Genshin Impact: Villain Impact

"Isn't this a little... undignified?" Lucas sighed, exasperated. "You're a girl now, you know!"

"I don't even have a real gender," Scaramouche muttered, a slight blush still lingering on her face. "As soon as I get back, I'm dismantling all of these... parts!"

"No way!" Lucas interjected. "That's an order—you're not allowed to remove anything."

For reasons she couldn't explain, a powerful urge settled over Scaramouche, suppressing her impulse to tear off the new "armor." It was his "command," not just affecting her actions, but compelling her very thoughts.

"What did you do to me?" she demanded, grinding her teeth. "Why am I following your orders?"

"It's just a little safety measure," Lucas replied, relieved that it worked. "You looked dangerous, so when I repaired you, I added a command to your core."

"And what command was that?"

"To obey my orders," Lucas admitted. "Relax—it's only for my own safety. I have no intention of threatening you."

"That's absurd," she muttered, her voice dripping with skepticism. "I don't believe it."

"Fine," Lucas grinned mischievously, "I order you to roll on the floor and meow like a cat."

"There's no way I'd— Meow~"

To her utter horror, Scaramouche obeyed the command, rolling on the floor and letting out a string of cute "meows." Her face turned beet red from embarrassment, yet she couldn't stop.

"Good girl," Lucas chuckled, scratching under her chin. "Want a little fish treat too?"

Damn him…

Strangely enough, she even found herself purring, unable to resist the pleasant sensation.

"That's enough," Lucas said finally. At his command, Scaramouche stopped her humiliating actions. "Now do you believe me?"

Scaramouche scowled, nodding reluctantly. "Fine, say what you really want from me."

"Huh?" Lucas raised an eyebrow.

"You put this control in place to blackmail me, right?" she sneered. "Tell me what you want in exchange for lifting the command."

Of course. Just like before, you still don't trust anyone.

"I already told you—it's just for my own protection," Lucas replied, smoothly continuing the lie. "The command only works if you're within a hundred meters of me. Beyond that, you're free."

"Really?" She still seemed skeptical.

"Believe it or not," Lucas shrugged. "But, since you brought it up, I'll make one request: don't cause trouble in Mondstadt."

He was careful not to mention anything about the Gnosis, lest his connection to Venti was exposed.

"Fine," she agreed reluctantly. "I won't."

After last night's fight, she realized the power gap between herself and an Archon. Continuing her mission here wouldn't bring her any closer to success.

"Deal." Lucas smiled. "Oh, by the way, I'm Lucas. And you are…?"

"I'm Scara—" She paused and corrected herself, "The name's Kabukimono."

So, that's the name she's giving me.

After all, if she wanted to hide her identity, she could have just made up any name.

"Right," Lucas added, as if remembering something, "if you ever get damaged again, feel free to come to me for repairs."

"There won't be a next time." Scaramouche turned away coolly. "I won't make the same mistake twice."

Watching her walk away, Lucas felt a mix of emotions well up within him.

Two women he had grown close to in the simulator were now, in reality, distancing themselves just as swiftly.

But he knew there was little hope of anything further. Both Scaramouche and La Signora were Harbingers, and their paths would never intersect with his in this lifetime.

---

Goth Grand Hotel

In the Doctor's Room

"What? You're telling me it didn't work?" The Doctor stroked her chin, puzzled. "Impossible. Based on all the intelligence we've gathered, my method should be effective."

"Twice." La Signora folded her arms, her voice ice-cold. "Twice, and not the slightest sign of progress. Your intel must be flawed!"

"Oh, twice?" The Doctor's eyes gleamed with amusement. "And how would you know so precisely? Don't tell me you personally... hehe."

Of course, La Signora wasn't about to divulge what had happened last night. "It was… someone from the Maple Guild."

"Then what's got you so upset?" the Doctor raised an eyebrow. "You didn't lose anything."

"It wasted my time." She scowled. "And I even had to bribe the cavalry captain of the Knights of Favonius. You're covering that expense."

"No problem," she replied, unfazed. "This information is valuable, after all." Then she added, "But, La Signora, shouldn't you be a little more focused on your actual mission?"

"I know what I'm doing," she replied, frowning. "Acquiring the Gnosis is no simple task."

"Then you'd best pick up the pace." The Doctor's expression shifted to a knowing smile. "Because Scaramouche made his move last night."

"What?"

La Signora's eyes widened. But just then, the door opened, and Scaramouche walked in.

Both the Doctor and La Signora immediately noticed the change. 

Even the usually composed La Signora was momentarily taken aback. "You… what happened to you?"

"Oh, nothing," Scaramouche replied nonchalantly. "Just upgraded my core defenses a bit. What, jealous that I've outdone you?"

"Jealous of you?" La Signora spat, clenching her jaw. "Besides, I'm still ahead—size isn't everything, you know."

"Tsk, tsk," the Doctor shook her head in mock disappointment. "A procedure this amusing... what a shame you didn't let me handle it."

In a way, the "surgery" could indeed be credited to "The Doctor"—though not the one currently present.

"So, what's the result?" La Signora got straight to the point. "Did you obtain the Gnosis?"

"Mission failed," Scaramouche replied calmly, her usual pride replaced with surprising frankness. "Furthermore, I've decided to withdraw from this mission."

"Why give up?" La Signora asked coldly. "That's not like you at all."

"I don't owe you an explanation, Eighth Harbinger," she sneered. "Besides, isn't this exactly what you wanted? Without my competition, your chances of success just improved."

"You—!"

La Signora clenched her fists, fuming, but held back. Though Harbinger ranks weren't strictly based on combat prowess, she knew she would struggle to defeat Scaramouche in a direct fight.

Although she couldn't understand her sudden decision to drop out, her withdrawal certainly eased the pressure on herself.

"Fine, whatever." Scaramouche waved dismissively. "I'm heading back to my room to rest."

---

Once in her room, Scaramouche flopped onto the bed, only to feel a slight twinge from the "armor" pressing against her.

"Ugh, all because of that idiot…" she muttered, rolling onto her back and staring up at the ceiling. But the face that appeared in her mind wasn't just any idiot—it was Lucas.

Memories of the bizarre encounter flooded her thoughts, particularly the… embarrassing "comparison." The image of Lucas's expression lingered stubbornly in her mind.

Suddenly inspired, Scaramouche reached for an intricately carved mahogany chair in the room. With a swift snap, she broke off one of its cylindrical legs. Using her finger as a makeshift knife, she quickly whittled the chair leg down into a shape based on her vivid recollection.

Exactly like the "Doctor" in her dreams.

"If it were really you…" Scaramouche whispered, closing her eyes. "You could return me to that perfect dream."

---

By midday, two maids approached Scaramouche's door, each carrying a tray with his lunch.

"Ah, we're finally seeing Master Scaramouche again," the first maid whispered, a blush coloring her cheeks. "It's the best part of my day, really."

With his fair, refined looks, Scaramouche was undeniably appealing, especially to those with a taste for youthful features.

"But he scares me sometimes," admitted the second maid, her tone nervous. "Remember last time when he glared at me for putting pepper on his steak?"

As they neared the door, both maids paused, their faces growing red as they caught faint sounds coming from within the room.

"W-what's that noise?" the second maid stammered, blushing.

"It's probably just... self-discovery," the first maid replied, slightly more composed. "I have a younger brother who I once caught doing that. You'd think having an older sister would be enough, but there he was…"

"Wait… something feels off about this." The second maid hesitated. "Maybe we should just leave. If he catches us—"

Before she could finish, the door swung open, and Scaramouche stood before them, looking rather disconcerted.

"Did you two… hear anything just now?" she asked, her expression unreadable.

The two maids paled, shaking their heads frantically.

"Not a word of this to anyone, understand?" Scaramouche's voice was icy, but just as she finished speaking, a loud thunk echoed in the hallway.

The improvised "artwork" she'd crafted from the chair leg had slipped from her grasp and rolled right to the maids' feet.

"Damn it… humiliated like this…" she seethed internally, her thoughts darkening. "Just wait, Lucas. I'm not letting you off the hook that easily."

---

"Achoo!"

Lucas, oblivious to Scaramouche's vengeful thoughts, suddenly sneezed.

He had spent a few uneventful days in Mondstadt by now. Although Zhang Luo had mentioned he could take his time, he felt it might be about time to head back to Liyue, where he felt most at home.

After finishing some takeout from Good Hunter, Lucas lay on his bed, lost in thought. With everything that had happened recently, the sudden calm felt almost surreal.

And, as always…

[Ta-da-da-dah! Since you're free, why not start a simulator round?]

Of course…

Even when Lucas wanted a break, Little Xi wasn't about to let him have one.

"I suppose it couldn't hurt…" Lucas mused. "But can we switch up the location? Last few simulators were either in Liyue or Mondstadt."

[Sure thing! Such a small request is no problem for me. How about a Khaenri'ah start?]

"Absolutely not!" Lucas shook his head, chuckling. "If it's five hundred years ago, I'd get wiped out right at the start."

[Just kidding. This time, the simulator will randomly pick a different region among the nations.]

"All right, let's begin."

The recent battle between Scaramouche and Venti had given him a lot to think about. While he could handle ordinary foes, he was still a step behind when it came to facing powerful enemies like the Harbingers or even Archons.

His priority was clear: he needed to get stronger.

[Command received. Starting the Life Simulator now.]

[Please choose three talents from the following options. One random talent will be retained permanently after the simulation.]

