Perhaps this is what is called a ‘miracle.’
While attempting to release some of the evil spirits from the seal to reduce pressure, Rie made a mistake—a colossal error that could have destroyed the entire town. Her momentary distraction during the sealing process resulted in an unprecedented release of evil spirits.
The Miko of the Hoshimori Shrine, known as the ‘Protector’ by the Igarashi family since the creation of the seal, fulfilled her duty perfectly this time, though she was unaware of her role. Despite her power being far inferior to the Protector recorded in the Igarashi family’s history, she held her ground against the relentless onslaught of evil spirits until the very end. She succeeded in purging all the evil spirits released due to Rie’s mistake.
The cold light of the Spirit Cutter still reflected the moonlight, as well as Shion’s face, stained red with her own blood and the malevolent energy of the spirits. She appeared almost lifeless.
Rie rushed to Shion’s side. Shion remained in the pose of delivering the final blow, her feet surrounded by the dried, dark red bloodstains of her own making. ‘Shion!’ Rie called out, her voice choked with tears. Large droplets fell onto Shion’s already red-stained Miko outfit. Rie wanted to embrace her tightly but feared her movements might worsen Shion’s wounds, so she cautiously reached out to touch her.
Shion seemed to hear Rie’s voice and slightly turned her head. This small movement was enough to snap the thread of her resolve. The Spirit Cutter, glinting with silver, fell to the ground with a crisp sound. The white-haired girl’s legs buckled, and she collapsed into Rie’s arms.
Rie supported Shion, letting her rest in her embrace, heedless of the blood that had not yet dried on Shion’s body. Her only wish was for the girl in her arms to be safe. ‘Shion, hold on! I’ll take you to the hospital, the best one there is. Please…’ Rie sobbed, holding Shion tightly.
Rie could barely feel Shion’s heartbeat, and her breathing was so faint it was almost imperceptible. Rie fumbled for her phone, intending to call the hospital, but her hands trembled with guilt and sorrow, making it difficult to press the keys. ‘Shion, you’ll be all right… You have to be…’
Suddenly, Rie felt a gentle breeze. A figure in pure white descended silently beside Shion. Rie looked up in surprise, not only at the appearance of the white figure but also because it bore a striking resemblance to the girl in her arms.
The white figure was also dressed in a white Miko outfit, but it was of an older, more ancient design, yet immaculately maintained. Her white hair was longer than Shion’s, the tips brushing her waist. At her waist hung a small Kagura bell, also bathed in a white glow. Her feet were shod in wooden sandals, but they seemed to make no sound as they touched the ground. The girl’s descent was like that of an ancient deity descending from the heavens, bestowing blessings upon the people below.
The white girl’s face was expressionless, or at least, Rie could discern no emotion on it. She extended a hand toward Rie, her lips moving. Although Rie could not hear her voice, she seemed to understand the girl’s intention: to take Shion from her. There was an unquestionable authority about the white girl, and Rie, for reasons she could not explain, chose to trust her. Despite their similarity, Rie trusted the white girl as she would trust Shion.
Rie nodded and handed Shion over to the white girl. The girl’s embrace was surprisingly strong, and a white light emanated from her hands, healing Shion’s wounds. Rie watched as Shion’s injuries closed almost visibly. ‘She will be fine.’ Rie heard the voice directly in her mind, though the girl stood close by. Her voice seemed to come from the distant night sky.
Rie tried to raise her hand to wipe away her tears, but realized her hands were numb and barely moving. ‘Please, take care of Shion!’ Rie pleaded with the girl before her. The white girl said nothing more, simply taking Shion and walking into the night until she disappeared from Rie’s view.
Only after the white girl’s figure had vanished did Grandpa Butler approach Rie, escorting her with a gentlemanly demeanor. ‘Miss, shall we rest for a while?’ he asked. Rie, still gazing in the direction the white girl had gone, asked, ‘Butler, who was that girl…?’ ‘I do not know,’ he replied with a shake of his head. ‘Perhaps there truly are deities protecting our town.’
****
As dawn approached, the clock ticked on, and the black night gradually gave way to the first light of morning. The sun’s rays began to illuminate the red torii gate of the shrine, casting away the shadows. In the forest, birds started to sing, welcoming the sun’s arrival. When the alarm clock rang again, Shion opened her eyes. The sunlight filtered through the window, lighting up her face. She habitually turned off the alarm and stretched languidly. Today’s sunlight was a bit harsh, so she instinctively raised her hand to shield her eyes. This morning, there was no sign of the injuries from last night’s battle, not a trace left behind. ‘The system really is amazing. I felt like I was about to die last night, but here I am, waking up in bed.’ Shion basked in the morning sun, feeling its warmth on every inch of her skin.