The Art of the External Energy

Part 1.

The next day, Ren woke up in a not-so-good mood.

Dominated by laziness, he decided he was not getting out of bed.

Moreover, to make things worse (or better), the dazzling sunlight, together with the morning breeze, invaded his room through the window, designing a genuine cozy ambient.

It was a so-called perfect situation for sleeping.

Only a true warrior would resist such conditions.

"I'm so glad I don't have classes today..." Ren murmured.

He tried to find the perfect position by moving and rolling his body. Sadly, he had to give up when he almost fell off his bed. It was agreeable anyway, so he sank on the bed like an animal stuck in quicksand.

He intended to sleep like a rock, but something was off.

Why could he not fall asleep again?

He heard strange noises that resembled a roar of a beast. Surprisingly, that disturbing sound came from right next to him.

"..."

Growl...!

Although it was difficult to admit it, the beast was none other than Ren himself, or to be more accurate, his stomach.

He tried to ignore it by closing his eyes and staying in bed. However, no matter how hard he tried, he could not trick his own mind. Ren ended up leaving so he could grab something to eat.

Drastic situations required drastic measures.

Ren dragged his heavy body to the kitchen, opened the fridge, and frowned upon seeing that there was nothing already prepared. He took some available ingredients, realizing he would need to do it himself.

The food preparation was more relaxing than he thought. It was so refreshing that, before he knew it, his gloomy mood had vanished.

"What are you doing this early in the morning?"

A familiar voice reached his ears.

He looked up to see Kuriko, with her messy hair and pineapple pajamas.

"Ah, Kuriko. Did I wake you up?"

"Not quite. I was already awake, but I didn't have the strength to get out of bed," Kuriko affirmed. "I heard a commotion and came to investigate. Who imagined it would be you, all happy..."

She yawned and rubbed her sleepy eyes.

"Is it really that rare to see me excited?"

"It is. In the mornings, that is."

"Hmph," Ren quietly snorted. "In any case, I'm making something for me to eat. I'll do something for you too, so take a seat."

Letting her confusion aside, Kuriko pulled a nearby chair and sat down.

"You're sure spirited today. Did something good happen? You're even doing the breakfast by yourself."

"To be honest, I didn't want to do it in the start, but I changed my mind. Other than that, it's been a while since you've tasted my food, right?"

"Uh huh. You're right. Let's see how much you've improved."

After a few minutes, Ren placed some cups of tea on the table. Kuriko inspected them closely as if she were a geologist searching for gold. After a thorough inspection, she realized the liquid was not poison, so she finally raised the cup to her mouth and took a sip.

"Hm, you did a great job on this tea."

"Oh, thank you."

"It's neither so sweet nor so bitter. It's perfectly balanced."

Kuriko put the cup back on the table and started clapping, earnestly impressed. Receiving compliments from the master cooker Kuriko was really a reason for happiness.

"Have you been training in secret?" Kuriko asked with a serious face.

"Heh, how would I do that? Anyway, I'm glad I did something to your liking."

"You know what, Onii-chan, if you keep improving your cooking skills, you might be able to be popular. Everyone wants a friend who cooks well. And I mean everyone," she stated after another sip.

"Is that so? I might take cooking lessons with you then. I'm sure you'd be an awesome teacher."

"You're my brother. I'd help you for sure. Not for free, though."

"Would you really extort your family?"

After that funny dialogue, the meal Ren had made was finally ready to be eaten. He lost no time and brought it to the table.

"Hm, this is good, too. You've certainly improved," Kuriko said as she had a taste.

"Oh, thank you."

"Are you sure you're not practicing in secret?"

"You'd know if I did, I can barely keep secrets from you."

They continued eating the meal idly, chatting about whatever came into their mind.

"This is such a peaceful morning. I think I'll go out for a while."

"Hm?" Kuriko chewed a bit of food before swallowing it and answering, "where would you go??"

"I don't know. I'll have a walk, and I might also hang out at my friend's residence."

"Uh, okay. But this early in the morning, is it fine? I mean, will your friend be awake?"

"I guess he's probably awake by now."