[Depression (White): You are easily saddened and prone to depression.]

[Outlaw (Blue): You start with intermediate proficiency in all firearms and advanced proficiency with shotguns.]

[Great Onmyoji (Gold): You possess an extraordinary talent in onmyōdō, and your skills in onmyōdō will increase with age.]

[Childhood Friend (Green): You have a childhood friend who holds strong feelings for you.]

[Demon Affinity (Blue): Most demonfolk naturally harbor a liking for you.]

---

[Angler (Green): You love fishing and never return empty-handed.]

[Uncle from Another World (Green): You have an uncle from another world, but he's incredibly reclusive.]

[Tesla's Curse (White): You're unable to control any "mount" and have a high likelihood of accidents when using transportation.]

[Blade Smith (Green): You excel at forging weapons.]

[Cat Allergy (White): You're allergic to cats and will sneeze uncontrollably around them.]

Finally, a golden talent! No hesitation needed—it was an obvious choice.

Among the blue talents, Demon Affinity seemed useful, especially if he were born in a place like Inazuma, where it might open doors.

As for the last talent, Lucas's eyes settled on Childhood Friend. Although it didn't improve combat skills, having a natural childhood sweetheart seemed nice. At least he'd have some hope for romance in this life.

[Confirmed Talents: Great Onmyoji, Demon Affinity, Childhood Friend]

[Talent Selection Complete. Generating Character Template…]

[Simulation Starting…]

[Age 0: You are born in a modest village in Inazuma. Your parents are humble farmers, and your father names you Ashan, hoping you'll grow up to be kind to others.]

Inazuma, huh…

This was the first simulation set in Inazuma. He wondered what characters he might encounter here. Even though Lucas understood that these "simulations" were real events in parallel worlds, he still instinctively called it a "simulator."

[Age 1: Your father is close friends with the man next door, and they often fish and drink together.]

[Age 2: The neighbor's wife is pregnant, and your mother often helps care for her.]

[Age 3: The neighbor's wife gives birth to a baby girl. The father, in a drunken state, jokingly declares you'll marry her one day. Unimpressed, you look at the wrinkled little face in the cradle and declare, "I don't want to marry a little monkey!" Enraged, your father smacks you with his shoe.]

[Age 4: The girl next door is named Kyoko, an unremarkable name. As she grows cuter each day, you often visit her house. Her mother teases, "Here to see your little wife again?"]

Kyoko?

That name didn't ring any bells. Could it be that this storyline wouldn't include familiar characters?

[Age 5: Kyoko starts talking late, and her first word isn't "Papa" or "Mama," but "Big Brother," directed at you. You're thrilled, but her father sulks until she finally calls him "Papa."]

[Around this time, you begin to see things others can't—walking umbrellas, floating heads, weasels with forked tails… When you tell your father, he seems alarmed.]

[Your father brings a shrine maiden from the nearby temple to perform a ritual. Afterward, you no longer see these strange things.]

[Age 6: Kyoko becomes your little shadow. Other children tease you, but she remains unfazed, proudly declaring she'll be a perfect wife for Ashan someday.]

[Age 7: Today is the annual summer festival, but Kyoko has fallen slightly ill and can't attend. You go with your parents, but in the crowd, you let go of your father's sleeve to look at water balloons. When you come back to your senses, they're nowhere to be found.]

[Faced with this situation, you decide to…]

[Search for them]

[Wait where you are]

"Wait here."

Any sensible child knows that in such situations, it's best to stay put and wait for your family to come find you.

[Entering Immersive Mode]

[Objective: Enjoy the Festival]

Enjoy the festival? What kind of task was that?

Lucas suddenly found himself as Ashan, a seven-year-old, standing amidst the crowd. He was nearly suffocated by the bustling people when a gentle hand took hold of his wrist, lifting him effortlessly from the crowd.

His rescuer was not his parents but a silver-haired woman dressed as a shrine maiden. She was strikingly beautiful, with fox-like golden eyes that gleamed mischievously.

Even Lucas, who'd seen his fair share of beauties, couldn't help but be captivated. For someone like her to appear at a modest village festival seemed almost surreal. Strangely, the passersby paid her no attention, as if she were invisible.

"Leaving such a cute kid all alone… how irresponsible," she said with a crescent-eyed smile. "How about we go watch the fireworks? Try some games or goldfish scooping?"

"I… I don't know you." Ashan quickly snapped out of his daze, shaking his head. "What if you're a bad person?"

"Oh, so cautious!" She chuckled. "But you know, if you wander off alone, a monster might come and gobble you up."

"Liar!" Ashan frowned. "There's no such thing as monsters… huh?"

Suddenly, he froze, wide-eyed. The ordinary festival-goers had vanished, replaced by strange, otherworldly creatures—similar to the ones he'd seen at age five.

"Little one, today is the Bon Festival," she explained softly. "Certain people with unusual sensitivity can accidentally step into realms inhabited by spirits and yokai. Without any yokai aura, you could look like a tasty snack to some of them."

"W-what should I do?" he stammered, visibly shaken.

"Want me to tell you?" She leaned close and, while he wasn't paying attention, planted a light kiss on his cheek.

[Talent Demon Affinity activated. You have gained this yokai's favor.]

So, she was a yokai too?

It made sense; otherwise, why would she be here?

"There we go. You're now marked with my scent," she said, taking his hand with a warm smile. "Now you're under my protection. Other yokai won't dare mess with you."

"Are you… a very powerful yokai?" Ashan asked cautiously.

"Of course I am!" The silver-haired woman proudly placed her hands on her hips. "Ask around—who hasn't heard the name 'Saiguu'?"

As she made this bold gesture, a pair of fluffy, snow-white fox ears popped out from her hair.

Saiguu… the Kitsune Saiguu?

So she was that Kitsune Saiguu!

In the game's story, she was the guardian of Narukami Island, a fox spirit of the Hakushin clan and one of the Raiden Shogun's trusted allies.

But she was said to have vanished five hundred years ago in the great calamity that engulfed Inazuma.

That meant… this simulation was set at least five centuries before the present!

Noticing Ashan's astonishment, Saiguu raised an eyebrow. "What? Don't you believe me?"

"I… I believe you…" Ashan nodded. "Because… because you're really beautiful."

Lucas knew little about Kitsune Saiguu's exact background, but he was certain of one thing—she wasn't someone to fear.

"The prettier the lady, the better she is at lying," Saiguu teased with a playful smile. "If you ever find out I've tricked you, don't come crying."

"If it's you who tricks me…" Ashan murmured, "I wouldn't mind."

For a moment, Saiguu seemed surprised, then she chuckled. "Well, would you like to play a game with me?"

"Yes!" Ashan agreed without hesitation. "What game?"

"Every year at this summer festival, I'll come here," Saiguu said, smiling. "If you can find me each time, then in ten years, I'll grant you one wish."

For a human, ten years might feel like an eternity, but for a fox spirit with Hakushin blood, it was barely a moment.

"Deal." Ashan held out his pinky. "Let's make a pinky promise."

"Pinky promise!" Saiguu hooked her little finger with his, smiling with half-moon eyes. "Anyone who breaks the promise has to eat a thousand fox hairs!"

Bang!

With a loud explosion, brilliant fireworks soared into the sky like shooting stars, illuminating the sleeping night.

"Come on, let's go play!" Saiguu laughed, taking Ashan's hand. "When we're done, I'll make sure you get home."

That summer night, the young boy felt his heart beat with a new rhythm for the first time.

The fox's gentle smile and the dazzling fireworks blended together, becoming a memory he would never forget.

As they parted, Saiguu conjured a delicate water balloon and gifted it to Ashan, promising to meet him again next summer.

[Exiting Immersive Mode]

[Objective Complete: Enjoy the Festival]

[Reward Acquired: Summer Festival Water Pearl]

[Item Type: Set]

[Effect (1/4): Increases all defensive skill effects by 18%]

[The next morning, you wake up to find yourself lying in your own bed. Your father tells you that you must have fallen asleep from all the excitement at the festival last night.]

[At first, you think everything that happened must have been a dream. But the delicate water balloon in your hands proves that it was real.]

[From that day forward, a certain woman takes root in your heart. At your young age, this feeling isn't love—it's more a mix of admiration and fascination.]

[Since meeting Kitsune Saiguu, your ability to see yokai has reawakened. But this time, you keep it a secret from everyone.]

[You fear that if your father brings a shrine maiden to perform another ritual, you'll lose your sight to see yokai… and never see Saiguu again.]

[Age 8: Despite Saiguu's presence in your life, nothing changes in your day-to-day routine. You play with friends during the day and count stars on the rooftop with Kyoko at night.]

[But sometimes, you find yourself in a secluded corner, gazing at the water balloon and counting down the days to the next festival.]

Finally, the summer festival returned, and once again, Kyoko was feeling slightly unwell, just like last year.

You thought it was a coincidence and didn't give it much thought. Your mind was already fully focused on finding Kitsune Saiguu.

But this game turned out to be no easy feat. In the crowded festival, finding a single person was hard enough—let alone a mischievous fox spirit.

You scoured the festival grounds three or four times. For an eight-year-old, this left you exhausted. Just as you were beginning to suspect Saiguu had tricked you, a large, fluffy white tail appeared in the crowd, swaying rhythmically.

It felt like a game hint appearing when you're unsure how to proceed…

Without hesitation, you grabbed the tail, and its owner turned out to be none other than Fox Saiguu!

