"Misogi of Calamity?"
A look of confusion appeared on Erica's face. For a pure foreigner, a title steeped in such distinct cultural nuance was simply too obscure.
"Explaining it would be troublesome. I might as well demonstrate. Sister, just use any spell."
At her younger sister's request, Yuri nodded and took out a square sheet of white washi paper from her sleeve.
With her slender fingers, she folded it swiftly. In moments, a familiar animal took shape—a crane. Using the art of origami, Yuri transformed the white paper into a delicate white crane.
Placed in the Hime-Miko's hand, the paper crane floated lightly into the air.
In everyone's eyes, this was merely the most basic application of curse power to manipulate an object. It was not uncommon in this world. Yet being able to accomplish such a feat already meant one had stepped into the realm of the Supernatural.
However, Yuri did not stop there. She grasped the paper crane and tore it in half down the middle.
Yet the two torn pieces did not fall.
To everyone's surprise, the fragments rose into the air once more—and each had become a crane identical to the first.
Only after twelve paper cranes hovered in the air did Yuri finally stop.
Though visually it resembled a ninja's use of chakra to create clones, this was in fact merely a form of illusion.
Mariya Hikari walked over to one of the paper cranes and reached out to seize it. At that very instant, the remaining eleven cranes vanished all at once.
When the girl opened her palm, what lay there was nothing more than an ordinary sheet of white paper. Though faint fold marks remained, it was no longer shaped like a crane, but had reverted to its original square form.
"That is the power of Misogi of Calamity. Simply put, it can erase spells and magical power. I can dispel those supernatural forces that do not truly exist."
Satsuki spoke up. "Then can this ability erase the power of gods—or of Godslayers?"
The moment she asked, even Erica turned toward Hikari with keen interest, a spark of eagerness flashing through her eyes.
"If she could do something like that, I absolutely wouldn't let Kuhōzuka take her away!"
However, Yuri shook her head at the question.
"That would be impossible. The Authorities of Godslayers and of Heretic Gods are immensely powerful curse forces. Hikari's ability is still very weak. Even if she exerts herself completely, she could only erase a small portion—or weaken them for a very brief moment."
"In other words, it's not that she cannot do it at all—it's simply that she isn't strong enough to do it well," Satsuki said thoughtfully.
Though still somewhat immature, this ability's purifying effect against Heretic Gods was somewhat similar to how her own power of Vipralopa countered objects imbued with mythological attributes.
Of course, in terms of degree, the gap between the two was immense. Satsuki could directly erase mythology itself from this world at the conceptual level—far beyond what this Misogi of Calamity could accomplish.
Even so, Hikari's ability was not to be underestimated. Yet no matter how one looked at it, an ability that weakened spells or magic did not seem like something a shrine would particularly require.
Erica had thought of that immediately as well.
The sisters' answer, however, was equally bewildering.
"They never told us why the Hime-Miko of the West Heavenly Shrine must possess Misogi of Calamity... It can't be helped. The West Heavenly Shrine is part of Nikkō Tōshō-gū. It is an important sacred site that protects the Divine Lord. Information about it is among the Kuhōzuka family's deepest secrets. Although we are Hime-Miko, a small family like the Mariya house has no standing for them to explain it to us."
The so-called Divine Lord, in the context of Japan, referred to Tokugawa Ieyasu, one of the three great unifiers of the Sengoku period. After his death, his body was buried at Kunōzan in Sunpu and, a year later, reinterred in Nikkō in Shimotsuke Province. The imperial court granted him the title Tōshō Daigongen, enshrining him as the god of the Edo shogunate at Tōshō-gū shrines across Japan. He was later known as the Tōshō Shinkun.
"If that's the case, then let's ask someone whose house holds sufficient standing," Satsuki said, turning to Erica. "If you inquire about the West Heavenly Shrine in your capacity as a Campione, I doubt anyone would refuse."
"If we're talking about a family of sufficient rank, then only one of the other Four Houses would qualify. In that case, doesn't that leave us with a single target?"
...
Not long afterward, Satsuki, along with Erica and Metis, arrived at the Sayanomiya family's Tokyo residence in the Chiyoda Third District.
Sayanomiya Kaoru, head of the Tokyo branch of the History Compilation Committee, wore a gray shirt with a tie and a tailored men's suit. Dressed in masculine attire, she appeared valiant and carried a peculiar, striking beauty.
