Tokyo: Starting with the Shrine Maiden

He anticipated that they would enter the first restricted area on time.

Does that mean the two people are combined into one?

Haruhiko was immediately startled by his own thoughts.

If that's the case, we must find a way to salvage it no matter what.

No matter how you look at it, it's a huge loss.

"Haruhiko-kun, see you next time."

Hoshino Rin waved her hand and said, "I'm going to class."

Haruhiko watched her leave and then looked away.

There is a long way to go.

He arrived at the classroom where he would be having class today.

It ended promptly at 10 o'clock.

Haruhiko left the classroom and headed to the Carefree Garden.

On the way, he was constantly worried that Hoshino Hotaru would suddenly appear.

but no.

This left him somewhat disappointed.

Haruhiko felt that he might have been manipulated by his sister-in-law.

Upon arriving at the Worry-Free Garden, he took out his key and opened the door.

I contacted Chiyome beforehand, and she's coming today.

Therefore, it is quite rare to see her not sleeping.

She sat on the sofa, squinting, looking dazed.

"Here he comes."

She opened her eyes only after seeing Haruhiko.

Her blue eyes were quite dazzling, like jewels.

"teacher."

After nodding in greeting, Haruhiko got down to business, "Has the date for the auction at Mount Ooe been set?"

"Ah."

Chiyo took out a catalog, or more accurately, an auction catalog, and handed it to him.

Haruhiko opened it, and the first page showed the date as December 12th.

There are still nine days left.

He then flipped through the pages, revealing many more items for auction.

Because the Ooeyama Auction is an internal auction for the demon race, the items auctioned are different from those for humans.

There are fewer magical tools; most of the materials are raw materials, such as various magical fruits.

"On the third to last page."

Chiyo reminded me, "It's the spirit tool I want."

Upon hearing this, Haruhiko stopped looking at the previous auction items and turned directly to the third-to-last page.

What catches the eye is a string of pearls.

Upon closer inspection, it doesn't resemble a pearl; it seems more like a translucent jade with water flowing through it.

There is a line of text above that provides an introduction.

The fifth-tier spiritual artifact, the Coral Bone Soul Bead, possesses extremely strong soul abilities, but its purpose is unknown.

Haruhiko recalled that Chiyome had said that this spiritual artifact was related to her life.

What is going on?

He couldn't understand.

But no matter what, just buy it.

Judging from this situation, it seems that no one knows the relationship between the Shan Bone Soul Bead and Chiyo.

Otherwise, things wouldn't be as simple as they are now.

You could use it to threaten Chiyome and force her to do things for you.

After all, she is a fifth-tier psychic and also controls the University of Tokyo.

Their strength and influence should not be underestimated.

Auctioning it off would undoubtedly be the most wasteful thing to do.

"The auction will be held at the Oeyama Auction House. It's a special case; the highest bidder will not win."

Chiyome explained, "It's an item-by-item auction. Those willing to participate provide an item of equal value for the seller to choose from."

"Doesn't that introduce uncertainty?"

Haruhiko frowned.

This auction model is clearly advantageous to sellers.

In theory, a buyer must bid above the value of the auctioned item to have a chance of winning.

"Indeed."

Chiyo nodded and said, "But don't worry, I've already roughly investigated the seller's identity."

As she spoke, she took out a huge pearl.

Haruhiko took it, and a game notification sound rang out.

【Name: Mirage Pearl】

[Rank: Fifth Rank]

[Note: The precious pearl nurtured within the mirage.]

The Mirage Tower is a sea monster from Japanese legend.

A mirage is a spectacular sight created by it.

"Take this and exchange it."

Chiyo thought for a moment and said, "Under normal circumstances, Mount Oe will guarantee the safety of the buyers, but I'm afraid something might go wrong."

"fine."

Qingyan wasn't afraid; he had ways to escape. "You and your senior sister can just wait outside."

"That being said, it's better to be on the safe side."

Chiyo took out two conch shells and said, "These are quite special spatial mother and daughter conch shells. They can pull each other together. When you encounter danger, you can use the daughter conch shell to teleport to the mother conch shell."

She split it in two and gave him the smaller conch shell.

Haruhiko did not refuse.

Safety is paramount; the more, the better.

"Come find me on December 11th."

Chiyome explained, "Mount Oe is quite a distance away, so it's best to go a day in advance."

"Ah."

Haruhiko put away the conch shell and the mirage pearl, and said, "I will be there on time."

"Next is to learn spells."

Chiyo got up, walked barefoot to the shoe cabinet, casually put on a pair of fluffy slippers, and said, "Let's go to the courtyard."

Haruhiko followed her and left the living room.

"You told me yesterday that you have a second profession and plan to choose the swordsman."

Chiyome stood opposite him, maintaining a distance of three meters, and asked, "How much do you know about swordsmen?"

"I learned three sword techniques."

Haruhiko took out the Red Phoenix and wore it on his waist, saying, "Let me show you."

"can."

Chiyo raised her hand and said, "Attack me directly."

Her slender, boneless fingers, with their nails, suddenly turned as blue as the ocean.

Haruhiko actually sensed a sharp edge.

It was like a peerless sword that had been drawn but not yet unleashed.

It really is just nail clippers.