Meanwhile, inside McDonald's.
Yui Yuigahama listened to their conversation, an inexplicable pang of melancholy rising in her chest.
She was indeed a member of the Society, its public face responsible for liaising with students seeking help with paranormal cases—undeniably part of the group.
Yet, during moments like these, she always felt like an outsider.
After all, Yuigahama wasn't a psychic. She couldn't even see the eyeball inside the small wooden box, utterly unable to contribute to the discussion.
'Why?'
'Even though I met Ye Xing first...'
'Wait, no—Miko Yotsuya knew him first.'
Password correct, season wrong, conditions wrong.
Ding! White Album trigger failed.
"Try equipping it to your Hyakume. See if it grants any special abilities."
Miko nodded, carefully pinching the Slaughter Demon's eyeball between her fingers. Parting her lips slightly, she commanded softly, "Open your eyes, Hyakume!"
With her melodious utterance, Hyakume materialised behind her—adorned in traditional Japanese attire, wooden geta clacking, a linen cloth obscuring her eyes.
Over these past few days, Miko's abilities have grown remarkably.
Not only had Hyakume's power increased from two eyes to five through devouring evil spirits, but Miko could now sustain her manifestation for fifteen minutes without combat—a far cry from collapsing after less than a minute during her first Soul Materialisation.
Miko presented the Slaughter Demon's eyeball to Hyakume.
The five eyes on the latter's hands and left forearm instantly locked onto it, gleaming with fervour and excitement.
Hyakume plucked the eyeball with two fingers.
Then she removed the linen veil, revealing two hollow black sockets, and inserted it into her left eye.
"I... can see again."
Seemingly delighted with her new left eye, Hyakume hopped girlishly in place before looping her pale arms around Miko's neck, pressing their cheeks together in an affectionate nuzzle.
Marvellous eyeball, my Soul Materialisation spins with joy.
"This left eye..."
Hyakume was Miko, and Miko was Hyakume—their hearts were one.
No words were needed.
Miko Yotsuya already knew the special function of this Slaughter Demon's eye.
Even with her usually impassive demeanour, she couldn't help showing excitement and joy on her face.
"This left eye can see traces left by evil spirits and Gates! By observing these traces, I can even roughly gauge an evil spirit's strength!"
"That's truly remarkable."
Ye Xing nodded, looking unsurprised.
Slaughter Demons were yokai born specifically to kill evil spirits.
He could roughly guess that their eyeballs would possess such special capabilities.
Miko's excitement at this moment was practically overflowing - she nearly jumped up from her seat.
Her experience in that unfinished building remained vivid in her memory.
If she'd had Hyakume in this state back then, she could have assessed the number of evil spirits hiding inside and their approximate strength just by observing the residual traces around the building before even entering.
Direct upgrade.
Version T0 - Intelligence Hyakume.
Beside them, Yui Yuigahama forced a smile, appearing somewhat at a loss.
It wasn't that Ye Xing and Miko were excluding her.
She simply couldn't see anything and had no idea what they were talking about.
For ordinary people like Yui, evil spirits and spectres only became visible when entering the Reverse World.
In the normal world, she was completely blind to them.
In the Reverse World, she became dead weight.
If...
If she could awaken her Soul Materialisation, too, would her relationship with Miko and Ye Xing improve?
...
Meanwhile, in the operations meeting room at the Kyoto Metropolitan Police Department.
Director Soichiro Yagami sat at the head of the table, his brows tightly knitted as he reviewed an incident report compiled over several hours.
This case was the most bizarre he'd encountered in his entire career as a detective.
The identities of the kidnappers had been mostly confirmed - all members of a violent gang in Kyoto, most with criminal records.
Though these records only showed minor offences typical of petty thugs: brawls, property damage, and extortion.
Why would such small-time criminals suddenly decide to take teachers and students from a kindergarten hostage at gunpoint?
The perpetrators' motive was just one of many puzzling aspects.
Since most hostages were children under seven and the situation had unfolded chaotically, few useful testimonies had been obtained.
The only noteworthy points for the investigation team were the bare-handed killings and the self-proclaimed title provided by a young girl named Keika Kawasaki regarding the unidentified individual.
"KamenRider? Masked... knight?"
Soichiro Yagami pointed at the photo of Ye Xing's initial appearance on the large screen, his expression grave as he addressed the room.
"Can anyone analyse any clues from this? Speak freely."
The investigation team members exchanged glances, uncertain what to say.
If even an experienced veteran like Soichiro Yagami couldn't glean useful information from Ye Xing's attire, they stood even less chance.
After a long silence, a man at the far end of the table finally spoke up hesitantly.
"Um, Director Yagami, that black coat this guy is wearing... seems to be this year's limited edition Armani."
"Hmm?"
At these words, everyone's gaze towards the man took on a hint of suspicion.
You actually recognise a limited edition Armani coat?
There's definitely something fishy here.
