I became the emperor in the comic book series.

The person who arrived was Sadako, who had been unable to make it to the scene of the last fight due to her programming studies.

"Tsk, how did you end up in such an embarrassing state? Your condition is getting more and more serious, isn't it?"

Unlike urban legends like the Slit-Mouthed Woman and the Dog, who require users to collect fears to increase their strength, Sadako is a true veteran, even more senior than Hanako. After all, Hanako wasn't the first Hanako, while Sadako has truly never died since birth because she can hide in cyberspace.

Sadako didn't even need to collect fears herself, because her fame was so great that a large number of people would naturally have all sorts of emotions towards her.

Sadako was mostly fearful in her early years, so she was actually very strong.

In the years following the Heisei era, the atmosphere changed too quickly. Suddenly, those otaku not only stopped being afraid of Sadako, but also became horny about an urban legend of the evil spirit type. They were enthusiastic about all kinds of erotic fan-made videos, doujinshi, and even adult content about the character of Sadako. As a result, the emotions surrounding Sadako gradually became distorted.

Whether it's evil spirits, urban legends, or even gods, as they see human beings' mental power grow stronger, they will inevitably be influenced by the various mixed elements in human thoughts. The stronger they become, the easier it is for them to gradually lose themselves.

That's why urban legends need to set so many clear rules and boundaries for themselves, strictly following the rhythm of their original story to frighten humans, in order to collect as unified and pure as possible the thoughts from humans, and to minimize the impact on their own existence.

The gods often mitigate these side effects through faith and proselytizing, using a fixed origin or authority to make humanity's will as uniform as possible.

It's not that it's useless, but in the new era, it's not very useful anymore. No matter how great you are, you might be put into games, drawn into comics, or written into novels by otaku, made into someone else's playbook, or made into the male protagonist's harem. Over time, the effects will naturally emerge.

The reason why evil spirits are at the bottom of the despise chain is that they not only lack this knowledge, but also, apart from a few evil spirits that have indiscriminately absorbed some willpower by accident, most of the time they improve themselves by devouring their own kind and humans, which is more effective than absorbing faith and willpower.

The latter is at least a slow suicide similar to smoking, while the former is directly drinking nicotine continuously, which does not seem like a sign of longevity. Unless one is exceptionally gifted, few evil spirits in a lifetime will eventually have a brain.

Sadako fared worse. Since she was an urban legend and could be considered an evil spirit, she became famous not for scaring or killing people, but for her film and television works. Her fame was so great that she was naturally suited for fan creations. When the times changed, she didn't even have a chance to react before being directly affected by the corruption of the willpower. Not only did her figure become more and more erotic, but her physical sensitivity also increased.

"I just wanted to ask how things are going. Mary invited me to join her on a project last time, but I had something to do, and after I finished, I suddenly couldn't contact her anymore. I'm a little worried, so..."

Sadako and Mary have a good relationship, not because of friendship, but because of their shared nature. One of them studies how to create online virus pyramid schemes, and the other specializes in telecommunications intimidation and fraud. They are on the same path and actively embrace the technological changes of the new era.

"She's fine. She just overestimated herself and challenged a god to a duel. She got beaten up every time. The reason we can't contact her is probably because she's still within that god's divine domain and hasn't come out yet."

"So how did things go last time?"

Upon hearing this, Hanako's expression faltered slightly, and the expressions of the human-faced dog and the slit-mouthed woman in the living room were also somewhat awkward.

"It's nothing, we're evenly matched." Hanako coughed lightly, lying without batting an eye. "The other one is the god that Mary often challenges. He's very young and not very strong. We almost won, which is why Mary is unconvinced and challenges him from time to time."

"Do you still need my help?"

Upon hearing this, Hanako glanced at the other two of her kind in the living room, silently ignoring the stupid dog, and then exchanged a look with the Slit-Mouthed Woman, both seeing a subtle expression in each other's eyes.

"Of course we need it!"

Hanako suddenly became enthusiastic, "You're the only one missing!"

The slit-mouthed woman beside her chimed in, "I'd heard Mary say before how powerful you are, Miss Sadako, but I'd never had the chance to see you. Now that I've finally met you, I know it's all true. This powerful aura truly lives up to your reputation as a legendary figure in the city!"

"With you joining us, we're sure we can completely defeat that guy!"

"Senior, senior, would you like a slice of pizza?"