Ren did not know Haiji's (or Rui's) sleeping habits. He could only hope they did not lose to the temptation of sleeping for just five more minutes.

"Okay then."

"I'll be probably back by lunchtime. If I get late, call me like you always do."

"Sure."

Part 2.

It was windy. Not strong enough to blow Ren's short hair, but it could easily lift a girl's skirt.

Ren was now walking as he had told Kuriko. His initial intentions were to visit Haiji and Rui. But he was uncertain if they were awake by now, so he decided to kill time with another activity.

Also, remembering what Rui had asked, before leaving, Ren took the enigmatic book: he kept it in a sportive bag he was holding over his shoulders.

(Coming to think of it, is there a real problem that I opened it and took a look at what was inside? Rui-san warned me not to, but she only didn't know how the grimoire functioned, right?)

Ren thought to himself as he observed the movements of his legs.

(Well, it was blank. I couldn't acquire any knowledge.)

According to information he had gotten from Rui, an untrained mind could not handle the magic knowledge from spellbooks, becoming intoxicated by it.

(I can't help but be afraid)

Nothing happened until now, so he should be safe. But it was worrisome nevertheless.

Immersed in his thoughts, too focused to pay attention to his path, Ren nearly bumped his head on a light pole. He somehow managed to stop his head at the last second before hitting it.

"Whoa, that was close!"

Ren focused on his path, though he had no direction to follow as he just walked randomly. Consequently, holding his field of vision towards, he spotted a familiar face. It was a girl with a strangely well-developed body and long blond hair.

She sat on a bench, delivering her distracted gaze at the sky.

"Oh, Miyamoto-san? What she is doing here at this time, I wonder..."

She did not wear the uniform Ren was used to seeing, just casual clothes. A new sight, which Ren could not avoid finding cute.

With unnecessary silent steps, Ren approached the girl.

"Hey, Miyamoto-san!"

"Hiyaaa!?"

"Whoa?!"

In response to Ren's call, Hana jumped in surprise. Totally caught off guard, she released her vocal cords and squealed keenly.

"Oh, it's just you, Suzuki-san... Don't scare me like that!"

"S-sorry... I didn't intend to."

While Ren apologized on the outside, he was, in fact, holding back his laugher. It was a situation that completely broke Miyamoto Hana's image as the personification of seriousness. How could he not find it funny?

Ren only held back because he might get punched right in the face by Hana, who was deeply red in embarrassment.

She pouted, which made it even funnier. Ren struggled to hold back the imminent explosion of laugher.

Following other complaints that Ren did not listen, she sighed briefly and finally calmed down.

"A-anyway, Miyamoto-san, how are you?" Ren swiftly changed the subject, attempting to ease Hana's mood.

"I'm fine, and you?"

"I'm doing great too."

"..."

"..."

An awkward silence.

They failed to act as nothing had happened.

Still standing right next to the wooden bench, Ren rummaged his mind thinking of something to break the silence.

"What were you doing outdoors this early in the morning?"

"I was just walking. I stopped to get some rest at this bench, and then you arrived. And what about you?"

"Well, the same as you. I was roaming around before spotting your face. It was unexpected, so I thought of greeting you."

"..."

"Ehe, it surely was an unusual greeting..."

Seeing the unshakable silence that only seemed to worsen, Ren realized Hana was probably uncomfortable with his presence at the moment. If she had been thinking about something, she would do better alone.

"Sorry for bothering you. I'm moving now."

"Um, okay, nice to see you."

"Yeah..."

Ren started to back away from the wooden bench.

He had nothing more to do, and wandering had grown dull.

So, his next destination: Rui's temple.

However, after walking about fifteen meters, he heard Hana's voice.

"Wait, Suzuki-san. Sorry...."

Ren looked over his shoulder to see Hana reaching her hand towards him with an apprehensive look.

"I'm a little—stressed out right now. I'd like someone to talk to, but I just couldn't say it out loud. Do you mind starting over?" She stated, sounding a bit hesitant.

A thin smile formed on Ren's lips upon hearing that.

