Chapter 123 A Little Strange

"Senjou-nee, ah... this... Mr. Suren's body, is there something wrong?"

"This kid probably hasn't touched a woman in a long time. It's a normal reaction. Heh, still not being honest while unconscious. This is where you come in, Miko-san."

"Ah? Come in? I... I don't know how..."

"If you don't know how, forget it. Then let him stay dirty. Anyway, this guy has thick skin, a little dirt won't hurt."

"But Mr. Suren's injuries are very serious and must be treated immediately..."

"Then there's no helping it. I'm not good at treating injuries. At most, I can inject a potion."

"Then... then... I'll try it then."

"..."

In a daze, Suren seemed to hear Senjou and Miko talking, and then a pair of soft hands were cleaning his body and treating his injuries.

The movements were meticulous, but also slightly awkward and clumsy, looking like she hadn't done such a service for others before.

Suren wanted to open his eyes to see, but his condition was terrible.

Having successfully resurrected Senjou and Miko, the belief he had been stubbornly holding onto relaxed, and he had no thoughts other than wanting to have a comfortable sleep.

And he fell asleep.

This sleep was very long, filled with all kinds of monsters.

Having been infected with too much Yomi (underworld) energy, the dreams he had were all nightmares.

Suren could distinguish the difference between dreams and reality, but even so, he didn't want to wake up.

His body was too tired and needed rest too much.

...

He didn't know how long had passed.

Suren felt that his brain was finally willing to reconnect with his body, but as soon as the connection was made, a large number of painful, numb, tingling, itchy... many negative signals flooded into him.

Although there was still a feeling of severe delayed-onset muscle soreness after exercise, it was much better.

He moved his fingers, and immediately heard a surprised exclamation beside his ear.

"Senjou-nee, Mr. Suren seems to be awake!"

"Mm."

Then, he heard the two women sigh in unison.

Suren slowly opened his eyes.

He saw two faces very close, blinking their eyes... Senjou's eyes were relieved, and Miko's eyes seemed to be sparkling with anticipation.

Looking at the slightly demonic temperament between his eyebrows, Senjou asked with concern, "Suren?"

Just because someone is awake doesn't mean there aren't other problems.

Suren focused his eyes and looked around. It wasn't the cave where the bear was before, but it seemed to still be in the wilderness.

After a moment of contemplation, he seemed to regain his language ability and asked, "Where is this?"

Senjou said, "Chamei Mountain in Izumo, it's the cliffside hot spring we found last time."

Senjou and Miko weren't stupid either. Seeing Suren "resurrect" them in a deserted mountain cave, they realized the situation was very complicated. The [Death Novel]'s cursed space was controlled by the Takeda Shogunate. Looking at Suren's state, they guessed that obtaining this novel must have been through a fierce and arduous battle.

Now the situation in the Yamain (hidden mountain) was unclear. Although they didn't understand what happened, any possibility of exposing their whereabouts would bring them a fatal threat.

So the two decided not to rashly touch anyone until Suren woke up.

They could only stay far away from Edo, changing several places along the way, and happened to come to Chamei Mountain, which they had passed by before.

In order not to attract attention, they didn't even go to Granny Kappa's bathhouse, but directly set up a tent on the cliff.

Suren woke up only now.

The view here was very wide, as if they were on a mountainside.

He asked again, "How long have I been unconscious?"

Senjou replied, "Two days."

"Oh."

Hearing this, Suren gradually recalled what had happened in the past few days.

Looking at his slightly dazed expression, Miko also asked with concern, "Mr. Suren, how are you feeling now? There are signs of you 'turning into a demon' in your body, and your injuries are very serious..."

"I'm fine now. There's no immediate danger to my life."

Suren replied.

He felt his body. The injuries had mostly healed, but on the panel, the degree of [Aberration] had worsened.

Hearing this, Senjou interjected, "You've had a high fever and been sweating for the past two days. Miko-san has been taking care of you, changing your clothes and wiping your body."

