ayano changes her usual defiant attitude, and apologized to Kazuma.

“Good that you are okay. Can you stand up?”

“Ah, yeah. Thanks.”

Ayano holds onto Kazuma’s hand and stand up. She wanted to let go of his hand after thanking him, but she was unable to.

“Kazuma?”

“Don’t leave me again.”

Kazuma said as he held tightly onto Ayano’s hand.

“Stay by me forever, I will protect you.”

“Ka…… Kazuma------?”

Ayano cannot believe what is going on, and stares at Kazuma. To think this man would actually say such undisguised sweet mutters to her, it is like a dream.

Unsure of what to do, Ayano’s eyes wander around------ Suddenly, she noticed something.

“What happened to Ren?”

“Huh? Ahhh------”

For some reason Kazuma hesitated, and then shrugged his shoulders as if it is unimportant.

“We got separated. But, I was most worried about you.”

“---------------------------------”

“Ayano?”

The stunned Ayano, recovers upon Kazuma’s call. She shows a shy smile, and lifted her eyes to look at Kazuma.

“Thank you for being worried about me……”

“That goes without words.”

Kazuma answered, caressing Ayano’s hand gently while at it. Ayano holds onto Kazuma’s hand, but her actions seem rather stiff.

“But, its about time we set off to go find Ren. Can you walk?”

“Yes, no problem. Let’s go.”

And so, the two marched off.

While holding each other’s hands tightly.

“------Nii-sama?”

Just as they submerged into the wall, Kazuma who was originally holding his hand suddenly vanished without a trace.

“Nii-sama? Where are you------”

He looks around, but there is only darkness surrounding him.

“Nii-sama------?”

There was not a single reply, Ren’s voice was swallowed by the darkness, the entire world was filled with silence.

(Just where is this place------?)

Judging from the fact that his voice never echoed back, this should not be the interior of the building. Could they have been sucked into an alternate dimension------ Suppressing the anxiety in his heart, Ren looks behind subconsciously.

“Woah!?”

Not long after the suppression, a cry of shock came out from his mouth. He hurriedly retreated backwards, staring at “that thing” with widened eyes.

It was a white shadow floating amidst the darkness. That thing------ “She” showed no forewarnings, and just appeared at the place before him suddenly.

That was a girl wearing a white one-piece dress. Her age seems to be around the same as Ren, yet she was a little taller than Ren, and her curly hair extended all the way to her waist.

“You are……?”

This is the first time that they have met, there is no doubt about it, because if they have ever met before, Ren would definitely not forget it, he would never forget such a lonely smile------

“-----------------------”

The girl opened her mouth, but her voice could not reach Ren’s ears, so he is unable to hear anything.

“What did you say? I can’t hear you at all.”

“-----------------------”

The girl seemd to ignore Ren’s question, and continued on with her silent words. Following that, she lowered her head sadly, and raises her head once more several seconds later.

“------Huh?”

The girl’s expression changed as though it's someone else, her eyes look cold, a sinister smile at the side of her mouth. She wields a dagger that came out from nowhere in her right hand, and then without hesitation, she slashed at Ren.

“Wait…… Wait a minute------”

The girl’s attack was relentless, but her actions were clearly those of an untrained personal. Just as Ren dodges easily, he voiced out to try to stop her:

“Stop it! Why are you doing this------”

Suddenly, the girl’s movements sped up. The tension of her muscles and the flexibility of her body did not change, it was just an increase of speed. Just like a tape that was being fast forwarded, it looked extremely unnatural.

“Waah!?”

Ren’s leg hit something, and he stumbled onto the floor. Facing the boy who was lying on the ground, the girl lunged at him with a deep murderous intent. The sharp blade was aimed at the position of his heart.

“Mmm------”

Even at this stage, Ren does not want to harm the girl. He began to focus his consciousness, intending to let the dagger------ let that steel dagger that was shining with great brilliance within the darkness melt away.

------Swish!

The girl stopped in mid-air, her body is suddenly cut into half. The body that was sliced into two from her left shoulder to the right side of her waist, is then swallowed into the darkness and disappeared.

“Huh? What…… What was that……”

“Are you okay?”

The puzzled Ren hears an extremely calm enquiring voice at this moment. He sat up instantly, and searched for the source of the voice.

“Nii-sama!?”

“Yeah.”

Kazuma nods calmly. Ren who finally sets his mind at rest, start to observe his surroundings.

It is no longer pitch black. This is probably some room in the building, it looks dark and desolate. The concrete floor is cold and hard, Ren stands up quickly.

He asks Kazuma who was right before him:

“Did Nii-sama save me?”

