A comic book, but a librarian

"Forget it, let's go to sleep first... The rest depends on fate. When fate arrives, I will know the truth."

Hikigaya Hachiman shook his head, forgot about all these worries, and warned himself not to contact that late-night radio station anymore. Boundaries and restrictions are also an important part of learning the great art. When he started learning, Uesugi Sumiya mentioned to him that he must learn to restrain himself, otherwise there was no telling where the night wandering technique would take him.

402

Chapter 402: Nyx ​​Apolix

"Everyone, we have good news and bad news. Which one do you want to hear first?"

Uesugi Sumiko sent a message in the group. It was the last day of the year, December 12st. Of course, he didn't deliberately choose this time to send such a message, it just happened to be the right time.

"What's the situation? Tell me the good news first. I'm afraid I can't accept the bad news."

Hikigaya Hachiman replied immediately that he had been sleeping soundly recently. After he suppressed his curiosity, he suddenly felt that those things seemed to be moving away from him, as if the other party had noticed that he was no longer pursuing the matter and had stopped caring about him.

"The good news is that we survived this year and cleaned up parts of Tokyo safely. At least we won't encounter any roadside evil spirits attacking people."

Uesugi Cheng prepared to summarize the work. After all, they could be said to have not had much rest from the beginning of the semester to the end of the year. At most, they had a few days of peace and then immediately encountered all kinds of supernatural events and urban legends.

"What about the bad news? I don't want to hear this from Cheng..."

Yotsuya Miko showed up and sent a message. She was lying on the bed in her pajamas, curled up in the quilt, looking at her phone with a frown, unable to think of any bad news. After all, they had already survived the world, so what could be worse than this.

"According to my research on Kunihiko Aso's notes, there are many Japanese-style 'historical relics' distributed in remote villages and towns. Some places are even extremely isolated and may have been marked as abandoned, but they are all breeding very scary evil spirits, and may have formed an alien space like the S area."

Yukinoshita Yukino, who had just logged into the chat room, almost felt her eyes go black. She had witnessed the power of the S zone with her own eyes. She almost lost her life in it while accompanying Himeno Mikoto. Even if she were to go back to that time, she would probably just die gracefully.

"What does a lot mean?"

"Some of them have even become cursed places, and have begun to lure living people from the outside world as their food. I have to say that Kunihiko Aso is really lucky. He discovered so many things and finally survived."

Uesugi Sumire sent this message first and then turned around to answer Yukinoshita Yukino's question.

"Literally, most of these places are located in the core area of ​​the 'Earth Leyline'. Hikigaya, you should know what I mean. According to the notes, most of them were caused by some guys in ancient times who wanted to live forever. Living sacrifices were the light ones, which caused some of the Earth Leylines to be polluted by resentment. Then no one realized to clean it up, or they had no way to deal with these problems."

Hikigaya Hachiman, who had learned [Triangles and Fissures], naturally understood the meaning of the term "earth veins", so he wiped the cold sweat from his non-existent sweat. He now felt that it was a miracle that he could still live in this country. He didn't know how the later generations survived after the people in the past had accomplished so many great things.

"Of course, if these things were not close to each other before, there would be no problem. After all, they are all things in the deep mountains and old forests. However, as we all know, the absence of pollution does not mean that it does not exist."

Hikigaya let out a tired breath. Tomorrow is New Year's Day, and it is still too beyond the scope for a high school student to think about such things today. However, when Uesugi Cheng put the objective reality in front of him, he had to force himself to accept it and start thinking.

"Can we let the authorities handle it? They should send someone after they find out. We can't be the only ones with spiritual power in Japan."

Hikigaya Hachiman first considered the official power, not the police, but the people with spiritual powers they could contact, such as monks, Onmyoji and the like.

"Just think about Area S. We will have to deal with that kind of place in the end anyway. Do you think they can't even deal with the alien space in the city, and they are still thinking about dealing with the ones in the deep mountains and forests?"

Hikigaya Hachiman fell silent. He took a deep breath and began to review what he had learned in his mind. Now he had a basic understanding of the art of night wandering. At least he found that even seals and restrictions set by spiritual power or some special power were no longer a big problem for him, not to mention ordinary door locks and secret doors.

Therefore, if they were to explore those places, he would definitely be indispensable. After all, even if Uesugi Cheng didn't mention it, he would never be able to accept being left behind.

