And so, the members of the Supernatural Society completed their first act of slaying a god.
This was only the first time.
But it absolutely would not be the last.
On the road ahead...
There were likely many more gods they would have to slay.
...
That same afternoon, at Suga Editorial Studio.
Natsumi Suga looked at the report she had written and published yesterday about the Sunny Girl legend, took a large gulp of cold beer, and murmured to herself, "Was it luck... or some special arrangement for me?"
Natsumi Suga's current situation could be described in one sentence.
She had caught the overwhelming fortune that fell from the sky.
Yesterday, at Ye Xing's request, Natsumi Saga had written another report about Sunny Girl. This time, the focus wasn't on Sunny Girl herself, but rather on exploring the ethical questions surrounding restoring normal weather versus sacrificing an innocent girl as a living offering.
And in her article, she hadn't concealed her stance at all.
[In this era, in Kyoto City, in this city that gave birth to Mask, such ignorant, foolish, evil things must never happen.]
[Mask never compromises, and we should do the same.]
When published yesterday, although Natsumi Suga already had traffic from her recent series of reports, this article, which was too detached from reality, like a ghost story, mainly aimed at guiding public sentiment, didn't generate much heat, only achieving moderate discussion.
But today...
After Kyoto TV released the video of Mask's speech about the Sunny Girl and the Weather God, the result was predictable.
This report, which completely aligned with Mask's own views, exploded in popularity.
As an independent media personality, the attention Natsumi Suga's account was now receiving could already rival Kyoto's famous media outlets, and even surpassed some of them.
Having jumped from being a small media contributor whose income couldn't even sustain basic living to her current status in less than two months, Natsumi Suga naturally knew who she should thank most.
She just didn't quite understand... There were so many media outlets in Kyoto City, and freelance writers were as numerous as fish in the river, countless in number.
If Ye Xing was Mask, why had he chosen her?
Could it be...
He was impressed by her professional skills?
The key point was that she wasn't particularly professional either.
"Anyway, treating him to a meal as thanks is the most basic courtesy... And that matter about Meiko Honma would be better discussed in person too..."
This was what Natsumi Suga told herself, but she knew very well in her heart that these were just excuses.
She simply wanted to see Ye Xing and have a meal with him.
If they could incidentally go on a date...
That wouldn't be unacceptable either.
...
Meanwhile, in a certain shopping street in Kyoto City.
"Mask is so handsome!"
Kyoto City's number one Mask fan, Keika Kawasaki, wearing a cute dress and looking utterly adorable, stopped in her tracks when she passed by an electrical appliance store and saw Mask's speech video playing on the LCD TV displayed outside. Although she had already watched it several times at home, she still couldn't tear herself away now.
Her sister Saki Kawasaki looked utterly helpless.
If it was just watching it once, that would be one thing.
But Kyoto TV, whether wanting to boost the hype or because the person in charge was also a Mask fan, had actually dedicated this channel to repeatedly rebroadcasting Mask's speech video, along with the live recording of the Sunny Doll Killer incident, and had even edited together a highlights compilation.
This was far too lethal for Keika Kawasaki.
The two sisters...
Had been standing here for nearly half an hour now.
"We should probably get going soon?"
Hearing Saki Kawasaki's words, Keika Kawasaki reluctantly tore her gaze away from the television screen, speaking with clear reluctance.
"Big sister... just let me watch a little longer..."
Seeing her younger sister's pitiful expression, Saki Kawasaki shook her head with a wry smile, her tone both doting and somewhat helpless.
"Really now, when you can see him in person, why bother watching these television recordings?"
Hearing this, Keika deliberately put on a slightly displeased expression and muttered quietly.
"Since you last went to Tokyo with big sister, I haven't seen big brother at all. When would I have the chance to see him in person?"
"Well..."
Saki Kawasaki paused for a moment, her fair cheeks flushing slightly as she brushed back the hair by her ear, pretending to be casual and unconcerned.
