Spark of Life 03
"Grandma, I'm going out."
You are changing your shoes at the door.
"Wait a moment."
"What else do you want?"
You are taller than the old lady, so you need to keep your head down when she puts the scarf on you.
"It's done!" Grandma clapped her hands, very satisfied with your appearance. "You are really the cutest little girl in the world!"
You felt embarrassed by her praise and buried your head in your scarf. The scarf was soft and gave you a warm feeling. Just as you were about to tell your grandmother you were leaving, she smiled and said, "Every year should be happier than the last."
Are you happier this year than last year?
If you hadn't been at odds with Qingzi, you could have cheerfully said, "Of course!"
Unfortunately, you can’t. You can only bury your head in your scarf once again and say in a muffled voice, “Grandma too.”
You always seem to leave under the gaze of others. Behind you, there are always many people standing.
Maybe one day, you will also watch others go away.
How would you feel?
Grandma was a little sad and reluctant, but more of a accustomed person.
Was my uncle in the same mood when he left Zenin's house? I can't tell without using the ritual.
"Moshi Moshi, I'm Ruoye."
"When will Xiao Ruoye arrive? I can't wait to see you! How long has it been since we last met? Ten years? Haha!"
"What has that little girl become now? I'm really curious—"
"Ms. Inoue, I'll be at the subway entrance soon."
"Oh! Then I won't bother you anymore~"
Inoue, my father's student. Currently a music teacher at the junior high school of Renzhi Girls' Academy. This is a connection you've discovered through extensive research.
"Exploit", what an ugly word.
You blink.
[With your skills, you don't need to go through so much trouble to get into school.]
[I just don't want to blaspheme others with my magic.]
My uncle said you have principles, but you don’t think you have principles.
You just don't want to use your own method. It's convenient, so convenient that it's boring. It's an easy path. You can make 99.9% of the world's people do what you want.
But you don't like this.
This is destroying all possibilities.
Asking everyone in the world to play games with you and not allowing anyone to disobey you is what children do.
Be able to accept all the...unexpected things in life.
As for what to do if you can’t find someone to take you to school...isn’t there such a person now?
Inoue, my father's student.
I take piano lessons at home every weekend.
This is a pretty close relationship.
But you were still young at that time, and it was normal to lose contact after your father passed away. It was not easy to contact her this time.
What should I say when we meet later?
Nothing was said.
Inoue talks too much!
As you arrived at the school gate, you saw Inoue waving enthusiastically. As you approached, she hugged you warmly.
"I didn't expect you to agree to come to the college to perform for the students. I just mentioned it casually, and I'm so happy that you agreed to it~" She said as she walked, taking very big and fast steps.
"Um, Ms. Inoue hasn't told me which one I'll be appearing in."
"Yeah~ What do you think? Although Sensei died young, he was still somewhat famous. As his daughter, the academy is willing to give you some face. I'm actually confused as to why you've only become a little famous in recent months."
Ah, so you used Dad too. You thought you relied entirely on your own strength.
Instead of answering Inoue's question, you asked, "Did Ms. Inoue continue to play the piano?" The fact that Inoue was accepted as a student by her father showed that she was quite talented. Her dream was to go on a national tour.
Now he works as a music teacher in a religious school.
"The family has fallen on hard times."
"I'm sorry, Ms. Inoue. I said the wrong thing."
Inoue shrugged and said nonchalantly, "It's all in the past." After she finished speaking, she turned around and said to you excitedly, "I really miss the time when you softly called me 'sister'~"
Although Inoue's tone was silly, she was not so rude as to pinch someone's face.
"It's been ten years since we last met, Miss Inoue."
Inoue suppressed his excitement and said, "That's true."
"So, which one am I, Ms. Inoue?"
"First, first~ Actually, I wanted you to be the last one, but the school doesn't agree. Anyway, change into your dress first~"
You froze, pulling your hand away.
"Ms. Inoue didn't tell me there was more—"
"This isn't meant to be a surprise for you."
What a surprise, this is a complete shock.