Incidentally, her subordinate Touma Amakasu—whose loyalty did not exceed the limits of his salary—stood by in the corner in a worn suit, awaiting orders.
In response to Erica's inquiry, Sayanomiya Kaoru explained in a clear tone.
"The Sayanomiya, Seishuin, Rengjō, and Kuhōzuka families lead Japan's world of sorcery. Each family has its own duty. The Kuhōzuka family's responsibility is to guard the West Heavenly Shrine of Nikkō Tōshō-gū. That shrine was originally built to enshrine the 'Divine Lord' of the early Edo period."
"The West Heavenly Shrine is a sanctuary protected by powerful barriers and sealing sorcery. According to the Kuhōzuka family's teachings, allowing a Hime-Miko who can use Misogi of Calamity to weaken the seal enables their house to obtain the Divine Lord's martial authority—in other words, they can wield the Divine Lord's power."
"Without a Hime-Miko, the Kuhōzuka family cannot fulfill its own mission. Though they would not lose their duty outright, it would be a tremendous loss of face. Hikohiko is already confirmed to inherit the headship next year. If he can secure a Hime-Miko to fill this vacancy now, it would greatly improve his standing."
"Wait—the Divine Lord's power?" Erica asked curiously. "On the way here, I asked about him. Wasn't the person called the Divine Lord just an ordinary historical figure? What power could he possibly have?"
"Gods themselves are concepts born from history and myth. He may indeed have originally been an ordinary man... but with prolonged deification, it is not unheard of for someone to transform into a god. That said, strictly speaking, the West Heavenly Shrine's duty has been vacant for several centuries. Whether the Divine Lord truly exists at all—and whether it is truly him—no one can confirm directly. So it is difficult to judge."
Kaoru smiled with a hint of mischief.
"And who knows? It's entirely possible that what is sealed within the West Heavenly Shrine is actually a Heretic God. If that were the case, sending a Hime-Miko there would be tantamount to sending her to serve a Heretic God—I'd say it's better to refuse."
—"A Heretic God?"
At the mention of the term, Satsuki—who had remained silent—showed a flicker in her gaze. Erica, in perfect tacit understanding, looked toward her as well. Their eyes met, and it was obvious they shared the same thought.
Satsuki raised a finger to point at herself, then gave a small nod.
Erica hesitated for a brief moment, but ultimately made up her mind and said to Sayanomiya Kaoru, "Since what the Kuhōzuka family needs is the ability to weaken the seal, then anyone capable of that should suffice, correct?"
"In principle, yes. But precisely because those who possess such talent are exceedingly rare, the Kuhōzuka family has set its sights on Hikari," Kaoru explained.
"That's fine, then. In that case, let Satsuki handle it. Her talent is more than sufficient to accomplish such a task. And I can also take this opportunity to find out what the Kuhōzuka family intends to do with the Divine Lord's power."
Given Erica's strength and status, once she made a formal decision, even if the decision itself were unreasonable, there would be no open resistance in Japan.
Kaoru took out her phone, found a number in her contacts, and dialed the Kuhōzuka family.
"Hello, Mr. Hikohiko? This is Kaoru... Regarding the matter of the West Heavenly Shrine's Hime-Miko, the Campione has already reached a decision. Hikari will not be going... Of course, the Campione understands your family's responsibility, so she has personally dispatched another lady to fulfill the duty at the West Heavenly Shrine—someone you are surely familiar with. The renowned Lady Satsuki."
"Lady Satsuki's abilities are beyond question. Her achievements are evident to all, and she has received the old masters' recognition—after all, she openly wields a divine sword. Of course, if the Kuhōzuka family chooses to refuse, you are free to consider the consequences for yourselves~"
"Ah... don't misunderstand. This is absolutely not a threat—merely friendly advice."
Though Kaoru's lips curled into a mischievous grin as she spoke, her tone remained entirely serious.
"I didn't expect Miss Sayanomiya to be this kind of person," Erica murmured softly.
A moment later, Kaoru hung up and addressed the group.
"He has no choice in this matter. He will certainly accept Miss Erica's decision. However, Lady Satsuki is hardly someone they can control. He will likely need some time to coordinate matters within his family."
Just as the matter concluded and Satsuki and Erica prepared to leave, Amakasu suddenly spoke from the side.