Hearing this, Suren looked at Miko, who looked slightly restrained, and thanked, "Thank you, Miko-san."

For such a pampered princess to take care of his daily life, just this attitude and intention alone were somewhat flattering.

Miko seemed to have thought of something, her eyes not daring to meet his, "Compared to Mr. Suren's efforts, I've only done a trivial thing."

She knew very well that neither obtaining this novel nor the resurrection of the dead could have been easy. Suren must have paid a high price.

...

Suren barely squeezed out a smile with his stiff facial muscles. He was about to sit up, but found that his body was very stiff and he couldn't do it at all.

The five-phase state of [Hormone Runaway] was too much of a burden on the body. Even now, his muscles hadn't recovered.

Seeing this, Miko quickly stepped forward to help him up.

Senjou knew that Suren's body had been polluted by absorbing an excessive amount of demonic energy in the Yomi (underworld).

A deep worry appeared on her face as well. Frowning, she said, "I found that your body seems to be 'aberrating.' The situation is very serious. Miko is also helpless and can only use Shinto secret techniques to temporarily suppress the spread of demonic energy..."

Saying this, she looked at Suren and said very seriously, "We must find a way to deal with it as soon as possible."

Physical aberration was no small problem. According to Miko's examination, Suren might "turn into a demon" at any time, which could endanger his life at any time.

Suren knew she was concerned about his condition. He nodded and said directly, "I know someone who should be able to deal with the problem of aberration. As long as I can hold on until I go to the pirate city of Hasterlin, the problem with my body should be solved."

People who came out of Old Lingdun knew the horror of aberration. Senjou was afraid that he was forcing himself, and asked again, "Is there anyone else who can solve aberration?"

"Mm."

Suren looked at her, smiled slightly, and said truthfully, "I met Dr. Banks, the leader of the 'X Project' before. Oh, that's little Danny's father."

"Didn't the Banks couple die in a lab accident?"

Senjou listened with joy.

If it was that person, it was really possible!

"No. He survived the lab accident by chance and is now hiding in the Northern Sea Fleet."

Suren knew that he couldn't explain it clearly in a few words. He didn't say much and said again, "So, I have to leave the Yamain (hidden mountain) as soon as possible and find Dr. Banks."

"That's right!"

Senjou also felt that this was the top priority, and said sternly, "This is Izumo, which is the last big city for the Yamain (hidden mountain) to go to sea. If there are ships leaving the port, we can find out immediately. However, because of the situation in the Yamain (hidden mountain), the number of ships going to sea has decreased a lot. I think we may have to wait a day or two."

The reason they chose to go south before was because they considered the possibility of being hunted down and having the option of going to sea.

Suren thought for a moment and said, "I think it should be okay to delay a few days."

Now the situation in the Yamain (hidden mountain) was very complicated. It was good enough to have ships going to sea.

This princess Miko definitely couldn't show her face, even if her Shinseri clan still had some hidden methods.

If worst came to worst, they could contact Abe Taiwa and use the Katyusha family's channels to go to sea.

The problem wasn't too big.

After worrying about Suren's physical condition and finding hope for a solution, the seriousness between Senjou's eyebrows finally completely relaxed.

She then asked, "By the way, what exactly happened before? Didn't we die in the Yomi (underworld)? How were we resurrected?"

Miko next to her was also full of curiosity, and her big eyes also looked over.

Hearing the two people's questions, Suren let out a long breath and said, "This has to start with the novel written by Fujiwara Hayato..."

...

"Miko, you in the Kurayama Shrine... Senjou-nee, you unleashed that sword at the end..."

Before long, Suren told the story of how he saw through the cursed space and went to fight with Mikoto Hime.

Listening to Suren's life-threatening experience, Senjou and Miko were both dumbfounded.

Only then did they know that so many things had happened afterwards.

However, Suren understated the price he paid to resurrect the two of them, "Later, in that cave, I resurrected you..."

