Chapter 20: Shikon no Tama

Higokumaru looked at her elder sister standing before her. Yae hadn't fully removed her top, leaving her back exposed. The Tsar Set's Stigma marks didn't detract from her beautiful back; instead, they added a certain allure.

Higokumaru moved behind Yae and placed her hands on her upper back...

Moments later, [Ekaterina (Top)] and [Ekaterina (Bottom)] were removed.

The Stigmata transformed into crystal-like cards, each bearing Ekaterina's portrait. Ekaterina was the Russian Empress, hence the name "Tsar Set."

As for [Ekaterina (Middle)], there was no need to remove it since it directly increased damage output—something Yae needed.

Next, Higokumaru helped equip Schrödinger (Top) and Aponia (Bottom), imprinting them on Yae Sakura's back.

The pattern of stigmata on her back also changed.

Schrödinger, also known as the grass cat... it's like Schrödinger's cat...

Higokumaru studied the pattern on Yae Sakura's back and nodded with satisfaction.

"Big Sister, you're all set!"

"Thanks!"

Feeling the new power surging through her body, Yae Sakura pulled her clothes back on.

The strength of a grass cat lies in its explosive bursts!

One Shunmetsu is enough to kill anything!

I can even take down gods if I have to.

A grass cat is invincible...

"Time for bed!"

"Mm-hmm."

-

The next day, after Yae had finished her sword practice and returned to the village... she couldn't help but admit that her burst power was indeed too strong.

But without the Tsar Set's speed and overall defense boost, from a certain perspective... it still didn't match up to the Tsar Set.

However... in this world of Inuyasha, even without stigmata, it doesn't really matter...

The strongest threats are just great yokai—it's more than enough for this world.

And... Yae could be absolutely sure that there's no one in this world who could survive a single use of Shunmetsu.

-

"Sakura, you're finally back. Pack your things quickly; we're leaving soon."

When Yae Sakura approached Kikyō's house, she found Kikyō already packed and waiting for her.

"Leaving? Where to?" Yae Sakura was taken aback.

"I'll explain on the way."

"Oh! Right away. Just give me a moment."

Without hesitation, Yae Sakura dashed back to her room, hastily gathered some belongings, and then looked at Higokumaru, who was still asleep.

She grabbed Higokumaru by the tail and ran out.

"All set. Let's go!" Yae Sakura placed Higokumaru on her shoulder and picked up her bundle.

"Mm-hmm."

-

"Kikyo-chan, do you have a request for us? And... why didn't you bring Kaede?"

Yae looked around but couldn't see her sister.

"This time it's a bit far, so I decided not to take her along!" Kikyo glanced at Higokumaru sitting on Yae's shoulder. The little fox had fully transformed into its true form and was now curled up on Yae.

"Sakura, do you know about the Shikon no Tama?"

"Huh? The Shikon no Tama?" Yae was taken aback. Why would Kikyo suddenly mention that? Could it be that the legendary jewel has finally appeared?

"It seems you've heard of it..."

Kikyo studied Yae thoughtfully...

"I suppose I have! According to legend, hundreds of years ago there lived a powerful shrine maiden named Sadako. She could extract souls to purify them and had the ability to exorcise evil spirits.

A large group of monsters—demons, dragons, all kinds—united to fight against her. They combined their forms into one great monster.

After a long battle, Sadako exhausted herself trying to defeat this creature. In the end, she used her last strength to remove the monster's soul, merge it with her own, then release it outside her body. Both Sadako and the monster died, leaving behind only the crystallized souls—the 'Shikon no Tama'."

This is where the Shikon no Tama comes from.

"Right!" Kikyō added. "Legend has it that the Jewel can make yokai stronger. It can even grant any wish you want. Countless humans and beasts have tried to get their hands on it."

"Kikyō, why are you telling us this now...?" Yae Sakura looked at her hesitantly.

"The missing Shikon no Tama has reappeared. Surprisingly, it was found by the village chief of a demon hunter community.

But they don't think they're strong enough to protect it. To keep it out of evil hands, they've decided I should be its guardian.

Our mission here is to take over... the Shikon no Tama."

Special Quest Triggered: Guarding the Shikon no Tama

Quest Objective: Make sure the Jewel doesn't fall into the wrong hands before leaving this world

Quest Rewards:

100 Crystals 100

(Purple) Biological Experience Chips

100,000 Gold Coins

100 Skill Points

[Accept?]

"Huh... Huh!"

There are experience chips, gold coins, and skill points too?

I thought everything needed to be exchanged for crystals.

But protecting the Shikon no Tama... Even without a quest, Yae would do it. The jewel is just bait.

With it here, countless monsters will throw themselves into our trap.

"What's wrong?"

Noticing Yae's odd behavior, Kikyo asked curiously.

"It's nothing. I was just thinking... if we need to protect the Shikon no Tama, we'll face even more monsters in the future."

"Protecting the jewel is my responsibility. If you..."

"No 'ifs' about it," Yae interrupted Kikyo firmly. "I should say... this makes me happier. The monsters are practically delivering themselves to us." She shook her head earnestly.

"Then... thank you, Kikyo."

"Huh? Why... suddenly thank me?" Kikyo was taken aback, feeling puzzled and unsure.

"I appreciate your trust, Kikyo-chan," Yae said earnestly. "As a half-demon myself, I'm surprised you'd tell me about something as important as the Shikon no Tama right away." She looked at Kikyo with genuine gratitude. Although she had no interest in the jewel itself, its supposed power to grant wishes seemed like nothing more than a deceptive trap to her.

"This..." Kikyo felt awkward and slightly guilty. Truthfully... she had been a bit worried about Yae before. Being a half-demon is just too exhausting.

Legend said the Shikon no Tama could grant wishes, but even Kikyō wasn't sure if Yae Sakura would use it to turn herself fully into a human or a yokai.

"Don't worry!" Yae Sakura reassured her. "I'll protect the Shikon no Tama with you, Kikyō-chan."

"Thank you!"