["Oh, you got me." Fox Saiguu pinched your cheeks with a smile. "Now, what punishment should I give you?"]

["Why am I being punished? I'm the one who caught you!" You pouted, puffing your cheeks in indignation.]

["Well then…" Saiguu lifted you in her arms, winking. "Your punishment is to spend the evening playing with me!"]

Once again, you spent a joyful festival night with Fox Saiguu.

[Age 9: For this year's festival, Kitsune Saiguu disguised herself as a lost old woman. You had to navigate the crowd while searching for her "family," which, of course, didn't exist.]

[Age 10: By now, you've completely adapted to the yokai festival, and oddly enough, many yokai seem to like you, inviting you to play with them.]

[A group of fox spirit ladies surround you, playfully asking which of them you like best.]

[What you didn't realize was that Kitsune Saiguu was standing right behind you. As they waited for you to blush or stammer, you confidently declared, "My favorite is Saiguu!"]

["That's more like it!" Saiguu hugged you from behind with a laugh. "If you'd picked someone else, I'd never let you off, you know."]

[What Saiguu didn't know was that your yokai-sensing ability had been steadily growing, and you'd already sensed her presence.]

[Of course, even if she hadn't been there, your answer would have been the same.]

[Age 11: You notice your sensitivity to yokai has grown stronger. Elders in the village often say that only those with potent spiritual energy can see yokai, and that yokai especially enjoy eating the flesh of the spiritually strong.]

[However, none of the yokai you encounter show any hostility. Sometimes, you even see friends you met at the festival and play games with them.]

[Your humanity is no longer a secret, but thanks to Kitsune Saiguu's protection, no yokai dares harm you.]

---

[Unfortunately, despite your best efforts, you never encounter Kitsune Saiguu outside the festival. Meeting her just once a year brings joy, but for a child, the long wait is often agonizing.]

[Fortunately, you still have other friends—and Kyoko. Even as a child, you understand that Kitsune Saiguu is an unreachable dream, while the girl by your side is someone you can pour your true feelings into.]

[Before this year's festival, you visit Kyoko. Even though she feels unwell every year on this day, you always bring a different gift to cheer her up.]

[This time, Kitsune Saiguu surprises you by bringing someone else—a beautiful girl around your age named Hibiki.]

[Unlike Kitsune Saiguu, Hibiki is sharp-tongued and very competitive, and in every game, you end up losing to her.]

[But you don't mind; your attention remains fixed on Kitsune Saiguu, and you even begin contemplating what wish you'll ask her to grant in six years.]

[Age 12: At this year's festival, Kitsune Saiguu arrives with Hibiki again. The girl seems proud, showing off some shrine maiden spells she learned from Kitsune Saiguu.]

[For some reason, the so-called "spells" seem oddly simple to you. Without even thinking, you easily grasp the mysteries behind them.]

[In Hibiki's astonished gaze, you successfully cast a spell she spent a whole month learning. Competitive as ever, Hibiki takes this hard, while Kitsune Saiguu, instead of getting angry at your "eavesdropping," praises your talent.]

[She promises to teach you a new spell every festival, with the understanding that these spells must remain hidden from others.]

[This is the one time you deceive Kitsune Saiguu. Once home, you perform the spell to cheer up Kyoko, who couldn't attend the summer festival. Watching her laugh, you find the shape of the wish you'll ask of Kitsune Saiguu someday.]

[Age 13: This year's yokai festival is disrupted by a group of mischievous tanuki, led by a portly one named Ioroi, who challenges Kitsune Saiguu.]

[The chubby tanuki seems clumsy, and Kitsune Saiguu leaves it to you to take him on. You beat him handily using the spells she taught you.]

[Even in defeat, Ioroi remains defiant, prompting Kitsune Saiguu to make a wager: she bets he can't steal the Raiden Shogun's sacred Narukami Grass.]

[Naru Weed is a rare plant that grows only near the Raiden Shogun's residence, symbolizing her status. You know it's impossible to steal.]

[Yet, Ioroi surprisingly accepts the bet.]

[You don't hear the outcome of this wager, but a few months later, on a thunderous afternoon before a storm, you find a strange violet flower trembling faintly with each clap of thunder.]

---

[Age 14: Early in the year, your mother passes away from a severe illness. You stay by her bedside throughout, and in a daze, you see faint shadows drifting around her. You try to drive them away, but they are unaffected.]

[Thankfully, Kyoko remains by your side. She's no longer just your betrothed; she's your closest family.]

[This year's festival holds no laughter for you. Kitsune Saiguu sits quietly beside you, listening as you express your sorrow and memories.]

[You cry silently in her embrace, asking if you can use your wish early to bring your mother back. Kitsune Saiguu tells you that reviving the dead is beyond even her powers.]

[You wonder if, to Kitsune Saiguu, your life is just as fleeting as your mother's was to you. When you die, will she shed tears for you?]

---

[Age 15: This year, Kitsune Saiguu doesn't bring Hibiki. Instead, she introduces you to a woman you've never seen before.]

[The woman has purple hair tied in braids and a beauty that rivals Kitsune Saiguu's. Oddly, you don't sense any yokai aura from her.]

[Despite her beauty, her expression is cold, forming a stark contrast to Kitsune Saiguu's perpetual smile.]

[Kitsune Saiguu introduces her as a friend, naming her Shogun, and explains that she recently lost a loved one. She asks you to help Shogun's smile during the festival.]

[Understanding her grief, you immediately agree. That night, the three of you play many games together—goldfish scooping, darts, and finally, in a round of Old Maid, you make Shogun laugh with the tense look on your face.]

[Shogun promises that when you come of age, Kitsune Saiguu can introduce you to her in Inazuma City, where she'll have a reward for you. Thinking she's joking, you agree.]

---

[Age 16: Your mother's death forces you to take on more work for your father. Fortunately, you're already a sturdy young man, and even girls from nearby villages show interest in you. But for you, the choice of future wife was made long ago.]

[Kyoko, who's grown more beautiful each year. Although she doesn't compare to the divine Kitsune Saiguu, she's leagues better than haughty Hibiki.]

[Kyoko's father has long regarded you as his future son-in-law. He frequently tells your father that you should marry soon, and your father laments that if your mother had only lived a bit longer, she could have seen you wed.]

[In your village, marrying at your age is not considered early; after all, marriage can come first, and having children can wait until later.]

[At the festival, you tell Kitsune Saiguu about your upcoming marriage. She seems surprised at first but quickly congratulates you.]

[It's a pity Kyoko doesn't share your spiritual powers; otherwise, you'd love to bring her along to meet your quirky yokai friends.]

[Kitsune Saiguu offers you a "wedding gift," separate from your eventual wish—just a gift between friends.]

[She blindfolds you, takes your hand, and guides you somewhere mysterious. You seem to walk for ages, yet feel as though you've hardly moved at all.]

[When the blindfold comes off, you're standing in a misty hot spring, the water a delicate jade green.]

[Kitsune Saiguu is beside you, soaking in the hot spring as well. Your cheeks flush—she seems to have forgotten that you're no longer the innocent seven-year-old who once clung to her clothes.]

[Entering Immersive Mode.]

As expected, the system had another free "gift" in store.

Through the rising mist, you can barely make out her figure, and the blurred view makes her even more enchanting.

She looks just as she did when you first met her nine years ago; time seems to have overlooked her, leaving no trace on her.

Kitsune Saiguu, noticing nothing amiss, casually remarks, "This is the Hakushin Spring. Only those with Hakushin fox blood can truly bathe here. The waters extend life and strengthen the body."

[Talent Acquired: Hakushin's Blessing]

[Effect: Increased lifespan; allows the use of some skills exclusive to the Hakushin clan.]

It truly is a remarkable gift. But even without the "extra benefits," sharing this moment with Kitsune Saiguu would be gift enough.

And yet, even with her so close, unguarded, no improper thoughts cross your mind. Not only because you're engaged, but because in your heart, Kitsune Saiguu is sacred, untouchable.

And, of course, you wouldn't dare. Kitsune Saiguu is a revered figure, even respected by Yae Miko herself. A single inappropriate thought, and you'd likely meet a terrible fate.

That aside, the warm springwater is remarkably soothing, seeming to sink into your skin and wash away every trace of dust and fatigue.

"Oh, by the way," Kitsune Saiguu says with a sly smile, "they say the Hakushin Spring is formed from the Hakushin Fox King's saliva."

"W-what?" You startle, heart racing.

Was this... a bath in spit?

"Just kidding!" Kitsune Saiguu chuckles, winking. "You're still so easy to tease. Jumping at every little thing, just like when you were a kid."

"I... I'm not a kid anymore." You protest, indignant. "I'm getting married next year."

"Oh, but to me, you'll always be a child," Kitsune Saiguu laughs, covering her mouth. "I remember when you got separated from your parents and cried for your mama."

This reminder of your childhood makes you blush with embarrassment, unsure how to respond.

Kitsune Saiguu goes on, tapping your nose lightly, "Do you even know what comes after marriage, little one? If not, I could teach you…"

"Of... of course, I know!"

You instinctively grab her wrist and gently pull—she stumbles forward, unprepared, and falls into your arms.

In this moment, Kitsune Saiguu realizes you're no longer the little boy who once clung to her skirt.

She had been teasing you, as she loved to do over the years. After all, her reputation as Inazuma's "Heartbreaker" was well-deserved, and her skillful flirting was just second nature.

