The Tokyo Branch of the History Compilation Committee had not known peace for the past several weeks.
The atmosphere throughout the building was unusually tense.
The aftermath of the Mount Etna Incident sent shockwaves through every organization involved in the supernatural world.
Within days, confidential reports circulated among Europe's major magical associations.
A new Campione had appeared.
Though many details remained classified, one fact quickly spread throughout the hidden societies of the world.
The newly born Campione was known only by a single title—
[The Red Hair King].
The identity of the individual, however, remained completely unknown.
No established magical family claimed him.
No organization possessed records of his existence.
Even eyewitness accounts contradicted one another.
As a result, representatives of the Seven Sisters Organization in Italy traveled to Japan to meet with the History Compilation Committee, believing the mysterious Campione might have originated there.
After all...
Japan was home to Six Campiones.
If another had been born in secret, the Committee would surely know.
Unfortunately...
The meeting yielded nothing.
History Compilation Committee possessed no record concerning anyone known as the [ The Red Hair King]
They didnt even know what he Swordmanship shown in the battle.
Or the abilities he possessed.
Even the only clue they possessed—the surname "Aito"—proved useless.
Thousands of people throughout Japan have many shared the same family name, making it impossible to narrow down the search.
Nothing...
After comparing intelligence from both sides, the Committee officially concluded that the newly emerged Campione had no confirmed connection to Japan.
At least...
None that could be proven.
Nevertheless, The History Compilation Committee's refused to dismiss the possibility entirely.
Hearing the information regarding of Six Campione is have tied in this country might have possibility.
Soon afterward, the Higher up issued a nationwide directive.
...
The elevator doors slid open onto the Investigation Division.
Every regional branch was ordered to conduct a thorough investigation into any unidentified individuals whose appearance or activities might be connected to the [Red Hair King].
The search extended from Hokkaidō in the north to Okinawa in the south.
Thousands of reports poured into headquarters.
Most proved to be nothing more than just theory.
Others were quickly dismissed.
Only one investigation refused to disappear.
It originated...
From the Tokyo Branch.
A man in his early thirties stepped out, carrying a paper cup of black coffee.
Shindō Ichirō.
Captain of the Tokyo Branch's First Investigation Team.
As one of the Committee's foremost investigators, Ichirō had been placed in charge of this investigation.
Thought his investigation were hopeless search until he found information of individual.
Among the countless reports received from across the country, one stood out above all others.
A mysterious fox-eared youth had reportedly defeated the disciples of the Four Legendary Beast Dojos before disappearing without leaving behind even the slightest trace.
His identity was unknown.
All people known him as [Little Fox]
Hearing this name his institution couldn't help light up felt this person is connected to the [King].
When was trying to find this person is leading mysterious too.
Which having thought this person is really connected...
Ichirō took a sip of his coffee as he stepped into the office.
Before he had taken more than a few steps, one of his subordinates hurried toward him.
"Captain Shindō."
Ichirō looked up.
It was Riku Kisaragi, one of the investigators assigned to his team.
"The Branch Director has requested your presence."
Ichirō blinked.
"Director Hoshizaki?"
Riku nodded.
"He said to come to his office immediately as you arrive...."
Ichirō frowned slightly and thought, 'Looks like something happen...'
That alone was unusual.
Branch Director Tatsuya Hoshizaki rarely summoned investigators unless the matter required his personal authority.
Setting down his coffee on a nearby desk, Ichirō adjusted his overcoat.
"...All right."
"I'll see what this is about."
Neither man noticed the curious gazes following Ichirō as he made his way toward the executive floor.
A few moments later—
Ichirō stood before the Director's office.
After knocking twice, he heard the familiar voice from within.
"Come in."
The room was quiet.
Behind his desk sat Tatsuya Hoshizaki, his expression as composed as ever.
Ichirō offered a respectful bow.
"You wanted to see me, Director?"
Hoshizaki looked at him for several silent seconds before speaking.
"Captain Shindō."
"I would like to halt all your special investigation case effective immediately...."
