Later that evening, in Natsumi Suga's editorial studio.
"Yes, Izanami - exactly the same name as the deity from legend."
On the other end of the phone, Rio Futaba responded calmly upon hearing the name Ye Xing provided.
"I understand. I'll relay this to Miko and the others. We can now confirm that the enemy indeed possesses the ability to transform humans into psychics. However, I currently believe this ability must have limitations. Otherwise, rather than driving away Soichiro Yagami and attempting to manipulate the selection of the next Criminal Affairs Bureau director, it would be much more effective to directly transform Soichiro Yagami - who has already established a trusting relationship with us - into a psychic and have him betray us at a critical moment."
"Your reasoning about the enemy's ability having limitations is quite sound."
Ye Xing nodded slightly and spoke softly.
"Tasuke Tamura, Seishu Akoya - both of these individuals had psychological issues. This might be one of the necessary conditions for the enemy to create psychics. Once Tokyo apprehends the perpetrator behind the recent crimes, if that person's profile matches this conclusion, we can confirm it."
"I have a possible theory... Never mind, I'll discuss it with them first."
"Then I'll leave the thinking to you, my dear consort."
To Ye Xing's surprise, after he teasingly said this with a laugh, Rio Futaba didn't retort irritably as she usually would, but instead responded gently.
"Yes, leave it to us. You should rest more and don't put too much pressure on yourself."
"Pressure?"
Hearing this word, Ye Xing couldn't help but shake his head with a wry smile.
"I'm perfectly fine. What pressure could I possibly have?"
"That's good then. Alright, goodbye."
After hanging up, Natsumi Suga happened to take two cans of beer from the refrigerator. She walked over and sat on the sofa, and, with the light sound of a pull tab being opened, she took a large gulp, wearing an expression of pure enjoyment.
"Indeed, after a busy day, nothing beats some ice-cold beer."
Natsumi Suga opened the other beer can and handed it to Ye Xing.
"Drink up quickly, otherwise it won't taste as good once it warms up."
"Alright."
Watching Ye Xing lift the beer can and take a sip, Natsumi Suga's slender, pale fingers gently stroked the surface of her own beer can, the fingertips registering a slight dampness and coolness.
After a moment of silence, Natsumi Suga lifted her beer can for another drink before suddenly speaking.
"The person you were just talking to on the phone... was it members of your club?"
"Yes, why do you ask?"
Looking at Ye Xing's smiling, seemingly carefree expression, Natsumi Suga pressed her lips together and sighed.
"Actually... if you're truly carrying any burdens, there's no need to hide them from those close to you. Speaking about them might make you feel better."
As a professional media person, Natsumi Suga's greatest skill was collecting various types of information, then gathering these informational fragments like puzzle pieces and assembling them to deduce the truth of events.
Known information 1: Ye Xing is Mask.
Known information 2: Following the incident involving Seishu Akoya, commander of the Metropolitan Police Department's mobile unit, Soichiro Yagami, director of the Criminal Affairs Bureau and head of the Special Operations Group, resigned to take responsibility.
Known information 3: Soichiro Yagami and Mask were collaborators. The first time the former accepted a media interview was arranged by Mask for Natsumi Suga.
Known information 4: The incident involving Seishu Akoya seemed related to the sect worshipping the deity Izanami encountered today - they were the ones who triggered it.
Known information 5: Ye Xing's combat today wasn't as clean and efficient as usual. There was even a sense that he was venting anger, deliberately using the most bloody and cruel methods to slaughter those cultists.
Putting these pieces together, Natsumi Suga already understood clearly in her heart.
Despite Ye Xing's apparent indifference on the surface, even setting aside benefits like having the Director of Criminal Investigations as a collaborator or the Metropolitan Police Department's support, Soichiro Yagami was ultimately someone who understood Mask, supported Mask, and maintained a close collaborative relationship.
In that incident, Soichiro Yagami was forced to resign and took responsibility. It was hard to say what kind of impact this would have on his life.
Natsumi Suga recalled that on the day of the incident, facing the overwhelming media criticism and public questioning of Mask, Ye Xing remained as calm and composed as always. When he spoke with her on the phone, he showed no signs of being pressured at all.
But now...
Was this harder for him to accept than facing public pressure himself? That Soichiro Yagami got implicated and was forced to resign, taking responsibility...
Perhaps... this was the quality of a hero?
"No..."
Ye Xing shook his head with a wry smile.
"Why is everyone treating me so carefully?"
Ye Xing looked up at Natsumi Suga, smiling carelessly.
"Indeed, the taste of my first failure in life isn't pleasant. The reason Chief Yagami... Soichiro had to resign, taking responsibility, in my view, was caused by my own mistake."
"Then..."
Before Natsumi Suga could speak, Ye Xing suddenly changed the subject.
"But Director Soichiro only resigned; he didn't die. Just because he took responsibility and resigned, do you think I'd feel so defeated that I'd need comfort or someone to talk to? To borrow your earlier words - if you really think this'd crush me, you're seriously underestimating me."
