A comic book, but a librarian

The performance began soon, and the two people sitting in the seats were immersed in the atmosphere of the music. At some point, Hong Xia also sat down and spoke to Uesugi Cheng.

"Well... we are forming a band and we are in need of a guitarist. I wonder if you know any guitarists...?"

"Why do you ask me?"

"Because...your paintings, even if I just look at them, I can feel the melody in my ears...so I think Uesugi-san should know someone."

"Oh, I see. Unfortunately, I don't know any guitarists. But if you want, you can come to me to design a band logo or uniforms. I'll give you a good price."

Chapter 21: A Sight from a Distant Land

It's not that Uesugi Cheng doesn't want to establish a more stable relationship with the mistress Fanxing and her dear sister, such as employment or help, but his current level is not enough, and he has no proper and sufficient reasons to do these things. If he acts rashly, he will only look like a fool.

"Find a guitarist... Never mind. I'd rather not make do with this. If I really start a band or something and it takes up too much of my time, it won't be worth it."

He has already made note of Ijichi Kouka's request, and if conditions and opportunities permit, he will go and see if there is anyone who can recommend a guitarist who is willing to form a band there. However, Yamada Ryo doesn't seem to care about this. It is unknown whether he is sure that they will find a suitable guitarist or simply doesn't care.

"Hello, are you...are you there?"

While walking on the road in Shimokitazawa, the cell phone rang. Uesugi Sumiko picked up the call, and a trembling voice came from the other end. Yotsuya Miko, who had just gotten better not long ago, seemed to have returned to the state when they first met in an instant. Fear, terror and even a little despair were mixed in. As her soul quality gradually strengthened, Uesugi Sumiko felt that his perception of other people's emotions seemed to be gradually increasing. At least he could clearly feel that Yotsuya Miko seemed to be on the verge of collapse again.

"Where are you? I'll go find you. Protect yourself and find a safe place to stay."

Uesugi Sumiko had no intention of letting Yotsuya Miko say anything more. She had seen much more than when Uesugi Sumiko was not using her soul essence. If she let something slip, Uesugi Sumiko might not be able to see the complete Yotsuya Miko.

Yotsuya Miko tremblingly gave an address, and Uesugi Sumiko started to rush there without saying a word. It could be heard that Yotsuya Miko seemed to calm down a little after hearing his voice, so Uesugi Sumiko did not hang up the phone, but chatted with her while on the way.

The next time I saw Yotsuya Miko was in a coffee shop. Yotsuya Miko lowered her head, her dark hair and frightened golden pupils looking around nervously, pretending to be nothing. The coffee in front of her had already gone cold and she didn't even take a sip of it, and she didn't touch the cake at all.

"What happened?"

Uesugi Cheng closed his eyes and lit up the consciousness in his soul. This blatant act of marking territory attracted the attention of many evil spirits, but when they saw that three or four souls of Uesugi Cheng were working at the same time, they silently closed their mouths and walked away, as if they had seen something incredible.

"Today... I met him, together with Ah Hua..."

Yotsuya Miko narrated what happened to her in the past two days. It seemed that her best friend was targeted by a powerful evil spirit because of her physical condition and was used to grill weak evil spirits as food. And at the recommendation of Yurikawa Hana, they went to a shrine, where a big fox easily dealt with the evil spirit... It would have been even better if the big fox was not a more powerful evil spirit.

"The 'God' in that shrine didn't follow us, right?" Uesugi Cheng once again used four souls to scan the surroundings at the same time, and drove away all the evil spirits that had left not too far away.

Yotsuya Miko didn't look at Uesugi Sumika, or even she herself didn't know why. She didn't dare to look back at Uesugi Sumika. Perhaps her intuition told her that she shouldn't open her eyes at this time and shouldn't look at the classmate who helped her.

"Yes, although the fox god looks scary, he dealt with the evil spirit and did not leave any marks on us. If anything, it's more like a gangster who turned over a new leaf and showed no mercy to his former colleagues...but...but..."

Tears squeezed out of Yotsuya Miko's eyes. She forced herself to open her eyes. The Uesugi Sumiko in front of her was much more terrifying than those evil spirits in this state. The cold light, the burning desire to destroy and change everything, the gaze that wanted to dismantle and open things, and the passionate desire, countless thoughts and forms changed on his human body, it was just like a terrifying behemoth that slightly opened its eyes.

At the moment when she looked at Uesugi Sumiko's soul, Uesugi Sumiko felt a subtle sense of being peeped at. He subconsciously thought it was the fox that Yotsuya Miko mentioned, and waved his hand gently.

Yotsuya Miko sat stiffly in her seat. All eyes on the huge, cold and ruthless soul turned to her. The abyss and the glow responded to her. For a moment, she even thought that she was going to go blind.

