Chapter 113: Doubt

"Supernatural. There's no other explanation."

In front of the Sanctuary Knights (Sanctuary Knights) gathered in Bern, Switzerland, I said it clearly. I was certain after seeing how Alexander had been killed.

"Supernatural... Alexander wasn't just some ordinary supernatural. He was an elite-level mage warrior—among the strongest in the world..."

Anna, another mage warrior, trembled as she spoke.

"I know. But that kind of killing... no ordinary human or monster could pull that off."

All seven members in the room fell silent. Losing a comrade they'd fought alongside for so long—words couldn't even begin to describe the shock.

"Looks like there’ve been other supernatural victims too. The missing person from 'Suzaku'—they found their body, chopped into square pieces."

Elias reported, his face twisted in disgust.

"So supernaturals are killing other supernaturals... why? What’s the point?"

"I don’t know the reason, but if they’re targeting supernaturals, we could be next. Maybe we should stick to at least two people together from now on?"

Carlo answered calmly to my question. Yeah, right now, figuring out why mattered less than planning how to survive.

"Always carry weapons! Alexander wouldn’t have died like this if he’d had his sword. And share intel with Suzaku and Gojo."

◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇

[Tokyo • Keichou Newspaper]

"Daily headlines are all about Gojo these days. Started with the article you published, Tanaka-san."

"Yeah, I guess so."

Tanaka had become well-known in the industry for scooping Gojo’s name first.

"More people are praising him, but some are saying that Gojo might be the one behind all the monsters causing chaos across the world."

"Given how many giant monsters he keeps popping out, yeah, you can see why people would think that."

"Mr. Matsuda, what do you think?"

"Honestly? Doesn’t matter to me. What counts is whether it’s entertaining as a story. Gojo’s the perfect target to chase after."

"Speaking of that, the gossip magazines are running with that 'Gojo Shōmon, Demon King Theory'—seems to be really popular."

"Hey, the public’s like that—anything fun, they’ll latch onto it."

Shimada stuffed the camera and IC recorder into his bag and stood up.

"Reporting?"

"Gifu. Gojo’s been spotted entering and exiting the Self-Defense Force’s Gifu base. I’m getting that solo interview—no matter what."

"You really think it’ll go that smoothly?"

"I’m doing it! The truth behind Gojo Shōmon? I’ll expose it—no matter what it takes."

◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇

The next day, the United Nations press center officially announced the paranormal murders. It shook the media and the public alike—but the real shock came with the death of Alexander, a knight of the Sanctuary Knights.

As one of the strongest paranormals, his murder raised urgent questions: who could have done it? Reporters bombarded the UN press officer.

"Have you identified the perpetrator? Is it another paranormal?"

"Still under investigation."

"With powerful paranormals being killed one after another worldwide, isn’t the number of people capable of doing this… extremely limited?"

"We can’t confirm anything at this time."

"There are rumors some believe Gojo Shōmon might be involved. What’s your take on that?"

"Impossible. Gojo's been incredibly cooperative with the UN and governments worldwide—we've benefited greatly from that. Not to mention, he has absolutely no reason to do something like this."

The UN spokesperson dismissed the reporter's question with a laugh.

But this theory blaming Gojo was picked up by certain media outlets who found it entertaining, spreading quietly yet steadily.

◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇

In a room at the Gifu Base, a satellite phone had been set up by Sakaki. Communication wasn’t fully back to normal yet, so international calls were still limited.

"Leo, can you hear me?"

"Yeah, I'm good. Sorry for the rush—appreciate you making time."

Leo had called with urgent news.

"Right now, there's a press conference at the UN. You heard about it?"

"I heard there was one, but I don’t know the details."

"Aleksander's been killed."

"Aleksander!? Who the hell did it!?"

"Not sure yet. Witnesses say he was wearing black armor—just that much info. We’ve started calling him the Black Knight."

"The Black Knight…"

Shock. I remembered how friendly he’d been during the Britain campaign. He’d been strong—definitely strong—but still…

"Worldwide, supernatural abilities are being targeted. One casualty already from Seiryu. Two more from other countries. That’s four total."

"Four already… What’s the point of all this?"

"Totally clueless. Honestly, someone that powerful should’ve been on government radars by now… but then again, look at you. There are still unregistered supernaturals out there."

"Are we hunting the culprit?"

"Obviously. Not just because he’s Aleksander’s killer—but because he’s a threat to the entire world. We’ll capture him, or if we can’t, we’ll eliminate him on the spot."

He’s really steamed. Leo’s anger’s practically radiating through the phone.

“I’ll help too. Let’s regroup—where should I meet you?”

‘No, Gojo. You stay put.’

Unexpected response. I blinked.

“Why? Shouldn’t we split up and cover more ground?”

‘You might think it’s funny, but some people are saying this whole incident was your doing. If you move around and your actions line up with the suspect’s… well, you’d be the prime suspect.’

Me?! I froze for a second. But… honestly, out of everyone who could’ve taken down Aleksander, there aren’t many left…

‘As long as you’re at the Self-Defense Force base you’re at now, your movements can be verified. Just hold tight for now.’

‘…Got it. But there’s one thing I need to ask. Can I… please?’

‘What is it? Anything.’

◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇

After hanging up, I paused.

“What’s with Gojo?”

Carlo asked from behind me.

“He asked me to temporarily protect some students at a convent in France.”

“Gojo’s request? Can’t say no. He’s got a mountain of favors owed to him.”

“Yeah… that’s true…”

“But… does the enemy even target kids?”

“Hmm. Unlikely, I’d say. But I’ve heard there are a few kids in France with some seriously strong abilities. Probably just being cautious.”

“Still… Gojo’s turned into quite the teacher. Didn’t know he cared so much about kids.”

We both chuckled. But then again, he’s always been kind-hearted, deep down.

“Still, the problem’s location. Where do we even put them?”

“Can’t bring them here—won’t be able to guard them every second. Need somewhere safer.”

We both fell quiet, thinking. But honestly… no good options came to mind.

"Guess we’d better rely on Britain’s intelligence agency. They’ve got a track record of quickly evacuating government and royal family members, after all."

Britain… the Dragon sightings have dropped sharply lately. Calm now.

"Got it. I’ll contact them right away. Carlo, you’ll go to France with Anna and look after the kids."

"Got it… I’ll leave right away."