"This is the greenhouse. With this, food can be cultivated even during winter," Sebastian explained as he introduced the newly constructed facility to the villagers.
"Once the seeds are planted, the automated system handles fertilizing and watering. Thanks to the specialized bioengineering developed by my organization, the crops mature in just three days, far faster than the usual growth cycle." His research in the H.O.T.D. world had resulted in breakthroughs that dramatically reduced agricultural timelines.
"Amazing!" The villagers stared in awe at the greenhouse, impressed by technology they had never imagined.
"Is this all powered by what you call… electricity?" asked Kikyo, standing beside Sebastian. Though unfamiliar with the concept, she had begun to grasp its significance from his explanations. Electricity was nonexistent in her era.
"That's right. It's one of the foundational technologies of the G.D.I.," Sebastian replied with a calm smile.
Kikyo's curiosity about G.D.I. only deepened.
As night fell, Sebastian and Kikyo returned to their lodgings. Ram and Kaede had already prepared a generous dinner, and the group gathered to eat.
"Thank you so much, Mr. Sebastian. Because of you, our village can now survive the harsh winter," Kikyo said gratefully.
"No need for thanks," Sebastian replied. "I have my own reasons for helping."
Indeed, his intent was to use the village as a strategic base.
"But what about your mission?" Sebastian asked.
"I'm still committed to fulfilling it," Kikyo said earnestly. "You've done so much for us, it's only right I repay you somehow. Besides, another village may be under threat from monsters. As a demon slayer, I can't stand by and do nothing."
Sebastian wasn't surprised. Kikyo had always been compassionate and driven by a strong moral compass.
"Sister, are you going on such a dangerous mission again?" Kaede asked, shocked.
"Yes. For the other village, and for my own duty."
Though Kikyo was officially a disciple of an exorcist, her standing within the order was precarious. She possessed only foundational skills and was far less experienced than renowned exorcists. This made her tasks more dangerous, and her failures more likely. Her injuries from a past battle were evidence of that. Still, she couldn't ignore reports of monsters.
"If that's the case, let me go with you, with my team."
"You mustn't!" Kikyo protested. "You've already saved me once and helped the entire village. I can't ask more of you. This is our problem."
Sebastian simply smiled. "It's no trouble. I'm a traveler with my own goals."
One of those goals was to explore the wider world, gather resources, and pursue the Jewel of Four Souls, an artifact of extraordinary power said to grant regeneration, resurrection, time travel, longevity, and the fulfillment of any desire. If acquired, it would propel his technological and personal capabilities to a new level.
However, the Jewel also magnified human desire. Those lacking inner strength were often corrupted by it. Yet Sebastian was confident, his enhanced mind and body, combined with advanced mental regulation tech developed by Yuri, made him resistant to such influence.
"Um..." Kikyo hesitated, then fell silent. She no longer knew how to refuse him.
"Mr. Sebastian, may I ask… where did you learn your skills? Are you from a renowned exorcist family?" she asked, genuinely curious.
In this world, exorcists were almost always born into family lineages. Kikyo's own entry into the role had been an accident of fate, not birth.
But Sebastian's techniques defied the norms, his ability to conjure structures, command machines, and wield unfamiliar tools was far beyond any known spiritual art.
"No. I'm not from any exorcist family. I'm not even an exorcist," Sebastian answered plainly.
"What?" Kikyo was stunned. "Then… where does your power come from?"
Sebastian smiled. "I was born with it."
Of course, he wasn't going to tell her about the system, its nature was beyond what she could comprehend.
"Innate power…" Kikyo whispered, a little surprised. She, too, had a form of spiritual pressure rather than overwhelming strength. His words struck a chord.
"But Kikyo, you're strong. I believe if your master sees you again, she'll be proud," Sebastian encouraged her.
Ram, watching silently, seemed displeased at his praise for Kikyo. Her lips curled in a pout.
"N-not at all! I still have a long way to go!" Kikyo blushed. Still, the small smile on her lips betrayed her happiness, this was the first time someone had genuinely acknowledged her efforts.
Though under the tutelage of an elderly priestess, Kikyo had never shown exceptional potential. She was considered ordinary, or even below average, among demon slayers.
"The truly talented one is my master's other apprentice."
"Another apprentice?" Sebastian asked, already suspecting the answer.
"Her name is Tsubaki," Kikyo replied, a flicker of envy in her eyes.