Chapter 261: Terrifying Things
When they had gone to the abandoned shrine last week to resolve the spirit incident, Miko-san had already felt something was wrong. The atmosphere there had been unnaturally heavy, the air thick with leftover spiritual residue. Even the wind that passed through the ruined gates had carried whispers that didn't belong to the living. After all, soul stones didn't just appear out of nowhere.
When Kouya handed her the second soul stone two days ago, her suspicions deepened. The moment she held it, she could feel the faint pulse of resentment trapped inside. It wasn't merely a cursed object—it was a vessel filled with traces of life that had been torn away. After a few sleepless nights and hours of research, she finally uncovered information about an organization known as the Truth Society.
The Truth Society.
This was not just another cult or underground faction. It was an organization that had existed for centuries, operating from the shadows. Stronger and more secretive than any onmyoji family, its influence stretched across regions and generations. The name itself came from its founding creed: "Truth always belongs to the few." They believed that the universe's secrets were not meant for the masses, that only those strong enough to bear the cost were worthy of enlightenment.
To them, the pursuit of truth was sacred—a path paved with sacrifice. They preached that ignorance was the true sin of mankind, and to overcome that sin, one must not fear blood or pain. Members of the Truth Society underwent harsh initiations that stripped them of emotion and mercy, leaving only their devotion to 'truth.'
Ever since humans had confirmed the existence of yōkai, demons, and dragons, people began to question their fragile existence. Why were monsters born with strength, magic, and longevity while humans were bound to weakness and decay? That question became the seed of obsession for the Truth Society. They sought to uncover the source of such power—to claim it, recreate it, and ascend beyond the limits of mortality.
Their goal might have once been noble—pursuing knowledge and understanding. But over time, it twisted into madness.
To achieve their ends, they committed atrocities: abducting yōkai for experiments, dissecting magical beasts alive, draining their essence, and binding human souls into artificial vessels. Some even merged with their victims to test hybridization, resulting in grotesque creatures that barely qualified as human. To the Truth Society, ethics were nothing but a cage to be shattered.
"These details came mostly from Ishida Ryuji," Miko-san said in a low, serious voice. "Because... his wife was taken by them."
Kouya frowned slightly. "His wife?"
Miko sighed. "Yes. She wasn't human. She was a mermaid—one he accidentally fished up years ago."
Kouya blinked, momentarily stunned. 'A mermaid? He actually hooked one?' He could only imagine the absurdity of such a scene. Still, he couldn't help but snicker inwardly. 'Mermaids these days sure have terrible judgment.'
Miko continued, expression solemn. "The Truth Society came to this city after the Silver Moon Wolf King's death. With that great yōkai gone, the spiritual balance collapsed. Without his suppression, monsters began to stir and chaos spread. The Society saw an opportunity to hunt powerful beings and collect materials for their research. They're the reason so many disappearances have occurred lately."
She paused for a long moment, her voice heavy. "As for why they targeted your classmate's mother... they were simply establishing control. The Truth Society always recruits a local intermediary to manage their affairs—a puppet to maintain appearances while they work unseen."
Kouya exhaled through his nose, a faint trace of irritation flashing in his eyes. 'So in the end, everything somehow ties back to me.'
He remembered the nights when monsters rampaged through the streets—the chaos, the screams, the flashing lights of exorcists clashing with yōkai. Most of the troublemakers were gone now, either slain or vanished. Those that remained had learned to stay quiet. He'd even seen a few harmless ones lately, wandering the alleys like frightened animals. He let them be. He wasn't the type to hunt without reason.
Miko's voice softened, carrying both warning and care. "The Truth Society doesn't play by rules, Kou-kun. They could come for you—or the people close to you. Please stay alert... and watch over those girls around you as well."
There was something wistful in her tone, something she didn't say aloud.
Kouya gave a small, wry smile. 'The girls around me, huh?' He could picture them instantly—angels, demons, and dragons. 'If those lunatics actually try to touch them, they'll be lucky if they even leave behind ashes.'
...
Later that evening, Kouya returned to his apartment. The faint hum of his console filled the room as he sank into his chair and booted up a game. The bright screen illuminated his face as minutes melted into hours. When the clock struck seven-thirty, he finally stood, stretching, and went to change clothes.
Just as he reached for the door, his phone chimed with a familiar notification.