A new possibility to kill time had appeared.

"No, not at all."

And so, Ren sat down next to her as she began explaining.

Part 3.

Considering all of her aspects, Miyamoto Hana looked like a girl that belonged to a high-class family. If that were the case, she would need to work at a very young age, or at least that was the pre-assumption that most ordinary people had.

In any circumstance, Ren could not confirm if Hana was a wealthy lady, but she did have a job. And contrary to Ren's expectations, it was not a part-time job like a regular high school student would attend, but an important one at an apparently big company.

"That's the problem! Ayumi and I were having trouble dealing with that big mess, so they sent someone to help us from another, um, Company! But I don't even know who the person is! How am I supposed to proceed, then!?" She admitted, slightly annoyed.

Also, Ayumi worked with her.

"I see."

Ren, being the good listener that he was, only listened to Hana's complaints, periodically responding with a nod or an "I see".

He still did not know with what she worked. She had not gone deep in details, not that Ren minded.

"I'm still waiting for that business partner of theirs to come at me, but I guess they don't know my face either."

The roots of her stress—work.

Now she looked like a real adult.

"I wish I could help you in some way, Miyamoto-san."

"Don't worry. You're already helping me out just by listening to my dull complaints. That is something I couldn't tell my other friends."

"What do you mean by that?"

"They wouldn't be interested in a serious matter such as work. My friends talk about things normal for their age, you know, a TV show they watched or a cute boy they saw the day before."

"Oh. Yeah, it makes sense."

"Haah... thanks, Suzuki-san," Hana exhaled deeply. "I'm better now."

"You're welcome."

"Heh, you're a good friend. Now I understand why Ayumi is always with you," she said with abnormal emphasis that could create different misunderstandings.

"...?"

"Oh, perhaps I spoke too much?"

"Uhh..."

Ren did not understand what Hana was implying.

He had only spent a few days with Ayumi in class. Plus, Yukihira Ayumi herself justified why she stuck with him.

But, what if...?

No, no, no! You shall not illude yourself, Suzuki Ren!

You must not make hasty conclusions!

"Ahaha! You're making a funny face, Suzuki-san."

"..."

"Well, hasn't it crossed your mind? A possibility that she's interested in you."

"N-no."

"Oh, I forgot to mention, but I didn't mean as a romantic interest."

"Huh?"

Ren moved his laterally tilted head to the opposite side to further express his confusion.

"You know, she's a fighter."

"A fighter..."

A fighter interested in another could only mean one thing—a fight.

So, was Ayumi just interested in fighting Ren? Was she that at that level of cool?

"I'm not sure if that's it, though. Apparently, Ayumi can tell if someone's a martial artist. I can't do that, so I don't know if you really fight."

"Well... She recognized it yesterday."

"..."

"W-what?"

Ren felt a chill down his spine when Hana maliciously smirked out of nowhere.

"Suzuki-san... I know a place where you can battle until death. It's very isolated, and only the rich with strange tastes know where it is."

"What!? I politely refuse!"

Ren abstained from asking how she knew the location of such a place.

"Too bad, I think it'd make a lot of money."

"So you were thinking of making money out of it..."

What an enterprising mind.

"Well, anyway." Hana ended that topic, starting another right after, "Suzuki-san, have you heard about what happened on Thursday?"

"No, what happened?"

"Somone beat a group of delinquents from a known gang and left them incapacitated on the streets. They later called the police and got out of there without relevant evidence."

Yet again, someone mentioned that happening.

Yesterday was Kuriko, or rather, the TV. Today was Hana. Will someone ask him tomorrow? Anyway, it seemed that the investigation had improved a bit.

"Ah, n-never heard of."

"Seriously? This news is spreading quite quickly around town."

Indeed. On the very next day which that event occurred, it was already on the local news program. Perhaps they were scarce on content and seized the first opportunity of a possible headline.

"What made it so surprising is that only one person did that."

As he attempted to feign surprise, Ren avoided looking at Hana in the eyes. She would probably see right through him if he did.

"From what I've heard, the police is seriously searching for the guy at this moment, strangely enough."

