[133]

Without much preamble, Towako reached into her pocket, pulling out a small box which she handed over to Kaoru. Inside was a 2022 model smartphone—the very one Kaoru had been eyeing from Towako's grandmother's personal collection.

"This is part of your commission, Kaoru-san," Towako said with a gentle smile. "I wanted to thank you for your help with the chaos yesterday. If it weren't for you, this world might have plunged into an unimaginable disaster."

Kaoru accepted the box with a satisfied smile, his eyes lighting up as he looked over the phone he had been longing for. "Yeah, yeah… you're welcome. Glad I could help," he replied offhandedly, as if reluctant to linger on the threats now behind them. "So, is there anything else?"

Towako's expression shifted slightly, her brow twitching, but she restrained herself and instead glanced at Reika, who immediately continued the conversation. "Actually, we wanted to let you know about some relics we recently uncovered. After Kyuubi's defeat, several family relics that had been sealed away have now reappeared. If you're interested in antiques, you're welcome to take a look and choose any that might appeal to you."

Kaoru raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Relics that emerged after Kyuubi's defeat, huh? Alright, I'll take a look later," he replied casually, though there was a hint of excitement in his eyes.

Reika and Towako exchanged a relieved glance, grateful that their offer had been accepted. After confirming Kaoru's willingness to view the relics, Towako continued, her tone turning more serious. "Additionally, Kaoru-san, there are rumors that certain supernatural factions overseas have taken an interest in what happened yesterday. We simply wanted to make sure you were aware of the possibility of increased external attention."

Kaoru regarded her, now with a more serious expression. "Outside factions, huh… So, they'll be watching us?"

Towako nodded. "Yes. The events yesterday left a large impact. Some factions from abroad may try to make contact or even involve themselves further. Naturally, we'll support you in handling any threats that arise, but we also wanted to remind you to stay vigilant."

Kaoru looked at Towako with unwavering confidence. "Understood. I'm ready to face whatever comes, and I know you're all on my side. Thank you for the warning."

Their conversation ended on a note of mutual understanding and preparedness. With Towako and Reika standing by to lend their support, Kaoru felt reassured that his allies were growing stronger, ready to face any challenges that might arise in the future.

---

Having acquired the item he wanted, Kaoru immediately called Tsubasa-san, a renowned electronics repair expert known for his skill in restoring rare devices.

"Tsubasa-san, I've got the phone. Can you repair it right away?" Kaoru asked, full of anticipation.

Tsubasa sounded enthusiastic over the phone. "Really? Great! Alright, once I receive the package, I'll get right on it."

"How long will it take, Tsubasa-san?"

"Hm… two days should do it, barring any issues," he replied confidently.

"Alright, two days… I'll wait then, Tsubasa-san! Thanks a lot!"

"Leave it to me!" Tsubasa assured him before ending the call.

Kaoru glanced at the small box containing the phone, then called for Hippo. "Hippo, take this box to this address, and remember—don't lose it, and don't let it get damaged!" he said seriously.

Hippo, who had been trying hard to maintain a professional demeanor, eagerly nodded. "Yes, Master!" Carefully, he took the box and walked out with a confident stride.

Once Hippo left, Kaoru sighed in relief and sat back in his chair, gazing out the window as he enjoyed a rare moment of calm after days of tension. "Finally… that phone will be fixed soon," he murmured with satisfaction. With it back in working order, he could once again communicate with key contacts, possibly including the gods who had once lent him their aid.

But the tranquility was short-lived. A knock came at his office door, and this time Matsuda from DCST entered, his face as serious as ever.

Kaoru raised an eyebrow, a bit puzzled by this sudden visit. "Nothing's wrong, I hope, Matsuda-san. But why the rush?"

Matsuda gave a thin smile. "There's someone here who wants to meet you." He turned toward the door, nodding. Someone else stepped in.

The woman exuded a commanding, icy aura. Her flowing blonde hair and clear blue eyes were as striking as a frozen lake. Like other demons, she possessed distinctive traits—a pair of pointed ears and crystalline ice horns, reminiscent of an Oni. Kaoru's eyebrow lifted in surprise, though he didn't feel threatened by her presence. She stood with composed confidence, exuding a cold yet calculated calm.

"Kaoru-san," Matsuda introduced, "this is Queen Shimara Ragnarok, ruler of the Kijin of Frost from the Dark World."

Kaoru observed Shimara attentively. She stood tall, expressionless, showing neither emotion nor hesitation. She seemed like someone entirely in control.

Without hesitation, Kaoru spoke directly. "What brings a demon from the Dark World to seek me out?"

Shimara sighed, regarding Kaoru with sharp, assessing eyes. "Hmph, spare me the pretense, human. I'm not here for pleasantries," she replied icily. "I'm here because something that doesn't belong to this world has appeared… the Seed of Yggdrasil surfaced after Kyuubi's defeat. I demand that you surrender it to me."

Kaoru looked at her with an expression of mild confusion, a "Huh?" look that made Shimara scoff. "The… Seed of Yggdrasil?" Kaoru repeated, as if making sure he hadn't misheard. "I don't even know what this Seed of Yggdrasil is, let alone have it in my possession."

Shimara narrowed her eyes, as if trying to discern whether Kaoru was being truthful or just playing coy. "After Kyuubi was defeated, the Seed appeared in this world. It's extremely valuable, and I won't allow it to fall into the hands of any human or other mortal. The Seed belongs to us, the Kijin."

Kaoru shrugged, slightly baffled yet calm. "Yggdrasil… so you're talking about a seed from the legendary tree that connects worlds?" He sighed, looking at her with a steady, unflinching gaze. "If that's the case, I have no interest in holding on to something like that."

Kaoru's response seemed to make Shimara's expression tense up even more. The chill emanating from her intensified, and the room's temperature dropped sharply until the cold pierced the air. "Do not lie to me, human!" Her voice quivered with firm resolve.

Kaoru simply looked at her calmly and, in a casual tone, replied, "And why should I?"

Meanwhile, Matsuda, caught in the middle of the tension, could only let out a deep sigh as he pulled out a handkerchief to wipe the sweat beginning to dampen his brow. He hadn't expected the meeting to escalate like this.

"Alright, you two," he said with a calming tone, hoping to ease the tension. "Sorry for the inconvenience, Kaoru-san."

Kaoru shrugged. "No worries," he said nonchalantly, though his gaze remained focused on Shimara.