9:00 PM.
Riding back to the apartment building via taxi.
Nishigami Yari could clearly observe that every single household inside the complex was frantically packing up their belongings.
Because they had been informed that early tomorrow morning, this place would be torn down.
However.
As the displaced tenants, their faces were entirely devoid of any sorrowful sentiments.
What filled them instead was sheer elation.
As if they had just picked up a windfall of cash.
All thanks to Nishigami Yari's tenfold compensation package.
You have to realize.
The lease termination breach penalties alone were already quite hefty to begin with.
And on top of that baseline, multiplied by a factor of ten.
That amounted to an exceptionally massive sum of money!
More than enough to spare an ordinary family years of strenuous toil.
So naturally, they harbored zero dissatisfaction.
Instead, they appeared exceptionally overjoyed!
As they were moving out, upon catching sight of Nishigami Yari, clad in that striking white suit, standing out conspicuously amidst the night,
Every single one of them became exceedingly attentive.
Flattering him and currying favor in every way possible.
Amidst the cramped narrow hallway crowded with moving personnel, they proactively stepped aside to clear a path for him.
Among them.
A few women who fancied themselves rather attractive even brazenly winked and threw seductive glances his way.
The vibe was akin to desperately trying to lock down a sugar daddy in advance, ascending the branches to transform into a phoenix.
Besides, those sudden overnight millionaires who rose from hardship were often quite susceptible to this routine.
Yet to all of this.
Nishigami Yari paid it little heed.
He directly bypassed all their scatterbrained schemes and delusions.
Striding straight back to his own room.
The moment the door clicked shut behind him.
He cast a glance at the stack of welcome gifts dropped off by various staff members earlier, then threw himself flat upon his bed.
That was a battered old bed of decidedly subpar quality.
The blankets draped over it were all cheap, bargain-bin goods.
Its total value didn't even scratch a fraction of a single button on the white suit he was currently wearing.
Following that.
He did nothing else, simply lying there in quiet repose.
Completely disregarding all the various movements and commotion outside.
Even when someone actively knocked on his door midway, he couldn't be bothered to respond.
He simply lay there in pure, tranquil silence.
Because of the sudden, sweeping reorganization of memories following his awakening.
Nishigami Yari distinctly remembered everything he had experienced in both this lifetime and his past life.
And within those memories naturally resided recollections pertaining to this very room.
Thus, he vividly remembered what his life had been like over these past two years.
However, he was crystal clear that he was already entirely different.
Though there was a certain degree of sentimental value to it,
Yet right here.
This place that brought him such unpleasant memories.
Was still better off completely demolished.
Thinking of this.
A smile crept across Nishigami Yari's lips.
Much like the frank confession he had shared with the Yamahana couple earlier.
Right now.
He was simply indulging in sheer caprice.
Acting on a whim now that he possessed the strength and capability to do so.
Or one could call it doing whatever he damn well pleased.
His thoughts were crystal clear!
His mind completely unhindered!
As that buoyant emotional state welled up within him.
His [ Inherent Talent —— The Unrestrained ] activated autonomously every single second.
Causing his pitch-black pupils and hair to slowly emit a faint, ethereal violet hue.
This symbolized that his body was undergoing a rather distinct shift.
Much like how an ordinary human needed to experience several pronounced developmental stages during maturation.
As an [ Awakener ].
Nishigami Yari's body, marching steadily forward through successive developmental milestones, would continually give rise to monumental transformations.
Time.
Flowed slowly onward.
The commotion of the tenants moving out outside gradually tapered off and fell silent.
The dead of night was approaching.
Yet Nishigami Yari, lying atop the bed, felt not a trace of sleepiness.
He continued to lie there in quiet repose.
As though deep in contemplation.
Who knows how much time had passed.
...
Roughly ten hours later.
Early morning had arrived.
He slowly sat up.
At the bathroom sink, splashing cold water across his face, he then pulled open the antiquated apartment door and stepped outside.
Stepping forth to embrace a brand-new life!
And the moment that door slammed shut.
Countless microscopic, naked-eye-invisible filaments were simultaneously retracted back into the rings upon his hands.
The next moment.
Inside the room.
Everything within.
Whether it was the bed, the clothing, the desk, or those gifted presents, and even the outermost layers of the walls, without a single exception, they all collapsed with a thunderous roar simultaneously!!
They resembled a stack of wooden blocks kicked over, instantly fracturing into countless minuscule geometric fragments!!
Nishigami Yari right now.
While growing vastly more powerful, his control had simultaneously grown increasingly refined.