"I hope they find him fast."

Of course, Ren knew very well who had done that.

"But it's likely that it's not the police that's searching for him..."

"O-oh."

He was unsure what would happen if the police found him, and he was not willing to take the risk to discover.

"I think it's going to be difficult, though. The police have no evidence and no witnesses. We only know a man did that because of an employee of the convenience store near the local. Too bad he doesn't remember the guy's face."

"Y-yeah. Too bad." Ren nodded. He still stared at the ground, avoiding making direct eye contact with Hana. He would do so until this topic died.

"Let's see. It also appears that it was justice with its own hands. Some are against it and want a proper punishment for the guy. Others think that he was a hero and should get a reward."

"Hm? And what's your opinion about that, Miyamoto-san?"

"Frankly, I think he deserves a reward. Of course, what he did was not right, but compared to what the delinquents had done before, it's nothing."

"I see."

If one asked Ren, he would say that rewarding would be the correct choice. Not because he was the guy in question, but because what he had done was "good."

The "good" characteristic can be very subjective. Exemplifying, it was good if Ren prevented more possible victims in the future.

"Well, anyway," she changed the topic using the same method. "Suzuki-san, I haven't eaten yet, and I'm hungry. Would you like to accompany me to a cafe?"

Part 4.

They were now walking side by side down the street, close enough that if a child passed by, it would possibly mistake them for lovers.

"We'll be going to that cafe I showed you. It's my favorite in town."

"Okay."

Ren had not noticed before, but Hana was notably pretty with her casual clothes. What she wore surprisingly emphasized the shape of her body, especially her breasts—needless to mention, he was not staring at them.

Ren had accepted to go along with Hana to the cafe, though he was not hungry. It would have been just weird if he had left her alone.

They had been walking for 5 minutes. Remembering where the cafe was, Ren estimated that they would arrive soon.

"Oh, I can already see it."

Arriving, Ren looked inside through the glass door and saw that the establishment was empty.

"Let's enter," Hana urged.

"Sure."

Unexpectedly, when Ren stepped in, he spotted another familiar face, or actually, familiar back.

It was a girl whose primary aspects were her cheerfulness and poorly developed body. She was sitting at a table in the corner while vigorously devouring a bowl of ice cream.

Perhaps in an attempt to look older, she wore clothes that could be called everything but casual.

"Oh, look who's there," Ren pointed at her.

In contrast to Ren's surprise, Hana looked relieved, "Yes, I knew she would be here," she said.

"...?"

No time to question, by the time Ren raised his voice, Hana had already moved and slipped to Ayumi's table.

"Bwha!? H-Hana? What are you doing here!?" Ayumi loudly asked, surprised at her friend's sudden appearance. She almost spilled everything she had in her mouth but prevented that from happening by blocking with her hand.

Indifferent to Ayumi's astonishment, Hana proceeded as if she were in a regular conversation, "Good morning for you too... I see you're enjoying your meal."

"Gulp! Yes, good morning. But, you didn't answer my question!"

"Well, I just wanted to see my friend who I hadn't seen today. Is that a problem?"

"No! But how did you know I was here!?"

"You always have ice cream when you're troubled. I just guessed you'd be here."

Ren thought they had met Ayumi by coincidence, but it seemed that was not it.

What a beautiful friendship.

Understanding Hana's intentions, Ayumi heaved a sigh.

"I guess..."

"And I'm not alone."

Hana pointed her index finger behind Ayumi's shoulder. When Ayumi glanced over it, she saw a boy waving at her with a carefree expression.

"Oh, Suzuki, you're here too!"

"That's right. Good morning to you."

"Morning."

"Suzuki-san, will you just stay there? Come on, take a seat."

"Ah, sure."

Ren pulled a chair and sat down, with Hana at his right side and Ayumi at his left.

Hana's hunger must have sent signals to her brain. Momentarily after, she ordered a green tea from a waitress who had come to their table. Then Ayumi followed suit and requested a sweet drink meant for children.

"You don't want anything, Suzuki?"

"Thanks, but I've already eaten at home. Besides, I didn't bring my wallet."

