Today some of the party members were taking a stroll around Hanamizaka.

They consisted of the same members like in last chapter.

Paimon: We haven't been to the Yae Publishing House in a while. Paimon wonders if they have any new books in? The one we read with Ei that time was pretty cool...

Blanc: Great books the Yae Publishing House has. Better than the light novels I write.

Bronya: And great fantasy too.

Neptune: Even in other worlds, people are writing about people getting isekai'd to other worlds, planets, universes, and dimensions.

Patrick: Yeah... getting Isekai'd to other worlds is popular. Most protagonists choose to return back to their home worlds while other protagonists choose to stay in the worlds they were isekai'd too.

Kiana: Most of them haven't even ended yet.

Neptune: The newer Isekai Anime haven't even ended yet.

Kiana: And people write self-inserts imagining themselves in their favorite franchises.

Mei: Sakura has been helping Miko with her duties including work at the Yae Publishing House.

Takatoshi: Come on, this is a no-brainer, man! There's only one thing worth wishing for — and that is a ton of Mora!

Mei: Huh?

They notice two men talking.

Kiyoto: But the exam's next week... If I fail again, I'm seriously done for. I'm better off wishing that my exam goes smoothly.

Takatoshi: Ahh, it's just an exam! Trust me, there's no problem you can't solve by throwing Mora at it. If it doesn't work, then just keep throwing till it does!

Paimon: What are they arguing about? It's quite a spirited debate.

Bronya: Something about an exam.

Takatoshi: Huh...? Really? You guys don't know?

Blanc: About what?

Takatoshi: "You need but stand on this land at midnight, lower your head and recite a special incantation, then your wish will come true!"

Aether: What does that mean?

Yumi: Is it from a novel?

Takatoshi: Looks like you guys really aren't in the loop. This, my friends, is the next big thing. A highly effective wish ritual, guaranteed to make your wishes come true!

Paimon: A wish ritual? ...That actually works?

Aether: This does not sound credible...

Paimon: Right? Even Paimon knows that's just not how the world works.

Mei: Exactly.

Takatoshi: Heh, I didn't believe it at first, either. But that changed when it worked for someone I know.

Takatoshi: It's this guy called Kunihiko. He's practically always been unemployed, wastes his days away, and he owes a lot of money... like, a lot! But get this — I don't see him for a few days, and suddenly I find him dressed to the nines and feasting at a high-class restaurant! I heard it directly from him. He used this wishing ritual, and the next day he woke up to find his whole bed filled high with Mora!

Paimon: His whole bed was filled with M—M—M...!? Woooow!!!

Mei: Impossible!

Aether: Paimon, calm down.

Bronya: You're so excited you can barely get the words out.

Kiyoto: Of course, I'm sure the part about waking up lying on a bed of Mora is a bit of an exaggeration. But whether you believe it or not, it's not exactly a difficult ritual. It can't hurt to give it a try, right?

Takatoshi: If you're still feeling skeptical, just ask around. There are a lot of very compelling stories about this going around these days.
Paimon: Really? Well c'mon, guys, let's go ask around right now, shall we?

Aether: Why the sudden urgency?

Paimon: Well, if it really is true, then just think of all the Mora Paimon could... Oh and you'd finally be reunited with your twin, too! Let's go, let's go!

Mei: (Just how did that man get so much Mora? Is someone going around granting wishes? Or is someone using magic to magically create Mora? We better find out)

They go to Yae Publihsing House to investigate a kaidan that has been making the rounds recently.

Paimon: On closer inspection, it seems like there really are a lot of people talking about this kind of stuff. Hey, see those two? Paimon remembers them from the Yae Publishing House. One's an editor and the other's an author.

Junkichi: ...Grasp the thought in mind, clear like... ah, clear like the light of the moon. As close as kin with you... no, "thou"... wait, "thee." Uh, hear my... summons, right?

Shigeru: No, no, it's not "hear my summons," it's "heed my summons," "heed." *sigh* You're never going to get it down at this rate.

Paimon: Hey, what are you guys up to?

Junkichi: Whoa! Sheesh, you scared me. Okay, okay... Where did I leave off with the incantation, again...

Paimon: Incantation? Are you guys trying out this new wishing ritual stuff, too?

Shigeru: Junkichi is trying it out, to be specific. He's hit a bit of a creativity block recently, so I'm helping him make a wish so that he can move past it.

Aether: I didn't think you guys would believe in this kind of thing.

Shigeru: I mean, I obviously don't. But Junkichi never listens to an outside opinion. So all I can do is go along with it.

Junkichi: Mr. Shigeru, can you please be a little more accommodating? This is extremely important to me! People have had all kinds of wishes come true: become more attractive, get rich quick, ace their studies... I'm just a poor, struggling writer looking to get over a creative hurdle. Is that so much to ask? Anyway, I just know this is going to work. I have a gut feeling about it.

Shigeru: Didn't you say the same thing when you went to make your wish at the Grand Narukami Shrine? "Oh, I just know this is gonna work, I have a gut feeling about it."

Junkichi: The omamori from the shrine take too long to have any effect on your luck. Ugh, alright, enough of that, help me get this incantation down. My new book depends on it!

Shigeru: *sigh* Look, to be completely honest, I think you need to sit down and have a good think about what kind of story you wanna write. Where's all that self-confidence you had when you first started out? Look at you now! Trying dubious methods from any old light novel.

Paimon: Wait, wait, wait.... What? This wishing ritual comes from a light novel?

Junkichi: Yup. It's from the one called "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits."

Bronya: Just as we suspected.

Aether: Is it published by Yae Publishing House?

Junkichi: No, it's most likely a self-published title. It just appeared out of nowhere and took Inazuma by storm. As a fellow writer, I'll refrain from passing comment on how well the story is written. But everyone is saying the wishing incantations it contains are the real deal.

Shigeru: Look, Junkichi... yes, everyone's saying it's real, it works, but that's only half the story. I've also heard lots of people saying that everyone who's had their wish granted using this method starts behaving strangely!

Junkichi: What's so surprising about that? They're probably just giddy with joy at having their wish come true!

Paimon: Hmm, this is starting to sound a little suspicious...

Bronya: Yes it does. Very suspicious.

Paimon: Why don't we go to the Grand Narukami Shrine and ask Yae Miko about it, guys?

Paimon: She's the expert when it comes to both light novels and the supernatural!

Mei: Sakura can help too. She's an expert too.

Bronya: First let's take a copy of that book.

First they obtain a copy of "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits". Then they make their way to the Grand Narukami Shrine.

(Grand Narukami Shrine)

Higokumaru: Thank you! Come again!

Higokumaru was wishing off some visitors as they were leaving.

Sakura: Good job, Higokumaru.

Higokumaru: Awe thank you, Aneki!

At the shrine Were the foxes, Kallen, Selene's Elgy, IF, and Compa.

Sakura and Higokumaru were at the front. Tamamo was sweeping the pavement. That's when the party arrives.

Higokumaru: Oh hey guys! What brings you here?

Paimon flies up to Higokumaru so close.

Paimon: Where's Miko?! We need to see her!

Higokumaru: Oh uh... She's just in the back. What's the rush?

Paimon: We need to see her for something!

Sakura: Alright then. Right this way.

The three foxes took them to the back where Miko was with the other party members at the shrine with a man.

Paimon: Miko! Great, you're here.

Yae Miko: Well hello there, young ones. What brings you to the shrine? It just so happens that I have a wonderful novel here. I highly recommend it.

Bronya: Thanks but there is something important we need to ask you.

Aether: We'd like your expert input on something.

Yae Miko: Oh? Well what did you want to ask?

Paimon: Well, we were just... Uh, actually, you look kinda busy, is this a bad time?

Yae Miko: Hehe, no, not at all. It's nothing major.

Katou Youhei: L—Lady Guuji... what do you mean, "nothing major"? I'm begging you, you've gotta help me save my brother!

Aether: What's up with him?

Neptune: What's happened?

Yae Miko: It really is nothing major, I stand by that. Oh, but since you're so curious, let's have him relate the story one more time, just for you.
Katou Youhei: You all seem to have a good relationship with Guuji Yae.

Mei: Of course we are.

Katie Youhei: Please, put in a good word for me, you have to convince her to help my brother!

Blanc: What do you mean?

Mei: Sakura, what's going on?

Sakura: Listen to his story and you will understand.

Katou Youhei: Here's what happened. My name is Katou Youhei, and my brother is Katou Shingo. All he's ever wanted is to become a swordmaster, so he once asked Sensei Domon of the Meikyou Shisui Art to take him on as a disciple.

Seele: And?

Katou Youhei: Domon turned him away. Took one look at him and said he didn't have what it takes to train in the art of the sword. But my brother wasn't about to resign himself to defeat — he trained every day as hard as he could, and finally proved himself by defeating one of Domon's best disciples in a duel recently. But since his victory, he's been acting extremely strange. It's like he's become a completely different person... The doctors can't find anything wrong with him, so I'm betting it must be the work of an evil spirit. That's why I'm here begging for Guuji Yae's help...

Yae Miko: Hahaha... You know, there really aren't as many evil spirits lurking around as you seem to think. Your brother achieved the goal he'd been striving toward for as long as he can remember, and now it's gone. It's only natural that he feels a little empty and lost while he's trying to find a new direction.

Sakura: She believes that it's nothing too serious to be worried about.

Yae Miko: If it were me, I'd just leave him be for a couple of days. He'll recover on his own soon enough.

Katou Youhei: No, Lady Guuji! If you saw him for yourself, you'd know. I guarantee you, he is not acting like someone who feels empty and lost!

Yae Miko: Oh, alright, alright. Then tell me, when did your brother spar with Domon's disciple?

Katou Youhei: About... five days ago.

Yae Miko: Hmm... five days ago, you say...

Katou Youhei: Yes, Lady Guuji. That's a long time for him to be acting up like this. I'm really worried about him! Our greatest wish is to one day found our own school, just like Domon. We can't jeopardize that dream now!

Yae Miko: Wait a minute, now I'm a little confused. Are you here to save your brother, or are you here to make your dreams of founding a martial arts school come true?

Katou Youhei: Uh... Well they're kinda two sides of the same coin, aren't they?

Yae Miko: Hmm? Whatever. Let me ask you this, have you heard of any interesting new rumors lately? If so, I'd love to hear about them.

Katou Youhei: Wh—What? Rumors? I... I haven't heard anything!

Yae Miko: Oh dear. Well, that's too bad.

Katou Youhei: Lady Guuji, please, stop changing the subject. This is someone's life we're talking about here! Please, you've gotta help me!

Paimon: Miko, he seems really desperate. This thing with his brother sounds really bad... Come on, you should help him.

Aether: He looks very anxious.

Patrick: He looks very pitiful.

Sakura: ... ... ... I guess we should help him, Miko. He won't shut up and the only way to shut him up is to help him with his problem.

Yae Miko: Okay, fine. Then it's decided!

Paimon: Yay, Miko! So you're gonna help him?

Yae Miko: Katou whatever-your-name-was, these guests are trusted acquaintances of mine, and in fact they are experts in resolving all manner of strange and supernatural phenomena. Exorcisms and that sort of thing are all in a day's work for them.

Paimon: Yeah! Uh, wait a sec...

Kiana and Neptune: WHAT?! BUT...

Katou Youhei: Um.. r—really!?

Yae Miko: Is that hesitation that I detect in your voice? So let me get this straight, you come begging to me for help, I actually recommend someone for the job, then suddenly you start doubting me?

Katou Youhei: Not at all, never! Whatever Lady Guuji says, I trust wholeheartedly! Thank you two for your willingness to help, please follow me!

Paimon: Now hold on a hot second, Miko! We may be a lot of things, but we ain't exorcists!

Kiana: Yeah, this is way beyond our level!

Aether: We have no clue about this!

