Volume 3 Chapter 13 The Phantom to be Exorcised
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Manaka’s group makes the first move, exiting through the main entrance. Simultaneously, the older woman dispels the kekkai1. Mitsuki rips an stone pillar—taller than a person—from its foundation beside the entrance and hurls it at the Centipede like a javelin.
It is a simple mass-based attack, insufficient to deal significant damage to a apparation. But the pillar, thrown with precision at the Centipede’s eye, successfully draws the beast’s ire.
The apparation turns, looming over Mitsuki and the others.
”Run!” Manaka shouts.
At Manaka’s command, the group scatters into the mountains as one. The strategy: draw the apparation away from this location and disperse.
Zazaza, the Centipede moves, a thousand legs churning the earth.
The building, now stripped of the kekkai, is crushed by the Centipede’s massive bulk. The canteen area is utterly flattened.
Fortunately, the back entrance—where we waited, keeping our presence hidden—was spared. After waiting a few minutes, we watch the giant apparation climb the mountain in pursuit of Manaka’s team. As it did when approaching the villa, it moves with fluid grace despite its size, barely snapping a branch as it glides through the forest.
A few hundred meters away, the apparation stops.
It seems Manaka’s group has successfully scattered. It is confused about who to track. Now!
”Let’s go,” I command.
We bolt through the torrential rain. We need to reach the town, the Archive museum, with everything we have. A straight line distance of just over two kilometers. We just have to sprint down the mountain.
Behind us, sounds of explosions, of massive objects colliding, echo through the woods. They are buying us time.
The rain-slicked dirt path is treacherous; I nearly slip dozens of times. By some miracle, we escape the villa’s grounds without serious injury and reach the paved road. The town, the houses, draw closer. Despite it being nearly noon, not a single islander is on the street. It’s an understandable reaction to rain this severe.
As I run across the flat terrain, my limbs begin to feel leaden.
My clothes are soaked, heavy with water. I intend to move with the same strength as before, but I’m not gaining the distance I expect.
The sensation of running through a mud pit persists.
”Onii-chan, are you okay?” Mai-chan asks.
”Yeah,” I reply.
Mai-chan, following behind, is worried about me.
A younger girl, unarmed, is worrying about me. I should be the one looking after her.
The apparation caused all of this. The hatred inside me burns brighter. Suddenly, strangely, my footing feels solid again. The handgun, the katana, the mementos of Risa and the others—they give me strength. Finally, the Archive museum comes into view.
Thankfully, the museum is still open. Conveniently, the reception desk is deserted.
I burst through the entrance doors with the momentum of my sprint. Through my blurring vision, at the very back of the archive room, I see it: Uminagi, the anti-apparation weapon, on display.
I start toward the blade.
”Minoru!” Chifumi cries.
Before I can register Chifumi’s voice, a pillar-like object crashes from the ceiling, landing between me and Uminagi.
”What!?” I exclaim.
The ceiling tears apart before my frozen eyes.
With a splintering crunch, the face of the Centipede emerges. It had caught up to us before we even knew it.
”It’s right there…!” I gasp.
I instinctively reach for Tempura to unleash a Shock Sorcery, only to be snapped back to reality by the lack of response.
That’s right. That one, too, is gone.
What do I do? How do I fight this thing?
…No, wait. Why is it even here?
Manaka’s group was supposed to be holding it off!
”Look, that!” Mai-chan points.
Mai-chan points to the Centipede’s mandibles. Caught in them is a piece of blood-stained clothing—Manaka’s clothing.
No way…!?
”Manaka…-chan…?” Chifumi whispers.
Chifumi’s face goes deathly pale.
It’s insane. This is Manaka we’re talking about? A sorcerer so powerful that even I’m not sure I could win in a serious fight. And she had the older woman, Mitsuki, and Sawa with her.
The four compound eyes stare down at me. Manaka’s clothing dissolves into nothingness.
Mai-chan is behind me. Chifumi is there too.
Running in this situation… it’s going to be difficult.
”We have to do this,” I declare.
”Minoru…” Chifumi murmurs.
I exchange a look with Chifumi. Honestly? The odds are not in our favor.