Ichirō blinked.
"What?"
For the first time, genuine surprise appeared on Ichirō 's face.
Director Hoshizaki continue, "You can withdraw your team in these case now. You can go to another case now. Work well done, Captain.."
Ichiro struggled to understand what he had just heard.
"Director..."
"With all due respect, we're finally beginning found some clues."
"If we stop now, This will become meaningless."
"I understand," Hoshizaki replied calmly.
"And under any other circumstances, I would have allowed you to continue."
He folded his hands atop his desk.
"Unfortunately...the situation has changed."
Ichirō looked up and confuse.
"What happened?"
Hoshizaki opened another file resting on his desk.
Without a word, he slid several photographs across the table.
Ichirō picked them up.
The photographs showed the remains of dozens of bird-type surveillance shikigami scattered across rooftops, utility poles, and forest trails throughout western Tokyo.
Each had been torn apart as though struck from the sky.
No scorch marks.
No traces of magic.
No lingering spiritual power.
Only trace of someone torn paper talismans.
His expression hardened.
"..That many?!"
"They were all destroyed within the last forty-eight hours."
Ichirō's eyes narrowed.
"Our analysts could not trace a single fragment of spiritual residue in the talisman."
Hoshizaki paused before continuing.
"Also, The decision is no longer mine."
Ichirō frowned.
"...What do you mean?"
"The order was directly from the higher ups."
...
Silence filled the room.
The captain's expression slowly hardened.
Ichirō exhaled slowly.
"Did they give a reason?"
"No."
"They merely instructed every branch to cease any investigation related to this individual."
Hearing this, Ichirō lowered his gaze.
Every instinct as an investigator told him there was still something hidden beneath the surface.
Yet an order from the Executive Council was absolute.
He slowly saluted.
"...Understood, Director."
Whether he agreed with the decision or not no longer mattered.
Neither man noticed the silent observer beyond the office window.
Perched upon the handrail of a neighboring rooftop was a large dark-feathered bird.
Its golden eyes remained fixed on Director Hoshizaki's office.
It watched the entire conversation without making a sound.
"Hoo..."
Then...
As if satisfied with what it had witnessed...
The bird quietly spread its wings.
With a single powerful flap, it vanished into the Tokyo sky.
-----
Inside the Training Chamber...
The sound of bowstrings echoed repeatedly throughout the field.
Thrum!
Thunk!
Another arrow embedded itself into the target.
This time...
Right at the center.
A perfect shot.
Shizuka stared at the target for a moment before her eyes slowly widened.
"...I did it."
A small smile blossomed across her face.
She had finally managed to hit the bullseye from ten yards away.
...
Standing nearby, Amaterasu looked at the target before giving a small nod of approval.
"Well done."
Shizuka immediately straightened her posture upon hearing the rare praise.
"T-Thank you, Amaterasu-sensei!"
A faint smile appeared on the Sun Goddess's face.
It had taken several days of relentless practice, but Shizuka had finally grasped the fundamentals she had been teaching.
' As expected of her... 'Amaterasu thought inwardly, quietly approving of her new disciple's determination.
"You have finally grasped the basics."
Shizuka's heart swelled with pride.
Then—
"Now do it another one hundred times."
"...Eh?"
The smile instantly froze on Shizuka's face.
"W-What?"
"Do it again. One hundred more times."
"...One hundred?"
Amaterasu nodded.
"Yes."
"While the feeling of that successful shot is still fresh in your mind, repeat it."
"The first success may be luck."
"The next hundred shots will determine whether it has become skill."
"...Yes, Amaterasu-sensei."
Suppressing the urge to sigh, Shizuka took a deep breath.
She slowly closed her eyes.
Inhale.
Exhale.
When she opened them again, her gaze had regained its focus.
She calmly nocked another arrow.
At that moment—
"Wow..."
"I only disappeared for a little while, and Shizuka's improved this much."
A childish familiar voice across the training grounds.
Shizuka, still concentrating on her target, didn't notice the newcomers.
