Truth be told, Morpheus wasn't entirely unsympathetic to their actions.
Curiosity was universal.
Especially curiosity about yokai.
The group's skepticism about yokai stemmed partly from Japan's official stance.
The government consistently denied the existence of yokai.
Even when evidence was thrust in their faces, they stuck to the same narrative.
Yokai? They don't exist.
What about vampires establishing a Dominion? Does that prove yokai exist?
Hardly. What's the connection?
None.
So how could yokai possibly exist?
Impossible. Absolutely impossible. Yokai in this world? Just rumors.
Even when presented with proof, the government dismissed it as special effects, CGI, or AI-generated videos, refusing to acknowledge yokai.
It was blatant denial.
The reason for this was simple necessity.
Unlike vampires, who grew stronger through blood, yokai thrived on human fear. The more humans revered or dreaded them, the faster yokai grew—far surpassing vampires.
If the government admitted yokai existed, it would spark widespread panic.
This fear, once absorbed by yokai, would fuel their rapid growth, ballooning them to uncontrollable levels.
With Japan's population exceeding a hundred million, their collective fear could engorge yokai, transforming them into unstoppable forces.
This could lead to chaos, turning Japan into a yokai paradise.
Humans would become nothing more than their prey.
Of course, this was the worst-case scenario.
To prevent it, the government vehemently denied yokai's existence, employing relentless propaganda to brainwash the public.
Their efforts paid off, convincing many.
Yokai became an ambiguous concept.
Some believed, some didn't.
Most, like Hachiman Hikigaya and Yukino Yukinoshita, were caught in the middle, skeptical due to never having seen them.
This led to their reckless actions.
Martha couldn't help but interject, "They're just kids with too much curiosity, Boss. No need to be too hard on them."
Morpheus rolled his eyes. "I'm not their parent. Why would I bother?"
"I'm just intrigued by the recklessness of today's youth."
"Alright, you're done here. Go."
Morpheus waved dismissively, instructing Martha to arrange a room for the group to stay in until morning, when they'd be sent back.
Martha patted her chest confidently. "Leave it to me, Boss. No problem."
After the minor incident, Morpheus let it go.
If he were new to this world, he might have considered taking Yukino as a follower.
But with his growing number of followers, a single Yukino Yukinoshita no longer piqued his interest.
After all, this crossover world wasn't short on heroines.
Hachiman Hikigaya, however, intrigued him.
Not in that way—Morpheus wasn't into that. His interest came from reading fanfiction.
Legendary Investigator Hachiman Hikigaya. God-Slayer Hachiman Hikigaya.
It seemed that given a chance, Hachiman could soar, radiating a unique brilliance.
Morpheus was curious. If he made Hachiman his follower, what surprises would the Great Teacher bring?
So, as the group prepared to leave, Morpheus called out, "Hachiman Hikigaya, stay. The rest of you can go."
Hachiman paused, pointing to himself. "Me?"
"Yes, you."
Once the others left, Morpheus gestured for Hachiman to sit, asking curiously, "What do you think about tonight's events?"
Hachiman, unsure but honest, replied, "I'm just an ordinary student. What could I possibly think?"
"If I had to say… maybe, 'Wow, yokai really exist.'"
"And, 'So the rumors about Kyoto were true.'"
"Or, 'There are that many yokai in the world.'"
Morpheus blinked, then burst into laughter. "That's refreshingly honest. And interesting. I like you, Hachiman Hikigaya."
"Compared to your classmates, you're far more mature and rational."
"You know what to say and when, and you're perceptive."
"So, I'm offering you a chance. Want to become my follower, Hachiman Hikigaya?"
Hachiman's brow furrowed slightly, catching the weight of Morpheus's words.
Becoming his follower implied Morpheus was a god.
Was that even possible?
A god, standing before him, appreciating him, and offering him a place as a follower?
It felt like a dream too wild to entertain.
Morpheus saw through Hachiman's thoughts but didn't rush him, waiting patiently for his decision.
He was curious what choice the Great Teacher would make.
After a long pause, Hachiman said, "It's an honor to become your follower."
Morpheus smiled. "Indeed it is. Hold out your hand."
Hachiman extended his right hand, asking, "Aren't you curious why I agreed?"
Morpheus replied calmly, "Why would I care? If you'd refused, I might've asked why. But you didn't—you accepted."
"So I'm not curious."
"After all, few can resist my offer."
Hachiman asked, "Why's that?"
Morpheus grinned. "Because I offer far too much."
Hachiman was stunned but soon understood.
The follower system, gourmet cells, blacklight serum, vast magical knowledge, immortality, eternal youth…
He had to admit, Morpheus offered way too much.
Too much to refuse.
***
Bonus Chapter:
100 Power Stones = 1 BC
300 Power Stones = 2 BC
500 Power Stones = 3 BC
700 Power Stones = 4 BC
1000 Power Stones = 5 BC
***
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