Aono's idea was simple and crude.

The spine, which had long been dyed blood-red, conveyed a slight throbbing to Aono, as if to indicate its longing and anticipation.

Here it is necessary to tell about the changes in the blood-colored spine over this time.

At the time of the cricket sacrifice incident, so many xenomorph creatures were killed, and the blood-red silk thread finally spread to the entire blood-colored spine.

Surprisingly, apart from the change in appearance, this mysterious bone has not undergone any other changes.

No more powerful abilities have been acquired, and no new consciousness has been born.

In short, for a long time, Aono still wondered if his previous premonition was wrong.

It was only one night that Aono finally realized that there was no change, but that the originally active consciousness in the blood-colored spine had fallen into a deep dormancy.

And dormancy is undoubtedly for an unprecedented metamorphosis after awakening.

Aono is looking forward to this.

Because in the description of the panel, the unknown spine has a very high and mysterious evaluation, at least Aono can't fully spy on it for the time being.

Another point is that although killing the unspeakable will no longer make the blood more intense, the unknown spine will still absorb a certain substance, which may be related to the power of the soul.

Just now, the blood-colored spine was throbbing faintly, so Aono boldly tried.

With the tip of his spine, he touched the "dirty" corner.

Just the first second of contact, it was like a fire and ice water in contact, and there was an extremely violent reaction.

"Sss

In the black shadows, there seemed to be something boiling.

In the formless, weightless air, there is a picture similar to the rising and bursting of bubbles.

The voice gradually distorted in his ears, and it was precisely because of the distortion that the originally meaningless sound wave vibrated into a terrible scream like a human being.

"Uhhhh Ahh!!hhhhh ”

Just hearing this scream, you can hear the extreme pain and pain from it.

Those who have experienced Ling Chi are no more than this.

[Unknown spine is in contact with xenomorph remnants!] 】

[Unknown changes have occurred......]

The spine in Aono's hand trembled slightly, as if the breath from his hometown had given it new vitality.

Even with a little temperature, the touch changed from cold to warm.

Aono stared at it coldly, his gaze not containing any emotion.

Aono's principle is simple, if it can still be used for itself and become its own help, it doesn't matter how it changes.

But what if the blood-colored spine gets out of control? Aono wouldn't mind handling it in some particular way.

- Again? Since it's a bone thing, it might taste good in soup, right?

At the same time that Aono has some bold ideas? The slender bones are finally honest.

The degree of tremor is greatly reduced.

Maybe it sensed a flash of thought in Aono? It sends a gentle and obedient wave to Aono.

And at this time, look at it again, the remnants of that "dirty"? It's gone without a trace.

It's like...... As if it was absorbed by this spine?

Aono narrowed his eyes and took a closer look.

Found in addition to this? The spine itself has also undergone unexpected changes.

Its color? No longer a vivid blood-red.

It's that dull ruddy, with a faint shadow clinging to it, and if I really want to say, it's very similar to the color of bloodstone.

Make the whole bone look good? It turned out to be a handicraft made of jade!

This is already a clear change.

What really cares about Aono? It is the unique temperament attached to the vertebrae.

He had long since discovered that as more and more creatures were killed with their vertebrae, the bloody and brutal temperament on it became more and more intense, and in some cases, it could also have a temporary deterrent effect.

It's just that? Since Aono itself has a stronger deterrent power - the trait of [Xenomorph Creature Killer] has been born, can the deterrent power not be strong? - It is the characteristic of a blood-colored spine that is difficult to show.

Right now? It has a weird quality.

Like a "toxin", or ...... "curse"?

This trait? I'm afraid it's from what was left of it.

If you use it to attack enemies now, you're likely to be in for an unexpected surprise.

"You guy? Pretty much like me, huh? ”

Aono gently caressing the slender bones? From top to bottom? Gentle movements.

But now, the tremor of the vertebrae became more intense, but this time it was not excitement, but like a manifestation of "fear" and "fear".

A bone, will you also be afraid?