Gabriel: "Hey! Log in already! The game's about to start!"
Kouya: "Can't. I have plans."
Gabriel: "Huh? You, going out? This late? What, did you suddenly get a life, you filthy shut-in?"
He rolled his eyes. 'She has no right to call anyone that.' The image of her messy room popped into his mind—piles of snacks, soda cans, unwashed laundry. There was barely enough floor left to walk on.
Kouya: "I'm bringing something to Vigne."
There was a long pause. Then, silence.
Finally, a new message popped up.
Gabriel: "Tch. Whatever. I'm playing with Fallen Saint Black Cat anyway. We'll win without you."
Kouya smirked. 'Good luck with that. You'll both feed in the first ten minutes.'
He pocketed his phone and headed out.
The streets were calm under the silver moonlight. Lamps lined the sidewalk, bathing the ground in a warm amber hue. Through the café's window, Kouya saw Vigne, dressed neatly in her black-and-white uniform, moving gracefully as she wiped the tables. The shop was nearly empty—just a couple of customers finishing their coffee.
When she noticed him, her demeanor shifted instantly into professional politeness. "Welcome! What would you like to drink tonight?"
Before he could answer, the manager—a kind old man with a knowing smile—chuckled. "Vigne-san, you can head off. I'll close up here."
"Huh? B-but—" she began.
He waved her off with an amused grin and a thumbs-up. "Go enjoy the night, young lady. The moon doesn't wait forever."
"Manager, what are you saying?" she exclaimed softly, her cheeks blooming pink as she shot Kouya a glare before retreating to the back to change.
When she returned, dressed in her casual outfit, she gave a polite goodbye and joined Kouya outside.
The night air was crisp. The soft breeze carried the faint scent of coffee and evening blossoms. They walked quietly for a while, footsteps echoing against the pavement.
"Give me the shirt," Vigne said at last. "You can head home after."
"I'll walk you back," Kouya replied simply.
"There's no need," she protested gently. "The streets here are safe."
"Humor me," he said, starting forward.
Vigne puffed her cheeks but followed nonetheless.
The streets were quiet. The stores along the way had dimmed their lights, and the neon signs flickered faintly. The air was cool, brushing lightly against their skin. For a while, they talked idly about school, about the café, about nothing and everything.
"Those two who played dodgeball with Kanna earlier—you know them?" she asked.
Kouya nodded. "Yeah. They've been over to Kobayashi's place a few times."
"I thought so," she said thoughtfully. "That guy with the glasses looked... intimidating. Be careful around him, okay?"
Kouya chuckled. 'Intimidating? That dragon couldn't hurt me if he tried.' "Got it," he said instead.
Vigne seemed satisfied with that.
They passed through a food street, and the scent of grilled skewers and sweet crepes filled the air.
"Want a snack?" Kouya asked.
Vigne shook her head quickly. "No way. Eating this late is bad for you. I'll gain weight."
He raised a brow. 'A demon worried about calories?' The corner of his mouth lifted slightly.
She caught his expression instantly. "Don't look at me like that. Gabi's already gained two kilos and she still won't stop snacking."
Kouya laughed softly. "You're actually defending her?"
"She's... cuter that way," Vigne mumbled.
...
They continued walking beneath the moonlit sky, and their conversation drifted to lighter topics—school events, student council duties, and random chatter about the future.
"Anyway," Vigne said, brushing her hair behind her ear, "we need to plan something for the club soon. Maybe we could do a joint event with another team?"
"Ask Machiko," Kouya suggested. "She always has good ideas."
"I'll do that," Vigne said softly, then stopped abruptly.
Her expression froze. Her pupils dilated.
Kouya frowned and followed her gaze.
Across the street, half-hidden in the dim alleyway, a man and woman stood far too close together. The shadows of their bodies moved in ways that left little to imagination. The faint sound of breath and fabric rustling carried across the street.
The woman—wearing a revealing top and heavy makeup—had one hand braced against the wall, the other covering her lips as her back arched slightly. The man leaned close, whispering something low, and the motion that followed made even Kouya's brow twitch.
For a moment, Vigne was frozen in stunned silence. Her face turned crimson in a flash, the tips of her ears glowing bright red. The realization hit her all at once, and she let out a tiny squeak before her knees gave out.
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