"That can't be helped... Since returning from Tokyo, I haven't had any opportunities to be alone with Ye Xing either. There's just been too much going on recently, and I can't really help with anything..."
"Sigh."
Seeing her older sister clearly wanting to see big brother yet pretending not to care, Keika Kawasaki couldn't help but sigh.
So hopeless.
If it were her, she would have won decisively long ago.
"If you don't take the initiative to ask him out, how are you supposed to meet? Hmm?"
Keika looked at her sister with a frustrated, disappointed expression, then raised her head to gaze at the clear sky, speaking thoughtfully.
"Judging by the fact that the weather has cleared up, big brother must have won. I wonder if he got injured... Okay, use that as your reason to call and check on big brother. If he's injured, go take care of him. If he's not injured, ask him out to meet. Understand?"
"M-m-meet?"
Saki Kawasaki was so nervous she began to stutter.
"Wh-wh-what would we... do... after meeting?"
"How should I know?"
Keika Kawasaki now understood exactly how Zhuge Liang must have felt back in the day.
Truly, knowing heaven's will is easy, but going against it is difficult.
"If you really can't think of anything, just go check a dating manual. Watch a movie, go for coffee, have a meal together, or go shopping - whatever you want. Just try not to come back in the evening, okay?"
"D-d-don't come back? Wh-what nonsense are you talking about..."
Looking at her sister, who appeared like a delinquent girl on the outside but turned unexpectedly pure whenever this topic came up, her fair skin blushing with shyness, Keika Kawasaki sighed again, speaking with grave concern.
"Big sister, like this, you can't compete with them."
At this point, Keika suddenly seemed to remember something, speaking with sudden realisation.
"Oh, right, you could ask Sister Marin! From the look of her, she should have plenty of romantic experience. With her strategic advice, you might be able to barely compete against Sister Mai and the others."
Hearing this, Saki Kawasaki's expression grew even more complicated.
To prevent her younger sister from showing any hostility toward her friend Marin Kitagawa, she hadn't yet told her about Marin Kitagawa wanting to compete with her for Ye Xing's affection.
Besides...
"Don't be fooled by Marin's usual flashy outfits - she's actually just like me, never been in a relationship. Asking me to consult her for love advice? Let's just forget about that."
Keika Kawasaki pursed her lips, her small face clearly displaying one word.
Worry.
So much worry.
While the younger sister was preparing for a desperate battle, why was the elder sister already surrendering?
Just as the two sisters were talking, they suddenly heard a girl's delighted voice accompanied by the sound of roller skates scraping against the ground, approaching from behind.
"Wow, it's Mask!"
Rikka Takanashi skated all the way to the LCD television, watching the Mask highlight reel playing on screen. The eye not covered by her eyepatch shone with worshipful excitement.
"So cool!"
Keika Kawasaki saw this suddenly arriving girl, dressed in gothic clothing with still-chubby cheeks, and, hearing her praise Mask while noticing the same worshipful excitement in her eyes that matched her own, couldn't help but feel curious.
"Sister, are you also a fan of Mask?"
"Of course!"
Rikka Takanashi clenched her pink fists, speaking with a serious expression.
"Mask is a true hero. I'm still searching for a way to contact him. Someone with special abilities like him would definitely make a good companion for my Tyrant's Eye!"
Hearing Rikka Takanashi's words, Saki Kawasaki and Keika Kawasaki exchanged glances, simultaneously reaching the same conclusion.
One glance tells the truth, identified as...
Severe chuunibyou.
The Kawasaki sisters weren't foolish enough to believe that someone with special abilities like Ye Xing would reveal their true identity to strangers they had just met in public.
This was clearly a chuunibyou patient who worshipped Mask.
However, Keika Kawasaki and Saki Kawasaki didn't show any unfriendly attitude towards Rikka Takanashi because of this.
Chuunibyou is perfectly normal, after all.
