28 Chapter:28 Yami no michi
Kurosawa nodded, understanding Renko's stance.
"I'll make a note of that in our negotiations. It's crucial to establish clear terms that align with your preferences. Let me know if you have any specific conditions or requirements for the purchase."
Renko thought for a moment before responding,
"I know the price placed on this property, but I wish for the minimum price and I want the paperwork to be straightforward. I prefer not to receive any surprises down the line."
Kurosawa nodded,
"Understood, Ms. Renko. We can discuss the pricing and ensure that the paperwork is transparent and straightforward. I'll prepare the necessary documents for you to review. In the meantime, feel free to explore the surroundings a bit more if you'd like. Oh, but I have one question."
Renko raised an eyebrow, prompting Kurosawa to continue.
"Would you be applying for a mortgage?"
Renko considered the question for a moment before responding,
"No, I prefer to make a lump sum payment. It simplifies things, and I don't want any financial commitments lingering over me. If the paperwork is in order, I'll be ready to make the payment."
Kurosawa nodded,
"Very well, Ms. Renko. I'll take note of your preference for a lump sum payment. I still have to prepare some property documents for formality, Feel free to explore the place on your own."
Renko took a final look around the shrine, absorbing the quiet atmosphere. It was a unique property, and despite the potential challenges, she found it surprisingly lovely.
[04:45]
"Miss Renko, I have the papers ready."
Renko turned her attention back to Kurosawa, her fatigue momentarily forgotten as she became focused on the business at hand.
"Very well, let's go through the paperwork,"
They talked for a while and then the negotiation process began at once, Kurosawa handed her four papers one by one, explaining the importance of each one of them.
Kurosawa explained the terms, the price breakdown, and the legal aspects of the property transfer. Renko, despite her weariness, maintained a sharp focus on the proceedings.
"And this is the agreement for the lump sum payment. Once you've reviewed and signed all the documents, we can proceed with the formalities."
Renko carefully read through each clause, confirming that there were no hidden surprises or unfavorable conditions. Satisfied with the terms, she signed the papers, sealing the deal for the Back Mountain property.
"Everything seems to be in order. I'll transfer the funds as soon as you have all the papers ready from the seller's side."
Kurosawa nodded, pleased with the progress.
"Excellent, Ms. Renko. I'll contact the sellers today and have the final documents ready by tomorrow ."
Renko stood up,
"Thank you, Kurosawa. I appreciate your efficiency. Now, I need to rush to my next appointment."
Kurosawa smiled,
"Of course, Ms. Renko. I'll handle the remaining paperwork, and you can contact me once you're ready to proceed with the payment. And if you are in a hurry, I can drop you off at your next appointment."
"That would be quite helpful, thank you."
Renko nodded her head in gratitude.
"By the way, did this shrine have a name?"
Asked Renko,
She had been wondering about it for quite a while now. Kurosawa paused for a moment, trying to remember before looking through his half-packed papers and answering,
"I believe it was called 'Yami No Michi.' At least the caretaker called it by that name."
As they both left the shrine property, Kurosawa drove her to the location of her next appointment - the driving school.
It took a while, but Renko's hands finally stopped shaking. She had felt an ominous presence in that shrine, something so powerful that she wasn't even worth its effort to kill. The mere presence of the creature's curse energy would be enough to kill her.
After a twenty-minute drive, they finally arrived at the driving school. It was as large as she expected it to be, two, two-stories buildings and a large expanse of land behind her.
Upon arriving at the driving school, Renko thanked Kurosawa and entered the building. The receptionist spotted her and tilted her head in confusion,
"Who might you be young lady?"
Renko flashed a tired smile,
"I'm Renko Ivanov. I have an appointment for driving school."
The receptionist checked her schedule and skeptically nodded her head,
"Ah, yes. Renko Ivanov, right on time. Welcome. Please fill out this form, and we'll get you started."
Renko took the form and quickly filled in the necessary information. As she handed it back, the receptionist explained the basic process and introduced her to the instructor.
"Your instructor, Mr. Tanaka, will be guiding you through the first session. Good luck, Ms. Renko!"
Renko gave a small nod and followed Mr. Tanaka to the designated area for the driving lesson. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow over the training ground.
"Good evening, Renko. I'm Mr. Tanaka. I'll be your instructor for today. Have you ever driven before?"
Renko shook her head,
"No, I haven't."