If it is placed in the world of normal people, I am afraid that I will scoff at this statement, so that I will laugh at it.

But in the cognition of transcendentals, it is not impossible to imagine such a thing happening.

Once again, it conveyed its meekness to Aono, like a little sheep that had been stripped naked, and in this way it saved its own life.

[The unknown spine surrenders to you for the time being!] 】

[I can't resist your orders and drives!] 】

Aono said softly, "Good boy. ”

The tremor of the jade-like vertebrae disappeared completely.

Soon, after walking out of the door, Aono got a bad news from Hino Ayaka's mouth -

- A Tokyo Rangers stronghold was attacked, a team of Transcendentals, a total of 6 people, 5 missing, only one seriously injured and survived.

Attacker...... Suspected Tomie!

The word "suspicious" is actually a statement that takes into account the mood of the two of them.

After all, Tomie's terrifying and disgusting flesh and blood ability is extremely recognizable, and once he sees it, it is almost impossible to recognize it.

Several photos from the scene are quite similar to the scene after Akiko Ishiyama's disappearance.

12 o'clock that night.

Aono and the others rushed to the hospital without rest.

The air in the ward was very cold, with a chill worse than winter.

The only survivor in the group, unexpectedly Aono once had two or three sides of the relationship - Katagiri Yan.

It's a pity that now he can no longer see the appearance of the original high-level middle school and second disease.

It's just that his whole body is tied in bandages, and it is tightly bandaged, like a mummy, only a pair of eyes are exposed, leaving holes for breathing.

It wasn't a spoof or a shoddy cosplay, but he had suffered severe burns all over his body, and almost 90 percent of his skin was destroyed.

The most difficult thing to deal with is that the burn does not come from the flames of reality, nor does it come from others, but from his own transcendent "flame dragon".

- According to the analysis of the situation witnessed by the team members, Katagiri Yan was also coerced by Tomie's flesh and blood and was about to be devoured.

At the last moment, he chose this method of almost ending up together, and the "Flame Dragon" attached to his body, burning all over his body.

If Tomie wants to swallow him, he will also "eat" a raging flame.

It was with this means that Katagiri became the only one who did not "disappear".

As we all know, only the transcendent can defeat the extraordinary.

And Katagiriya's extraordinary ability is not weak at all, and the burns caused can only be solved by more powerful transcendents.

Traditional medical treatment can only alleviate the problem, but cannot really cure it.

However, among the remaining personnel of the Tokyo Rangers, there is no such person who can heal Katagiri Yan's injuries.

"Mother-sama."

"Aono-kun."

The icy chill came from Rumiko Hino, who nodded at Aono and the others.

Her purpose here is to use the cold air to control the state of Katagiriya.

- Extraordinary power is anything but ordinary, and transcendent people are never lucky.

The extraordinary flame on Katagiriya's skin may rekindle after it is extinguished, and if it were not for Rumiko Hino, the torment he would have to endure would be even more terrifying.

“...... Green, green...... Yejun ......"

Even if he is suffering from pain all the time at the moment, after seeing Aono's arrival.

The young man still spoke in an extremely hoarse voice, struggling to speak.

"Sister Xiangcheng...... She ......"

By the way, Katagiri Yan is one of Aono's many little fans in the Tokyo Rangers, and he has long been completely impressed by Aono's strength.

Even without saying it, Aono could understand what Katagiri Yan meant.

It's just that......

The term "missing" is already very euphemistic.

If Tomie is really out of control, it is the most normal situation to swallow them into flesh and blood and "eat" them without hesitation.

Aono's emotional intelligence is lacking in some situations, but he also knows that he can't expose the weak lies in front of Katagiri and dig out the cruel truth nakedly and put it in front of him.

Maybe he won't even be able to bear the pain in front of him, and he will die.

"If she's still alive, I'll definitely bring her back."

"If she is dead, I will avenge her too."

Aono walked over to Katagiri's bedside and said softly but firmly.

