Shiori Novella
The Capital's Unfolding Mystery
"I'm at the Coastal City right now!"
Shiori was seated at the farthest corner of Holoresto, a quiet smile dancing on her lips as the mellow music of the café blended seamlessly with the pages of her book and the sweetness of the parfait before her. It was her moment of stillness—one she rarely allowed herself to indulge in. Her phone, left idle on the table, buzzed softly. A new message from Bijou.
It was a photo—Bijou posing with Kanade and Kobo at the beach, the ocean breeze visible in their windswept hair. A smile gently curved Shiori's lips.
"Send them my regards," she typed and hit send.
She had been worried—more than she would admit—when the demonic attacks swept through the city days ago. But knowing Bijou was safe, and more importantly still that bright, game-loving girl she cared for, gave her immense relief. Bijou explained she had been evacuated by Towa and Risu after exiting a game center, and that her phone had been lost in the chaos. If it weren't for Risu retrieving it, she wouldn't have been able to contact Advent at all.
As Shiori scrolled through her messages, the blazing midday sun outside cast shifting patterns of gold through the windows. And then, through the heat-haze beyond the glass, a familiar figure approached—Oozora Subaru, in full police uniform.
Shiori casually set down her phone and greeted the short-haired officer with a smirk.
"Welcome, Officer Guardian. Doing your rounds?" she teased.
Subaru didn't rise to the bait. She sat across from her with a professionalism that suggested she'd rather be anywhere else. Truthfully, asking for help from someone like Shiori—the former mastermind of one of the most dangerous Advent uprisings—was the last thing she wanted. But the case before her was beyond the capabilities of ordinary detectives. With Amelia Watson missing, Subaru had no choice.
"I heard you've started a private detective service," Subaru began, tone measured.
"I have," Shiori confirmed, twirling her parfait spoon thoughtfully. "Is that why you called me out?"
"That depends on how you respond," Subaru replied, choosing her words with precision. "I might hire you for an investigation."
"Then do tell."
Without further preamble, Subaru explained: several ancient books sealed deep within the city library's underground archives had vanished. No physical evidence was left behind—only faint traces of magic.
"You're not accusing me, are you?" Shiori arched an eyebrow, her smirk playful.
Subaru's expression darkened. "Suspect you? No. You swore your allegiance to The Council, and despite how much I distrust you... I know you wouldn't break that vow."
The words struck Shiori with surprising warmth. She hadn't expected Subaru to trust her—at least not that much.
"This theft reeks of magic. And as someone with archival knowledge and magical affinity… you're the best hope I have."
Subaru added that as an Archiver, Shiori must know how dangerous it would be for the world if those tomes—especially the forbidden ones—fell into the wrong hands.
Intrigued, Shiori agreed to take the case.
Subaru handed over a digital file. "The list of missing books. I've sent it to you."
Opening her phone, Shiori scanned the titles—seven in total. Her eyes stopped at one particular entry.
Virgous Ark Spell.
Her demeanor changed immediately.
"You chose the right person for this, Subaru-senpai. I'll begin the search immediately."
The Virgous Ark Spell was no ordinary book. A tome of high-tier sorcery, it contained the knowledge to cast mass hypnotic enchantments—essentially a manual for brainwashing. Even if this was merely a replica, its power could threaten entire populations. The original, of course, was under lock and ward in her personal archive.
Shiori stood up, dropping a tip beneath her parfait glass. Subaru, puzzled by her urgency, frowned.
"Where are you going?"
Shiori's expression turned grim. "To begin the investigation. That book isn't something that should ever see the light of day."
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A-D-V-E-N-T
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An Hour Later – City Library
The grand library stood in solemn silence, its towering shelves and polished marble floors betraying no hint of the chaos concealed beneath. Shiori stepped in quietly, her presence like a passing shadow among oblivious patrons.
She made her way to the front desk.
"Welcome, how may I assist you?" the receptionist asked politely.