Mr. Tanaka nodded,
"No worries. We'll start with the basics. First, I'll explain the controls of the bike and check your balance. Then, we'll practice some simple maneuvers in the training area."
Renko attentively listened to Mr. Tanaka as he explained the different components of the motorcycle and demonstrated how to mount and dismount the bike. After half an hour of lecturing, he finally allowed her to try mounting the bike,
[Practice Bike:
Description: A motorbike pieced together from the salvaged parts of scrapped bikes. Perfect for a complete beginner.
- Max. Speed: 120 kmph (75 mph)
Stat Requirement: Strength(8), Dexterity(8)]
'Not bad.'
As she swung her leg over the motorcycle and settled into the seat, Mr. Tanaka gave her instructions on handling the handlebars, brakes, and throttle. Renko took a moment to get used to the weight of the bike, feeling a bit awkward at first.
Mr. Tanaka, however, was patient and explained everything again and again, guiding her through the initial steps. They started with some basic maneuvers in the training area, balancing, practicing acceleration, braking, and turning.
Renko was somewhat nervous but after a single notification, excitement replaced that feeling.
[Congratulation]
[New Skill Detected]
[Basic Driving(1): 0/100
Description: The very basic skill required to be able to drive a vehicle.
- Maximum Speed: 0%
- Chances of Accident(Upon Going Above The Maximum Speed): 100%
- Vehicle Unlocked: Bike(0%)]
It seems that Mr. Tanaka had a driving skill at quite a high level since almost every time he guided her, the experience gained would not be in less than three digits. By the end of their two-hour class, her skill had progressed considerably.
[Basic Driving(10): Max/Max
Description: The very basic skill required to be able to drive a vehicle.
- Maximum Speed: 50%
- Chances of Accident(Upon Going Above The Maximum Speed): 50%
- Vehicle Unlocked: Bike(50%)]
[Congratulation]
[A skill has reached it's maximum level]
[Initiate skill evolution?]
[Yes] [No]
'This was new.'
{YES}
[Skill Evolution Complete]
[Congratulation]
[New skill Detected]
[Driving(1): 0/100
Description: Skill required to safely and properly operate a vehicle.
- Maximum Speed: 50%
- Chances of accident(Upon Going Above The Maximum Speed): 33%
- Vehicles Unlocked: Bike(50%)]
The skill evolution was unexpected for Renko. As she processed the new information, Mr. Tanaka observed her with curiosity.
"Renko, everything okay? You seem a bit lost."
Renko snapped out of her thoughts and nodded,
"Yeah, I am ok. Just a bit tired that's all."
Mr. Tanaka sighed,
"Yeah, I can see that. Are you sure you didn't get punched in the eyes?"
Renko chuckled,
"Nah, just haven't had any sleep in a while. But I appreciate your concern, Mr. Tanaka."
He nodded, understandingly,
"Well, learning to ride a bike can be physically and mentally demanding, especially for beginners. Let's call it a day for now. You've made good progress, considerably so too since this is your first lesson. We'll continue building on this foundation in the next sessions."
Renko nodded in agreement,
"Thanks, Mr. Tanaka."
As she walked out of the training area, Renko's fatigue hit her once again. She realized that the combination of negotiating for the shrine property and the intense driving lesson had taken a toll on her head.
"How about you buy our premium subscription? We will be teaching night riding, it's a bit difficult but it's a good skill to have."
Renko raised an eyebrow at the unexpected offer.
"Hmm, night riding, huh? What does the premium subscription include?"
[Premium Subscription: Night Riding Module]
- Exclusive access to night riding lessons.
- Advanced techniques for handling low-light conditions.
- Specialized guidance from experienced instructors.
- Night riding equipment provided during lessons.
Renko considered the benefits and the potential usefulness of night riding skills.
"How much does the premium subscription cost?"
[Premium Subscription: Night Riding Module]
- One-time payment of 15,000 yen/Per Hour.
Renko hesitated for a moment, not because of the cost or anything, but because there wasn't much benefit in spending late night hours in a semi-junkyard. But then again, learning night riding could be useful since she usually had to travel to the cemetery when it was pitch black outside.
"Alright, sign me up for the premium subscription. Might as well learn all there is to it then."
[Premium Night Riding Lessons Schedule]
- Tuesdays and Thursdays: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Renko noted the schedule and made a mental note to attend the upcoming night riding sessions on Thursdays. As she exited the driving school, she somehow felt even more exhausted.
