Compared to the previous two worlds, the next one was undoubtedly far more peaceful and beautiful.
Gentle sunlight poured down from the horizon, draping the earth in a radiant veil.
This land displayed beautiful, vibrant colors, unlike the first two worlds, which had been nothing but bleak, abandoned shades of gray and white.
In such a world, there stood a mountain.
The mountain was called Mt. Fear.
It was located in the northeastern part of Aomori Prefecture.
Atop Mt. Fear stood a crimson torii gate.
It belonged to the shrine situated there.
—St. Gala Shrine.
A shrine with a history spanning more than two thousand years, it held an immensely important influence over the island nation of Japan.
Its ancestor had been the queen of the ancient Japanese Yamatai Kingdom. Every generation had descended from Himiko, while the shrine's guardian Miko directly inherited their ancestor's bloodline and abilities. They could wield the supernatural power known as Kido Art, making them highly valued in this world, where the profession of armed detective operated legally.
If St. Gala Shrine had not always remained active behind the scenes of the national stage rather than appearing publicly, its gates would likely have been trampled through by visitors from all over the world.
Yet not long ago, an outsider had moved into the St. Gala Shrine, which had always refused outside visitors.
Furthermore, this outsider had not only taken up residence here, but was gradually learning how to use supernatural abilities under the guidance of the Miko.
At that moment, the girl sat on the wooden corridor floor facing the shrine courtyard, swinging her legs as she gazed ahead.
"It's been almost a year since then..."
The girl spoke in a voice with a slight childish lilt.
"I've been on leave for so long that