Seeing your horrified expression, Inoue chuckled softly. "Wakaba-chan is beautiful without having to dress up. If you really don't want to wear anything, then don't wear it. Don't worry about what others think. You won't be coming to the academy anymore anyway, right?"
"Why would Inoue have such an idea?"
"You came here at my request. And I will never make such a request again... I am truly happy to see you again."
There was a smile on Inoue's face.
【せんせい and おくさま had such an accident, you are still so young——】
You said that Inoue was your father's student and that he would come to visit us at home.
This is a pretty close relationship.
Even so, if the connection is lost, it is lost.
If not—
You will never meet her again in your life.
You never know that somewhere in this world, there is someone who cried for you.
"I'm also very happy to see you again, Ms. Inoue, after all these years." You responded with a smile, "But I'm curious - how did Ms. Inoue recognize me so quickly?"
"Well... thirteen-year-old me and twenty-four-year-old me are completely different. But you—your expression at five and your expression at sixteen are exactly the same." Inoue said, observing you carefully again: "If I have to say it's different... I've never seen you wear so many clothes before."
"I'm afraid of the cold."
So I don't want to change my dress.
You glanced at your watch. “Ms. Inoue, we’ve been chatting for too long.”
"Ahhh... We've really wasted too much time. Let me take you to sign the visitor list first—"
"Riko, hurry up, the first performance of the year is a piano solo."
"Rumor?"
"This is official news! Guaranteed authenticity!"
"Riko doesn't like..."
When Tenriko heard the word "piano", she was lost in thought and didn't pay close attention to her friends' noise.
Her sister hadn't appeared in front of her for a whole year.
A whole year!
Do you know what this concept is?
She knew her sister when her daughter, Nariko, was still crawling on the ground!
Although we are together less often than apart, we still see each other a few times every year.
But this year... they separated last Christmas, and it has been a whole year until today, and she hasn't seen her sister once!
No matter how much Tenriko questioned Kuroi Misato, she could only get the answer "seriously ill".
How sick he was that he couldn't even reply to letters...
My sister won't...
Tenriko shook her head vigorously, trying to get rid of that bad idea.
"What's wrong with Riko?"
"Ah, nothing." Tenriko smiled cheerfully. She couldn't let her friends worry.
"Doesn't Riko like piano music? Let's go over there quickly!"
"Yeah!" Tennenoriko caught up with her friends.
"By the way, Riko, would you like to hang out together during the holidays?"
"There will be a lot of events during the New Year, Riko."
"Me? Uh..."
"Let's go out and play together~"
A few girls gathered together and chattered.
Lights and stage.
You are familiar with these scenes.
As an audience.
Be Dad’s audience with Mom.
This is your first time performing in front of so many people.
You adjusted your sitting position and placed your hands lightly on the keys.
Delusion
Ignore me and immerse yourself in the music.
The sound of music gently caressed everyone present. One by one, the notes jumped into the white porcelain bowl, swirling and swirling until they were completely absorbed into the black tea.
It is black tea brewed from Heijing.
This style of music——Sister...
The person on the stage is not my sister.
I miss so much the time when I was just being bullied by little kids. Inoue's eyes welled up with tears. The teacher's daughter should be more famous than the teacher, but why—ah, the question was thrown back.
Forget it, the little sister doesn’t want to say it.
Apart from worrying about me, Riko is doing fine.
That's good.
The mere fact of seeing Riko was enough to bring you joy.
Such emotions are integrated into the music.
Humans are susceptible animals.
Emotions are contagious faster than diseases.
Share the same sorrow and joy.
You unconsciously inject magic into the music.
Ripple
"Ripples" can amplify or reduce the emotions of organisms themselves and transmit emotions between organisms.
Amplify positive emotions and minimize negative ones. This is what you do as a miko at a shrine. Combing the emotions of everyone in a crowd is far more difficult and complex than simply sensing your own.