At this point, Ye Xing paused briefly before continuing with a smile.
"Besides, Soichiro has already found a new job. Not staying in Kyoto might actually be good for him."
"A new job?"
"Yes, at the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department - head of the special investigations unit."
"Really? That's wonderful news."
Hearing this, Natsumi Suga let out a relieved sigh.
She deeply respected former Director Soichiro Yagami - though rigid and serious, he was utterly dedicated to his duties, willing to do anything for Kyoto's safety, and possessed a strong sense of justice.
That Soichiro Yagami could re-enter the police department after the Seishu Akoya incident was nothing short of a miracle.
After all, putting everything else aside, it was Soichiro Yagami himself - with his personnel appointment authority - who failed to detect Seishu Akoya's mental instability in time, leading to that incident. Or at least, that's how it appeared to outsiders.
At worst, it could be called negligence and dereliction of duty; at minimum, it was a failure in judgment regarding personnel.
But now look.
Transferring from Kyoto Metropolitan Police Department to Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, becoming head of the special investigations unit - though without the same authority he held in Kyoto, it was effectively a promotion.
"That's really wonderful."
Natsumi Suga picked up her beer can and smiled at Ye Xing.
"Then let's toast to Mr Soichiro Yagami's return to the police department."
"Mm, cheers."
After clinking cans with Ye Xing, Natsumi Suga drained her ice-cold beer in one go, then fetched another from the refrigerator. Sitting cross-legged on the opposite sofa, she rested her cheek in her hand and studied Ye Xing with interest before finally asking a question.
"Why me?"
"What are you talking about?"
"I said, Why me?"
Natsumi Suga's expression grew complex, her smile tinged with bitterness.
"Though I hate to admit it, I wasn't exactly an outstanding student. I managed to get into university, but just an average one. After graduation, I couldn't find a good job. Even though I chose to become a media writer - honestly, while I love this industry, I'm not as skilled at it as I imagined."
"In every aspect, I'm... a failure."
"So why would you choose someone like me?"
Without hesitation, Ye Xing gave his most sincere answer.
"Because you're beautiful."
"Huh?"
Hearing this response, Natsumi Suga first stared blankly, then shook her head with a wry laugh.
"How could that be... While I'm quite confident in my appearance, there are plenty of equally attractive female journalists throughout Kyoto. To be blunt, given the value of the information you've provided me, even if you wanted to... leverage it for certain favours... many would likely agree. Besides, you're not exactly lacking for attractive girls around you."
"I'm being serious. Visual appeal is certainly an important factor in my consideration - staring at that square-jawed face every day has become rather difficult to endure."
Ye Xing first said with a laugh, then the smile gradually faded from his face as he looked directly into Natsumi Suga's eyes with a serious expression, speaking slowly.
"But most importantly, I know what kind of person you are. While money and fame certainly hold appeal for you, what matters more in your heart is doing the right thing. Just like Soichiro Yagami, and those around me - you're someone worthy of trust and responsibility."
"So that's how it is..."
Natsumi Suga murmured noncommittally, then spoke softly.
"Have I ever told you? My father is a finance official."
"Oh, a bureaucrat's daughter?"
"What bureaucrat's daughter..."
Natsumi Suga sighed slightly, looking somewhat helpless.
"Compared to those around you - the daughter of a world-class pianist, the heir to a major construction company, a former nationally famous child star actress - the daughter of a mere finance official hardly counts for anything, right?"
Natsumi Suga gently pressed the cold beer can, still beaded with moisture, against her forehead and whispered.
"Actually, I ran away from home. I can't really explain why myself."
"It's just that now... I'm doing the right thing, and my income is quite substantial, far exceeding the initial goal I set of being able to support myself."
"All of this..."
Natsumi Suga lifted her head to look at Ye Xing, a blush spreading across her cheeks as she abandoned her usual blunt manner and spoke with rare gentleness.
"...is all thanks to you."
Ye Xing waved his hand dismissively. Though his words were modest, his expression showed no hint of actual humility.
"Ah, it was nothing worth mentioning, just a small effort."
"Then how..."
Natsumi Suga stood up, her face flushed - whether from alcohol or something else - her steps somewhat unsteady as she walked over to sit beside Ye Xing. Leaning against his shoulder, she chuckled softly.
"...should I repay you?"
Ye Xing frowned slightly, speaking with righteous seriousness.
"Hey, I'm not that kind of person."
Natsumi Suga's breath gently brushed against his face before she, as if mustering courage, lightly kissed Ye Xing's cheek.
"Really not?"
Ye Xing said with complete seriousness.
"I wasn't before, but I am now."
"Hmph, what an unbelievable guy."
New player Natsumi Suga has challenged dungeon boss Kyoto's Number One Player.
...
Wednesday after school, in the Sobu High School club room.
"I'm doomed I'm doomed I'm doomed I'm doomed..."
Watching Yui Yuigahama repeatedly chant these words with an expression nearing complete breakdown, Yukino Yukinoshita sighed helplessly.
