Anime Collector: Starting With the Malevolent Shrine

Ring-ring!

As the end-of-class bell rings, the classroom atmosphere gradually becomes lively.

Ginko, sitting nearby, keeps glancing at Daiki. She seems eager to have a shōgi match!

Other classmates who notice this scene whisper among themselves.

"Did something happen between Daiki-kun and Ginko-san? She's been staring at him with that scary look all morning."

"Uh, could it be that Daiki-kun led Ginko-san on and then dumped her?"

"Haha, that's impossible. Daiki-kun is dating Miku from the other class — how would he have time for Ginko?"

Perhaps because he had shared lunch boxes with the class recently, Daiki's reputation and attention in class were rising steadily. Whenever someone glanced in his direction, they would notice the little girl beside him.

Her awkward and reclusive personality made it difficult for Ginko to express her feelings. Thus, many mistakenly thought she strongly disliked Daiki.

The whispers reached Fumino (Furuhashi), who had just woken up in front.

"...Umm?..."

Her eyes were teary. She had planned to study seriously but had fallen asleep during the lecture again.

If this continues, her science grades would never improve!

Collecting herself, she noticed the class discussion. She turned around and saw Ginko's intimidating gaze.

"Daiki-kun, did you offend Ginko-san?" Fumino asked quietly.

Hearing this, Daiki glanced sideways, and Ginko immediately withdrew her gaze, as if nothing had happened.

"No, Sora-san probably just wants to play shōgi with me."

Hearing this, the cute girl immediately tilted her head, as if seeking an opinion.

"Never mind, I just want to space out for now."

Ginko showed a disappointed expression.

She couldn't understand why Daiki, with such excellent shōgi skills, had absolutely no interest in playing shōgi, whether professionally or not. Just like those two other classmates, wasting their talents.

Fumino and Rizu (Ogata) suddenly felt a chill.

"Daiki-kun, I heard you came to school in Yukino-san's luxury car today?" Fumino's words immediately sparked interest from many.

Ginko was startled at first, then seemed to realize something.

"Yeah. I went to the Yukinoshita residence on Sunday to discuss some matters." Daiki said casually.

His modest response caught everyone's attention.

After all, the Yukinoshita family was one of Chiba's most prestigious families. Being invited to their residence suggested considerable importance.

Fumino and her classmates exchanged startled glances, wondering if Daiki had some hidden background.

"Never mind about me — I notice you have dark circles. Haven't been sleeping well?"

His words made Fumino touch her cheeks self-consciously.

"Is it that noticeable? I even put on makeup!"

"Maybe I'm just observant."

Observant. A blush crept across Fumino's pretty face.

How can a boy be so direct!

"Hmph, Daiki-kun shouldn't say such things to other girls. It might cause misunderstandings." She puffed her cheeks in warning.

"Sorry, won't happen again. So what's troubling you?" Daiki asked, puzzled.

Fumino's face paled slightly as she leaned closer to whisper.

"Actually, I had this... well, I'm not sure if it was a nightmare. Last night while observing stars with my telescope, I noticed some spore-like things floating in the air. I didn't think much of it at first, but later I heard dogs barking and turned my telescope toward the sound."

Her voice quivered as she continued.

"Then I saw something horrible — a dog's head split open into a mouth and devoured another dog alive! When I looked again, that street light was broken, but under another light, the dog appeared normal. I can't tell if I imagined it or if it was real."

Her description reminded Daiki of "Parasites".

"I see why you look so tired."

His calm response startled Fumino.

"Aren't you scared, Daiki-kun? If this nightmare became real — imagine your loved ones' heads suddenly splitting into bloody maws!"

Though he remained impassive, Ginko's expression turned grave.

Before the shrine incident, she might have dismissed Fumino's fears. But now she knew there were inexplicable things in this world.

She noticed keenly that Daiki hadn't denied the story, making her blood run cold.

"It is frightening. I'll make some protective charms when I can."

Fumino laughed at this.

Rolling her eyes, she said, "I didn't know you were so talented, even making shrine charms. Make one for me — I'll be your first customer."

As soon as she finished speaking, Ginko grabbed his sleeve.

"Daiki-kun, can you sell me three?"

Fumino's breath caught as she stared at the cute girl in surprise.

She'd only been joking about being his customer — she hadn't actually believed he could make charms. But Ginko's earnest response left her completely stunned.

"We'll see — making them requires Spiritual Power, which is hard to cultivate."

Daiki's refusal caught Fumino off guard.

Getting Ginko to start a conversation was something the boys in class could only dream of. By normal logic, shouldn't he jump at this chance to get closer to her?

Unless he really could make charms?

Fumino couldn't make sense of it. The attention Ginko showed him was unlike anything she'd seen before.

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The class bell rang.

Daiki rested his chin on his hand, gazing toward the school's interior.

In a corner of Sōbu High stood an inconspicuous stone shrine. The seal on the Cursed Object within was rapidly dissolving.

On the once-peaceful campus, Evil Spirits were multiplying.

"I'll head to the rooftop at lunch to clean up. While there, I can enhance my soul foundation using the Spirit Devouring talent. I should also prepare those protective charms for Nino and Miku sooner rather than later."

Thankfully, through Mrs. Yukinoshita and Ichika's continued efforts, his refined Spiritual Power remained plentiful.

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T/N: If you want more chapters like this, check out my Patreon! Take a look at my other translations too, you might like them!

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