"Oh, don't be silly. We can pay something for you."

"No, no. You don't need to do that."

"Why not? There is no problem if you just ordered something cheap, like a cup of coffee."

"I'm thankful for your consideration, but again, you don't need to do that."

"How stubborn..."

It was a matter of education. That was how Ren's father and grandfather taught him.

"Hmm... I wonder, what were you two doing together this early in the morning?" Ayumi questioned with subtle suspicion.

"Well, after I left home for a walk, I stopped by a bench to rest. It was then that Suzuki-san appeared and greeted me. We started talking, and I suggested that we come here."

"Is that so? Okay then, I suppose that isn't suspicious."

"Yeah, I was actually talking about the problems in work."

"Our problems? Cool, I bet it was good for you. Thank you for hearing her, Suzuki," Ayumi winked to Ren.

"Sure."

She thanked him for something he did to another person, yet another great proof of their friendship.

"Yukihira-san-"

"Wait," Ayumi cut Ren mid-sentence.

"What?"

"Suzuki, can you please stop with that? It's bothering me."

"Stop with what?"

"The honorific."

"Huh? You want me to call you without honorifics?"

"Yeah?" Ayumi said, sounding indignant with that question as if she was stating the obvious. "After all, we're friends, right? Hana doesn't mind, but I do. It's like you don't see me as a real friend."

Right, they were friends.

Still, it was the first time someone asked Ren to address them without any honorific.

Wow, could that be considered a milestone in Ren's life?

"Then, Yukihira, as I was saying, you surely are good friends."

"That's better."

Ren failed to contain his happiness, and a smile escaped his lips. He was so happy with something so small. If Kuriko had been there, she would have laughed at him.

After that, the waitress arrived with the ordered drinks.

Not minding the waitress placing them on the table, Ayumi spoke, "And how's Kuriko-chan?"

"She's fine. I think. She hates waking up early on weekends. And I guess I made her wake up earlier than she would."

"I see. It's surprising, though. Kuriko-chan seems like a person who wakes up early to make breakfast for someone that can't take care of himself. Heh," Ayumi smugly laughed, as if saying "as if it'd happen."

"Well... She does that. She wakes up a little later on weekends, though."

"..."

"Why do you seem so disappointed? You know I can cook! It's just that her food is better than mine!"

Apparently, Ren was demoted to a bug, judging by Ayumi's facial expression.

He was not at fault. Kuriko's food was better—a lot better.

If she tasted it one day, she would understand.

"Well, I've tasted Kuriko-chan's food. I can confirm it's superb. But I haven't tested yours, Suzuki-san." Hana asserted as she held her cup of tea.

"True, cook something for us someday."

"Okay, sure. So, what about a picnic?" Ren suggested with his index finger on his chin, thinking about possible places they could go.

"That would be great."

"Yeah. Hmm, we would need an open space to do it. I think that shrine is a good choice, as it's airy and comfortable."

"Indeed." Ayumi agreed before taking another sip of her sweet tea.

"Then it's decided. When you're free, call me. I'll call Kuriko too."

Originally, Ren was hesitant over doing a picnic on that location due to some problems, namely Rui and Haiji. But then he remembered, they were spirits.

"Hehe," Hana chuckled lightly. "I hope it works out. I've heard some rumors that a ghost attacks those who bring food to that location," she said, jokingly, with a grin on her face.

"Rumors are rumors. You surely don't believe in that."

"Well, it's fun to pretend they're real. It's similar to when you tell ghost stories in a circle of friends. You know it isn't real, but it's fun anyway."

"Hm... Makes sense."

"And you, Suzuki-san. Do you believe in ghosts?"

"Me? Well..." Ren refrained from answering the question directly. "My grandfather used to tell me a lot of ghost stories, so, uh... I don't believe in them, but I don't deny their existence."

"Interesting. You have a curious positioning."

Of course, Ren did not essentially believe in ghosts and spirits because of the stories he had heard in his childhood.

(It's weird to take a stand on that subject when I know two spiritual beings.)

