The afterglow of the setting sun streamed through the tall stained-glass windows of the Old School Building, casting long, multicolored shadows across the luxurious carpet of the Occult Research Club.
The light within the clubroom gradually softened.
The rich aroma of Akeno's freshly brewed black tea blended with the faint scent of aged paper and lingering magical dust from ancient grimoires, creating an atmosphere that was both tranquil and mysterious.
Shin sat in his usual place, a book titled Principles of Basic Magic Circles still open in his hands.
Yet his thoughts were far away.
The quiet interaction with Koneko at the training ground earlier that afternoon, the fleeting encounter with Asia Argento, and the recent discussion about Divine Artifacts in the clubroom all intertwined in his mind.
More and more clearly, he felt that although the supernatural power systems of this world manifested in countless forms, their essence remained the same.
Perception.
Guidance.
Control of energy.
Devils' magic power, Fallen Angels' light, the abilities granted by Sacred Gears, and even the Qi-like energy Koneko wielded—all followed this fundamental principle.
And that…
Strikingly resembled the Daoist Qi Refining methods Shin cultivated.
The difference lay in approach.
Most powers in this world relied heavily on bloodlines, contracts, or external catalysts like Sacred Gears—while placing far less emphasis on internal tempering and the cultivation of heart-nature.
Perhaps that was why Rias and Kiba had shown such interest in his earlier remarks about compatibility and self-cultivation.
As he pondered, soft footsteps approached, accompanied by a faint, pleasant fragrance.
Shin looked up to see Akeno Himejima walking toward him with a steaming cup of black tea, her gentle yet unfathomable smile firmly in place.
"Advisor Shin, still studying so diligently?"
Her voice was soft and melodious, like wind brushing against chimes.
She set the teacup on the table before him.
"Try this. Newly arrived Ceylon black tea, with a bit of honey and bergamot oil. I think it'll suit your taste."
"Thank you, Akeno-senpai."
Shin set the book aside and bowed slightly.
As he lifted the cup, warmth and fragrance spread through his senses, easing his mind almost instantly.
Akeno didn't leave.
Instead, she sat gracefully across from him, hands folded on her lap, gaze fixed on Shin with quiet interest.
"You seem especially sensitive to energy flow," she said casually.
"This afternoon, when Koneko was training, I noticed you watching very intently."
"Are you curious about the Qi she uses?"
Shin felt a slight stir in his heart.
Akeno's perception truly lived up to its reputation.
He nodded honestly.
"I am. That energy is quite unique—different from magic power. It feels closer to nature, with an emphasis on explosive control and form change."
"Oh my, that's correct," Akeno replied with a gentle nod.
"Koneko's strength comes from her bloodline. It's different from our devil system."
Then her tone shifted slightly.
"However… regardless of the type of energy, precise control is always difficult."
"The greater the power, the harder it becomes to command like one's own limb."
She frowned faintly.
"I sometimes face similar issues. When magic power surges, condensing it precisely—or controlling its output—feels like pushing through a thin veil."
"Advisor Shin comes from an Eastern lineage focused on self-cultivation. Do you have any insight into this?"
Her question was natural, sincere—and impossible to dismiss.
Shin knew this wasn't merely idle curiosity.
It was both a genuine concern and a careful probe.
After a moment of thought, he answered cautiously.
"Akeno-senpai is too kind. My understanding of magic power is limited."
"Still… the incomplete family records I inherited mention a few foundational ideas related to mind cultivation."
Akeno leaned forward slightly, interest unmistakable.
"In Eastern philosophy," Shin began calmly, "true energy control isn't achieved through forceful suppression or overly complex techniques."
"It depends on state."
"State?" Akeno echoed.
"Yes." Shin nodded.
"The core lies in concentrating the mind and calming the Qi."
He gently tapped his glabella.
"Concentrating the mind doesn't mean straining focus. It means gathering scattered thoughts—like guiding streams into a still, deep pool."
"When the mind is restless, Qi disperses."
"When the mind is steady, Qi naturally condenses."
His finger lowered toward his abdomen.
"Calming the Qi means allowing energy to return to a harmonious flow—not suppressing it."
"Unruly energy is like a wild horse."
"Calm energy is a trained steed—guided by a single thought."
As he spoke, his breathing unconsciously slowed and deepened.
Akeno immediately sensed the subtle shift.
Shin's presence seemed to merge with the environment—quiet, restrained, yet unfathomably deep.
Even the mixed energies within her own body felt… soothed.
This startled her.
Shin continued.
"When mind and Qi are both still, perception sharpens. You begin to hear energy's rhythm and understand its nature."
"Guiding it then becomes effortless—like directing water downhill."
He paused.
"This is what we call The Way of Nature."
"Not conquering power."
"But understanding it… and harmonizing with it."
He smiled faintly.
"These are only basic principles."
Silence filled the clubroom.
Akeno sat motionless, deeply absorbed.
Then—she tried it.
Relaxing her intent, she gently sensed her magic power without forcing it.
For a brief moment…
It flowed.
Smoothly.
Freely.
Her eyes widened slightly.
"…Understanding instead of conquering," she murmured.
When she looked up, her gaze toward Shin held genuine respect.
"Advisor Shin, that was true wisdom."
"Thank you."
She bowed slightly.
Shin stood and gently helped her straighten.
"I'm glad it helped, Akeno-senpai."
Just then, the clubroom door opened.
Rias entered, raising a brow at the sight.
"Oh? Did I miss something interesting?"
Akeno smiled meaningfully.
"President, Advisor Shin shared some remarkable Eastern insights."
Rias's eyes lit up immediately.
"Oh my… our Advisor never ceases to surprise."
Shin could only smile wryly.
"Just some health-preservation theories, President."
The final rays of sunset stretched their shadows across the room.
A dialogue of philosophies—Eastern and Western—had truly begun.
And Shin knew—
The seeds he had sown were quietly taking root.
Both in knowledge…
And in trust.
...
Author's Note:Sorry for not uploading chapters regularly. I'm currently studying for my semester exams, so chapter upload times may vary for now.
From next month onward, chapters will be uploaded on time. Thank you for your patience and support.