"Sorry, are you okay?"

When Yotsuya Miko came back to her senses, Uesugi Sumire patted her shoulder, sat beside her and stared into her eyes. Yotsuya Miko then noticed that Uesugi Sumire's eyes were not normal black pupils, but more like endless pure black, but she had never noticed it.

"Take a deep breath and relax. Yes, take a deep breath following my rhythm."

Perhaps it was because his soul had become stronger that made him overly sensitive, or perhaps it was because his concern for Yotsuya Miko made him lose his sense of propriety. He actually tricked Yotsuya Miko once again, which made him feel a little embarrassed.

"Yes... it's like this, I saw a strange thing, it... it called itself the Mountain God."

While saying this, Yotsuya Miko looked terrifyingly calm, speaking like a machine, completely unwilling to think.

"It said it wanted to see me... I... I shouldn't have gone there, but... but I almost got on the train there."

Yotsuya Miko showed Uesugi Sumire the mobile phone in her hand, on which was a photo of the train ticket. The location seemed to be a slightly remote city. It was hard to imagine that if Yotsuya Miko got on the train, perhaps the next step would be the "disappearance" part that is most loved in Japanese urban legends.

"I'm so scared... I... I don't know... If I hadn't run into that Jizo on the side of the road..."

As Yotsuya Miko said this, she clasped her hands together and began to pray, leaning against Uesugi Sumiko. She finally felt a little sense of security.

"The Jizo on the side of the road?"

"Yeah, it was that little Jizo statue. I tripped over it, so when I was buying the ticket, I suddenly..."

Yotsuya Miko looked relieved to have survived the disaster, but Uesugi Sumiko just felt a headache.

"So there is something so far away that tempts you to go there... How does it influence you?"

This has become an academic question for Uesugi Cheng. In the world called the Waking World, the magic technique for dealing with spirits is generally called [Silent Technique].

"Just leave it to me, after all, you are my assistant, I will handle it." He said.

Chapter 22 The Law of Scars

[Silence], the description of it in the Night Watchman's Tree is very simple, silence, aesthetics, and spiritualism.

But the content of the Silence Technique is much more than its simple description. At least in the Mansu and Waking World, if you want to deal with spirits, you will most likely need the Silence Technique.

"I have finished reading Volume 3 of Si Chen Zhi... Why does this suspicious technique exist?"

[Scar Discipline LV1]: Master the boundaries with determination. Scars are both wisdom and regret; one often arises from the other. (2 blades, 1 lamp)

Compared to Dawn's contemplation, the power of this commandment called Scar has a more direct source, the scarred man who stands high above Mansu and guards a place called the Worm Pavilion, the colonel of one of the Sichen.

It's a pity that the administrator of Silent Bookstore was forbidden to enter Mansu, otherwise Uesugi Cheng felt that he could sneak in and take a good look at the worm exhibition hall.

His hands gradually became more active, and his whole body seemed to become active because of this new ability. The colonel called the scar a symbol of "wisdom and regret". Although there are no scars on Uesugi Cheng's body now, the "method of becoming stronger" has been engraved in Uesugi Cheng's mind.

"But I was really lucky. I managed to finish the book, 'Sketches of Musgrave', even though I didn't have enough knowledge. Before the establishment of Silent Books, when the local nobles, the De Wolf family, controlled this huge castle, they had already begun to study and record these techniques and abilities."

The light blue-covered book in my hand contains the author's detailed descriptions of various painting techniques, and even a number of sketch practice works and explanations. It is so detailed that it seems as if the author knows that this book is destined to be seen by others.

"Until now, I am still resisting the request of 'extremely pale paintings' from the distant and incomparably noble being. I don't know how long I can hold on... I still used these techniques that should not be described to extract a cold potion from the flowers... Maybe, maybe you who see this sketch book don't need it, but I will still put the formula here, and I think that after further extraction of this cold elixir, you can get a more powerful and incredible liquid. I hope that as the successor, you can make good use of it. Musgrave De Wolfliu."

On the last page of the book, Musgrave wrote these words in a sloppy handwriting. Uesugi Cheng didn't know what kind of mentality he had when he wrote down his hope for future generations at the end of the book, but he could indeed feel the preciousness of this gift, not only for the teachings of [Sights and Perceptions], but also in the process of reading, he could feel the dark and complex view of the world in the heart of this "Lamb Delwolf".

Get memories: [bittersweet inevitability]: In the end, the setting sun always brings its sad and beautiful ending. (2 Winter 1 Light)

Bitterness and relief mixed in his mind. Although these memories would not have any impact on his body and soul, they were not so friendly to his personal emotions.