Regardless of whether she had chuunibyou or not, she was ultimately Ye Xing's supporter and fan - nothing else mattered.
Kyoto's two most loyal Mask supporters had, at this moment, completed their historic meeting in front of this street-side shop.
...
Meanwhile, at the Supernatural Society's meeting room, which also served as a love nest, in Ye Xing's home.
"Finally, everything's resolved now."
Ye Xing leaned back on the sofa, looking somewhat exhausted.
Seeing him like this, the usually playful and lively Haruno Yukinoshita showed her nurturing side. Without saying a word, she walked behind Ye Xing and placed her pale, slender hands on his head, gently massaging to help him relax.
"Quite tired, aren't you? Then sleep for a while. After being so busy for so long, you deserve some rest."
Hearing this, Hachishaku-sama, who had been squatting in the corner as if expecting something, couldn't help but speak up.
"Eh, but..."
Haruno Yukinoshita coldly glanced at Hachishaku-sama, her tone very calm but carrying an undeniable authority.
"Are you in a hurry?"
Contrary to Haruno's expectations, faced with her imposing words, Hachishaku-sama nodded with a blank, cute expression.
"Yes, I'm in a hurry."
Haruno Yukinoshita: "..."
She wasn't familiar with Hachishaku-sama. After all, before awakening her spiritual power, Haruno didn't possess the ability to observe - while she knew of Hachishaku-sama's existence, she couldn't see, hear, or touch her.
It was only now that Haruno realised something.
This child...
Is she a bit simple-minded?
And this type of foolishly cute evil spirit?
Could it be that she's been made stupid by Ye Xing's milk?
"Little Hachi."
Haruno Yukinoshita stood up and walked over to Hachishaku-sama, bending down to pat her head while smiling.
"Tell me, how long has it been since Ye Xing and I last met? If anyone should go first, shouldn't it be me?"
How could the simple and naive Hachishaku-sama possibly be a match for Haruno Yukinoshita?
After all, even if Mai Sakurajima and Rio Futaba teamed up, they could only barely compete with this Yukinoshita family's young lady.
Hachishaku-sama thought seriously for a moment, then nodded hesitantly.
"It seems... that makes sense."
But before Haruno could respond, Hachishaku-sama added with a pitiful expression.
"Will there be anything left for me when you're done?"
"That remains to be seen."
Listening to the conversation between Haruno and Hachishaku-sama, Ye Xing, sitting on the sofa, wore an expression of utter speechlessness.
"Wait, I'm genuinely tired here. Are you two taking advantage of my weakened state, trying to unlock my defeat CG or something?"
Haruno Yukinoshita covered her mouth with a light laugh, her voice carrying a faint hint of vinegar.
"I noticed when you went off alone to rescue that Hina Amano classmate of yours, you didn't seem concerned about danger or exhaustion. How nice. I wish I could receive such treatment too. It seems I'm just not important enough in your heart after all."
"Stop with the sarcastic remarks and playing the green tea act."
"Then come with me to your room."
Haruno Yukinoshita wasn't the shy type, immediately grabbing Ye Xing's hand and leading him to the master bedroom on the second floor.
The moment she closed the door, a triumphant smile unconsciously curled at the corners of her lips.
Heh heh.
Ye Xing's physical capabilities were abnormally powerful, his techniques numerous, and his stamina seemingly limitless - truly an insurmountable opponent that Haruno stood no chance against normally.
But this time, she would take advantage of his weakened state.
After experiencing such a battle, Ye Xing must be exhausted.
This was perfect - they would be on equal footing now.
If she put in extra effort, she might even accomplish the feat of draining the strongest exorcist dry and hear Ye Xing beg for mercy.
Just thinking about it made Haruno feel her plan was absolutely perfect.
But when she turned around, she was met with a tiger-like pounce.
"Eh? Eh!? Slow down... don't tear my clothes!"
...
An hour later.
"I can't... I really can't take it anymore... five times already... completely filled..."
