There's an Even Better Option / Going Separate Ways

Looking at his older sister, Yotsuya Kyosuke really wanted to ask her how she planned to spend the millions of yen in her account.

Does she intend to save this money and never use it?

"... It can't be that frugal, can it?"

"Huh? Saving money? I just subconsciously wanted to save some money, and I heard this amusement park is pretty good. So, are you going or not? If we go, we'll eat lunch together, you choose the place."

"Real?!"

"How could it be fake?"

Yotsuya Miko looked at her younger brother, whose emotions had been completely stirred up. It was only at this moment that the boy seemed to be starting elementary school.

In a way, the siblings are quite similar, much more mature than other children their age.

Chapter 184 There are better options

Yotsuya Miko Divine Gate, has recently become much more lax.

To be precise, things have become much more lax below.

Yuria replied to Miko's message, knowing without a doubt that she would definitely bring Yurikawa Hana to the amusement park this weekend.

She leaned back in her chair, put down the file in her hand, and stared blankly at the office ceiling.

It wasn't that she started doing administrative work after being promoted; in fact, her daily routine at Divine Gate continued to involve learning how to use Spiritual Power. However, today, Okita Qishen called her into his office and asked her to sit down and read a document about the "Life Spiritual Qi Extraction Method."

"Miss Yotsuya has absolutely no idea what kind of trouble she's gotten herself into."

Yuria glanced at Okita Qishen, who had just returned from the restroom, and nodded in approval, straightening up from her chair. Seeing Okita Qishen's recent overtime work, excessive coffee consumption, and irregular mealtimes, which had ultimately led to his stomach upset today, she knew how troublesome this situation was.

"So, you're asking me to persuade them?"

She had just finished reading the document and knew Okita Qishen's concerns.

Although Yotsuya Miko described the Life Spiritual Qi Extraction Method as a very crude technique, the data presented to her said otherwise.

Based on these theoretical data, the effect of spiritual energy far surpasses that of spiritual Spiritual Power, being several times more effective. Moreover, in terms of applicability, spiritual energy is suitable for a wider range of people than Spiritual Power. Spiritual Power can only be cultivated by those with spirituality, but spiritual energy can be cultivated by those without spirituality, which means that cultivating spiritual energy will lead to a more stable personnel configuration.

From this point, Yuria already understood its strategic significance. The original Divine Gate was riddled with factions, which was essentially due to the influence of several psychic families. Because psychics rely on bloodlines and innate mutations, Spiritual Power, as a supernatural force, cannot be completely controlled by the government, and the government's role is incomplete. Although the government is composed of ordinary people who rely on political, economic, or military power, psychics also hold considerable power due to the existence of spirits.

The emergence of the Life Spiritual Qi Extraction Method will gradually erase the interests held by these psychics, and the elimination of psychic families will free up a large portion of profits. Where there are profits, there will inevitably be competition. And this competition will gradually affect Divine Gate, as well as Yotsuya Miko and Yuria.

Even if they emerge unscathed from such internal strife, after a period of calm, the newly reorganized Divine Gate and the powerful figures who have seized the benefits will once again turn their attention to Yotsuya Miko, attempting to extract from her a cultivation technique even better than the Life Spiritual Qi Extraction Method, or something else entirely. This is a perfectly logical thing to do, not because they lack intelligence, but because they are intelligent enough to plan ahead.

I didn't say that.

Looking at the petite girl in front of him, this high school girl who had not yet entered society, Okita Qishen never imagined that things would develop to this point.

He underestimated the gods too much; no, he regarded the gods as something that existed only in his own mind.

He could see what Yotsuya Miko was trying to do, and he understood it very clearly. It was precisely because he understood it so well that he felt a deep sense of trouble.

Okita Qishen didn't intend to overestimate Yotsuya Miko's strength, because doing so would be like the last straw that broke the camel's back, making him realize, tragically, that what he was doing was meaningless. In any case, the gods would control everything.

He could only underestimate the situation and think that Yotsuya Miko had no intention of a complete break, or that a break would be very damaging to him. He treated Miko's current attitude as a powerful deterrent, as a means to get the higher-ups to ignore "Yotsuya Miko" as a person.

That's why he still had room to think, to consider how to persuade Yotsuya Miko to give up such a move.

Divine Gate is part of his interests, and the Wagen Family is the family he relies on for survival. That's why he goes to great lengths to think and act this way. His stance determines his current attitude towards Yotsuya Miko.