"By the way, Lady Erica. Not long ago, a friend of mine at border customs sent me an important piece of information. The eldest young master of the Lu family from Hong Kong was sighted at Narita. I'm not acquainted with him, but if possible, could you help introduce us?"
"The Lu family's eldest young master... Ah, that misogynistic man has come to Japan."
Only after some thought did Erica retrieve the memory of the so-called Lu family heir.
"Misogynistic?" Amakasu's face immediately lit up with blatant curiosity.
"Yes. He appears popular with women, yet he's extremely stubborn and melancholic. He harbors particular hostility toward beautiful and capable women. I'm one of the targets of his resentment," Erica said with a light snort.
"I used to have frequent opportunities to speak with him. My guess is that he was beaten senseless by some beautiful woman throughout his childhood, which left him with such a peculiar mindset. Or perhaps he suffered psychological trauma when he was young."
"...Tsk. What a pitiful fellow."
Amakasu cast a cautious glance at Kaoru, as if empathizing.
"Still, strange as he may be, he's a genius. His martial arts talent surpasses even that of the King of Swords. One day, he's bound to leave his mark upon this world."
"Oh? A genius even more terrifying than a Demon King? That's a little hard to believe."
"The King of Swords' swordsmanship is already impressive. Could this Lu Yinghua truly be stronger?" Satsuki asked casually. If he were indeed stronger, she would not mind sparring with this 'old acquaintance' from Hong Kong.
"Anyone who can call the King of Swords' technique merely 'impressive'—there's probably only you in all of Japan—no, in the entire world," Erica replied with a look that clearly said, Look at you showing off.
"In pure swordsmanship, the King of Swords still holds the advantage. But in overall ability, Lu Yinghua is undoubtedly superior. Didn't I mention it before? The King of Swords' sword skill is divine, but before becoming a Godslayer, his physique couldn't even retain curse power. By the way, what we call curse power is referred to in China as 'qi' or 'internal energy.' It forms the foundation of Chinese martial arts cultivation. Do you understand what that implies?"
"It sounds like, without obtaining a god's Authority, this King of Swords would have been nothing more than a skilled swordsman. His combat ability would barely have risen above weak—nowhere near truly strong."
After all, without the reinforcement of curse power, techniques were ultimately nothing but empty forms—like in Chinese wuxia novels, where someone lacking internal energy must rely solely on refined techniques. Against a true master endowed with profound inner power, even an ordinary set of basic punches could overwhelm them.
Fortunately for the King of Swords, fate granted him the Authority of a Godslayer. It was as though he had suddenly acquired a supreme internal manual, finally elevating him into the ranks of the top masters.
Moreover, curse power was the source of both sorcery and Authority. It was said that compared to ordinary magicians, a Godslayer possessed hundreds of times more curse power within their body.
"It may sound impolite, but that's essentially the case," Erica continued. "In Chinese martial arts, those with exceptional internal cultivation are surrounded by a powerful 'qi' or 'inner force' comparable to immense curse power. It can be directly infused into techniques, producing extraordinary and unpredictable effects."
"And since he is a disciple of Luo Hao, he would naturally have mastered profound fist techniques and other advanced skills. If it were the me from before I became a Godslayer, I might not have been able to match him... But now, the situation is different."
Erica smiled. Becoming a Godslayer was akin to activating a cheat code—an instantaneous leap in power. Opponents she once could not defeat would now be crushed with ease.
"Luo Hao...? I feel like I've heard that name mentioned before," Satsuki said.
Amakasu eagerly displayed his knowledge.
"That's not surprising. Although Luo Hao., who leads the Holy Cult of the Five Mountains, resides in mainland China as a Godslayer, her fame is quite widespread in Japan. Compared to Europe, China is geographically closer to us. She is renowned for her extraordinary lightness skills and devastating palm strikes. In this era, she is regarded as one of the most formidable figures, so her legends circulate frequently."
"They say she is a super monster who not only excels in mystical arts and martial arts but also possesses Godslayer Authorities. And she's on poor terms with Marquis Voban... The Lu family's eldest young master is precisely her disciple."
"Lu Yinghua isn't someone interested in Japanese culture," Erica mused. "If he has come here of his own accord, it's likely at his master's command. If he's merely passing through, that's one thing. But if he intends to stay in Japan for a while, I think it would be best to greet him and clarify his purpose."
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