Although he didn't say it, it didn't mean the two women couldn't guess.

Battles and the like were secondary. Since they were alive, this ending was already very satisfactory.

Senjou asked directly, "What method did you use to resurrect us?"

Suren glanced at her and replied very calmly, "I sacrificed my soul to a demon."

Senjou's expression sank when she heard this.

Miko's expression next to her was also very serious.

Suren knew the guilt of living with the lives of others on his shoulders. He didn't want the two women to think that way either, so he said with a relaxed expression, "It's nothing big. According to some information provided by Fujiwara Hayato, I guess that the 'demon' of that contractor should just exist in a special high-level plane. When I don't have the strength, that person won't ask me to fulfill the contract. When I really have the strength, I will want to go to the heavens and planes to take a look sooner or later, and I will also take risks. Compared to being able to see you again, this is not a bad price."

Senjou was silent and didn't speak.

Miko was the same.

The three had entrusted their lives to each other, and they could naturally understand this kind of sacrifice to each other.

But since things had become a foregone conclusion, there was no point in saying more.

Seeing that the atmosphere was a little silent, Suren skipped this topic and said instead, "By the way, when I captured Mikoto Hime, I also found a mirror. It might be one of your Yamain (hidden mountain) Three Sacred Treasures, the [Yata Mirror]. Miko-san, would you like to take a look?"

When Miko heard this, the expression on her face changed, and she said in surprise, "Yata Mirror?"

These Three Sacred Treasures had long disappeared in the river of history. This legendary treasure of illusion had appeared in the world eight hundred years ago.

She didn't expect it to appear now?

Her bright eyes turned, and she said, "If it really is the [Yata Mirror], it can also explain why Mikoto Hime was able to influence the entire Edo during the Black Sun. Legend has it that as long as the mirror is driven by a powerful enough divine power, it can even make all the humans in the world fall into illusion."

Was it that powerful?

Naturally, she wanted to see it.

Suren listened and was glad that he hadn't hesitated at all during the battle and hadn't given Mikoto Hime a chance to use the mirror.

He reminded, "It is said that you will fall into illusion if you take a look at that mirror. Can I take it out now?"

Miko nodded and said, "It just so happens that my Iga Shrine has secretly passed down the method of using the Three Sacred Treasures. And my Amaterasu divine power can restrain some of the [Yata Mirror]'s infinite illusions."

"Oh."

Before, when Suren was alone, he didn't dare to take this thing out. If he fell into illusion, there would be no one else to solve it.

Now that there was an expert like Miko, Suren had no worries. He and Senjou closed their eyes and took out the mirror that was sealed tightly.

Miko took it and immediately recognized it, unable to hide her shock, "It really is the [Yata Mirror]!"

It really was?

Suren didn't know what happened, but he only felt a surge of scorching divine power like a sunflame rising from Miko.

He didn't open his eyes curiously, and asked, "How is it?"

Miko's tone was obviously a little excited, "I can control it temporarily. Mr. Suren, Senjou-nee, you can open your eyes."

Hearing this, Suren breathed a sigh of relief and opened his eyes, only to see that Miko had completely covered the mirror with her own talismans.

Suren had this thing for so long, and it was the first time he saw what it looked like.

It was a bronze mirror about the size of a face, and the carvings were very simple, which could make people see the traces of endless years at a glance. Because of the talisman seal, it looked ordinary.

Suren appraised it. As in the legend, it could make people sink into the world of illusion infinitely.

But this was also similar to the sacred artifact of the Daru tribe, and only specific divine power could be used. Outsiders holding it was just a strange mirror that could make people sink into infinity.

He was even more curious, how could this artificial human Mikoto Hime use it?

Suren saw the undisguised joy in Miko's eyes.

Finding the lost Three Sacred Treasures had always been the ancestral instruction of the Shinseri clan.

He said directly, "Miko, you should keep this mirror. This is your Yamain (hidden mountain)'s artifact, and no one else can use it."