But she hadn't noticed that the once-timid little puppy had quietly grown into a headstrong young wolf.

For a brief moment, an awkward silence falls.

In your arms, the fox spirit remains still, and her soft breaths, like the breeze of early summer, send a slight tingle down your neck.

"Mm!"

Suddenly, a wave of heat rushes through you, and everything goes dark as your body starts to sink.

"Ashan!" Kitsune Saiguu exclaims, alarmed. "Are you all right?"

"So... hot… feels like my chest is burning…" you murmur.

Realizing the problem, Kitsune Saiguu quickly carries you out of the water and lays you on the ground.

The Hakushin Spring indeed provides powerful benefits but is intended for fox yokai. While humans may gain some of these advantages, they must remain calm in the spring, lest their energies become disrupted and set their spirits ablaze.

You clutch Kitsune Saiguu's hand, worry clear on your face, "S-Saiguu… will I die?"

"No, you won't," Kitsune Saiguu reassures you, a solution already in mind. "Close your eyes, and I'll use a spell to cool the fire within you."

Though you're unsure why, you obediently close your eyes.

Immediately, Kitsune Saiguu begins chanting a spell you recognize as the Ice Congealment Incantation, a cooling charm.

Soon, a refreshing coolness seeps into your body, quelling the heat within.

With ten drops of blood drawn out, your breathing finally steadies.

"You can open your eyes now," Kitsune Saiguu says softly.

When you open them, you're astonished to see nine tails unfurled behind her, and red markings like whiskers painted across her cheeks.

Normally, she doesn't bother to hide her fox ears and tail, but never has she shown her "true form" like this.

She once explained that yokai reveal their true forms only when overcome by strong emotions or when their powers are out of control. But why did such a minor spell bring out her full form?

"Sister Saiguu…" Lucas murmured, "Why have you transformed like this?"

Kitsune Saiguu looked herself over, finally realizing the change and hurriedly tried to tuck her tails away. "N-no reason! Perhaps I just stayed in the spring too long?"

In truth, Lucas had sensed something strange during the ritual, even though his mind had been foggy. But since Kitsune Saiguu didn't mention it, he felt it best not to pry.

Given the unexpected circumstances, this didn't feel like any kind of betrayal toward Kyoko.

"I'm sorry…" Kitsune Saiguu's ears drooped slightly as she apologized, her gaze full of remorse. "It was my fault for coming up with such a whimsical idea."

"It's alright, Sister Saiguu," Lucas reassured her with a smile. "You meant well. And besides, I feel lighter and more refreshed than ever. The Hakushin Spring really has incredible effects."

"Oh, by the way, next year… it'll be our last year together." Kitsune Saiguu asked suddenly, "Have you decided on your wish?"

Lucas shook his head. "I… haven't quite figured it out yet."

Strangely, hearing this seemed to relieve Kitsune Saiguu. "Then take your time. Ah, and this," she said, offering him a flower-shaped accessory, "is a gift for your fiancée."

"It's something I made. It'll never wither, no matter how much time passes. Let's call it… the Summer Festival Blossom."

The delicate flower had a faint fragrance, appearing vivid and lifelike. Since it wasn't a living thing, it couldn't "die."

Boom!

Just then, a distant firework burst in the sky.

"Look at that, isn't it beautiful?"

Kitsune Saiguu always admired fireworks, no matter how many times she saw them. To her, an ageless being like the eternal Summer Festival Blossom, humans must appear as fleeting as fireworks.

[You have obtained: Summer Festival Blossom]

[Item Type: Set]

[Effect (2/4): Enhances all defensive skills by 35%]

[Exiting immersive mode]

[Entering text mode]

---

[Age 17: For Kyoko's fourteenth birthday, you gift her the Summer Festival Blossom. She cherishes it so much that she even clutches it while sleeping.]

[Your wedding is set to take place after the summer festival, at your suggestion. You realize that your feelings for Kitsune Saiguu are becoming increasingly complicated; perhaps it's time to say goodbye.]

[Summer arrives in the blink of an eye. In past years, you always looked forward to the festival, but this time, you feel a slight dread.]

[To your surprise, Kyoko's health holds up this year, and she wishes to attend the festival with you—a dream she's held for years.]

[You don't have the heart to refuse her, especially since she can't see yokai. You've resolved that this will be your final farewell to Kitsune Saiguu.]

[In the festival crowd, you spot Kitsune Saiguu, who waves at you with a familiar smile. But when she sees the girl standing beside you, her expression shifts slightly.]

[You need a moment alone with her, so you pretend to twist your ankle and ask Kyoko to fetch some medicine. Kyoko, innocent as ever, hurries off without question. Meanwhile, Kitsune Saiguu has already walked up to you.]

[Entering immersive mode]

---

"She's your fiancée?" Kitsune Saiguu asked, her brow slightly furrowed. "She's a lovely girl."

"She's nothing compared to you, Sister Saiguu," Lucas answered honestly.

"That's not a nice thing to say," Kitsune Saiguu replied with a faint smile, shaking her head. "One's wife should always be the most beautiful in their eyes."

"It's not about beauty; it's about someone who'll stay by my side for a lifetime." Lucas's words had a hint of bitterness. "Sister Saiguu, there's something I've wanted to tell you for a long time."

"Then say it." Kitsune Saiguu nodded. "We've known each other for ten years; what can't you tell me?"

---

Lucas took a deep breath and finally spoke, "I love you! I've loved you since we first met ten years ago! I love your smile, your scent, your every joke, and every moment I've spent with you…"

"But I know it's impossible for us to be together. I am just a fleeting human, while you are an eternal yokai. So… I've decided to let go."

Wiping the tears from his eyes, he forced a smile. "Today will be the last time we meet. My wish is simple: to live in peace and grow old together with my wife."

As a boy, he was allowed to hold onto his dreams and secret affections.

But as a man, he had to shoulder responsibility.

Lucas's words left Kitsune Saiguu speechless. After a long silence, she finally managed to speak, her voice strained, "Ashan… could you perhaps… choose another wish?"

"Why?" Lucas suddenly felt a sense of foreboding. "Are you saying we won't be able to stay together? No, I love her, and she loves me too."

"No, please listen…" Kitsune Saiguu's expression dimmed. "I'm afraid your fiancée might not survive the summer."

"What?" Lucas gasped. "But her health has improved! She even came with me to the festival!"

"That's just a brief recovery," Kitsune Saiguu sighed. "Every year, she falls ill during the Bon Festival because she has a rare condition known as the Yin-Imbalance Body. On this day, when Yin energy is at its peak, it accumulates within her. When I saw her just now, her lifespan was nearly exhausted…"

Just then, there was a loud gasp behind Lucas. He turned to see Kyoko, who had returned with the medicine, collapsing to the ground, eyes closed and blood trickling from her mouth.

---

Half an hour later.

When the doctor stepped out of the room, Lucas and Kyoko's family immediately rushed over to inquire about her condition.

"I'm sorry," the doctor shook his head. "I've never seen such a dire illness… you should prepare for the worst."

Kyoko's mother broke into sobs, while her father nearly stumbled, barely keeping his footing.

A thought struck Lucas, and he hurried to the back of the house, where Kitsune Saiguu waited. "Please… my wish is for Kyoko to live!"

Lucas's plea brought Kitsune Saiguu to silence.

"You can do it, can't you?" Lucas's voice quivered with desperation. "I know you can't bring someone back from the dead, but if she's still alive, surely there's a way."

Kitsune Saiguu gazed deeply into his eyes. After a long pause, she nodded. "I can save her. But the price is that you and I will never meet again in this lifetime. Even knowing this, do you still wish it?"

Lucas hesitated, but the sounds of Kyoko's parents' weeping urged him to make up his mind. "I… I'm willing."

After all, he had already resolved to live out his life as a human and sever ties with the yokai world and Kitsune Saiguu.

Kitsune Saiguu smiled faintly, handing him a silver pill. "I suppose this is fate… since it's your wish. Have her swallow this, and she will awaken in three days."

"Thank… thank you." Lucas accepted the pill carefully, but when he looked up, Kitsune Saiguu had vanished without a trace.

Was this really… goodbye?

He had no time to dwell on it and quickly returned to tell Kyoko's parents that he had previously obtained a remedy from the Grand Narukami Shrine. With no other options, they agreed, allowing him to give Kyoko the silver pill.

To everyone's astonishment, a miracle occurred.

Kyoko's pale face gradually turned rosy, and soon enough, her breathing became steady.

---

[Exiting immersive mode]

[Entering text mode]

---

[Three days later, Kyoko miraculously awakes, even healthier than before. However, her memory seems fragmented from the fever, leaving her unable to recall even her family clearly. Yet she still remembers you, calling out your name.]

[Though her memories aren't fully intact, her family and you are overjoyed. To celebrate, your families decide to hold the wedding right away. Kyoko, who still harbors feelings for you, agrees without hesitation.]

[It's a simple yet unique wedding. Half the attendees are villagers, while the other half are the yokai friends you've made over the years. Yet, among them, Kitsune Saiguu's absence weighs on you. Despite your decision to never meet again, a subtle sense of loss lingers in your heart.]

[As the ceremony ends, a young shrine maiden arrives with a wedding gift. It's Hibiki, once a companion to Kitsune Saiguu. Casually, you ask if she knows where Kitsune Saiguu is.]

[She glances briefly at your bride, her expression blank. "Lady Saiguu says she doesn't wish to see you again. She hopes you'll live well with your wife and forget about her."]