“Yeah.”

Kazuma gave a very short reply, he didn’t seem to be in a good mood.

“What was that just now?”

“Its your dream. I am not too sure of the contents.”

“Dream?”

“Its ‘Nightmare’.”

“------Hmm.”

Hearing the term, Ren more or less understood. In other words, it’s a psychological attack by the enemy.

There is a youma that is called “Nightmare”. Just as the name implies, it would give its host nightmares.

There is a “sacred area” in everyone’s heart. Their loved ones, precious memories, or mental wounds that cannot be healed------ hidden deep in his heart, a forbidden zone that does not allow others to come into contact with.

Nightmare would intrude into this sacred area, and distort it.

Memories of time spent with your loved ones, would turn into a nightmare where you are being murdered by them.

When assaulted by the one you love so dearly, just how many people would bear to fight back? And so, people are forced into the fear and despair of being killed by their lovers, parents or even children------ The purpose of Nightmare is to consume these negative emotions.

“Did Nii-sama have a nightmare too?”

Ren asked casually. Kazuma frowns slightly, and after keeping quiet for quite a while, he uses a bitter tone to say softly:

“……Yeah. A past I don’t want to recall.”

“Is…… Is it……”

After realizing that he asked a question he shouldn’t have, Ren starts to ponder on ways to change the topic. He wanted to go through what he just went through, and suddenly realized something strange.

Ren’s dream did not turn into a nightmare.

Just as previously mentioned, Nightmare would distort important memories, and turn them into nightmares.

Yet, in Ren’s dream, he met a girl he doesn’t know. Even though he is about to be killed by her, but he was merely shocked, and was not to the extent of feeling scared or despaired.

“……How strange.”

“What’s strange?”

”Hmmm, frankly speaking……”

After Kazuma who felt strange began to enquire further, Ren described his dream.

“------Oh?”

“What does Nii-sama think?”

“About that…… From Nightmare’s usual tricks, it is definitely your memories alright. But if you didn’t forget it, then perhaps it predicted your ‘memories from the future’?”

“Memories from the future? Can Nightmares really do that?”

Ren cries out in surprise.

“Who knows.”

Kazuma’s reply sounds like perfunctory remarks.

“I am merely stating my assumption, just let it go. Anyway let’s meet up with Ayano.”

“------You’re right.”

Ren does not think that the future is something that is fixed. Even if Nightmare really can predict the future, it is but just one of the possibilities.

Matters regarding the future, there is no point in thinking about it now. Ren shifted his attention towards the problem at hand.

(Is Nee-sama also having a nightmare now……)

He is not unconfident about Ayano’s strength. A trap that even he would be able to escape from, Ayano would never fall for it.

Yet even so, it is still worrying.

“Let’s hurry up and go, Nii-sama.”

Grabbing onto Kazuma’s hand, Ren started walking off quickly.

Speak of the devil.

It was such a coincidental meeting.

As they were moving along the outer walls of the building, just when they were about to take a turn, they met at an extremely close range.

“Nee-sama!”

After recognizing the girl before him, Ren’s eyes brighten up instantly. And yet, in the next moment he changed into a shocked expression.

“……And…… Nii-sama……?”

He stares blankly at the man standing beside Ayano, and then he turns his head around, and looks to his side once more.

They look exactly identical.

“There are two…… Nii-sama……?”

“Oh……”

“Hmm……”

The “two Kazumas” stares at each other, showing the exact same cold smile at the same time.

“…………”

And Ayano on the other hand is watching from the side. On a side-note, the moment she saw Ren, the hand originally holding onto Kazuma’s was drawn back forcefully.

“Nee…… Nee-sama…… What’s this about……?”

“Even if you ask me, I too------”

Towards Ren’s question, Ayano shook her head as if she had no part in this.

“One of them must be an imposter right?”

“Bu…… But……”

Ren seems hesitant, and looks at the Kazuma beside him.

“But, Nii-sama------ this Nii-sama saved me.”

“What a coincidence. It’s the same for me.”

Ayano answered calmly. Seeing Ayano’s strange attitude, Ren can’t help but show a troubled look.

“Nee-sama, why do you seem so calm?”

“That’s because------”

Ayano compares the two Kazumas, and then makes a conclusion:

“We can’t tell which is the real one.”

“……So?”

“In that case, let’s not waste time. Let them prove themselves.”

“Prove themselves……”

Ren does not know what Ayano was trying to say at all.

He doesn't think that they can prove anything just by talking. Besides, the imposter won’t admit that he is the fake.

Leaving the puzzled Ren at one side, Ayano turned to the two Kazumas and said:

“So to speak------ Both of you go over there and have a good fight.”