This task is exhausting and physically taxing. Gradually, your uncle stopped assigning you this task, using it only as a gimmick during meetings. You occasionally use "Yi" to convey your emotions to others, using "Jing" to translate them into thoughts, achieving a telepathic effect. If the other person's emotions are intense, you can usually achieve a one-on-one response.
What you did with Ryoumen Sukuna earlier wasn't telepathic communication. Ryoumen Sukuna doesn't have a physical brain, so "Ripple" can't take effect.
To talk to Ryoumen Sukuna, you must use the most advanced application of the "Mirror", Mind Transmission. Mind Transmission is two-way, so don't use it unless necessary.
Speaking of which, can consciousness arise without a brain? Aside from the name "Reason," which is innate, the rest of the names are all random choices you made.
Or perhaps it wasn't consciousness but a soul. Just as Voldemort split himself into seven, Ryoumen Sukuna split himself into twenty.
Who can lie with his soul?
Does the soul really exist?
There is no consensus in the magic world.
Are those chaotic thoughts around Lord Tianyuan consciousness or soul?
When I play, my thoughts tend to wander aimlessly.
I had never thought about directly conveying my emotions to others before.
If the whole world is filled with laughter and joy, then even if the Tianyuan barrier exists, the cursed spirit will disappear.
You're not an idealist, you know it's impossible. A fake smile created with a technique isn't a smile; it's not a genuine emotion.
Human happiness is always short-lived, while sadness is more unforgettable. People are always more likely to remember sad things than happy things.
The beautiful music flowing from the fingertips infected everyone present.
I can make it easier for people to remember happy things.
You don't hate your own technique as much anymore.
The weapon of Rakuganji, the principal of the Kyoto school, is a musical instrument. An-senpai's technique is also related to music.
I should have gone to Kyoto school.
But that...
You can recognize me, right?
You close your eyes.
Since you have made a choice that cannot be changed, accept it calmly.
Now it's time to change the wrong choices you made.
Magnificent starlight lingered and gathered, seemingly flowing, constantly pulling at the dense night. The sky was a deep, deep blue. Occasionally, a large meteor streaked across the sky, bringing with it a deep breath.
This is your area.
You don't unfold it, you just see it in your mind.
You like this kind of scenery, it's suitable for chatting.
The scenery in Riko's eyes is the same as yours.
"elder sister?"
A sigh.
You gave me your most genuine smile.
"My sister was once incompetent and cowardly. She did something wrong."
There are six billion people in the world. How can the fate of the world be decided by one person? Why should the survival of the world depend on one person?
That doesn't make sense.
"My sister is working hard to grow. Even if I correct this mistake, I can still deal with the consequences of correcting it."
Without "Jian" and "Tampering", the memories that were marked and emphasized cannot be changed, but - "I hope that the decisions Riko makes will be in accordance with her heart and make you feel happy from the bottom of your heart."
“No regrets, no regrets.”
A pitch-black crown appeared from then on.
You just wanted to say these words to Riko.
No matter what choice Riko makes, you can accept it.
You accept all possibilities.
The music stopped, and everyone woke up as if from a dream, followed by thunderous applause.
What happens next has nothing to do with you.
"Sen-sei! Who's going to be the first piano soloist?" Tennenoriko still refused to give up. She didn't know what she was expecting, as they looked different.
"Why are you asking that, Riko?"
Nakagiri clasped her hands together and said, "Sen-sei, this is really important to me!"
The teacher smiled knowingly. "I like her performance, too. The level is so high, it feels like a dream. Riko, wait a minute, let me check the list..."
"Mebuki Yochi."
It sounds like a stage name.
Riko seemed very disappointed. Instead of telling her—
"Riko, what's wrong?"
"Nothing." Tenriko lowered her head and went to look for her friends.
"Riko, did you ask for the name?"
"Yeah." Tenriko nodded. She said in a depressed mood: "Mebuki..."
If leaves.
Tiantian Lizi suddenly clenched her fists and looked up at her surroundings.
The crowd has almost dispersed.
Could it be my sister?
My sister is so bad...
*
"That's all explained. Can I go now?"