[The wedding gift Hibiki presents is a delicate fox mask—the very one Kitsune Saiguu used to wear during the festival. It still carries a hint of her familiar scent.]

[Item Acquired: Summer Festival Mask (Set)]

[Effect (3/4): Enhances all defensive skills by 35%]

[Though the village wedding is simple, the revelry is heartfelt, and the celebrations last late into the night. You drink heavily and, intoxicated, are guided to the bridal chamber by Kyoko's father. Patiently, Kyoko tends to you as you drift in and out of consciousness, noting how her face bears a resemblance to Kitsune Saiguu. Of course, you refrain from speaking the name of the fox spirit; it would be too cruel to Kyoko.]

---

[Age 18: Over the past year, Kyoko's health has greatly improved. Although her memories of her parents remain faint, she still treats them with utmost respect.]

[Her personality has also changed. Once gentle and reserved, she has grown lively and outgoing since her recovery, and you find you don't mind this new side of her.]

[That summer, you and Kyoko attend the festival again. You see many of your yokai friends, yet there is still no sign of Kitsune Saiguu. It seems strange, as she adored the festival and fireworks, and wouldn't miss it even to avoid you.]

[But you're learning to move on, for now, you have someone tangible to cherish.]

[It's your first time spending the entire festival with Kyoko. You play many games together, and though she's never played them before, she's surprisingly adept—often beating you. Her charm draws many admiring looks from those around.]

---

[Age 19: Kyoko has turned sixteen. Though you've been married for two years, you've refrained from consummating the marriage, feeling she was still too young. But Kyoko has grown increasingly restless, frequently teasing you with small gestures when you sleep.]

[The challenge of her teasing tests your resolve, and though you strive to hold firm, eventually, you let her have her way, choosing to turn a blind eye to her antics.]

---

[Age 20: Kyoko's playful gestures become bolder, so you immerse yourself in more work to avoid any "accidents." You can't help but wonder if her personality shift has something to do with the pill Kitsune Saiguu gave her.]

---

[Age 21: For Kyoko's eighteenth birthday, you commission a custom-made outfit from the village tailor, which she adores, pinning the Summer Festival Blossom proudly at the center.]

[Eighteen years old now, Kyoko is a vision of youthful beauty, though not on par with Kitsune Saiguu or Shogun, yet as radiant as a newly blossomed lotus. That night, her playful teasing grows bolder, and this time, you don't hold back.]

[The little fox finally pays the price for her playful tricks over the past three years, and she soon understands why you had prepared by reinforcing the bed and purchasing a pair of deer antlers soaked in wine.]

[You're not like the average villager who charges blindly forward. Even in your ferocity, there remains a touch of gentleness.]

[Soft moonlight spills through the window, illuminating the tears on Kyoko's cheeks. For some reason, you find traces of Kitsune Saiguu in her features. Ironically, this fleeting illusion doesn't slow you down; it only stirs a deeper, unnameable impulse within you.]

[The next morning, you wake up late, finding faint scratch marks on your skin that resemble fox claws, along with a surprisingly deep bite mark on your shoulder. Are Kyoko's canines really that sharp? You can't help but be a bit puzzled.]

[But does it really matter? After your first night together, your bond with Kyoko feels even deeper. Strangely, she already seems more mature than she did the day before, though she still blushes when she notices the dark red stain on the sheets.]

[Perhaps due to your immersion in the Hakushin Spring, your body is far stronger than that of a typical man. Despite last night's intensity, you're filled with energy in the morning.]

[Kyoko doesn't yet grasp the implications, assuming the fervor was simply the result of your long-held restraint. She remains unaware until, even before she's had a chance to wash up, you pull her back into bed.]

---

[Age 22: Despite her frailty in the past, Kyoko learned to spin and weave to help support her family. With more free time now, she's returned to weaving and, surprisingly, her textiles are of exceptional quality and sell out quickly at the market.]

[You joke that she's like the mythical crane who spins silk by plucking her own feathers in gratitude.]

["But didn't the crane leave in the end?" Kyoko sets down her spindle, nestling into your arms with a laugh. "I'm not going anywhere."]

---

[Age 23: Your hard work together has brought prosperity to your household, and you begin considering having children.]

[People in your village often marry and have children young, and many of your old friends are now fathers. In the past, financial struggles held you back from such thoughts, but that's no longer a concern.]

[To reach this goal, you "redouble your efforts." Kyoko teases that you're like an ox, tirelessly plowing the fields without regard for the soil's limits.]

[Of course, you aren't reckless. Kyoko is, after all, only human. But, steeped in tradition, you feel that a child would make your family truly complete.]

---

[Age 24: Despite your diligent "farming," Kyoko's belly remains stubbornly unchanged. Even her parents feel embarrassed and suggest you take a concubine to ensure an heir, but you refuse outright.]

[One day, Kyoko brings home a small fox with soft, pink fur—a rarity and very adorable.]

["Let's think of it as our child for now," she suggests.]

[While you know a fox could never replace a child, you humor her, and the two of you care for it lovingly. Kyoko names the fox "Miko," hoping that the "divine will bless us with a child."]

[Of course, you don't believe in divine intervention; you believe only in your own efforts.]

Miko? A pink-haired fox?

Yae Miko?

Why would she show up as a pet?

---

[Age 25: The little fox is incredibly clever, often amusing you both with its antics. Oddly, it prefers to cling to you more than Kyoko, making her slightly jealous.]

[It even seems capable of feeling embarrassment. One day, curiosity gets the best of you, and you try to determine its gender, only for it to cover its face with its fluffy tail for hours, sulking until Kyoko brings its favorite treat—fried tofu.]

---

[Age 26: Over the years, you see fewer yokai friends, and reports of yokai attacks on villagers become increasingly common—something unheard of before.]

[Nearby villages suffer strange occurrences, yet yours remains unscathed. Perhaps due to your strong spiritual energy, malevolent yokai avoid approaching.]

[Kyoko often seems troubled, and you assume it's due to her difficulty conceiving. You frequently try to console her.]

---

[Age 27: You hear of a nearby shrine known for its powerful blessings and decide to take Kyoko there to pray. On the way, you're suddenly ambushed by a horde of frenzied yokai.]

[Though Kitsune Saiguu taught you some spells, and your body is resilient, these hostile creatures overwhelm you.]

[Desperately shielding Kyoko, you urge her to escape, but unexpectedly, a barrage of light arrows appears, vanquishing the yokai in an instant.]

[Stunned, you recognize the spell as one only Kitsune Saiguu could cast, which she once shamelessly used to cheat during a festival game.]

[Turning to look, your eyes widen in shock. Kyoko's hair has turned silver, and fox ears and a tail have appeared on her body.]

[Her garments flow around her just as they did ten years ago, when she looked exactly like this.]

[In that moment, understanding dawns. Why Kyoko was resurrected, why she lost her memory, and why her personality had changed.]

["I'm sorry," Kitsune Saiguu sighs, "I couldn't save the real Kyoko, so I did the only thing I could—I took her form, allowing her to 'live on' through me."]

[The true Kyoko passed away ten years ago. It's been Kitsune Saiguu by your side all along.]

["Human lives are so brief," Kitsune Saiguu says quietly. "I thought I could carry on this lie until your end, but now… I must leave."]

["Don't go!" you plead. "Keep lying to me if you must. Just don't leave me."]

[Even if it was a lie, it was a beautiful one, and the feelings you shared over the past decade were genuine.]

[But Kitsune Saiguu shakes her head. "I would love nothing more than to stay with you. These past ten years have been the happiest of my life. But now, Inazuma faces a dire calamity, and I can't ignore its suffering for our happiness. Once I'm gone, Miko will stay with you in my place."]

[From the start, Miko was never meant as a substitute for a child but for Kitsune Saiguu herself.]

[With that, Kitsune Saiguu disappears, leaving only a delicately crafted wooden dart—the same one she used during the festival.]

[Item Acquired: Summer Festival's End (Set)]

[Effect (2/4): Enhances all defensive skills by 35%; (4/4): While under shield protection or defense boosts, gain an additional 40% attack damage bonus.]

[Achievement Unlocked: Reverse Shooting Star]

---

[When you return home, the house, once filled with laughter, now feels empty. Little Miko seems to sense Kitsune Saiguu's absence and rubs her nose gently against your hand.]

[Kitsune Saiguu had said that Miko would replace her. But really, what could possibly replace Kitsune Saiguu?]

["From now on, it'll just be the two of us… or rather, one man and one fox." You laugh wryly, only for Miko to open her mouth and speak, "What do I look like to you?"]

[Startled, you realize this little fox, raised by Kitsune Saiguu, must be a yokai herself. Though her powers are limited, she's learned to speak.]

[Yokai like foxes and tanuki often encounter a bottleneck in their power. To surpass it, they seek a human's recognition and ask, "What do I look like to you?"]

[Saying they look "human" allows them to break through, while calling them a "spirit" can elevate their power even further. But any other answer can lead to disastrous consequences.]

[However, Miko is inexperienced. Barely possessing any powers, she's rushed into taking human form without disguise, directly asking you this important question. Your response is…]

[1. "You look like a ten-kilometer space battleship."]

[2. "You look like a 148-centimeter pink-haired fox-eared girl with… ample bosom!."]

[3. "You look like a Tibetan fox who loves nunchucks and researching mythical water creatures."]

As a man, Lucas is curious about what an actual space battleship would look like, but saying that would probably make Miko cry.