What would be their reaction if Ren said: "Ah, it just happens that I have supernatural abilities, and I also befriended two ghosts." He could not help but wonder.

"Ghosts, spirits, monsters, or any other thing related to the occult or supernatural, I don't believe in them. Those things are myths, like Santa Claus or Easter Bunny." Ayumi spat out with a somewhat gloomy face.

"Yukihira, is something wrong?"

"Um? Ah! Sorry. It's nothing like that. I was thinking of another thing."

"Uh, okay."

Ayumi had not realized that she did such an expression until Ren pointed it out.

It was uncommon for someone to grudge against myths like Santa Claus. It was only imaginable that she had discovered that her parents were the ones who brought the presents when she was a kid.

That could be very traumatizing for a child.

"Well, I already said that, but I'm hungry. Ayumi, how about ordering something other than drinks?" Hana demanded, almost like straying from that subject.

Part 5.

When the food they had ordered arrived, Hana and Ayumi did not wait and began to eat. After a short interval, all that was left were the plates. The student council duo decided to head off, having completed their objective.

Ren opened the transparent glass door, and it jiggled the small bell attached to it, making a ding sound. Followed by him, there were the girls.

"Goodbye, Suzuki-san. See you in school," Hana politely bowed.

"Thanks for the company, Suzuki," Ayumi continued. "Tell Kuriko-chan I said hi."

"Okay. See you two in school."

Ren was left at the entrance as he watched their backs grow smaller.

"Well, let's go then."

Approximately an hour had passed since Ren left his home, and he had another destination in mind.

He grabbed the strap of his bag that treasured a magical item and threw it over his shoulders, then trailed off to the opposite direction the girls were following.

Part 6.

In the place Ren was going, the wandering spirit Haiji enjoyed the comfortable morning breeze, with the wind blowing his fur.

"Phew, isn't this a beautiful day?"

He spoke, despite the lack of interlocutors. Realistically, there was someone near him: the shrine guardian Rui, who was soundly sleeping like a baby.

"Hmmm... Ren-dono had said he would come here to play again."

Despite not moving his mouth, a laughing sound could be heard, "Heh. He is a fun human."

After meeting Ren a few days ago, they soon became friends. To Haiji, it was somewhat refreshing to speak with a human after a long time.

"I just hope he didn't commit any mistake. Rui-sama's ideas are surely reckless."

That moment, Haiji heard some footsteps coming from the stairs.

Judging by the hastiness of it, it could only be one person.

"Ah, so he's arrived?"

It did not take long for Ren to enter the shrine grounds.

"Oh, Haiji-san. You're awake," he said as soon as he entered.

"I sure am, differently from that one over there."

Haiji pointed his head behind him. Following his gaze, Ren caught sight of Rui sleeping, curled up like a puppy, her canine ears twitching unnaturally.

"Ren-dono, would you do the favor?"

"Sure."

Understanding Haiji's request, Ren got closer to the sleeping princess.

"Oi, Rui-san!"

The only answer he received was some strange noises like "hrmm" and "ahmm".

"Oi, Rui-san! Wake up!"

With another futile attempt, Ren realized he would get nothing by just shouting her name, so he decided to take a different approach. This time, Ren also shook her body back and forth with considerable strength. Her breasts followed the shaking and swayed evenly, resulting in a memorable sight.

"Oi, Rui-san! Wake up! Rui!-san"

"...Nyah... Leave me be..."

He finally got a reply from her, but it was not what he had expected.

"What do you mean by 'nyah'? Weren't you supposed to be a dog?"

"Ugh, I'm not a dog," Rui mumbled and finally opened her eyes. "Oh, it's you, boy."

It was wrong to say she had woken up. Although she had turned to Ren, she visibly strived to keep her eyes open. It would not be a surprise if she blackout again if Ren turned his head to the other side.

"I'm here to deliver what's yours."

"You're talking about that grimoire?"

"Yes," he confirmed, then opened the bag he was carrying and thrust his hand inside, pulling out a suspicious-looking book with a thick leather cover.

He then held out his hand, and Rui brusquely took it.

