Chapter 127

"Although I didn't find the Fantasy Ingredient... I found this!"

Takanashi Rikka suddenly pulled some mushrooms out of her pocket.

Their caps come in various colors, such as white, yellow, and blue, resembling colorful little umbrellas. The stems are relatively thick, and they look juicy and delicious, making one want to try them.

"Master, have you confirmed that these are edible mushrooms?"

Out of concern for her own life, Dekomori Sanae couldn't help but question it.

"Are we immune to all poisons yet?"

Nibuya Morika gave an awkward smile.

"Sage, what do you think?"

Takanashi Rikka, of course, had no idea what to do either, and asked for help.

"I hope everything is alright."

Hasegawa Izumi glanced at it.

Although not Fantasy Ingredient, it is more nutritious and tastes more delicious than ordinary ingredients because it is nourished by spiritual energy.

Although she lacked the ability to awaken, the girl's insight was still far superior to that of others.

That evening, he used this to cook a delicious mushroom soup, which left a deep impression on the Holy Chef.

"Fine, I'll give you the title of Holy Chef, Hasegawa."

Jukka even joked with him after dinner, her usually cold face now showing a hint of anger.

No... I think this title should only belong to you.

He simply shook his head and gave a mysterious smile.

It's another morning.

Everyone had just finished breakfast and was getting ready to go out for some fresh air.

"Jukka, come here for a second."

Suddenly, Rikka's grandmother appeared and called Jukka aside.

This has attracted everyone's attention.

Soon, Jukka changed into another set of clothes, looking ready to go out.

"Jukka, what are you going to do?"

Takanashi Rikka asked with some curiosity.

"The Obon Festival is about to begin, and Grandma told me to prepare the lanterns and such that we'll need... Do you want to come with us?"

Jukka stopped and turned around to explain, while also trying to ask a question.

"No."

Takanashi Rikka shook her head.

Afterwards, Jukka left by car.

What is the Obon Festival?

Natsukawa Masuzu, who was often alone, was unfamiliar with these festivals and asked the others for advice.

"The Obon Festival, isn't that the 'Ghost Festival'?"

"Nibuya Morika thought for a moment and said."

She thought someone would respond, but instead, everyone else gave her a "go on" look.

This is supposed to be a fairly well-known festival, right?

How come none of you knew?!

"The Obon Festival, originally a Buddhist ceremony, was introduced from an ancient Eastern country. During the Kamakura period, the Obon Festival was combined with the charity festival for hungry ghosts and the lantern festival, hence it was also called the 'Soul Festival'. It usually falls around August 15th each year..."

She had no choice but to take out her phone from her pocket and take on the responsibility of providing commentary.

Things that sound mysterious and mystical naturally attract their attention more.

"Dekumori smells danger! Death!"

Dekomori Sanae's gaze suddenly turned serious.

"I feel the same way."

Even Natsukawa Masuzu, unusually, echoed her sentiment.

"This might be a great opportunity for us to show our skills..."

Takanashi Rikka eagerly tried it out.

Only Kōko showed no sense of participation and couldn't get into the mood at all, her big, watery eyes looking at her older brother.

21. I'm sorry, guest, there's only one room left.

Hasegawa Izumi understood that her Little Sister certainly needed to become a true 'True Ancestor Vampire' so that she could actually participate in such conversations.

However, once he makes a promise, it's a promise he can't keep; whatever he says, goes.

So, he nonchalantly ignored his Little Sister and said, "That's right, on such special days, the yin energy in the world does indeed gather and accumulate, making the environment more suitable for the survival of evil spirits, zombies, and monsters."

"So, the chances of running into those things are much higher these days? Especially during those special festivals?"

Nibuya Morika understood.

"Not only that, it will also have a significant impact on some places with bad Feng Shui."

Hasegawa Izumi's words left the others somewhat confused.

What is Feng Shui?

However, Takanashi Rikka exclaimed in surprise, "Sage, do you mean there will be a large-scale 'riot' in our village?"

"No, that's not it. According to my estimation, your village isn't in the center, but rather on the periphery, so the impact should be limited."

