The Old Man Who Saved Another World 15 Years Ago is Now Getting Caught Up In A Modern Fantasy - Episode 6

A white feather for Sayohime.

The night I unexpectedly encountered fantasy beings like demons and exorcists that existed in Japan.

Since then, on a different day, I had been called by Shiraha and had come to her house.

It’s a samurai residence with a wide estate, a relic of a bygone era.

The Shiraha family apparently began as a branch of an exorcist clan during the tumultuous Warring States period.

Afterwards, they made significant progress during the Edo period and are now considered one of the most renowned families among onmyoji, with no one being unaware of them.

This mansion, which was built over 500 years ago, was born around the same time and has walked alongside the history of the Shiraha family.

It’s already at the level of an important cultural property or a national treasure.

Shiraha Kukuri is said to be the younger sister of the current head of the Shiraha family.

“The exorcist is a type of onmyoji who specializes in actual combat with youkai. Given the dangerous nature of the job, they hold a prominent position within the onmyo institute.”

“Yoma refers to beings like Sayohime, who is a demon, or the giant octopus shikigami of Shiraha. They’re like the monsters you find in those games where you defeat dragons.”

“That’s right. By the way, demons, kappa, and nue—most of the yokai mentioned in those legends and folktales are actually youkai. They used to be quite familiar beings, which is why those stories have been passed down. Nowadays, since you rarely encounter them, people think they are just lying.”

“So, defeating them is the job of an exorcist. To be precise, it’s called ‘purification.’ The Onmyoji Institute is the organization that oversees the domestic Onmyoji, including exorcists. What other types of Onmyoji are there besides exorcists?”

“Astrologers and barrier masters, yes. There are others too, but those two plus exorcists are the main ones. In the past, onmyoji used various techniques without distinction, but now, onmyoji specialize in their respective roles. As an exorcist, I can only use the basics of barrier techniques, and I’m completely hopeless with astrology.”

I was receiving an explanation about onmyoji-related matters from Shiraha.

The purpose of coming to this mansion is to discuss the details of the invitation from Shiraha to become an exorcist. Additionally, it is about the future treatment of Sayohime, who is a demon.

But before that, if we have no knowledge about that area at all, there’s nothing to discuss.

Shiraha went out of his way to hold a study session, and here we are now.

“I see. Thanks to you, I’ve understood a lot.”

“Have I taught you enough for now? There are still many things I haven’t been able to teach you, and we’ll cover those as needed. If you have any questions, feel free to ask anytime.”

What I learned from Shiraha was mainly about exorcists.

Since ancient times, there have been beings called yokai in this Japan, and they have caused harm to people.

The people who defeat it are the onmyoji.

Strictly speaking, the ones responsible for exorcising demons are called demon hunters.

In addition, the combination of the two types of practitioners, barrier masters and astrologers, along with various other types of practitioners, is collectively referred to as onmyoji.

So, the organization that Onmyoji, including exorcists, belong to is called the Onmyoin. Based on the missions issued by this organization, the exorcists carry out the task of purging demons.

To summarize concisely, that’s about it.

“So, you’re saying you want me to become an exorcist?”

“Yes. As my subordinate.”

“Is there a hierarchy among exorcists?”

“There’s nothing. What exists is just a ranking that comes with one’s abilities. Exorcists—more like onmyoji—usually cooperate with other onmyoji, so they gather in groups to make coordination easier. There’s a faction led by the Shiraha family, and I’m telling you to join them.”

“In other words, like a faction?”

“It’s not something so exclusive. There are houses and their factions that become leaders in various regions, not just the Shiraha family, and they sometimes cooperate with each other. Besides, it’s the same everywhere that the Onmyoji are at the top. It’s just a matter of making it easier for Onmyoji in the same region to cooperate efficiently and smoothly.”

“I see. So, the representative of the Onmyoji in Kanagawa is the Shiraha family, and they want you to join their ranks.”

