Epilogue: Dark Harvesters

“And that concludes our report on Orimura Ichika.”

In a dark room, three women sat huddled around a table. Two were seated, while the one in the center stood. The air was as tense as if it were ministers convening with the crown.

“Maybe we should make our move now,” the woman in the center half-whispered. Her voice, though quiet, was clear as a bell.

“I fear we may already be too late.”

“More and more is indicating that now is the time. Perhaps the time for waiting is over.”

As if waiting for royal assent, the two cast their gazes to the table. The three knew that the number of new students with their own IS, and the appearance of a complete wild card, required their attention.

“Hm...” The standing woman turned back from the window. “It’s decided. Now is the time. That we may survive.”

“Then...”

“I will attempt to seize his IS directly. You’ll be my backup.”

“U-Understood!”

“Understood.”

A smile drifted to the woman’s face. Like a hawk which had spotted its prey. Like the queen of a frozen realm. Enough to send a shiver down one’s spine. Enough to terrify. A smile which could steal a soul.

“Prepare yourself, Orimura Ichika.”

With the full moon at her back, the woman smiled. Her fan snapped shut, quietly but forcefully.

End of Volume Four.