Chapter 3: Uncovering the Past
After Ryo agrees to have his curse removed, Mikoto nods firmly. "Follow me," she says. As Ryo trails behind her, they pass through an open courtyard filled with people sparring with katanas, staffs, and even strange, glowing weapons. The sound of steel clashing fills the air.
Curious, Ryo asks, "Doesn't the government know about all this?"
"They do," Mikoto replies matter-of-factly. "But they don't interfere. As long as we keep things contained, they leave us to handle the spirits."
Her tone is calm, but Ryo notices how she glances around, as though on guard. It makes him wonder if there's more to this organization than she's letting on.
After a short walk, Mikoto adds, "Before I can seal your curse, I need permission from one of the higher-ups."
They approach the largest castle in the town, an ancient structure with towering walls and intricate carvings that seem to pulse faintly with energy. Inside, they are led to a grand chamber where a man sits at a desk, his aura radiating authority.
"Mikoto," the man, Mr. Kenta, says sternly. "What brings you here?"
Mikoto bows slightly. "I need permission to seal a curse."
Mr. Kenta studies her for a moment before nodding. "You have my permission. But you won't be doing this alone. Takeshi will accompany you."
Mikoto immediately protests. "I can handle this on my own."
Mr. Kenta's eyes narrow. "You're not strong enough to deal with a curse of this level by yourself. This isn't up for debate."
He leans forward, his voice sharp. "And one more thing—don't bring any outsiders into this town again without my permission."
Left with no choice, Mikoto agrees. As they leave the chamber, a man comes running toward them. His energy is infectious as he calls out, "Mikoto-san! Your darling boyfriend has arrived to help seal the curse!"
He then turns to Ryo, his expression shifting to a mock glare. "Stay away from my Mikoto-san, or you'll regret it, you lameass."
Mikoto sighs and smacks him on the head. "Shut up, idiot. I'm not your girlfriend."
Takeshi grins mischievously. "Oh, I get it. You don't want our secret relationship going public? Fine, fine, I won't tell anyone."
Another smack lands on his head. "Just shut up and help me with the curse."
Ryo watches the exchange with a mix of amusement and disbelief. These two are idiots, he thinks.
They soon descend into an underground basement, the air growing colder with each step. At the end of the path stands an elderly woman, small and frail-looking, yet exuding an intimidating presence. She guards a massive gate, her eyes sharp and unyielding.
Ryo leans toward Mikoto and whispers, "Who is she?"
"She's one of the strongest here," Mikoto says softly. "Don't underestimate her."
The old woman's gaze pierces them. "Mikoto, did you get permission?"
"Yes," Mikoto replies, her voice uncharacteristically nervous.
The woman snaps her fingers, and in an instant, they're transported into a massive chamber. The room is dominated by three towering pillars, each wrapped in ancient talismans glowing faintly.
Mikoto gestures for Ryo to stand in the center of the pillars. "This is where we'll begin the sealing ritual," she explains.
Takeshi steps forward, slicing his finger with a small blade. Using his blood, he draws a circle around the pillars.
Before starting, Takeshi smirks at Ryo. "Listen, lameass. When we start this ritual, your curse will fight back. Be ready for anything."
Ryo nods, determination in his eyes.
Mikoto and Takeshi stand on opposite sides of the circle and begin chanting in unison:
"By the eternal chains of light and shadow,
I bind thee to slumber eternal.
Let neither time nor force undo this seal,
Until the bearer of truth wills thy release."
As the chant ends, the room darkens, and an ominous voice whispers in Ryo's ear, So, you want to seal me, Ryo Asakura? I'm the only one who can cleanse your sins. Do you know how many people have suffered because of you?
The words drag Ryo into a flood of memories.
He sees his mother pushing him out of the way of a speeding truck, sacrificing her life to save him when he was just four years old. He remembers his father turning to alcohol, blaming him for her death. One year later, his father died in an accident, leaving Ryo alone in the world.
Placed in an orphanage, Ryo endured relentless bullying. Suzume, a kind girl, was the only one who stood up for him. But one day, the bullies went too far, setting fire to Ryo's arm. Suzume rushed to save him, but the flames spread to her, consuming her entirely. The fire engulfed the orphanage, destroying everything.
Ryo whispers, "I deserve to be punished." But Mikoto's words echo in his mind, pulling him back. "You have a choice. Stop running from your guilt."
"Yes," Ryo says firmly, his voice cutting through the darkness. "People have suffered because of me, but to stop more suffering, I'll seal you away!"
The darkness vanishes, and the room returns to normal. Ryo, exhausted but resolute, says, "Thank you," to Mikoto and Takeshi.
Takeshi grins as he leaves. "Goodbye, lameass. Goodbye, my darling Mikoto."
"Shut up!" Mikoto yells, her face red with irritation.
Turning to Ryo, she says, "Now you can live your life peacefully. Maybe even get a girlfriend—or start a harem!"
Ryo chuckles. "Mikoto-san, can I ask you a favor?"
"What is it?"
"I want to join you and help stop spirits. It's the least I can do to atone for my sins."
Mikoto's expression turns serious. "Are you sure? Once you start, there's no going back."
"I'm sure," Ryo replies without hesitation.
Mikoto grins. "Alright then, Ryo Asakura. From now on, you're a member of the... wait, what was our name again? Oh, right! Spirit Exorcists! So Ryo Asakura from now your one of the Spirit Exorcist! But first, you'll need to fill out an application and pass an exam."
"An exam?" Ryo groans
TO BE CONTINUED