“Nee-sama!?”

Ignoring Ren's shock, she continued to say:

“The surviving one will be the real deal, got it?”

“This is too reckless! The winner might not be the real Nii-sama!”

“------What are you talking about?”

Seeing Ren’s violent reaction, Ayano blinks, surprised.

“How can Kazuma lose.”

“------Huh?”

This was not a taunt. Her tone was so calm and peaceful, it is as if she was stating the obvious truth.

“Kazuma would never lose to an imposter.”

“That…… though its true……”

Even though there are a lot of problems with his personality, but as a Jutsushi, Kazuma’s abilities can be fully trusted. Faced against an unwavering argument, Ren can only swallow his own words.

“So------”

Ayano raises her finger with force, pointing at the two before her, and announces loudly:

“The two of you don’t have to go easy, just fight it out quickly!”

“…………”

Both Kazumas both glanced at Ayano, and then stared at each other, and finally sighed at the same time.

Their actions were an exact mirror image, without the slightest difference at all. Even a pair of artists that have partnered for a long period of time might not be as harmonious as them.

“What’s up with this girl.”

“Doing things so arbitrarily-------”

“So violent------”

“Just like a tomboy……”

After finishing their final sentence at the same time, they both sigh together once more. Seeing this collaborative scene, Ayano’s temple twitches slightly.

“You……”

She grabbed a piece of concrete the size of her palm.

“Why are you having a twosome performance with the imposter! You idiot!”

And threw it out with all her might. Seeing the concrete piece that is entirely offtrack, the two Kazumas did not dodge, but only watched quietly.

“How dangerous.”

“That’s right.”

“Shut up!”

Ayano shouts out with a sinister look on her face:

“Hurry up and start! Or else I will slaughter the both of you!”

Both Kazumas widen their eyes instantly, with an astonishing look on their face. Following that, once again, they spoke together harmoniously to ask the question in their hearts:

“How will you slaughter me?”

“------!!”

In her fury, Ayano drew out her Enraiha. But, just as she was about to swing it, Ren stops her.

“Nee-sama, calm down!”

“I can’t calm down anymore!”

Ayano struggles, trying to break free from the boy who was hugging her tightly.

“How can I accept two Kazumas in this world! Just one makes me mad, having two will drive me nuts!!”

“Nee…… Nee-sama……”

Ren tries to pacify Ayano, and turn to Kazuma with begging eyes at the same time------ As he does not know which is the real one, his eyes can only shift between the both of them.

“Nii-sama, please think of something. Nee-sama can’t take much more of this.”

“………..”

The two Kazumas look at each other, and shrug helplessly.

“We don’t have much choice I guess, let’s begin.”

“------You’re right.”

Kazuma------ the one that appeared with Ayano------ reached out, and caressed the head of Ayano who was beginning to ease her anger.

“So, I am going.”

“------Have a nice trip.”

Ayano replied, a bit of her unhappiness still lingering in her tone. Yet, when Kazuma turned around with a bitter smile on his face, her voice turned freezing cold suddenly.

“I meant to hell.”

Poosh! [Sound of something splattering?]

With the sound of one’s body being pierced through, Enraiha stabbed into Kazuma’s body. The blade tip engulfed in flames, entered from his back, and came out from the center of his chest.

This was a strike that accurately pierced the heart. As if time stopped, everyone seemed to have forgotten to breathe. At this moment, Kazuma turned around to look at Ayano.

“A……Ayano……?”

“Shut your trap.”

His coarse voice was cut off coldly by Ayano.

“Even though I have no idea who you are, but please don’t call my name out so casually.”

“Wha……What------”

“Quit the acting. If you didn't die instantly the moment Enraiha pierced through your heart, it doesn’t matter what you say anymore.”

“----------------”

Perhaps admitting its failure, “Kazuma”’s painful expression disappeared suddenly, and in exchange an evil smile revealed itself.

“When did you find out?”

“Since the beginning.”

“……Why?”

“Why? Need you ask! How is it possible for Kazuma to leave Ren behind, and come rescue me alone? That is not possible no matter how you look at it!” [Actual translation would be “That is impossible in physics terms.” But I don’t understand why use physics here. Correct it if you do]

“……Nee-sama……”

Seeing how confident Ayano is when saying that, Ren can’t help but feel sad for her.

“So that’s the reason…… Seems like I let an unwanted girl have a nice dream…… Argh!”

Enraiha suddenly shone brightly, “Kazuma”’s body was completely swallowed by flames.

“Shut your trap and go and die! I will eliminate you! I will burn you till you won’t even have ashes left!”