As he descended to the ground floor.
The very first thing he spotted was a crew of workers currently setting up street barricades.
Following that were the fully prepped engineering machinery stationed a dozen meters away, alongside the lawyers who had been waiting for a while.
The moment the attorney laid eyes on him, his eyes lit up as he eagerly and proactively addressed him:
"Nishigami-sama, everything has been prepared."
"As for the surrounding architectural structures, we've already implemented all necessary precautionary measures and notices. Demolition work can commence at any time now."
Hearing this.
Nishigami Yari gave a slight nod.
And casually offered a word of praise:
"Very well, you shall receive the remuneration you deserve."
Yet before he could even finish speaking.
Nishigami Yari abruptly sensed a faint disturbance in the air.
Instinctively halting his words.
He cast his gaze toward the direction where his premonition signaled something amiss.
That was the sky off to the upper left.
Azure blue.
Chock-full of white clouds.
Along with a flock of birds migrating in formation overhead.
At a glance, nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
Yet as Nishigami Yari adjusted his visual focus.
Releasing his previously suppressed vision.
Very quickly, he spotted an unexpected gadget.
At the same time.
He also sensed that a certain function within his cheat system, the [ Life Winner System ], was currently operating spontaneously.
That was the bonus talent named ——[ Destined Pinnacle of Wealth ].
When Nishigami Yari shifted his attention over there.
He instantly understood.
That gadget in the sky belonged to an unexpected, parachuted-in care package.
Meanwhile, beside him, the lawyers and construction workers noticed Nishigami Yari suddenly fixing his gaze upon the upper-left sky.
Puzzled for a second, they followed suit and looked up.
Yet they saw nothing at all.
It wasn't until several seconds later that they spotted something flashing in the sky.
Another two seconds passed, and even the rest of the workers had caught sight of it.
Another two seconds still.
"..."
"That gadget... Is that a meteorite?"
Amidst such bewilderment.
Every single worker on site witnessed an object trailing a fiery tail, roughly the size of a compact car, plummeting at terrifying speeds from the heavens above, directly striking the apartment complex slated for demolition, violently and thoroughly piercing clean through the entire building!
BOOM RUMBLE...
Following that.
The high-rise began to collapse right before everyone's eyes.
"Run for your lives!!!"
Seeing that posture.
A multitude of workers didn't dare hesitate, spinning on their heels and bolting!
Right behind them, massive amounts of debris were sent flying wildly in all directions as the structure rapidly imploded!
Chunks of masonry and shattered steel rebar rained down like falling flower petals!
Take a direct hit to the head from that.
You'd have your brains splattered across the pavement!
What sort of spectacle is it when a seven-story apartment building collapses with a thunderous roar?
Roughly comparable to a small hill suddenly caving in.
That was a colossal monster standing roughly thirty meters tall.
Its collapse was entirely sufficient to bury everything in the surrounding vicinity!
Especially when struck and crushed by a meteorite!
All sorts of chaotic debris were endowed with exceptionally powerful kinetic energy directly from the meteorite's impact.
Certain flying bricks were fully capable of soaring over a hundred meters away, acting like meteor hammers, randomly bashing in the head of some poor, unlucky bastard!
Meanwhile, those collapsing, leaning walls would instantly swallow up everything nearby, turning any living soul into a heap of minced meat right on the spot.
Therefore.
At this very moment, the workers wished they had grown an extra pair of legs.
Running for their lives at top speed!
Even the lawyer standing beside Nishigami Yari instinctively prepared to lift his feet and bolt.
Yet when he cast his gaze toward Nishigami Yari, he noticed that the latter completely lacked any sense of panic whatsoever.
It felt as though he were simply watching a sandcastle built by children cave in.
Not a shred of fear could be found.
What little of it remained was merely mild amusement.
In that instant.
The lawyer's brain began spinning at breakneck speed.
Ultimately, he arrived at a deduction.
That was: standing right beside Nishigami Yari was vastly safer than running away in a panic!!
Hence, he immediately planted himself right next to Nishigami Yari, striking a posture of loyal protection, vowing to share weal and woe with his client.
To put it bluntly, if this scene were captured on film and entered into a competition, it could at least bag a photography award!
The only flaw in the gem, however, was that the lawyer's legs were entirely too weak, trembling incessantly.
Much like a quail paralyzed by sheer terror.
Witnessing this.
Nishigami Yari merely offered an indifferent, light chuckle, making no extraneous movements.
Standing there calmly just like that.
Unflinchingly gazing at the apartment building collapsing with a thunderous crash barely a dozen meters away.