Returning to his seat, Uesugi Sumiko looked at the blackboard. The lessons the teacher was teaching were relatively simple for him. Compared to the knowledge on the blackboard, he was more concerned about the condition of Yotsuya Miko. She looked a little better than yesterday, but only a little. Her slightly trembling hands and the faint dark circles around her eyes explained her condition.

"Sorry... Ah Hua, I'm too tired today, really... I can't accompany you to that dessert shop." Yotsuya Miko sounded weak when she spoke, and Yurikawaka was so scared that she wanted to help her to the infirmary, but Yotsuya Miko herself refused. She knew very well that there was no problem with her body, but a small town had appeared in her dream, as well as the towering mountain next to the town, and the faint calling voice, as if someone was luring her into the vast mountains with sweet words. Yotsuya Miko didn't think that would be a good place, but she couldn't escape from that deep dream at all.

As a result, she fell into a nightmare all night, with countless dark evil spirits wandering around her, and even the talisman paper seemed to have lost its effect.

"Are you really okay? Then why don't I go buy you something to eat? If you eat some bread and sugar, maybe you'll feel better."

The advice that Yurikawa Hana gave based on her own experience was rejected by Yotsuya Miko with a wry smile. She was in very good health and although her appetite was a little poor, it was still normal. The real reason why she looked so haggard now was probably the mental stress.

"Sorry, I'm a little tired now..."

Yotsuya Miko habitually tried to evade the words of concern from those who came over, but when she saw Uesugi Sumire, she finally seemed to give up her effort and lay down on the table as if she might fall asleep at any moment.

"If you really can't hold on any longer, go to the infirmary and lie down for a while. I'll be watching here. Even if it really targets you, it can't bypass me and attack silently." Uesugi Sumiko was not bragging. A part of his soul essence 'Consciousness' had already caught up with Yotsuya Miko. No matter how powerful the other party was, it couldn't bypass him and attack directly.

"...Sorry, and thank you." Yotsuya Miko nodded, accepting Uesugi Sumire's kindness. After saying a few words to Yurikawa Hana, they walked towards the infirmary together.

"Is she okay?"

Hikigaya Hachiman looked a little nervous when he saw Yotsuya Miko. Perhaps dealing with spirits was more dangerous than he thought.

"Not yet, but she seems to be targeted by something more terrifying... Why would someone so far away target Jianzi?"

Everything is unknown. The only thing known is Yotsuya Miko's destination, but it is obvious that she is definitely not going to the city where the train goes directly.

"Excuse me, is there anything I can do to help you?"

"Would you mind looking up information with me? Although we don't know the exact address... but maybe we can find something by looking for a needle in a haystack, and I may have to take a long vacation..."

Uesugi Sumiko began to calm his breathing. He had already started thinking about how to solve this problem. Yotsuya Miko was a rare psychic with strong abilities. She had enough potential for Uesugi Sumiko to train her to become a qualified and powerful assistant. He must not give up on her just because of the temptation of some so-called mountain god who appeared out of nowhere.

"I understand. I'll talk to Yukinoshita and try my best to help you." Hikigaya said firmly.

Chapter 23: No Escape

Yotsuya Miko looked at the clear sky outside the window and squinted her eyes. The infirmary seemed to have a special magic that could make her relax a little. Maybe she was just too nervous... Yotsuya Miko's eyes looking outside the window slowly closed. The soft sleepiness was like a gentle plush blanket that caught her sinking in the darkness and brought her to the deepest dream.

“￥＃%@!￥……＃”

杂音

"＃￥Come %@ soon%"

It was as if countless mouths opened at the same time. Yotsuya Miko barely opened her eyes amid the buzzing sound, and she saw it.

She saw the terrifying blood-red eyeball lurking in the cave, looking down at her. The gaze that seemed to want to devour her made her shudder. The eyeball seemed to have noticed Yotsuya Miko's movements and slowly shifted its gaze towards Yotsuya Miko.

“No no no!!! Ah…”

Yotsuya Miko wiped the sweat from her forehead. She felt as if she had run a thousand meters outside, and her back was covered with sweat.

"Yotani-san, you look very bad."

The gentle school doctor looked at her with a smile and gently touched her forehead.

"You should pay more attention to your health. You've slept until school is over."

When Yotsuya Miko heard this, she turned around suddenly. Outside the window, the setting sun was already a blood-red color. However, Yotsuya Miko felt nothing at all. She only felt physically and mentally exhausted. She nodded weakly.

"I will. Sorry to trouble you."

"Nothing. It's better to say that the school doctor is here just to keep the students healthy. Replenish some sugar and go home to have a good rest. The school clinic is about to close."

