Hajime focused on his lunch tray, but he secretly looked at Mika for a few times. It seems that they're in quite an awkward situation as both of them just keep silent as the lunchbreak goes on. Although Hajime always wanted to talk to Mika, right now he don't know what to say anymore. In fact, he wasn't the type of person that would start up a conversation. So far, the only person that could get on his talkative side is Hikari. After some while, he decided that he should speak up to break this awkwardness.

"So..." Hajime spoke up, but before he could finished his sentence, Hikari appeared from nowhere and wrapped his arm around his shoulder with a big grin, "Hey Hajime-kun, so you're sitting here. Heh, I was looking for you, y'know."

"Y-Yeah." Hajime said, a little bit surprised. "Where was you earlier?"

"Well... um... I have some... issues that I need to resolve..." Hikari said while scratching the back of his head. With a quick glance, he could see that his barrier is now also tapped to Hajime. Then he looked on to Mika, "Hi, Mika-san. How is it going?" Hikari said to her with a gentle smile, "mind if I join you guys?"

But as Hikari was about to sit, the school's bell ring, indicates that the lunchbreak was over. "Oh, too bad..." Hikari sighed, "well, we'll heading back to our class now. Let's go, Hajime-kun. See you later, Mika-san."

With that said, Hikari turned his back. Hajime sighed, "Sorry about Hikari-san, he's a little bit over-exciting at times, but he really a nice guy," He then stood up, "well, I guess I'll see you later too. Nice afternoon."

Hajime then walked away from the table and catch up with his best buddy and went back to their class. The afternoon classes also went on quite normal, much to both of the Children relief. And it seems that both of the auras that had entered their school have gone. Luckily that today they don't have much subjects and they can go back sooner than everyday. After the last subject finished, Hikari and Hajime gathered their stuffs hastily and went out of the school together. Just as they stepped out from the entrance, Kyo was there waiting for them.

"Good afternoon, Kyo-oniisan." Hikari grinned as he walked to his Entity.

"Konichiwa, Kyo-san. How was your day?" Hajime said with a smile as he followed his friend.

"It's about time, both of you." Kyo gave them a greeting smile, "okay, let's head for the Spiral Highlights for now. Are you ready?"

The Children then nodded. "Good, hoping that you two will have fun. Okay, I think that both of you know how to get there so just go right ahead and I'll follow you two behind from a distance as not to attract too much attention. Let's go."

Hikari and Hajime walked on the front with Kyo right behind their back. The building wasn't that far from their school so it took them only about 10 minutes walking and soon, the building is now on their sight. But just as he got near there, Kyo abruptedly stopped. He could felt some stirring in the mana flows around this area, and he was quite surprised when he felt that, though he is well-aware that sooner or later, this moment would come. "This could only mean one thing," Kyo thought, "looks like the tiger has went out from its cave. But I needed to check later, just to be sure."

Kyo then catch up with the other two and three of them made their ways to the top of the building. He saw that the three veteran Entities are already there, along with Rion - Patience's Catalyst.

"Hey," Hajime spoke out loud to gain their attentions, "we're here."

The three then walked to the four standing in front of them. "Well, something had happened back at their school. Because of that, I think it is better that I should escort them here, just in case. They can tell you about it. That's all I guess." Kyo said then turned to the two catalysts, "you're on your own this time. Good luck." He said with a wink then made his way back to the ground. While he is going by the elevator, he thought about his plans, "I should go to the basement for now and waited til' tonight." Kyo actually is looking forward tonight, "can't wait to meet her again."

Masenai was silent on his glaring of the catalyst of pride. However he knew that if Alastair wanted to make a trap he wouldn't give out the terms. Sighing he saw Rion appear, only she didn't act like herself. It was then Leona explained she suffered from dissociative identity disorder. "I see. Well hopefully both persona's are content with sharing one body then." was all The Virtue had to say. Then Kyo, and the Children of Humility and Temperance showed up.

However Kyo was leaving. He knew that Kyo's must've sensed Alaistair as well. He had to make sure Kyo did not do anything to make the situation worse. He tried to relay a message to him via telepathy. "Kyo, do not come out of the hideout tonight. I'm coming down there later and I want you and Miruka to look into something for me. I want to follow up on a missing person's case filed four years ago. It has to do with My own Child's parents. You'll know the file when you see it."

Masenai looked at the others with a small smile before walking to a good spot to keep his guard up whilst the lesson went on.