Since Miko could use it, that would be the best, and it could also give her more ability to protect herself.

Miko was a little flattered. She wanted to say something polite, but after thinking about it, she only said two words gently, "Thank you."

The experience in the Yomi (underworld) had eliminated any awkwardness between them.

They were all people who were worthy of entrusting their lives to each other.

Originally, with Shinseri Miko here, they could have taken "Mikoto Yahime" out of the space and interrogated her to find out the truth of everything.

But the three of them discussed it and didn't dare to do so.

Now that they knew that Mikoto Yahime could also use the [Yata Mirror], then the suddenly appearing "Tsukuyomi God" was 100% related to her!

If they really released her, it might lead to some unpredictable results.

Suren planned to find a way to study it after leaving the Yamain (hidden mountain) at least.

If this mastermind was taken away, the situation in the Yamain (hidden mountain) should also improve a lot.

...

Although this experience in the Yomi (underworld) could be described as a narrow escape from death, they had all survived after all.

This was the most ideal result.

The three of them talked and laughed, chatting about a lot of things.

Suddenly, Suren's stomach growled. He looked at the two of them and said a little embarrassedly, "I'm a little hungry."

Although he had injected nutrient solution, the emptiness in his stomach strongly told him that he needed some hot food to fill his stomach.

But he was now half a cripple and had no ability to take care of himself at all.

Hearing this, Miko took the initiative and said, "I'll get something to eat."

Saying this, she skillfully took out some instant canned food from the side, set up the stove, and the aroma of wine and meat quickly filled the air.

Before long, they were full of food and drink, and the sky darkened.

The three of them lay in the tent, lying there, leisurely watching the starry sky outside the tent.

There was no pursuit, and this was not the Yomi (underworld)...

Time seemed to slow down.

Senjou naturally did it on purpose, lying directly on the far left. In this way, no matter who slept in the middle, Miko and Suren would definitely be together.

Suren knew that this was probably one of Senjou's little pranks. But he was still a "half-disabled" who couldn't take care of himself and couldn't toss around too much, so he slept in the middle with peace of mind. Miko was on the far left.

Fortunately, they had spent time together like this in the broken temple in the Yomi (underworld) before, and the atmosphere didn't feel inappropriate.

None of the three were sleepy and started chatting.

The current situation in the Yamain (hidden mountain) was almost a foregone conclusion. The former "Sun Emperor" had become a thing of the past, and the Shinseri clan had almost been executed.

By order of the "Tsukuyomi God," Takeda Nobunaga stabilized the situation in a short period of time. The current situation in the Yamain (hidden mountain) was even more stable than before.

This made Shinseri Miko, who was a princess and a Saiō (high-ranking unmarried female relative of the Emperor sent to serve at Ise Grand Shrine), in a very embarrassing situation.

Suren's physical aberration forced them to leave the Yamain (hidden mountain), but in this way, the question of Miko's whereabouts became a problem.

The night grew deeper, and clouds floated in the sky, blocking the moonlight, and the light suddenly dimmed.

In the tent, Senjou asked, "Miko, are you really not going with us? The situation in the Yamain (hidden mountain) is very difficult now. If you stay, I'm afraid your situation will be very bad."

In the darkness, Miko's tone was very firm, and she replied, "Although the imperial family is no longer there, the Shinseri clan still needs me. Besides, I am a shrine maiden of the Iga Shrine, so I can't leave..."

"..."

Suren listened without speaking, and also heard the heavy responsibility that Miko shouldered.

What she represented was not only herself, but also the imperial princess and the Shinto tradition of the Amaterasu lineage.

Some responsibilities couldn't be thrown away if you wanted to.

Divine right of kingship, their Shinseri clan had to admit the "Moon Emperor." Although it seemed like there was something fishy now, it was precisely because of this that Miko, the ninety-ninth Saiō (high-ranking unmarried female relative of the Emperor sent to serve at Ise Grand Shrine), needed to take on the great responsibility to investigate the truth of the matter.