"Hey, don't misunderstand!"
The speaking man quickly waved his hands in explanation: "I only recognise it because I worked on a case with the Economic Crime Division recently. Director Yagami, you know I'm trustworthy!"
"Enough, stop making this about yourself."
Soichiro Yagami waved his hand dismissively, staring at the photo on the screen, his square-jawed face showing a thoughtful expression.
A limited edition coat from a luxury brand?
His interaction with the unidentified individual had only lasted a few minutes, but judging by the other's words and actions, they didn't seem like someone who would make such a mistake.
Would someone who destroyed an entire building to eliminate traces leave such an obvious clue?
Something's wrong.
Still, as Director of Criminal Investigations, he had to follow up on any lead.
"Very well. First, inquire at the flagship stores in Kyoto. Based on the suspect's height and black hair/eyes characteristics, check if anyone matching that description appears on the purchase lists. If nothing turns up in Kyoto, expand the search nationwide. Understood?"
"Yes, Director Yagami!"
Their enthusiasm was commendable.
Unfortunately, the Metropolitan Police Department's investigation would prove utterly futile.
Ye Xing's outfit had been acquired through... alternative means in the Reverse World.
Checking purchase records in surface-world Kyoto?
Let them try.
They wouldn't find a single whisper.
After everyone left the room, Soichiro Yagami leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples wearily before exhaling deeply.
He hadn't told his colleagues about what he'd witnessed at the Kyoto Municipal Kindergarten.
The reason was simple.
A two-metre-tall woman in white, impervious to bullets?
Hair that could extend instantly like ropes, dragging grown men around like toys?
Not only would his team doubt him...
Even Soichiro himself wondered if he'd gone mad to witness such things.
Needless to say...
If he described the building incident accurately...
By tomorrow, he'd be the former Director, suspended with pay.
...
The next day at noon, at Miko Yotsuya's home.
Watching Miko and her mother bustling in the kitchen, with Yui Yuigahama helping while chatting cheerfully with them, a clearly sleep-deprived Ye Xing wore an exasperated expression.
Seriously, who could understand this?
After pulling an all-nighter in the Reverse World, devouring several powerful evil spirits, he'd only gotten to sleep at 5:30 am.
Just when he thought he could sleep in on a Saturday, Miko called at 11 am.
Who could possibly understand this feeling?
Girls who disturb people's sleep are the worst.
Yet Miko's opening line left Ye Xing without any reasonable excuse to refuse.
"You need to take responsibility for my mother."
When he heard those words, Ye Xing's drowsiness vanished in an instant.
In those brief two seconds, it felt as though a star had exploded inside his mind.
Responsible?
Responsible for what?
What would he call Miko Yotsuya after the child was born?
For a moment, Ye Xing even began to suspect he'd lost his memory—had this really happened?
Only after Miko Yotsuya explained did he understand.
Turns out, "responsible" didn't mean what he thought.
Rather, Touko Yotsuya had been pestering Miko daily to invite him over for meals. When Miko mentioned she'd be going out with Yui Yuigahama and him that afternoon, Touko immediately insisted she bring both classmates home.
Miko truly couldn't take it anymore.
Yuigahama, however, was delighted. She never expected to make such close friends—the kind who visit each other's homes—so soon after starting high school.
Thus, the situation evolved into this celebratory feast.
"Ye Xing-kun, here, try this first."
Touko Yotsuya's warm voice pulled Ye Xing from his thoughts.
He smiled politely and, under her expectant gaze, picked up a steaming slice of meat with his chopsticks and placed it in his mouth.
The moment it touched his tongue, Ye Xing froze.
"What the hell?"
His taste buds detonated instantly.
Staring at the deceptively ordinary plate of bitter melon stir-fry before him, he muttered with complex emotions, "Truly... truly, one shouldn't judge a dish by its appearance."
Touko tilted her head in confusion. "What's wrong, Ye Xing-kun? Does it taste bad?"
"No, no, no, calling it simply 'bad' would be far too superficial."
Setting down his chopsticks with a melancholic expression, he continued, "I just don't understand. This looks like bitter melon stir-fry."
"It smells like bitter melon stir-fry."
"But for the life of me, I can't figure out how this bitter melon stir-fry somehow tastes like curry."
Touko looked sceptical.
"Really?"
She picked up her chopsticks, tasted a slice of meat, and after a few seconds of stunned silence, exclaimed, "Wow! There's no bitter melon taste at all—it's exactly like curry!"
Ye Xing sighed quietly.
He didn't even need to ask whose handiwork this was.
"So? How is it? Does my bitter melon stir-fry taste good?"
Yui Yuigahama bounded over cheerfully, her delicate face unable to conceal her eager anticipation.
"Delicious. Absolutely delicious."
Ye Xing's acting was flawless as he instantly scooped up another bite, declaring with apparent relish, "So good, in fact, that I must request to take some home for dinner later."
