As soon as he let go of the concentration, the orb of Reishi in Kuro Tsukasa's hand dissolved into the air.
Without hesitation, he immediately began a second attempt.
Surprisingly, this time it required no conscious effort. The Soul Chain and Soul Sleep resonated in perfect unison, and Reiryoku flowed naturally through his body. The light orb reappeared in his palm.
"Good."
He studied the orb, shifting its size with a thought—shrinking, enlarging.No matter how he manipulated it, the sphere remained stable and clear, the glow tight and undisturbed.
'Easier than I expected…'
There was no time to feel smug. Tsukasa continued practicing the control of Reiryoku, over and over, until it became as natural as breathing.
It wasn't long before the task was complete.Then he began experimenting with a more advanced concept.
Channeling spiritual energy across his palm, he spread it into a thin, uniform film of faint light that wrapped around his hand like a second skin.
In the stillness of the night, the Reiryoku shimmered alongside the moonlight—twin reflections dancing in his obsidian eyes.
Eventually, Tsukasa released the energy and exhaled a deep breath. Fatigue surged through his limbs, beads of sweat forming on his brow.
He had gotten carried away.First exposure to Reiryoku often brought obsession. It was too easy to overdo it.
Still, he had achieved far more than expected tonight.No need to rush forward blindly. Greed would only backfire.
After stretching his limbs, he decided to rest. That's when he noticed.
"…It darkened?"
He blinked.The circular mark on his chest—one he had noticed last night—seemed darker now.
Given his keen eyesight and photographic memory, there was no way it was a mistake.
He had first discovered it while wiping himself down after the dinner rush: a fist-sized circle over his heart, something that hadn't existed before his transmigration.
Back then, without access to Reiryoku, he'd sensed nothing unusual. No physical discomfort.So he had ignored it.
Now, he ran a finger across the mark, lightly tracing it while infusing the fingertip with spiritual energy.
No reaction.
He withdrew his hand thoughtfully.'If I can't figure it out now, time will tell.'
What mattered now was increasing his Reiryoku reserves. There was still so much to do.
"Sleep."
He cast aside his scattered thoughts and curled back into the warm futon, eyes closed.Sleep came quickly.
…
The next morning.
After a hearty breakfast, Tsukasa stood relaxed at the shop's entrance, basking in the soft rhythm of morning in this world.
People trickled onto the streets. Vendors raised their stalls along the roadside.Today was the perfect time to gather supplies—especially clothes.
He had nothing suitable, and yesterday was too rushed to do any real shopping.
The izakaya wouldn't open until lunch. He had time.
Before he left, Terada-san handed him a pouch.
"Your first advance," she said simply.
He tucked it inside his robes. It had some weight to it.
"Morning, Tsukasa!"
"Good morning, Koyuu-san."
He turned and lifted a hand in greeting as Koyuu approached.
They had arranged this yesterday. As a newcomer, he wasn't familiar with prices in the district.Koyuu, ever enthusiastic, had offered to guide him.
"Let's go! I know a great shop—good materials, honest pricing. My whole family shops there."
She smiled and quickened her pace.
Soon, she led him to a modest tailor's shop.
They pushed open the door and lifted the fabric curtain.
A woman in a dark indigo kimono sat at the counter, her hair pulled into a tidy bun streaked with silver. Her face bore fine lines, but her eyes were clear, and the vestiges of her youthful beauty still lingered.
"Welcome."
"Oh my, what a rare guest! Koyuu, it's been so long!"
The shopkeeper paused her sewing, slipping her needle back into its case and rising with a bright smile.
Her sleeves fluttered like butterflies with every gesture.
"Good to see you again, Nishikata-san."
"This is Tsukasa. He's our new cook. We're here to get him outfitted properly."
Koyuu introduced him warmly.
"Tsukasa, hmm? Nice name."
"And such a handsome young man… too young for me though, what a shame."
The shopkeeper teased playfully, eyes sharp as a tailor's should be as she gave him a thorough once-over.
"Thank you for the kind words. Good morning, Nishikata-san."
Tsukasa bowed politely, calm and composed.
"Oho, I like him even more now."
"I just finished a new batch of robes with fresh fabric. You'll look great in one. Follow me."
Slightly surprised by his composure, Nishikata-san led them toward a row of darker kimono with simple vertical patterns.
"This one would suit you."
"Want to try it?"
She held up a black pinstriped kimono and sized him up quickly.
"Looks good to me," Koyuu nodded.Nishikata-san had good taste, and this one matched Tsukasa's build and bearing perfectly.
"Alright."
Tsukasa took the robe and walked toward the changing room.The curtain fell.
Soft rustling of cloth followed.
Moments later, it lifted.
Gone was the dusty, worn traveler.In his place stood a calm young man in a clean black robe, simple and sharp.
The vertical lines highlighted his tall, lean frame. The soft cotton hugged his figure without restricting movement.
His long hair, usually tied loosely, now fell free across his shoulders, softening his features.
"My, that's perfect," Nishikata-san said with a clap of her hands.
"It really is," Koyuu smiled, eyes alight.
"Feels like something's still missing though… hold on."
After a moment of thought, she pulled a pale hair ribbon from the rack and stepped behind him.Her fingers gently swept through his hair, tying it back smoothly with practiced ease.
"Done."
She stepped back, admiring her work with a proud smile.
Tsukasa turned to the copper mirror by the wall.
The person reflected there was composed, sharp-eyed, and neatly dressed.
A world apart from the ragged boy who had arrived yesterday.
"Good choice," Nishikata-san said from beside him, nodding in approval.