Tokyo: Starting with the Shrine Maiden

In terms of wording, it's the same as Hoshino Rin's.

Furthermore, it is more explicitly stated that it is the divine artifact of the Great God of the Nyūmi.

According to the game's setting, a divine artifact is at least a sixth-tier spiritual tool.

"Why not temporarily release the barrier and let them out?"

Haruhiko thought for a moment and then asked again.

"Once they enter the underworld, they can no longer be contacted."

Hoshino Aoi explained, "Moreover, a large number of otherworldly demons have gathered at the entrance, and they are trying to leave the Underworld every moment."

"I see."

Haruhiko let out a breath and said, "It seems that we can only find a solution when we reach the fifth or even sixth level."

"uncertain."

Hoshino Aoi hesitated for a moment, but still chose to tell him, "As long as the gods return, everything can be resolved."

Haruhiko's eyes suddenly lit up.

This reminder made him realize that the gods had left the mortal world, rather than all of them dying.

Are the gods in Takamagahara now?

Haruhiko asked with some confusion.

If you're in Takamagahara, why not return?

"It should be in Takamagahara."

Hoshino Aoi said uncertainly, "According to the records of Izumo Shrine, when the gods left, they were attacked by Yamata no Orochi and the demons in their dying moments, which destroyed the passage and caused Takamagahara to disappear without a trace."

"Is there no way to get in touch with them?"

Haruhiko frowned and asked, "Then how do we get them back?"

"If Izumo Shrine had known, it wouldn't have waited until now."

Hoshino Aoi shook her head and said.

Haruhiko could understand after hearing this.

A shrine is a place where people worship gods.

The priests and priestesses are the ones who most desire the return of the gods.

But the fact that they haven't taken any action yet shows that they really don't know what to do.

At this point, Haruhiko had nothing more he wanted to know.

Actually, there are some.

For example, why did Hoshino Rin and Hoshino Hotaru go to the First Forbidden Zone?

But Hoshino Ri didn't tell him, so it was even less likely that Hoshino Aoi would.

Haruhiko didn't need to make a fool of himself.

He didn't ask.

At the entrance of Izumo Shrine.

"Won't you stay?"

Hotaru Hoshino pursed her lips and looked at him.

Although there was no expression, the emotions were clearly visible.

And it's quite cute.

"see you tomorrow."

Haruhiko rubbed her head and said.

If we stay any longer, it will be time for Hoshino Rin to get out of school.

At that time, you'll actually feel even more uncomfortable.

Speaking of which, he really should spend some time alone with Hoshino Rin.

I just don't have time right now.

After the ruins of the Great God of the Nation, there are two more ruins waiting to be explored.

To prevent the Serpent Spirits and other forces from getting there first, Haruhiko believed they couldn't wait any longer.

Moreover, the earlier the exploration begins, the more beneficial it will be for the development of the Utsunomiya clan.

Upon hearing this, Hotaru Hoshino stepped forward and stood on tiptoe.

Haruhiko bowed his head in response.

A few minutes later, the two separated.

Haruhiko left Izumo Shrine.

He did not use the teleportation array to return to the University of Tokyo.

Because he had one more thing to do.

That is, they plan to build a teleportation array within the ruins of the Great God.

Because of the presence of spirit ore, they will stay in this ruin for a long time to come.

It's not just about mining, it's also about self-cultivation.

Of course, it's also a good opportunity to protect the entrance to the Underworld to prevent the Serpent Spirits from discovering it.

Teleportation arrays are constructed based on spatial magic, supplemented by various psionic materials, especially spirit stones.

Haruhiko couldn't afford teleportation arrays before because they were too expensive.

Each teleportation requires spirit stones.

But now that he has the spirit mine, he has become rich overnight and can indulge in some luxuries.

The main reason is to use the teleportation arrays of Izumo Shrine and Tsuchimikado Clan, which isn't ideal.

He didn't care, but Utsunomiya Mina and the others couldn't.

The relationship hasn't reached that stage yet.

And constantly changing stations is also troublesome.

By building your own teleportation array, you can achieve your goal in one step.

Haruhiko took out his phone and made a call to Mina Utsunomiya.

He originally intended for her to be in charge of establishing it.

However, she said that there were no psychics who knew spatial magic, and it would be best to find the Cloud Shrine or the Tsuchimikado clan for help.

Haruhiko was helpless; he didn't want to owe anyone a favor, but he had no other choice.

He called Hoshino Aoi again.

The ruins of Ōkuninushi are under the jurisdiction of Hoshino Rin, and they concern the secrets of Izumo Shrine.

It would be somewhat inappropriate to expose it to the Tsuchimikado clan so hastily.

Hoshino Aoi readily agreed.

Haruhiko plans to set up the other end of the teleportation array in the Red Phoenix Villa.

This makes it more convenient for him to travel.

However, the Utsunomiya clan's true stronghold, or rather their ancestral home, was in Saitama Prefecture.

Haruhiko thought for a moment and decided to build another one.

He returned to the ruins of the Great God Okuninushi.

Mina Utsunomiya has set up many tents as places to rest on weekdays.

After all, they are human, unlike Hoshino Rin and the others who are ghosts.

Haruhiko suddenly felt that they were quite pitiful.

Theoretically speaking, as a bound spirit, as long as it has enough spiritual energy, it can work year-round without rest.

And thanks to the influence of the spirit mine, there is no shortage of spirit energy here.

"Owner."

Inside the tent, Mina Utsunomiya resumed using her usual form of address.

"how is the situation?"

Haruhiko sat down cross-legged.

Since it was a tent, there were no tables, chairs, or furniture, only a mat on the ground.

"all the best."

Mina Utsunomiya replied, "We discussed it with Risa Hoshino and decided that we would each be responsible for different directions so that there would be no overlap or conflict."