Li Shunchen watched Megumi Fushiguro's little face flush slightly with excitement, and a gentle smile curved his lips.
He did not stop his demonstration. Ripples of cursed energy stirred at his fingertips again, and the deep shadows beneath his feet rippled like a boiling lake.
Li Shunchen spoke softly, then bent down and reached both hands into the shadows as though dipping them into water. When he lifted them again, a fluffy, snow-white, restless little creature sat in his palms.
He used a small portion of "Rabbit Escape," gently cupped the soft rabbit in front of Megumi Fushiguro, and continued warmly.
"Actually, the power hidden in these shadows isn't limited to the 'Divine Dogs' you just saw. Look, this one is called 'Rabbit Escape.'"
The fluffy, long-eared rabbit nuzzled his palms with perfect docility, its red eyes as clear as gemstones.
The young face that Megumi Fushiguro usually tried so hard to keep cold and mature now shed all its defenses, revealing the purest delight a child his age could feel.
He cautiously extended a finger and gently poked the rabbit's long ear. Feeling its incredible softness, he abruptly looked up, his clear green eyes gleaming with intense excitement, and asked expectantly.
"Can I... learn this too?"
Seeing the longing in the little boy's eyes, Li Shunchen smiled and gave him an unequivocal answer.
"Of course. As long as you want to, all these powers will eventually belong to you. But..."
Li Shunchen's tone shifted slightly, carrying an elder's sternness and concern.
"Not today. For you as you are now, forcing yourself to summon cursed energy and manifest shikigami for the first time has already put too much strain on your body and mind."
Just as Li Shunchen was halfway through speaking-
"Ugh..."
Megumi Fushiguro suddenly let out a muffled