The bandaged figure's gaze swept back and forth across the carriage before finally locking onto Menma, who sat behind Mai Sakurajima and Miko Yotsuya with a terrified expression.
Holding the blood-stained massive axe in its right hand, its tall frame radiated an indescribable pressure.
"This thing..."
Miko Yotsuya clenched her silver teeth, her golden pupils revealing the expression of facing a formidable enemy.
Since awakening her Mystic Eyes, she had never encountered such a powerful evil spirit as this bandaged figure - one whose oppressive presence was so intense it nearly made breathing impossible.
What should they do?
Miko Yotsuya exchanged glances with Mai Sakurajima beside her, then both looked toward Rio Futaba, who was sitting in the front-right position.
Thud... thud... thud...
Amid the sound of the massive axe scraping against the floor and the heavy footsteps, Rio Futaba watched the tall, imposing bandaged figure gradually approaching their seating area, her mind racing rapidly as sweat beads formed on her forehead.
What should she do?
Should she summon her Soul Manifestation and transform here?
The problem was that the non-internal members, Yukino Yukinoshita and Marin Kitagawa, were sitting right there.
Moreover, the space within the carriage was far too confined.
If they were to fight such a powerful evil spirit here, there would be no room for holding back - it would be too easy to affect their surroundings.
Then...
Rio Futaba glanced at the trembling Menma, whose small face was filled with terror.
Should they pretend not to see and sacrifice her?
No...
Rio Futaba absolutely refused to let a helpless little girl die before her eyes.
Even if this little girl was just a lost wandering spirit.
Just as she was lightly clenching her teeth, her hand already on the frames, ready to remove her glasses—about to transform into her exorcism persona, her Quantum outfit—she suddenly heard Ye Xing's voice.
"Kitagawa-san, let me through, please."
"Eh? Alright."
When Ye Xing left his seat and stood in the aisle between the rows of seats, he just happened to form a face-to-face standoff with the bandaged figure slowly approaching the group.
Watching him and the bandaged figure refusing to yield to each other, both slowly advancing toward one another, the hearts of the four psychics - Rio Futaba, Mai Sakurajima, Yui Yuigahama, and Miko Yotsuya - all rose to their throats.
Is this where it happens?
Is this the moment now?
To transform into Mask before Yukino Yukinoshita and Marin Kitagawa, who remain unaware, right under the surveillance cameras in the Shinkansen carriage?
Under the tense gazes of Rio Futaba and the others, they saw Ye Xing acting as if he couldn't see anything at all, walking straight through the bandaged monster's body.
Just by looking at his demeanour, he appeared exactly like an ordinary human unable to perceive evil spirits, without the slightest flaw.
Miko Yotsuya was startled inwardly, silently marvelling.
What superb acting!
Although Miko could barely maintain a straight face when confronting evil spirits, actively approaching and even walking through an evil spirit's body was still very difficult.
This was no longer just a matter of courage.
Ye Xing simply didn't feel there was anything to be afraid of.
The bandaged monster paused its steps, seemingly uncertain about what had just happened with the human who passed through its body.
But soon, it continued walking on its own, arriving at a spot less than three metres away from Menma.
The bandaged monster looked at the petite Menma, its single eye showing no emotional fluctuation as it silently raised its right hand. The black mist around it grew thicker, preparing to swing its axe with force and cleave the wandering soul before it into...
Wait.
As it made this movement, the bandaged monster suddenly froze.
It looked at its right hand.
Empty, holding nothing.
Then looked at its left hand.
Also empty, equally holding nothing.
"Hmm...?"
The bandaged monster squeezed out a hoarse, questioning sound from its throat.
It slowly turned around and saw that the human male who had just passed straight through its body had, at some unknown time, stolen its axe and burlap bundle!
The bandaged monster hadn't even been able to detect its weapons being stolen.
How swift, how concealed were his movements?
It was almost like...
Watching Ye Xing standing deliberately at the front of the carriage, holding the bandaged monster's weapons and bundle, clearly waiting for the other to take the bait with a smile on his face, Mai Sakurajima couldn't help but facepalm and sigh helplessly.
"So the nimble skill of unhooking bra straps with one hand... can come in handy at times like this."
Seeing Ye Xing holding its weapons and bundle, still putting on a triumphant display as if provoking it, the bandaged monster's single eye instantly burst with blood vessels as it roared hoarsely with all its might.
"You... can see me!"
Ye Xing flashed into the toilet located in the connecting passage between two carriages.
Click.
With a crisp sound, he locked the toilet door from inside.
The bandaged monster ran over quickly, staring at the toilet door with intense killing intent in its pupils.
Did this human think locking the door would keep him safe?
It was an evil spirit—it could pass through walls!
The bandaged monster revealed a ferocious smile, choosing not to pass directly through the wall before it, but instead leaning its head forward first.
It wanted to make this insolent human experience unimaginable fear before death, little by little!
When the bandaged monster's head completely penetrated the toilet door, what greeted its gaze wasn't a terrified, trembling human face.
Instead, it was a pure black mask formed from burning dark flames.