Fortunately, the [Yata Mirror], one of the Three Sacred Treasures, had been recovered, and her ability to protect herself was definitely not weak, so there was no need to worry too much.

Senjou understood and didn't continue to persuade her.

She just said faintly, "Some people, once missed, are really missed."

As soon as these words came out, the tent was briefly silent.

Miko was no longer the little shrine maiden who would blush when teased.

After pondering for a moment, she actually responded, although she said it very softly, "When I step down, maybe... I might come to find you. When that time comes, we'll go on adventures together again. Senjou-nee, you and Mr. Suren must also take care."

"Okay!"

Hearing this, Senjou smiled brightly. She suddenly turned sideways, crossed Suren in the middle, patted Miko, and said, "I said long ago that if you meet this kid, the idea of serving Shinto for life is impossible..."

Hearing this, Miko also remembered that she seemed to have said such a thing before, and couldn't help but smile slightly.

Now it seemed that she really had the idea of wavering.

She wanted to remain silent and deal with her little embarrassment.

But she probably felt that after this farewell, she probably wouldn't see them for a long time.

Or,

Just like the story of Fujiwara Hayato and Miss Natasha in the book.

Once in life, you may never see each other again.

A sense of sadness rose in Miko's heart for no reason, and she boldly replied, "It's naturally related to Mr. Suren. But the most important thing is that I also want to go on adventures with Senjou-nee and you."

Saying this, the darkness concealed the faint blush that appeared on Miko's pretty face.

Suren didn't think there was anything wrong with what Miko said.

But because Senjou was sideways, her whole body was almost pressing on him. It was this squeeze that made Suren feel his arm sinking into a piece of extreme softness. Because the pajamas were thin, the touch was very real, with a kind of lingering, bone-eroding delicacy.

Moreover, Senjou's movements were very big, and large areas of skin were touching each other. Even the delicate parts of the delicate body were very clear.

Originally, Suren could control his thoughts well with this kind of physical contact, so it didn't matter.

But now his body had been mutated, and that "demonic energy" made him unable to control certain emotions at all.

Hearing Miko's response, Senjou chuckled and didn't see through it.

She wanted to take her hand back, but suddenly, when her hand swept across Suren's body, she also felt something unusual.

"Huh..."

A soft murmur identified the anomaly.

In the darkness, her eyes suddenly glowed faintly.

Her bold personality never made her speak coyly, and she said it directly, "Hey, hey, hey, I said Suren kid, can you restrain yourself a little? Aren't you ashamed..."

Being exposed his embarrassment, Suren was always a little guilty and could only tell the truth, "I can't control it. My body has mutated."

"..."

Hearing this, Senjou suddenly fell silent, as if she had also understood.

Miko hadn't understood what the two were talking about for a while, and was still immersed in the conversation just now.

Suddenly, Senjou spoke again.

She looked like she understood very well and muttered, "You kid seems to have not touched a woman for a long time, so I can understand, but..."

Senjou was from the underworld. What kind of brothel hadn't she seen?

After a pause, she added, "But don't think nonsense. I'm not interested in men. If you really want to, go ask Miko to help you."

Suren listened very helplessly and said stubbornly, "Ah... Senjou-nee, you're really outspoken."

Could you say this so bluntly?

But the body was very honest and couldn't be controlled at all.

Senjou didn't mind at all and said casually, "Tch~ What's so embarrassing about it? Miko has been taking care of you these past two days. She has already seen your ugly state."

"..."

Suren's face was full of black lines when he heard this.

Miko, next to him, was already blushing, but didn't dare to answer.

Help...?

The darkness concealed the pink shyness that spread to her neck.

Senjou seemed completely unaware and was still muttering, "But speaking of which, Miko-san's figure is really great. Don't you think so, Suren? You saw it during the Kagura dance last time too. I told you to try it long ago..."

Suren: "..."

Miko: "..."

The three of them had lived together many times. For the first time, the atmosphere in the tent was a little strange.