Chapter 514: Method of Saving
Inside the association’s guest reception hall, Arano Kaze and Akiyo Tan sat on bamboo stools. On the table beside them were three cups of steaming hot, strong tea.
But it was clear neither of them was focused. While one held a communication device, reporting something, they occasionally darted their eyes towards the wooden door in the distance.
“C-
crack—”
The tightly shut wooden door was slowly pushed open from the inside. Tōmon Shingorō, clad in a robe, emerged from the inner room. However, the old man’s still furrowed brow indicated that there was likely no good news.
“Old man, what’s the situation now?”
After sending the last command from the communicator in his hand, Arano Kaze placed the device in his shirt pocket. He stood up and looked at Tōmon Shingorō, who was walking towards them, and asked.
“She’s still not awake. Doctor Tetsuya is treating Mai’s wounds. She’s injured in many places, but her life is saved, just…”
Tōmon Shingorō nodded, truthfully relaying the content he had heard from the room temporarily used as a medical room.
Then, he paused for a moment and turned to look at Arano Kaze.
“Chief, since Mai has been found, I suggest that the ordinary investigators from the police station withdraw first. I’m a little worried something might happen.”
“What problem? Wait, old man, do you mean like last time—” Arano Kaze subconsciously asked.
Arano Kaze was somewhat confused about the meaning of Tōmon Shingorō’s suggestion at this moment. Looking at Tōmon Shingorō’s worried expression, Arano Kaze’s mind recalled the previous incident and he couldn’t help but speak.
“Yes, but I can’t confirm it yet. But for the safety of the ordinary police officers, I suggest withdrawing first is best.”
Tōmon Shingorō picked up his cup of clear tea from the table and drank it dry, moistening his already dry lips, and continued.
“Last time, that guy left a curse in a normal person. I’ve already checked, and there’s no curse left in Mai’s body. But there’s a large amount of decay energy eroding her life. I can’t guarantee this isn’t intentional by the enemy. We can only proceed with caution. We’ll only know the specific situation when Mai wakes up.”
“Understood.”
Listening to Tōmon Shingorō’s explanation, Arano Kaze nodded decisively. He took out his mobile phone, dialed a number, and turned to walk out of the reception hall.
“Senior, how about I call over a few heroes on outer perimeter duty to help? Lord [Weather Master] is currently handling matters in the North District. If I notify them, it will take at least half an hour at the earliest.”
At this moment, Akiyo Tan also chimed in, stating the help he could provide as the person in charge of the Hero Association in this incident.
“No need. This is a matter involving the spiritual world. If [Weather Master] were to come, there might be an effect. Those young people outside won’t be able to help. This can only rely on us. I’ve already contacted the members of the Tsuchimikado family.”
Tōmon Shingorō shook his head helplessly, a hint of self-mockery appearing at the corner of his mouth. The Kamishin Shrine, once praised as the number one shrine in Kyoto, had now fallen to the point of seeking help from other shrines.
In the next moment, a flicker of illusion flashed in the old man’s eyes. His cloudy eyes seemed to see again the giant figure enveloping the entire sky of Kyoto in a spiritual vision, and the tall, imposing figure that invoked lightning. He sighed again and asked Akiyo Tan.
“Tan, if possible, please notify Mr. Lei.”
“Okay, senior. But I don’t have the authority to directly contact Lord Raimei. I can only report it to Lord Seiu first and see how to decide.”
“It’s fine, it’s just a premonition.”
Tōmon Shingorō knew how busy Arano Kaze was at this stage. In fact, given Mai’s current condition, it was unlikely to cause a disaster of the same magnitude as before. However, the vision he had gave Tōmon Shingorō a bad premonition, as if the Uigami Shrine was about to suffer some kind of disaster.
“Are any of the police officers’ family members present?”
Just as the two were about to continue chatting, the previously closed door opened again. A police officer in a white coat poked his head out from inside and shouted towards Tōmon Shingorō’s position.
“Coming!”
At this moment, the old man displayed a speed completely inconsistent with his age. In a few steps, he reached the doctor.
“The patient is still very weak. Please keep your voice down, elder.”
“Alright, thank you, doctor.”
Tōmon Shingorō nodded to show he understood. He then extended his right hand and pushed open the partially open door, walking inside.
The originally antique room had been disheveled by the doctor’s temporary modifications, with packaging from medical equipment and sundries scattered everywhere. Stepping past the screen that served as a temporary partition, Tōmon Shingorō finally saw the familiar figure.
The young girl lay quietly on the bed. Her bare body was covered in bandages and bloody gauze, unable to even wear a hospital gown, revealing her fair skin not covered by bandages.
“Mai.”
Both of the old man’s hands trembled. His granddaughter, who had been throwing a tantrum in front of him just yesterday, had become like this overnight. He reached out his right hand towards her chest, wanting to hold Shimiya Mai’s palm, but could only look at the thick bandages, not knowing where to start.
“Shingorō.”
“Grandpa.”
Perhaps the sound of Tōmon Shingorō entering had woken Shimiya Mai, who had just regained consciousness and was in a daze. The girl’s deep green eyes slowly turned, looking at the old man who stood beside her, appearing somewhat at a loss. Her dry lips parted with effort, emitting a hoarse voice that seemed to tear at her throat.
“Grandpa is here. Grandpa is here.”
“Mai, how are you feeling? Does it still hurt anywhere?”
Seeing Mai’s current state, Tōmon Shingorō no longer cared about the impact of the large amount of decay energy that he had been worried about earlier. He half-knelt beside the girl’s bed, looking at Mai with heartache.
“It’s not important, Grandpa Shingorō!”
It seemed the body that had regained consciousness gradually started to work. Shimiya Mai’s voice slowly returned to normal. She shook her head heavily with her slightly loosened bandages. Her deep green eyes looked at Tōmon Shingorō in front of her with determination. Her dry lips parted slightly, and she spoke urgently.
“I already know what the enemy’s true purpose is! Grandpa Shingorō, have someone bring me those scrolls from my bookshelf. Quickly! I don’t need Uncle Seizō and the others to sacrifice themselves!”