----

Robin scanned around the empty building in the red light district he got ambushed in late last night. Trying to figure out how and where the woman came from to try and retrace his steps. He didn't want to go back to Masenai and the others without giving them a confirmation about the situation. But if he could find the killer, he could be in for a fight of his life. "Just keep calm Robin, your Da would tell you to keep a clear head." he muttered. He then walked to the area where he knew he got the drop on him and tried to piece things together.

-----

"Ugh, I know it's a castle but does it have to be so huge people can't find their way around places?" Morrigan complained to herself. For she knew that these people seemed to not like her presence in some way, and sighed on realization of it. She needed someone to have a little fun with, either that or she could find a way to sneak out and resume her killings again. She didn't care about anything else but that.

She smiled at the thought of it all as she layed down on the couch in a slightly attractive way. She had a lot to think about.

Rin watched Nozomi walk down and disappear with the crowd through the scope of her sniper rifle. She sighed in relief as the immediate threat had disappeared for now. Re-calibrating her settings and position, she continued to monitor the school premises. So far, no activity from all Catalysts. It reached the point of dismissal and most of the students have started heading back, including Hikari and the other Catalyst with him.
"Now then, let's see who remains late in this school..."

In the meantime, Mika had just woken up, still feeling a bit bothered by auras suddenly appearing and disappearing. She had no one to turn to about it, except for the Entity within her mind. She headed down to the school's backyard, taking a look at the circuit breaker there.
"Hey kid! Let's not go on with your training today." Akito immediately told her.
"Why not? Usually you're very harsh and strict about it."
"Slight disturbances in your daily pattern is healthy and removes suspicions. Those auras are still troubling and you may still be observed until now. The inexperienced draw attention to them by acting differently. That's all I can say. Go to the bookstore or mingle with your friends, I don't care either way."
Mika gave her Entity's words some thought. "Well...I guess I've been meaning to go to the bookstore anyway..." Turning around, Mika started walking away, unaware of the eyes that watched her from afar.

"Okay, what made you change your mind?" Rin thought as she observed quietly. This girl looked like she had something to do at first but immediately changed her mind during the last minute. A little suspicious. Taking out a long-range camera, she took a picture of Mika before packing away her things for the duration of the afternoon. Entering the school, she browsed through the club listings on the bulletin board, trying to find a name and face that matched the girl earlier.
"Mika Iriai, third year class-B, member of the Library Committee." Rin read the name aloud, wondering if she was the one they were looking for.
"Aside from this, the school's atmosphere is heavily saturated. Multiple auras gathered here no doubt. In any case, I don't want to linger here any further." Calling out to her Catalyst, she gave the order. "Izumi, let's withdraw."
Gunshots. Rin was shocked when she heard it coming from Izumi's side. She took off immediately, trying to reach her Catalyst before it was too late.

---

Within the confines of the small space, both Catalysts went at each other. Fumina was obviously stronger and more experienced but, the disadvantages of a close range weapon in the face of a gun came biting to her hard. While she's not getting hit, she can't seem to close the distance between them, despite her superior strength and agility. On the other hand, Izumi tried to get by her mediocre accuracy by employing spray and run tactics, betting on the chance of a random hit while keeping her distance at the same time.
"Thirty-three bullets left. Two more reloads." Izumi thought as she docked behind a steel pillar. Taking a peek outside, her halberd wielding opponent had also taken cover behind another pillar, ten meters away. "This is bad, she's getting close."
Suddenly, from nowhere, a smoke grenade was hurled in their direction. Through the cover, Rin dragged Izumi away, immediately ducking through the lower floors as they exited the building. Slashing through the smoke, Fumina went to the last position her opponent was in only to see that she was not there anymore.
"Entity? No, I wasn't able to pick up any auras. This girl was a member of Sacred Drive so it may be another one of their subordinates. The question is, have they already began tracking us?" Fumina thought as she surveyed the place. Picking up the canister of the smoke grenade, she checked out the model. It was nothing out of the ordinary.
"Well, at least I know someone was here to save her."

"Well, thanks for the save Rin!" Izumi and Rin talked to each other as they walked down the road, their equipment hidden well as they made their way towards the Hyatt Building. "So, have you found who we're looking for?"
"Maybe. I have a hunch but until then, I can't be too sure. In the meantime, I need you to craft a drone for me. How's your crafting abilities?"
"All well and good. My power grows as you grow more knowledgeable. I can safely say that among most pairs, the nature of our contract is unorthodox. My crafting abilities now allow me to create items like your earrings." Rin took note of her Catalyst's words.
"Then, I have another request for you. We need to make a bullet but, this time, I will personally oversee its specifications."