"Moreover... I don't intend for S to abandon the silk-making equipment."

He really couldn't, because he had been warned.

Looking at Yuria before him, Okita Qishen had no idea what kind of scheme was behind revealing the Life Spiritual Qi Extraction Method, or how much of it was aimed at him. At first glance, it all seemed to be directed at him. But even so, he couldn't refuse the deal regarding the Life Spiritual Qi Extraction Method.

That wasn't something he could refuse, even if he didn't want to.

It was a bad choice for him to go and meet with Yotsuya Miko, but it was an even worse and more disadvantageous choice for him to have someone else meet with Yotsuya Miko; at least for now, he could still gain some sympathy.

"How many people have already practiced the Life Spiritual Qi Extraction Method?"

Yuria ignored that question and asked another one instead.

"Okita, do you know how the extraction method is used?"

"... After confirming that the technique was completely harmless, nearly three hundred exorcists began practicing the extraction method, and more than one hundred ordinary people also began practicing it. As for further opening it up, nothing has been decided yet."

"I see..."

Yuria got off the chair and walked up to Okita Qishen.

Okita Qishen, and saw many things in her deep red eyes, many things he was familiar with.

He was indeed extremely perceptive in judging people, and it was precisely for this reason that when he first met Yuria, he replaced the original contract with a standard one. This was because he saw that Yuria was not someone who could be deceived or was ignorant, but rather someone with her own extremely strong will.

In general, it can be called ambition.

"If I'm not mistaken, the cultivation technique Miko gave out has seven levels in total."

Yuria stopped in her tracks, standing in front of Okita Qishen.

"What if, I mean, only the first layer was leaked out?"

Will the first layer be passed on?

Just by thinking about it for a moment, Okita Qishen felt a chill spread from his spine to the top of his head.

This kind of thing... no, this kind of thing is completely...

They haven't fully figured out who is suitable for the Life Spiritual Qi Extraction Method. Currently, it is suitable for almost everyone, with the only difference being the extraction speed.

Once it becomes widely available... even ordinary citizens can practice it...

"That's only the first level; it won't grant someone immense power."

Lost in fear, he heard Yuria's voice with unusual clarity, as if it were drilling straight into his ears.

"Okita, there are seven levels in total. And there's another option."

Chapter 185 Parting Ways

If we were to define amusement parks with a few terms, they would be carousels, Ferris wheels, roller coasters, and perhaps we could also add haunted houses.

Looking at the Ferris wheel, which was dozens of meters high, Yotsuya Miko suddenly felt that perhaps coming to the amusement park wasn't such a good thing.

With the Falcon Spirit Wind Control Incantation, one can ride the wind and travel high in the sky. The speed of the Heavenly Devil False Body True Understanding is like a shuttle, changing in an instant. The original Ferris wheel and roller coaster become ordinary and unremarkable, offering nothing new.

Perhaps the carousel is the only thing worth looking forward to.

Holding the reservation ticket, she led the three of them through the amusement park gates.

In amusement parks like this, the rides are all planned out, with routes to choose from for visitors. On the map in Miko's hand, there are three routes to choose from.

"The first one is a carousel, then a castle park, then a small lake where you can go boating, after the lake is a maze... uh, a bit far, then there's a roller coaster, and after the roller coaster is a Ferris wheel. This route is called 'Wonderful Adventure in a Variety of Colors,' and it's the longest route."

"That does sound like a long way off. What about the second one?"

Yurikawa Hana was standing nearby, had already decided to reject this path when she heard about the maze; mazes were extremely annoying.

"As for the second one, Hua, you should really like it."

Looking at the locations the second route passed through, Yotsuya Miko smiled. The amusement park certainly knew how to do business.

"It's called 'Food Story,' a route related to food. The first part is a spinning teacup ride, followed by a food street along the road, where tastings are available. After that, there's a mystery challenge where successful participants can get a free special treat from the amusement park, though it doesn't specify what it is. After the mystery challenge, there's a rest area with tables and chairs, presumably to allow visitors to enjoy their food in peace. Further on, there are roller coasters and a Ferris wheel, overlapping with the first route."

Hua's eyes lit up just from hearing that, and when she heard the words "special food at the amusement park," she had already made up her mind.

"Miko, let's choose the second one!"

"I knew it."

Looking at Hana, who was practically drooling as she gripped her sister's wrist, Yotsuya Kyosuke wasn't particularly surprised. After hearing about the second route, he knew without a doubt that he would definitely take it next, even though he himself had wanted to see the first route.

