Chapter 17: A Deal with the Exorcist
Hearing these words, the mercenary smile on the old man's face gradually faded. He looked Yoru up and down with interest.
"It seems you are also a rather special person."
"Wait a moment."
Listening to their conversation, Yotsuya Miko looked confused and couldn't help but ask.
"What do you mean by 'this old gentleman is a genuine spirit medium, which is why he sold you fakes'? I'm having trouble understanding the logic here."
Yoru shrugs and explains nonchalantly.
"Generally speaking, people who claim to possess spiritual power and make a living from exorcism fall into two categories."
"The first type are complete charlatans who know nothing about the trade."
"Since he could open a shop like this on this shopping street, there's a high probability he isn't that type. Besides, you should have noticed that certain items in this shop do indeed possess spiritual power, right?"
Miko nodded upon hearing this.
From the moment she stepped into this shop, she had noticed it.
Although not many, some items on the shelves emitted a faint glow.
This was a sign that they were genuine articles capable of repelling evil spirits.
Of course, for the evil spirits Miko usually encountered, these things were better than nothing, but not by much.
Yoru paused for a moment, giving Miko ample time to think, then continued.
"The second type are those who actually have some skill, and whose merchandise can truly ward off evil."
"Are you saying this old gentleman belongs to the second type?"
To Miko's surprise, Yoru shook his head.
"No, he is the third type."
"The third type?"
"The so-called third type..."
Yoru looked at the old man sitting behind the counter and spoke slowly.
"The third type are genuine spirit mediums who can see whether a customer coming to buy goods is entangled by evil spirits."
"If there really is a problem, they take the money and eliminate the disaster."
"If there are no evil spirits around the customer, then it's purely psychological. In that case, they just sell whatever to act as a placebo."
After listening to Yoru's explanation, Miko nodded as if a lightbulb had gone on.
So that was how it worked.
She had thought Yoru came here today solely to get a refund, but it turned out this was his main purpose.
"Young man, it seems you know your stuff."
The old man revealed a faint smile and snubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray.
"I forgot to introduce myself. This old man is named Oda Noto."
Yoru nodded slightly.
"Yeah, I'm Yoru, and this is Yotsuya Miko."
Oda Noto wore a kindly smile, but before he could speak, he nearly lost his composure at Yoru's next words.
"Noto? Good name. From now on, I'll call you Old Geezer."
Oda Noto sighed helplessly. Didn't you call me 'Old Geezer' from the start? Is there any difference?
"Since we've put everything on the table."
Yoru's fingers tapped lightly on the counter, making a rhythmic sound.
"I'll ask you straight. What is the most effective item you have here for dealing with evil spirits? Bring out the real stuff."
"You want to see the real stuff?"
Oda Noto looked at Yoru deeply. After pondering for a moment, he turned and entered the storeroom behind him.
Once he left, Miko finally found a chance to lean close to Yoru and whisper.
"Um... with your ability, is it really necessary to spend money buying these things?"
"That is where you are wrong."
Yoru yawned, looking lazy as if he hadn't fully woken up yet.
"If I can find a weapon that is reasonably effective, I can save some energy during battles."
"Oh my, that rhymed."
Miko nodded, thinking that made sense.
Wait, no.
The important part was the first sentence.
She had seen with her own eyes how Yoru fought evil spirits, and she had read the experiences he summarized.
Ordinary weapons, no matter what material they were made of, couldn't cause substantial damage to evil spirits. The spirits would recover quickly, so weapons only played a supporting role.
Miko wasn't sure if Yoru's ability to devour spirits could be used without limit.
But thinking about it carefully, there must be restrictions, right?
There would always be times when he couldn't eat anymore.
Besides...
Those evil spirits looked like abstract paintings. She didn't understand how Yoru could stomach them.
If they could truly find a weapon capable of destroying evil spirits, then not only could Yoru use it, but she could also get one to keep by her side, just in case.
While Miko was lost in thought, Oda Noto walked out slowly, holding an ancient-looking longsword (katana).
"This should meet your needs."
Oda Noto placed the longsword gently on the counter. The bright blade, not covered by a scabbard, reflected a glint of cold light.
"This is!?"
In the eyes of an ordinary person, although this longsword was sharp, due to its age and the several chips of varying sizes on the blade, its condition couldn't be called good—let alone be called a famous sword.
But Miko, possessing the "Sight," could see it clearly.
This longsword emitted a dense red mist that looked like fresh blood.
Just a glance was enough for her to sense the extraordinary nature of this sword.
"How much? I'll buy it."
Hearing Yoru's words, Oda Noto smiled, waved his hand, and said meaningfully.
"It's a gift. Consider it a show of this old man's sincerity. Leave a contact number?"
"Alright."
Yoru seemed to have expected this. He gave his phone number to Oda Noto, then added:
"Since you gave me the sword, give me a scabbard too, bro."
"Are you trying to jump generations with me?" (Note: Calling him "bro" implies equal generation, disrespecting the elder).
Oda Noto retorted verbally, but his body was honest. He took out a wooden scabbard and handed it to Yoru, instructing:
"By the way, the blade is sharpened. You can't take it on the train, so be careful."
"You got it, Old Geezer. We'll be in touch."
Yoru sheathed the longsword. Without any lingering, he directly dragged the still-confused Miko out of the shop.
Watching their retreating figures, Oda Noto lit another cigarette and took a deep drag.
As an experienced exorcist, he had gained a lot of valuable information from his conversation with Yoru.
First, Yoru knew the protective charms were fake and useless.
Second, based on his observation, Yoru was not entangled by any evil spirits.
And most importantly, the surprise revealed in Yotsuya Miko's eyes when she saw the longsword.
Combining these details, he had guessed that these two young people, who looked like high school students, were spirit mediums just like him.
And...
It was very likely that they possessed an ability he didn't have: the power to truly destroy those "things."