Ayano shouts, while igniting the “furies of justice”. As if responding towards her will, the flames give out an angry roar too, slowly eroding “Kazuma” off.

“Hey hey------”

Even after “Kazuma” was all burnt off, the flames show no signs of subsiding, instead, it spread out swiftly. Avoiding Kazuma who has set up a wind barrier and Ren’s surrounding area, the flames start to burn the entire building, streets, and even the entire world.

Shortly after that------

“Aaaaaarrrrrrhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!”

A dying cry came out from somewhere.

“------Strange?”

The feeling in her hand vanished suddenly, Ayano took a step forward quickly to prevent herself from falling over.

She looks around, this seemed to be a certain room in the building, which was obviously all burnt down just now, yet there were no burnt marks anywhere.

“What’s going on?”

“------Could it all have been a dream?”

Ren who understood the situation more clearly than Ayano, turned towards Kazuma and asked.

“Perhaps.”

“That is to say------”

“Its all over.”

Before the question is finished, Kazuma gave a short answer.

Just as “Kazuma was burnt, Ayano burnt everything else as well------ The entire world that Nightmare created. Of course, the Nightmare that has been hiding naturally failed to escape its fate.

After hearing this explanation, Ayano raises her chest high up, and puts on an arrogant front:

“Hmm hmm. How was that? Shocked right!”

“Mmm------ So you won with brute force.”

“What! Does it matter------”

Ayano tried to rebut, but then changes to the smile of a victor, and looks at Kazuma with an expression of mockery.

“You didn’t do anything this time round. Even so you still want to get paid?”

She interrogated this “Money thief” with her eyes. Of course, Kazuma will definitely not push the reward at hand off just because of a slight mockery from someone else.

“Yup, there was no room for me this time round. You really became stronger.”

Kazuma hugged Ayano gently, and whispered softly by her ear. Faced with this sudden development, Ayano’s face turned beet red instantly, her entire body stiffened.

“Wha……What……”

(''What…… What is this……? Could it be that I am still dreaming……'')

As she could never imagine that Kazuma would praise her, Ayano can’t feel happy at all. Kazuma continues to input more sweet whispers into Ayano’s frozen consciousness.

“Work harder from now on, and let my wallet earn even more.”

(''---------------------Hah?-'')

Ayano raised her head reflectively. Kazuma looked into her eyes and said:

“Just standing there and getting paid for it, how can I give up on such a job? So, I will be relying on you from now on.”

“……You……”

Ayano who was so angry her body is trembling, gets kissed on the forehead at this moment. The sound of the kiss became the sound of the detonation switch being pressed at the same time.

Kaboom!

The moment Kazuma turned around, golden flames burst out Ayano’s entire body. Feeling the amazing heat behind him, Kazuma quickly grabs Ren’s hand and starts running.

“Time to run.”

“……Nii-sama.”

Ren cried out in a painful voice.

“Can’t you use a more normal way to encourage Nee-sama?”

“------Hmm, actually, that is not impossible, but……”

“But?”

“It is more fun this way.”

Dodging the plasma ball that came flying at a high speed, Kazuma hummed as he spoke.

“-------Sigh……”

Thinking about the fact that Ayano will probably still be toyed around by Kazuma from now on, and he would still get dragged into it, Ren can’t help but sigh with mixed feelings.

User:Sreeml5thira

2010-09-11T17:12:40Z

Sreeml5thira: New page: Hello... My name is Athira. How do you do? I'm currently a 9th std. student studying in Kendriya Vidyalaya Ottapalam, Kerala, India. I only know one thing about me- there's no one in th...

Hello...
My name is Athira. How do you do?

I'm currently a 9th std. student studying in Kendriya Vidyalaya Ottapalam, Kerala, India.

I only know one thing about me- there's no one in the world who's like me, I can guarantee that.

I love cartoons. Some reckon I should change to something else, others think I shouldn't even come near TV. Anyhow I Don't Care.

I love reading stories. Romance, Science fiction and Mystery I like

But I don't like language mistakes in my reading material. It disrupts my journey with the story!!

So I'm going to help people by editing the translated works. I start with my favorite light novel 'Kaze No Stigma'. ( I loved the anime, but I found the novel more lovable )

--[[User:Sreeml5thira|sreeml5thira]] 17:12, 11 September 2010 (UTC)[[Image:funnycat_l.jpg]]
This "Might be me.
U never know.......

File:Funnycat l.jpg

2010-09-11T16:51:11Z

Sreeml5thira: That "might" be me!! U never know!!!!

That "might" be me!!

U never know!!!!