"If you'd put in a bit more effort with your studies normally, Yui, you wouldn't be in this situation."
Yui Yuigahama looked on the verge of tears.
"There's nothing I can do about it! This is just how my brain works - you top students could never understand how I feel! This is terrible... if I fail, I'll have to take remedial classes, and if I fail the final exams too, I'll have to repeat the year!"
Hearing this, Kazusa Touma, who was sitting by the window, smoothed her long black hair and said indifferently.
"Aren't we special talents? The academic requirements can be relaxed for us."
"Eh?"
Yui Yuigahama blinked in confusion.
"You're a special talent, Kazusa-san, but I'm not."
"You are too."
Kazusa Touma said calmly.
"My special talent is playing piano. Your special talent is calming Ye Xing's emotions and preventing him from causing trouble at school. From that perspective, we're both special talents."
Yui Yuigahama pouted and sighed softly.
"There's no way the school would accept such an absurd reason..."
"Not necessarily."
Yukino Yukinoshita appeared to be seriously considering it as she murmured.
"Kazusa-san might have a point. Though it sounds ridiculous, if Shizuka-sensei conveys this to the school administration... all members of our club could probably be considered special talents and wouldn't be harassed about our grades."
Rio Futaba pushed up her glasses upon hearing this and commented dryly.
"Doesn't that make him seem like the crown prince and us like his study companions?"
"Can't be helped."
Yukino Yukinoshita looked at Yui Yuigahama's cute face, which had now become as bitter as a gourd, with puffed cheeks like a wronged child, and couldn't help covering her mouth with a light laugh.
"After all, our adorable club mascot Dango might end up failing."
"Wahhh, I'm so useless, I'm embarrassing everyone."
"You are indeed somewhat embarrassing."
The members of the Supernatural Society could be roughly divided into several tiers when it came to academic performance.
The top tier was undoubtedly Ye Xing.
The second tier included Yukino Yukinoshita, Rio Futaba, Saki Kawasaki, and Hana Yurikawa - all outstanding students ranking at the top of their year.
The third tier consisted of Miko Yotsuya, Setsuna Ogiso, Hina Amano, and Marin Kitagawa. While they couldn't achieve top rankings, at least they didn't need to worry about passing.
The fourth tier was occupied solely by Yui Yuigahama, who constantly teetered on the edge of the passing line and lived in perpetual anxiety.
As for Kazusa Touma?
Her position as the bottom of the year was unshakable.
It wasn't that Kazusa Touma didn't study - under the guidance of Setsuna Ogiso and Yukino Yukinoshita, she had recently been attending remedial sessions.
However, during every exam, she still chose to sleep through it, not even writing her name, directly submitting blank papers. Since she wouldn't have to repeat the year anyway, she figured learning the knowledge was enough - exam results didn't matter.
The loyal Kazusa Touma thought to herself that since she couldn't get close to Ye Xing's ranking, she might as well firmly occupy the position of last in the year. This counted as getting close in another sense, since the Earth is round anyway.
Her way of thinking was difficult to understand.
After some banter, Yukino Yukinoshita looked towards Ye Xing, who was sitting there and slowly began to speak.
"By the way, Shizuka-sensei told me this afternoon that there's a new commission."
"One is from Toyogasaki High School, anonymous. The client said they want the light novel they wrote to become a bestseller and hope we can offer suggestions."
"Oh, that."
Ye Xing responded noncommittally, speaking with complete indifference.
"I don't understand writing novels, but you read them often, don't you? This..."
Saying this, Ye Xing took out a still-sealed light novel from his schoolbag and casually tossed it onto the table.
"After you've read it, you can give the client suggestions."
"This is..."
Yukino Yukinoshita looked at the title of the light novel, her brow slightly furrowed.
'The Metronome in Love'? Just from the name, it sounds boring.
"The novels you usually read are even more boring. Change your mood a bit, little sister-in-law."
"I've told you not to call me that."
Yukino Yukinoshita let out a soft sigh, tucked the light novel into her arms, and said calmly,
"Since you already have the book, yet you're making me read it, you really know how to cause trouble, Bug Ye-kun."
Ye Xing retorted with a laugh,
"It's about time you made yourself useful; otherwise, people might think you got into our club through nepotism."
"Hmph."
Yukino Yukinoshita didn't dwell on the topic further, since she couldn't win against Ye Xing in arguments, and continued on her own.
"There's another commission... specifically requesting... Kazusa Touma."
"What!?"
Before Kazusa Touma herself could react, Ye Xing frowned slightly, his expression turning displeased, his imperial countenance showing clear anger.
"Who is it? A suitor? How audacious! How dare they covet my harem!?"
Yukino Yukinoshita rolled her eyes and said impatiently.
"The client is female, a girl in our same year."
"Oh, that's fine then."
Seeing Ye Xing instantly return to his normal appearance upon hearing the client was female, even showing some anticipation, Yukino Yukinoshita helplessly held her forehead and sighed.
"You're really so pragmatic."