If only I could use my subjugated apparation (Tempura)….
I grip Risa’s handgun in one hand and Yurina’s katana in the other.
I’ll force my arm muscles to overcompensate and swing the blade with one arm.
As the Centipede’s mandibles descend from the ceiling, I launch into a sprint, sliding directly beneath its massive body.
I weave through the forest of legs, aiming for Uminagi.
The Centipede turns its face toward Chifumi and Mai-chan instead of me.
A toxic liquid is sprayed from its maw toward Chifumi, who blocks it with an Ice wall.
A sickening hiss fills the room.
It’s fine. Chifumi won’t go down that easily.
I fire the handgun while closing in on the display case, then smash the cracked glass with the katana. I force the case open and seize Uminagi.
I’ll make this count.
As I turn, I slam the blade I just drew into one of the Centipede’s legs.
With all my strength, the Uminagi strikes true, severing one of the limbs.
It works.
I’ve only taken one of its countless legs, but with this sword, I can cleave the main body in two.
’Wait, hold up a sec,’ a voice echoes.
I think I heard something.
Is the apparation trying to mess with my head? I don’t have time for this. I cut off another leg.
’This ain’t workin’, big sis, help me out!’
As I bring the sword down to bisect the Centipede’s lower body, the blade is intercepted—by another blade emerging from the Centipede’s own torso.
More accurately, Uminagi is deflected by a new sword.
”!?!?”
Even I can’t wrap my head around this.
Then, emerging from the Centipede’s body behind the sword, a person floats into view. The figure gripping the hilt is Yurina.
”Minoru-sama, keep your wits about you!” Yurina commands.
It’s Yurina, in her usual uniform, completely separated from the Centipede. She reaches out to me.
But when she was dragged into the sea earlier, she was wearing a swimsuit. Is this a trap?
”Onii-chan!” Mai-chan calls.
Mai-chan’s voice snaps me back to my senses.
I scramble backward, putting distance between us.
”No, Onii-chan, don’t be fooled!” Mai-chan warns.
”The ones fooling you are them!” Yurina retorts.
Another person separates from a different part of the Centipede. It’s Risa. Like Yurina, she’s in her uniform.
Chifumi looks completely confused. Risa fires her rifle—not at Chifumi, but at Mai-chan. Chifumi blocks it.
”Tch! You fake, you’re just as tough as Chifumi!” Risa sneers.
The volley of rifle fire is entirely intercepted by the Ice wall.
I can’t keep up with this. What is happening?
While I hesitate and stand paralyzed, Yurina approaches.
”Minoru-sama, this is a dream. Chifumi-san and the others are fakes,” Yurina insists.
”Onii-chan, they’re the fakes! It’s the apparation’s trap!!” Mai-chan pleads.
Seeing Mai-chan plead with me so desperately, a sense of dissonance gnaws at me.
The same feeling I’d had since I woke up this morning. This is…
”The fake is~ you☆” Yui chirps.
The third and fourth figures appear to deliver the answer.
The silhouettes emerging from the Centipede are Yui and Yuu.
Both are in their civilian clothes. Yuu flicks needles held between her fingers at Mai-chan. The needles pierce the Ice wall and embed themselves in Mai-chan’s hands.
”Ahhhhh!!! It hurts, it hurts!! It hurts, Onii-chan!!!!” Mai-chan screams.
Yui watches the screaming Mai-chan with cold eyes.
”My embarrassing dark history. It’s kind of nice that Minoru remembered it. But being used to kill Minoru? Muka-chakka fire,” Yui says.
Yui, more talkative than usual, turns to me.
””Mai(-san)!””
Manaka and Mitsuki leap into the fray. Both are battered, but alive.
While I feel a surge of relief, questions about the current situation flood back.
Manaka’s group treats the Yui and Yuu emerging from the Centipede as enemies, and Yui’s group does the same to Manaka. Are Yui and the others being controlled by the Centipede? But this feeling…
As I ponder, Yui speaks to me.
”Minoru, remember. Who is ‘Mai’?” Yui asks.
”Who? …That’s…” I stammer.
