It was late at night.
The lights in the warehouse suddenly went out.
Yoriichi opened his eyes, his right hand already on his sword hilt.
He had sensed no unfamiliar Reiatsu.
Yet the Reishi in the walls, the floor, and even the air underwent a subtle change at that moment.
A man in a white restraint suit slowly emerged from the wall.
Luo Jia stiffened at the sight of him.
"Sōya Azashiro."
Yoriichi stepped in front of her.
Azashiro ignored him, merely looking calmly at Luo Jia.
"Jorōgumo can connect to the spiritual veins of the World of the Living and record the complete structure of human souls. With your help, I can complete the modifications in the shortest possible time."
"I won't let you succeed."
Yoriichi gripped Hekyō, slowly drawing its dark gray blade.
Azashiro still did not look at him.
"Luo Jia, you should understand your own value. Help me. This is the most appropriate use of your ability."
Luo Jia lowered her head, the threads at her fingertips trembling incessantly.
In the past, if someone had told her what she should do, she would not have refused.
But these past few days, Kannonji had come by every day.
He brought food that served no purpose and told hero stories riddled with holes. Even when his legs shook with fear, he still stood in front of her.
Yoriichi had not ordered her around either.
They simply asked what she thought.
It turned out she could keep living even without a master.
"I'm sorry."
Luo Jia raised her head and said softly, "I don't want to go with you."
For the first time, Azashiro's gaze changed.
"You haven't understood my plan."
"I understand."
Luo Jia clutched the cloak around her.
"But I'm fine the way I am now."
Azashiro