Permitting all sorts of flying debris and rubble to rain down around his vicinity.
In his view.
Being demolished by a meteorite.
Was undoubtedly far more epic than being slowly dismantled by workers wielding construction machinery!
Therefore.
He simply had to properly savor the spectacle.
During this process.
That lawyer, who had moments ago been frightened out of his wits, quickly discovered that those massive chunks of debris acted as though they were deliberately swerving around this spot, steering clear of crashing down here entirely.
Only a few inconsequential tiny fragments showed any inclination of drawing near.
Yet those very fragments would invariably shatter mid-air all of a sudden.
As if blocked by some invisible barrier!
While his client, Nishigami Yari.
Retained that exact same amused expression.
Much as though he were appreciating some sort of artwork.
That towering physique of his hadn't so much as twitched an inch from start to finish.
His expression detached yet poised.
Radiating a vibe of absolute unshakeable serenity.
Such a scenario.
Prompted the lawyer to swallow hard involuntarily, secretly pinching his own thighs viciously, attempting to force his legs to stop shaking like leaves.
He felt that he simply had to stand tall at this crucial juncture!!
He absolutely couldn't allow the big shot to look down on him!!
Yet unfortunately, his legs still refused to take orders, trembling away as if suffering from a sudden flare-up of Parkinson's disease.
Half a minute later.
When everything settled down.
Nishigami Yari gazed at the thoroughly flattened ruins of the apartment building.
And gently gave a soft clap of his hands.
"Go ask around about the casualties and damages among the workers, and if there are any, inform them that I will fully compensate whatever price they demand."
"Afterwards, have them excavate the rubble."
"I happen to be rather curious about the meteorite buried inside."
Though he had no clue what sort of gadget that was.
Based on the feedback from his [ Bonus Talent ], he knew that object possessed undeniable value.
"Huh?"
Stunned for a moment.
The lawyer, snapping back to the realization that the big shot was delegating a task to him, nodded like a chicken pecking at rice:
"Understood, understood, I'll head over right away!"
...
A few minutes later.
The results came back.
Though the losses regarding construction machinery were considerable, human casualties were minimal; only two unlucky bastards had their legs crushed by debris and required emergency medical evacuation.
And that level of mishap, to folks laboring in the construction industry, could only be considered par for the course.
Even getting battered and bruised by falling debris on a construction site didn't quite count as a major incident.
Therefore.
Promptly, in accordance with the client's demands, the workers went straight to work.
Some of the workers even looked visibly thrilled.
Because this was the first time in their lives they had ever witnessed a meteorite crashing into a high-rise building!
Along with excavating a meteorite for the very first time!
When sitting down over drinks later to brag, that would unquestionably serve as top-tier conversational material.
This left everyone in high spirits.
Except for those two poor bastards whose legs were broken, weeping and wailing to high heaven.
Truly, human joy and sorrow are never interlinked!
...
A short while later.
The excavation continued.
Along the way.
Even the police made an appearance.
Because when the apartment building was pierced by the meteorite earlier, a massive volume of debris had scattered everywhere, disrupting numerous civilians.
Yet upon investigating the root cause and discovering it was a pure accident, coupled with Nishigami Yari declaring that he would shoulder all compensation costs, they could only play the role of bystanders and depart in a huff.
At this juncture, driven by the relentless efforts of heavy machinery and laborers, a massive crater was finally excavated to completion.
It was precisely at this moment.
That everyone discovered how the meteorite had effortlessly punched through the seven stories of the building as if slicing through styrofoam.
Furthermore, acting much like a Kinetic Bombardment weapon, it had brutally smashed straight through the foundational bedrock, its momentum unbroken as it embedded itself dozens of meters deep into the earth!
To be honest.
This degree of sheer destructive force was entirely sufficient to pierce through the vast majority of fortified bunkers!
When that meteorite was finally dug out.
Though its physical volume was only roughly the size of a compact car.
It exhibited exceptionally heavy characteristics.
So much so that the crane couldn't lift it!
Leaving them no choice but to abandon it down inside the crater.
Beyond that, the personnel on-site also discovered that the object possessed a metallic sheen.
As for Nishigami Yari, gazing at the excavated meteorite and pondering for a brief moment, he directly whipped out his phone.
After all, when in doubt, just look it up online!
Standing around scratching your head accomplishes nothing!
Subsequently.
Through the auxiliary AI's search across the global information network, he quickly identified what the gadget before him actually was.
[ Alaki Metal ].
This was an ultra-rare metal originating from deep space.