A second-year junior high student from the Futami family. Yui and Yuu’s younger sister. Yui shakes her head at my expression.
”We’re the youngest. I don’t have a ‘little sister’ other than Yuu,” Yui says.
”…”
”‘Mai’ is just a girl from my inner darkness… a character setting. Can you remember?” Yui prompts.
”……”
…That’s right.
It was when we were second-years in junior high.
Yui suddenly went chunibyo and started pestering me with a persona she called “Mai.” The setting was so terrible and the act so grating that Manaka finally gave Yui a harsh reality check. Yui settled into a downer jirai-kei character, and Yuu became an upper jirai-kei to follow her lead. A short-lived character with overwhelming presence.
There is no way Mai and Yui exist as separate physical bodies.
Which means, my memory of seeing Yui on the beach with “Mai-chan” makes no sense.
That “Mai-chan”—the girl who has been with me since I woke up this morning—what is she!?
”Minoru, someone dosed you. You’re in your own dream. We’re interfering with your consciousness through Hinoki,” Yui explains.
”…Are you serious?” I ask.
I had completely forgotten about Hinoki. Even the other subjugated apparations, aside from Tempura, had slipped from my mind until this very moment. How could I have been so careless as to only notice when it was pointed out?
Then, is this giant Centipede… Hinoki?
’Aye, looks like your sorcery-based connection finally restored itself,’ Hinoki says.
Hinoki’s voice echoes in my head.
’That thing was gettin’ in the way, blockin’ me out. But now that ye realize this is a dream, we’re good. Ye’re safe now,’ Hinoki reassures.
”…Sorry for the trouble,” I apologize.
’Nah, this is on me… but we can talk later. First, we gotta exorcise this thing. Time to kick it out of your body,’ Hinoki asserts.
Hinoki and the others turn toward Mai-chan.
”Ah, ahahahaha!!!!” Mai-chan laughs.
Mai-chan suddenly laughs, like a different person entirely.
”Ah~, I was so close. …I shouldn’t have made such an elaborate script; I should’ve just done this from the start,” Mai-chan says.
Mai-chan’s form shifts. She absorbs Chifumi and the others who had frozen in place, transforming into a massive blob of water, from which a dragon-like creature composed of liquid emerges. Its size is comparable to Hinoki. A grand battle of apparations.
”Mizuchi…” I murmur.
’A apparation that’s been around for a few years. It wasn’t a thing when I was active, so it’s either a newcomer or a greenhorn,’ Hinoki assesses.
The Mizuchi opens its maw.
”I have seen your power. You are not my enemy,” the Mizuchi declares.
It talks too? A talking apparation is a dangerous one.
I can’t underestimate it.
’Sorry to burst your bubble, but here’s some bad news. I can go all out here, in your head, big brother,’ Hinoki retorts.
Hinoki and the Mizuchi collide. The Mizuchi opens its jaws wide, biting into Hinoki and sinking its claws into the segments, trying to tear the body apart.
’That tickles,’ Hinoki shrugs.
Hinoki shows no sign of damage.
Instead, Hinoki’s mandibles bite into the Mizuchi, locking it in place. Curling into a ball, Hinoki rolls, crushing the surrounding buildings under its girth until the Centipede and the Mizuchi become a tangled mess of thrashing limbs and water.
Hinoki’s body coils around the Mizuchi, its countless legs stabbing in simultaneously. The legs pierce the Mizuchi’s surface, and blood flows from every wound.
”Guh…!! …Impossible… this power, it’s different from before,” the Mizuchi cries.
’Not lettin’ ye run now,’ Hinoki growls.
”Why!? Where is this power coming from!?” the Mizuchi screams.
’Ye’ve been watchin’ me the whole time, right? I knew it. No way I’d ever show ye my full hand,’ Hinoki laughs.
”Ku…! Retreat… for here…!” the Mizuchi snarls.
’Hold it!’ Hinoki yells.
With a gloop sound, the Mizuchi’s body bubbles, then splashes as it bursts.
It scatters into a swarm of tiny Mizuchi, slipping out of Hinoki’s grasp.
”We won’t let you escape!” Risa shouts.
