In this crossover anime, I fight against the supernatural in my everyday world.

Some things are abnormal, but that's also perfectly normal.

I have a question.

Rio Futaba looked at Miko Yotsuya and asked softly.

"Jianzi, when you awakened the ability to materialize your soul, what did you feel? Or rather, what thoughts led you to awaken the ability to materialize your soul?"

Not only Rio Futaba, but Yui Yuigahama is also very concerned about this issue.

According to Rio Futaba's initial analysis, the prerequisite for awakening the personification of the soul is to "recognize" the existence of evil spirits, then regard them as "enemies" and generate the idea of ​​resistance.

This theory enabled Yotsuya Miko to successfully awaken her abilities.

But when Rio Futaba herself entered the Otherworld, she discovered that it was just a coincidence.

She didn't know what Yui Yuigahama was thinking, but she was certain that she had met two conditions at that time.

However, they did not awaken the ability to materialize their souls.

Rio Futaba was eager to find out the reason.

"Eh?"

When she heard the question, Miko Yotsuya seemed a little lost.

"You suddenly asked me to describe it... I don't know how to describe it. At that time, I just felt that I had to protect Yui and I had to do everything I could to eliminate the evil spirit. Then it felt like a layer of glass in front of me shattered, and my vision became much clearer. I heard Hyakume's voice in my head. That's all."

"See you, son~"

Upon hearing Yotsuya Miko say that she awakened the ability to materialize her soul in order to protect herself, Yuigahama Yui looked moved and gave her a big hug.

"Okay, okay, good boy/girl."

"That's it..."

Rio Futaba frowned, a thoughtful look appearing in her eyes.

Why is that?

The awakening process of Yotsuya Miko is completely consistent with the theory I analyzed.

Could it be that it's due to individual differences?

As this thought crossed her mind, Rio Futaba's heart sank.

Doesn't this mean that she will never be able to awaken the ability to materialize her soul?

Deep down, Rio Futaba had a subtle thought.

If I can't become a true psychic, and am just an ordinary person...

Will the overloaded company really be needed forever?

What if one day I can't help anymore, and I get fired?

Rio Futaba knew that Yohoshi wouldn't do such a thing, given her personality.

But a sense of security is something that reason cannot control.

Have you ever considered...?

Just when Rio Futaba's thoughts had reached a dead end, a casual remark from Yohoshi directly woke her up.

"Having the courage to resist evil spirits is indeed one of the conditions for Miko to awaken her abilities, but it's not a condition that applies to everyone, as you imagine. Perhaps you should ask what this idea means to Miko?"

Upon hearing this question, Yotsuya Miko muttered to herself.

"What does it mean? This is a very profound question."

She answered while thinking.

"From the very first day I awakened my ability to see ghosts, deep down I may have always had the desire to resist evil spirits, but I was just unable to do so because of the fear and unease in my heart."

"Did you understand?"

Yoru looked at Rio Futaba and shrugged.

"To sum it up in one sentence."

"What?"

"Exiled to another world, facing one's true self."

"The real self?"

Rio Futaba wore a bewildered expression, seemingly understanding but not quite; this was the first time in her life she had encountered something so incomprehensible.

Ye Xing was not surprised by this.

Rio Futaba is an absolute genius, but she has a fatal flaw.

She becomes bewildered and helpless when things involve idealistic aspects, that is, human nature and emotions.

After all, human nature is something that cannot be explained by theory.

Even Rio Futaba herself probably doesn't know anything about the real Rio Futaba.

"What have you been talking about since the beginning?"

Yui Yuigahama rested her chin on her hands, looking completely dazed.

"What true self? I am who I am, an ordinary high school girl. It shouldn't be that complicated, right?"

Ye Xing thought to himself, "You're underestimating yourself a bit."

Yui Yuigahama's personality is just as complex as Rio Futaba's.

In comparison, Yotsuya Miko is the simplest and easiest to understand.

She simply didn't want to live in fear of evil spirits, and was willing to act to protect her loved ones from being harmed by them.

This is the real Yotsuya Miko.

Yohoshi is quite familiar with the personalities of Yui Yuigahama and Rio Futaba.

But the key point is that they are able to face their true selves.

Even if I remind them, it's useless if they're unwilling to face it; it might even backfire.

Saying it appropriately is enough.

"correct."

The atmosphere gradually became somewhat heavy, and Yotsuya Miko quickly changed the subject, looking at Yoruhoshi and asking.

"Why didn't you use your Demon Hand ability when you were in the Otherworld today, facing Tamamo-no-Mae and the evil spirits under her command?"

Rio Futaba was taken aback by what she heard, and looked at Yohoshi, thinking to herself.

Ghost hands?

What it is?

Is it the embodiment of the soul of the Night Star?

Rio Futaba suddenly felt a little curious.

What would the personification of Night Star's soul look like?

If you can really see it, does that mean you've observed the other person's inner thoughts?

After having this thought, Rio Futaba suddenly realized what was happening, quickly shook her head slightly, and cleared her mind.

Trying to understand a boy's inner thoughts is such a strange idea, it's practically like being a pervert.

No, no, Rio Futaba, you can't go on like this.

There's no particular reason, it's just not necessary.

Yotsuya Miko looked slightly puzzled upon hearing Yohoshi's words.

"Then why did you use it last time in that unfinished building?"

"Why so many questions?"

Ye Xing rolled her eyes and said nonchalantly.

“Last time it was a life-or-death battle, and there were ordinary people present. I had to deal with all the evil spirits as soon as possible. This time, from the very beginning, I could tell that Tamamo-no-Mae was testing me.”

"Of course, if the evil spirits and ghosts under her command try to attack Yui and Futaba, then I'll have to get serious."

After hearing this, Yotsuya Miko pursed her lips and smiled slightly, teasingly saying...

"You say you don't want to help others, but you still care about their safety."

"Don't talk nonsense. Every veteran gamer wants to achieve a perfect playthrough."

"Hmph, just an excuse."

"Wait a moment!"

Whether it was to change the subject or because he had really remembered something important, Ye Xing's expression suddenly changed.

Yui Yuigahama and the others were few in number. Seeing his serious demeanor, they couldn't help but feel a chill in their hearts, wondering if something serious had happened.

"I suddenly remembered..."

Yoru looked at Rio Futaba and spoke with a serious expression.

"Futaba has officially joined the Xyz Club and become a member of the team, but..."

"We haven't even come up with a code name yet!"

Yui Yuigahama, Rio Futaba, Miko Yotsuya: ...

So all that fuss was about was just this?

Judging from Ye Xing's attitude, they thought the world was about to end.

"A code name...?"

Rio Futaba looked noncommittal.

"Just pick one randomly. I don't really care about these things."

"NAVI, how's it going?"

"NAVI? Navigation?"