As for the third option?

The image of Miko with a Tibetan fox face brings a smile to his lips.

You look like a 148-centimeter pink-haired fox-eared girl with… ample bosom.

[No sooner do the words leave your mouth than Miko sneezes, and with a poof, the fluffy pink fox transforms into a pink-haired young girl.]

[Entering immersive mode.]

The girl appears to be around sixteen or seventeen, her beauty almost on par with Kitsune Saiguu's. Due to your "command," she's petite in stature yet with… surprisingly exaggerated proportions.

Her vibrant violet eyes gaze at you with a lively sparkle, studying you intently.

"It seems Lady Saiguu has left," she murmurs, glancing over herself with a smile. "From now on, I'll be here to serve you in her place."

----

Even the playful glint in her eyes and the curve of her smile bore a striking resemblance to Kitsune Saiguu's own.

Lucas couldn't help but wonder—did Kitsune Saiguu think so little of human emotions? When Kyoko died, she replaced her with herself; now, with her own departure, she'd arranged for yet another fox to take her place.

Still, he wasn't too surprised by Miko's transformation, as it was something Kitsune Saiguu might indeed do. He simply patted her head and asked, "So, how exactly do you intend to replace her?"

Miko tapped her chest confidently, "Anything Lady Saiguu could do, I can do too! I can cook, spin cloth, clean the house… I could even put your 'long bread' into a warm oven…"

Lucas's face flushed. He suddenly remembered that he'd never bothered with modesty around Miko, treating her as a simple pet even during intimate moments with Kyoko. Apparently, she'd picked up more than a few things from observing him and Kyoko.

Eager to prove herself, Miko wrapped her arms around his neck, her face turning a shade of pink as she whispered, "I remember Lady Saiguu would do it like this…"

While Miko showed no sense of human shame, Lucas quickly stopped her, sighing, "You're not Kitsune Saiguu, nor are you Kyoko. You can't replace them."

A hint of sadness flickered in Miko's eyes as she looked up at him, crestfallen. "Then… what can I do for you? Lady Saiguu told me to stay with you no matter what."

Kitsune Saiguu must have worried her departure would hit him too hard, perhaps even drive him to despair. That's why she'd made Miko promise to never leave him.

"Then go back to your original form," Lucas said, making his request gently. "I prefer you as a fox."

Of course, this wasn't his true feeling, but seeing Miko in human form would only remind him of Kitsune Saiguu.

"A fox form?" Miko pondered, nodding. "I'll try!"

With furrowed brows, she formed a hand sign, concentrating on a transformation spell.

At this time, Miko was far from the powerful High Priestess of the Grand Narukami Shrine she would become five centuries later; she was still a small fox, struggling to master her human transformation.

A swirl of fluffy pink fur appeared, and Miko transformed… mostly.

Now, her face had morphed into a fox's, and her body was covered in pink fur, yet she retained a humanoid shape, creating an unusual, captivating beauty.

A delight for those with a penchant for anthropomorphic forms.

"S-sorry!" Miko stammered, clearly distressed by her incomplete transformation. "I… I'll practice and get better at it, so please don't send me away!"

"No need to force it," Lucas said with a wry smile. "Take your time. I'm not going to send you away—you're all I have now."

Despite these words, Lucas's heart remained restless. He still hadn't let go of Kitsune Saiguu. No matter what, he had to see her one more time.

---

[Age 28: You restore Kyoko's gravestone. Both your parents and hers passed away a few years ago, sparing them from ever knowing Kyoko's fate.]

[Fourteen years have passed since her death, and though you've now lived twenty-eight years, you realize that what remains is familial affection for Kyoko. The seed of love, however, was planted long ago, back when you were seven.]

[You no longer plan to follow Kitsune Saiguu's request to live quietly with Miko. You resolve to find her, even if it means traveling down a path that divides human and yokai forever.]

[You sell your family's property, taking only Miko and the four precious mementos Kitsune Saiguu left behind—the Ever-Blooming Flower, Fox Mask, Water Balloon, and Wooden Dart—as you set off on your journey.]

[In truth, you already have a clear lead. Kitsune Saiguu is the High Priestess of the Grand Narukami Shrine. Even if she isn't there, someone at the shrine will know where she is.]

[This journey is far from easy. As Kitsune Saiguu foretold, Inazuma is in turmoil, plagued by strange occurrences. A human with spiritual power and a fledgling fox yokai experience many hardships along the way, each more difficult than the last.]

[But Miko remains uncomplaining. She is your pet, but also your family. She mends your torn clothes and curls up beside you on cold nights, keeping your bed warm with her fluffy fur… though, of course, it often falls to you to sweep up her shed fur, especially since she often falls asleep first.]

[Perhaps due to her Kitsune bloodline, Miko grows rapidly in strength. While she can't yet defeat formidable enemies, her illusions help you escape from dangerous encounters.]

[After a long journey, you finally reach the border of Mt. Yougou. All that remains is to climb the steep path to enter the Grand Narukami Shrine.]

[However, unlike the bustling shrine it will become in five hundred years, this era's Grand Narukami Shrine is not open to all. As you attempt to ascend the first step, you find yourself stopped by an invisible barrier.]

["It's no use. You won't get through," says a familiar voice from within the barrier. A shrine maiden with a clear, delicate face appears and, with a cold expression, informs you, "Lady Saiguu has set a special seal over the shrine's boundary. You, of all people, are forbidden to pass."]

[Even though you haven't seen her for over ten years, you instantly recognize her: "Hibiki! Is it really you, Hibiki? It's me, Ashan!"]

[Your reaction seems to surprise her, but she quickly resumes her impassive tone. "I am now Asase Hibiki, a shrine maiden under Lady Saiguu's guidance."]

[You beg Asase Hibiki to let you in, but she coldly refuses. It's clear she never liked you much, even as a child. Perhaps she's even pleased to see you separated from Kitsune Saiguu.]

["Even I can't break Lady Saiguu's seal," she says bluntly. "And besides, Lady Saiguu is currently occupied, cleansing Inazuma of this calamity. She doesn't have time for your childish games."]

[Her words sting, angering you, but deep down, you wonder—were the ten years Kitsune Saiguu spent with you really nothing more than a fleeting amusement?]

[Yet, you refuse to give up. Knowing she's here, you vow to remain at the shrine's entrance until she agrees to see you.]

[Exhausted by the long journey, you sit outside the shrine gate, enduring three days without food or water before finally collapsing.]

[When you regain consciousness, you find yourself lying in a bamboo hut. Sitting beside you, in addition to the small fox Miko, is a beautiful girl with black hair.]

[The girl wears a red mask, and two pairs of black wings extend from her back. Having encountered various yokai, you recognize her as a member of the tengu clan, one of the four great yokai clans of Inazuma.]

Though Inazuma is home to many yokai, the tengu, tanuki, oni, and fox clans are the most prominent. Unlike five hundred years later, when yokai bloodlines are rare, in this era, yokai are as populous as humans.

[The tengu girl introduces herself as "Teruyo," a member of the tengu clan living on Mt. Yougou. She explains that she found Miko while patrolling the mountains and followed her to where you lay unconscious, bringing you back to her clan's home.]

[Generally, yokai avoid unnecessary interaction with humans. Teruyo would normally guide a lost human back down the mountain, but this time, for some reason, she chose to bring you to her clan's sanctuary. (Talent: Demon Affinity activated.)]

[Bringing a human back to a yokai clan is rare. Upon awakening, you're summoned immediately to meet the tengu clan's chief.]

[The tengu chief, a dignified and graceful woman named "Reizenbou," asks why you're on Mt. Yougou. Instead of explaining outright, you tell her you wish to see Kitsune Saiguu for an answer, but were stopped by her barrier.]

["That wild fox," Reizenbou muses with a mysterious smile. "She loves to set fires everywhere and never bothers to put them out. Perhaps one finally blazed back to her own doorstep?" She smirks. "Forget a mere mortal—even in all of Inazuma, only a handful could break her seal."]

[Her words ignite a spark within you, and you plead for Reizenbou's help in breaking the barrier.]

[Your request is denied, as she refuses to risk angering her neighbor for a stranger.]

[Undeterred, you propose another solution: "Then, I ask that you teach me your arts." If you break the barrier yourself, it won't disrupt the alliance between the tengu and the Grand Narukami Shrine.]

[Reizenbou seems surprised by your request. As she hesitates, Teruyo enters, requesting her mother accept you as a disciple.]

[Reizenbou laughs softly. "If my daughter herself is asking on your behalf, I suppose I can't refuse. But remember, I will only teach you for ten years. When that time ends, whether you succeed or fail, you must leave. And in the future, should the tengu clan call upon you, you cannot refuse."]

[Ten years. Once again, your life seems entwined with ten-year promises. Your deal with Kitsune Saiguu lasted ten years; you spent ten years with her. And now, another ten-year pledge awaits.]

[For these yokai, ten years pass in the blink of an eye. But how many such spans do you, as a human, have left?]

["Also, as my disciple, you'll need a new name," Reizenbou smiles. "It's said that one who receives a tengu's name receives their blessing. Today is a fine, clear day, so let this be your name to commemorate it."]

[Thus, you are given a seemingly simple name: Harunosuke.]

Harunosuke?

Kamuna Harunosuke?

The first onmyoji in Inazuman history and one of the famed "Youngou Three" The very founder of the Onmyoji Bureau that would later rise to prominence.

