**Chapter 1: The Mission Begins**
The sun was just beginning to rise as Leon, Lili, and Kai stood at the edge of a deserted street in Tokyo. The morning fog wrapped around them, giving the city an eerie, almost mystical aura. Leon adjusted his school uniform, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. He glanced at his two companions, both of whom looked equally prepared and slightly on edge.
Leon: "So, this is it, huh? Our first real mission."
Lili, a petite girl with bright, determined eyes, grinned as she adjusted her gloves. Her excitement was palpable.
Lili: "Finally! I was getting tired of all those practice drills. I can't wait to kick some spiritual butt."
Kai, taller and more reserved, with a sharp gaze that missed nothing, chuckled at Lili's enthusiasm.
Kai: "Just don't get too carried away. We need to stick to the plan."
Leon smirked, feeling the familiar rush of adrenaline as the reality of their situation settled in. They were about to face a phenomenon known as "The Ugly-Faced Woman," a spirit rumored to have a grotesque, split mouth. The legend said she would ask her victims, "Am I beautiful?" before killing them regardless of their answer.
Leon: "Alright, let's get moving. The sooner we find her, the sooner we can get back."
They began to walk through the streets, their senses heightened as they scanned for any signs of spiritual energy. As they moved, they discussed the basics of their powers, more for the sake of Lili, who was still getting the hang of her abilities.
Kai: "Remember, our spiritual energy is what allows us to interact with these phenomena. It's like a reservoir inside us. The more we use, the quicker it drains, but it slowly regenerates over time."
Lili nodded, listening intently.
Lili: "And how do we keep it from running out completely?"
Leon: "You have to pace yourself. The trick is learning to sense your energy levels and knowing when to pull back. If you drain it all, you're vulnerable until it recharges."
As they continued, the conversation shifted to the mysterious organization they were part of: S.A.D (Safety and Disinfection).
Leon: "S.A.D is the world's defense against these phenomena. They train people like us to hunt and exorcise spirits before they cause too much harm."
Kai: "They're also the ones who classified the different types of phenomena. The one we're after today is a Type 2. She's been around long enough to gain some intelligence and power."
Lili: "And what about the leaders? The Great Seven?"
Leon glanced at Lili, a brief shadow crossing his face.
Leon: "They're the best of the best. Each one is a master in their own right. My father... well, he was one of them before he... never mind."
The mood grew more somber as they approached the area where the phenomenon had last been seen. The streets were empty, save for a few stray cats that darted away as they approached.
Suddenly, they heard the soft sound of sobbing. It was faint, almost lost in the fog, but unmistakable.
Lili: "Did you hear that?"
Kai nodded, his expression turning serious.
Kai: "Yeah. Stay sharp."
They followed the sound until they found a small child, no older than seven, sitting on the ground, crying. The child's face was hidden in his hands, but something about the scene felt off.
Leon knelt down, trying to soothe the child.
Leon: "Hey, it's okay. We're here to help. What's your name?"
The child slowly lifted his head, revealing a twisted, grotesque smile that stretched from ear to ear.
Leon recoiled in shock, his hand instinctively reaching for his sword.
Leon: "That's her! Get ready!"
The child's form shifted, elongating and warping until it was clear they were facing the Ugly-Faced Woman herself. Her mouth gaped open in a horrifying grin, her eyes burning with malevolent intent.
Lili, despite the terror of the situation, couldn't help but crack a joke.
Lili: "Well, she definitely isn't winning any beauty contests."
Kai shot her a warning look, but even he couldn't suppress a smirk.
Kai: "Focus, Lili!"
The battle was quick and fierce. Leon and his team worked in perfect sync, using their spiritual energy to weaken the phenomenon. As they fought, they continued to explain the nature of their abilities, partly to distract themselves from the fear and partly to remind each other of what they had learned.
Leon: "Remember, she feeds on fear. Don't let her get to you."
Kai: "Stick to the plan. We weaken her with our combined energy, then I'll seal her."
The Ugly-Faced Woman lunged at them with a guttural scream, but Leon was faster. He slashed at her with his sword, the blade glowing with spiritual energy. Lili followed up with a blast of energy from her palms, forcing the spirit back.
Finally, Kai stepped forward, his hands glowing with a deep, blue light.
Kai: "Seal!"
With a powerful motion, he brought his hands together, and a barrier of energy surrounded the phenomenon. The Ugly-Faced Woman writhed and screamed, but the barrier held firm.
Leon: "Now, finish it!"
Kai nodded, channeling all his remaining energy into the seal. With a final, desperate cry, the spirit was pulled into the barrier, disappearing with a flash of light.
The three of them stood there, breathing heavily, but relieved.
Lili: "That... was intense."
Leon grinned, wiping sweat from his brow.
Leon: "Good job, team. Our first mission was a success."
As they started to walk away, a small boy suddenly appeared, having watched the entire fight from the shadows. He ran up to them, his eyes wide with awe.
Boy: "That was amazing! Who are you guys?"
Leon smiled, ruffling the boy's hair.
Leon: "Just some people who take care of the things that go bump in the night. Now, you should head home. It's not safe out here."
The boy nodded, still looking at them in admiration.
Boy: "Thank you!"
As the boy ran off, Lili chuckled.
Lili: "He thinks we're heroes."
Kai: "Well, we kind of are."
Leon watched the boy disappear into the fog, a thoughtful expression on his face.
Leon: "Yeah... I guess we are."
...