Acquiring it typically depended entirely on sheer luck.
Its reserve volume on Earth was exceedingly scarce.
Its unit of measurement was normally calculated in grams.
It exerted an exceptionally vital influence upon aerospace engineering alongside all sorts of high-precision instruments!
Its value outweighed gold by several hundred times per unit weight.
And the weight of this gadget, volume-for-volume, was already hundreds of times heavier than an identical volume of gold.
Therefore.
The car-sized chunk of [ Alaki Metal ] before him right now, if measured by the valuation standard of gold, possessed an actual value equivalent to tens of thousands of car-sized solid gold blocks, meaning a baseline valuation starting in the tens of hundreds of thousands of tons of gold, or even millions of tons.
Whereas in Nishigami Yari's previous-life world, the cumulative total of all gold ever mined by all of humanity barely registered as a fraction of that figure.
Similarly, even though the total unmined and mined reserves of gold in this world were vastly greater, considering gold's mining difficulty and its status as a rare metal, that sum still represented an amount of wealth capable of buying out the entirety of Japan with plenty to spare.
One hundred trillion yen?
A thousand trillion yen?
"..."
Faced with this windfall laid out before him.
Having simply calculated its approximate value in his head.
Nishigami Yari couldn't help but feel a mild headache coming on.
He realized.
This thing was somewhat of a hot potato.
Even if he were to wash his hands of it and surrender it to the state, it would unquestionably invite a mountain of troubles.
Which didn't quite align with his envisioned lifestyle of leisure and ease.
So.
After mulling it over.
Right before the eyes of the surrounding workers, he suddenly leaped down into that dozens-of-meters-deep crater, and with a single flick of his finger, stashed the massive object straight into his system inventory.
Causing the surrounding workers to instantly erupt in cries of astonishment.
"Whoa!"
"Where'd it go?"
"Is that a spatial item?"
"Spatial equipment? That's ultra-rare stuff right there!"
Indeed.
This world possessed spatial equipment, and it was exceedingly precious.
Typically originating as heirlooms or relics left behind by hyper-ancient or ancient civilizations.
Though modern society had also attempted to analyze and manufacture spatial items, the technology ultimately fell a bit short.
Word had it that even with the aid of an Awakener's power, they could usually only churn out defective prototypes.
Whose internal storage spaces were minuscule or exceptionally unstable!
However.
Even as defective prototypes, they remained coveted treasures.
The vast majority of them had their records cataloged by official authorities!
Because this gadget was practically a smuggler's divine artifact.
Transporting all sorts of weaponry, ammunition, and narcotics was utterly foolproof, as no security screening equipment could ever detect the issue!
And ever since large-scale weapons of mass destruction were invented, the importance of various spatial items had skyrocketed exponentially!
Smuggling a nuclear warhead straight into an enemy capital for localized deployment...
Was something people had already pulled off in the past.
This meant that while ordinary people were aware of such items, they'd generally go their entire lives without ever laying eyes on one.
Knowing only that this sort of item typically remained in the hands of the authorities or major factions, forever treated as a heavily regulated contraband.
And facing their assumptions.
Nishigami Yari had zero intention of denying it.
Though spatial equipment was exceedingly rare and would inevitably draw massive amounts of attention.
A chunk of [ Alaki Metal ] was unquestionably far more troublesome to deal with.
Should he slip up, it had the potential to ignite a hyper-scale free-for-all or even a World War!
Therefore.
Being mistaken as the owner of spatial equipment... was an acceptable alternative.
At the very least, Nishigami Yari himself was consciously steering public perception in that direction.
After all, it made things terribly convenient.
Anything and everything could be packed and unpacked at a moment's notice.
See the 10 rings on my fingers?
Yup, they're all spatial equipment.
Where'd they come from?
Personal privacy.
You don't believe it?
Well, that's none of my damn business.
As an Awakener, though spatial equipment was exceedingly precious.
Nishigami Yari genuinely belonged to the demographic qualified to wield spatial equipment; even if people coveted or resented it, it remained a trivial matter, at least compared to that chunk of [ Alaki Metal ], it was a drop in the ocean.
Right at this moment.
Having stashed that piece of [ Alaki Metal ] away, Nishigami Yari gave a light spring and vaulted straight out of the dozens-of-meters-deep crater.
It was only then.
That the surrounding workers realized the other party had leaped into a crater dozens of meters deep with zero hesitation or protective gear, emerging entirely unscathed, and then effortlessly vaulted right back out.
Nishigami Yari treating a crater dozens of meters deep like flat ground with such nonchalance...