Following the Doctor and Eberhart, Lucas had once again taken the place of a historical figure from Genshin Impact.

---

[Age 29: When it comes to martial arts, the sooner you begin, the better; but learning sorcery doesn't face such restrictions. And for the tengu clan, thirty isn't even considered mature.]

[Unexpectedly, your talent far exceeds even Reizenbou's expectations. Skills that would take a tengu prodigy two weeks to master, you learn in a few hours. (Great Onmyoji talent activated.)]

[Age 30: Within a single year, you make remarkable progress in your abilities, so much so that Reizenbou often sighs, lamenting that you were born human instead of a yokai.]

[You suspect she mourns the potential loss of your gifts to human mortality, as even a lifetime of mastery will flicker out like a meteor.]

[Age 31: Reizenbou gradually transfers more of your training to her daughter, Teruyo. This cheerful tengu girl is skilled in both sorcery and swordsmanship, and she often shares a few sword techniques with you.]

[In addition to your talent for learning, you also have a flair for innovation, recording Teruyo's swordplay with "Mimicry Art," allowing you to mirror her techniques perfectly.]

[Although this shortcut is useless against an expert like Teruyo, it's more than enough to handle ordinary opponents.]

[Meanwhile, Miko lives with you, spending the day as your "pet" and shifting into her human form at night to help with chores and keep you company. She has no objections to your plans; as long as she's by your side, she's content.]

[Occasionally, rumors circulate about a woman's silhouette seen in your window, though it's mostly dismissed as a joke.]

[Age 32: After three years of rigorous training, your skills in sorcery have soared. One day, you once again stand before the gate of the Grand Narukami Shrine, preparing to test your abilities by opening a breach in the barrier.]

[Yet despite your remarkable progress, even you fail to create so much as a crack in the barrier.]

[Just as you fall into despair, a familiar, haughty voice drifts over: "I didn't think you would still be trying. Even with the tengu's sorcery, you'll never break Lady Saiguu's barrier."]

[Entering Immersive Mode.]

---

As expected, the speaker was none other than the shrine maiden Asase Hibiki, who had always looked upon him with disdain.

By all rights, she should be around his age, yet she looked scarcely more than twenty. Clearly, under Kitsune Saiguu's guidance, she had also picked up some longevity practices.

"One day, I will break this seal!" Lucas declared with determination. "And then, I'll confront Kitsune Saiguu myself for answers."

"Why put yourself through this?" Hibiki shook her head. "It's not as if Lady Saiguu is the only woman in the world."

"You wouldn't understand," Lucas replied quietly. "When you have someone you truly care for, you'll realize that some people are irreplaceable."

A smile crept onto his face as he added, "Then again, with your sharp personality, I doubt anyone could fall for you."

"What… what did you just say?" Hibiki spluttered, visibly enraged. "Even I… even I…"

"Well, well, Hibiki! Fancy seeing you here!" A cheerful voice called out behind Lucas. "Looks like I saved myself a trip up the mountain, hahaha!"

Turning around, Lucas saw a broad-shouldered man in an official uniform, likely a few years his senior, striding over with a hearty grin. "Hey, young fellow, are you Hibiki's friend?"

"Of course not!" Hibiki snapped. "Just an intruder causing trouble at the gate."

"That won't do!" The man immediately drew a katana from his side, "Let me help you chase him off!"

"Wait!" Hibiki hadn't finished explaining when the man had already charged forward with his sword raised.

Lucas didn't hesitate, using "Mimicry Art" to emulate Teruyo's sword techniques, parrying the man's assault.

To his surprise, the man was a skilled swordsman, and Lucas soon found himself overwhelmed. Just as the man was about to strike, he stopped his blade mid-air, eyeing Lucas with interest. "Hold on—this is tengu swordsmanship. Who are you?"

"I am a disciple of Reizenbou, the tengu chief," Lucas answered honestly.

"Oh, so we're practically family then!" The man sheathed his sword with a laugh. "I'm Takamine The Mistsplitter. I once trained in tengu arts myself before taking a post under the Shogun. I guess that makes us brothers of a sort!"

"Takamine The Mistsplitter?" Hibiki scoffed, sticking out her tongue. "Your real name is Konbumaru."

For some reason, the usually cold and aloof Hibiki seemed flustered around him.

Even Lucas noticed that she seemed to harbor some feelings for this Takamine.

"Th-that was just a nickname from my teacher," Takamine protested. "Tengu love giving weird names. So, kid, they didn't give you anything strange, did they?"

"My name is Harunosuke," Lucas replied.

"Huh… that's almost disappointingly normal," Takamine chuckled, scratching his chin. "Anyway, I actually came here with some good news."

"Oh, let me guess," Hibiki replied in a sarcastic tone, though there was a hint of anxiety. "Some rock finally cracked, and you managed to charm some poor soul?"

"Sharp as always, Hibiki!" Takamine laughed. "I've just been promoted to Hatamoto, a direct retainer of the Shogun and my family's been overwhelmed by matchmakers. I finally settled on the daughter of a high-ranking official. Never thought a guy like me would end up with a highborn lady."

There it is, Lucas thought with a grimace. Hibiki's act had pushed things too far, and now her aloofness had cost her dearly.

"Is… is that so?" Hibiki's face turned pale, though she tried to maintain her composure. "Is… is she beautiful?"

"She's not as pretty as you," Takamine said with a laugh, entirely oblivious to her feelings. "But she's kind and gentle—completely different from you!"

Perfect, Lucas thought, watching the unyielding tsundere and the oblivious tough guy struggle with their unspoken feelings. No wonder they never stood a chance.

Takamine set down a basket on his back, the contents jingling. "Come on, let's all drink to celebrate. Harunosuke, you too. Drinking's only fun with friends!"

"I'm not in the mood for drinking." Hibiki's tone was icy. "I'm not feeling well today. You can go ahead."

"What's wrong?" Takamine scratched his head. "Want me to take a look?"

"No!" Hibiki bit her lip, trembling. "Just get out of here! Go celebrate with your lady!"

Perplexed, Takamine scratched his head and finally nodded. "Well… alright then. The drinks are here if you change your mind."

He turned to leave, then paused. "Oh, and Hibiki… you're not getting any younger. Maybe it's time to find someone worth waiting for, instead of wasting your life on things that are never coming back."

It seemed he wasn't entirely unaware.

Perhaps he did have feelings for Hibiki, but as a hatamoto in the Shogun's service, he couldn't take a shrine maiden as his wife. His future, his career—they weighed heavily on his decision.

On one side of the scales lay Hibiki; on the other, his ambitions. In the end, he chose the weightier path.

Watching Takamine's figure fade into the distance, Lucas felt a chill break over him. Though he and Hibiki had never really gotten along, in this moment, he couldn't help but pity her.

Falling for such a man, with a personality as annoying as hers—it was a recipe for heartbreak.

---

"Then… I'll be on my way," Lucas said awkwardly, feeling stifled by the heavy atmosphere. "You should head back soon too." 

"Wait." 

Just as he turned to leave, Asase Hibiki's low voice stopped him in his tracks. 

"Is there something you need?" Lucas asked with a sigh. 

"Do you have time right now?" Hibiki's expression darkened as she posed her question. 

"I… I have laundry to hang," Lucas replied, grasping for an excuse. 

At that moment, a distant rumble of thunder broke through the air. Dark clouds swiftly blanketed the sky, and rain seemed imminent. His excuse fell apart under nature's timing. 

"Looks like you're free now," Hibiki said flatly. Stepping out of the shrine's barrier, she effortlessly lifted a heavy basket of sake jars, each weighing over twenty pounds. "Come on, drink with me. I know a good spot." 

The truth was, Lucas could think of no better time to drown oneself in alcohol. If someone could lend an ear to his grievances while drinking, even better. 

Unluckily for him, Hibiki had chosen him for that role. 

As he racked his brain for a way to decline her "invitation," Hibiki added, "If you drink with me, I'll tell you how to break the barrier." 

Faced with such a tempting offer, Lucas had no choice but to relent. 

He couldn't deny it—though Reizenbou, the tengu chief, had the strength to break Kitsune Saiguu's barrier, Lucas wasn't sure he could reach such power within the allotted ten years of training. 

If Hibiki truly had a shortcut, he couldn't afford to let the chance slip away. 

---

Hibiki's "good spot" turned out to be an abandoned shrine. 

Legends claimed Inazuma housed eight million gods. While the number was an exaggeration, shrines dedicated to lesser deities were not uncommon. 

When those deities vanished and their followers faded into obscurity, the shrines were left unattended, either overtaken by nature or forgotten entirely in the wilderness. 

The shrine Hibiki led him to wasn't large, and the statue it once housed had eroded beyond recognition. 

Yet, contrary to what he expected, the place was remarkably clean. It was clear someone had been maintaining it. 

"Konbumaru and I used to drink here all the time," Hibiki said, setting out cups. "That idiot… he really thought of me as one of the guys." 

The knife marks on the pillars, the dice cups beneath the altar, the arrow quivers in the corners—all seemed to whisper stories of the past. 

The sake poured into their cups exuded a rich, enticing aroma. 

"You liked him, didn't you?" Lucas asked bluntly. 

"I…" Hibiki instinctively wanted to deny it, but in the end, she could only offer a bitter smile. "I did." 

The sake, meant to be sweet, tasted unbearably bitter. 

"You're such a coward," Lucas said after downing a cup. "I confessed my feelings to Lady Saiguu when I was only seventeen." 

