thefictionvixens Page 344
Page 344
Her voice was calm, but her fingertips unconsciously traced the parts of the doll on the table.
"But some things are worth the risk."
Shiraishikawa put down his teacup, the ceramic striking the wooden tabletop with a crisp sound.
He stood up, the hem of his black trench coat sweeping across the floor, and walked toward the old clock in the corner of the studio.
His fingers traced the intricate runes on the clock face, the symbols glowing faintly when touched.
"Inhibition forces will interfere."
He said this with his back to Aozaki Touko.
"Every magician who tries to change the past eventually discovers that history has an astonishing resilience. Are you sure you want to challenge this power?"
The smell of tobacco and engine oil filled my lungs.
Chapter 425 Correcting Errors
She stood up, her long red hair swaying gently behind her.
"I've studied all the theories of possibility, Mr. Shiraishi. Parallel worlds, fixed points in time, closed causal loops..."
She walked over to him and gazed at the clock with him.
"But what I need is not theory, but practice."
Shiraishi suddenly turned around, and the distance between them was so close that they could feel each other's breath.
His eyes, in the shadows, revealed an inhuman golden vertical pupil, causing Aozaki Touko to tense up instantly.
"interesting."
His voice deepened, carrying a dangerous rhythm.
"Then tell me, Aozaki Touko, what makes you willing to risk being wiped out by the Root?"
Aozaki Touko's fingers trembled slightly, but she did not back down.
An error.
she said softly.
"A mistake I must correct."
The studio fell silent, with only the ticking of the grandfather clock echoing in the air.
Aozaki Touko could feel an invisible pressure emanating from Shiraishikawa, a magical density far exceeding what ordinary magicians could comprehend.
Finally, Shiraishikawa took a step back, and the oppressive feeling dissipated.
He walked to the center of the studio and snapped his fingers.
The dust on the ground automatically gathered, forming a complex magic circle with an ouroboros pattern at the center.
I can do it.
He said this with his back to Aozaki Touko.
"But the cost will be very high."
Aozaki Touko's heart raced, and she forced herself to remain calm.
"I accept your second request, and I'm also making a two-way request. In return, I want you to help me with time travel and get rid of a witch living in Misaki City."
Shiraishi turned around, a playful smile on his face.
"The witch of Misaki City?"
He repeated it softly.
"Let me guess, is it the sister who took everything from you?"
Aozaki Touko's expression froze instantly.
"How much do you know?"
“Enough.”
Shiraishi Kawa walked towards her.
"The genius of the Aozaki family, who could repair a broken magic crest at the age of five and completed his first doll at the age of ten, was regarded as the undisputed heir—until your sister came along."
Aozaki Touko's fingers tightened suddenly, and the frame of her glasses rattled under the weight of her palms.
"That pretentious woman."
Her voice was icy.
"She doesn't understand the true essence of magic at all; she only knows how to use that innocent face to please her grandfather."
Shiraishi nodded slightly, signaling her to continue.
“My grandfather stripped me of my inheritance rights and gave them to her.”
Aozaki Touko's voice began to tremble.
"I returned to my hometown, wanting to destroy everything she cherished... but I lost."
She raised her head, her eyes burning with a rage that had not been extinguished for years.
"I lost to my own weakness."
Shiraishi Kawa gazed at her silently, his gaze seemingly able to penetrate her soul.
Aozaki Touko felt a wave of discomfort, but she didn't look away.
"You want to go back in time and change the outcome of that war."
Shiraishikawa concluded.
"But time travel is not child's play. Even for me, it would come at a considerable price."
Aozaki Touko took a deep breath.
“I don’t need to go there in person, that’s too dangerous. I just need to project my consciousness into my past self.”
She pointed to a doll in the corner that looked exactly like her.
“I have prepared the container.”
Shiraishikawa walked up to the doll and gently stroked its cheek with his fingers.
"Exquisite craftsmanship."
he commented.
"But consciousness travel is more dangerous than physical travel. Your soul may get lost in the flow of time."
“I know the risks.”
Aozaki Touko said firmly.
"But I have to try."
Shiraishikawa suddenly laughed, a laugh that sent a chill down Aozaki Touko's spine.
"As compensation, your terms are not enough."
Aozaki Touko frowned.
"I can provide more research findings on magic, and even some secrets of the Aozaki family..." (Nono Zhao)
"Do not."
Shiraishikawa interrupted her.
"The reward I want is you."
He stepped forward, his golden pupils staring directly into her eyes.
"Your body, your soul, everything about you."
The air in the studio seemed to freeze.
Aozaki Touko felt a wave of dizziness and instinctively stepped back until her back hit the workbench.
"Are you... insane?"
She spoke with difficulty.
Shiraishikawa's expression became dangerous and alluring.
"This is the only condition. I can help you with time travel and act as an outside help if necessary. But in exchange, you will become my property."
Chapter 426 The Only Chance
Countless thoughts flashed through Aozaki Touko's mind.
To become someone's property? That's even more terrifying than being sealed away and designated.
But on the other hand... this is her only chance.
"why?"
She asked in a low voice.
"why me?"
Shiraishi's fingers brushed across her cheek, the touch so cold it seemed inhuman.
"Because of your soul."
he said softly.
"Burning with such beautiful flames of hatred."
Aozaki Touko closed her eyes.
She could feel her reason screaming in rejection, but deep down, the betrayed and defeated girl longed for this opportunity.
"Yue—Yi Qi Er San Ling Si Jiu Qi San Si What if I refuse?"
She struggled one last time.
Shiraishikawa took a step back, and the light from the magic circle began to dim.
"Then our conversation ends here. You can continue your doll research, while I... will look for other more interesting trading partners."