Yae Miko: Hehe, don't worry. If he wants an exorcism, just grab a handful of salt and mutter some mumbo-jumbo while you're sprinkling it around. It's a common trope in light novels, right? You just have to have a bit of bravado. As soon as the protagonist gains self-confidence, everything else just magically falls into place.

Aether: This is not a light novel though...

Neptune: Even though this is a...

IF and Compa grab Neptune and cover her mouth.

Yae Miko: A what?

IF: She just says random things like a character talking to the readers and the audience.

Compa: Yes that's it!

Yae Miko: Does she really?

Blanc: Yes.

Yae Miko: Well, you were the ones who seemed concerned about his situation. Don't you think it would be a little unfair to make me do all the work? Besides, we both know you wouldn't be here at the Grand Narukami Shrine unless you had a request for me, too. This is an opportunity to demonstrate that you come in good faith.

Sakura: As much as I want to help you, I'm afraid I have to agree with Miko on this.

Paimon: Ugh... this feels all wrong, but you technically have a point, so...

Yae Miko: Alright, let's go. Don't worry, now, I'll be coming along too.

Kallen: And so will the rest of us.

Paimon: Okay, let's follow Youhei and go visit his brother.

After talking to Yae Miko, the party was now walking down the steps.

Paimon: What is going on here? Granted, you can never be quite sure what's going on in Miko's mind, but she seems even more disinterested than usual in Youhei's situation...

Sakura: She is strange indeed. If you ask me, I'm completely different from her personality.

Paimon: Well, a life's at stake here, so it looks like we'll have to deal with that first before we'll get the chance to ask her about the incantation stuff.

Mei: (Could this wishing ritual have side effects or are evil spirits taking advantage of what the people want?)

(Konda Village)

Kotou takes them to a tree at Konda Village.

Katou Youhei: Hmm, how strange. My brother's been meditating here pretty much constantly over the past few days, but now he's gone!

Paimon: Meditating?

Katou Youhei: Yeah, it's something that he suddenly started doing after defeating Domon's disciple. He just sits there alone, talking to himself... It's pretty disturbing, actually.

Sakura: Doesn't he just want to get better by meditating?

Katou Youhei: But that's not important right now! Where the heck could he have gone in his current state?

Yae Miko: Hmm, this does pose a bit of a problem. If we can't find your brother, well, we can't perform an exorcism with nothing to exorcise, can we? Katou whatever-your-name-was, given the circumstances, why don't you start by going to find your brother and also picking up a handful of salt on your way. We'll need to use it during the exorcism.

Katou Youhei: Okay... okay, got it! I'm on it!

Katie Youhei has run off to look for his brother while also looking for salt.

Paimon: Miko, what about us? Shouldn't we help look for his brother, too?

Sakura: He needs us.

Yae Miko: Hehe, no need. While what's-his-face is handling that, we'll take a walk around and ask people what they know about the two brothers. Maybe we'll find out some amusing details.

Neptune: Yes! Let's go ask the villagers!

They go into the village to ask the villagers. First they ask a man named Nobuo.

Paimon: Hello, Sir! We'd like to ask you about the Katou brothers.

Higokumaru: What do you know about them?

Nobuo: Oh, are you debt collectors? Youhei said to tell you not to worry — he'll be able to pay you back as soon as he has enrolled a few disciples...

Paimon: Huh? Debt collectors? No, no, we're not here for anything like that! But, uh, it sounds like Youhei and Shingo have gotten themselves into a bit of a pickle...

Mei: Sounds like it.

Nobuo: Well, yes, I don't think there's any disputing that. Those two don't have an ounce of dedication between them. They just hop between ideas and won't stick to anything.

Paimon: Huh? But Youhei said his brother has always wanted to become a swordmaster, and even asked Domon to be his sensei.

Nobuo: That's true, yes. Shingo begged Domon to take him on and eventually, he finally relented. But even after convincing a renowned sensei to give him a chance, he was the same as ever, bumming around in class instead of focusing on his training. In the end, Domon had enough and kicked him out. But Shingo was resentful about it. He blamed Domon for not seeing his potential, and even declared that he would challenge a disciple of Domon to a duel.

Paimon: Wait, what? That's not what we heard...

Yae Miko: Oh, how interesting. We heard a slightly different version: "My brother wasn't about to resign himself to defeat — he trained every day as hard as he could, and finally proved himself by defeating one of Domon's best disciples in a duel recently."

Sakura: That's exactly what he said.

Nobuo: Haha! Youhei said that? That Shingo trained hard? That's ridiculous, he just lay there cussing to high heaven all day, every day. Some training regimen that is. Youhei did tell me about Shingo winning the fight, but I took it with a grain of salt. You can ask Kenji at the village entrance more about that. He always has reliable information.

Asuka: Most Shinobi have acted like that too. Bumming around instead of training which got them kicked out and want revenge.

Yumi: How disturbing.

Nobuo: I always used to tell Shingo to stop wasting his time, find something worthwhile to do, and stick to it. Their parents passed away when they were young, and as the older of the two, he should be setting a good example rather than lazing around all the time... Of course, he wouldn't listen to me. In my opinion, he hasn't had things bad enough yet to really feel the heat. He doesn't understand that you have to stay grounded and focused in life.

They go to the village entrance next and ask Kenji.

Paimon: Hey there, we've come to ask you about the Katou brothers!

Kenji: Oh, you mean Shingo and Youhei?

Tamamo: Yes those guys!

Paimon: Yeah! We heard that Shingo defeated an apprentice of Domon's recently. Is that true?

Kenji: Haha, yes it's true. Wait, so are you here because you heard they're starting their own school and you're looking to sign up?

Sakura: What? No. Not that.

Paimon: We're not here to sign up, but we would like to hear more details about the fight.

Kenji: Well, you've come to the right person. I actually went to watch it. I thought it was a joke when I first heard that Shingo was going to challenge a disciple of the Meikyou Shisui Art. But when he drew his sword, whoa. He became a whole different person.

Sakura: (Did an evil spirit posses him from the sword?)

Kenji: The way he handled his blade, it was like flowing water. Mesmerizing to watch. Domon's disciple is no pushover, but he was absolutely no match for Shingo.

Paimon: Is Shingo really that strong!?

Kenji: Yup. He seemed pretty euphoric after winning the duel, too... he was celebrating very vocally, saying something like "What a duel! I haven't felt this good in a long time!"

Yae Miko: Hehe, any other details to share? We've heard that Shingo has been behaving rather out of character since then.

Kenji: Hmm... I'd definitely say that he has more energy than he used to. In the past, he never used to do much except lie around sunbathing all day. But just yesterday, for example, I saw him cutting down trees for the village head. In the space of one afternoon, he did what most people couldn't finish in three days. Not only that, but he managed to fell a Lavender Melon Tree with just one kick!

Party except Aether, Paimon, Yae Miko, and Kuuderes: WHAT?! Just one kick! Impossible!

Paimon: ...

Aether:...

Yae Miko: Hmm... Quite impressive.

Sakura: Just how did he do that with one kick.

Neptune: Well most characters in light novels have been able to do things with one hit. This guy was able to defeat enemies with one punch and this other guy took down a whole army with one energy slash.

Kenji: Things got weird after that though. The village head brought out some tofu for him, and he just flipped out. He shouted: "What is that stuff!? Keep that away from me!" then ran off.

Katou Youhei returned.

Katou Youhei: Lady Guuji. Esteemed exorcists. Finally, I've found you! I found my brother, he's at the waterfall. And I've got the salt you asked for, too. C'mon, let's go!

Yae Miko: As much as I'd prefer to stay and hear some more delicious details, I suppose we had better be going now that he's been found.

Higokumaru: Thank you for the details sir.

Tamamo: Miko~ Yes thank you for the details sir.

The nearby folk have mentioned a great deal about Shingo.

(Mt. Yougou)

The party goes to Mt. Yougou at the water fall where they found Katou Shingo. There were dead Hilichurls too.

Katou Youhei: Look! Look over there! That's him, at the waterfall!

Paimon: So this is Youhei's brother. Whoa, he's meditating while sitting in a waterfall! That's pretty wild!

Neptune: It is! People have meditated under waterfalls before.

Patrick: It's a part of training that people and fictional characters do to get stronger and be better.

Paimon: Hey, listen, he's talking to himself...

Katou Shingo: ... Wooh!... Hehehe... How's that! Can you... feel it!?

Katou Youhei: Uhhhh...

Katou Shingo: Can you feel... the feeling... of manliness! Found your own school... Hah! So shallow... How can a manly man... aspire to something... so... lame!? ...Ugh... Please, spare me... spare me... I—I can't feel the... m—manliness... I can't even feel the cold anymore... ...I... I can't take any more... I'm gonna die...

Higokumaru: Is this guy really going insane?!

Katou Shingo: Youhei... Youhei! S—Save me! Save me!!!
Paimon: Did you hear that, guys? All the nonsense aside, he's calling for help!

Katou Shingo: Huh? Who... Who goes there?

Katou Shingo stands up noticing everyone.

Paimon: He stood up... and now he's coming this way!

Katou Youhei: No! Don't come any closer! Help!

Paimon: What do we do? Guys, Miko! Think of something!

Yae Miko: Aww, poor thing. Youhei, your brother's life is hanging in the balance, and he's using his final breaths to call on you for help. Whatever shall we do?

Katou Youhei: Uh, I... Well, how should I know?

Yae Miko: The way it looks to me is that Shingo feels terribly resentful to you about something. Would you mind telling me what that's all about?

Katou Youhei: I don't know what to tell you! I don't know!

Yae Miko: You don't know? But surely you should have more insight than anyone else into how your brother came to be this way? Youhei, I suggest you think very carefully before you open your mouth again. This is a life-or-death situation.

Katou Youhei: Uhhh! Umm... Ummm...

Yae Miko: "Uhhh! Umm... Ummm..."? Your brother is your closest relative. You must have noticed straight away when he started acting out of character. And yet five whole days pass before it occurs to you to come and seek help from me. You really expect me not to notice the gaping holes in your story?

Katou Youhei: But I—

Yae Miko: As you wish. It's fine by me if you don't want to tell the truth. But after Shingo dies, you'll be next. It's futile trying to escape. Anywhere in the world you run to, it will be right behind your back. After all... you did summon it together.

Katou Youhei: Aaaah!!!! Alright, I'll talk, I'll talk! I'll tell you everything! ...My brother and I used a wishing incantation. We made a wish!

Aether: From "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits"?

Katou Youhei: Yes! Yes, that's it! The one that's all the rage right now. You just have to recite an incantation at midnight and your wish will be granted!

Mei: It's just as I suspected. This is related to the wish incarnations we've been hearing about.

Sakura: We've heard about it too.

Katou Youhei: Just like the book described, we drew the magic symbol, stepped inside it barefoot at midnight, said the incantation, and lo and behold — spheres of light appeared all around us! After my brother wished to become a swordmaster, it really worked — out of nowhere, he suddenly had these amazing sword skills. But his whole personality changed, too!

Aether: Why did you wait till now to get him some help?

Katou Youhei: Because... I was worried that if he goes back to normal, he'll lose his skills with the sword. If that happens, it'd ruin our plans to start a martial arts school, and we'd be back to being poor. I just wanted to keep this under wraps until we'd managed to get the dojo set up and paid off our debts...

Paimon: So then why'd you go to the Grand Narukami Shrine?

Katou Youhei: Well, cause with the way he's acting now, I was worried that rumors might start spreading that he's gotten involved in the occult arts or something. And then no one would wanna sign up as his disciple! So I was thinking that maybe Lady Guuji and her sister might have a way to get my brother back to normal but let him keep his sword skills...

Yae Miko: My, look at you with your ingenious schemes!

Sakura: Big mistake you've made you "Scheming Wiesel".

Yae Miko: Stop deluding yourself. These new-found sword skills are not his, they belong to the spirit that has possessed him.

