Tokyo: Starting with the Shrine Maiden

Takahashi Kisaragi's surprised voice rang out.

The fact that the phone call went through means that Haruhiko was at the Takamagahara ruins.

But she did not receive any notification.

Neither the Edo Archaeological Bureau nor the Tsuchimikado clan had it.

This means he came down without permission.

"it's me."

Haruhiko explained, "I was captured by the Serpent Spirit and taken to the second level of the Takamagahara Ruins, but I just managed to escape."

"what?!"

Takahashi Kisaragi went from surprise to shock.

"I am not far from the Serpent Spirit's lair now."

Haruhiko continued, "If we act quickly, we can probably intercept them."

"Wait for me where you are. Don't act on your own."

Takahashi Kisaragi hung up the phone.

Haruhiko then sent her his location.

The second layer has been largely explored, so a map is available in the Edo Archaeology Bureau section of the Daigosho software.

While waiting, Haruhiko looked at Jinguji Fuyumi at his feet again.

Because she was in white fox form, it was difficult for him to observe her expression.

But you can tell from her tail that she's somewhat restless.

After all, being exposed as someone's true identity is roughly equivalent to social death.

"Aunt Dongyu, you said before that I could help you with your cultivation, how can you help?"

Haruhiko asked.

We can't end up like Yukihime, can we?

cough cough.

In fact, it is not impossible.

Jinguji Fuyumi was kind to him.

It's not a big problem to make him sacrifice a little.

"..."

Jinguji Fuyumi was silent for a few seconds before saying, "Feelings."

"emotion?"

Haruhiko, hearing the unexpected answer, couldn't help but ask in confusion, "What do you mean?"

"I have no human emotions."

Jinguji Fuyu explained, "Advancing as a psychic requires a test of mental strength. The sixth level is the realm of gods. To become a god, one must have a deep understanding of humanity."

Incense?

Haruhiko suddenly thought of those two words.

Because there are too many shrines in Japan.

Like temples, shrines are places where people gather to offer incense.

In fact, the gods of Japan are indeed active.

Jinguji Fuyumi's statement is likely correct.

Her personality used to be too cold.

Transforming into white frost and getting closer to oneself does indeed allow for a clearer understanding of humanity.

"Emotions?"

Haruhiko pondered for a moment and said, "I should be able to help."

Human emotions are numerous.

At this moment, Jinguji Fuyumi was like an ascetic.

What he had to do was liberate her nature.

"Thank you."

Upon hearing this, Jinguji Fuyumi's tail twitched slightly.

She hadn't expected this answer.

Because she herself didn't know where to start.

"Then Aunt Dongyu, please change back first."

Haruhiko clapped his hands, looking somewhat expectant.

"..."

Jinguji Fuyu was somewhat taken aback.

"Feeling awkward and embarrassed is also a kind of emotion."

Haruhiko explained with a smile.

Jinguji Fuyumi was slightly taken aback upon hearing this.

That seems to be the truth.

Thinking about this, she suddenly felt much more at ease.

A pink light flashed.

A figure appeared.

Her long pink hair was tied up and fell to her thighs.

Her delicate yet aloof face was framed by a pair of captivating fox-like eyes.

Her red and white shrine maiden outfit, stretched taut, perfectly showcased her curvaceous figure.

The high slit of the skirt revealed her fair and slender legs and bare feet clad in wooden clogs.

While bearing the weight of her body, her delicate toes exerted a slight force, revealing their pinkish hue.

Although Haruhiko had seen it many times, he was always quite amazed each time.

"now what?"

Jinguji Fuyuko tilted her head slightly and asked.

How do you feel?

Haruhiko paused for a moment, then asked.

"I feel nothing."

Jinguji Fuyumi thought for a moment and then said.

Have you gotten over the awkward situation so quickly?

Haruhiko thought to himself, "This is really troublesome."

Jinguji Fuyu's adjustments were too rapid.

Even this kind of social death emotion cannot last long.

"When we get back, let's tell Aunt Xueji about this, okay?"

Haruhiko suddenly asked.

"No."

Jinguji Fuyumi trembled and instinctively refused.

She and Xueji had known each other for many years; they weren't best friends, but they were also friends.

She instinctively didn't want to experience that awkwardness in front of acquaintances again.

How does this feel?

Haruhiko saw a rare hint of nervousness on her face and suddenly felt a thrill.

"..."

Jinguji Fuyu immediately realized that he had just scared him.

But it cannot be denied that it did have some effect.

"very funny."

Jinguji Fuyumi closed his eyes, pondered for a moment, and then spoke.

"That's good."