The beautiful and gentle school doctor stuffed two candies into her hands and went back to do her own thing. Yotsuya Miko opened her cell phone, which was full of messages from Yurikawaka. The last one was sent to her cell phone after school.

'Jianzi, if you see this message, please reply to me. Are you okay?'

Yotsuya Miko sighed softly, licked her dry lips, peeled off the candy wrapper, and put the hard candy into her mouth. The sweetness slightly relieved her depression. She first reported her safety to Yurikawaka, and then couldn't help sighing again.

The situation she least wanted to see happened. After the last evil spirit incident, she bought some books on folklore to supplement her knowledge of folklore. Combined with her own experience, she knew that she was on the edge of danger and had established a connection with the "mountain god".

Once this connection is established, it is basically impossible for her to sever it on her own, but the other party can influence her through this connection.

Yesterday she was only having vague nightmares, but today she has seen such horrible things in her dreams. It is hard for Yotsuya Miko to imagine whether in a few days she will become a missing person report, or the so-called victim of a disappearance in an urban legend.

"How about a drink of this?"

When Yotsuya Miko was packing her things in the classroom under the blood-red light of the setting sun and preparing to go to Uesugi Sumire to discuss countermeasures, a glass of water was suddenly placed in front of her. It was a very ordinary glass of water. To be honest, the cup used to hold the water was more like a glass cup used at home rather than a disposable cup.

"That... Uesugi-san...! What kind of water is this? Holy water?" After Yotsuya Miko drank the water, she suddenly felt her body relax a little. The uneasy feeling slowly dissipated, and an inexplicable sense of peace surrounded her heart.

"No, no, no, it's just underground well water from the UK." Uesugi Cheng shook his head. His bag looked bulging, as if it contained a lot of things.

[Island Well Water (Cup)]: Spring water from deep within Branquage. (1 month 1 winter 1 heart)

"Regarding the mountain god and the place you mentioned...we found out a little bit, but only a little bit. There is not much information related to folklore in Unified High School. Now I am beginning to wonder how you were targeted."

"I..." Yotsuya Miko covered her forehead and began to think. Hikigaya next to her pushed open the door with a tired look on his face, and spoke the moment he saw Uesugi Sumire, half-jokingly.

"Well, looking for a needle in a haystack might be easier than what we are doing. I just realized that our library has such a rich collection. It is worthy of being compared with Shuchiin... Should I say so?"

"Perhaps, in some aspects, the collection of books in Tonghe is a little richer than that of Shuchiin. This matter is more troublesome than the last time."

"I understand. I can't help you much. The most I can do is to try to find out more for you or provide some off-site assistance. It turns out that an ordinary high school boy like me is not very suitable for supernatural events."

"Yes... So that's how it is!! I remember that a friend of mine brought me a souvenir when he came back from a trip not long ago! He said... He bought it in a remote city, and because it was so interesting, he gave it to me as a gift!"

Yotsuya Miko finally remembered that the small statue in her room came from the place she wanted to go in her trance.

"Then it's your turn to make a decision, Jianzi-san... Although I believe you already understand, I still want to remind you that the danger you are facing now is beyond the range we can accept, which means that I cannot guarantee your safety if you decide to go to that place."

Uesugi Sumiko sighed, the most troublesome part of this matter was Yotsuya Miko herself. The other party had established some kind of connection with Yotsuya Miko. Even if Uesugi Sumiko could cut it off now, God knew if the "mountain god" would suddenly attack one day. At that time, even if he wanted to save Yotsuya Miko, it would probably be as difficult as ascending to heaven.

"I understand, I... I want to go because I've already looked it in the eye... There's no way to escape." Yotsuya Miko clenched the cup in her hand. She was very scared and nervous, but she knew that this was not something that could be solved by pretending not to see it or running away. The other party had already opened its greedy mouth towards her, and she couldn't just sit there and watch herself fall into the hands of the mountain god.

"Hikigaya, there are some troublesome things in school, such as dealing with Jing and so on... We may have to go to another city."

"I understand. Leave Ah Jing to me. Make sure you return safely."

Hikigaya's expression was serious, completely different from his usual lack of motivation.

"I will ask for leave from school. Can you find a reason?"

"I...no problem, I'll find a way." Yotsuya Miko showed a distressed expression, but finally nodded resolutely.

Chapter 24: Night Return

"So, that means... Uesugi-san, not only do you have to ask me for leave directly, but you also use such a nonsensical reason?" Sitting opposite Uesugi Sumiko was a majestic old man. He had a head of silver hair, but he did not have the slowness that is common in the elderly. Instead, he was more peaceful and calm.

"Mr. Principal, is the situation I'm proposing really nonsensical to you and this integrated high school that has had such a long history?"