Haruno Yukinoshita's pupils were unfocused, her tongue slightly protruding from her lips as she gasped weakly, clearly pushed beyond her limits to the point of delirium.
She finally realised her grave mistake.
Was this what exhausted stamina looked like?
This was obviously him deliberately reeling her in!!!
"Can't take it? Hmm?"
Ye Xing gently tugged Haruno's short black hair, looking at her utterly spent state with a firm tone.
"That won't do. I haven't had my fill yet."
"Really... really can't continue."
Haruno rarely showed panic, her alluring body curling into a ball as she pleaded timidly.
"Any more... and I'll really die."
"A professional exorcist shouldn't give up so easily!"
"I'm not a professional exorcist!"
Seeing Ye Xing about to start again, feeling like she would faint at any moment, Haruno used her last bit of strength to shout toward the door.
"Hachishaku, help!"
...
Three days later, in the familiar Western restaurant.
"Sorry, sorry."
Natsumi Suga, wearing a tank top and hot pants in carefully prepared, fashionable attire, quickly entered the Western restaurant. Spotting Ye Xing sitting there, she offered an apologetic smile.
"Sorry, traffic was bad. I'm late."
"No problem, doesn't matter."
After Natsumi Suga sat down, a beautiful woman in a chef's attire approached slowly. She first glanced at Natsumi Suga, then turned her emotionless crimson eyes toward Ye Xing, speaking in a flat tone.
"What would you like to eat?"
Ye Xing replied without hesitation.
"Zhajiangmian."
"We don't have that."
"Hulatang?"
"We don't have that."
"Chicken stewed with mushrooms?"
"We don't have that."
"How come you don't have anything? How can this be called a restaurant?"
"I beg you to be reasonable. This is an Italian restaurant. We don't even have the ingredients for those dishes. Could you please stop making things difficult for me, the head chef?"
"Oh, then whatever."
"Alright."
After Toka Takanashi turned and left, Natsumi Suga looked meaningfully at Ye Xing sitting across from her.
"There really are quite a few beautiful women around you. To become the head chef at a restaurant of this calibre at such a young age - not only is she exceptionally good-looking, but she's clearly a very accomplished woman too."
Ye Xing smiled noncommittally and countered, "Just like you, who graduated from university not long ago but has already become Kyoto's most famous freelance writer?"
Natsumi Suga rested her cheek in one hand, tilting her head slightly as she gazed with interest at Ye Xing's handsome face, chuckling softly.
"Can I take that to mean you think I'm good-looking too?"
"Come on now, it's not like I'm blind."
Compared to her professional skills, Natsumi Suga was clearly more pleased to hear Ye Xing's compliment about her appearance. Smiling, she said, "About that matter you mentioned, I went through great difficulty and finally found some information."
"Five years ago, there really was a girl named Meiko Honma who died after falling into a river."
"After digging deeper, I discovered this incident might not have been a simple accident."
Hearing this, Ye Xing couldn't help but become interested.
"Tell me more."
Natsumi Suga froze for a moment, replying without thinking, "More about what?"
Ye Xing looked at her with exasperation. "Do you want some milk too?"
Upon hearing this, Natsumi Suga's pretty face instantly flushed bright red.
Although she had never been in a relationship nor had any experience in that area, as a mature woman in her early twenties, she wasn't so naive that she couldn't understand such an obvious suggestion.
"No dirty jokes allowed."
Natsumi Suga cleared her throat twice, composing herself before speaking slowly. "The location where Meiko Honma died was in a fast-flowing river within a mountain in Kyoto's outskirts."
"Through my investigation, I discovered that every year, over a dozen children around primary school age go missing or die in those mountains."
"Although the police conducted investigations, due to insufficient evidence, they ultimately had to classify them as accidental deaths."
"According to local rumours, it's said that hidden within those mountain forests is some kind of extremely terrifying evil spirit that likes to devour children's souls."