Inside the tunnel.
Ayato and the others strolled casually towards the depths.
Any Cursed Spirit they encountered was either destroyed or eaten by Hana.
Yayoi also frequently attacked, collecting some of the stronger Cursed Spirits into her pot.
Her mood was exceptionally joyful.
She was practically hopping as she walked.
She had always fought alone before.
Facing so many Cursed Spirits, even with ample preparation, she would inevitably be in a tough spot.
Unlike now, where it felt like a leisurely walk.
It was incredibly satisfying.
"Hmm, there are people in a place like this?"
Seiko looked into the distance, slightly stunned.
The others' gazes were also somewhat peculiar.
In the distance, two women were huddled together.
One was holding a flashlight and a handheld video camera, looking like a live streamer.
The other was a petite girl with twin ponytails, wearing the Sobu High School uniform.
"Look, people! We're saved!"
Soon, the two noticed them and quickly ran over.
"Yuria... my classmate?"
After getting a clearer look, Miko blinked in confusion.
The world was too small.
To run into a schoolmate in a place like this.
However!
When she saw the other person, her eyes narrowed slightly.
Good thing...
They had come here.
Otherwise...
Yuria was probably in real danger.
Misaki Anna, noticing that these people had no reaction even when she got this close, secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
It seemed that although these people could exorcise spirits, their skills were mediocre.
"Everyone..."
She spoke pitifully, malice churning in her heart.
So many beautiful girls... they would all become food for her master.
She couldn't be the only one enduring boundless pain.
"Shizuka, she's an eyesore."
"Yes, Master."
Shizuka leaped up and appeared before Anna, directly locking her neck.
"Ugh..."
The voice cut off abruptly as Anna was lifted like a chick.
"Th-this..."
Seeing this, Yuria was dumbfounded.
Was this Shizuka-sensei?
But!
What kind of strength was this?
Ayato's gaze focused on her, his eyes flickering slightly.
He had noticed people here long ago.
But he didn't expect it to be her.
Niguredo Yuria.
Possessing mild spiritual ability, a friend of the woman Miko in the original story.
However!
Considering her somewhat suicidal personality...
Her appearing here wasn't too surprising.
"Cough, cough, cough!"
Anna coughed violently, looking at Shizuka with shock and uncertainty.
She said with difficulty, "Wh-what are you trying to do? Killing people is against the law."
Yuria snapped out of it and quickly said, "Yes, isn't there some misunderstanding?"
"Shizuka-sensei, this place is very dangerous, full of Cursed Spirits. We shouldn't be fighting each other."
"No, it's not misunderstanding."
Shizuka smiled, magical power surging in her hand.
"AAAAHHHH!"
Amidst the wails, Anna screamed in agony and revealed her true form.
"A C-Cursed Spirit!"
Yuria sat down hard on the ground, overwhelming terror filling her mind.
She had...
Been traveling with a Cursed Spirit for so long?
Bam!
Before her eyes, Anna directly exploded and vanished completely.
De... destroyed?
This Cursed Spirit was dead?
Wait, that would mean...
Yuria's eyes lit up, and she asked eagerly, "Shizuka-sensei, are you an exorcist?"
"You could say that."
Shizuka nodded.
It looked like stars were sparkling in Yuria's eyes.
Ever since she found out she could see them...
She had longed for this world every moment.
And now...
She had finally met a real exorcist.
Why was this little one so excited?
Shizuka was bewildered.
This wasn't the attitude of someone who just escaped death.
"Shizuka-sensei, please take me as your disciple!"
"Huh?"
"Please don't refuse me! I have talent! I can see those Cursed Spirits!"
Shizuka: "..."
You can see them and you were still with this Cursed Spirit?
You have some skill, but not much.
But... she was a beautiful girl.
And seemed to have some ability.
She sized her up and secretly nodded.
She seemed to fit the master's criteria for taking on servants.
"I can't make that decision."
Shizuka gestured with her eyes. "If you want to enter this world, you need to get the Master's approval?"
M-M-Master?
Yuria was confused.
Was this a special term in the exorcism world?
Yes!
That must be it.
Yuria thought this, a look of determination in her eyes.
Then, with a sliding kneel, as if she had practiced it thousands of times, she performed a perfect dogeza before Ayato.
She bowed her head heavily and said loudly, "Master, please take me as your disciple!"
"..." xN
The women's gazes were somewhat strange.
Good grief.
Was she offering herself up?
That was quite rare.
"Seeing your sincerity..."
Ayato raised his hand, took out an Evil Piece, and said, "Then let's perform the Reincarnation Ritual. I'll make you a Devil."
Yuria was stunned for a moment, then reacted and asked cautiously, "Um, what does 'Devil' mean?"
"Literally."
Ayato explained. "Becoming a Devil allows you to master supernatural power."
"In an instant, you'll be stronger than most ordinary exorcists."
Yuria was taken aback.
Then a look of understanding appeared.
So that's it. This school of ours is called 'Devil'?
It seemed...
She had a lot to learn after joining.
Almost instantly, Yuria completed her self-justifying mental leap.
Although...
The school's name was a bit ominous...
It did seem very powerful.
Ayato: "..."
"Um, aren't you misunderstanding something?"
"No, please don't mind, Master."
"No matter what, I will enter this world."
A flash of determination appeared in Yuria's eyes.