"So what if I was turned away?" Lucas continued, pouring himself another drink. "I'm still here, shamelessly waiting for her." 

"If I'd had your courage, maybe things would have been different," Hibiki muttered, taking another swig. "I… I apologize for the things I said to you before. Your feelings for Lady Saiguu are no joke." 

"And you're not some heartless old hag," Lucas replied, raising his cup. "Tonight, let's drink until we can't stand. Cheers!" 

The clinking of cups sounded like the shattering of hearts. 

---

Hours later. 

Around the roaring firepit, countless empty bottles lay scattered. 

"You bastard, Konbumaru! What kind of fool was I to fall for you?" Hibiki's face was flushed from the alcohol, and her normally tidy shrine maiden attire was disheveled, revealing a shoulder as pale as carved jade. 

"And you, Kitsune Saiguu! You heartless woman!" Lucas, equally drunk, vented years of pent-up frustration. "I gave up everything for you, and you can't even face me!" 

"D-don't speak ill of Lady Saiguu…" 

Despite her inebriation, Hibiki's respect for Kitsune Saiguu remained unwavering. She stumbled toward Lucas, only to trip and fall before reaching him. 

Lucas instinctively moved to catch her, but his own unsteady footing caused him to step on her skirt. A loud tear resounded as the red fabric ripped, and they both tumbled onto the rotting wooden floorboards. 

The flickering fire cast their intertwined shadows onto the crumbling gray walls. 

Without the real-world benefits of his talents and abilities—like the Never Drunk trait—Lucas's alcohol tolerance proved woefully ordinary. 

Hibiki's silhouette, so similar to Kitsune Saiguu's, combined with her identical shrine maiden garb, blurred the lines in Lucas's drunken mind. 

Outside, the downpour began in earnest, thunder rolling across the heavens. With no way to leave, they were trapped together in the secluded shrine. 

Their gazes met, holding for a few seconds before Hibiki leaned forward and kissed him without hesitation. 

Lucas half-heartedly resisted, his mind clouded by the haze of alcohol. From childhood to now, he had never won against Hibiki—tonight was no exception. 

"You're mistaken," Lucas said, managing to push her away slightly. "I'm not Takamine." 

"I know you're not," Hibiki replied, her voice tinged with bitterness and pain. "But if he can marry another woman… then I'll give myself to another man!" 

Though she was in her thirties, Hibiki still bore the naivety of a young girl. This act of vengeance against Takamine was her desperate attempt to reclaim agency over her own shattered heart. 

"I…" 

Lucas tried to respond, but Hibiki cut him off with a single declaration. 

"Agree to this, or else," she said, her hand pressing firmly against his chest. "I won't tell you the secret to breaking the barrier. You'll never see Lady Saiguu again." 

Lucas was reminded that this was, after all, the Villain Simulator. 

Sometimes, achieving your goals required doing things you'd rather not. 

The potent sake left by Takamine clouded his mind further, its aroma mingling with the storm's petrichor. The shadows on the wall shifted and danced, as if mocking them. 

The alcohol dulled Hibiki's pain—both the one in her heart and the one in her body. 

Lucas moved with practiced familiarity, aiding Hibiki in executing her so-called "revenge plan." 

The abandoned shrine, shrouded in the veil of heavy rain, felt warm and alive within the confines of its decrepit walls. 

Suddenly, a heavy silhouette appeared at the door, rapping lightly on the wooden frame that seemed ready to collapse under the wind and rain. "Hibiki, it's… Konbumaru. Are you in there?" 

Both Lucas and Hibiki froze. They hadn't expected Takamine to find this place under such circumstances. 

The flickering firelight within the shrine betrayed their presence—who else would be here but Hibiki? 

Caught unprepared, there was no time to tidy up. If Takamine saw them, the consequences would be disastrous. 

"D-don't come in!" Hibiki bit her lip, her voice trembling. "I… I don't want to see you!" 

"Then I'll speak from here," Takamine sighed, his deep voice almost drowned out by the rain. "I've thought long and hard, and I realize… I can't get you out of my heart." 

Hearing this, Hibiki covered her mouth, unsure if her tears stemmed from joy, bitterness, or regret. 

Lucas's movements reminded her that it was already too late. 

"But I cannot defy the marriage arranged by the Shogun," Takamine added hesitantly. "So… would you consider being my concubine? I promise, I'll treat you as I would a wife." 

Even Lucas knew this suggestion was a lost cause. With her prideful personality, Hibiki couldn't stand to share Takamine with someone else, let alone agree to being a concubine. 

A bitter smile appeared on Hibiki's face before she replied, her tone icy: "Give me an hour. I'll think about it and give you an answer." 

"Very well!" Takamine said eagerly. "Can… can I wait inside? It's pouring out here." 

"No!" Hibiki snapped. "Do you have so little sincerity?" 

"Fine, fine!" Takamine relented, stepping back into the downpour. "I'll wait here." 

Perhaps, outside in the rain, he felt confident that Hibiki would eventually agree to his terms. Little did he know that this was all part of her revenge. 

"Why are you doing this?" Lucas whispered, confused. 

"Shut up and keep going," Hibiki murmured back, her tone sharp. "If you dare stop before the hour is up, I won't tell you how to break the barrier." 

An hour. 

For an ordinary human, such a demand might be impossible. But for Lucas—strengthened by the Hakushin Spring and trained under the tengu—it was merely a test of endurance. 

Takamine, stoic under the pounding rain, grew restless from the endless wait. Though he refrained from entering the shrine, he occasionally called out, hoping to chat with Hibiki. Her replies, however, were either absent or muffled, as though her mouth was occupied with something else. 

For all three involved, the hour dragged on interminably. 

Outside, Takamine dreamed of a future with two women at his side. Inside, Lucas endured the "blessings" of being in the midst of a different kind of arrangement. 

Finally, the hour passed. Before Takamine could speak, the shrine's door creaked open. 

Hibiki, her cheeks flushed, stepped into the doorway. Her cold gaze locked onto Takamine. "I've made up my mind. I can't be the concubine of a hatamoto. Please leave." 

The torn hem of her shrine maiden outfit trailed loosely, strands of crimson silk scattered across the floor. 

"Why…" Takamine began, instinctively stepping forward to question her decision. 

"Don't come any closer," Hibiki said, her voice steady. "If you do, you'll cross the line. Please, take care of your wife. You were right—I should find someone else to cherish me." 

Through the crack in the door, Takamine glimpsed a man's clothing inside the shrine. In that moment, he seemed to understand everything. 

Had Hibiki betrayed him? 

No—he, who had married a noblewoman of his own accord, had no right to claim betrayal. 

"Take care," Takamine muttered, his voice hollow as he turned and vanished into the storm. 

The downpour extinguished the young retainer's dreams and sobered the two people left inside. 

"Don't tell anyone about this," Hibiki said curtly, her tone reverting to its usual coldness. "And don't feel guilty—this was my choice." 

"Now," Lucas said, cutting straight to the point. "Will you tell me how to break the barrier?" 

"You've already done it," Hibiki replied with a faint smile. 

"What?" Lucas asked, confused. 

"This barrier requires a shrine maiden of great spiritual power to maintain it monthly with their… pure blood," Hibiki explained, her expression unreadable. "Now that I'm no longer… pure, the barrier will gradually weaken. In time, you'll be able to break it." 

Kitsune Saiguu and her protégé, Asase Hibiki, were undoubtedly the two most powerful shrine maidens of the Grand Narukami Shrine. 

Under different circumstances, the little fox Miko might have been poised to become the third. 

It was ironic that the loss of purity for both Saiguu and Hibiki was somehow tied to Lucas. 

He didn't doubt Hibiki's claim. Over the years, he had learned enough about barriers to know that blood rituals were a common maintenance method. 

"So you planned this from the beginning?" Lucas murmured. 

"Not at all," Hibiki admitted. "I just wanted someone to drink with me." 

"Will you still tell me the 'shortcut'?" Lucas asked. 

"Of course. Why would I lie?" Hibiki replied, a sly grin tugging at her lips. "Whether you succeed depends on your own skill." 

Indeed, Hibiki hadn't intended to keep the secret from Lucas. She figured that even if he knew, his frustration at being powerless to act would be amusing. 

What she hadn't accounted for was how alcohol would alter her own actions, leading to this unforeseen outcome. 

Still, as she watched Takamine walk away, she felt an immense weight lift from her chest—a lingering bitterness finally purged. 

That day, Hibiki seemed to be reborn, leaving behind the person she once was. 

---

Returning to the Grand Narukami Shrine the next day, Hibiki looked visibly drained. After all, for an ordinary human, enduring such an ordeal had taken both physical and emotional tolls. 

To her surprise, a familiar figure was waiting at the main hall. 

"L-Lady Saiguu?" Hibiki hastily bowed. "When did you return?" 

"Not long ago," Kitsune Saiguu replied, turning to face her. 

Her appearance remained as youthful and radiant as ever, though her expression now carried an undertone of weariness. 

For years, Kitsune Saiguu had tirelessly worked to cleanse Inazuma of calamity and corruption, her visits to the shrine serving mostly as moments of brief respite. 

"By the way," Kitsune Saiguu said, narrowing her eyes slightly. "When I returned to the shrine… I noticed the barrier seemed a little… weak." 

Typical of Kitsune Saiguu—Hibiki's loss of purity was barely a day old, and she had already detected something amiss. 

---