He shook his head instead.

"Wait, Master, Lord Sage, what are you talking about?!"

Dekomori Sanae couldn't help but chime in.

The other girls remained completely unaware of the Feng Shui he spoke of.

So he repeated the explanation of Rikka that he had given him before.

"Onmyōji?"

They were slightly surprised by the name.

Because they are familiar with anime, they are also familiar with characters that have local characteristics.

But they never expected that Onmyōji were also skilled in these things.

"Regarding the central area you mentioned, Club President..."

Suddenly Natsukawa Masuzu asked.

"It should be over there, probably about a ten-minute walk."

Hasegawa Izumi raised her right hand and pointed to the other side.

"This direction... should lead to Eiheiji Town, right?"

Takanashi Rikka guessed.

"So, will the town also hold corresponding events?"

Nibuya Morika's expression condensed.

Unlike small villages, in slightly larger places, once people gather, they naturally want to hold events on a grander scale.

But if that's the case, according to what they heard from Hasegawa before, wouldn't that mean even greater danger?

"I don't know... I'll go ask Grandma."

Although Takanashi Rikka is a local and has attended school there, she never participates in these activities.

A few minutes later.

"I heard from my grandma that there is a famous Kōmyōji Temple there, which holds formal Buddhist Service around this time of year, and at that time, many people who come out of nowhere will participate."

When Takanashi Rikka, she confirmed the matter.

"So, shall we go?"

Natsukawa Masuzu's eyes shone brightly.

"We absolutely have to go to Death! Dekumori is already itching to go!"

Dekomori Sanae clenched her fists, her eyes burning with fire.

"To be honest, I'd like to go see it too."

Nibuya Morika was also eager to try.

Not everyone has the patience to stay indoors and cultivate the "Ten-Mile Slope Sword God". Once you have power, wanting to vent and test it is the norm.

Having undergone this period of training, the girls are full of confidence in their abilities.

After all, according to their deductions, most spirits could not evolve as quickly as they could!

"And Rikka?"

Hasegawa Izumi's gaze fell on the last person.

"I want... I want to stay."

Takanashi Rikka lowered her head slightly, hesitated for a long time, and then made a decision.

"Why die? Master, don't you want to fight alongside us?"

Dekomori Sanae held his hands in confusion and said.

"Are you silly, little rascal? Of course, we need to be careful about Grandpa and Grandma's safety!"

Nibuya Morika crossed her arms and teased her.

"I see... I'm sorry, it was Dekumori's clumsiness that caused this death! Dekumori apologizes to Master."

Dekomori Sanae looked embarrassed, then bowed.

When one has the ability, it is natural to choose to protect those close to us; this is something everyone can understand.

If the evil spirits are all the same type they encountered before, requiring them to be seen before they can attack, then perhaps there's no need to worry about anything happening. But it's better to be safe than sorry.

If an accident occurs, it will only make Rikka feel worse than what happened three years ago.

It's a different feeling to have the ability to protect something but fail to do so, and it's a different feeling to not have the ability to protect it at all.

"Alright, let's split up and fight separately then. Rikka, you stay at your hometown, we'll go to the town to check the situation."

Hasegawa Izumi ultimately made the decision, without forcing anyone, simply respecting everyone's individual opinions.

After making the decision, everyone prepared to resume their training, making ample preparations for the possible great battle that might follow.

"Wait, Sage, I have another question to ask."

Before they set off, Takanashi Rikka called out to him.

"Ask away."

He stopped and looked back.

"Sage, according to you, the probability of spirits appearing increases significantly on those days. So, when it comes to 'Spirit Invocation,' does that mean...?"

At this point, Takanashi Rikka's breathing became rapid and labored.

If that were the case, wouldn't my wish come true immediately...?

"If everything goes according to the festival's schedule, Rikka, you might indeed be able to meet your father, but are you sure that's the kind of meeting you want? And if it actually happens, are you sure you can find him again?"

He asked meaningfully.

As the saying goes, the greater the hope, the greater the disappointment.