---

"First off, can you two boys tell me under what logic are we training in this place, a very high building right in the heart of the city?" Astraea formally began their lesson as the two Catalysts finally arrived. As per her initial task, she was assessing their knowledge in the field they were geared at. "Leona-san, won't Shion-chan train as well?"
"No, Shion's a brawler. She'll be fine without magic for now. Besides, her magical blood is very thin." Leona spoke on her Child's behalf. "Then, the ones going will be me, you and Shion, seeing that the others have businesses they need to tend to. Rockfeller's building. Don't forget."
"Okay. Now, let's continue."

After Kyo has left, both of the Children looked around the top of the building a bit and they must admit that this place is quite a perfect place for them to train. "First off, can you two boys tell me under what logic are we training in this place, a very high building right in the heart of the city?" Astraea asked both of them.

"Before we started, I think we have something to report. When we're still at school, we felt that there are some strange auras appeared within the school's ground. These auras' emission is just about as us so I think they're only catalysts. We managed to identify one of them as Diligence's Child, while the other one is a Sin's catalyst. I don't know why did they decide to infiltrate our school, I guess they wanted to spy on us or something, though I wasn't completely sure if that is their only purpose." Hikari replied formally, "Well, I'm just saying that so that so you can get to know more about our situation. Okay, please give us a few moments to check around this place a bit."

Hikari and Hajime nodded to each other, they looked as if they're taking this more serious than ever. Both of them rolled their eyes to observe their surrounding as the wind blew. Hajime held out his hand to track around the air around them while Hikari closed his eyes and moved both of his middle finger onto his temples to check the elemental flows around the area. After some while checking, they discussed with each other in quietly a bit then turned to Astraea.

"You go first, Hajime-kun." Hikari said to his best friend.

"As you see, we're standing on one of the tallest building within this district. Let's talk about the elemental flows first." Hajime said as he held out his hand and a burst of flame appeared, "as the aptitude got higher, the elemental flows which gave us who have power to control the basic elements became less unstable. This building is in the center of the city, which is also the center of the mana fields, or what you would call as "fey lines." Using these features as an advantage, we can connect our magic better without being feared of losing control of our will. I can control my fire a lot more easier here than when I'm back at the ground because of that."

Hikari then continued, "Let's imagine the mana flows like a completely static pool. If there are any forces that try to interrupt within this area, then that pool will immediately be stirred and we'll be able to felt it so that we can prepare if anything unexpected happens. Also, because like Hajime-kun said, this building is right in a local fey line, we could cast our magic safely without being affected should there are some others waves that came from unknown sources of magic. This can unstabilize the whole elemental flows which could make it become pertubated to the point that we couldn't hold off. That are the main reasons. There are some other reasons that this place wasn't as remote as our basement like in the industrial district, and we wouldn't attract too many attention if we practice in this height. Also, there's something that we'd like to add..." He looked at the sun which is almost going to set.

"The reason that you wanted us to train at this time." Hajime looked at his watch to catch the time and then looked up, "right now is 5:00 PM. Two hours had passed since the time that we mages are deemed weakest and our strenght is currently returning to us. We can perform our abilities at different levels through this."

With that said, Hajime nodded and Hikari said, "That's the logic that we thought about this place as a training field for us. Well, I don't know if we're totally correct, but I hope that we were right at some degree."

---

After Kyo has got out from the Spiral Highlights, he made his way back to their basement. When he has made it there, he saw that Miruka is already there waiting for everyone.

"Hey, Miru-kun." Kyo smiled as he walked up to his friend, who was sitting in front of the screen.

"Hi, Kyo-chin. Sorry for not being with you today. I was kinda lazy, y'know." Miruka grinned.

"You've never changed." Kyo laughed as he sat down.

"So, what's happened today? I've checked the charts and I think I know who has decided to appeared today already."

"That's not all. Hikari and Hajime was being spied on today by two other catalysts. Luckily that nothing has happened." Kyo sighed while wrapping his arms and leaned his back on the chair, "even our Children are being spied on, looks like no one is totally safe now. They're currently training with our seniors right now and I took them there by myself, just in case."

"Uh huh," Miruka nodded, "Alistair has got out from that hidden headquarters it seems, though not for long. But Lust has somehow disappeared from the area that we could catch wind, maybe the Circus has found her and she's now at their hideout. And strangely enough, there wasn't any news from the serial-killer ever since last night. Do you think..."