"Of course, not all places are so dangerous. After tomorrow, I will start to select places that are not so difficult to clean up. I will practice first, and it will also help us understand the situation."

It was at this time that Saki Kawasaki appeared.

"Haha, everyone has talked so much. I just woke up from the night shift. But remember to take me with you. As long as I have the right weapons, it won't be a problem to deal with ordinary evil spirits."

With the help of an emoticon of a worker crying, Yukinoshita Yukino suddenly felt a sense of identity. She had not gone out to work recently, but the fireworks commission on Christmas Eve did make her physically and mentally exhausted. When she woke up the next day, Yukinoshita Haruno seemed to notice something was wrong, but fortunately she did not delve into it.

"That's it, let's adjourn the meeting. Everyone, please prepare yourselves. I'll send you the location tomorrow, and we'll set off the day after tomorrow if we can. By the way, this event is considered an internal event of Super Self-Research, so we won't invite Ye Xiao-chan."

Saki Kawasaki didn't know much about Baoyue Yexiao, but the other three people had more or less contact with her. They felt a little sorry when they knew that the little girl who could control evil spirits to fight would not appear, but they were relieved when they thought that the other party had her own goals and work to do.

Several people logged off one after another. Uesugi Cheng touched the little head of Himegami Sakura beside him, and received a helpless look from her in return.

"Okay, go get ready too, we're going out the day after tomorrow."

Uesugi Cheng smiled and put away the Gwi alloy and mountain copper. He had to admit that these metals did make him feel familiar. However, what he was going to do next was not to make them, but to interpret a book.

【Nix Apolix】: A serious treatise on "the feasts that happen, the feasts that cannot be witnessed". (Reading required: 16 months, in Fuchino)

"Regarding things like Ligeia, it is better to read some references."

Uesugi Cheng dipped his pen tip into the ink that looked like starlight and began to read.

403

Chapter 403 [Investigation Incident: Abandonment of Unknown Village]

"Alluka became a monster by devouring her own offspring. The dragons of the Shell Species became monsters by feasting on the remains of the Hours. The Tie Ni became a monster by drinking the gift of Echidna... Ligia Marinette: So young, so hungry. None of her offspring could quench her thirst. When the Moth rose, the Flaying Key was held by another, but Marinette devoured her completely at the command of the Holy Grail."

Uesugi Cheng touched the book which was sealed with bandages when it was delivered. He read from morning till dusk. He had heard a little about Marinette. She was also a very hungry person among Ligeia. She hardly cared about the source of food. In the noon world, she always used Kiev as her hunting ground.

As for that Echidna, she was Ms. K mentioned by Lady Sunnight, known as the 'Mother of Monsters'.

Of course, it's not just the knowledge in the book that's a little strange, the great technique he got is also a little... strange, it's three copies of [Teachings: The Story of the Wolf]

[Wolf Story Lv.3]: Sometimes we eat wolves, and sometimes wolves eat us. (April 4 scales)

"It's the Split Wolf again. I really have a connection with Him."

Uesugi Cheng sighed. Apart from those Void Source Gods, the people he least wanted to have anything to do with in his life were the Split Wolf.

But no matter what, Uesugi Cheng never cared about what his great skills were related to. After all, everything in his hands was for his own use.

Submit [Wolf Story Lv.3] to [Bird Song Learning Lv.3], get the revelation [Return of the Wolf], and get [Soul Quality: Sorrow]

Submit [Sabazoin Language Lv.2] to [Chenxue Lv.2], get the revelation [Sailor's Legend], and get [Soul Essence: Spirit Body]

Uesugi Cheng felt that his spirit had become stronger. He had to admit that the feedback from the Night Watchman Tree was always so timely. After all, it was a special existence rooted in his spirit.

The power entangled with Uesugi Cheng's spirit now has an added sense of destruction. Even if [The Wolf's Story] is just a piece of knowledge, there is basically no way to sever the connection with the things related to Si Chenqiang.

"But in this situation, the sword is more convenient to use."

Uesugi Cheng sighed, the power of the Split Wolf is also power, and the power of the Day Forge is also power, if he wants to become stronger he has to absorb them all, otherwise there is no need for him to practice all nine great arts together, he can just focus on the art of lighting and supplement with the art of stealing fire.

He packed up his belongings, as he would still be taken to worship on the first day of the new year. However, he would be free after the worship, and he could go out the next day after packing up his things.

