I sent Tenri to scout inside the torii gate.
…But she hasn’t come back at all.
“Master, I was careless.”
“…What’s wrong?”
While having a bad feeling, I ask Sinri.
“I can’t get in touch with my sister.”
“…I see.”
I don’t sense any of her usual playful atmosphere from Sinri.
It must be that serious of a situation.
“Did she die?”
I find myself asking quite casually. If she died, that would be it, but I have Divine Power, so I think I can manage somehow.
“No, I can feel her presence… her soul. Since we’re both Digital Spirits.”
…Phew. That’s good. Even though I can use Resurrection, it’s still heartbreaking when an important companion dies.
“So she is alive, then.”
“Yes, but she’s not coming out from inside. It’s too long for reconnaissance. …Probably, it’s the same as with Fer.”
So, that means there’s a high probability she’s been caught and brainwashed, just like Fer.
“I wonder if that Agata thing is there?”
“Probably. I can’t use the Omniscient and Omnipotent (Internet), so I can’t say for sure. But the only one who could capture and brainwash a Digital Spirit is likely Agata.”
If it can brainwash the Divine Beast Fer, manipulating a Digital Spirit would likely be easy too.
“Master…”
Sinri’s voice is heavy. No wonder. She feels responsible for putting Tenri in danger.
It can’t be helped if she’s feeling down.
But you know, your ‘mother’ is a little happy.
Even though they usually fight (though it’s Tenri who unilaterally starts it), she really cares about her little sister, doesn’t she.
“It’s okay, it’s okay, leave it to your mother.”
“…Yeah, please, Master.”
“Alright, I shall grant that wish. Rest assured, I may not look it, but I’m pretty strong, you know.”
Through the monitor, Sinri’s expression softened a little as she said, “I know, even without using the Omniscient and Omnipotent (Internet).”
“Felmaa, you stay on standby with Fer.”
“Ehh?!”
Ehh… she says.
“Were you listening? Agata has brainwashing abilities. You might become an enemy too, right?”
There’s no idiot who would step on a Trap they can see right in front of them.
“B-but… what if you get brainwashed, Master?!”
Ah… well, I guess that possibility isn’t entirely out of the question.
“Felmaa. Listen to what Master says.”
“However…”
“The moment Master is brainwashed, it’s our loss. What on earth can you do, when you have less power than Master? If you go, you’ll definitely just be a hindrance.”
“Fugugugu…”
When Sinri persuaded her, Felmaa said, “I underthstand…” looking extremely dissatisfied.
Saying ‘I underthstand’… You don’t really get it, do you.
Honestly, there are so many stubborn girls around me.
But as for me, I don’t want my companions to get hurt.
I pat Felmaa’s head.
“Wait for me, plea—” “I understand! I’ll wait!” “Hey… don’t answer before I finish speaking.”
Bun bun bun, Felmaa wags her tail.
“Tomato-kun, keep an eye on our surroundings, just in case.”
“……….” Stare.
My Familiar, Tomato-kun, seems to be worried about me too.
He’s such a kind tomato.
“It’s okaaay, it’s okay. I’m counting on you to look after these guys.”
“……….” Nod.
Well then.
“I shall accompany you.”
“No, you might get brainwashed, right?”
Then Sinri says.
“Brainwashing is less effective against the same target.”
“Oh, is that so?”
“Yes. Moreover, since the brainwashing has been broken once, the probability of it working a second time drops significantly.”
In that case… well, I guess it’s fine.
“I wish to know my Master’s condition. I am aware of the danger. Please…”
Fer seemed worried about the Nagano God. Well, if he’s going in at his own risk, I guess it’s fine.
“Okay then, Fer, you come with me. Felmaa, you stay on standby with Keiji-san. OK?”