"It could be a possibility, however, we can't be totally sure right now and we need some more investigations before we could jump into the conclusion of this case. About Alistair, I felt him when I got near the Spiral Highlights, maybe he was there to meet with our fellow Entities? I don't know what is he up to. Perhaps he came to declare war?"

"I don't think so. In both the first and second wars, there's a tradition that representatives from both sides will meet up and talk about the the true intentions of the wars of the both. Maybe he just suddenly appeared from nowhere like that to state that out. After all, he is the highest of the Circus right now, isn't he? But it isn't like the leader always has to go anyway. It was Ryan along with two other Virtues that go on the behalf of Kaori back in the second war so this time you should just let our older Entities like Leona-oneesan and Astraea-oneesan to do the job. For now, I think we should just continue with our own case." Miruka paused a bit, "Okay, what's your plan?"

"Yeah," Kyo nodded, he understands the reason why it wouldn't be him, but he isn't ready to reveal his true strenght yet, "Firstly, I think I should change the position of this basement, but I need everyone around to decide which place would be the best. And secondly, Masenai-senpai asked me and you to wait for him here until he return. He also insisted that I can't go out tonight." He sighed, "I was intended to go and meet with a "friend" of mine who can help me if I were going to continue this fight, but it seems that tonight wasn't the right time."

"A "friend"?" Miruka raised an eyebrow at what Kyo said. Asides from himself, he doesn't know anyone who could've been Kyo's friends.

"Right, but don't trouble yourself about it. And don't force me to tell, I'm not telling." Kyo spoke and mischiviously put his index finger on his lips.

"Fine, whatever. Everyone has their own lives, I know." Miruka sighed, though he really would like to know about this person, but he respects his friend's private life like Kyo has always respected him. "So, why did Masenai-senpai wanted you to stay indoor tonight?"

"He said that there was a file of a case related to his Child's parents 4 years ago that he wants to look into." Kyo said as he turned to the screen, "say, we still keep the files of the cases in the last 5 years in our basement right?"

"Yeah, I copied them all into this computer." Miruka said as he slided the screen and opened the files' window. A list of some infamous cases' files appeared, he rolled the bar while search for the file that Masenai spoke up. After some while, he managed to find a file which is similar to what the Entity of Charity has said. "Is this it? The missing case 4 years ago which he spoke of?"

"I think so. Let's print it out." Kyo said as he began the printing process. After about 10 minutes, the files was printed and he hold them together with a clip. Though he was intended to look through it, he think he should wait until Masenai return. "I think it is the best to look into it with Masenai-senpai later." Kyo said.

Astraea listened in attentively as both Catalysts offered their explanation. They seem to have a grasp of it, but--
"As you see, we're standing on one of the tallest building within this district. Let's talk about the elemental flows first. As the aptitude got higher, the elemental flows which gave us who have power to control the basic elements became less unstable. This building is in the center of the city, which is also the center of the mana fields, or what you would call as "fey lines." Using these features as an advantage, we can connect our magic better without being feared of losing control of our will. I can control my fire a lot more easier here than when I'm back at the ground because of that."

"Technically, that's not true. If you're talking about elemental flow, then none of you directly benefits. Elemental control and ability is dependent on how much of the particular element is present in the area. Hajime-kun will benefit more in a volcano as an instance. The thing about this place being the center of the city is correct. This is a spot where all of the local ley lines gather. But, control is still something ultimately dependent on your own abilities as a magus. As such, there is no truly defined vantage point for spellcasters."

"Let's imagine the mana flows like a completely static pool. If there are any forces that try to interrupt within this area, then that pool will immediately be stirred and we'll be able to felt it so that we can prepare if anything unexpected happens. Also, because like Hajime-kun said, this building is right in a local fey line, we could cast our magic safely without being affected should there are some others waves that came from unknown sources of magic. This can unstabilize the whole elemental flows which could make it become pertubated to the point that we couldn't hold off. That are the main reasons. There are some other reasons that this place wasn't as remote as our basement like in the industrial district, and we wouldn't attract too many attention if we practice in this height. Also, there's something that we'd like to add..."

"The reason that you wanted us to train at this time, right now is 5:00 PM. Two hours had passed since the time that we mages are deemed weakest and our strenght is currently returning to us. We can perform our abilities at different levels through this."

"The part about the time is correct, the rest is too far-fetched. The ability to catch other forces is only thanks to Leona's net, not this place. In fact, other waves of magic will also be beneficial to us, if one knows how to translate that essence into your attack. We're not training here so that we don't attract too much attention. We're in this height so that elemental affinities are nullified, thanks to the thin air."