Instantly made them instinctively recall a great many things.
Reflexively, they all hurried to flash ingratiating, flattering smiles toward Nishigami Yari.
Yet Nishigami Yari paid the workers' flattery no mind, simply saying calmly:
"You all did a fine job, I'm quite satisfied; your wages will be calculated with a double multiplier."
Then, amidst the workers' jubilation, he turned to address the approaching lawyer, asking:
"That meteorite belongs to me, there shouldn't be any issues with that, right?"
The lawyer shook his head instantly.
Replying with a deadpan, serious expression:
"No issues whatsoever."
"According to the laws of our nation, since that meteorite landed upon your privately owned land, it legally constitutes your personal property. This is entirely legitimate!"
Hearing this.
Recalling the feedback provided earlier by [ Destined Pinnacle of Wealth ].
Nishigami Yari gained an even clearer understanding of that [ Bonus Talent ]'s utility.
If the [ Life Winner Wealth Customization Right ] allowed Nishigami Yari to treat standard financial capital as mere numbers, conjuring infinite wealth at will much like an unlimited money cheat.
Then the [ Destined Pinnacle of Wealth ] represented everything else of value beyond standard currency.
Under its influence.
Not only would all sorts of conventional wealth spontaneously converge toward Nishigami Yari.
All kinds of rare treasures and peerless precious items unattainable to ordinary folks would similarly drift toward Nishigami Yari on their own accord!
Even if he sat cooped up at home all day waiting to rot, he'd still manage to acquire countless treasures!
Furthermore, the inherent danger of those acquisitions would automatically be neutralized by various accidental factors.
Take the aforementioned [ Alaki Metal ] for instance.
It must have been forcibly decelerated somewhere in the upper atmosphere or along its trajectory.
Otherwise, given this object's baseline weight of at least several thousand tons.
Had it truly plummeted unobstructed straight from outer space, an area spanning dozens of kilometers around would have been rocked to its core, and its destructive yield wouldn't have lagged far behind a thermonuclear detonation.
Right here in Tokyo.
At least a million-plus casualties would have ensued!!
Such weight and kinetic impact could never have been arrested merely by plunging a few dozen meters into the earth.
Therefore, its kinetic impact and descent velocity had unquestionably been subjected to prior interference.
Based on the feedback information provided by [ Destined Pinnacle of Wealth ], it was likely the result of a string of fortuitous coincidences.
Those interventions not only ensured that the [ Alaki Metal ], which had no business landing on this planet in the first place, fell right in front of Nishigami Yari, but also automatically stripped away its inherent danger, rendering it a pure, unadulterated treasure, a care package that parachuted right to his doorstep, respectfully presented before Nishigami Yari.
Take those scattering fragments from earlier, for instance.
Nishigami Yari was never in any actual danger of being struck by them.
Even those chunks of masonry hurtling directly toward his exact position would, at worst, whiz past his flanks, completely missing him.
That sensation felt akin to having friendly fire protection toggled permanently on!
Furthermore.
With this brand-new life of his having barely begun, a priceless chunk of [ Alaki Metal ] had already fallen straight out of the sky.
If things kept going like this.
Nishigami Yari couldn't help but wonder what else might pop up next.
Would an alien fall from the sky?
Or perhaps a starship?
Or maybe he'd dig up some ancient treasure just by casually swinging a hoe into the dirt?
All sorts of scenarios.
Prompted him to scratch his head slightly.
Casually instructing the lawyer:
"Next, if anyone asks, just tell them I hauled away a meteorite of collectible value."
"For now, I'll be heading out."
"The payment will be wired to you shortly."
With that said.
He made to turn and leave.
Yet at that moment.
The lawyer whipped out a business card he had prepared well in advance at lightning speed.
Stating with utmost flattery:
"Nishigami-sama, should you have any needs in the future, please remember to reach out; I will undoubtedly devote myself body and soul to serving you!"
"..."
Considering that the other party had indeed worked quite diligently, Nishigami Yari ultimately accepted the business card, replying:
"Very well."
Though the response was brief.
It left the lawyer ecstatic with joy!
Internally shouting that he had struck gold!
The client before him was not only utterly generous and easy to talk to, but also wielded formidable strength, truly a top-tier sugar daddy, thick and sturdy!!
...
That afternoon.
Tokyo, Shinjuku Special Ward.
Having wrapped up his affairs in Arakawa Ward.
Nishigami Yari thoroughly began wandering around at random.
No longer restricting his sphere of activity to Arakawa Ward alone.
