The old alley in the western district lay beneath a barrier so faint it was almost invisible, and even the dusk light filtering through wore a hazy gray veil.
Half-withered ivy crept along the foot of the walls. The wind swept fallen leaves across the ground, leaving only a soft rustling.
Yuta Okkotsu crouched down, folding his tall frame until he was at eye level with the little girl before him.
A little dust from the road clung to his fingertips. He kept his voice very soft, as though afraid of startling the sparrows perched beneath the eaves:
"Have you been walking for a long time?"
The little girl nodded gently, her eyes dark and quiet.
"You did great." Okkotsu's eyes curved, and his voice softened a little. "Just a few more steps to the edge of the barrier. People from the Time Vessel Association will meet you there..."
Before he could finish, the shadows behind him suddenly twisted.
A low-grade cursed spirit lunged out with its mouth open, its drool eating tiny black pits into the ground as it fell. It moved fast enough to stir a gust of foul-smelling wind.
Okkotsu did not even turn around.
With a single sweep of Rika's hand and a muffled crunch, the cursed spirit burst into fine black flecks without so much as a scream.
The little girl turned toward the sound, staring straight at the scattering black flecks. Her expression did not change at all; she was neither frightened nor flustered.
Okkotsu reached out and blocked her view.
"So you really can see them."
His voice was very soft, carrying a touch of understanding gentleness.
Then he turned his head and spoke to the air beside him, a hint of helplessness in his tone:
"You mustn't do that, Rika. Don't hit