Chapter 27: 27 Black Bible
In the private academy, within the classroom where Natsuki Minamiya's class is held.
A tall woman, clad in a resplendent twelve-layered kimono, with striking eyes reminiscent of a fiery hue, exuding a gentle Yamato Nadeshiko grace, was using a magic-infused brush to write and draw on the blackboard with the poise of a teacher.
The woman was elegant and noble, with beautiful features—her refined oval face carried a subtle allure amidst its elegance, her clear eyes and bright smile radiating a rare beauty.
Her demeanor, as delicate as a chrysanthemum, combined with the coldness at the corners of her eyes, made her an unparalleled beauty.
This was Aya Tokoyogi, known as the Witch of the Notaria.
Like Natsuki Minamiya, she too was a pure-blooded witch.
Although she studied on this island alongside Natsuki, her relationship with the island's administrators was not particularly close.
How this witch became connected with the Library was a mystery to many. By the time people became familiar with her, she had already risen to the position of High Librarian of The Library within Library of Criminal Organizations.
Library of Criminal Organizations was not a strictly hierarchical organization but rather a collective of individuals with similar goals, banding together for mutual support. The organizational structure was highly decentralized.
Thus, Library of Criminal Organizations had no actual headquarters; branches existed across Asia, Europe, and other regions, theoretically adhering to the leader's commands.
In reality, the leader of Library of Criminal Organizations lacked the authority to control the entire organization. Members of various branches and squads often acted independently.
Yet, it was precisely this fragmented survival mode that allowed them, classified as 'terrorists,' to evade eradication and survive to this day.
"Natsuki, my ally... I know you must be suffering greatly right now. I will rescue you and restore your true freedom!"
"…Neither devils, demons nor this island can bind you or make you endure pain that is not yours to bear."
"I will bring truth to this world. This world was never meant to have magic!"
Aya's eyes burned with determination and a quest for truth.
The members of Library of Criminal Organizations were labeled as terrorists, largely due to their radical actions.
However, from the organization's purpose, its members were a group of fanatics pursuing truth and seeking knowledge.
Aya's rise to leadership in this organization was a testament to her alignment with these ideals.
Through extensive research into the history of Deva, Cain, and the Great Cleansing, she had arrived at a conclusion: magic did not originally exist in this world. It was introduced by Devas and Cain.
This theory was not the first to be proposed by Aya; it had been suggested by distinguished mages in the past.
However, due to the lack of proof, the theory had never gained traction.
After her extensive research, Aya was fully convinced of this theory and had found a method to prove it.
To substantiate the theory, she would need to use a grimoire that was considered taboo even within the Library of Criminal Organizations.
Even as the leader, Aya could not freely access such a grimoire, which is why she had not acted on her plans in the past.
However, Natsuki Minamiya's transformation into a witch had deeply stirred Aya, touching upon the innermost desires within her.
After weighing the pros and cons, Aya decided to take action.
This operation not only offered her a chance to prove her theory but also to rescue Natsuki Minamiya. To Aya, this was a plan that achieved two goals with one stroke.
After Natsuki became a witch, she left Itogami Island and traveled to a Library of Criminal Organizations branch in Asia, using her authority to retrieve the grimoire.
Aya's ascension to the leadership of the Library of Criminal Organizations was also due to her unique ability to record grimoires, a talent that seemed tailor-made for the organization's mission to safeguard and prevent misuse of such texts.
Over the past few months, she had utilized her witchcraft to thoroughly understand the grimoire, mastering its use and conducting in-depth research into its spells.
Having prepared everything, she infiltrated Itogami Island on this day, intending to perform a grand ritual at the very school both she and Natsuki attended.
"However, by doing this, I will surely be at odds with the Library."
Aya's slender, pale fingers traced complex patterns on the blackboard in the classroom.
She murmured to herself, her tone laced with disdain for the Library of Criminal Organizations.
To her, the position of leader seemed more like a tool chosen by the many members of the Library of Criminal Organizations, and she felt little sense of belonging to the organization.
By defying the organization's principles and retrieving a forbidden book from the archives, she anticipated that most members would be furious.
Aya dismissed these concerns. As long as she could prove her hypothesis and fulfill her deepest desires, everything would be worthwhile.
Moreover, during her years with the organization, she had not come away empty-handed; she had garnered some steadfast followers.
The presence of these followers provided a measure of security and alleviated her concerns about potential repercussions.
"That should be about right."
Having inscribed the final symbol on the classroom wall, Aya's expression turned to one of satisfaction.
She casually discarded the pen she had been using and lightly brushed her pristine hands.
Turning slowly, her opulent twelve-layered kimono trailing behind her, she folded her hands in front and offered a delicate, elegant smile. "…At last, you've arrived, Natsuki, my ally."
Aya had not inscribed any spells to counteract spatial control. Within the gentle smile of her warm eyes, a subtle distortion appeared in the space before her.
Natsuki Minamiya, dressed in a Gothic lolita outfit and looking petite and beautiful, materialized before Aya Tokoyogi.
"Aya, what on earth are you playing at?"
Natsuki's immediate response was a fierce interrogation directed at Aya.
Her gaze quickly fell upon the intricate, mysterious runes etched throughout the classroom and the ancient grimoire held by Aya.
"What is that book?"
Although Natsuki did not recognize the grimoire, the fact that it was held by the leader of the witches indicated that it was no ordinary tome.
Facing Natsuki, Aya showed no intention of concealing the truth. She smiled with a scholarly air and said gracefully, "…This is the Black Bible. Surely, Natsuki, you must have heard of it."
"…There is no need to worry or be afraid. Soon, the power of the Black Bible will envelop the entire Itogami Island."
"I will halt all magical activity and then rescue you from that pitiable fate!"
"…Natsuki, come, stand with me. I will take you away from the clutches of the devil and grant you the true freedom you seek!"
Aya extended an earnest invitation with unwavering determination.
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