Sadako was a little overwhelmed by everyone's enthusiasm. "Um, no... no need."

"What about Coke?"

"I don't need to eat these things."

"Then I'll massage your shoulders and feet for you, senior!"

"ah--!!?"

"I beg you, senior, this is my only wish in this life. If I cannot do this, I will feel uneasy. Please let me pay my respects to you up close."

"Conscience...uneasy?"

Hanako gently kicked the Slit-Mouthed Woman and explained with a smile, "She was born not long ago and is illiterate."

"Oh...it's okay, it's okay, I don't mind."

In the end, Sadako couldn't resist the barrage of compliments from Hanako, the Slit-Mouthed Woman, and the belatedly joined-in human-faced dog. Feeling flattered, she carelessly switched from her phone to the TV and then crawled out of the screen.

Of these three, one was genuinely massaging her shoulders and feet, another was constantly feeding her snacks, and the seemingly most reliable Hanako was also earnestly giving her information about the guy who needed to be taught a lesson.

As Ms. Sadako, whose body was overly sensitive, received a massage, her face flushed red as she let out a soft, embarrassing moan, while simultaneously enjoying the entire experience.

Urban legends help urban legends.

They are so kind!

As a female tech geek, this was the first time she had met so many friendly peers besides Mary, with whom she could exchange technical ideas.

.........

April, night, Chiba.

"Higashino-kun, here!"

Arriving at the meeting place agreed upon with Haruno, the fireworks festival site was filled with all sorts of stalls, some selling snacks and treats, others offering festival games, and of course, many souvenir stalls.

Beside Haruno, there were two other women with similar looks, temperaments, and styles. Aside from Yukino Yukinoshita, whom I already knew, the other was probably the sisters' mother.

She looks youthful and well-maintained, not at all old. It's hard to imagine that she is already the mother of two daughters, the eldest of whom is in her twenties.

She even surpasses her two daughters in terms of temperament.

"Yang Nai, please don't be rude."

The lady gently reprimanded her unruly eldest daughter with a stern demeanor, then nodded slightly to the young man she had only met a few times at Soubu High School during her time at Hinano High School, saying, "It's been a long time. My daughter is deeply grateful for your care these past few days."

This made Akira Higashino, who theoretically had ruined both of his wife's daughters, feel a little embarrassed.

"You're too kind. Yang Nai has actually helped me a lot too."

Beside her, Yukino Haruno didn't let the polite but slightly awkward atmosphere last long. She took the initiative to reach out and hold Higashino Akira's arm, bent over to the side and smiled at him with full of energy, making a peace sign and revealing a few white teeth.

"Clang... Now that you see Koyo, doesn't Higashino-kun have anything to say to me?"

........................

........................

P.S.: 3000 words, still 45 chapters needed.

Chapter 160 Mom is Lost

Aren't you hot?

Yukino was wearing a silk kimono with an exquisite print, a more complex type than the summer yukata worn for everyday outings.

It's already mid-April, and the temperature is rising. Even though it's been raining frequently lately and is relatively cool, this outfit is fine for not moving around much, but if you do any exercise, this kind of not-so-breathable, multi-layered clothing will definitely make you very hot.

In contrast, Yukino Yukinoshita and the sisters' mother wore much more casual summer yukatas.

As soon as Higashino Akira finished speaking, he was lightly punched in the chest by Yukinoshita Haruno, who had a resentful look on her face.

"Honestly, if Higashino-kun keeps saying such mean things, even I would be sad."

"Higashino-kun clearly knows what to say in this situation."

A woman dresses up for the one she loves, but what she fears most is meeting someone who is blind to her true feelings, causing all her preparations and affection to go to waste.

However, what could Akira Higashino do?

To be honest, he's actually quite shy. It wouldn't be appropriate for him to flirt with someone's daughter in front of their mother, especially since he had taken food and gifts from both of their daughters.

Fortunately, Mrs. Yukinoshita was an experienced person and could probably understand the awkwardness of young people meeting their parents, so she didn't stay to be a third wheel. She took the initiative to suggest that everyone could go and wander around before the fireworks show started, and then she took her leave.

It didn't say who they would bring along.

However, Yukino Yukinoshita glanced around, hesitated for a moment, and then chose maternal love, following her mother's back.

Higashino Akira and Yukinoshita Haruno were left behind. Haruno, feeling a little depressed, silently walked towards the festival night market area.