Katou Youhei: You're right, you're right! We were wrong to do what we did! We had this coming!

Yae Miko: Alright then. Your turn now, my little friend. Toss the salt, and then draw your sword.

As the salt is sprinkled, Katou Shingo collapses, and the thing that the two brothers "summoned" manifests...

Paimon: Wh—What is that!?

Katou Youhei: Aaaah!!! It's the s—s—spirit!!!

Patrick: (Just like in "Supernatural" Where Dean and Sam use salt to fight against ghosts.)

Yae Miko: See that? That's what you summoned. And look, now that Shingo's no use, it's coming straight for you.

Katou Youhei: Waahhh! Save me! Save me...

Youhei fainted.

Paimon: M—Miko! He fainted! What do we do now?

Yae Miko: We do nothing.

Party: WHAT?!

IF: She's right, we do nothing.

Yae Miko: But you, little ones. Just a quick fight and this will all be over.

Arakawa Kouji: Huh... Hahahaha! Who's this? Ah, fellow swordmasters!

Arakawa Kouji: Come on! Fight me!

Paimon: He's coming, Aether! Be careful!

Aether fights against the spirit and wins.

Arakawa Kouji: Hehe... Hahaha... That was great, excellent! Wooh! What a rush!
Arakawa Kouji: I haven't felt this great... in a long, long time!

Then the spirit disipates.

Paimon: He... disappeared. But he looked pretty content at the end there.

Tamamo: *sighs* We never got to use our talismans.

Higokumaru: Now now don't be like that. There's gonna be more spirits out there that have taken possession of others so we'll get another shot.

Tamamo: Thank you, Higokumaru.

Paimon: Huh, well, Paimon sure is confused. Do you know what that was all about, Traveler?

Aether: I'm completely bewildered as well.

Yae Miko: Ah, we can talk about it later. They're about to wake up.

The brothers wake up at the same time.

Katou Shingo: *cough cough* ...What am I doing here... Youhei? Youhei, is that you?

Katou Youhei: Shingo! Are you alright?

Katou Shingo: Youhei, I had the weirdest dream... I dreamed that I wasn't a useless loser with the sword anymore. I even beat one of Domon's disciples. I thought we could finally open a dojo of our own now... but then I realized, I couldn't control my own body, and there was this voice in my ear talking to me constantly. I was terrified and I wanted to take control of my body back, but I couldn't. And the voice kept talking about "manliness"...

Katou Youhei: Shingo, we shouldn't have made that wish. We summoned a spirit and... it possessed you!

Yae Miko: Yes, and had we not come to your rescue, your life would've been over before too much longer. Then, the spirit would have haunted your brother until he died of fatigue, too.

Sakura: You both should be ashamed of your actions.

Katou Youhei: Thank you, Lady Guuji and you Lady Sakura! And thank you for your assistance, exorcism experts!

Tamamo: Hehe~ It's what we do~ Mikon~

IF: Just don't ever do that ritual again or history will repeat itself.

Sakura: And another spirit will posses you.

Yae Miko: Alright, take him to get some rest. He's very weak right now, having been possessed for quite a few days. He will experience a high fever, but it won't be fatal. Remember, this is the price you pay. At this point, I would normally lecture you on the dire consequences of using occult methods to obtain power that does not belong to you... but I think you get the picture now, don't you?

Neptune: (Like how I get lectured by Histy for being too lazy and not doing my work.

Katou Shingo: Yes... we understand now! We won't do it ever again!

Katou Youhei: Thank you, Lady Guuji! Thank you, exorcists! We'll be on our way then. Come on, Shingo.

The brothers leave them.

Paimon: Miko, would they really have lost their lives if we hadn't gotten involved? And if so... why the heck were you so reluctant to help out!?

Yae Miko: Ugh, they would've been fine. I had to scare them a little, though. Otherwise I hardly think these two lazy rascals would have learned their lesson.

Sakura: It's like going through interrogation.

Paimon: So... what was it that possessed Shingo?

Yae Miko: You saw it all for yourselves. I'm sure you can figure out what kind of spirit had possessed him, can't you?

Aether: A master of the sword...

Blanc: Lots of strength and passion...

Kiana: But doesn't like tofu.

Paimon: Ah! Paimon's got it! It was an oni!

Yae Miko: Correct. Although it possessed Shingo, it didn't have any ill intentions. As a matter of fact, it actually seemed like it was trying to train Shingo to become bolder.

Sakura: And wanted to help the brother achieve their dreams.

Paimon: Huh... Fair enough, but it seems like it had the opposite effect.

Yae Miko: Tossing salt caused it to temporarily leave Shingo's body. Then, you exhausted its strength by fighting it, so it disappeared. Even if we'd done nothing at all, Shingo would have eventually become too weak for his body to host the spirit, and it would have left of its own accord. Of course, it would have been more stressful for Shingo and Youhei that way, hehe. Still, the experience may ultimately have been more effective than me scaring them into submission with a little exaggeration.

Sakura: Miko can be scary at times at others but she's just trying to teach them how to behave and be more wiser.

Paimon: Whew... Well, the main thing is that nobody got hurt.

Higokumaru: Yes! Nobody got hurt.

Kallen: And everyone is safe.

Yae Miko: Alright, seems like we've wrapped up everything here. Come on, off we go.

Paimon: Hold on, Miko! You say everything's wrapped up, but are you sure about that?

Yae Miko: Hmm? You mean you disagree?

Mei: The incantation they used...

Aether: The book, "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits"...

Yae Miko: Oh, you mean that they got the incantation from that book. Yes, I know the one.

Paimon: Actually, that book's the whole reason we came looking for you at the shrine today. Incantations seem really popular right now.

Bronya: We've heard that a lot of people are using it and are having their wishes granted and the same thing is happening to them. Being possessed by spirits.

Yae Miko: Human beings don't have powers like us youkai. It's quite understandable for them to be interested in incantations to summon the supernatural.

Sakura: Humans can turn into youkai like I did. That box I got from Kallen gave me these fox ears and I wasn't a normal human anymore.

Higokumaru: When I was turned into a Herrscher and got defeated, I became this.

Tamamo: I was just a fox spirit then I became human then I turned into a youkai and now I'm this.

Paimon: That's not the point! The problem is that the incantations in the book are actually capable of summoning spirits and stuff! And loads of people are trying it!

Yae Miko: Ugh, even then, humans only have so much strength. Even if they do successfully summon a spirit with the incantation, it won't stay with them for very long. I really wouldn't fret about it.

Paimon: But who wrote this book, and why? Don't we think there might be a bigger safety risk here?

Paimon: What do you think, Travaler?

Aether: It does worry me a bit.

Paimon: Yeah... Youhei and Shingo may have been fine in the end, but things got pretty scary when Shingo was possessed.

Sakura: Miko says it's fine, we don't need to worry.

Paimon: Well, when you put it that way... She has been pretty trustworthy so far. She said from the beginning that it wasn't anything major, and so far, there hasn't been any big danger.

Neptune: I'm more curious about Miko's reaction.

Paimon: You're right. Big events in the light novel market should be at the center of her attention, surely? But she doesn't seem to care about this book at all.

Kurada from the Yae Publishing House appears.

Kuroda: Lady Yae! I've finally found you.

Yae Miko: Kuroda? What are you doing here?

Sakura: What's going on?

Kuroda: I'm here to report on Yae Publishing House's sales for the last month. All the numbers are here, please take a look.

Yae Miko: Let me see... What? We're losing market share?

Kuroda: Yes. "Overall Bestseller," "Reader's Favorite," and "Trending Ranking"... We're being beaten in all categories! One book is topping all the charts...

Sakura: Which one?

Kuroda: It's called "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits."

Yae Miko: All of you, back here, now!

Paimon: Miko, what is it? You have a really scary look on your face right now.

Yae Miko: Things just got serious. "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits" is an all-round hit, summarily beating the novels of the Yae Publishing House by every analysis.

Mei: Oh no...

Bronya: So we were right all along. "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits" is going high and everyone is buying it.

Aether: Define "serious"...?

Yae Miko: Just what is that supposed to mean!? I worked extremely hard to promote our latest featured work, and now a rival book comes out of nowhere and steals our thunder! If this isn't the very definition of intolerable, I don't know what is.

Sakura: This could put Miko out of business and we can't let that happen.

Yae Miko: I have to come up with a counter plan. And you are going to help me.

Paimon: Huh? How is this our problem all of a sudden?

Yae Miko: Paimon, please. "Who wrote this book, and why? Don't we think there might be a bigger safety risk here?"

Sakura: You guys have to help us. This is serious.

Yae Miko: *sigh* Am I to take it that the safety of the people of Inazuma isn't so important in your eyes after all?

Paimon: Wait... what just happened... Again, you technically have a point, but... this feels all wrong!

Yae Miko: Nothing's wrong, okay? Come on. We're going to war.

The background turned blue with black lines going down.

Kiana: Not that word. "War."

Yae Miko: Oh yes that word. "War."

Blanc: If you are going to make more light novels. Then count me in too. I've written light novels before and you're gonna need my help.

Bronya: The Bronya too.

Neptune: And now the Kuuderes are going to war too.

Sakura: We have no choice. Once books from outside of Miko's business trends, she gets competitive instantly.

Yae Miko: I'm going to head back and make some preparations. Meet me outside the Yae Publishing House.

So the foxes, Kallen, Selune's Elgy, and the Kuuderes go with Miko back to Yae Publishing House.

Patrick: Looks like the fox has just gotten competitive.

Kiana: Like Shirou Emiya and Archer EMIYA.

Mei: Like Zuikaku with Enterprise.

Seele: Like Sailor Moon and Sailor Mars.

Neptune: Like me and Noire.

Asuka: I've been in competition with the other Shinobi.

Yumi: So have I.

Fu Hua: We should go to Yae Publishing House now.

Everyone: Yeah...

(Yae Publishing House)

(Go to Yae Publishing House)

The party arrived where Yae Miko and the others were waiting.

Paimon: Alright, Miko, we're here. So, what's your plan of action to deal with this rival book?

Yae Miko: Hmm... Why don't you take a guess? I'll give you a hint. It's to do with the Yae Publishing House.

Paimon: Hmmmm... Oh, Paimon knows! Combine the reputation of the Yae Publishing House with the status of Guuji Yae and tell everyone that the incantations in that book are dangerous!

Yae Miko: Ooh, wow! Your first guess, and you got it absolutely... ...wrong.
Paimon: Yeah— Aww! ...Wait, seriously? That wasn't it?
Yae Miko: "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits" is the hottest light novel right now. If we did as you suggested, we would effectively be advertising to everyone that the incantations are real.
Yae Miko: In bending over backwards trying to warn everyone about the dangers, all we would accomplish is to create more curious readers ready to try them out. Also, sales for the book would only increase further.
Paimon: Okay, yeah, that would be pretty catastrophic...

Neptune: Perhaps... to decrease prices on all your books?

Yae Miko: A good idea but you're wrong again.

Kiana: Fake a writer's death to spike their books' sales?

Yae Miko: Wrong again. That's a wrong thing to do.

Patrick: Do a jingle or a mascot?

Yae Miko: No.

Seele: Hire more writers?

Yae Miko: No.

Asuka: Say how bad it is to make everyone stop buying it?

Yae Miko: No.

Asuka: ... ... ... What could it be then?

Paimon: Oh! How about we confiscate all the copies?

Yae Miko: *sigh* Leaving aside the issue of the enormous manpower and resources such an operation would require, going to such lengths over a light novel would be extremely disruptive to the lives of Inazumans.

Paimon: But that means there's nothing we can do...

Yae Miko: Well I've been thinking...

Everyone listened closely.

Yae Miko: I've read "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits." It has many other good qualities besides the incantations alone.

Sakura: The rest of us have read it too.

IF and Compa: So have we.

