Chinatsu pushed the menu towards Shido and Origami, then said in a flat tone, "I'm going to the restroom," before standing up and leaving her seat. Her movements were natural and fluid, without the slightest hesitation, as if she truly was just going to relieve herself.
However, the moment she left her seat, an extremely tiny, almost imperceptible transparent crystal, like a speck of dust, silently slipped from her fingertip and adhered to the wooden edge of the booth.
This was a miniature detection unit constructed by the Herrscher of Reason's authority. Its structure was stable, its energy fluctuations almost nonexistent, yet it could precisely capture sounds, vibrations, and even extremely subtle energy changes in a specific direction.
Chinatsu entered the clean but slightly old restroom and locked the stall door behind her. She leaned against the door, a sharp glint flashing deep within her icy blue eyes.
Her consciousness instantly connected with the distant detector, and a clear stream of perception flooded her mind.
"Detector feedback: Target Shido, emotional tension, scattered attention, frequently looking at the menu and Origami, no obvious points of abnormal concern."
"Target Origami, outwardly calm, reading the menu. However, in the past 37 seconds, her gaze swept towards the restroom three times, at irregular intervals, not a regular glance, but with a clear intention of confirmation. Body language analysis: sitting upright, muscles slightly tensed, in an alert standby mode."
*(As expected...)*
Chinatsu sneered inwardly.
*(At least half of her attention is on me. AST... they've really started watching me.)*
She disconnected from the detector, allowing the miniature unit to dissipate on its own. The situation was clear; no further verification was needed.
*(Is it because of the spirit energy fluctuations that can't be completely concealed in my Spirit form? I was discovered faster than expected. But...)*
She calmly analyzed the current situation.
*(They are currently only suspicious and monitoring, not directly acting, which means either there isn't enough evidence, or... they're waiting for something.)*
She recalled her previous encounters with the AST and Ellen.
*(At that time, I used the image of Welt Yang and displayed some of my strength. They should know that it's almost impossible for the AST alone to take down the 'Herrscher of Reason'. So, for Origami to be so overtly monitoring me at close range, even trying to lure me away from the crowd...)*
*(...they must have something to rely on! Is it other targeted weapons or traps?)*
Chinatsu's mind raced, weighing the pros and cons.
*(Should I directly turn hostile, expose my strength, and repel them? No. Not to mention the risks that unknown reliance might bring, once I act, my identity as 'Phoenix-in Chinatsu' will be completely ruined.)*
*(Although I can change back to Koushi after a while, the'Spirit Chinatsu' persona is still useful and cannot be discarded so early. I must find a way to clear my suspicions, or... create a more reasonable 'protector'.)*
A bold plan quickly formed in her mind.
*(Since they suspect I am Welt Yang, or suspect I am related to Welt Yang... then why not let 'Welt Yang' appear again!)*
A cunning arc curved at the corner of her mouth. The Herrscher of Reason's authority silently unfolded within the small stall.
In the air, countless invisible fundamental particles began to gather and reconstruct. Black broken hair, deep brown-green eyes, a slightly weathered face, a slender and tall figure.
And that iconic brown trench coat and white shirt... The image of Welt Yang was rapidly constructed with astonishing precision, standing quietly before Chinatsu.
This was not a simple illusion, but a construct with a physical body, capable of independent action.
The most crucial step came—Chinatsu concentrated her mind, guiding the herrscher core within her body that contained the authority of Understanding.
A scorching and vast stream of energy was carefully peeled away and slowly injected into the center of "Welt Yang's" chest, forming a stable energy circulation node there.
"Protocol 1: Obey commands."
"Protocol 2: Act discreetly."
"Protocol 3: Protect me."
"(...)"
"herrscher core... temporary transplant complete."
When the last connection was severed, Chinatsu clearly felt her own power level drop sharply, although she still retained basic use of the "Understanding" authority.
But that surging spirit energy fluctuation, which was the hallmark of a Herrscher, had almost completely disappeared. At this moment, to a detector, she was no different from a human with a slightly stronger body.
And the "Welt Yang" construct standing before her emitted a stable and restrained, yet not entirely concealable, energy fluctuation—precisely the aura displayed during the previous encounter with the AST!
"Perfect!" Chinatsu looked at her "creation" and nodded with satisfaction.
"Now, I am 'Phoenix-in Chinatsu,' a 'normal girl' suspected by the AST but lacking crucial evidence. And 'Welt Yang' is a powerful Spirit hidden in the shadows."
"If the AST remains inactive and continues to monitor, then I will play along with them, and finally let Welt show up elsewhere to clear my suspicions."
"If they can't resist and insist on forcibly acting against me, this 'weak girl' who has 'lost' her powerful spirit energy fluctuations..."
"Then, 'Welt Yang,' who 'happens' to be nearby, senses the crisis, and appears for justice, will have a perfect reason for his entrance!"
"At that time, with both identities appearing simultaneously, the AST's suspicions will naturally collapse."
"They can't possibly think I can instantly switch forms and also come with a powerful bodyguard, can they?"
"And I've already learned from Old Yang to leave a copy of my consciousness in the core. If I really can't escape or can't win, I'll order Welt to run with the core, and I'll just surrender and die, then start doing sit-ups from within the core."
This plan, which was both a perfect golden cicada shedding its shell and a double insurance, greatly reassured Chinatsu.
She took a deep breath, adjusted her expression, and reverted to the beautiful transfer student girl with a hint of aloofness.
"So..." she whispered to the quiet stall, as if confirming the final step of her plan.
"The actors are in place, the show... can begin at any time."
She gently pressed the flush button, and amidst the sound of rushing water, unlocked the door and calmly walked out, ready to return to the lunch table where undercurrents surged.
And the "Welt Yang" carrying the herrscher core, the moment its construction was complete, vanished silently from its spot as if merging into the shadows, lurking in a corner outside the shop, quietly awaiting the best moment for its appearance.
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