And his very first stop was one of the prime bustling commercial zones, the densest concentration of bars, nightclubs, and dance halls, [ Shinjuku Special Ward ]!
Nishigami Yari recalled that in his previous world's Tokyo, the city was divided into 23 wards.
Yet in this world.
Tokyo was divided into 65 wards.
Centered around Tokyo, the Tokyo metropolitan circle boasted a total population of approximately 220 million.
Accounting for a full 1/3 of Japan's entire population.
As for the remaining 2/3 of the population.
And roughly half of them were clustered around the Keihanshin metropolitan circle, centered on Kyoto.
Whatever population remained were scattered across Japan's remaining regions, forming those ordinary, non-flourishing districts and rural countrysides.
Therefore.
To put it bluntly.
Tokyo and Kyoto practically epitomized the entirety of Japan's present and past.
One was a sprawling, newly developed metropolis, situated relatively close to the coast, leaning heavily into modernism.
The other was an ancient capital with a history spanning over ten thousand years, situated further inland, sporting an urban landscape heavily steeped in classical historical styles.
Because Tokyo's territorial span in this world was genuinely massive.
Even riding a high-speed rail exceeding 500 kilometers per hour.
Nishigami Yari still spent several hours traveling from Arakawa Ward to Shinjuku Special Ward.
And the moment he stepped out of the high-speed rail station.
Gazing upon the endless sea of bustling humanity, a satisfied smile inevitably broke across his face.
Compared to uneventful Arakawa Ward.
This place unquestionably aligned far better with his definition of indulgence.
Right at this moment.
He very casually cashed in today's [ Daily Mood Value Gachapon Draw Opportunity ].
Not long after.
A purple card materialized in his hand.
[ Bonus Talent Card —— Genetic Information Circulation Control.]
[ Effect: Enables the user to arbitrarily control the circulation properties of their own genetic information. Meaning, unless permitted by the user, outsiders cannot acquire the user's various genetic information through any format, including but not limited to hair and follicle samples, fluid samples, blood samples, bone samples...]
"?"
Taking two seconds to process the meaning behind it.
Nishigami Yari finally grasped the general utility of this gadget.
The implication was that once he activated this [ Bonus Talent ], unless he permitted it, even if outsiders managed to procure his blood or other biological samples, they'd still be incapable of extracting his DNA or various physiological data, rendering them only useless garbled code or fabricated decoy results. This completely immunized him against cloning, bloodline curses, and all sorts of sinister machinations.
Naturally, the specific utilities of this item definitely extended far beyond that.
For instance, the moment Nishigami Yari held this gadget, his gaze instinctively drifted toward a massive electronic billboard in the distance.
It was currently displaying a general map and traffic overview of the entire Shinjuku Special Ward.
And upon it.
Amidst numerous districts, one particular location stood out conspicuously.
[ Kabukichō ]!
The moment he spotted that thought-provoking place name, coupled with the gadget in his hand, Nishigami Yari instantly comprehended the wonderful utility of this item.
"Damn it!!"
"Isn't this practically tempting this sovereign to stray from the path??"
For a fleeting moment.
His fists hardened!!
Then.
He activated the [ Bonus Talent Card —— Genetic Information Circulation Control ].
No choice.
Nishigami Yari was a frugal person.
He simply couldn't stand the sight of wasted resources!
Shortly after, he exited the subway station and hailed a taxi.
The driver behind the wheel was a young man with a somewhat world-weary expression.
Young, meaning the guy was roughly twenty years of age.
World-weary, meaning his expression looked as though he had already died inside twenty times over, wearing a face that screamed "I'm completely done with this life."
The kind of sight that made you want to silently shake your head.
"Where to, young man?"
That was the driver's inquiry.
Ice-cold and devoid of emotion!
And Nishigami Yari's response consisted of ten 10,000-yen banknotes.
Their presence acted like a miraculous panacea.
Instantly injecting a blinding gleam into the driver's dull, bloodshot eyes.
He, was revived.
Swiftly, as if someone had just cast a resurrection spell on him.
Instantly liberated from his existential despair!
It was right at this moment.
That Nishigami Yari declared with a face full of righteousness:
"Take me to the finest district in Kabukichō."
"I'm heading over there to harshly criticize the filth and decadence of modern society!"
Hearing this.
The driver broke into a wicked, knowing smile:
"Rest assured, I'll definitely leave you satisfied."
...
Not long after.
Following a lightning-fast ride.
Nishigami Yari arrived at his destination.
Stepping out of the taxi.
He beheld hedonistic debauchery!
He beheld endless streams of traffic!