"You like it that much? My secret innovative recipe must be working then."
A faint blush colored Yuigahama's cheeks as she tucked a strand of pale pink hair behind her ear, murmuring almost inaudibly, "It... won't taste as good when cold. If you want more, I can always make it fresh for you..."
"No need! This batch is perfect. Quick, Touko-nee, help me pack it up before its soul escapes!"
"Right!"
Touko immediately understood, swiftly boxing up this historically significant bitter melon stir-fry with such efficiency that not even a drop of oil remained on the plate.
She deeply admired Ye Xing's quick thinking.
This was truly the only way to preserve Yuigahama's dignity.
"If you like it, I'll go make another dish."
Hearing Yui Yuigahama's cheerful words, Touko Yotsuya immediately pulled her back onto the seat, speaking with earnest conviction.
"Little Yui, you're a guest. Helping with one dish is already more than enough. If you make another, wouldn't that make me a terrible hostess? Just sit here and chat with Ye Xing-kun. Miko and I will handle the rest."
Good grief, Touko Yotsuya absolutely couldn't let Yui Yuigahama cook any more.
Bitter melon stir-fried with pork somehow ended up tasting like curry.
If this continued, nuclear fusion might spontaneously occur in the kitchen pots.
After Touko Yotsuya returned to the kitchen, Yui Yuigahama looked at Ye Xing, who was resting his chin on one hand while yawning with a perpetually sleepy expression, and suddenly felt awkwardly at a loss.
Only now did she realise.
This might be the first time she'd been alone with him without Miko present.
""Yuigahama-san/Ye Xing-kun...""
They spoke simultaneously, then fell silent before speaking again in unison.
""You go first...""
Awkward.
After a pause, Yui Yuigahama tentatively spoke in a soft voice.
"Ye Xing-kun, can I ask you something?"
"You want to awaken Soul Materialisation too?"
Yui blinked in surprise.
"Eh? How did you know?"
Ye Xing waved a hand dismissively, as if stating the obvious.
"Which high schooler wouldn't want powers to protect Kyoto from the shadows? Especially when you have living examples like me and Miko around you."
Here, his tone abruptly shifted.
"But the answer is: I can't help you."
"Eh..."
Hearing this, the light in Yui's eyes dimmed slightly.
So...
Unlike Miko and Ye Xing, she really was just an ordinary person after all...
"Don't misunderstand. I'm not saying you can't awaken Soul Materialisation."
The light returned to Yui's eyes, her voice trembling with excitement.
"I can awaken powers, too?"
"Of course."
Ye Xing gave a slight nod, speaking in a calm tone.
"According to Rio Futaba's analysis and my own theories, everyone has the potential to awaken Soul Materialisation. The methods just differ."
"In this world, you're just an ordinary person without abilities, unable to even see evil spirits or spectres."
"But based on current intelligence, in the Reverse World, anyone can 'perceive' the existence of evil spirits and spectres, regardless of whether they're psychics or not."
A thoughtful look appeared in Yui's eyes as she murmured.
"You mean... if I were in the Reverse World, I might be able to awaken my powers?"
"The possibility exists, but... I don't recommend it."
Ye Xing shook his head, his tone utterly matter-of-fact.
"You've heard from Miko how difficult awakening Soul Materialisation is. Confronting your inner self to summon the courage to fight against the supernatural is incredibly hard."
"Moreover..."
Ye Xing met Yui's gaze directly. For the first time, she felt he could look so serious.
"Are you truly prepared to face this world's reality?"
Faced with Ye Xing's question, Yui Yuigahama parted her lips to answer, but paused before any words could escape.
'Ye Xing... is so handsome.'
Such thoughts involuntarily surfaced in Yuigahama's mind.
The faint blush on her cheeks and the misty shimmer in her eyes left Ye Xing utterly bewildered.
'Girl, what's wrong with you?'
'I'm talking serious business here.'
'Have you caught something from hanging around Miko Yotsuya too much?'
'Why does everyone suddenly turn lovestruck at times like this?'
'I'm not a succubus, can we just communicate normally, please?'
"Hey, snap out of it."
Only when Ye Xing spoke did Yuigahama belatedly regain her senses. Her cute face instantly turned crimson, steam practically rising from her head.
So embarrassing. This was beyond mortifying.
"Um... I understand what you mean," Yuigahama forced out through her shame, desperately maintaining composure as if nothing had happened, lowering her voice.
"But... now that I know those 'things' exist, knowing they're there yet being unable to 'see' them... It's unbearable for me."
Ye Xing shrugged at this and chuckled lightly.
"If you're putting it that way, I can't say much more. Just one reminder."
"Currently, the only people I know who've awakened Soul Materialisation abilities are me and Miko Yotsuya."
"You might not know my experiences well, but Miko has told you hers."
Here, Ye Xing said something that made Yuigahama's heart tremble.
"Awakening abilities like ours—no one can help you with that. Only you hold the power to decide."