Asahi had quietly arrived beside Amaterasu with Tet walking casually at his side.
The two silently watched as Shizuka drew her bow once more, both visibly impressed by her progress.
Shizuka still remained completely focused on her training, she failed to notice someone quietly approaching from behind.
Asahi quietly watched Shizuka draw another arrow.
Her posture was steady.
Her breathing was calm.
There was no hesitation in her movements.
Thrum!
Thunk!
The arrow struck just beside the bullseye.
A small smile appeared on Asahi's face.
"How's Shizuka's progress so far, Amaterasu-sensei?" Teasing tone.
Amaterasu kept her eyes on the target.
"It has only been a few days."
"Yet she has already grasped the fundamentals of archery."
She gave a small nod.
"As expected, Master."
"Her foundation is quite good enough to pull some bow string at ease and she possesses remarkable focus and quickly learned"
Tet chuckled from beside Asahi.
"Hehe. I knew she'd get it eventually."
"Shizuka's the type to see once or thrice and she gets it right."
Amaterasu continued.
"Talent alone is insufficient."
"Discipline and repetition are what transform technique into instinct."
Asahi nodded thoughtfully.
"I see..."
He looked toward to the weapon table area looking at the bow resting nearby.
"...Then I'd like to learn as well."
Amaterasu glanced at him.
"You wish to study archery?"
Asahi smiled.
"Maybe its time to have more skill in long range attack."
Thinking for a while all his skill mostly meele attack.
Of course he have magic but its still enough.
"And if I ever decide to craft my own ranged weapons, I should first learn more."
Tet grinned.
"See? He's finally thinking before inventing something."
Amaterasu closed her eyes for a brief moment before nodding.
"Its my honor to teach you."
"From now on, I shall instruct you alongside Shizuka."
Asahi bowed slightly.
"Thank you, Amaterasu-sensei."
Just then—
"Hooo..."
A deep, mellow hoot echoed throughout the training chamber.
The three instinctively looked upward.
Even Shizuka, who had been completely immersed in her practice, paused and raised her head at the unfamiliar sound.
"...Hm?"
Only then did she notice two familiar figures standing beside Amaterasu.
"Asahi-nii?"
"Tet?"
She blinked in surprise.
"When did you two get here?" Shizuka walk to them.
Asahi smiled awkwardly and scratched his cheek.
"Just a little while ago."
"You looked so focused that we didn't want to interrupt your training."
Tet chuckled.
"Hehe. We figured it'd be more fun to watch."
Before Shizuka could respond, her attention was drawn back to the ceiling.
A medium-sized owl glided gracefully beneath the high dome of the training chamber.
Its mottled brown and white feathers reflected the light with a subtle metallic sheen.
Its wings sliced through the air without making the slightest sound.
"Hooo..."
It circled the chamber once...
Twice...
Then folded its wings.
Flap.
Flap.
With remarkable precision, it descended and landed gently on Asahi's shoulder.
The owl affectionately rubbed its head against his cheek.
Asahi chuckled.
"Welcome back."
"Hoo."
Shizuka's eyes sparkled with fascination.
"...An owl?"
She stepped closer, unable to hide her curiosity.
This is the first seeing owl she always watch on the animal tv.
The bird looked almost perfectly natural.
Its feathers moved realistically.
Its golden eyes blinked with intelligence.
Even its breathing seemed lifelike.
Yet...
Something about it felt different.
She could faintly sense magical energy flowing throughout its body.
"...It's strange..."
"It looks alive..."
"...but it doesn't feel like a normal animal."
She tilted her head.
"...Is that... a robot bird?"
Asahi and Tet exchanged amused glances before breaking into proud smiles.
"Hehe..."
Tet couldn't hide the excitement in his voice.
"You noticed."
Amaterasu's golden eyes narrowed slightly as she continued observing the owl.
"...Indeed."
"It possesses the aura of a Shikigami."
Her gaze shifted toward Asahi and Tet.
"...I didnt expect you two truly succeeded."