He beheld bustling neon lights!
He beheld slender, graceful maidens!
He beheld fiery enthusiasm!
Yet, none of these things bore the slightest connection to Nishigami Yari.
Within his heart lay only a trace of bewilderment.
'What the actual fuck, so which damn store here actually offers the real deal?'
Indeed.
Right now.
He didn't care much for those neon lights and brocade-like splendor.
He just wanted something direct.
Yet having never been here before, he was temporarily struggling to find his bearings.
However.
Nishigami Yari's dashing handsomeness was an undeniable fact.
Besides.
The right person.
Will usually cross paths with the right person.
Much like gravity.
Gravity would connect the two together!
Hence.
As he harbored a slight trace of confusion.
His existence, acting like a radiant, glowing sun, automatically drew countless gazes toward him.
Causing the right person to manifest in short order.
That was a mature, alluring woman dressed in a high-end black kimono, stepping in wooden geta.
After inspecting Nishigami Yari with a demure, closed-mouth smile for a few moments, she pointed toward a rather luxurious-looking boutique not far away and extended an invitation:
"Handsome, care to come play for a bit?"
"Our shop boasts plenty of beauties and specialized services, you know ~"
A mere two sentences.
Accompanied by that meaningful gaze.
Directly left Nishigami Yari filled with genuine admiration.
"Let's go!!"
...
A few minutes later.
Observing Nishigami Yari continuously tapping away at the selection menu on the tablet.
The woman felt a slight twinge of perplexity.
'How come every single one he picks looks so utterly mediocre?'
'This young man doesn't look like he's strapped for cash either...'
As an attendant with exceptional professional competence, the woman possessed immense confidence in her own discernment.
Nishigami Yari, judging purely by his attire, screamed super VIP client!
Moreover, his striking good looks placed him squarely in that category where, should an indiscretion occur, the other party would only feel as though they were the ones cashing in on a bargain.
Had she not already retired from frontline service, she'd have taken the order herself.
Then, overflowing with doubt, the woman heard Nishigami Yari state:
"Aside from those individuals I've already selected, I'll take all the rest!"
While on the tablet, the quantity counter displayed 17/82.
"?"
"Right, do you personally take orders as well?"
The woman paused for a single second.
"... I do!"
Just like that.
Nishigami Yari, within this wicked, terrifying, daunting, decadent, and dangerous foreign land brimming with capitalist characteristics.
Vanished off the grid for a solid ten days and ten nights!!
Must admit.
That was genuinely cause for immense concern!!!
...
Ten days and ten nights later.
Time rolled forward once again to late afternoon.
Not only was his expression exceedingly aloof.
As he stepped out through the front doors of that fruit shop bearing the name [ Forbidden Fruit ].
Hearing the reluctant farewells drifting from within the shop—'Handsome, come back and visit again soon ~'—
His thoughts began to drift.
He began pondering Copernicus's " Heliocentrism ", Ptolemy's " Geocentrism ", Aristotle's " Metaphysics ", Newton's " Law of Universal Gravitation ", Zhuangzi's " Free and Easy Wandering ", Laozi's " Tao Te Ching "...
Instantly.
He felt the world was harmonious and beautiful!
Following that.
He felt regret.
After all, he had committed a grave error just moments prior!
Then again.
Ten-odd minutes later.
Nishigami Yari, striding rapidly away from [ Kabukichō ], once again caught the familiar spiel.
"Handsome, care to come play for a bit?"
"Our shop boasts plenty of beauties and specialized services, you know ~"
Hearing those words.
Nishigami Yari's heart brimmed with utter disdain.
He was now as saintly as the living Buddha himself.
Mere female beauty was entirely incapable of shaking his unyielding, unbreakable willpower.
Naturally.
Driven by basic biological instinct.
He still cast a glance in that direction.
Then.
In a split second.
He couldn't help but gasp in a sharp intake of cold breath!
At that lavishly gilded storefront entrance, there were black stockings, white stockings, red stockings, blue stockings, green silk, golden silk, orange threads...
At that instant, he sensed danger closing in!
Or rather, he had accidentally stumbled into a hazardous zone!!
"Oh no!"
Yet unfortunately.
Just like that.
Unluckily, Nishigami Yari was captured alive.
And went off the grid once more!
You have to realize, this was broad daylight!!
Demons running amok in broad daylight was simply a complete atrocity against heaven and earth!!
Moreover, this time, owing to the extreme danger posed by the demons, Nishigami Yari remained off the grid for a full twenty days and twenty nights!!
During that span.