I should be able to get back to the college within today.
Your treatment is not bad, Qingzi brought a chair for you to sit on.
【What did the lady do to make her look so pale?】
【Blown by the wind.】
[Miss, I...]
"You really didn't do anything?"
"I don't want to explain it a third time. I was just asked by an old friend to perform at the school. I used the technique just to prevent Tenriko from recognizing me. It's annoying."
"I don't want anything to do with Tenriko anymore."
Whispering.
These people never show their true faces.
"Also, let me inform you of something. I will be using my magic on crowds more often in the future." You stood up.
【Miss……】
My name is 'Hatsu'.
【Qingzi, go out and wait.】
"You broke the rules!" someone scolded you immediately.
"Rules?" You pretended to be thoughtful. "I'm not hurting anyone. Isn't a sorcerer's job to protect everyone? I'm just helping people in my own way."
"Besides, I've made it clear. I'm just informing you. A year ago, you forced me to do something I didn't want to do. No, it started even earlier." To show your strength, you flipped your hair with your hand. You should have shaken your coat again, like Ninety-Nine. But it was too cold to take it off.
"I'm just doing what I'm supposed to do as a sorcerer."
"Protecting the peace of mind of ordinary people."
"The barrier you use to protect yourselves is like paper. Do you want me to strengthen it?"
All the barriers were broken.
"Are you afraid of me? If fear is magnified, you'll scare yourself to death."
"You used a technique—" The voice was extremely shrill, like the eunuchs you saw in TV dramas in your previous life. It's a pity that this profession is not popular in Japan.
"No, dear old men. I just want to resolve the matter peacefully. Why don't we sit down and talk? Or have you been sitting in your seats for too long and can't move? Do you want a young man like me to help you?"
"Oh, right. When you're old, can you still take care of yourself? Every day, you're afraid of death. But this place is filled with the smell of decay and desolation."
"Your death is bound to happen, sooner or later."
"I said I would execute her from the beginning! This person who treats human life as worthless!"
"What are you talking about? Didn't I say we should have a good talk?"
The man was suffocating.
You can feel all his pain.
"Let me introduce it. Since the 'Sanctuary' can only neutralize pure energy attacks, this is my newly created barrier, the 'Copper Seal'. It sounds hard, but it's actually soft. It can contain purely physical attacks like this. How's it? Much more powerful than the barriers you use, right?"
The whole room was silent, and you could only sigh, "It's blood and arrows."
"That's all for today."
You should just step down and leave the board of directors.
Kiyoko Matsushita chased out.
"Miss, you are injured."
"I did it on purpose." You said nonchalantly.
"I……"
"I know what Kiyoko wants to say. I forgive you. I don't blame you. You were just doing your job."
"Miss--"
You stop.
"It was Qingzi who told me, 'I just hope you won't regret it and will be able to bear the consequences of your choices.' I thought that was pretty good advice. Does Qingzi regret it? Can Qingzi bear the consequences of my anger?"
"As the lady said, this is my job." Qingzi said seriously.
"And I can't stand by and watch はつちゃん fall into danger. There must be someone reliable and important who knows what the lady is going to do."
"Is this what Qingzi was thinking? I understand."
"Does that person know about astral plasma?"
"Shin'er knows nothing. I abide by the secrecy law." You only found out last year that Riko was an astral plasma. The more people know, the more dangerous Riko becomes. Besides, Shin'er already has close ties with curse casters. Curse casters are often useless but still wish for the destruction of the world.
"Miss, are you going back to Kyoto for the New Year?"
"I'm going back to take care of some things."
"The bleeding has stopped. I'm going to buy some new clothes."
"Buy new ones for everything in the bag that you've used up."
"Miss, aren't you afraid of getting scars?"
“No one can see it.”
"Miss, you don't even want to be in love?"
You don't know how Qingzi's thoughts have reached this point. But you still answer her seriously: "If love means sacrificing yourself for someone, I can't do it."
"The Wakaba couple had a great influence on you."
"They are my parents, after all."
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