Yae Miko: The book contains many ancient "kaidan" — or tales of the supernatural — and is written in a very engaging way. That is why the book has become so popular. I think we're going to have a difficult time trying to rein in its popularity while it's the only work in its league on the market.

Aether: Wait, so you mean...

Yae Miko: That's right. How do you get rid of the next big thing? You replace it with the next next big thing.

Blanc: Exactly that. Replace it with another best selling light novel trending.

Yae Miko: So what we're going to do is create Inazuma's newest hit novel. Smash our rival's sales numbers and win our readers back. That is how Yae Miko wages war!

The foxes raised their fists high.

Foxes: YEAH!

Yae Miko: Incidentally, this will also be the best way to combat the influence of "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits."
Paimon: Wait, Miko, so you want us to write a novel?

Kiana: Can I really do that?

Aether: I've never written a novel before.

Patrick: I've written things before like a news article on a newspaper before while on a hiking trip.

Blanc: I've written lots of light novels before but some of them haven't been any good and I some times get uncomfortable when my friends read them.

Seele: I've written stories in my diaries before and when Big Brother Patrick read them, I felt better.

Yae Miko: Heh, well, becoming an accomplished novelist certainly isn't an overnight process. But let's not forget that I am the chief editor of the Yae Publishing House. I have my ways.

Sakura: She even made me vice chief which allowed me to make Higokumaru and Tamamo No Mae assistants.

Higokumaru: And since we've also been working at Yae Publishing House, we've been writing our own stories too!

Tamamo: Sakura wrote down her backstories.

Kallen: We even wrote down our story together from the time we first met to when Patrick and Kiana freed us from the curse and to when I disappeared and where Higokumaru is born and when Jizo Mitama is created.

Tamamo: I've also written down my true story too.

Mei: And how have your books been selling?

Higokumaru: They've been selling great!

Selune's Elgy: And so have our books too!

Sakura: But anyways as Miko was saying...

Yae Miko: I did say this is what "we're" going to do. I trust that the word "teamwork" is in your vocabulary.

Kiana: Oh yes it is, Miko.

Yae Miko: Anyway. There's a writers' submission event going on at the moment. Start by talking to readers and finding out what they're into. When you have an idea of what the current trends are, come back and see me. I'll be at Uyuu Restaurant — find me there when you're done. I will assemble a team, and we can work while we eat.

Mei: Ok, Miko. We'll do that.

The party walks up the stone steps to go to the submission event.

Bronya: So now Miko wants us to talk to the readers and find out what they're into.

Blanc: Asking readers what they are into could give me more ideas on what light novels to write.

Neptune: And asking readers what they are into could also give Rohan Kishibe more ideas on what Manga to draw and write.

Sakura: We better ask the readers what they are into and report back to Miko.

Neptune: In the meantime, montage music!

They get to the submission and began asking the readers all around.

Nakano Shino: The Yae Publishing House has held many writers' submission events to date. The winner gets a huge amount of publicity. It's been the ticket to fame for a lot of authors! If you've got a good idea for a story, you definitely don't want to miss out!

Kyouta: I've been reading light novels for long time now. I'm mainly into big, ambitious fantasy works with an original core concept and good storytelling. These days, though, everyone seems to be imitating each other. Most of the time I can guess what the story is about just from the title. The only recent book worth mentioning is "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits." Not only is it a good story, but the descriptions are really true to life. So much so that I'm almost wondering if maybe the author really has met all those youkai before.

Oosuke: The key to a successful light novel is having good illustrations. When to use illustrations, what they should contain, and which artist you should commission for them... These are all key things to bear in mind. Good illustrations can make up for bad writing. But on the flip side, a bad illustration can ruin your novel, even if you have the best story in the world. There's a saying that light novels are essentially a case of "buy art, get words free." I'd agree with that. Too bad most of the top artists have jam-packed schedules, so it's extremely difficult to commission them... The illustrations in "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits" are incredible, but it's unlike any art style I've ever seen before.

Tetsuo: I'll be honest. I read light novels for the cheap thrills. In most traditional stories, the protagonist usually has this long and drawn out character arc, usually involving a process of separation, loss, and ultimately growth and renewed strength. It reads well, and everything, it's just a little slow-paced for me. By contrast, there's this popular light novel at the moment called "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits," where the protagonist is super strong right from the get-go! That's what I mean by cheap thrills: action-packed right from page one. The protagonist is a kitsune who has not only mastered the secret art of incantations, but also tea ceremony, painting, and calligraphy!

Paimon: There's much more to light novels than Paimon realized... Let's go tell our findings to Yae Miko, guys!

Neptune: Yeah let's do that!

With the readers' preferences in hand, it was time to head to Uyuu Restaurant to finish that light novel. They go to Uyuu Restaurant to finish the light novel.

(Uyuu Restaurant)

Yae Miko: Ah, there you are. Let me introduce the team: You've already met Junkichi and Shigeru. Shigeru is an experienced editor and Junkichi is the author he's partnered with. Junkichi's working through a creative lull at the moment, but all his past works have been very popular with young people. He has developed a distinct and enduringly popular style. Satomi is Yae Publishing House's ace in the hole. Her specialty is that she can write all kinds of completely different stories, and all under different pen names. As for what those names are, well, that's a trade secret. They will be teaming up with us to collectively create the novel that knocks "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits" off its perch. So? Feeling better about my plan now?

Paimon: Uh-huh, it definitely makes sense! Hehe.

Yae Miko: Now then, tell me what you found out about readers' preferences.

They tell Yae Miko the readers' thoughts.

Yae Miko: All very true. An original core concept, a fast pace, quality illustrations, and lots of action. This is the formula that will guarantee good sales numbers.

Sakura: Hopefully this new light novel will end the trending of "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits".

Yae Miko: More importantly than that, even though it's a work of fiction, we have to deliver a sense of realism.

Paimon: Paimon followed pretty much all of that, but there's still one question... what are we actually gonna write about? For example, we know we need an original core concept... but how do we come up with one?

Yae Miko: Hehe... Before you can answer that question, you have to understand your target audience. Take "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits," for example. When I read it, all I find is common knowledge to the kitsune. But to the general public, it's bursting with new and interesting ideas. It all comes down to the size of the information gap between author and reader. As a Traveler and as a party, there must be a great many things you know about that are complete unknowns to the people of Inazuma. What is commonplace to you may be fresh and original to them.

Paimon: Ohh, right! So maybe we can take inspiration from our time in Mondstadt and Liyue!

Kiana: And our time in Inazuma too!

Paimon: Hmm, but that would make it a completely different genre than "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits"... Uh, is that gonna be a problem?

Yae Miko: Not at all. You don't have to worry so much about how to compete with that book. All you have to do is provide some interesting ideas based on your travel experiences. As long as the core content is interesting, my expert team here will be able to flesh out the details.

Aether, Patrick, and the Valkyries huddled up then turned back to Miko.

Kiana: Ok, we've talked about it.

Paimon: Alright! Let's start with chapter one, then. Uh... what are you thinking, Traveler?

Aether: "Reincarnated in Another World: Encounters with Airborne Emergency Rations"

Paimon: No! No one would ever go for that, no matter how you tried to play it!

Yae Miko: Hmm... Out of a maximum of 10 points, I'd give that a 9! Is there really flying emergency food in other worlds? How does it taste? And how do you cook it? It's a strong opening — an easy way to grab the readers' attention. Never underestimate the appeal of culinary-oriented subject matter. Food, after all, is a topic that everyone is interested in.

Paimon: Hey!

Kiana and Neptune laughed.

Kiana: Considering that Paimon is emergency food and everyone thinks her nickname is funny!

Neptune: And Nobody ever gets tired of calling Paimon, Emergency Food!

Paimon: AHHHHHH!!!!! Will you stop calling me that already!

Yae Miko: Good job, little ones. You're not only drawing on your own experiences, but it seems you're filtering them through the lens of the kinds of light novels you've read in the past. I think you really understand what we're trying to do here. Thoughts from the experts? Are we able to work with this general framework to make an interesting story?

Junkichi: Yeah, we think it works. I tend to overcomplicate the core concept if I'm not careful, so this deals with that problem.

Yae Miko: Hehe. That's good. Okay, we're done with chapter one. Let's move on to chapter two.

Paimon: Huh? Won't that do for now?

Yae Miko: Readers will devour your content a lot more quickly than you'd think. If we don't keep delivering the goods now we've caught their attention, all our hard work so far is in vain. Hurry, chapter two, let's go. Can't you see that Satomi is waiting?

Paimon: Hmm? What's wrong with you, Aether:? You don't look so good...

Aether: I can't think of any more stories...

Yae Miko: What a pity... I thought your "beginner's luck" would carry you a little further before it came to this. But alas. The time has come prematurely.

Paimon: Before it came to what? What's happened?

Yae Miko: The bane of our existence: "writer's block." It's your arch-nemesis for life, appearing without warning and inflicting a pain worse than death upon the writer. They sell their souls just to get their muse back.

Paimon: Sounds awful.

Blanc: Writer's block. I hate that.

Patrick: I day dream constantly so I never run out of creative ideas in my imagination.

Yae Miko: When this happens, the best thing you can do is have a bite to eat and take a proper break. Boss, get me a plate of Fried Tofu! Get 3 bowls of Udon and 3 plates of Fried Tofu for Sakura, Higokumaru, and Tamamo! And get some Kushikatsu for these people. Just the basic kind will do. And give them everything on the menu. Don't worry, this is my treat.

Paimon: Your treat? Oh, wait a minute. Miko, we'll be getting paid for all the hard work we're doing, right?

Yae Miko: Of course, everyone that takes part in the creative process will be paid.

Paimon: Alright, cool! Then let's press on, shall we, Aether? Don't give up now! For the sake of our paycheck, get your brain going!

Aether: Paycheck... hmm, speaking of "Mora"...

Paimon: Ooh, ooh! Does this mean your inspiration's come back?

Aether": Took a Trip to Liyue, Tour Guide Turned Out to Be Rex Lapis"

Paimon: Let's see now... "The protagonist arrives in Liyue and befriends a young man who doesn't have the money to pay for anything. Only later do we find out that this young man is none other than Rex Lapis himself."

Paimon: "With the help of the Qixing and the protection of the adepti, I am free to roam this vast realm..." Hmm, is this the kind of "cheap thrill" that that guy was talking about?

Yae Miko: Hmm... I give it a 9.8! The story is fun and action-packed, with no dark undertones. Also, there are a great many legends about Rex Lapis. I'm sure it will spark the people's curiosity. I, for one, think there's a sizeable market for this. Approved.

Foxes: Approved!

Paimon: Alright, well... let's just hope Zhongli doesn't mind.

Fu Hua: He probably won't mind.

Yae Miko: Great, well, now Satomi can get started on that.

Satomi: Leave it to me, Lady Yae.

Yae Miko: Let's write about Inazuma in the third chapter, shall we? I can help with this one. We can use the Vision Hunt Decree or your experience in the resistance, any ideas?

Arether: Stuff This! C'mon, Let's Get Rid of This Vision Hunt Decree!"

Yae Miko: Mm, clearly very closely based on your own personal experience, with no major changes at all.

Aether: Well, I'm running low on inspiration...

Yae Miko: That's fine. Since it's something that took place in Inazuma, it might actually be more interesting to readers if it's grounded in the truth.

Yae Miko: One thing though — we'll need to rewrite the part about me giving you the omamori. Let's change it to: "The mysterious Lady Kitsune teaches the protagonist a spell that can make their wishes come true. The protagonist uses this spell to defeat the Raiden Shogun in battle." That should do the trick.

Paimon: Whoa, so we're really going head-to-head with our rival on this one, huh?

Yae Miko: Hehe, I suppose so. Once they're done writing the manuscript, I'll write the passage where the protagonist recites the incantation myself.

Paimon: Are we done, then? Do you really think this will be able to beat "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits"?

Sakura: Hopefully.