……

"How about making a wish?"

Uesugi Saki, wearing a gorgeous kimono, said to her brother beside her with a red face. She sniffed and felt that she seemed to be not wearing enough, otherwise her face would not be so red from the cold. They stood in front of the shrine and were about to put the money into the tribute box.

"Then make a wish, together."

Uesugi Cheng closed his eyes. He didn't have any wishes to make. After all, he would get what he wanted with his own hands.

So he closed his eyes just out of curiosity... Are there gods in the temples and shrines here? Are they the same as those in the world?

Unfortunately, although it seems very effective, this shrine does not have any spiritual power. In other words, although the endless stream of tourists praying at the shrine over the years has indeed given this place a bit of a magical feeling, in reality it only serves as a psychological comfort, whether it is a talisman or an ema used for making wishes.

but……

"I wish you all peace and health in the new year."

The petite Kishimogoshin landed on the tribute box and gently tapped Uesugi Saki's forehead, as if she was offering her a blessing. The expression and power fluctuations revealed by Kishimogoshin at this time made her look like a real gentle mother goddess. She looked at Uesugi Cheng and smiled, then disappeared.

She borrowed a little bit of the obsession left by the tourists' prayers stored on the statues in the shrine to bless Uesugi Cheng's sister, and all the tourists who came to worship today would receive such a benefit, but the strength would be weakened a little.

However, Uesugi Cheng felt that it would not be long before rumors would spread that the shrine here was even more effective than what was said.

"I seemed to hear a strange voice saying that my wish would come true... Really, it seems like I didn't get enough rest last night."

Uesugi Saki took Uesugi Sumiya's hand and smiled.

"Isn't this a very effective sign? Good things will happen, but you should go back and have a good rest."

Uesugi Cheng helplessly patted the head of his sister who was even shorter than him. It must be said that if they walked on the street now, most people would probably mistake them for siblings rather than siblings.

"It's settled then. You have to be safe and sound."

Uesugi Saki leaned against Uesugi Cheng, her voice so low that it was almost inaudible.

"You must stay healthy for the rest of your life, so that your sister can rest assured."

……

The next day, Uesugi Sumire packed his bag, left a note for Uesugi Saki saying he was going out to collect folk songs, and left while she was still sleeping. After all, although what he did today was not dangerous, it was not appropriate for his family to know about it.

"It looks like everyone is on time... We're now a team of five. Are you all ready?"

Yotsuya Miko was carrying a large bag very skillfully. After these several long journeys, she had already roughly figured out what she should bring most. Yukinoshita Yukino had a small bag slung around her waist and a large bag slung across her body, and she also seemed prepared.

Hikigaya Hachiman was dressed very warmly and even brought a small suitcase. I don't know how he convinced his family. On the contrary, Kawasaki Saki didn't seem to bring much.

"Anyway, Uesugi-san, you should have prepared some equipment for me, right? After all, I'm just a thug-type character."

Saki Kawasaki only had an ordinary backpack on her. She probably went out with some daily necessities. After all, everything she learned was integrated into her body, so a weapon would be enough to maximize its effect.

"Then everyone knows the destination, right? It's a village that was suddenly abandoned more than a decade ago... It doesn't even have a name now. Please be sure to pay attention to your own safety. Even though it's just a place for training, you must not be careless."

As Uesugi Cheng was speaking, they waited for the vehicle that was to take them there. The ghost driver was as dedicated as ever and nodded at them.

[Investigation Incident: Abandonment of Unknown Village] begins.

404

Chapter 404 [Investigating the incident in the nameless village and finding the way]

"According to intelligence, this village no longer exists on the map. In fact, I guess the authorities have erased it from the map, but it actually still exists there... Someone once witnessed its existence from a distance, and what's even more interesting is that the witness took a photo that is still available online. Hikigaya-san should be able to find it."

The five people sitting in the car did not feel crowded, because this time the ghost driver changed to a van. A happy smile appeared on his pale face. Since following Uesugi Cheng, his life has indeed become better. With enough spiritual support, even his good partner can upgrade to a van with a larger capacity.

"Yes, I have found it... This village even looks like it is still inhabited, but why did the village that existed during Kunihiko Aso's time disappear?"

"I found this when I was looking at the map... The village was built on the earth veins, and as we all know, many daimyos hope to find various ways to achieve immortality..."