"I'm looking for The Owl's Cave," Shiori replied.
The receptionist blinked—then nodded subtly, recognizing the code. Without a word, she led Shiori through a hallway. So the access protocol to the secret archive remained unchanged.
"Are you here to investigate the missing tomes?" the staffer asked as they entered the dim corridor.
Shiori paused mid-step. That the woman knew about the case was... troubling.
"Who are you working with?" she asked, voice low and cautious.
The staffer produced an alternate ID. Shiori barely glanced at the name but read the title: Oozora Police Agent.
"All the front desk staff are my people," she explained.
"Six total, then." Shiori nodded. "I want all of you to evacuate the civilians once I enter the chamber. No exceptions."
The agent hesitated. "Why?"
Shiori narrowed her gaze. "Because anyone without magical resistance shouldn't be near what's down there. The residual energy alone could be lethal."
Accepting the order, the woman resumed leading her down the winding, ancient path to the archives.
Fifteen minutes passed before they reached the thick, rune-etched door of the underground vault. Shiori stopped, exhaled slowly, and turned.
"Go. Evacuate everyone. Before it's too late."
The agent nodded and disappeared up the stairs.
Shiori turned back to the door.
"Let's begin."
The chamber beyond was dimly lit by flickering candles. The air was cool, thick with magical residue. Shadowed shelves loomed like sleeping titans. A few books hovered gently midair, suspended by arcane wind. Seven large pedestals stood at the room's heart—each once cradling a forbidden book.
Now, all were empty.
Shiori moved to one, placing her hand on the stone surface and closing her eyes. She channeled her Archiver ability, seeking magical traces. A familiar current rippled against her senses—faint, but unmistakable.
She knew this magic.
Reaching for her phone, she dialed Subaru.
"I'm at the scene. There's lingering magic here—powerful, and definitely from someone in Holocorp."
Subaru's voice sharpened. "Holocorp? You're certain?"
"Yes. This isn't some rogue caster. This is refined. Elite. Possibly a demon."
"If it's a demon… Towa is the only suspect that fits."
"I agree. I'll confirm it—if I make it out."
She ended the call and drew her magic pistol.
"I know you're here. Show yourself."
A warning shot rang out, echoing through the archive. Silence… then shadows peeled away from the far wall. A figure emerged, cloaked in black, hood falling back to reveal familiar violet hair.
Towa stepped forward, smiling coldly—and attacked.
A wave of dark magic surged toward Shiori, who raised a barrier in an instant, blocking the blast.
Their eyes locked.
"So it is you," Shiori whispered. "Are you the one behind this, Towa-sama?"
---
A-D-V-E-N-T
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Earlier That Afternoon – Holocorp HQ
Before leaving for her city rounds, Sora encountered something unexpected: Takane Lui and Rindo Chihaya arriving at Holocorp HQ. Towa's most trusted aides, now back in the fold. The timing couldn't be a coincidence.
Sora's investigation into the Holocorp traitor had narrowed down to two suspects, but today, she had no time to pursue it further. She had a scheduled intel exchange with Subaru.
Just as she stepped out of the precinct, she spotted a familiar figure approaching.
"Shiori? What are you doing here?"
The detective adjusted her red-trimmed coat and smiled. "Subaru-senpai hired me to investigate the stolen books case."
Sora narrowed her eyes. "Be careful. If The Council catches wind of you stepping out of bounds…"
"I know, Sora-senpai. I have no intention of being stupid," she assured, walking past with her usual nonchalance.
Sora let her go, turning back toward the fading horizon.
But ten steps later, her communicator chimed.
"Sora-senpai, apologies for the sudden call—but another dark portal just opened."
Zeta's voice was tense. Sora's eyes hardened.
"I'll handle the demon. Begin civilian evacuation protocols and deploy the team formations I outlined."
Zeta acknowledged and cut the line.
Sora broke into a run, her magic tracker glowing softly in her palm.
The capital city was no longer quiet.
The storm had begun.