"Thanks. But, to be sure, let me ask you something."

"What is it?"

"You didn't open this book, did you?"

"Uh..."

Ren could only look away and smile wryly. He knew the chances of Rui questioning him, so he had thought of some excuses in advance. However, it proved to be all in vain as he failed—or not even tried—to expose those excuses.

The awkwardness on his face revealed enough information for Rui to understand what was going on.

"Oh no," she lamented.

"Wh-what? Is it really that bad? It was only a quick look. And besides, it was totally blank."

"Well," Rui sighed in exasperation. "I guess it's my fault that this happened. I underestimated human curiosity."

Rui did not seem so shaken up, but it was hard to believe she was not displeased with the situation. A heavy feeling of guilt and regret weighed on Ren's shoulders.

"For starters, let me explain what's going to happen to you, boy."

Rui sat down, crossed her legs, and tossed that book away as if it was no use now.

Ren swallowed dry.

"Honestly, I should apologize, too. I didn't completely explain what that grimoire can do."

"..."

Ren could not say anything. He was too frightened to do so.

"That thing was produced by a certain magician—a magician who could not use magic..." Rui uttered in a pained state of voice. "Well, I say magician, but he was actually a martial artist. Perhaps it's better to call him a magical fighter."

"Magical fighter...?"

"I know it's confusing, but hear me out. As this magician wasn't born with a phantom organ, he created a way for people like him to use magic until a certain point, almost like a cheat."

"..."

"𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘌𝘹𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘌𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘺, or so he called. Currently, no one in this world inherited those technics. It's only in the mind of those who witnessed."

"Wait, you don't mean..."

"I do," Rui pointed her index finger at the book that she had tossed aside like a worthless piece of paper. "That grimoire is the only remains of that man's technics."

Ren's mind went blank.

He had such an important thing kept in his wardrobe?

A magician—that could not use magic.

The Art of the External Energy.

It was all strange to Ren. He was still an amateur concerning the occult, but he now felt the pressure emanating from that suspicious-looking book.

"It was given to me long, long ago. I knew the risks of something like that leaking for society at that time. So I've kept it safe until now. Until something or someone attacked me, which led to you taking it, that is."

"And... what's going to happen to me?"

"The book has recognized you as its owner."

It was not Rui who said that, but the white fox that had been silent until then.

"It was not made for those who possess a phantom organ. It wouldn't recognize us or any other spirit, much less a magician or a sorcerer."

"Haiji-san..."

"It belongs to you now. Do you know the responsibility you're shouldering?"

"...That is..."

"Don't scare him, Haiji," Rui brushed off. "Boy, it's not like you have a big burden to carry. To summit up, you're the successor of this book author—even if you don't want it."

"The successor..."

Ren sounded hesitant, like a kid scolded by their parents.

It was too much information for him to handle. He just comprehended he had become the successor to a forgotten martial art, although he knew almost nothing about it.

"So, Rui-san," Ren called, ignoring his hesitation.

"Huh? What?"

Rui was a little taken aback by Ren's sudden call.

The startled expression Ren had was nowhere to be seen. With his fists clenched and a determined look, befitting a young climber who was about to climb his first mountain, he looked at Rui in the eyes.

"You said that book over there contains the teachings of a martial art that utilizes magic, right?"

"I certainly did."

"With that knowledge, one would be able to hit even beings that don't possess a physical body, right?"

"I believe so... But, what are you planning?"

"You also said that I supposedly became its owner. So I want to know. What are the chances? Of me learning it—learning that martial art."

"I-I don't know..."

Joylessly enough, the determination was quickly crushed underfoot, with no chance to resist.

"You may have become the successor, but I have no idea of how to make the book show the teachings."

"Hmph, is that so? Then it's no use. How unfortunate."

Ren had not raised his expectations, so he did not get so sad after hearing Rui's response.

A magical fighter.

How cool would that be?

"Uh, are you okay with that?" Rui asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine."

Ren pithily sighed as if to relieve his tension.

"To be honest, I was expecting the worst, like you'd curse me or whatever. At least I know I'm fine, partially."