Higashino Akira smiled and followed behind her, without offering any comfort.

Using the driving tips I learned online about girlfriends, I kept pace with her, and then she walked faster and faster. When I got to her left, I turned right, and when I got to her right, I turned left. I sped up to get in front of her, and she suddenly turned around.

Successfully familiarized myself with the keyboard controls.

"Can we make up with a kiss?"

Yukino Yukinoshita, who had taken two steps after turning around, immediately turned back with a smile and leaned in to give him a light, quick kiss on the cheek. Then she took his arm and leaned against him, all sticky and affectionate, no longer in a hurry to walk away.

It's clear that this person is deliberately throwing these harmless little tantrums occasionally, which can actually deepen the couple's relationship, and has no intention of getting really angry.

If Higashino Akira doesn't release the steps later, Ms. Haruno will find an excuse to make up on her own.

After all, it's not like we're really going to argue or break up.

Knowing how to strike the right balance and appropriately showing a little bit of a girl's temper is part of her personality. Of course, the degree to which this is controlled determines whether her partner finds her more adorable or more annoying.

This is Xiaoyang's thousand-layered love strategy!

Passing by a stall selling apple candies, Yukino took out some change from her purse and bought one. She tilted her head slightly to the left as she looked at the man.

"Want some?"

"Too sweet, I don't like it."

After Higashino finished speaking, Yukinoshita Haruno took a small bite of the red sugar coating on the edge of the apple candy and then handed the candy back to her.

"Now, shall we eat?"

"Not eating saliva is unhygienic."

"Ugh...!"

Then there's only one last trick left. Yukinoshita Haruno put the candy away and hid it behind her back. Then she tilted her head slightly, looking at him with bright eyes. Her lips, which were covered with red candy coating, shimmered under the lights of the stalls on both sides of the night market street.

"So now, shall we eat?"

Once she has chosen a target, Yukinoshita Haruno is always willing to take bold action to actively pursue it.

She has already entered his life and his work, so now it's time for her to enter his emotional world.

Higashino Akira's gaze instantly hardened, and his tone became serious: "I must taste it seriously!"

Two socialites, oblivious to everyone else, were wildly displaying their affection at the night market.

However, in the end, Xing H did not kiss him. It wasn't that anyone was shy; in this situation, whoever is shy is a little dog, okay? The main reason was that there was a direct and undisguised gaze from the side, which was hard for others to ignore.

A little girl with slightly red eyes and glistening tears had somehow walked up to the two of them. She stood there blankly, not even bothering to walk around them, but instead watching intently.

It was as if they were studying some learning materials.

Higashino Akira, who had almost kissed the girl who dared to tease him, silently raised his head. He didn't care about being a stranger, but he was too embarrassed to kiss the older sister in front of the little girl.

It's inappropriate to set a bad example for children.

The two looked into each other's eyes and smiled.

Akira Higashino felt a gentle tug at the hem of his clothes. Looking down, he saw that the white-haired little girl was still there, staring intently at him and asking, "Big brother, aren't you going to kiss anymore?"

Beside her, Yukinoshita Haruno's eyes darted around shyly upon hearing this, her pretty face blushing slightly.

Higashino Akira remained calm and explained to the little girl in an extremely composed tone, "No, this older sister just accidentally got some dust on her face, I was just helping her clean it up."

"With your mouth?"

"Yes, blow air with your mouth."

"Then why didn't you open your mouth?"

"Because I misread it!"

"Can the big brother kiss the big sister?"

Why?

"Because I want to see boys and girls kissing."

That unlucky girl, if it weren't for her cute appearance, Higashino Akira almost couldn't resist slapping her bottom.

"No, because you need my older sister's permission to kiss me."

"Can you agree, big sister?"

Looking into the little girl's innocent yet curious and inquisitive eyes, Yukinoshita Haruno felt her cheeks burning. With a mischievous glint in her eyes, she pushed the pot back.

"If big brother wants it, big sister can do it too."

However, Akira Higashino didn't want to talk about such adult matters with a little kid anymore, so he changed the subject.

"By the way, little sister, what's your name? Why are you alone? Didn't you come with any friends or elders?"

These words only made things worse. The little girl froze on the spot. The sadness she had just briefly forgotten surged back into her heart. Her little nose twitched slightly, and large tears streamed down her face.

"My name is Sawu. I came with my mother, but... Mom... Mom is lost!"