Ioroi was so anxious that he even blurted out his verbal tic. If he hadn't promised the other party not to scare people, he would have directly used his Tanuki demon art to have someone prepare a huge table full of food for himself.
Seeing this, Shiki held down Ioroi's small head, then calmly picked up a snack and said, "So that's just your craving, while I need to eat to replenish energy. There's a fundamental difference between the two."
"You'll eat one less meal today. After we visit Grand Narukami Shrine tomorrow, I'll take you to eat something good!"
"Really?"
Hearing about a good meal, Ioroi's eyes immediately lit up, and he no longer cared about these snacks.
"Of course, it's true. Could I lie to you?"
Ioroi nodded doubtfully. Someone who makes a contract at the drop of a hat... surely wouldn't trick it, right?
"Speaking of which, can we humans learn Tanuki magic?"
Shiki was very interested in Ioroi's magic. Just a transformation spell could avoid some troubles at certain times.
"Of course, you can! The essence of Yokai Tanuki magic is no different from Onmyōdō. As long as you have magic power, it's fine," Ioroi said.
However, Shiki was a bit confused. Uh... magic power? What's that? And Onmyōdō, has that really been passed down?
Ioroi saw the girl's bewildered expression and couldn't help but feel a little pleased. It was not easy to make this always confident woman show such an expression!
"Magic power is a kind of power I possessed from birth. It exists in the deepest part of the soul and body, and must be guided, solidified, and strengthened daily."
"As for how humans acquire it, I'm really not sure. Those Onmyōdō spells are all carried on talismans. Only that junior who followed the smelly fox could bypass the restriction of talismans."
Listening to Ioroi's words, Shiki fell into contemplation. Onmyōdō spells were carried on talismans, but Tadatsune Harunosuke could draw talismans in the Akasha, bypassing the need for paper.
Combining this with the plot where Tadatsune Harunosuke once went to Liyue to learn adeptal arts, does that mean he gained magic power through adeptal arts?
Currently, it can be known that humans do not have magic power, or rather, there is no method to cultivate magic power, which is why those Onmyōdō spells require talismans.
Moreover, those Kairagi who can enchant swords also do so through Onmyōdō talismans.
But in the game's description, these elemental power-enchanting talismans came from Tadatsune Harunosuke So where did the Kairagi get them?
Or did they explore some ruins and obtain the method for making talismans?
Combining Tadatsune Harunosuke's deeds, it can be confirmed that in Liyue, there are adeptal arts that allow people to cultivate magic power. Otherwise, how could a human seal a great demon like Ioroi?
Ioroi could be said to be Inazuma's adeptal beast, a familiar of the original Raiden Shogun, on par with the very talkative True Monarch in Liyue.
Yet, Tadatsune Harunosuke was able to seal Ioroi in a stone statue with lightning speed. Although there was an element of surprise, it clearly wouldn't be possible with Onmyōdō that still required talismans.
Also, the magic power Ioroi mentioned, existing in the deepest part of the soul and body, this statement couldn't help but remind Shiki of Daoist Qi.
'Perhaps when Kazuha escapes, I can board the Alcor with him.'
Shiki planned to go to Liyue. She didn't have a Vision, and Liyue's adeptal arts might be her best solution for becoming stronger.
The night passed without incident...
In the early morning, Shiki was woken up by Ioroi. Since she had agreed with Kazuha to meet at the entrance of the Kamisato Estate in the morning, she asked Ioroi to act as an alarm clock.
"Alright, alright, I'm awake, stop patting," Shiki said, pushing Ioroi away.
Because she was staying overnight, Shiki hadn't taken off her clothes when she slept last night, only untying her obi so she wouldn't be uncomfortable.
After re-tying her obi and making a small bow, she opened the door, greeted Thoma who was tidying up the room, and then left the Kamisato Estate.
Of course, she didn't forget to activate the Waypoint in front of the Kamisato Estate's gate; she would need it for future visits.
After activating the anchor, Shiki leaned against a tree, quietly waiting for Kazuha to arrive.
The morning sun is always beautiful, for it is not as scorching as at noon, bringing warmth without making you feel overly hot.
The chirping of birds emerged from all around. One could not experience this in the big cities of Earth.
Accompanied by a gentle breeze caressing her cheek, Kazuha descended from a high place. Hearing the movement in front of her, Shiki also opened her eyes.
"Morning, Kaedehara."
"Good morning, Miss Ryougi. It seems you rested well last night," Kazuha said with a smile, greeting her.
"After all, they are a prominent family. Oh, right, let me introduce you. This is my emergency... partner, Ioroi." Shiki said, pointing at the tanuki sitting on the ground.
"Hello, Ioroi. I am Kazuha."
"I am Ioroi, the Youkai Tanuki! Hurry and kneel before me!"
Ioroi struck a very comical pose, standing on one leg with his arms spread wide. It might have been acceptable if he were human, but unfortunately, he was a tanuki.
"Huh!? A talking tanuki!?" Kazuha's eyes widened. This must be a monster, right? This is definitely one of those legendary Youkai!
"He's having an episode. Just ignore him."
Shiki expressionlessly picked Ioroi up by the scruff of his neck. *I am, I am* all day long—can't he just act normal?
"Hey! Let go of me!" Ioroi struggled.
Hearing this, Shiki released her hand. Kazuha was very curious about Ioroi, seemingly quite interested in why a tanuki could talk.
"Ioroi is a Tanuki Youkai that was sealed in Chinju Forest five hundred years ago. I released him after we parted ways yesterday."
"A seal? Miss Ryougi, do you know Onmyōdō?"
In Kazuha's understanding, only the lost art of Onmyōdō and the Miko of the Grand Narukami Shrine could perform sealing techniques.
However, the Grand Narukami Shrine's arts are only taught to Miko and not outsiders, and Shiki is not a Miko, so it could only be Onmyōdō.
'But isn't that art already lost?' Kazuha wondered.
"I don't know Onmyōdō. I can just see things that ordinary people can't." Shiki waved her hand. She actually wished she knew Onmyōdō.
Who wouldn't want to be a Powerful Mage? Of course, mages who put all their skill points into close combat don't count!
"After five hundred years of time passing, that seal was already failing. As long as you could see it, a light slash was enough to break it."
Kazuha realized the truth upon hearing this, but he completely missed Ioroi rolling his eyes beside him.
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