As soon as Uesugi Sumire finished speaking, Hikigaya Hachiman sighed again. He already knew what had happened. It was indeed the right choice for the daimyo to be swept into the garbage dump of history. It was probably that a certain daimyo did something to this village for his dream of immortality, so it became like this.

"But I want to remind you that this matter is not that simple, because the village was marked as non-existent more than ten years ago, and there were still reports and photos about it before that."

Hikigaya Hachiman was stunned for a moment, and then he frowned, because he saw the picture loaded in the discussion thread that was almost being buried in the anonymous forum.

"No, the photos were taken a few years ago, and there are still traces of life in them... Could this incident be like the one in Area S, where the alien space directly split the real world and caused two different situations in the same place?"

Hikigaya Hachiman was still frightened. He still remembered the evil Buddha and the blood-stained scripture that he had exchanged for 100 yen of incense money. Until now, he still didn't dare to touch the scripture, even though it was already stained with his blood.

"No, if that's the case, I would have you change your target. In fact, the power of the earth veins in this place has been distorted by obsession, and the content is 'I hope no one will find this place'."

Uesugi Sumire's explanation made the atmosphere in the car even more silent, and Yotsuya Miko spoke slowly after a long while.

"Then, what exactly is the situation that would make people have such an obsession and allow it to be integrated into the earth veins from generation to generation?"

No one could answer this question. Uesugi Cheng just looked at the information in his hand, thinking about what the remaining places would look like.

"In short, let's get to the vicinity of the designated location first. Please note that if possible, we will be facing a group of evil spirits. It is not enough to solve the problem by killing one or two of them, so if possible, try to hide your whereabouts and don't be discovered."

Uesugi Cheng touched his chin, and his words made several people feel a little strange, because it sounded like Uesugi Cheng had no intention of going in.

"Of course, this is mainly for you to practice. If I push it over, there will be no problem, but it will reduce the chances of gaining experience for everyone. So this time I will hold the fort. As long as there is no danger of serious injury, I will not take action."

Uesugi Cheng sighed. On the one hand, his assistants really needed some training. On the other hand, his investigation of this place was not over yet. If he went in and cleaned up those nameless villages by himself, he would definitely clean them up, including all the clues. Nothing would be left. Then there would be no point.

Several people got out of the car, put on the special amulets given by Uesugi Cheng, and began to explore along the overgrown mountain road that seemed to have no end in sight.

……

"This road is a bit strange. It keeps trying to lead us to another place... making us deviate from our original destination. Is this something that spiritual power can do?"

Hikigaya Hachiman half-crouched at the edge of the road and began to carefully touch the path that seemed to have no end in sight. The power of the earth veins was indeed terrifying. It quietly made the road circular without them having any perception. If someone strayed in or tried to investigate this place, at best they would get lost for several days and end up somewhere in the forest, at worst they would starve to death here.

Of course, this was not a very difficult trick for the Night Wandering apprentice Hikigaya Hachiman to break. He closed his eyes and opened them again, turning on his spiritual vision. The separated part of his spiritual body, which he had completely mastered, slowly spread its power out. At this time, [Corns and Fissures] played its role, allowing Hikigaya Hachiman to immediately understand the direction of the earth veins.

"Come with me, let's go in carefully. The state of the ground veins here is very strange. I can't say what happened, but the state of the ground veins is still good. There is not much feeling of being eroded by malicious intent."

Hikigaya Hachiman took out a small flag from his bag and stuck it firmly into the floor, as if he was marking something.

"Okay, let's go. I've already figured out the route. Although it's not a 'road' in the secular sense, we will definitely reach our destination. Everyone close your eyes and just follow me."

Uesugi Sumire nodded in the distance. Hikigaya Hachiman's mastery of the night wandering technique was still very good. At least he could now act as a human map and compass.

"Ah, it looks like a tragedy... The number of dead is a bit high. If they all turn into vengeful spirits, it will be hard to find anything."

Uesugi Cheng sighed. In his perception, the dense reactions affected his judgment. To be honest, he really wanted to clear all these reactions at once, but he couldn't do that now, because many things might have been merged with some evil spirit. While he was clearing the evil spirit, he might also destroy the things he was looking for with a wave of his hand.

"There are a lot of dead people... Is this really an abandoned village?"

Hikigaya Hachiman looked at the white bones on the ground, his left hand trembling slightly. The faces of the people standing behind him were not looking good either. In front of them, many white bones were scattered on the ground.