”I’ll cut you down!” Yurina adds.
Risa and Yurina launch an attack on the fragments.
The tiny copies are pierced by rifle fire and bisected by blades, vanishing one by one. But there are too many of them. Too many slip through.
”Yuu, get them all!” Risa commands.
”Okay☆ Yui is super pissed. Not letting you get away. You, death penalty☆” Yuu giggles.
Yui readies her knife and begins chanting a curse.
The needles Yuu tossed embed themselves in the surroundings. A crude kekkai forms, anchored by the needles embedded in the ground and buildings, trapping the Mizuchi inside.
”Stop…!” the Mizuchi wails.
”Disappear,” Yui intones.
Yui’s curse activates, and the Mizuchi within the range vanish as if erased by an eraser.
”Ohhh…… impossible……! To think, this…!!” the Mizuchi gurgles.
The Mizuchi vanishes.
It doesn’t leave a final parting curse or a trap; it simply disappears while muttering its hatred.
’All over,’ Hinoki sighs.
Hinoki releases its guard and looks down at me.
Looking at it like this, the giant Centipede’s eyes actually look quite charming.
”Wake up already,” Yui orders.
”Minoru-sama, I’ll be waiting,” Yurina says.
”Minoru, until next time,” Risa bids.
”See ya~☆” Yuu waves.
The four figures fade away.
As I recognize the dream, the surroundings turn white. It’s time to wake up.
I am enveloped in light, and I close my eyes against the glare.
—
Summary:
The group initiates a diversionary tactic to lure the giant Centipede apparation away, allowing the protagonist and others to reach the Archive museum. Upon arrival, the protagonist realizes he is trapped in a dream-like state, as the Centipede reappears and manifests distorted versions of his acquaintances. After regaining connection with his subjugated apparation, Hinoki, they successfully defeat the Mizuchi apparation, leading to the protagonist’s impending awakening.
—
Trivia:
The protagonist forgot about his subjugated apparations, including Hinoki.
Mai-chan was a fabricated persona based on a middle school chuunibyo character.
The entire conflict took place within the protagonist’s dream, manipulated by external entities.
The Centipede apparation and the Mizuchi apparation are distinct, powerful threats.
—
Translation Notes:
Notes:
• Centipede – A former high-level Apparition currently reduced to a powerless, disembodied state. It speaks with a manipulative, merchant-like tone.
• Mitsuki – Koki’s sister, a tall, curvy Shisei first-year, and Onibara disciple, she is Minoru’s assertive, tsundere childhood friend. An ally fighting alongside Manaka to avenge fallen comrades, she leads physical fights—even throwing stone pillars—while managing logistics. She closely watches and cares for Minoru, though prone to outbursts, and navigates complex ties between the Tatemiya and Onigashima clans.
• Manaka – An elegant strategist of aristocratic, god-like beauty, she is a calm, rational former Tatemiya student and leader of the Initial Strong-Females. As a powerful, resilient sorcerer skilled enough to potentially best the protagonist, she acts as her squad’s clinical tactical voice. Though childhood friends with Minoru, their strained past yields to her role as an observant, independent mediator.
• M – A first-year student at District 13 High School and the childhood friend of Anonymous Student 0006, described as an atavistic strong-female who looks plain but possesses significant power.
• S – A first-year student at District 13 High School who has taken B from North Middle into his squad.
• B – A student originally from North Middle School who was added to S’s group.
• T – A first-year student at District 13 High School who has recruited K and N from East Middle into his group.
• R – A first-year student at District 13 High School who has successfully built a squad and added multiple girls, including M and A, into his group.
• A – A student from South Middle School described as an idol who has been recruited into R’s high school squad.
• N – A student from East Middle with an eccentric personality who entered National High School due to complex family circumstances and used herself as leverage to negotiate a protective agreement for K.
• Mai – Younger sister of Yui and Yuu, possessing a deceptive, snake-like gaze. She displays a shift from cutesy behavior to predatory indifference and is associated with unusual arthropod-related occurrences. A girl who accompanied the protagonist from the morning, only for her existence to be questioned as a potential manifestation of the protagonist’s inner psyche or a Phantom’s trap. A young girl who remembers specific lore from the museum and is determined to assist in the fight.
