Exorcism.
Mrs. Iino thought for a moment, then quickly walked over.
"Hasegawa-kun, I'm sorry, there's been a bit of a problem at home, so I can't entertain you."
"Actually, I'm here to solve this problem."
The boy said this.
"Huh!?"
This statement was something Mrs. Iino never expected.
"Young man, don't try to be cool. You have no idea what their family is going through. You should just go home."
Takeda Mie walked over, his voice slightly louder.
"Mom, I've already told the senior about our family's situation! The senior intends to help me because the senior is actually also... um, Spirit Channeling? Anyway, please don't send the senior away."
Just then, Iino Miko brought out the brewed black tea from the kitchen.
"What!?"
Mrs. Iino and Grandma Saegusa were both taken aback.
"Is Hasegawa-kun also Spirit Channeling?"
Mrs. Iino asked urgently.
"Let's say that."
Hasegawa Izumi lazily picked up her teacup and took a sip of her hot drink.
He could be called a martial artist, swordsman, Spirit Channeling, superpowered Ability User, or even Awakened One.
"You're not kidding, are you? There's no benefit in pretending to do this."
Takeda Mie frowned slightly. With her eyesight, she naturally couldn't directly observe the spiritual power within a superhuman's body, so she confirmed it again and again.
"I've already witnessed it! Senior can casually unleash a mysterious power that can be seen but not touched, and can even strike from a distance..."
Having experienced it Iino Miko couldn't help but defend it.
"In that case, I'll trust you for now."
"If we have one more helper, our chances of victory will naturally be greater, and I won't have to risk my life, Mother-in-law."
A kind smile appeared on Takeda Mie's wrinkled face.
"I find this a bit strange."
But then Hasegawa Izumi suddenly spoke.
"Huh? Young man, what are you talking about?"
Takeda Mie looked puzzled.
"Grandma, your power is unexpectedly weak. Logically speaking, you shouldn't be able to fight against that Spirit Channeling."
"What an insult! I, your mother-in-law, am a woman known as the 'Shitamachi Shinbo'!"
At that moment, Hasegawa Izumi turned her head to the side, her gaze sharpening as she activated her Spirit Vision.
"I see. I didn't expect that this was your reliance, Mother-in-law. No wonder it felt somewhat familiar."
When he noticed the object hidden beneath the long body, he suddenly laughed.
"Young man, show some respect for your elders! Don't just stand there talking to yourself."
Even as a seasoned old man, Takeda Mie was starting to lose his composure.
"Grandma, do you know the character 'Miko'?"
The name he suddenly mentioned made Grandma Saegusa's expression freeze.
Why would you ask that?
"Because a significant portion of the spiritual power stored in the bead you wear contains the power of Miko."
"You were actually able to tell whose spiritual power it was?"
"Although they may appear the same, each person's spiritual power possesses unique symbols, though very few can discern them."
After a few words of conversation, Takeda Mie's doubts and worries were finally dispelled, and he showed an expression of sudden realization.
"So that's how it is. You're the man behind Miko!"
11
Chapter 11 Exorcism.
Because she needed to earn money to support her family, Yotsuya Miko chose to collaborate with Takeda Mie.
It was through this opportunity that Takeda Mie gained some understanding of Miko's situation. It seemed that a mysterious organization was hidden behind her, composed entirely of superhumans. The girl who seemed so powerful in her eyes was just a newcomer in the organization, and the person she called the 'leader' was even more unfathomable.
Without witnessing it firsthand, she didn't really believe it. In this day and age, there are very few extraordinary individuals, let alone someone with such powerful spiritual energy as Miko, who is only at the bottom of the list.
But even after only a brief encounter, the other party's ability to identify spiritual energy has added an even more mysterious aura to this young man in her eyes.
"That statement is rather ambiguous."
Hasegawa Izumi said with a straight face.
"I only gave Miko some guidance; her achievements are ultimately due to her own talent."
I think... that's true too.
Takeda Mie nodded in deep agreement.
[Miko? And who is that?]
Iino Miko was confused, but at least she understood that "Miko" must also be a psychic.
Once you reach a certain level, all the related people and things suddenly come to mind!
