"Mr. Feng Yi, I have a question about the intelligence provided by Imaizumi. Miss Agi's serpentine pupils beneath her mask are considered a characteristic of Orobas's kin by the people of Watatsumi Island.
From her actions, it's clear she's protecting the people of Watatsumi, and she previously mentioned she's doing her best to resolve the miasma in Enkanomiya.
But what I don't understand is why she's hiding her pupils? This should be a good opportunity to gain trust..."
Shinobu frowned. Based on Miss Agi's behavior and motivations, concealing her pupils seemed like an unnecessary action.
So, what was Miss Agi hiding?
"I have the same doubt. However, the current intelligence is limited, and I can't glean much from it. For now, let's treat Miss Agi as one of Orobas's kin and try to interact with her further to observe her reactions. We should remain vigilant..."
Feng Yi gave Shinobu a look of admiration, knowing she hadn't disappointed him. With her sharp analytical skills, she had immediately grasped the key point.
However, this mystery couldn't be solved yet; more usable clues were needed.
After discussing the direction of their next actions, Feng Yi, along with Itto and Shinobu, went to the inner room to find Miss Agi.
"How is it? Have you decided?"
Miss Agi asked expectantly when she saw the three of them approach.
"Of course, Miss Agi! We'll cooperate and drive away all the miasma in Enkanomiya!"
Feng Yi stepped forward and declared.
"Mm-hmm. Then please accept this. It's called the 'Mumezumi Box.' I found it in the Sangonomiya Shrine when I was looking for a way before. In fact, the methods and tools for the Thousand Lights Ritual were all found by me in the Sangonomiya Shrine. Fortunately, I can understand human writing..."
Miss Agi handed an item to the three of them, and while explaining, she seemed to inadvertently reveal some astonishing information.
"Hm?"
Feng Yi appeared not to have heard clearly. After exchanging glances with Itto and Shinobu, he feigned a puzzled expression.
"Ah, it's nothing, don't mind it. Let's get back to business. This 'Mumezumi Box' can gather light and, on a small scale, counteract the darkness of the Void. For example, monsters protected by the miasma can be returned to their original forms using the power of the 'Mumezumi Box'..."
Upon hearing Miss Agi explain the effect of the 'Mumezumi Box,' Feng Yi and the other two exchanged silent glances again. Wasn't this remarkably similar to the 'Sun lantern' that Feng Yi had made?
However, compared to that, the 'Mumezumi Box' was more practical as it could weaken enemies within the miasma.
"The area you three will be heading to this time is the borderlands of Enkanomiya, the triangular region. But before you depart, there are a few things I need to explain to you clearly:
The true nature of the Sangonomiya Ritual, according to the scrolls, is to forcibly awaken the second kin, the Coral Sealing Worms, using the Serpent God's life force. They are decomposers that convert primal elements into the gentle elements of the human world. The giant corals are a symbol of the King Worms being awakened by the Serpent God's blood.
Due to the widespread awakening of the coral worms, the entire ecological environment of Enkanomiya will change..."
Agi clasped her hands in front of her and slowly explained to them.
"I do feel that way. Compared to last time, when we entered Enkanomiya this time, besides the monsters, I've also seen many newly appeared minerals and plants..."
Arataki Itto nodded in agreement. He had coincidentally noticed this while strolling near the Sangonomiya Shrine.
"You... have been to Enkanomiya before?"
Agi looked at Arataki Itto with confusion.
"Hahahahahahahaha... Of course! The legendary hero who retrieved coral was none other than this great me! Last time, this great me and Boss Feng Yi, with our combined wit and courage, sent those Bathysmal Vishaps running for cover, and successfully brought back the Blood Coral!"
Arataki Itto burst into laughter, mistaking her for a fan girl. He tilted his head back, crossed his arms, and smugly awaited Miss Agi's praise.
"What?! You... you were the ones..."
Agi's expression suddenly became agitated as she pointed at Arataki Itto upon hearing he was the hero who retrieved the Blood Coral.
"Miss Agi, is something wrong?"
Arataki Itto was taken aback. This exclamation certainly didn't sound like praise; he could even sense a hint of resentment in her tone.
"No, it's nothing. I just got a little excited. Let's get back to the main topic. The current situation is very complex. The light and human realms, suppressed by the Void miasma, seem to have stagnated. You might need to use the power of the Mumezumi Box to dispel the miasma and allow the changes to continue..."
Miss Agi suddenly realized she had lost her composure and quickly changed the subject. After concluding these matters, she hastily left under the pretext of checking on the injured.
"Itto, Shinobu, take this 'Mumezumi Box.' I won't be joining you on this mission. I need to confirm some things..."
Through their recent conversation, Feng Yi had gained some clarity but needed to investigate further.
"Don't worry, Boss Feng Yi! With this great me around, there's no need to worry!"
Arataki Itto took the 'Mumezumi Box' and patted his chest in acceptance.
With the top brass of the Arataki Gang gathered here, what else could possibly be difficult for them?
After Arataki Itto and Shinobu left, Feng Yi also concealed his presence and secretly slipped into the Sangonomiya Shrine.
An hour later, Feng Yi reunited with Arataki Itto and Shinobu, who had completed their mission. They found Miss Agi together beneath the statue on the high platform.
"You've returned. You must have seen the three tall towers standing at the borderlands of Enkanomiya. Those towers are Void Towers restored by the Abyss Order according to their form and traditions..."
Miss Agi pointed to the purified triangular border region and said softly.
"Abyss Order? Could it be..."
Hearing Miss Agi's words, Feng Yi and Arataki Itto's minds immediately conjured the image of that despicable fellow.
"He's a man full of nonsense. Somehow, he learned about Enkanomiya's three realms and the matter of the triangle. Then, using Abyss technology, he brought those things and began spreading the Abyss's power through the Void Towers. This will cause great suffering to both the Coral Sealing Worms and the Bathysmal Vishaps."
"I don't know what his purpose is for doing this, but for us, the Abyss's power is like a potent poison. For them, it's a slow and addictive draught of poison. Perhaps... he simply enjoys betrayal and toying with others..."
Hearing this, Feng Yi was certain. This person was definitely that annoying scribe with a penchant for getting beaten!