Yae Miko: The content is fine. Now we just need to promote it. I will contact an artist to make some illustrations — I'm positive they will be at least as good as those in "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits." We'll also need an endorsement on a paper band around the book. I can get the wonderful Ms. Hina to write that. She runs a regular Q&A column in "That's Life" magazine. The people of Inazuma absolutely adore her. You're free to take a break while the creative team is doing their work, but please go by the Yae Publishing House at some point to commission Ms. Hina for that recommendation. Once our light novel is complete, let's meet at the writers' submission event.

Sakura: Ok Miko, we'll go do that.

They leave Uyuu Restaurant.

Yae Miko: Let me think... What spell does Lady Kitsune teach to the protagonist? ...Ah, I've got it! Hee-hee, I've got to make sure it sounds suitably mysterious...

(Yae Publishing House)

They tell Kuroda about the situation...

Kuroda: Ms. Hina doesn't usually do endorsements. But since it's Lady Guuji that's asking, we'll see what we can do.

Sakura: Thank you, Kuroda.

Kuroda: With Ms. Hina getting so popular lately, a lot of people have come to us hoping to do a collaboration.

Sakura: (Gorou is still embarrassed about the whole Ms. Hina thing.)

Tamamo: (Ms. Hina kind of resembles me and so do our clothing and tails too. Mikon~)

Kuroda: But Ms. Hina's not interested in any of it. She still prefers to focus all her efforts on replying to readers' letters, and turns down every promotional opportunity she can.

Sakura: That is so her.

Kuroda: Maybe that's why her fans like her so much... Ahem, I'm getting off topic here. Anyway, if we can get that endorsement from Ms. Hina, you'll definitely get an exposure boost at the beginning. May your light novel sell well, and set a new record for the Yae Publishing House!

Paimon: We'll do our best!

Kuroda: Lady Guuji has an eye for things like this. If she thinks your work is interesting, you can be sure it's destined for success.

Kuroda has agreed to get Ms. Hina to help out. Which is just as well — it's about time to meet everyone at the submission event location.

They go to the submission event where Miko was waiting for them and they hand everything in.

Nakano Shino: Are you sure you'd like to submit this entry? Let me see, "The Miraculous Adventures of the Traveler," by "Thousand Hands."

Paimon: What a strange pen name... Definitely your doing. Having been around you so much recently, Paimon's slowly starting to understand your unique tastes.

Yae Miko: What do you mean, "strange"? It took a lot of work by a lot of different people to get this thing finished. Don't you think it's a very descriptive pen name?

Nakano Shino: We'll get this printed as a matter of priority and conduct trial sales in pilot locations throughout Inazuma. I'll announce the sales numbers in three days.

Paimon: Uh-oh, Paimon's getting a little nervous now. D'you really think this is gonna work, guys?

Sakura: Hopefully it will.

Kiana: We had a top-notch team.

Aether: We're all professionals.

Blanc: Yes we are.

Bronya: It's got to work for our sake.

Yae Miko: That's right, be confident in your work. That's exactly how a light novelist should be.

Nakano Shino: Okay, then I'll sign you up. Please come back in three days for the results. Thank you all for your submission. I wish you the very best of luck!

Sakura: In the mean time we should be going back to our duties while also clear some dungeons.

Neptune: Good idea! I'm in for clearing dungeons!

Bronya: So is the Bronya.

(Three days later)

They returned back to the event.

Nakano Shino: Ah, you've all finally made it. Good news, everyone. I just received word that your light novel is flying off the shelves! Multiple sales locations are asking when we'll be printing more copies.

Paimon: Woohoo, that's great!

Foxes: Yay!

Seele: That's great news!

Nakano Shino: This level of success is an amazing accomplishment for a new work. Most new books don't sell 30% of what you've sold. I have free copies for each of you here, please take them. The payment will follow shortly, and I'll notify you to come and collect it when the time comes.

Aether: This is all great, but...

Paimon: Oh, yeah! The whole reason why we made this light novel was to combat the influence of "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits."

Sakura: Miko got really competitive with the rival book and wanted a light novel to topple over it.

Paimon: Hmm, we sold a lot of copies, but it doesn't feel like we accomplished our goal. How do we know whether it worked?

Yae Miko: Hehe... Oh, don't worry. The change is already underway. Shh... listen to what the people around us are talking about. The conversation has already moved on, hasn't it?

They listened to three men talking.

Kazumichi: Hey guys... have you heard about this latest kaidan thing doing the rounds? You just need to recite the incantation from "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits" at midnight, and your wish will come true...

Kyouta: Oh, that? Heh, that's a throwback. That's old news, man. No one's talking about that anymore. "The Secret Spells of Lady Kitsune" is the new hit thing. I've already memorized all the incantations.

Kazumichi: "The Secret Spells of Lady Kitsune"? What's that?

Tetsuo: You haven't read it yet? Okay, so, supposedly, if you recite the spell in there on a moonless night, you'll receive the protection of the kitsune and all the other powerful youkai. They can make any of your wishes come true! I heard that the incantations in "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits" have weird side effects! This one guy wished for a load of Mora — and got it — but then one night, it all turned to leaves and he developed a high fever. They actually had to use one of "The Secret Spells of Lady Kitsune" to get rid of the discomfort. That proves that the incantations in this book are more potent than the ones everyone was trying before! Pretty much everyone I know is desperate to try it out — just waiting for a moonless night.

Kazumichi: Really? Well I'd better go and prepare, too...

Yae Miko: Well? Feeling less worried now?

Seele: Yes. We feel relieved.

Paimon: Wow, you're right. Everyone's shifting focus! But what's this "moonless night" that they're talking about? Paimon doesn't remember that detail from the brainstorming session.

Yae Miko: Hehe, this is something that will become very important to us further down the line. Alright, it's time to move on to the next phase of the plan.

Paimon: Eh? There's a phase two?

Yae Miko: Of course. Behind every book that hits the market lies an author, right?

Paimon: Ohh, yeah! If we leave him to his own devices, he might just write another guide to summoning spirits. ...Also, we still need to figure out what his motive for writing it was!

Yae Miko: Exactly, that's what we need to take care of next. Fortunately, I've already managed to identify the author — he's a failed light novelist named Tomoyuki. But when we went to ask him about it, he had no recollection whatsoever of having written the book.

Aether: Wait, so does this mean...

Sakura: I'm afraid so.

Yae Miko: Yes, this is another case of possession — only this time, whoever possessed him actively sought him out. After his novel submission failed, he was walking aimlessly in Araumi. In frustration, he shouted out: "Please, someone, anyone! Help me write a truly amazing novel!" After that, he lost consciousness.

Paimon: But the spirit that wrote the book has already left him now, right? So what are we supposed to do?

Yae Miko: Simple. It wrote a summoning incantation in the book, didn't it? So we can just use its own method to make it manifest itself. And you, my little friends, are the perfect candidate for this role. Hehehe...

Aeether: This sounds very dubious.

Kiana: Is it too late for us to back out?

Yae Miko: Aww, what are you talking about? The fun's just about to begin.

First they obtain a copy of "The Miraculous Adventures of the Traveler".

(summoning ritual site)

Paimon: Miko, what is this place?

Yae Miko: The ideal spot for a little meet-and-greet with a certain elusive author. This is the place where we are most likely to succeed in summoning the spirit.

Paimon: Really? But it feels so eerie here...

Yae Miko: Hehe, that seems rather fitting, considering that we are dealing with the spirits of the deceased here. What are you so afraid of, honestly? We're finally about to meet the true author of "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits." Aren't you excited?

Paimon: Paimon's heart is pounding, but Paimon's pretty sure it's not because of excitement!

Yae Miko: Hahaha. Come on, in we go.

Sakura: Follow us.

First the foxes went inside.

Paimon: Hey! Wait up!

Paimon: *whimpering* Paimon's scared... guys, stay close by, okay? Don't leave Paimon all alone...

Jingwai's Wings: Just stay close to us.

Sakura: Transform everyone.

Neptune: You got it!

The members who could transform, transformed into their other forms. Including Seele. Then they all followed onward into the dungeon.

The party followed the foxes to a large wide painting.

Paimon: What a weird painting... Miko, do you know what it's supposed to show?

Yae Miko: Hmm... Probably a scene from ancient Inazuma.

Sakura: Maybe.

Paimon: It's a good piece of artwork and all, but it's also kinda eerie... so it's a bit scary. Hmm... Looks like the artist signed their name... Umm... "Rakusai"? Hmm, it's not very clear.

Yae Miko: Let's go inside and take a look.

Sakura: follow us.

They continue deeper into the domain. Then they encounter three enemies. Two Nobushi and a Pyro spirit. Sakura summons her sword and goes in first. Her sword gets covered in Pyro

Sakura: HA!

She swings her sword then a large fox head forms and burns one of the Nobushi. It was a kitsune spirit made of fire. Then Sakura dashes forward and decapitates the Nobushi then it explodes when Sakura sheathed her sword.

Yae Miko: My turn now.

Yae Miko summons a Gohei rod and summons kitsune spirits made of purple electricity then sends them at the other Nobushi dealing damage then used a charged attack sending lightning at it killing the Nobushi.

Yae Miko: Sakura.

Sakura: Yes.

Sakura and Miko got together then they both unleashed their kitsune spirits of both Pyro and Electro on the fire sprit then exploded doing the Overloaded reaction killing it. Sakura sheathed her sword again.

Sakura: Miko taught me some of her moves and adapted them into my own style and into my sword skills.

Mei: Did she really?

Yae Miko: Yes I did. Felt so good teaching my own blood my skills techniques, and arts. Let's move on, shall we?

Yae Miko went first then everyone else did to another room with a large weird mirror.

Paimon: Wow, this place is huge! Hey, is that... a mirror? There's a really weird-looking stool as well. Wonder what it's for?

Yae Miko: Ah, I see. Heh, this setup is quite handy. Saves me a lot of work. Alright, go and take a look around. There should be a mechanism somewhere that makes the whole room move.

Sakura: Go light the lamps with Electro. Mei and Purple Heart will go with the Traveler and Paimon.

So the Electro Vision users and Aether go activating the lamps while pulling some switches. First they activate the lamp in the room then bring it down, then they go down to the floor below where they defeated several treasure hoarders and go into another room where they fought against a fire spirit and a lightning spirit. They finished them off then activated another switch which took the lamp and them back up. Then go up a wind current with their wind gliders to a higher floor where they encountered a fire spirit then Purple Heart engaged it first and killed it. They opened several sliding doors and encountered treasure hoarders. Then they killed them all and brought down the last lamp. Mei, Purple Heart, Aether, and Miko activate the lamps the same time.

The wall turned to reveal the same painting.

Paimon: Whoa, it's that painting we just saw! It's turning this way, along with the whole wall! It's getting eerier and scarier! Wh—What is this place!?

Yae Miko: Okay. Next, I will show you a secret kitsune spell. This painting is a "swift summoning medium," which means I'll be able to skip many of the more tedious steps.

Sakura: I'm able to use it too. Miko taught me how to skip through the steps.

Yae Miko: The murky mirror reflects the view of Inazuma in a bygone age. Spirits stirred by the sight of the past will be easily drawn to it. You're up next, little one. Come on, sit yourself down here.

Aether: Hold on, are we...

IF: Surely you're not planning to...

Yae Miko: Yes, the whole point of a summoning ritual is for a dead person's spirit to possess a living person's body. You saw what happened to that oni samurai's spirit. After leaving the host's body, he was only able to maintain his form for a very short time before disappearing.

Paimon: Are we positive that summoning a spirit to possess the Traveler isn't gonna have any lasting negative consequences?

Mei: Being possessed by spirits is a bad thing.

Patrick: Sometimes it's a good thing.

Drago: I was in his body and did nothing bad to him before I became this.

Kiana: I was possessed by someone too but my friends and family saved me.

Higokumaru: I was an evil kitsune spirit before but then I changed and now I'm this.

