Tokyo: Starting with the Shrine Maiden

Yasuhiro Ishikawa nodded in satisfaction.

They all knew about the outstanding students of the Battle of Feiyichuan.

But Haruhiko is the most outstanding.

Besides his own strength, his teacher was Chiyome and his senior sister was Aizawa Kaoru.

The University of Tokyo is actually a very powerful neutral force.

If we can secure this, it will be extremely useful for the Edo Archaeological Bureau.

With such a background, Haruhiko could never have become a spy for a large family.

They wouldn't do anything underhanded or tarnish the reputation of the University of Tokyo.

"Probationary personnel?"

Haruhiko raised an eyebrow and asked, "So how do I get a permanent position?"

"You can be promoted after passing the test."

Yasuhiro Ishikawa explained, "The so-called test is to complete the commission from the Edo Archaeological Bureau."

Haruhiko understood.

It seems highly unusual for someone to join so easily.

"Is the Edo Archaeological Bureau's commission for archaeological excavation of historical sites?"

A hint of eagerness flashed in Haruhiko's eyes.

"Not at all."

Yasuhiro Ishikawa sighed and asked, "Do you know anything about survivors?"

Haruhiko nodded.

"The survivors came from very diverse backgrounds, including various large families."

Ishikawa Yasuhiro said with a grave expression, "If it were just the major families, that would be one thing, but in the past two years, we have discovered an organization called Snake Spirit that is involved in smuggling and trafficking."

Snake Spirit?

Haruhiko was stunned.

This name is really too suggestive.

Could they be the messengers of Yamata no Orochi?

They had unknowingly amassed such great power.

He really is the main villain later on.

"The Serpent Spirit not only organizes survivors to go to the Takamagahara Ruins, but also uses any means necessary to rob and steal items from outside."

Ishikawa Yasuhiro's tone was somewhat resentful.

The headquarters of the Edo Archaeological Bureau was located in Takamagahara.

However, the items unearthed are usually sold or processed.

Logically speaking, the transportation route or storage location should be top secret.

However, the Serpent Spirit Bureau often manages to come knocking, causing serious losses.

Haruhiko recalled a previous guess.

Could the Edo Archaeological Bureau have been completely infiltrated by the Serpent Spirit?

"As a probationary employee, you will be assigned a task to someone at the same level as you each month. After a year, if you complete all of them, you can be promoted to a permanent position."

Ishikawa Yasuhiro's voice became steady as he added, "Don't worry, there's a fee for the commission."

"Ok."

Haruhiko thought to himself that the Edo Archaeological Bureau was quite humane.

It's just that there's an extra second-level commission.

The problem is not big.

It just takes a long time, about a year.

But it's alright.

Anyway, Haruhiko is relatively young.

"This is your identification."

Yasuhiro Ishikawa took out a small, dark red notebook.

It features Haruhiko's portrait and job title.

Clearly, this was something that had been prepared in advance.

"Thank you."

Haruhiko glanced at it and then put it away.

"The commission will be sent to your phone via the O-Gosho app."

Ishikawa Yasuhiro paused for a moment and then smiled, "Please convey my regards to Ms. Chiyo on behalf of the Edo Archaeological Bureau."

"I will."

Haruhiko was thoughtful.

It is undoubtedly unreasonable for Yasuhiro Ishikawa, as the person in charge, to come and recruit students in person.

In retrospect, it was because of Chiyo.

His teacher is really amazing.

Although both are at the fifth rank, Jinguji Fuyumi's social status is not reflected in this.

However, this is also related to her personality.

After saying goodbye to Ishikawa Yasuhiro, Haruhiko arrived at the Worry-Free Garden.

"Say hello to me?"

Chiyo closed her eyes, a look of reminiscence on her small face.

Haruhiko was a little curious, but he didn't ask.

After all, it involves Chiyo's secret.

He is indeed my apprentice, but our relationship isn't that close yet.

"You joined the Edo Archaeological Bureau?"

Chiyo opened her eyes and asked.

"Ah."

Haruhiko nodded and said.

"In that case, come with me to an underwater ruin next month."

Chiyo tilted her head, somewhat wistfully, and said, "Those are relics of the merfolk. The Autumn Water technique you learned comes from the merfolk. Perhaps you can be of help."

"Ok."

Haruhiko had never seen ruins before, so he was quite interested.

Moreover, they are merfolk, the legendary mermaids.

Hmm, the mermaids in Tokyo shouldn't be black, right?

There are few records about merfolk in Japan.

But there is a well-known story.

The eight hundred nuns ate the flesh of the mermaids and thus became immortal.

It is worth mentioning that bhikkhuni means nun.

Haruhiko glanced at Chiyome subconsciously.

How old is she exactly?

However, Haruhiko had never heard of her name during his first playthrough.

This means she is not yet a thousand years old.

"Today I will teach you a new third-tier spell called Autumn Water Crossing the Sea."

Chiyome explained, "It allows humans to move freely in water."

Haruhiko was slightly startled.

He always felt something was off.

Why would merfolk develop this spell specifically for humans? Or was it created by Chiyome?

Some readers feel that the romance between Tachibana Yui and Jinguji Fuyumi is progressing too quickly, but the romance hasn't even officially started yet. I believe that given their backgrounds, it's difficult for them to develop romantic feelings through normal interactions, since they don't seem to be interested in that. Therefore, I'm planning to create some unexpected events to shift their perspectives before proceeding with the romance. Then, I'll use events to advance their relationship and cause it to evolve, a different path from Yukihime's, and the same applies to Hoshino Rin. After all, a book can't be purely about romance; I prefer to write both. So, of the five heroines I initially planned, two will have fast-paced romances, and three will have a more gradual approach. Of course, I'll try to make them all reasonable and give them sufficient screen time, since they're all heroines, and the book is quite long. PS: I'll collect any character cards I have, even if some have less screen time.