Toru calmly pulled over a stool and sat down opposite the Thai monk.
"Tell me everything about Kayako Kawamata in detail."
Ever since encountering the malevolent spirit from his memories, he had been paying attention to Kayako.
However, he could not be completely certain whether it was just a coincidence of names, so he had only arranged for people to keep an eye on her.
The monk glanced at him. Seeing Rena step forward expressionlessly, as if preparing to break another arm, he panicked and quickly spoke.
"Techniques like curses have existed since ancient times. There is no authoritative explanation for the origin of Thai curse techniques."
"But one thing is certain. No matter where they originated, although these techniques are real, their effects are not strong."
He gestured for the monk to continue.
"From ancient times until now, witchcraft, Gu, and curse techniques have never been respectable. They are ineffective against most people and are mainly tools for scams."
"But about twenty years ago, we curse masters noticed slight changes in geographical energy fields. The changes were too small to confirm."
"It was not until recently, when I performed Nuo rituals according to methods passed down by my teacher, that I realized the change occurred in Japan."
The monk cautiously observed Toru's expression.
"Nuo rituals?"
"A ritual similar to spirit possession."
"You sensed something unusual and came to Japan?"
"Yes. Only Japan showed changes. Other countries did not, so I came here on my own."
"I did not expect that shortly after arriving, I would encounter the girl named Kayako. She has an extremely powerful medium constitution. If refined using the method of minor spirits, the effect could be incredible."
Toru remained silent. He had a feeling that if the monk truly attempted that, he would be the one who ended up dead.
"Medium?"
"Yes. That girl's constitution is special. She has abnormal traits. The most obvious effect is that people feel an inexplicable aversion toward her. Only special individuals can ignore it."
"You noticed her because of that?"
Toru suddenly understood.
No wonder Kayako was disliked by others.
Her appearance could not be the reason. She was beautiful, undeniably so. A girl like that should not be universally rejected.
As for personality, she was somewhat withdrawn, but not to the extent that everyone would dislike her. If anything, her weakness should have evoked sympathy.
So this was her unique trait. No wonder someone once mentioned a foul odor around her.
He himself had never smelled anything unusual, only the normal scent of shower gel.
Why was he unaffected? Was he one of the special people the monk mentioned?
If he was special, it was probably related to the cheat system.
"Can you ignore the unsettling feeling she gives off?"
Toru asked.
The monk shook his head.
"I cannot. I also dislike her instinctively. But I know she is special, which is why I was delighted."
"Besides Kayako, have you found any other special individuals in Japan?"
"I found one, but I did not dare approach her."
"Why?"
"Unlike Kayako, that girl possesses a special charm. Anyone who sees her, man or woman, will fall in love with her."
"I can force myself to resist aversion, but I dare not face that kind of charm. I might lose myself."
"What is her name?"
"I do not know. After noticing her, I was frightened and never approached her again."
"Where did you see her?"
"Near the Meguro River."
Toru continued questioning him.
The monk was not entirely obedient. He occasionally mixed lies with truth.
However, Toru had trained in lie detection techniques.
For example, during rapid questioning, he would suddenly repeat a previous question. If the monk hesitated or contradicted himself, it would reveal fabrication.
After Rena's methods and the pain of his injuries, Toru eventually obtained the information he wanted.
The good news was that extraordinary individuals did exist in this world, but their abilities were within a reasonable range. They could not withstand firearms and explosives. They were not superpowers, but rather an alternative form of science.
The bad news was that gaining immortality was impossible. These techniques could only accomplish minor feats, nothing world-shaking.
Toru felt slightly disappointed.
According to the monk, even if Kayako were refined into a ghost, her abilities would only increase somewhat. She would not become overwhelmingly powerful, let alone capable of destroying the world.
Toru remained cautious about that claim.
No matter what, if he could avoid turning Kayako into a ghost, he would. He would not gamble on it.
He hoped that in a new era, ghosts could be turned back into humans.
"Have you heard of Pandora's Tears?"
"What is that? I have never heard of it."
"Then have you heard of any legends about eternal life?"
"My teacher once mentioned a Fountain of Youth, but that is only legend. I have never believed it."
After confirming that he could extract no more useful information, Toru gave Rena a look, stood up, and left the room.
The monk thought he had survived and let out a long sigh of relief.
...
That evening at home.
[Boss, the monk has been dealt with.]
[Find someone to translate the books in his suitcase. Translate them separately, not as a complete set.]
[Understood.]
Inside the monk's suitcase were ancient books and strange diagrams.
Toru could not understand them and had to rely on professionals.
Rena soon sent him a photo taken after the monk was eliminated.
The image showed the monk's body covered in bizarre tattoos, likely conditions required for certain curse techniques.
He had been more than just a fraud. He certainly had lives on his hands. Killing him meant little.
Not long after, Curacao also sent a message.
[Boss, we investigated the truck driver. There are no issues. It was just an accident.]
Sitting on the sofa, Toru looked at his phone and frowned slightly.
Was it really just coincidence? Had he overthought it?
After some consideration, he replied.
[I am assigning you a task. Investigate someone with unusual charm. Start around the Meguro River. Such a person will leave traces and rumors.]
[If you find the target, do not approach. Inform me immediately.]
[Yes, Boss.]
After leaving the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department and changing back into her usual attire, Curacao saw the new task. Although she did not fully understand what special charm meant, she accepted it without hesitation.
Toru picked up the glass of water on the table and took a sip. After thinking for a moment, he decided to visit the Kawamata family the next day.
Kayako had just lost her parents. He needed to offer condolences.
Even though the Thai monk claimed there were no exaggerated supernatural powers in this world, caution was still necessary.
...
United States, Langley, Virginia, Central Intelligence Agency Headquarters.
CIA Director Burns knocked gently on Spencer's office door.
"Come in."
Burns entered. Spencer was seated behind his long desk.
Burns placed the document in his hand on the desk and reported, "Director, it has been confirmed that the individual who infiltrated the CIA is dead."
"Source?"
"The information came from the Japanese Public Security Bureau. Japan has confirmed the body. As you predicted, Director, she was a member of that Organization, code-named Curacao."
"Have our people confirmed it?"
"Yes. It matches the Japanese Security Bureau's conclusion."
"Has Adam's report been submitted?"
"It is included in this document. According to Adam and our verification, Korn and Tequila from the Organization are dead. Gin was injured and is currently recovering at an unknown location."
"Very good. Adam performed well."
Spencer smiled with satisfaction.
He had indeed cooperated with the Black Organization, but for them to dare infiltrate the CIA was a direct challenge to him.
What angered him most was not their attempt, but their success.
Now he had retaliated. The deaths of Curacao, Korn, and Tequila were heavy losses for the Organization.
After all, it was a criminal group. Replacing core members was not easy.
Compared to the Central Intelligence Agency, which recruited talent worldwide, the Black Organization was nothing more than rats in the gutter.
"Burns, assign Adam the new mission."
"Yes, Director."
Burns hesitated before asking, "What if Adam refuses?"
"If he refuses or even hesitates, it means he is no longer loyal to the Central Intelligence Agency."
"You know the fate of those who are not loyal."
Spencer spoke calmly.
His words were also a warning to Burns, the Deputy Director.
(To be continued.)
◇◇◇
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 200 Power Stones.
◇ You can read the ahead chapter on Pat if you're interested: p-atreon.c-om/Blownleaves (Just remove the hyphen to access normally.)