“Exactly! That’s the spirit!”

I understand the story.

In short, it feels like working at a branch of the company called Onmyoin, specifically the Shiraha family.

“It’s easier this way than working alone. It’s a life-or-death job, after all. Cooperation is important, right? As the Shiraha family, it would be a great help to welcome someone like you, Mr. Sano, who seems poised to stand out as an exorcist. Of course, it’s beneficial for you too.”

“If we come under the influence of the Shiraha family, we won’t be targeted for elimination anymore, huh?”

“Because we’re comrades. Of course. I can protect you from other factions and the Onmyoji Institute too.”

It’s about what we talked about the other day, that I am an extremely suspicious person.

As it stands now, we can’t let it go unchecked, but if we accept this proposal, we won’t immediately choose to eliminate it.

Shiraha used the word “comrade” out of consideration for me, but in reality, it probably carries a stronger meaning of chaining me up or keeping me under surveillance.

“You become an exorcist and join the Shiraha family. Then, I’ll even allow you to become the master of that demon. What do you think? It’s a wonderful proposal that benefits both of us, isn’t it?”

“You say that a lot. You don’t have the right to refuse.”

“Oh, how unexpected.”

Shiraha said that and smirked.

If I refuse this offer, I might become a target for elimination.

If it’s just Shiraha, we might be able to manage, but if we’re talking about the Twelve Divine Generals, there should be eleven others of equal rank.

No matter how many times I’ve defeated the Demon King and saved the other world, if five enemies of the White Feather rank attacked me, I would definitely die.

Then, Sayohime will probably die too.

Actually, currently, Sayohime’s custody is entrusted to Shiraha. It seems she is under house arrest within the Shiraha household.

I’ve been assured that they won’t do anything terrible, but if I refuse this offer, I’ll probably be the first one to be exorcised.

Not a hostage, but a demon hostage.

“I think it’s wrong to force a choice. But for you, Sano-san, there are no downsides. Being an exorcist is life-threatening, but the pay is good. You wouldn’t want to stay in a low-paying part-time job forever, would you?”

It seems like you’re doing a thorough job of investigating.

It hasn’t even been a week since I met Sayohime and Shiraha. I haven’t even told them about my background.

Nevertheless, it seems they have a complete grasp of my information.

The information-gathering ability of the Shiraha family.

The fact that they have shown this means that they are implicitly saying, “If you refuse the offer and go into hiding, we can track you down immediately.”

Seriously, that’s scary.

But the fact is, there are no disadvantages for me.

It would certainly be better to take the high-paying exorcist job rather than continue living off part-time work.

There is a danger to life.

But I once survived a fierce war for survival in another world, where humanity fought to secure its future against monsters.

Compared to that, it would be somewhat better, and I’ve gotten used to the days spent in battle, for better or worse.

There’s no need to think about it. The answer is obvious.

In any case, since Sayohime is being held hostage, the answer was decided from the very beginning.

“I’ll become one. A demon hunter.”

“I wanted to hear those words!”

Shiraha’s expression brightens, and she smiles.

“Also, there’s no need to act overly dramatic. I’m fully aware that my existence is suspicious and that you have your own position. Although the outcome feels forced, I have no intention of holding a grudge or harboring any resentment.”

“R-really? I didn’t mean to be so provocative, though… Well, thanks for being considerate.”

“Compared to being suddenly attacked due to a misunderstanding, this is nothing.”

“Ugh”

So, I’ve decided to become an exorcist.

But the story doesn’t end here.

It’s the same with Sayohime… Now it’s their turn to hear from me.

“Well then, it’s your turn now. Sano-san, why do you have such power? And yet, why did you know nothing about exorcists or demons? I want to hear all the details.”

“Ah. It all started 15 years ago――”

What happened to me? Why did I end up gaining this power?

All of it, the absurd tale of being summoned to another world, I began to tell Shiraha――