Yae Miko: Aw, you really care about the little one quite a lot, don't you? Hm, I'm a little jealous. I wish my friends were caring like that.

Tamamo: I've let inner fox demons take control of me and they made me do bad things to Emperor Toba.

Sakura: Higokumaru possessed my body but then took on her Hellmaru form. Then she changed into a good spirit.

Yae Miko: Anyway, are you scared, little friend? Don't you worry, now, it'll be over soon. Just think of it like having a dream.

Aether: What do I need to do?

Yae Miko: Sit on the chair, stare at the painting, and relax your body and mind. But try and be natural, there's really no need to be nervous.

Patrick: Soon it will come to pass.

Aether sat down on the chair staring at the painting. Everyone else stepped back.

Paimon: It's like He's sitting inside the painting.

Tamamo: Sure does. Mikon~

Paimon: Huh!? Is Paimon seeing things? Did the painting just move!?

The mirror was rippling just like water.

Yae Miko: Recite the incantation in your heart, little one. Also, you'll need to have some intense thoughts going through your head — a wish, for example. Now, what kind of wish do we think it would take to summon forth the author of "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits"? Anyone?

Paimon: Umm... probably something to do with writing?

Yae Miko: Very good! The wish needs to be heartfelt, though, so let me help add a little realism to the equation: "The book is selling exceptionally well, Traveler, but we're going to need an outline for chapter four as soon as humanly possible. When is the earliest that you can turn it in by?"

And then he did a shocked Anime reaction.

Aether: Aaaah, please, someone, anyone! Help me write chapter four!

Paimon: The painting is moving again! What the—

It turned black then glowing eyes appears. The strange aura travels from within the painting onto Aether, and the scene before his eyes changes...

Sakura, Tamamo, and IF held out their talismans.

Sakura: The spirt has taken possession of him. Be prepared to attack if he makes the first move.

???: ... Haw-haw... I never thought the day would come when I'd be summoned using my own ritual! Getting a taste of my own medicine... What have we here? Another budding writer? What's come over you all, why is everyone wishing for help with their writing? Are novels so popular in this day and age?

Paimon: We got you! So, you were the one who wrote "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits"!

Higokumaru: Yeah we've got you right where we want you!

Kiana: Yeah you've fallen right into our trap!

Paimon: What are you trying to do, hmm? Why'd you put that summoning incantation in the book, huh? What's your game here?

???: Huh? What's this? Oh, ho-ho, I see... No wonder this felt so familiar. I've walked right into your trap, haven't I. You ask me what my game is here? Well of course... it was to use this incantation as a means for all the souls of the departed youkai to make their glorious return to the world and plunge all of Inazuma into a brutal, bloody war!

Paimon: What!? Paimon knew it! You had an evil plan all along!

Higokumaru: An evil plan to kill everyone!

Sakura: An evil plan to plunge Inazuma into another war.

Mei: After what happened with the Vision Hunt Decree we can't let another war happen.

???: Oh, did you now? Then how naive of you to let me possess this body so easily! I sense... Yes, great power within him... Good... good! With this power, no one shall be able to stand in my way! Mwuhahahahahaha!

Paimon: Wake up, Aether! Quick, wake up! We gotta stop him!

Higokumaru: Let our friend go!

???: It is futile... you shall never wake him again! This body now belongs to me!

Paimon: Hey! Come on, wake up! Don't let him take your mind!

Higokumaru: If you don't get out of his body right now... we'll make you! With a fight!

Paimon: Miko! Think of something! Miko! Miko!!!

Yae Miko: ...

Sakura: Miko?

Yae Miko: Pfff...

Sakura: What's going on?

Yae Miko: Bahahahaha...

Sakura: What's so funny?

???: Hahahaha...

Paimon: ...Um...

Party: Huh?

Question marks appeared above their heads.

Paimon: You're laughing!?

Yae Miko: Ahahahahahaha, oh, Urakusai, you haven't changed a bit. You caught on so quickly. Too perfect.

Urakusai: Haw-haw, well, you made the face enough times that I couldn't exactly miss the hint. This is what you were going for, yes? Never one to stand on the sidelines of a good spectacle, are you? Always got to dive in and fan the flames... Ah, you mischievous little kitsune, you...

Higokumaru: Ok, what is going on here!?

Urakusai: Look what you've done to this little flying one here. Aw, poor thing's scared witless. And everyone else here is confused.

Yae Miko: Pfft, you were having plenty of fun playing the bad guy a moment ago. Now you're trying blame it all on me?

Paimon: Urakusai? Miko, you guys know each other?

Urakusai: Yes, we do! Of course we do.

Sakura: *sighs* Never thought I would ever get to meet you after Miko told me all about you.

Yae Miko: Hehe, allow me to formally introduce the author of "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits," Urakusai. No, wait. To be more accurate, it's Urakusai's memory.

Paimon: Memory? But... isn't he a spirit?

Urakusai: Ah, spirits, memories... they're just different words to describe the same thing. Something that comes from the Ley Lines.

Yae Miko: Do you remember that recent incident when the rifthounds were gnawing at the Sacred Sakura's roots?

Mei: When Ei came out and helped us defeat the rifthounds. Of course we do.

Yae Miko: You witnessed human memories leaking from the Ley Lines, didn't you? Well, since there are human memories, of course there are going to be youkai memories, too.

Yae Miko: In life, youkai possess supernatural powers, and even when they are a shadow of their former selves from a bygone era, they still have the ability to control whether they are visible or not. Typically, youkai memories survive longer in the world than those of humans.

Urakusai: Indeed, indeed. I was wandering around the Sacred Sakura's roots, when I suddenly heard someone yelling "Please, someone, anyone! Help me write a truly amazing novel!" It piqued my curiosity, so I popped inside his body and wrote a novel for him.

Paimon: So that's how it happened... But why did you include a summoning incantation in the novel?

Higokumaru: Do you have any idea how much trouble that caused to so many people?!

Urakusai: Oh, little ones... not to toot my own horn here, but when I was alive, I wasn't just another kitsune, no. I was a mighty and powerful Daiyouko. The memories of other youkai can't possess human bodies at will like I can. But with this incantation, they can go one last little joyride in the world for a couple of days. Anything they're still itching to do, they can go and get it done!

Paimon: Uh, but... but...

Yae Miko: She's trying to say that all the commotion this causes is likely to be a great disturbance to the humans.

Urakusai: Disturbance? Haw-haw, I guess you mean that we might leave them with some broken dreams after we leave, hmm? Oh, yes, and they might have a fever, or whatever. But you know, I actually think that the most admirable thing about human beings is the way that they go out and shape their fate with their own two hands, given that they're not born blessed with the same powers that we enjoy. As for those who would rather draw on external power than seek to improve themselves, it's quite right that they learn their lesson eventually. So when you think about it, we're actually doing the humans a big favor. Miko, you agree, don't you?

Yae Miko: Hehe, yes, that's what I thought, too.

Purple Heart: *sighs* Here I was hoping to fight another boss and horde of monsters.

Sakura: There are still things that I can't understand what Miko tells me.

Paimon: Alright then... You've finally convinced Paimon, you guys were right.

Urakusai: What are you scared of, little one? Don't be deceived by her day-to-day antics. Miko is actually one of the most powerful youkai out there.

Yae Miko: Not only that, Urakusai, but my latest work has beaten that book you wrote, "A Firsthand Guide to Summoning Spirits," to become the most popular in Inazuma.

Urakusai: Hmph, of course. You were never one to make extra work for yourself where you can help it, and yet you went to all these lengths to find my painting room and even took the trouble to summon me... I knew you must have some ulterior motive! You were always the one to pick a quarrel with me when we all used to gather around and share stories. Alright, alright. You win, I lose. Happy now?

Yae Miko: Ha! I finally get to hear you say it, centuries later. Oh, I must say it feels good.

Urakusai: Mmm... I remember when you were just a little girl, always hanging off my shoulders. A few hundred years later, and you're all grown up.

Yae Miko: Urakusai, how much time do you have left?

Urakusai: Not much. That goes for all of us, actually. We've all got to go back where we came from in the end. Everyone's quite content in many ways, but they still can't help but ask: "Are we ever going to have another Hyakkiyakou?"

Yae Miko: Hehe, don't you worry about that, Urakusai. Arrangements are being made. When my bell rings, it means the moonless night is upon us.

Urakusai: Haw-haw, great, wonderful! Fantastic! Miko, it's been nice catching up, but I'd better conserve my energy if I want to stick it out until then. So I'll be on my way now.

Yae Miko: Alright. Goodbye then, Urakusai.

Urakusai: One last thing, Miko... I just want to know, have you been well all these years?

Yae Miko: I've been great, of course. Every day is a happy one. Especially these days. Not only do I have my light novels, but I've also met these delightfully nosy outlanders. Especially my new twin sister, Sakura.

Sakura blushes.

Sakura: Yeah... twin sisters...

Yae Miko: And even Ei is finally starting to come to her senses. Quite a miracle, given how pig-headed she can be.

Mei: And since I have the same blood as Ei I've been looking after her in her Plane of Euthymia.

Urakusai: Oh, well great! That's fantastic!

Yae Miko: Urakusai, you'd be right at home in this era. A great storyteller and artist like yourself would be the Yae Publishing House's ace in the hole. And I would personally be hounding you over your next instalment.

Urakusai: Hehe, hahahaha...

And then he left Aether's body and disappeared.

Paimon: He disappeared...

Aether began to wake up.

Paimon: Are you awake, Aether? How are you feeling?

Yae Miko: Are you all there? Here, like last time, repeat after me—

Aether: "1, 2, 3"...

Yae Miko: Oh, you beat me to it. Looks like your brain is intact. So, your first possession, hmm? What was it like?

Aether: I remember everything pretty clearly.

Yae Miko: Hehe, good. Saves me from having to explain everything again.

Sakura: Just glad that you're okay.

Yae Miko: Hearing Urakusai admit defeat has put me in the most wonderful mood. In return, it's only fair that we make sure to deliver on what they're all hoping for.

Aether: They want to do a "Hyakkiyakou"?

Yae Miko: Yes. Though they only represent a tiny proportion of the memories in the Ley Lines, it will still be quite a sight to behold when the time comes. Since you've come this far, why don't you do one last thing for me, hmm? I'll need your help with the ritual.

Paimon: You cannot be serious, Miko! After all that, you still have more errands for us?

Asuka: Can't you just give us a break already?

Paimon: Hmph, you guys teamed up to scare Paimon just now. If you think Paimon's gonna do anything you ask for, think again!

Yae Miko: Aw, come on, I'm really only asking you to finish what you started. Besides... your paychecks are still in my hands. Heh, heh, heh.

Paimon: Paimon's paycheck!

Aether: My paycheck!!!

Everyone else: Our paychecks!

Paimon: Ugh, well there's no way out now... We're in too deep.

Everyone changes back then leave the domain.

(Grand Narukami Shrine)

The foxes, IF, Compa, Kallen, and Selune's Elgy were waiting for everyone else to arrive till they finally arrived.

Yae Miko: Well hello there, my little helpers, so nice of you to join me. You're right on time, too.

Paimon: Hmph, as if we had a choice. We just want our paychecks.

Mei: Not that we're in a rush to get our paychecks of course.

Paimon: So, Miko, what exactly do we have to do to make this Hyakkiyakou happen? Also, to be clear, we actually have no idea what it even means.

Sakura: Miko, explain.

Yae Miko: It might sound ominous, but to put it simply, the Hyakkiyakou is just a gathering of the youkai.

Kiana: Gathering of the youkai?

Yae Miko: Back in the day, at youkai gatherings, once everyone had had plenty to drink, one by one they'd start soaring into the sky with their youkai powers. There were so many of them that their silhouettes would block out the moon. But now, the youkai memories that leak from the Ley Lines are weak. They are no longer able to fly. So, Sakura and I will be performing a convocation ritual for them, gathering all the wandering memories together in one place. When the time comes, they will gather in the sky above the Grand Narukami Shrine. Once their energy is spent, they will be satisfied, and return to where they belong.

