Boom!
A beam of magical power landed on a Cursed Spirit, causing an explosion.
"AAAAHHHH!"
The Cursed Spirit wailed and completely dissipated.
"Did... I do that?"
Yuria withdrew her hand, murmuring in disbelief.
"Yes, that's magical power release."
Ayato gave her a head pat. "But that's just the basic ability of us Devils."
"You'll become much stronger in the future."
Hearing this, Yuria nodded firmly.
If that was the case...
Becoming a Devil was simply wonderful.
Then!
The group continued forward.
Because Yuria had joined, the other women intentionally left the weakest Cursed Spirits for her to practice on.
Gradually!
Ayato and the others finally reached the depths of the cave.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Heavy footsteps approached.
A tall, burly Cursed Spirit wielding a huge axe came into everyone's view.
Half of its face was hideous, the other half gentle.
Clearly...
One half of that face wasn't originally its.
Facing this Cursed Spirit, Shizuka and the others showed no reaction at all.
Even a Special-grade Cursed Spirit...
With the Master present, it was nothing.
Of course, Yuria was the exception.
Her Devil senses were constantly reminding her how dangerous this Cursed Spirit was.
Almost instinctively, she grabbed onto Ayato's sleeve.
"You people... don't seem afraid of me?"
Rapacious Bleached Head looked at the group, a sneer on its face.
"No matter. Soon you'll be screaming in despair."
It laughed darkly, and the entire tunnel began to change strangely.
"Yayoi-chan, this Cursed Spirit should meet your Pokemon standards. I'll leave it to you."
"Okay."
Yayoi nodded and ran out with her pot.
"Sending a child to fight me? Are you looking down on me?"
Rapacious Bleached Head was furious.
Then...
It froze.
Hum!
Several beams of light flew from Yayoi's pot, transforming into several figures that surrounded it.
"You all..."
Before it could finish, it was caught in a gang fight with several of her Graduates.
The previously arrogant Special-grade Cursed Spirit began to wail miserably.
Seeing this, Seiko and the others' eyes narrowed.
All... Special-grade Cursed Spirits?
For a moment, they looked at Yayoi with complex expressions.
This little girl seemed terrifyingly strong.
If you didn't count the blessings...
Purely based on combat strength...
She might be the strongest among them.
S-so amazing.
Yuria was even more dumbfounded.
"Don't worry. You'll become this strong too."
Ayato stroked her hair, gently rubbing it.
"Mm. Yuria will work hard."
Yuria clenched her small fists, a look of determination on her face.
No matter what.
On the path of exorcism, she didn't want to lose.
A moment later.
Miko watched as Yayoi collected the barely-alive Special-grade Cursed Spirit into her pot. Her eyelids twitched.
This ability...
Seemed somewhat frightening.
…
At the Shrine!
It was already late at night.
But no one was sleeping.
Yayoi and Yuria each hugged a magic book, eagerly asking Miko and the others for guidance.
Shizuka pulled Seiko into a corner.
Somewhat shyly, she said, "Um, Seiko, can I... tonight...?"
"Hmm?"
Seiko was confused. "Just say what you want to say."
Shizuka blushed. "It's just that you've been hogging the master since you got here."
Oh...
Seiko blinked, then understood.
She smiled softly. "What, Shizuka, are you finally ready to make a move?"
Although she was a bit regretful that it wasn't her own little Momo...
She was happy to see this happen.
After all, in this city, only one servant had to face the master alone.
Sometimes, it was just overwhelming.
Even using blessings couldn't bridge that gap.
"Yeah, that's why I came to you."
Shizuka took a deep breath. "Don't make a move tonight."
"Don't worry, I know the servant rules."
Seiko said confidently, "Not just me, I'll keep an eye on the others too."
"Haha... ha."
The corner of Shizuka's mouth twitched.
Leaving aside the other servants for now...
At least right now, in this entire shrine, you are the most dangerous one.
"By the way, Shizuka, do you need any help?"
"Help?"
"Of course. Let me tell you, Master, he..."