A maze, a boat ride—that sounds much better than just eating all the way. Isn't that a perfectly normal thought?

He glanced at Yuria, who was mostly silent beside him, casting a questioning look at this older sister who wasn't much shorter than him. But thinking about it carefully, Hua was probably the most favored of the three. Even if Sister Yuria was unwilling, she wouldn't argue with her to her face. He could tell that, after all, lively and innocent people were indeed especially favored, even in elementary school.

As for any objections he might raise, he simply didn't believe his sister would listen to him.

Kyosuke sighed, only looking forward to the roller coaster and Ferris wheel.

"There's another option we haven't mentioned yet. You should at least consider Yuria's opinion."

And what about me? So I'm just a passerby?

Despite his grievances, he still intended to agree with Sister Hua. After all, he was a boy, so it was normal for him to pretend to be magnanimous.

Actually, I think...

"I don't really need it."

Just as he was about to speak, Yuria suddenly spoke up and looked at him. From those eyes, Kyosuke seemed to be able to see some kind of inexplicable emotion, but it also seemed like there was nothing at all.

"Kyosuke looks like he wants to go to the first road."

"Uh? Actually, I'm fine. I can accept either the first or the second option."

Although he didn't know why Yuria had brought up the topic with him, this wasn't the time to start a conflict. While he could use Yuria and Hua's presence to persuade Miko to take the first route, things would be terrible once they got back.

Yotsuya Kyosuke quickly waved his hand, hastily stating his position. Looking at his older sister's already tense face and expressionless expression, he could already imagine the consequences of pushing his luck.

"I think the second option is also very good, excellent."

However, such a statement is probably a bit too much.

Yotsuya Miko beside her, then at Kyosuke, whose face was almost deathly pale. Hana really didn't believe that this was Kyosuke's true feeling.

She tugged at Yotsuya Miko's sleeve.

"Miko, don't bully Kyosuke, and don't take too much care of me. The first path is fine too."

"Huh? I didn't bully him at all."

Miko had come to his senses, he smiled again and grinned at Yotsuya Kyosuke, which only added to the poor little brother's fear.

"If you don't want to take the second path, Hua, then let's take the first path."

"Well, it's a bit of a shame, but I'll be happy if Kyosuke has fun. I almost forgot about Kyosuke if Yuria hadn't mentioned him, I'm so sorry, Kyosuke."

As she said this, Hua squatted down in front of Kyosuke, patted his shoulder, and showed him a sunny smile befitting an older sister.

"If Miko hitting you when you get home, you must tell me."

No, saying this would only make things worse.

Despite muttering to himself that he regretted trading his future life for a moment of pleasure, Kyosuke could only manage a forced smile. Incidentally, this only intensified his hatred for Yuria.

Although he had never liked Yuria, he still hadn't forgotten how the girl had treated him like an immature child last time. One day, he would settle both old and new scores.

Oh well... let's just say there are gains and losses in everything.

He found a reason to comfort himself: at least he could have a good time at the amusement park for a morning. As for what would happen after that? He didn't plan to think about it. After all, he wouldn't be killed.

"If Hua wants to go, we can actually split into groups."

Just as he was mentally preparing himself, Yuria's voice came from behind him again.

"It's alright if I go with Kyosuke to the first route, Miko and Hana go to the second route, right? Kyosuke will be fine with me. You two can go have fun without worry."

"Hey? Wouldn't that be a bit inappropriate?"

"No, that's not true. Actually, I'm also a little interested in mazes, but I was just too embarrassed to say it earlier."

Yuria smiled and shook her head, then walked to Kyosuke's side and looked at Yotsuya Miko.

"Miko, what do you think?"

"..."

Yotsuya Miko didn't speak, but just gave her a deep look.

Chapter 186 He didn't understand, but he was deeply shocked.

Sure enough, she found it strange.

Yotsuya Miko sat in her teacup, lost in thought. After Yuria suggested dividing them into groups, she finally agreed.

She didn't know why Yuria would use Kyosuke as an excuse to bring up the group division at that time, but since Yuria wasn't going to say anything, she wouldn't pursue the matter.

Just like her previous attitude, she would choose to trust Yuria no matter what she did.

Poor Yotsuya Kyosuke, unaware of the situation, thought that Yotsuya Miko's expressionless face earlier was directed at him.

Although the kid really wanted to go down the first path, he gave Yuria a look, giving Yuria an excuse.