That brief yet unforgettable encounter with Asia Argento was like a stone thrown into the calm lake of Shin's heart—its ripples refusing to fade.
The stark contrast between her pure radiance and the darkness imprisoning it, coupled with the naked fear and helplessness in her eyes, replayed endlessly in his mind.
He knew it.
The shadow of a Fallen Angel already loomed over that girl, while the Occult Research Club remained unaware—or at least had yet to act.
An invisible sense of urgency pressed down on him, but Shin understood clearly that acting rashly would be a mistake.
Revealing precognition was the greatest taboo.
He needed a logical entry point—one grounded firmly in existing knowledge.
The following afternoon, inside the Occult Research Club's clubroom.
Warm lamplight bathed the space, maintaining its elegant and leisurely atmosphere.
Rias flipped through a thick grimoire,
Akeno gracefully brewed freshly delivered black tea,
and Kiba Yuto meticulously maintained his demonic sword, the air filled with the subtle scent of tea and faint magical residue.
Koneko Toujou occupied her usual corner, the soft tapping of her handheld console blending seamlessly into the background.
Shin sat on the sofa with a book on basic magic array principles open on his lap, taken from the clubroom bookshelf.
Yet his attention wasn't entirely on the pages.
Part of his mind still lingered on yesterday's fleeting but profound encounter.
Rias closed the grimoire with a soft thud.
Accepting the teacup from Akeno, she gently blew on it before casually sweeping her gaze toward Shin.
"Advisor Shin," she said, her voice carrying its usual lazy charm.
"Yesterday's discussion about Fallen Angels and the nature of light and darkness was quite enlightening."
"So, I'm curious—how much do you know about Divine Artifacts, also known as Sacred Gears?"
"In your Eastern system, do similar existences exist?"
The question came naturally, almost conversationally—yet it struck precisely at the center of Shin's thoughts.
Shin lifted his gaze, meeting Rias's probing eyes, Akeno's amused smile, and even Kiba, who had paused his sword maintenance to listen.
This was the opening.
A perfect one.
He gathered his thoughts carefully, ensuring his explanation aligned with the image of a fallen lineage descendant while still providing meaningful insight.
"Divine Artifacts… Sacred Gears…"
Shin repeated the term slowly, adopting a thoughtful expression.
"In the fragmented records left behind by my family, that specific name doesn't appear."
"However, if we're talking about aberrant powers residing within the human body—powers that grow stronger alongside their host—then yes, there are similar concepts."
He paused, as if recalling something distant.
"In Eastern legends, such things are often referred to as Magic Treasures, Spiritual Objects, or Natal Items."
"Magic Treasures?" Rias leaned forward slightly, interest unmistakable.
"How do they compare to Sacred Gears?"
"According to ancient texts," Shin explained calmly.
"powerful immortals or artifact-refining grandmasters can condense the essence of heaven and earth, the refinement of sun and moon, or nurture them with their own supreme power—creating artifacts with extraordinary abilities."
"These are called Magic Treasures."
"They often possess awareness—some even harbor artifact spirits—and can change form or size freely."
His gaze briefly flicked to Kiba's sword.
"Some powerful Magic Treasures can cleave mountains, halt rivers, and reverse yin and yang. In raw destructive potential, they're not necessarily inferior to high-grade Sacred Gears."
Kiba instinctively glanced at his blade and nodded faintly.
"As for Spiritual Objects or Natal Items," Shin continued, "the concept is broader."
"They aren't always forged. Some are born innately, while others form as extensions of the host's soul or bloodline."
"They reside within the body—growing alongside the host or granting unique abilities."
"Their form isn't fixed. They might manifest as an artifact, a talisman, a seed… or even a strand of innate Qi."
Akeno set her teacup down gently, smiling.
"Oh my~ That does sound remarkably similar."
"So, does your family possess such Natal Items?" she asked lightly, her tone deceptively casual.
Shin gave a self-deprecating smile and shook his head.
"I'm afraid not, Akeno-senpai."
"My family's legacy collapsed long ago. Most detailed records were lost, let alone any actual inheritance."
"What remains are only vague theories and half-forgotten legends."
He smoothly redirected the topic.
"However, Eastern traditions place heavy emphasis on compatibility and cultivation."
"Compatibility?" Rias caught the word immediately.
"Yes," Shin nodded.
"Ancient texts say, 'Magic Treasures possess spirit and choose their masters.'"
"It's not simply about power. What matters most is karma and compatibility between artifact and host."
"An incompatible artifact may refuse to function—or even harm its master."
"And once compatibility is established, the host must nurture it through cultivation, communication, and growth."
"Ultimately reaching a realm where human and artifact act as one."
"The artifact's strength is inseparable from the host's own cultivation."
He added carefully, "This differs somewhat from Sacred Gear users who rely too heavily on the artifact itself… while neglecting personal growth."
Kiba's expression darkened slightly.
Memories of the Holy Sword Project surfaced—children consumed by power, losing themselves entirely.
Rias's emerald eyes gleamed with approval.
"Very sharp insight, Advisor Shin."
"Compatibility and the host's capacity are indeed blind spots in modern Sacred Gear research."
"Pursuing power while ignoring the bearer often leads to tragedy."
Shin sensed the moment.
He shifted the topic subtly, his tone carrying a faint gravity.
"According to those incomplete records, Natal Items—being deeply connected to the soul or life origin—directly reflect the host's condition."
"If the host is unstable… injured… or subjected to malicious external interference…"
His brows knit slightly, as if recalling something unpleasant.
"The artifact's energy becomes sluggish, obscure—sometimes even twisted."
"One can sense disharmony. Pain. Suppression."
"Like jade marred by a flaw… or a pearl buried beneath dust."
Silence fell.
Rias froze mid-motion, teacup hovering in her hand.
Akeno's smile thinned, her gaze sharpening.
Even Koneko had paused her game, amber eyes fixed on Shin.
Kiba spoke slowly, "That description… matches certain cases."
"Individuals coerced by hostile forces, forced to activate Sacred Gears, often emit similar auras."
Rias placed her teacup down carefully and straightened.
"That's a valuable perspective, Advisor Shin."
"Judging a host's condition through Sacred Gear anomalies… this could help identify innocent victims drawn into supernatural conflicts."
She looked at Shin closely.
"You seem especially sensitive to this subject."
"Did something prompt these thoughts?"
Shin's heart skipped—but his expression remained calm.
He shook his head with a mild, helpless smile.
"Just something I read once. A theoretical connection."
"I'm afraid my understanding is still shallow."
Rias studied him for a moment longer, then relaxed.
"No. Your insight is valuable."
"Thank you, Advisor Shin."
The discussion gradually drifted to other matters, as if the topic had been only a passing exchange.
But Shin knew better.
The seed had been planted.
The idea that Sacred Gear anomalies could indicate coercion had taken root.
Now, all he had to do… was wait.
When Asia's situation surfaced, today's conversation would become the fuse.
Shin lifted his teacup, now slightly cooled, and took a small sip.
His gaze returned to the book in his hands, calm and unassuming.
The Dao is long.
Subtle influence and patient guidance are the truest paths forward.
...
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