"I'd never do that... Plus, it would be no good if you learned this magical art. Magical organizations would probably target you, craving for your power. They would drag you away from your peaceful life and force you to work for them."

"Urgh, that seems bad."

"Ahaha," Rui cheerfully laughed. "Indeed."

Then Haiji, who was observing and enjoying the cheerful talk of the two, asked, "However, Ren-dono, what would you do if you acquired such powers?"

"I don't really know," Ren honestly replied. Being a hero is too far away. Maybe I'd become an exorcist and get some money."

"An exorcist that purges evil spirits through brutal force? It's fun to think of it."

"Hey, don't laugh at my possible dreams."

The stern matter had already ended, and they were now chatting like friends as usual.

After a thoughtful discussion of possible enemies a fighter exorcist could battle, Ren got up and grabbed the national treasure grimoire, questioning, "What are we going to do with this? Do I need to take it home, put it in a safe and burn the code?"

"You don't need to be so over the top. It means no harm as it is right now. You can hide it, for example, under your bed or above your wardrobe. I've heard that humans hide books they don't want anyone to see in these places."

"Those are another kind of books... I'm not sure if it's even correct to call them books..."

Rui tilted her head to the side in visible confusion.

The pure ones must remain pure.

"Ahem!" Ren cleared his throat. "Anyway, I merely have to do it so nobody else can see this, right? Then I'll write some lame title, something like: 'A magician's diary' or 'The book of creation and destruction. Everybody would be just too embarrassed to see what's inside."

Ren put it in his bag once more.

"Anyway, Rui-san, I have to go. My little sister must be waiting for me."

"Oh, but already?"

"Yes. My main objective, giving the grimoire back to you, has succeeded, I think. So I'll be going now."

"I see... Then, boy, take care."

"Of course. Bye, Haiji-san!"

"Farewell."

Just like that, Ren parted away.

Rui and Haiji remained; after the footsteps could not be heard anymore, and they guaranteed Ren had totally left, Haiji whispered, "Will it really work?"

"I hope so. He's a good boy."

"You can't stop being reckless, can you...?"

Part 7.

Ren wanted to give the suspicious-looking book back to Rui, but things had taken a twist, and now the book belonged to him.

However, it was still blank, he had taken a quick look after leaving Rui household (?), so it was practically useless.

As Ren walked, he realized that he did not know the place, which was strange, considering he was already familiar with that path.

"Where am I?"

It was similar to the situation he had experienced a few days ago. This time, however, he doubted he would find that kid who had helped him again.

Although it was daytime, the streets were dark. Furthermore, there was no movement, neither cars nor people.

Wandering would be no good. Ren entered the first alley he saw and hoped to find an open establishment to ask for information.

Just as he turned, he came to face with a person—a man with a suit, seemingly in his thirties.

Another detail, the suit was unbuttoned and missing a tie, not to mention the severe rips on his jeans.

He was looking forward, so Ren could only see his back.

"Hey, sir!"

Ren called the man that seemed an overcharged worker but received no reply.

He frowned as he approached.

After taking a few steps, the air grew colder.

Not just that, before he noticed it, the alley was covered in a dark fog that prevented Ren from seeing the distance.

The weather forecast had not mentioned cold temperature or any fog.

A chill ran down Ren's spine, and he started to feel something. A feeling similar to what he felt when he was around Rui or Haiji.

But it was different—it was more ominous.

Ren instantly discovered what the feeling was at the moment the man turned to him.

He knew that feeling.

Words could not describe it.

It was something directly out of the supernatural.

A spirit.

But not a normal one, like Haiji or Rui.

It was an evil spirit.

A "yokai".

The man had neither pupils nor iris. His eyes were all white.

Ren instinctively stepped back.

Then, a creepy smile formed on the dry lips of the man without pupils. He opened his mouth, and a distorted, dry voice came out.

"Ah, a healthy and young body..."

It was as if two people were speaking at the same time.

"Wh-what is this."

Although he already knew the answer, Ren could not help but question it, as if he could not accept what he was seeing.

But he knew what was happening. And also, he already knew what was about to happen.