The bandaged monster's expression froze, instinctively trying to pull its head back.
But the next second, a pale ghost hand with dark, sharp nails firmly grasped its head with five fingers.
"Trying to escape?"
"Come on in."
Mai Sakurajima and the others could clearly see that after the bandaged monster stuck its head through the toilet door, within less than two seconds, its tall, burly body suddenly began writhing violently, as if struggling against something.
But it was all in vain.
Like a duck peacefully swimming on the water's surface, suddenly bitten by a crocodile lurking beneath, its body was forcibly dragged into the toilet.
Then...
Came deathly silence.
No sounds of impact, no seeping blood.
Only suffocating quietness.
Time passed minute by minute.
Whoosh!
Click.
With the sound of flushing and the light click of the toilet lock opening, Ye Xing emerged from the toilet, returning to the carriage as if nothing had happened at all.
Rio Futaba tugged at Ye Xing's sleeve, lowering her voice.
"How was it?"
"How was what?"
"What else could it be, of course..."
Seeing Rio Futaba's expression, Ye Xing seemed to finally understand, nodding noncommittally.
"Well... the flavour's alright, quite chewy texture, plenty of juices, but not as delicious as I imagined."
"On a scale of ten, I'd give it a seven."
"Mainly didn't have time to properly prepare it, such a waste of good ingredients, what a shame."
Rio Futaba looked speechless, thinking, 'Are you seriously giving a review here?'
But...
It was expected, and she sighed in relief.
Even such a powerful evil spirit emitting special energy couldn't escape becoming food for Mask.
Watching Ye Xing's expression of wanting more, as if he hadn't fully satisfied his appetite, Rio Futaba silently complained to herself.
In front of him, the food chain positions of evil spirits and humans seemed completely reversed.
Thinking carefully...
Being forcibly dragged into a small, confined room, then dying in deep despair and fear...
Wasn't the role the bandaged monster played exactly that of an NPC in a horror movie?
So Ye Xing was actually the villain in the horror film.
Rio Futaba stood up and exchanged meaningful looks with Yui Yuigahama, Mai Sakurajima, and Miko Yotsuya.
The three immediately understood, standing up to follow her as they moved with Ye Xing to the rear of the carriage.
Saki Kawasaki and Hina Amano exchanged glances. Although they couldn't observe evil spirits, they could tell from Rio Futaba and the others' behaviour.
Something terrifying must have just happened.
...
"Encountering something like this right after departure..."
Meanwhile, Rio Futaba casually found a seat at the rear of the carriage, furrowing her brows as she spoke.
Miko Yotsuya also wore a thoughtful expression, murmuring to herself.
"That evil spirit just now was completely different from any we've encountered before. Is it a product of the Reverse World?"
"No."
Ye Xing shook his head casually as he replied.
"That thing... how should I describe it... could be considered a being that maintains order."
"Maintains order... I see."
Miko Yotsuya nodded, suddenly understanding.
"I've been thinking about something before."
"Psychics like Mr Oda and Godmother Granny can only drive away evil spirits, not truly eliminate them."
"Although we can't determine when evil spirits and spectres began to exist, even if it's only one hundred... no, fifty years."
"According to this logic, even though evil spirits devour each other, overall, evil spirits would become increasingly terrifying and their numbers would continuously grow."
At this point, Miko paused briefly before continuing.
"But in reality, the number of evil spirits and spectres isn't as large as one might imagine. Rio, Mai-senpai, Yui, you've probably noticed this too, right?"
Mai Sakurajima and Rio Futaba nodded.
"Yes, that's true."
"Eh?"
Yui Yuigahama wore a blank expression.
"That's a thing?"
"You..."
Rio Futaba shook her head helplessly.
"Could you occasionally think seriously about things?"
"Hehe... I have you all to do the thinking for me."
"Sigh, really..."
Rio Futaba adjusted her glasses thoughtfully.
"So that bandaged figure with the axe maintains order, preventing the number of evil spirits and spectres from growing infinitely... sort of like a cleaner role?"
At this point, Rio's expression became somewhat complicated as she looked toward Ye Xing sitting there.
"That means... to some extent... It's actually our ally?"
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
Ye Xing appeared completely nonchalant.
"Whether it's an ally or not aside, it tasted pretty good."
Hearing his response, Rio Futaba didn't know how to react.
"Anyway, one thing we can confirm is that guy was targeting Menma, and..."
Rio Futaba spoke slowly.
"Now that this one has been eliminated, there will likely be other, stronger evil spirits coming to find Menma."
Mai Sakurajima, Yui Yuigahama, and Miko Yotsuya also looked serious as they nodded.
"It seems this trip to Tokyo will definitely be..."
Before they could finish, Ye Xing interrupted with a laugh.
"Definitely a food tour where we'll eat to our hearts' content."
Look how hungry this child is.
He's starting to lose his mind.
Meanwhile, Menma, watching the older brother and sisters talking at the end of the carriage, curled her small body into a ball on her seat, her eyes showing complex emotions.
Was it... me who brought that monster here?
If I keep staying by everyone's side, will I put them in danger?