Aether: I see. I understand.

Yae Miko: All the preparations for the ritual have actually been made well in advance. Remember the incantation and the mention of "moonless night" that I added to our novel?

Paimon: Oh yeah, something about reciting "The Secret Spells of Lady Kitsune" on a moonless night.

Yae Miko: That's the one. Actually, it's not a wish-granting incantation at all. It's a spell to help calm the Ley Line memories. When that time comes, let's all pitch in and help send them on their way!

Aether: What do you need from us?

Yae Miko: I will start the ritual preparations shortly, and at that time, I need you to do two things: First, tell the shrine maidens to leave the mountain.

Mei: Why is that?

Yae Miko: During the Hyakkiyakou, a whole swarm of youkai memories will be hanging around in the air above the Grand Narukami Shrine. Having the shrine maidens leave avoids the bothersome issue of someone potentially getting possessed.

Seele: That would be bad.

Fu Hua: It would be a pain to have to fight again.

Yae Miko: After that, I will commence the ritual, and the memories will begin to congregate. This will take some time. I need you at the foot of Mt. Yougou during this part to keep an eye on nearby monster activity. The memories are normally dispersed, and don't pose a threat. But when their energy is concentrated, it is likely to disturb the monsters.

Sakura: We don't want any monsters interfering.

Yae Miko: They may see this as an opportunity to try and make it up the mountain. I need you to fend them off so that that doesn't happen.

Mei: We will do it.

Paimon: Alright, got it. Then what?

Yae Miko: Hmm... Well, if at that point you felt like coming to the shrine and getting a close-up view of the youkai, I wouldn't say no.

Paimon: Okay, guys, let's get going!

Aether, Paimon, Sakura, and IF go talk to the shrine maidens to tell them to leave the shrine.

Maki: ...Descend the mountain? Are those Lady Guuji's orders?

Paimon: Yep, Miko said the ritual she's gonna perform soon might pose a physical danger to you all.

Maki: I see... I'll evacuate everyone right away. What about you?

Paimon: We'll be taking care of a couple other things for her, and once we're done with that, we're gonna come back and do the ritual together.

Aether: Because we want to make sure she's safe, too.

Maki: It seems like Lady Guuji places great trust in you. Lady Guuji's never allowed anyone else to be in her presence when she's conducted rituals like this in the past. Thank you for helping with the ritual, and... good luck.

Paimon: Don't worry, we're much stronger than we look!

Maki leaves. Then everyone gets back together.

Sakura: Everyone has left.

Paimon: Miko's about to start the ritual. Come on, let's go deal with the monsters down the mountain!

Sakura: Tamamo, Higokumaru, and I will stay here and look after Miko incase any monsters try to get up here without notice. I suggest that you go get everyone from our party to help defend the mountain. I'm sure that they would want to witness he ritual too.

Kiana: Ok! Just leave it to me.

Mei: So what's the plan?

The scene slides away to show a new scene showing everyone from the St. Freya Knights and Valkyries including the crossover characters as Chibis and a chili version of the mountain.

Sakura: Higokumaru, Tamamo No Mae, and I will stay right here with Miko. IF and Compa will stay guard at the torii gates with Okita and Kojiro. The rest of the servants will be on guard down the whole way at different points of the road to the shrine. Ishtar will patrol the skies with Toriyama. Patrick, Kiana, Mei, Bronya, Seele, Aether, and Paimon will fend off the monsters at the main road under Mt. Yougou. The other Valkyries and ELFs will be at the end of the main road for back up. And the CPUs, CPU Candidates, Asuka, Homura, Yumi, and Miyabi will patrol around the mountain so no monsters can sneak up. Everyone has their assignments.

Everyone: Yes.

Sakura: Good. Now let's roll.

The scene slides over to the group down at the main road transformed.

As night falls, the monsters slowly congregate in the area...

Paimon: These monsters look really riled up!

Aether: We can't let them up the mountain.

Patrick: Let's get rid of them, for Miko.

Paimon: Yup yup! Let's get rid of them as fast as we can! Then we can get back in time to see the youkai! Alright, here they come, guys!

Everyone: HA!

They charge at the monsters and start killing them.

(Grand Narukami Shrine)

Sakura and her two foxes were on guard at the shrine. Miko was getting ready to do the ritual.

Yae Miko: It's time, Sakura. Let's do the ritual.

Sakura: Ok, Miko. But first.

Sakura gets engulfed in flames and was changed into Miko's clothing, hair ornament, and earrings. Her fox ears were changed to look like Miko's ears, and her Pyro Vision was back on a left Earring.

Sakura: If I am doing this ritual with you. I'm doing it like this. Tamamo, change into your third ascension form. It would be more appropriate if you do that.

Tamamo: Yes, Sakura. Right away.

Tamamo gets engulfed in light then her blue dress changed and ornaments appeared on her hair. Then 8 more tails made of energy grew out of her. The light stopped.

Tamamo: Mikon~ Much better for this occasion.

Yae Miko: Alright. Sakura, let's start the ritual.

Sakura: Yes, Miko.

(Back with the others)

The group was stopping the affected monsters from getting up the mountain. There were a ton of them but the heroes kept preventing them from going up.

Paimon: There's so many of them! C'mon, guys you can do it!

Everyone: HAAAAA!!!!!!!!!

They used their finishing moves and finished off the monsters. They had defeated the monsters that were attracted to the place...

Paimon: Alright, that's the last of the monsters.

Kiana: We held back and did not end the fight quickly.

Patrick: It is against the rules to end fights quickly when we're overpowered.

Mei: The others have probably finished off the monsters that tried to get up the mountain.

Bronya: No more monsters.

Paimon: How far along do you think the ritual is?

Seele: They're probably halfway through the ritual, maybe.

Paimon: Let's head back to the Grand Narukami Shrine and take a look, guys!

(Grand Narukami Shrine)

Everyone returned back to the Grand Narukami Shrine to watch the ritual and to see the youkai off.

In the sky were white blue lights and a dark cloud going around in a circle almost covering the full moon.

They see the youkai off as they gather and ascend, reveling all the way. To help them go on their way in peace, you recite the incantation in earnest together with Miko, as do those readers who believe in The Secret Spells of Lady Kitsune. As you bless them, these beings who once fought so courageously in this land leave it once more with carefree hearts.

Paimon: Wow. So many. They're everywhere...

Yae Miko: Yes.

The foxes appeared. Sakura and Miko were holding their Gohei rods.

Yae Miko: The memories of the youkai. They haven't been able to relax and soar through the air like this. For a long time.

Sakura: Now they're going away.

Yae Miko: Come with me.

The scene turned black then it revealed another scene with everyone gathered at the Sacred Sakura.

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

Yae Miko: You alright, little one? You look a little nervous.

Paimon: It's just... Paimon's never seen anything like this before... Whoa. They've really blocked out the moon!

Yae Miko: It does look a little intimidating. Doesn't it.

Higokumaru: It does.

IF: Very Intimidating.

Yae Miko: But I know them. They may be loud and brash at times. But they are good and brave souls. Even after losing their lives in a brutal war. They have never given into grief or despair. Alas, their time is short.

Sakura and Miko began to perform in the short area surrounded by other Gohei Rods as yellow energy was coming out and their Gohei Rods glowed with pink energy, then with the yellow energy. Then they shoot a large yellow energy beam up into the sky while holding hands.

Paimon: Do they... Do they really have to go?

Sakura: Yes, Paimon they do.

Yae Miko: It's a feast. And all feasts come to an end.

Sakura and Miko stop what they are doing. Hehe. Since you're sorry to see them leave. Why don't you do the recital along with us?

Yae Sakura and Yae Miko: "Oh, Hakushin, cause of this enchantment"

Yae Sakura, Yae Miko, Higokumaru, Tamamo No Mae: "In reverence I perform this rite"

Paimon: "In reverence I perform this rite"

Everyone: "To be a guiding light..."

Yellow energy orbs began to go up into the sky.

Paimon: Wow. So beautiful. Look. Lights are coming from Inazuma City!

The residents of Inazuma City did the recital too.  

City Resident: The book says. Recite the secret spells of Lady Kitsune tonight. And our wishes will come true...

City Resident: "Oh, Hakushin, cause of this enchantment".

City Resident: "I perform this rite, to be a guiding light".

City Resident: "Your unrivaled power...".

City Residents: "...will be honored eternally".

The camera returned back to the Grand Narukami Shrine where everyone continued watching the lights go up into the sky. Then it transitioned to Sakura.

???: Sakura.

Sakura: Huh?

A flash of pink light appeared taking a spirit form. It revealed to be a girl who had pink hair like Sakura but with twin tails and wore a pink kimono.

???: It's me.

Sakura recognized who it was.

Sakura: Rin...

Rin: Hehe. Yes. It's me Onee-chan.

A tear came out of Sakura's right eye then both sisters hug.

Yae Miko: So you must be Sakura's sister?

Sakura and Rin separate.

Rin: Yes that's me. I thank you for taking care of Sakura for me. Things have been hard on her since I was sacrificed.

Paimon: That's Yae Rin?

Sakura: Yes. This is my deceased sister.

Aether: Why are you here?

Rin: I simply just came to visit my sister and watch this event unfold. I wouldn't want to miss an event like this. I am not part of the Ley Line and as you can tell I'm from the same world as Sakura.

Higokumaru: I sort of made those villagers do you and your sister bad. I was the reason behind the curse and why Sakura was killed.

Rin: But you've changed, Higokumaru. You used to have my name from 50,000 years ago and had a sister by the name of Sakura like my sister.

Higokumaru: That is true. Now I'm this.

Rin: Higokumaru, Tamamo No Mae, Kallen, and Miko. Please continue to take care of my sister.

Higokumaru: Yes we will, Rin.

Tamamo: Mikon~ We will, Rin.

Yae Miko: Your sister is in good hands with me, Rin. I will take good care of your sister. We have the same blood and the same family name.

Rin: Thank you. I will go now. See you again soon.

Rin floats up into the sky, then fades away.

Yae Miko: Urakusai. You asked if I was doing well. Really, every day is a happy day for me. But watching. You all leave now. I can't help but feel a little lonely. Mmm... Just a little, of course.

The sky clears up as all the youkai leave.

Yae Miko: Hm, just as I thought, the ritual went very smoothly. Thank you all. Especially you, Sakura.

Sakura: You are very welcome, Miko. I did a ritual with you. And everyone saw us. I haven't performed a ritual like this in so long.

Miko: *giggles* Oh Sakura. You're just like you were the first time we've met.

Sakura: What are you...

*kiss*

Unexpectedly, Miko pulled Sakura into a hug and kissed Sakura right in the lips.

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[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

Everyone turned red then screamed. Except the wise. They did not scream.

Everyone: AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Miko pulled away and let Sakura go leaving her blushing deep red in shock and then with steam coming out of her head.

Sakura: WH WH WH WH WH WH WH WHY DID YOU KISS ME OUT OF NO WHERE?!

Yae Miko: What? That's just to show my sisterly love for you, Sakura.

Sakura: BUT WHY WITH A KISS?! NOW EVERYONE IS FREAKING OUT FROM SEEING TWO GIRLS KISS!

HIGOKUMARU: YEAH! NOW WE'RE ALL SHOCKED AND OVER-REACTED FROM SEEING YOU KISS ANEKI!

TAMAMO: JUST WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU AND YOUR DEMEANER?! YOU'RE ALWAYS ACTING SO MISCHIEVOUS!

Ishtar: KISSING ANOTHER GIRL OUT OF NOWHERE IS TOO INDECENT!

White Heart and Bronya had the usual face with the shadows covering their eyes and the left glowing eyes.