The two creators simply smiled, unable to hide their pride as the owl gave another confident hoot.
"Hooo."
[Image:]
She carefully observed the bird.
Although its appearance was natural, she could sense traces of spiritual and magical energy woven throughout its body.
It wasn't a normal familiar.
"Hehehe..."
Asahi and Tet nodded felt proud to the owl.
Tet stepped forward with an unmistakable grin, gently patting the owl perched on Asahi's shoulder.
"Hehe... allow me to introduce our newest pet."
The owl puffed out its chest proudly.
"Hoo."
"Its model is AS no. 001, we name it; Fukurou."
"He's the very first successful Artificial Shikigami created by Asahi and me."
Shizuka's eyes widened.
"...Artificial Shikigami?"
Amaterasu remained silent, waiting for Tet to continue.
Tet nodded proudly.
"Unlike ordinary Shikigami, Fukurou wasn't summoned through a contract with a spirit. He's a Creation-Type Shikigami, born entirely through Asahi's Creation Magic.,"
Tet gently ran his hand over the owl's feathers.
"Even so, he still functions as a true Shikigami. As long as he is connected to his master, he can be freely summoned or dismissed whenever needed."
"Fukurou's primary role is simple."
"He's a Support, Reconnaissance, and Tactical Familiar."
"Thought he was support type bird he was capable to give buy you time"
"He also was contain useful stuff inside his body you can see later on."
Shizuka's eyes sparkled.
"...He's so cute."
She looked hopefully toward Asahi.
"...Can I pet him?"
Asahi smiled before gently stroking Fukurou's head.
"Fukurou."
The owl looked up at him.
"Hoo?"
"Go ahead."
With a gentle flap of its wings, Fukurou flew from Asahi's shoulder and landed delicately on Shizuka's right shoulder.
"Hoo."
"O-Oh..."
Shizuka instinctively stiffened as the owl settled beside her face.
"...He's lighter than I expected."
Carefully, she reached out and gently stroked the back of Fukurou's head.
Her fingers brushed across its feathers.
"...So soft..."
The feathers felt just like those of a real owl—smooth, warm, and incredibly natural.
For a moment, she completely forgot it was an artificial creation.
A delighted smile slowly spread across her face.
"...He's adorable."
Fukurou closed his eyes contentedly and leaned into her hand.
"Hooo..."
Tet folded his arms with a satisfied grin.
"Hehe."
"I'd say Fukurou, This bird...feels far more alive than a mere puppet-type creation."
Amaterasu quietly watched Fukurou resting comfortably on Shizuka's shoulder.
Tet and Asahi look each other at the same time.
"...Now that you mention it..." Tet muttered.
Asahi gave an awkward smile.
"Honestly..."
"We don't really know why...it started moving exactly like a real owl."
"I thought maybe I had unconsciously imagined it that way while creating it."
Tet nodded.
"Yeah, It all came naturally."
Without saying a word, Amaterasu gently placed a finger against Fukurou's forehead.
The owl remained perfectly calm.
She quietly closed her eyes.
A moment later...
Her expression softened.
"...I see."
Tet and Asahi immediately looked at her.
"You know something?" Asahi asked.
Amaterasu slowly nodded.
"I believe I understand."
She withdrew her hand.
"...It seems fragment of my essence life was mixed into its Mana Core."
"It became part of Fukurou's existence."
"What!" Both were surprise what they discovered.
"How? I never put some authority of life into that?"
Amaterasu looked at the two bewildered faces before letting out a soft laugh.
"...It seems neither of you has realized it."
Asahi blinked.
"Realized what?"
Amaterasu stepped closer and gently tapped the center of his chest.
"Master..."
"It seems you still haven't fully understood your current capabilities yet."
"...What do you mean?"
"You are not merely a God Slayer(Campione) from the start, Master."
"Thought you have received of our Authorities."
"And with them..."
"...you have our blessing including fragments of our divine essence."
Asahi looked down at himself.
"...Divine essence?"
Amaterasu nodded begun to explain.