...
"I've prepared rice balls for everyone. Please help yourselves."
Mai Sakurajima took out two lunch boxes from the small bag she was carrying and distributed the prepared rice balls to the members of the Supernatural Society.
"Wow, as expected of Mai-senpai, these are really delicious."
Hina Amano took a bite of the rice ball, her face full of blissful expression.
Kazusa Touma also took a small bite and said plainly.
"Hmm, not bad, much better than convenience store ones."
"You've got a grain of rice on your lip."
Ye Xing proactively reached out and wiped the rice grain from the corner of Kazusa Touma's mouth.
Following the normal development, he should now put the rice grain in his mouth and begin enjoying the sight of Kazusa Touma blushing and flustered.
But sensing the battlefield-like gazes around him, Ye Xing ultimately made the wise decision to wipe off the rice grain with a tissue.
Seeing that the members all gave unanimous praise and approval for the rice balls she brought, Mai Sakurajima covered her mouth with a light laugh.
"Actually, I didn't make these."
"Eh? Mai-senpai didn't make them? Then who did?"
"Yui made them."
"Huh?"
Everyone's expressions changed.
Especially Saki Kawasaki, Marin Kitagawa, and Yukino Yukinoshita—these three who had recently experienced Yui Yuigahama's cooking—showed particularly horrified expressions.
These rice balls...
Were actually made by the culinary master, Yui Yuigahama!?
We truly failed to recognise Mount Tai.
"But... why, if Yui made these, then this, that..."
Seeing Marin Kitagawa hesitating, unsure how to express herself, Mai Sakurajima smiled.
"You want to ask why these rice balls taste so normal even though Yui made them, right?"
"Um... yes."
"Actually, this time when Yui was making the rice balls, I was watching over the entire process."
Yui Yuigahama nodded with a sweet smile.
"Mai-senpai told me that even if I want to convey my feelings, there's no need to add those special ingredients. What's important is whether the person eating the food can achieve a spiritual connection with me."
"Actually, making the most ordinary version is best."
Hearing this, Hina Amano showed a sudden expression of understanding and murmured.
"So when Yui thinks she hasn't done well enough, that's actually when she's at her best? And when she thinks she's put in lots of feelings, that's when those complex flavours appear? So that's how it is..."
"That's right, exactly."
Mai Sakurajima smiled and nodded, then looked meaningfully at Ye Xing.
"But for a certain, particularly important person, Yui still can't break this habit."
As she spoke, Mai Sakurajima took out a light-pink, heart-shaped lunchbox. When she opened it, inside was a heart-shaped rice ball.
She smilingly presented it to Ye Xing and, in the gentlest tone, spoke words with devastating impact.
"You also want to connect with Yui's feelings, don't you, Ye Xing-sama?"
Ye Xing quickly waved his hands.
"Anything else is fine, but when it comes to cooking, there's no connection whatsoever."
"Today you'll connect whether you want to or not! Eat it!"
...
"Finally arrived in Tokyo"
Looking out the window at the platform, most members of the Supernatural Society wore expressions of excitement.
"Tokyo really has a different trendy atmosphere, doesn't it?"
"What trendy atmosphere? We haven't even gotten off the train yet."
"Speaking of which, what should we eat first?"
"Tokyo's speciality... sushi?"
"Are you stupid? The speciality of all of Japan is sushi."
"Oh, right."
When Ye Xing led the Supernatural Society members off the train and left the platform, they saw a handsome young man with long brown hair waiting at the exit. He was wearing black suit trousers, a white shirt, and a tie.
As soon as he spotted Ye Xing, the corners of his lips curled into a slight smile, and he immediately came forward to greet them.
"Welcome to Tokyo."
Rio Futaba frowned slightly and looked at Ye Xing with confusion.
"And this is...?"
"Ah, let me introduce you."
Ye Xing smiled: "This is my friend in Tokyo, Light Yagami."
"Friend..."
Hearing the word "friend", Light Yagami's smile and gaze grew even softer.
Seeing him like this, Rio Futaba felt something strange in her heart.
This Light Yagami...
Why does he give people the feeling... that he's somewhat... you know?
"Light, let me introduce you. These are all members from my school club..."
After listening to Ye Xing's introductions of the various Supernatural Society members, Light Yagami's gaze shifted slightly, instantly turning cold as he gave a slight nod.
"Hmm, hello."
Immediately after, he quickly shifted his gaze back to Ye Xing's face, returning to that smiling expression,
"Ye Xing-kun, it's been quite some time since we last met. Let's find somewhere to eat. Actually, there are many things I'd like to discuss with you."
Mai Sakurajima and the others all wore complicated expressions.
This Light Yagami... could it be that he has... those kinds of tendencies?
Just then, Light Yagami suddenly felt someone forcefully bump into his shoulder.
"You can't stand next to him."
Seeing Kazusa Touma's expression - like a small dog guarding its food, vigilant and fierce - Light Yagami chuckled helplessly.
"Why?"
Kazusa Touma's pretty face flushed slightly as she said calmly,
"Because this spot beside him belongs to me."