The only remaining proof of Nishigami Yari's survival and struggle was found on the tablet specifically used for selecting personnel, where the status tag above every single profile picture within the interface stubbornly read [ Currently Occupied ].
The situation was deeply alarming!
Yet how was one to handle it?
Nobody had a solution.
All one could say was,
[ Kabukichō ], as one of the bastions of capitalism, was truly an exceptionally wicked and treacherous locale, harboring literal demons, that was simply far too dangerous and utterly appalling!!!
Even an Awakener of Nishigami Yari's caliber had vanished right here!
Yet.
Fortunately in the midst of misfortune, Nishigami Yari ultimately possessed skills too formidable!!
Even boundless perils and hardships still failed to prevent him from breaking free of the hazardous quagmire.
When he slipped back into his white trousers, purchased with a one-month-and-one-day lease, yet having only been worn for a single day, and successfully staged a miraculous escape from the jaws of death,
He couldn't help but ponder a multitude of profound matters.
From the " Twenty-Four Histories " to " A Brief History of Time ", from " Advanced Mathematics " to " Quantum Physics "...
His mind spontaneously soared amidst the conundrum of what 1+1 equals, and the superposition states of gravitational waves.
He felt that he had transcended the mortal coil and achieved enlightenment.
Completely detached from base, vulgar amusements.
Becoming a truly useful member of society.
Naturally.
Though his soul had achieved fulfillment.
He still needed to check into a hotel to rest and recuperate for a solid day.
Just like that.
He directly booked the presidential suite at a nearby five-star hotel for half a month.
After casually grabbing a bite to eat.
Consuming roughly enough food for over a hundred people, he, suffering from grievous injuries, straightway plunged into a state of hibernation to heal.
This situation served as absolute proof.
Subjugating demons and eliminating fiends was an exceedingly perilous endeavor.
Children must absolutely never try this at home!!
...
While he was hibernating to heal.
Thanks to how seamlessly uninhibited and unobstructed his thoughts had been while subjugating demons earlier, his [ Inherent Talent —— The Unrestrained ] had shifted directly into high-speed overdrive, rapidly driving him through a maturation process that would normally have required a massive length of time. This caused Nishigami Yari's strength to surge forward with unstoppable momentum, scaling heights far surpassing any previous level, accumulating as a colossal reservoir of inner foundation bottled up within his body!!
And as he slumbered to recover.
The potential dormant deep within his body was finally unleashed to its heart's content.
Causing his physique to bypass several stages outright, embarking on a developmental leap that defied conventional common sense!
His bones not only grew increasingly resilient and sturdy, but even the sheer density of his skeletal framework increased, granting him even greater flexibility.
Beneath the outer layers of his skin, a translucent membrane-like substance sprouted, enabling him to absorb and dissipate various impacts far more effectively.
His muscular tissue structure underwent an earth-shattering metamorphosis, leaping from an ancient primitive society straight into a modernized civilization in a phased, epochal bound, resembling some sort of flawless work of art.
Similarly.
Throughout this entire process.
Nishigami Yari's height, weight, hair color, facial features...
All automatically underwent internal self-calibration, or rather, a comprehensive evolutionary overhaul.
...
Until six days and six nights later.
Nishigami Yari finally snapped awake from his deep slumber.
At this very moment.
That sensation was indescribable.
It felt as though his entire being had been reborn anew.
Not only did he experience an inexpressible wave of comfort.
He could perceive countless things that were previously entirely imperceptible to him.
Such as the naked-eye-invisible movement of air currents.
Lying atop the massive bed, he merely casually extended his right hand forward, and the surrounding air currents were tugged along by his five fingers, spontaneously converging right into his palm.
As his hand clenched shut...
BANG!
That was a moderately dull popping sound.
Somewhat akin to those large firecrackers sold right outside elementary school gates.
This signified that the surrounding air had been crushed by Nishigami Yari.
Though the explosive yield wasn't massive.
It still caused the surrounding air to ripple, swaying the room's curtains.
This wasn't some specialized air-manipulation supernatural ability.
Rather, it was something else entirely.
Nishigami Yari could sense that a pool of energy slumbered within his body, awaiting his personal command.
A reservoir of energy...
Bearing a resemblance to the internal force, aura, and mana found in novels... A specialized form of energy.
The reason he had been able to influence the surrounding air currents earlier stemmed precisely from that energy.
He had coated it around his palms, acting like countless invisible tentacles, forcibly drawing in and manipulating the surrounding air currents, gathering them within his hand before ultimately snapping them apart, which generated the exact sound they had just witnessed.