Night fell...
The trains usually stopped running around 11:00 PM, so Alistair had to take the train to Yotsuya-cho, which was quite far away, just after 9:00 PM. Despite the developed train network here, Alistair still had to change lines a few times, finally arriving at 10:30 PM.
It was clearly the Demi-Human District; although it was late, the streets were still populated with a fair number of people—all beast-eared girls and beast-eared men. If it weren't for the distinctive architectural style, Alistair might have thought he had transmigrated into the Arknights world, with beast ears everywhere and occasional glimpses of Oni in Izakayas.
Alistair walked slowly, smartphone in hand, following the navigation. The map showed the destination was a few hundred meters away but required a few more turns.
Ugh~ What a hassle.
Alistair sighed inwardly, looking at the intersection ahead with only one or two streetlights, shaking his head, and walking over.
What the actual fuck?!
The moment Alistair turned the corner, he felt his head plunge into an incredibly large and soft place. The surrounding softness compressed the space, making it difficult for Alistair to breathe.
Such huge breasts?
A question flashed through Alistair's mind as he hastily retreated several steps. Only then, with the help of the dim streetlights, could he clearly see the woman in front of him.
Alistair's first impression of this woman was GIGANTIC!
Both her overall height and that pair of twin peaks were shockingly massive.
"Holy cow, that height... she must be over two meters tall..." Alistair muttered, still stunned and unable to recover.
The woman wore a white dome-shaped hat with a wide brim that completely shadowed her face in the already dim lighting. Alistair could barely make out her chin and half of her red lips.
She wore a long white dress. The two Mount Everests on her chest pushed the front of the dress out into a huge curve. Alistair thought basketballs and volleyballs would pale in comparison. Moreover, regarding softness, Alistair's collision just now had almost suffocated him. That liquid-like softness that seemed to fill every space was absolutely top-tier.
Looking further down, her plump buttocks formed an enticing curve behind her. Her thighs were hidden by the skirt, but they were undoubtedly a beautiful sight.
"Hello there, little one. It's dangerous to be wandering around outside so late."
Her voice was incredibly soft and captivating, carrying a gentle, intoxicating quality that made Alistair feel a shiver of numbness throughout his body.
"Hiss, I need to pick up something my grandfather sent to me, and I have the ability to protect myself."
Feeling something wasn't right, Alistair, who had intended to give a vague answer, unconsciously blurted out the full details of his situation and thoughts. He felt as if someone was compelling him to answer honestly.
Wait! This is wrong! Why did I say that? This woman is trouble!
Alistair wanted to run immediately, but he found that as soon as the thought occurred, his body became paralyzed.
I'm screwed! I don't have any mental defense items or abilities. I messed up big time!
Alistair's heart started to pound. This was the first time he had truly encountered a mental ability, and he had immediately folded.
"Oh? Then can the little brother tell the big sister what your grandfather sent you?"
The Tall Woman's voice seemed to possess an irresistible magic. Alistair wanted to reply with silence, but he involuntarily spoke: "I'm not entirely sure. My grandfather said it's for me to get along harmoniously with the demi-human and Youkai tenants."
"...Getting along harmoniously with demi-humans..."
The Tall Woman mumbled to herself and gave a slight smile. Unfortunately, due to the shadow, Alistair couldn't see her face at all; it remained a patch of darkness no matter how he looked.
"You're a brave child, coming alone this late to pick up something sent by a relative. So, after you get your item, why don't you come to Big Sister's house to rest? Big Sister can teach you many happy things~"
The Tall Woman reached out a hand and gently stroked the hair on top of Alistair's head. Alistair noticed her palm was even wider than his own. She asked in that gentle, alluring voice.
However, Alistair wasn't intoxicated by her gentle voice; he felt only fear. This Tall Woman was definitely trouble, and if he went with her, the Horse Talisman might just turn him into her experience package—so he obviously had to refuse!
So, Alistair said with firmness and conviction: "Sounds great! Where is your house, Big Sister? I'll come play at your place after I pick up my item."
...Alistair felt numb. The situation was too complex to describe.
"Don't worry, Big Sister will wait for you. After you get your item, walk around a bit, and you'll find Big Sister soon enough. Go on, Big Sister will be waiting for you..."
With that, the Tall Woman brushed past him and walked towards the distance, leaving Alistair alone, leaning against the wall, breathing heavily.
Alistair slightly tugged at his shirt. His back was completely soaked with sweat. His clothes, which were already tight due to his continuous physical development over the past few days, were now completely plastered to his body.
After gaining that trial ability, his body had been developing non-stop. He had reached 165 cm overnight, and with continuous growth during the day, he was now about 168 cm (5'6").
He had bumped into the lower part of the Tall Woman's breasts, in the cleavage. Based on that height, the Tall Woman was easily 220-230 cm (7'2" to 7'6") tall. Terrifying...
And that ability just now—it was a true mental special ability. Could she be an Oni? Does she possess sorcery?
That didn't seem right either. Oni usually have horns. Although she was wearing a hat, she didn't look like she had horns...
Alistair pondered the Tall Woman's identity. Every possibility he could think of felt wrong, given her immense height...
Tall? Over two meters? And she treats me like a child, favoring little boys?
This... Hachishaku-sama (The Eight-Foot-Tall Lady)? A renowned urban legend? Holy cow, that's absurd. One of the most famous urban legends, and I don't have any mental or soul-related abilities to counter her.
This crappy skill system, too. He had rolled so many times, yet he mostly got joke abilities, not even many life skills. Alistair felt so frustrated he could spit blood.
"Maybe it's related to the environment? I'll try rolling a few times after midnight at that Hyakki Detective Agency place."
Feeling his strength return, Alistair pushed himself off the wall and slowly headed toward his destination.
Following the phone's navigation with trepidation through the remaining few intersections, Alistair finally saw the only lighted building among a row of shuttered shops.
Alistair quickly walked up, stopped in front of the door, and looked up. A sign read: Hyakki House Detective Agency.