Chapter 156 - Mind games

Her opinion is important to him.

She is important to him.

Such feelings get in the way when it comes to investigating, and this line of work. Those who targeted Akito's wife knew she was Akito's weak point. Akito doesn't hide his emotions well. At least when it comes to the people, he cares about. That's why, even though he is such a good officer. Some won't hesitate to exploit and take advantage of the situation.

Before Setsura could do anything, Akito pulled her into his arms.

"Ever since those people picked me up. I've lived by the rules of their society - the noble and elite. I figured it was the best way to ensure my survival. I didn't think of anything else but how to survive — from a young age, living in that type of society. I understood what my position was in life. It didn't take me long to realize that the role they gave me was to act as a support to the legit heir. Which is what I did, I studied desperately and constantly every day to ensure that I would not be a hindrance to anyone. That's why I disliked those with powers. Because they were strong even without having to work for anything."

Setsura didn't know what to say. 'Even those with powers work hard.' She could tell after meeting Oslo and Katakura. Both those two surely worked hard to get to where they are today— even Lyra... Does Akito think badly of everybody with supernatural powers? Is it the same for her too?

"Once those people gather together. They are manipulated and used by those in a higher position," Akito explained. He must have seen her distressed expression since his hand made its way towards her hair. His right hand gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.

"All of their hard work and research and progress they have made themselves. All of our progress --- it is lost, all for nothing. Others manipulate them into ensuring that nothing remains."

"So, that's why…"

Setsura admits that she is surprised. It didn't occur to her that Akito had such a grand outlook of the world.

"I understand why they take such drastic measures; it is to prevent wars from happening. But that does not mean I can accept such an ideology. That man is the same. He creates weapons for his personal goals and profit. To him, people are no different than trash. They are simply weapons, tools he can use at his own convenience.

I understand that not everybody is like him. Not all power users are influenced by such things. For you, the powers you have are to protect people, to save them. But some do not think that way. Some would abuse your powers for money and influence."

Akito's words stabbed at her like a dagger. She could hear how hate-filled they were, and he aimed it at her.

But his arms wrapped around her waist are so gentle. They held her close softly and tenderly. What can she do to persuade this person? How does she dispel all his unease, all the fears, and concerns he has?

Her thoughts broke off when Akito pulled back. "Let's get going if we don't hurry up. The victim's mental states will not be good."

Setsura nodded and followed after him. He changed his attitude so quickly. But, she supposes it is better this way after walking in silence for a few minutes. Setsura noted how Akito was observing his surroundings carefully. Sometimes he would stop and bend down to touch the walls and ceilings.

"Did you find anything?"

"I was thinking, isn't it too quiet for this to be a building with hostages? Normally you'd hear people running about from the other floors. Even if the kidnappers aren't doing anything, the hostages squirm and fidget. However, there is no other sound in this building other than our footsteps."

Now that he mentions it, it is too quiet.

Setsura frowned, "Didn't you send your other teams to check out the other side?"

Akito nodded, "Yeah. This building isn't very large, so we should be able to hear them. But there is no sound at all."

"Then, is this a trap?"

"Not quite. The enemy wants us to believe that he has us boxed in and trapped. He wants to convince us that we can't communicate with anybody else. By creating that twist in our minds, we will start to panic and lose our rationality."

Ah, Setsura nodded. "So, it's a trick.."

"Mmm, but that seems too straight forward. Some quickly get back on their feet despite being in such a situation. Therefore we can deduce that the enemy has another motive. As for what that motive is, we will find out," Akito turned to the wall on their right. Rows of books fell like a row of dominos. He reached out and pulled one out of the shelf. The moment he did, the wall moved, revealing a huge hole on the wall.

Her eyes widened when she saw that. "How did you.." Setsura paused when she realized something. Earlier, she observed him randomly touching the walls and floors. Could it be, he intended for this to happen all along?

"A detective's intuition. It's going to be dark on the way down, hold my hand."

"What about the light?"

"You're an easy prey if you have a light source. Don't worry, even if we can't see the steps. Just follow your senses."

'Follow your senses,' Setsura thought. That isn't an easy thing to do. But, it doesn't look as though she will get anywhere standing around here. She doesn't want to leave Akito by himself too. Hesitantly Setsura nodded and extended her hand out. Akito grabbed hold of her hand and led her along the secret pathway.

The first thing she discovered about the pathway was how narrow it was. Akito and her could not stand side by side. He had to pull her along. If he knew about this passageway and the words he said just now. Setsura assumed that he knew from the start.

"Akito, did you know from the beginning that this case isn't a normal one?" Setsura asked. He acted oddly when she asked about it after all. When she thought about it carefully, Akito has never stopped her from pursuing a case or investigating. He knows she meets with Katakura and asks him a lot of things too.

He knows that she trains with that gun often.

"Yeah, while your safety is the most important thing to me. I won't stop you from taking action; it's futile to do so. You have a goal, just like any other person. Who am I to stop you?"

"You're my boyfriend; you do have that right."

Laughter escaped his lips, "Indeed, that status does grant me all sorts of privileges. But, I don't want to be the kind of lover who deprives you of your freedom."