Akira held Kato Megumi's wrist and moved in the opposite direction of the school.
"Akira-kun?"
"Just a moment longer. It'll be ready soon."
Tap, tap, tap…
The sound of hard-soled shoes behind them finally caught Kato Megumi's attention.
She turned her head and saw that the beautiful, somewhat eerie woman with a white rose-like aura—who had been on the platform earlier—was following them not too far behind.
Seeing Kato Megumi turn around, she even winked at her.
What's going on?
Who is this woman?
Why is she following us?
Although she knew this matter must be related to Akira, questions kept popping up in her mind.
"Akira-kun!"
"Don't worry, Megumi-chan. Leave it to me."
As they spoke, the two had already stopped in the wetland park near the school.
This place was off the main road, spacious, and deserted.
Akira calmly turned around, shielding Kato Megumi behind him.
"Just say what you want to say. I'm in a hurry. Class starts in half an hour."
"As a high school student, unless it's the end of the world, it's impossible not to go to school."
A crow landed on Mei Mei's shoulder.
Its black pupils looked directly at Akira.
Even with his glasses, Akira could barely tell the difference between this crow and an ordinary one.
"I really didn't expect that little brother Akira, with your ability to kill a Special Grade Cursed Spirit alone, would still choose to stay in school and continue studying."
"Haven't found an organization? Big Sister can take you in."
Mei Mei crossed her arms, striking a casual pose.
But her alluring figure instantly stood out with her arms wrapped around her.
Her cool, mature aura bloomed like a white rose.
However, if one was only attracted by its glamorous surface,
they would surely be cut by the hidden thorns on its branches.
"The one who was monitoring me yesterday—was it you?"
"Misunderstanding, misunderstanding. I was monitoring your classmate named Kitagawa Marin."
"You probably wouldn't expect that her true identity is…"
Mei Mei suddenly stopped, changing the subject. "Oh, I forgot. This kind of information is a secret that costs money to know."
"Believe me, this news is absolutely worth it."
"By the way, my name is Mei Mei. Like you, I am a freelance Sorcerer, but I have official certification. I am currently a Grade 1 Sorcerer and am striving to become Special Grade."
"You can choose to be my partner. That way, I will tell you this information for free and can also help you find an organization."
"How about it? Becoming partners with a Big Sister like me comes with many benefits, you know."
Mei Mei's lips curved upward, her eyes carrying a smile.
Although Akira could face and slay a Special Grade Cursed Spirit alone,
no matter how much was said, he was still just a high school student.
At an age full of fantasies about women, her advantages were self-evident.
If she could pick up such a capable Sorcerer as a partner,
she would surely rake in money, and her savings would skyrocket.
But what she didn't know was that for Akira, information about both Kitagawa Marin and her was basically transparent.
The only difference was that Akira already knew Kitagawa Marin's depth but still didn't know Mei Mei's level.
"Akira-kun, what's going on?"
Before Akira could respond, Kato Megumi's voice interrupted his thoughts.
She looked bewildered, eager to know what the two of them were talking about.
Akira squeezed her small hand. "This Big Sister already said she's a Sorcerer."
"And me—well, I guess I am too!"
Kato Megumi covered her small mouth. The name "Sorcerer," while not entirely distant, was a profession that normal people had the least contact with—compared to police and heroes.
And both Akira and the woman in front of him were Sorcerers?
Kato Megumi was a bit flustered. Cursed Spirits were invisible, inherently giving people more room for fear than Monsters and demons.
Seeing Kato Megumi's state change, Akira smiled and squeezed her hand. "Don't be afraid. I'm here. And this Big Sister isn't here to cause trouble."
These words were like a shot of adrenaline, instantly calming Kato Megumi down.
Akira didn't continue. His gaze shifted to Mei Mei's curvaceous figure. "Big Sister, what are you here for today?"
"Of course, I want to find a partner. If not, then we can spar."
"Little brother Akira is so young, handsome, and powerful—it makes me very curious about what kind of unique Technique little brother Akira possesses."
"I'm afraid wanting to know my Technique is your true purpose here, isn't it?"
Mei Mei smiled faintly. "Don't be so blunt. Maybe we really can become partners?"
"No need for partners. School suits me quite well."
"Oh? It seems there's something little brother Akira must protect at school."
"How romantic."
Kato Megumi's face flushed. Her favorability, under Mei Mei's teasing, instantly shot up a bit further, finally settling at 88.
A very auspicious number.
"Hmm. Indeed it is."
Akira smiled slightly. "Since you want to know my Technique, you'll have to exchange something for it. This information should fetch a considerable price."
"How clever. I promise to do one thing within my power to help you."
"Mutual respect. Since you helped me out just now, I can go easy on you."
"Then I thank little brother Akira in advance."
As she spoke, Mei Mei activated a talisman, and a black, veil-like curtain of light poured down from the sky, forming a barrier that enveloped a hundred-meter radius.
"Curtain!"
"It's a common method used by Sorcerers to isolate dangerous areas. The purpose of this Curtain is probably to prevent people nearby from noticing what's happening in this area."
Akira explained to Kato Megumi and casually told her to stand aside for now.
By this time, Mei Mei had already retrieved her battle-axe, which she had hidden in the nearby bushes.
The battle-axe was heavy, and its gleaming blade made Kato Megumi's heart tighten.
"Akira-kun, are you really going to fight her? She has a weapon."
"Little sister, don't worry. Don't let little brother Akira's appearance fool you—he's very capable."
The crow ascended, and Mei Mei gained full control over the field of vision.
"Now, I shall offer a humble opinion to induce others to come forward with valuable ones—and let you witness his methods."