"And what you have to do now is to take care of your injuries."

"Now, get some good sleep......"

After hearing these words, Katagiri's bloodshot and painful eyes finally showed a touch of relaxation.

Then he closed his eyes and soon fell into a deep sleep.

It seems that the strength he has supported until now is just to get this promise from Aono's mouth.

Several people walked out of the ward and no longer disturbed Kata's rest.

"It seems that Tomie's loss of control has been confirmed."

Hino Yuki frowned and analyzed.

"And judging by her current actions, she should be unconsciously targeting the transcendent."

"It should be because, in her opinion, the transcendent is a creature that threatens her, and she must be the first to eradicate it."

Aono spoke calmly, without any emotional fluctuations on his face.

It seems that it is only an analysis of the current situation.

"I think she treats the transcendent as a more nutritious food, and if she keeps devouring the powerful transcendent, her strength will continue to grow."

"It's probably more likely."

Hino opened her mouth, not knowing how to answer.

Of course, it's okay for Aono, who is close to Tomie, to say such things, but if he makes some negative comments, he may make Aono angry.

"Don't worry, I'm not that kind of person."

As if he had seen through Hino's thoughts, Aono smiled at him, although he didn't often observe words and expressions on weekdays, but it was never difficult for Aono to see some thoughts in his heart with the help of other people's small expressions.

I don't usually do that, it's just not necessary.

Kanda Yukie stared at Aono for a long time, keenly aware of some changes in him.

The reason for this change couldn't be simpler than simple - Aono, seriously.

Aono has always been a man who rarely makes commitments, which means that he takes them very seriously.

Just as he said not long after he was admitted to the hospital, "I will leave here one day sooner or later", he will definitely do what he says.

Aono has to do his best to find out the truth behind this incident and find out the culprit.

And then......

An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth!

"But unfortunately, even if I know Tomie, it is impossible to deduce who her next target will be."

"What's more, her current state is different from usual."

Aono continued.

"But passive defense is unrealistic, and we will rush over until she destroys a stronghold, no matter what, it will be too late."

"Yes."

Hino nodded in agreement.

"We have to take the initiative and lock down Tomie's position."

His eyes blinked, and he flashed a little hope, and looked at his mother.

"I can ......"

But Hino's words weren't finished yet.

got the rebuttal of Ayaka Hino and Rumiko Hino in unison.

"No, you can't!"

"Why? Isn't that the last resort? ”

Yuki Hino tried to persuade his mother and sister.

only to get a harsher refusal from Ayaka Hino.

"I said, at least while I'm still in Tokyo, you can't do that."

Hino kept her head down and didn't speak.

Aono didn't rush into the topic of their family.

He knew that Hino's ability was related to prophecy, but now it seemed that it was not an easy power to wield.

Anyway, this is their family affair, not a topic that Aono should be involved in.

"I know a person who has the ability to divination, but he needs the cooperation of someone who is closely related to the target......"

Ayaka Hino gritted her teeth.

It seems that this approach is a bit selfish.

But as a mother, what's wrong with being selfish for your children?

"I see."

Aono nodded.

"You're going to contact Amamiya-senpai, right?"

After some communication and negotiation, they set the time for 10 a.m. the next day to do divination at Aono's house.

The situation couldn't be worse at the moment, and even this night, there could be a new case.

So the faster the speed of action, the better.

If it weren't for the fact that the [soothsayer] was some distance away from here, it would be difficult to reach him in the usual way.

They even plan to do it tonight.

At the entrance of the hospital, Aono dialed Hitomi Amamiya's number.

It's half past twelve in the morning, and it's late at night.

But after waiting for two or three seconds, the call was picked up.

"Good evening, Aono-kun."

Amamiya Hitomi's voice is as gentle as ever, he has always been such a gentle person, if it weren't for this, he wouldn't have taken good care of Aono, and the two had a deep communication.

It's just that what Aono is about to tell will be a cruel truth.

This is always the way this is, neither gentle nor right.