WHITE HEART: JUST LOOK AT HOW TERRIFIED ROM AND RAM ARE!

BRONYA: AND HOW SEELE IS TERRIFIED!

WHITE HEART AND BRONYA: GAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

White Heart and Bronya unleash their weapons and Bronya prepared to fire her Keys of Reason everywhere from all points after they materialized.

White Heart and Bronya: HAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!

Paimon: NO! DON'T!

Purple Heart: DON'T DO IT!

White Heart and Bronya: RAGH!

White Heart and Bronya charge at Miko prepared to kill her.

Before any chaos could happen, the screen froze with a record scratch.

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Then Minamoto No Raikou walked on screen

Raikou: Sorry for the technical difficulty readers. But we're gonna have to calm everyone down this way. Hehe~

Then Green Heart came on screen.

Green Heart: Yes. There is no need for violence after a girl kisses another girl. Hehe~

The screen goes static then the scene shows everyone calmed down.

Aether: Miko, are you alright?

Yae Miko: Hmm? I'm great.

Paimon: But, the look on your face just now...

Sakura: You looked like you were emotional.

Tamamo: From saying your goodbye to Urakusai.

Higokumaru: Don't try to hide it.

Yae Miko: I'm fine, seriously. Really! I... Huh... Honestly, you guys...

Paimon: Miko...

Yae Miko: Fine, well if you're dead-set on doing something for me, you can treat me to a meal.

Paimon: Sure, no problem! A meal it is!

Aether: A meal? It's a deal!

Sakura: Yes, Miko.

Yae Miko: Okay. Well, see you soon, then.

The whole party changes back then leaves Except the foxes, Kallen, Selene's Elgy, IF, and Compa.

(Next morning, Inazuma City)

The St. Freya Knights and Valkyries consisting only of Patrick, the Valkyries, ELFs, CPUs, CPU Candidates, and Shinobi. They were on their way to Uyuu Restaurant.

Paimon: Today is the day we agreed to treat Miko to a meal. The venue is Uyuu Restaurant. Let's go!

(Uyuu Restaurant)

As they were arriving they heard 3 men talking.

Kyouta: Ugh, the wait is unbearable! How has the next chapter of "The Miraculous Adventures of the Traveler" not been released yet!

Oosuke: It was quite a surprise when the "moonless night" finally came.

Tetsuo: Yeah, that huge black cloud over Mt. Yougou that night. It just seemed to form out of nowhere!

Oosuke: But then nothing happened after I made a wish using the method in that book.

Tetsuo: *sigh* I guess light novels are just fiction after all, huh.

Oosuke: That night was definitely the nail in the coffin for the "incantations from novels" fad. Still, something tells me "The Miraculous Adventures of the Traveler" will remain an interesting series for a long time to come!

Paimon: Huh? Paimon can't see Miko anywhere.

Mei: Maybe she's not here yet.

Paimon: Guess she's not out here. Uh... maybe she went inside already? Let's head in and look for her.

So they enter inside and there were Miko and the others who stayed with her last night. They had already started eating without them as Higokumaru was stuffing herself with food.

Yae Miko: Ah, my little friends, there you are.

Paimon: Miko... what is this? You started eating without us!?

Yae Miko: We did, yes. You're paying, after all.

Yae Miko: The thought of being able to eat the most expensive dishes and drink the finest sake, all for absolutely free... Oh, I just couldn't wait any longer.

Sakura: We just had to join her.

Yae Miko: Ah, Boss, see all these faces here? Remember them. They're the ones picking up the bill later.

Okazaki Rikuto: Alrighty!

Paimon: Uhhh...

Aether: ...

Valkyries: ...

Yae Miko: What's gotten into you? Come on, sit yourselves down.

Mei: Ok.

The scene flipped over to a new scene where Kiana was already stuffing herself with food as was Neptune. Everyone was sitting at different seats around the restaurant.

Yae Miko: You have to try this fish. It's found exclusively in the waters around Seirai Island. They shipped it to Inazuma overnight, and it was still alive right up until I ordered it. Or maybe you'd rather try this? I know, I know — I normally can't bring myself to drink sake this expensive either. If you don't drink alcohol, that's fine too. There are all kinds of fruit juices covering the whole price spectrum.

Himeko: Ahh~ This expensive alcohol is just as good as any other alcohol I've drank to get me drunk~

Neptune: And the Dangos here are great!

Asuka: And so are the ehomaki just as tasty as the ones me and my grandpa make!

Kiana: This expensive food is so good that I can't stop eating!

Higokumaru: Our stomachs are bottomless!

Neptune: I love pudding the most! But eggplants I hate the most! I am also a big eater!

Kiana: I don't even care about the bill! I just love stuffing my face up!

Paimon: Grrr... Miko! You are outrageous! Last time we were here working on the novel, all you ordered for us was the plainest Kushikatsu!

Yae Miko: Huh? Strange, I remember no such thing.

Aether: Well I certainly remember it. Kushikatsu and Fried Tofu. That was it.

Sakura: And you ordered everything on the menu.

Neptune: Thankfully no eggplants!

Yae Miko: Oh. So what? You did offer to treat me to a meal, didn't you? Anyway, I am something of a VIP, you know. Wouldn't you find it embarrassing to treat me anything short of lavishly?

Paimon: Miko, this meal is going to be super expensive. Aren't you afraid we won't be able to afford it?

Yae Miko: Hehe, oh, don't you worry about that. You can most definitely afford it... They're still printing your light novel by the batch, you know. You have quite the generous payment due.

Sakura: And don't forget how many of us there are. All of us can pay with our Mora combined. We're just gonna have to get more Mora from the Adventurer's Guild's commissions.

Paimon: Wh—What!? Aaaah, darn it!!! She tricked us into this, guys! Miko was after our Mora from the very beginning!

Sakura: *sighs*. Miko can sometimes be mischievous.

Aether: Shouldn't have let our guard down...

Yae Miko: Hahaha, oh, the looks on your faces right now. Too perfect. Hahaha.

Kiana: Yeah... she did trick us but I couldn't care less about being tricked with all this tasty food here!

Yae Miko: Oh, by the way — since nobody's wishes came true on the moonless night, novels with incantations are no longer in vogue. So you'll have to come up with something new for the next chapter of "The Miraculous Adventures of the Traveler."

Sakura: (Easier said than done. You won't have an act 2 for quite some time, Miko. There's only been act 2s for 2 of the archons. Ei and Zhongli.)

Yae Miko: The deadline is looming... I'm counting on you.

(Later)

Everyone was walking out of the restaurant satisfied. Kiana and Neptune were stuffed.

Yae Miko: Thank you for the meal. I thoroughly enjoyed myself today.

Kiana: Thankfully we had enough Mora from all of us to pay the bill.

Patrick: I enjoyed the sushi, sashimi, plain miso soup, dango, soy sauce, noodles, rice, and rice balls.

Yae Miko: Oh, did I mention? Ei saw that convocation ritual we performed over the Grand Narukami Shrine.

Mei: Did she really?

Yae Miko: Yes. I know she can be pig-headed, but it still took me by surprise when she wrote me a long and sternly worded letter about it, chastising me for "taking this whole thing much too far." Ugh, I hardly see what all the fuss is about. Everyone seemed perfectly happy to me.

Mei: Thats just her.

Blanc: Miko.

Yae Miko: Hm? Is there something else you need?

Bronya: Both of us would like to continue making more light novels and working for the Yae Publishing House.

Yae Miko Certainly.

All of a sudden, Drago sensed something. Patrick could tell by his facial expression.

Patrick: Sorry. But my ELF and I need to go somewhere. Something came up.

Sakura: Ok, Patrick.

(Chinju Forest)

Patrick and Drago entered into the Chinju Forest.

Patrick: So you sensed her here?

Drago: Yes I did.

Patrick: You think she finally had the confidence?

Drago: Maybe.

???: Patrick... Drago...

Appearing from the torii gate was Drago's old friend...

Sirin. And her servant Bella in her ELF form.

Drago: Sirin...

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He transforms into his human form then into his Herrscher form. Sirin does the same thing then both Herrschers rush to each other and embrace while floating up.

Drago: I've missed you.

Sirin: I've missed you too. I've been wandering around Teyvat afraid of meeting you and everyone else... but now I've finally built up the confidence to see you again.

Drago: I understand.

Then Sirin kissed Drago in the lips then he joined in. Then unexpectedly, they both flashed and 2 Pyro Visions appeared on them.

Patrick: And now they've got their Visions.

Patrick noticed a dark aura surrounding Bella. She had changed into her human form. He sighed then snapped his fingers then swords materialized all around Bella making her stop.

Patrick: Don't even think about it. Don't ruin the moment. You're a Yandere.

Bella: I am not a Yandere!

Patrick: Yes you are. You tried to kill Selune's Elgy and Tesla-ZERO in that episode of "ELF Academy" because of how your Queen was talking to them and paying more attention to them instead of you, you Simp.

A tic mark appeared on Bella's head.

Patrick: You're just as bad as Chika not wanting anyone touching Vert. You're both Yanderes...

Patrick felt a pair of 2 soft things on top of his head causing him to blush deep red.

???: Now now. Don't complain about how bad Chika is.

It was Green Heart.

Patrick: Quit it, Green Heart.

Green Heart: I like flirting~ I don't mind Chika trying to be a little sister wannabe but if she took that too far I would get her to stop and prevent her from killing Nepgear and others. After all, I do love Nepgear more than Chika.

Patrick: Just get off of me please.

Green Heart: Don't you love me and Neptune the most?

Patrick: I do but this isn't a good time, Vert. Blanc will get angry and try to kill you if she sees us like this.

Green Heart: I made sure that none of them followed me.

Bella: This is getting too awkward!

Unexpectedly, Bella flashed too. Then an Electro Vision appeared on her.

Bella: Huh? A Vision? On me? ... YAY!

Green Heart: I believe that we should go back to the others now~

Green Heart gets off of Patrick.

Green Heart: But first...

Green Heart grabs Patrick and hides him and herself behind it.

Patrick: What are you?...

And then Green Heart kissed Patrick on the lips where he instantly blushed deep red with the sound of a steam whistle. Then he turned pale white in an instant after a few seconds of steam coming out and fell to his right side. Green Heart giggles with a grin.

Green Heart: *giggles*. Boys are so defenseless against busty attractive women like me~ I can't be resisted. I am irresistible. I may be in the lower ranks but I still have some people who simp love me because of how irresistible and attractive I am. *giggles*.

Drago: If you have the courage, we shall be going back to the others now.

Sirin: Yes.

They change back into their casual commoner clothing and walk together, holding hands. Sirin allows Bella to hold hands with her in her ELF form.

(Night, Sakura's Serenetea Pot)

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Patrick and Drago had just introduced Sirin and Bella to Aether and Paimon. Even told them the whole story in which they had angered faces but the Valkyries and ELFS helped by saying that Sirin and Bella have changed.

Sirin: I know what I have done in the past was wrong, but I've changed.

Bella: So have I. All I wanted was to always be at my queen's side but then I get changed into someone else's pet and now I'm this. Reformed just like my queen.

Sirin: I hope to see an alternate version of me in this world who looks exactly like me.

Bella: And I will behave just like my fellow ELF friends.

Patrick: Otto was the one who awakened you and was responsible for the murder of billions of people and both impacts. I say that he is the one who is most responsible than you.

Sirin: Yeah... Otto did those things to bring his beloved back from the dead.

Sakura: We should go to sleep soon. We're going back to Sangonomiya Shrine on Watatsumi Island.

Sakura: (We have the event in Enkanomiya and Enjou is sure to return.)

Kiana: Yes, Sakura. You're right. We should go to sleep.

Sirin: At least Bella and I will be able to stay with you all in both Serenetea Pots.

Bella: Especially with my fellow ELFs.

The camera zooms out then looks up at the full moon before fading away.

(Stop at 0:35)