Campione: Strongest# 440: The Price of Duality, Root Shiki

“Why are you up again?” Haru asked, his back to Shiki, raising an eyebrow in surprise.

Though her movements were silent, the room was constantly within his perception. He had sensed her activity the moment it began.

Following her usual habits, Shiki should have slept for three hours, woken up at six for dinner, then perhaps watched TV or simply spaced out. She was supposed to go back to sleep around eight and then wake around midnight for a late-night stroll. Aside from her lack of interest in modern media, Shiki's off-school routine was identical to that of a recluse.

Therefore, her current deviation from that schedule was genuinely surprising.

“Good afternoon, Haru.” Her lips curved into a slight, gentle smile.

That soft, maternal smile made Haru freeze. He immediately narrowed his eyes and said, his voice laced with uncertainty, “Root Shiki?”

Ryougi Shiki would never wear such a smile. And SHIKI, even when she smiled, it was a cheerful, mischievous grin. The only one who could wear that kind of serene expression was the hidden third personality, the flesh-and-blood embodiment of the Origin.

“It is I. But tell me, why do you call me that?” she asked, smiling gently, a flicker of curiosity in her eyes.

Haru’s face stiffened. He couldn’t exactly tell her he knew her alias from a past life.

“…You are constantly connected to the Root, aren’t you? I suppose that’s why I subconsciously call you that.”

‘Plausible enough. I almost believe it myself,’ Haru thought, taking a sip of his hot tea, a hint of awkwardness in his expression.

“Though it is a lie, I will reluctantly accept it, Haru.” Root Shiki, now fully dressed in her kimono, smoothed her collar and smiled gently.

“Right. I almost forgot you were omniscient,” Haru said, slightly startled by her directness. He patted his forehead with a look of helplessness.

“Not entirely. Your presence has introduced a variable. Total omniscience is no longer possible for me.” Her small, delicate feet, clad in white tabi, padded softly on the tatami mats. She walked with an elegant gait, approaching Haru and resting against him, her smile bright and inviting.

It was clear that she was quite happy about having lost her absolute omniscience.

“You’re happy about losing power? Well, I can guess your reasoning.” Haru finished his tea and, with a crunch, crushed the ceramic cup into dust.

Absolute omniscience sounded impressive, but it was a profoundly annoying ability. Imagine deciding to eat: the moment the thought appears, the full, minute details of the meal—the taste, the process, the aftermath—would flood your mind.

You would be 'full' before lifting a fork. It would be a short-lived novelty, quickly replaced by an immense, soul-crushing fatigue.

This was likely the main reason she avoided the outside world and was constantly dormant. What was the point of experiencing a world that held no surprises?

“So, what is the purpose of your visit?” Haru asked, looking at the silent Root Shiki, who was gazing out at the snowy scenery.

“The last time we met was two years ago. I woke up this time to observe the changes you have wrought upon this world.” She crouched down, resting her head gently on Haru’s shoulder, a shy smile touching her lips.

The sudden intimacy made Haru stiffen. He glanced at the small head resting on his shoulder, then deliberately adopted a calm demeanor.

“And you decided to come out and stretch your legs?” he asked.

“No, I’ve seen enough. All the changes are accounted for,” a voice filled with faint regret whispered in his ear.

“…You must have the patience of a saint,” Haru said with a twinge of pity. Two years of anticipation for a few seconds of observation, followed by disappointment. That was like reading a highly anticipated chapter of a novel, only to find the author has only updated once a year. It’s infuriating.

'For her, it must feel like a constant, agonizing headache.'

“I’ve grown accustomed to it,” she replied with a gentle smile.

“Aren’t you surprised by my sudden intimacy?” She deliberately moved her cheek, rubbing against his shoulder with a sly grin.

“You’re just trying to make me think you like me. You should really maintain your image...” Haru said, tilting his head and resting his own head on hers, a wicked grin on his face.

“Shiki likes you. And SHIKI… she likes you a little too. So, the question is, which one will you choose—Shiki or SHIKI?” Root Shiki asked with a gentle smile. Her voice was soft, like the rustling of leaves, but in Haru’s ears, it was a thunderous, undeniable question.

“What do you mean?” Haru sensed an ominous tone in her words. Was there a catch?

“Shiki is the Yin, and SHIKI is the Yang. The two Ryougi personalities are imperfect, a flaw caused by the forced creation of this body through the family’s techniques.”

Root Shiki paused, then continued, “The evidence lies in their contradictory impulses. If the body represents the perfect ‘Duality,’ why do they constantly clash?”

“The current state of coexistence has a time limit. Following the natural progression, the Yin and Yang will collapse when the body reaches twenty years of age, and I will dissolve back into the Void.”

“The only way to prevent this is to artificially destroy the body’s current, flawed state. So, Haru, will you save Shiki, or will you save SHIKI? Which one will you choose?” Her face held an intriguing smile, as if she were an outside spectator, simply observing the unfolding drama.

“With all due respect, I intend to keep both. Is that an option?” Haru asked, looking deeply into her eyes, his tone light and playful.

“That depends entirely on your ability.”

Root Shiki straightened her head, stood up, and offered a teasing smile.

“Take me for a walk.”