I, the only superpower on earth

"You should like fields related to occultism very much, right?"

Shitiya asked calmly, and Mizuhara Manami replied without hesitation:

"certainly!"

Longing flickered in her eyes.

"Oh, why would you like it?"

Shigu smiled and continued to ask.

"Because...whether occultism, supernatural phenomena, or the existence of ghosts, legends of gods, there is a sense of detachment as if looking from one side to the other.

"Although human beings have a huge imagination, they can travel around the world mentally and fantasize stories about the infinite universe. But the limit of lifespan and the limitation of creatures firmly fix them on the ground, and they always rush to the end of a hundred years. Passing away, no matter how many things you do, it will be a foregone conclusion, just like the cherry blossoms that will eventually pass away...

“…When I think about this kind of thing, I feel so sad.

"When I think about it, no matter how beautiful a girl is or how light something is, it will gradually corrode.

"There are so many colors in the sky and the earth, but the eyes can only see a very small part of the colors; there are so many sounds in the world, but the range of the ears is so narrow.

"Unable to fly freely, unable to survive for a long time, will be easily tortured to death by illness, no matter how great a sage is, he will become a small wave that rises and returns in the years of time - when you think of this I feel so lonely.

"The more exquisite the story created by human beings, the more clearly the fragility of this life will be shown; the greater the human imagination, the more it will highlight the regret of life that is as fragile as glass.

"...But the supernatural is not the same as the occult—they have infinite possibilities, symbolizing the infinite possibility of the human spiritual realm manifesting in matter.

"At least, human life and the possibility of existence will not end in a doomed tragedy. No matter how tragic the reality is, there will be the possibility of reversal...

“…so whenever I think about everything occult and paranormal, I’m like, ‘Oh, it’s so nice that the world doesn’t just repeat itself’!”

The girl stood in front of Xi Gu, holding her hands on her chest, her eyes shining brightly.

She seemed to be showing the treasures she had treasured for a long time to the guests, pouring out long paragraphs, revealing the emotions or fantasies that had obviously been accumulated in her heart.

Even ordinary Tokyoites may not be able to hear all of such a smooth long conversation.

But with Xigu's brain power and hearing ability, he naturally absorbed all of them.

He stared at the girl:

"An infinite expansion of the possibilities of the inherently fragile life of human beings... very interesting idea."

"Ah..." Manami Mizuhara panicked after being praised by Shi Guichi.

"Guo, Guoba Nasai... Well, did I talk a little too much?"

"It's okay, I think it's just right. And the temperament of this passage is very special and very interesting."

Xi Gu said casually, with a sincere smile on his face.

The girl blushed a little, and her brows and eyes became obviously happier, but she still tried her best to suppress her smile.

She carefully held the "Hermes Sages" in her hand, and asked Xi Gu:

"That... Manager Xigu, can I read the contents beside you?"

Shigu spread his hands.

"Please feel free, even if you want to take it home, it doesn't matter, no deposit is required, just pay a rent of 100 yen per day."

Mizuhara Manami shook her head:

"This book is one of the most difficult to find in the history of occultism. It is very valuable. If I take it home without authorization and cause damage, I can't afford it, even if I don't need a deposit."

As he spoke, he smiled shyly.

"...my family is just an ordinary working family."

"Oh, so?"

Xi Gu didn't persuade anymore, but nodded.

"I see. Feel free to do it in the store—by the way, there is not only "Hermes Sages" on the bookshelf over there, but also many other things that you may be interested in."

After finishing speaking, he heard the girl's footsteps hurriedly walking to the side of the bookshelf, as well as her small exclamation while trying to suppress her volume. Xi Gu sat back on the seat behind the counter and made himself another cup of tea with a meaningful smile on his face.

His eyes moved outside the door, the glass door was still locked, the evening sun was warm, and there were no other customers, so it was impossible to find experimental samples for the next Transcendent. But Shigu was not disappointed at all.

because……

"Perhaps a suitable match has been found."

...

The setting sun is slowly moving westward, and the evening has passed, replaced by real night.

"Suyu Bookstore" turned on the lights, and the bright lights illuminated all the bookshelves. It was half past nine. Mizuhara Manami rubbed her eyes, finally put down the book reluctantly, and looked at the screen of the smartphone.

"Although I told my parents in advance that I would go to the coffee shop and playground with my classmates. But it's so late, and they have to worry if they don't go home..."

Thinking of this, Manami Mizuhara put back the books on occultism in her hands on the shelf, came to Shitani, and said goodbye to the mysterious store manager.

"Oh, are you going back now? Oh oh—it doesn't matter, I will keep these books, and no one usually borrows them."

Hearing Shiiya's assurance, Mizuhara Mana smiled sincerely.

"...Thank you, manager!"

But although he was in a happy mood, at this moment, Mizuhara Manami thought of another question.

"That... store manager, why do you hide so many occult-related works here? And it's not just occult studies--religious studies, astrology, folklore studies... There are also many orphan books whose names are only circulated on the Internet."

Manami Mizuhara asked Shitani cautiously.

"This? This is very simple - because I am a collector, I have a lot of works that are not in circulation on the market."

Xi Gu replied with a flat face.

"……I see."

Manami Mizuhara nodded seriously.

It turned out to be a collector, so that makes sense!

It is said that top collectors even buy three sets of everything-one for collection, one for viewing, and one for practical use. Since Xigu is also a member of this group of people, no matter how many things he has hidden, he can understand.

The convinced girl pushed open the store door and was about to leave. But just before leaving, Xi Gu stopped her again.

"--etc."

Um?

The girl turned her head and looked at Xi Gu suspiciously.

Then, she saw Shigu handing over a wooden pendant.

"This pendant is an item I used to collect. It is said that it has some connection with occultism... Since you like related things so much, please accept it."

Mizuhara Manami took the pendant curiously, and saw that its outline was like a miniature root carving in the shape of a certain tree.

Its surface glowed with a faint light, but the opening was very warm. However, it is unbelievable that when looking at this pendant again, it is clearly a separate thing from the tree trunk, but it makes people feel that it still has life, even...

"...like a breathing creature."

Mizuhara Manami was taken aback by the idea that suddenly appeared in her mind.

how can that be possible!

She couldn't help but laugh.

But I have to say that this pendant really fascinated her. The moment she took it, the girl rubbed its surface reluctantly.

"This...will it be very expensive..."

Manami Mizuhara asked cautiously.

"It's okay, I bought a lot of these things. You see."

As he said that, Shigu waved his hand and showed it to Manami Mizuhara. Sure enough, he was holding more than a dozen similar charms in his hand.

Now, Mizuhara Manami finally felt relieved. She became happy, put on the pendant close to her body, and bowed solemnly to Xi Gu.

"Thank you store manager - I'll be sure to return the gift!"

...

Manami Mizuhara left.

Seeing the back of Manami leaving, Shigu showed a satisfied smile.

"The first 'incentive' has been sent out - this is a classic created by combining the characteristics of my evolutionary blood and the Shenmu avatar - 'Pendant of Perception'.

"Compared with the past, the transformation process of the blood of evolution will be much slower, even dozens of days. But it will be more stable.

"Moreover, I can also use the 'perception pendant' to keep abreast of the target's situation, and even play the role of a 'carry-on grandfather' at critical moments...

"So, how will the story develop next? I'm really looking forward to it."