"That's the logic that we thought about this place as a training field for us. Well, I don't know if we're totally correct, but I hope that we were right at some degree."

Leona and Astraea turned to each other. The kids were right for some degree but, it seemed they were too reliant on basic definitions. That was good but, it lacked the element of random occurrence. "Okay, you seem to be all right so, let's carry on. This time, I will evaluate the strength of your offensive capability." Astraea set up her defensive field within mere seconds and called out. "Now, hit this barrier with your strongest attack. Don't worry, psychic fields won't break easily. Not even Tempest can get through this."

---

Back at the Security Bureau, Izumi had started crafting robotic drones, almost microscopic in size while Rin kept eyes on the bullet they were crafting. Stealing glances at her Entity seconds later, it seemed as if Rin felt some sort of pain from her chest. Finishing the last set of drones, Izumi decided to ask about her intentions. "So Rin, what's the deal with using this drone? I mean, it doesn't look anything like any animal in existence. If it wasn't for its small size, these things would've been quite obvious."
"Both the Circus and Synchronicity are accustomed to dealing with "familiars". These drones will serve as wild cards of sorts. Familiars take the shape of living beings and as such, can easily be caught by tracking their lack of aura. This one emits no aura but, since it doesn't take the shape of anything that walks this world, it won't be caught by something as dismal as an aura trap. And yes, it is quite small but also, since they are mechanical in nature, they won't be destroyed by a spell whose effect is to "destroy familiars" since, well, they're not familiars. Subtle differences but, one that heavily affects outcomes." Rin answered back without looking up from the container. Izumi merely shrugged and continued on. The drones have hidden cameras and receivers that transmits images and sound back to Izumi's laptop.
"So, what places should we send these?" Izumi asked.
"Around the school perimeter, the clock tower, Willow's Square, red light district, the perimeter around Hyatt--" Rin suddenly fell silent. After a moment, she spoke up again. "And also...around Hayashibara Power Plant."
Izumi felt a little glum when Rin brought up the place once again. That was where she lost her First Catalyst but at the same time, where she and Patience brought down the First Wrath. However, since Leona was the one who delivered the killing blow, the territory ultimately remains with her. "I guess as of now, you're the only one who thinks the new Wrath is still Akito."
"Maybe...This whole electricity business is what's causing me to think that. For now, send those drones over to the places I mentioned. Leave around fifteen for each area and give me around sixty more." Rin focused on the bullet crafting. As it finished, Izumi leaned closer to get a better look.
"Strange...it's still a regular bullet to me but, I'm guessing you meant for it to be that way."
"You guess correctly. All-in-all, this is just another modified .357 cartridge, the same one we always use, however--This one also contains traces of myself, since I powdered one of my ribs--"
"You WHAT?!!!"
"I'm not divulging the details of that painful medical procedure, thank you. Okay, now that my essence is embedded in the bullet, the strength of my Identity, the very determinant of my status as Diligence is fully materialized in this bullet. Anything this bullet hits, my Identifying Factor will materialize, causing additional effects. As for what effect...as the nature of Diligence is constant work, any spell or circuit hit with this bullet will immediately overwork itself and shut down, requiring at least a week to recover."
"I think I get it now. Say you hit Sloth's barrier with this bullet. Then, his barrier will shut down?"
"Exactly. I made this with the intention of killing magic-users by stripping them of their spells and making them more vulnerable to our regular attacks. Magic circuits are a little complex. They allow an individual to perform magic but beyond they also have measures for the individual's safety. When a Circuit is overworked, it immediately shuts down to prevent an overload that can cause damage to the caster. It's immediate need is for defeating Nozomi and Akito but, it can be used for any spell. Still, Sloth's barrier still has too many unknowns so, even with this bullet, I'm not sure I can deal a decisive blow. Plus, I'm not sure whether or not it works with esper abilities since, those abilities are don via mutations in the brain."
"I think I get most of what you have said. But, if you need essence of yourself, won't grinding parts that won't hurt you too much like fingernails work as well?"
Rin flushed at this statement. She hadn't really thought of that when she made the bullet. "Hehehe...Anyway, you only have 66 as of now. Use them carefully."
"66 bullets against 13 Entities wherein some aren't too reliant on magic. This is going to be hard. For now, I should focus on that girl, Mika Iriai. She seems innocent but, something about her mannerisms strike me as odd.