• Risa – A sharp-witted, tsundere Plain-folk and childhood friend of Minoru. On the island trip, this disciplined Onibara practitioner actively assists her squad with camp and beach activities, independent of the guild. In combat, she uses a rifle to fire magic bullets. After becoming one of the victims eaten by the Phantom, her likeness manifests within the dream as a weapon-wielding figure.
• Chifumi – Minoru’s 15-year-old childhood friend, protector, and Majo companion is a scrawny, long-haired frost/water sorceress. Bubbly, supportive, and sharp-witted, she acts as his emotional support, scout, and communicator, managing group dynamics and defense with ice walls. Completely loyal to the point of self-sacrifice, her airy, friendly charm masks an observant nature caught in battle confusion.
• Minoru – A black-haired, pragmatic mob protagonist reincarnated into a world of reversed beauty standards. As a tactical leader and dungeon master with shock and creature-subjugation magic, he commands a female squad and Phantoms using powerful artifacts. He balances possessive romantic and political dynamics with childhood friends while trapped in a dream state, struggling with lost memories of a sister named Mai.
• Tempura – A small, crayfish-sized, shrimp-like Phantom captured ten years ago who serves as Minoru’s loyal subordinate and powerful offensive companion. As the core source of his shock sorcery, she fires destructive shockwaves in combat and assists with labor. Despite her role as a lethal asset, she has a sharp, blunt, and comedic personality, later serving as a mentor to the newcomer.
• Sawa – A childhood friend of Minoru and an original Shisei group member, she is an IT-savvy, bespectacled gamer known for her pragmatic, self-reliant nature. Once heavy, she now has a voluptuous, curvy build. Despite her reserved, laid-back personality and disciple status in the Onibara style, she remains a supportive ally who participates in group chores and enjoys fishing away from the water.
• Yurina – A refined, black-haired Plain-folk student and Kibe-born swordswoman in Minoru’s squad, she is a loyal, piano-talented childhood friend to the protagonist. Stoic yet prone to anxiety, she acts as his calm, polite “Strong-Female” protector. Close to Chifumi and Risa, she wields high-precision blades until being eaten by the Phantom, later emerging from it as a duplicate entity to guide him.
• Yuri – A cheerful and energetic first-year student at Higashi High who is a classmate of Shibuya and an acquaintance of Kibe Yurina from their middle school days. A girl known for being aggressive toward Hayato and displaying overt favoritism.
• Yui – One of the Futami twins, Yuu’s sister, and Minoru’s childhood friend, she is a low-tension, observant, and protective girl who survived a middle school chuunibyou phase as “Mai.” Recognizable by her short hair, white lock, and pink/black attire, this blunt Onibara disciple uses knife techniques and curse arts in the Shisei group. Carrying an aura of dark mystery, she was eaten by the Phantom.
• Yuu – Energetic and bubbly, this Futami twin is Mai’s older sister, Yui’s younger sister, and a squad member known for her striped, high-leg swimsuit, love for meat, and nostalgic references. Supportive yet slightly aggressive, she often follows her sister’s lead in combat and personal interactions. After enthusiastically joining beach activities, she becomes one of the victims eaten by the Phantom.
• Futami – The family name of twins, Yui and Yuu. Also their younger sister, Mai.
• Hinoki – A non-binary, two-meter-long centipede Phantom materialized from the sea who can split into smaller versions. Acting as Minoru’s competent, tactical advisor and subjugated familiar, they manipulate dungeons, provide ancient venom expertise, and handle labor. This powerful entity can contest the Mizuchi, connects the physical and dream worlds, communicates with anomalies, and acts as a squad pillow.
• Mizuchi – A mythological water spirit and Phantom that serves as the antagonist, capable of creating puppets and splitting its form. A powerful water-based Phantom that appears as a dragon-like creature, capable of speech and significant physical destruction.
• K – A student from East Middle who followed N to National High School out of care, successfully remaining pure through N’s protection until a misunderstanding involving Anonymous Student 0008 led to her capitulation.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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