"I don't understand the rest, but in short, Hasegawa-kun and Grandma Saegusa are both capable people, right? In that case, we have two great generals on our side, so our chances of winning should be much greater, right?"
Mrs. Iino was momentarily stunned, then gave a polite but slightly embarrassed smile.
"More than that."
Takeda Mie glanced at her sideways before looking away without offering any further explanation.
Describing in detail just how powerful someone like Miko is would be too much trouble; it's much clearer to have him demonstrate his strength.
"Old lady, please consider me a guest today."
"Little Sister, could you pour me a cup of black tea too?"
Turning her head, Takeda Mie sat down on the sofa like a kind old lady next door.
"Oh..."
Iino Miko nodded blankly, then poured herself a few more cups of black tea.
The atmosphere in the room gradually relaxed from its slightly tense tone.
"Hasegawa-kun, how did you and Miko meet?"
While drinking tea, Takeda Mie began to inquire about the matter.
"I met her by chance and gave her some pointers..."
Hasegawa Izumi took another sip of black tea.
Iino and her daughter hid to one side and whispered to each other.
"Mom, why do I feel like Grandma Saegusa is trying to get on my good side?"
"You don't need to feel it, it's obvious."
"Eh... isn't he quite young, senior?"
"This has nothing to do with age, Miko. Your senior is probably no ordinary psychic! Moreover, he has an extraordinary aura and is very handsome. So, are you tempted?"
"Mom, I've already told you! Stop saying these things!"
"Of course I was just teasing you. Someone as popular as Hasegawa-kun must have no shortage of admirers at school, which is something you, Miko, can't even dream of."
"Although it's unpleasant to be belittled like this, but... what you said is true, Mom."
After chatting for a while...
"Ah!!!"
A scream came from the bedroom.
"Dad!"
"Honey!"
Iino and her daughter quickly realized what was happening and turned to run inside.
At that moment, Takeda Mie had already nimbly opened the bedroom door.
Hasegawa Izumi followed her inside.
On the large bed inside, lay a sickly middle-aged man, looking exhausted, with his eyes closed, muttering various things in his sleep, as if he were having a nightmare.
"That shouldn't be the case! This time I gave you an enhanced version of the Exorcism Prayer Beads, which should be able to suppress evil for a long time."
Takeda Mie looked over in confusion. Right next to the pillow, a rosary bead had rolled out, but it now had a crack.
She sells three types of prayer beads: one of inferior quality and one of ordinary quality. Both of these are produced entirely by her alone, and there are quite a lot of them. The prices are reasonable.
The third type is naturally created by the spiritual power infused by the Miko, and its effect is several times stronger. It is also very valuable, and its exorcising effect is greatly increased.
"It's a problem with the material."
Hasegawa Izumi answered her question.
To withstand greater spiritual energy, stronger materials are usually needed, just like a space engine. To withstand intense high temperatures, stronger materials must be used, unless one possesses superior 'technology,' that is, a deeper understanding of the manipulation of spiritual energy itself.
However, this is precisely one of the few shortcomings of Miko.
Even with her talent, sealing spiritual power onto an object would be extremely Mental Power and would require a considerable amount of time and practice.
"No wonder..."
A look of understanding flashed in Takeda Mie's eyes.
No wonder she always felt that the power unleashed by the prayer beads did not meet her expectations.
"Hasegawa-kun, you are truly learned; no wonder you were able to instruct Miko."
The old woman couldn't help but exclaim in admiration from the bottom of her heart.
"Senior, could you please lend a hand...?"
A girl's timid plea came from the side.
"Honey..."
Hasegawa Izumi looked at Mrs. Iino was checking on her husband's condition.
"Auntie, could you move aside?"
"Um."
The lady stepped aside, her eyes showing concern.
With a casual flick of his wrist, he triggered a hidden attack within the Iino Family.
"Whoa!"
"Hehehehehehe..."
Puffs of black smoke shot out from the other person's body, eventually forming terrifying ghost faces that emitted howls and wailing, filling the entire room as if the sky had suddenly turned dark.
"Ah!"
"How terrifying."
The mother and daughter were terrified and huddled together.
"It's Vengeful Spirit, and a rather powerful one at that."
Takeda Mie's understanding was clearly different from theirs, and she remained very calm.