"My Authority governs the sun, but more importantly..."
"...it governs life."
"When you created Fukurou, your imagination shaped."
"...you unconsciously infused a fragment of my authority of life essence into its core."
Tet's eyes widened.
"So that's why it behaves like a real owl..."
Amaterasu smiled faintly.
"Precisely."
"You did not simply create a simple familiar, my lord."
"You gave it the potential to think, learn, and develop instincts."
"It is not because Fukurou possesses a soul..."
"It is because the Authority of Life unconsciously became part of its foundation."
"Hooo."
Fukurou tilted his head innocently, seemingly unaware that he had become the center of the discussion.
Tet suddenly clapped his hands together.
"Oh!"
"Since we're already talking about him..."
"Why don't we show everyone what he accomplished during his very first patrol?"
Shizuka's curiosity immediately returned.
"He already went on a mission?"
Asahi smiled.
"He did."
He gently stroked Fukurou's head.
"Fukurou."
The owl looked up.
"Hoo?"
"Show everyone the patrol record."
"Hoo!"
Fukurou's golden eyes immediately glowed with a pale blue light.
A magic circle expanded beneath his feet.
Tiny particles of mana gathered in front of the group before forming a translucent holographic screen.
"...Amazing."
Shizuka whispered.
Tet folded his arms proudly.
"One of Fukurou's support functions."
"He automatically records everything he sees and hears during a mission."
"And whenever necessary..."
"...he can replay those memories."
The projection slowly became clear.
Nighttime.
The skies above Tokyo.
Countless bird-shaped Shikigami flew across the city, silently carrying out their surveillance routes.
Fukurou's point of view swept across the skyline.
Markers appeared over each target as he silently analyzed their patrol patterns.
Then—
Without making the slightest sound—
He descended.
One bird Shikigami disappeared beneath a precise strike from his mana-infused talons.
Another was intercepted moments later.
Then another.
The recording continued as Fukurou methodically hunted every surveillance Shikigami throughout the city.
Not once was his presence detected.
Not once did he waste unnecessary movement.
Shizuka stared at the projection.
"He... eliminated all of them by himself..."
Tet nodded proudly.
"He completed the mission perfectly."
"As expected of our little hunter."
The scene changed.
This time, Fukurou quietly perched on the branch of a tree outside an office window.
Inside sat Branch Director Tatsuya Hoshizaki behind his desk.
Standing before him was Shindo Ichiro, holding several investigation reports.
The room was silent for a moment before the Branch Director begun to spoke watch all what happened in the meeting.
As the holographic recording ended there.
The screen dissolved into countless particles of light before disappearing.
Silence filled the training chamber.
Asahi folded his arms with a thoughtful expression.
"So..."
"They've officially shut down the case."
Tet smiled.
"Looks like Fukurou brought back more than just reconnaissance data."
Amaterasu looked at the owl with quiet approval.
"...Not only can he scout unseen..."
"...he can also gather intelligence of significant value."
Fukurou puffed out his chest proudly.
"Hooo!"
Almost as if proudly declaring the successful completion of his first mission.
--CUT---
A/n: 3 more chapter, we can move now...
====
Profile Item:
Name: Fukorou
Designation: AS No. 001
Model Species: Owl
Role: Reconnaissance, Tactical Support, Intelligence Gathering, Messenger, Supply Carrier
Attribute: Wind/Fire
Administrator:
Asahi and Tet: The Creator
-STATS-
Combat Rank: D+
Reconnaissance Rank: A
Stealth Rank: A+
Mobility: A
Intelligence: E+-->D
Skills:
Owi's Ego: S
Owl Hunter's Instinct: D
Summoner's call: C
Mana-Enhanced Body: A++
Owl's eyes: A+(Nightvision, Telescopic Vision, Motion Detection, Marking,)
Silent Flight: A+
Conceal Presence: B+
Arcane Feathers: B
Stomach Storage: A
Silent Screech: A+
Links(Recording, Communication): B+
Auto Hunts: D+