Anime Collector: Starting With the Malevolent Shrine

The dazzling sunlight filtered through the mottled leaves, scattering golden fragments of light while the dense mountain forest echoed with the clear song of cicadas.

The most prominent path lay secluded, its stone steps and borders overtaken by weeds after years without visitors. Recent storms had cleared the air of dust, making the forest gleam like a crown of emerald green.

Through the foliage, the ancient shrine was barely visible, adding an air of mystery that transformed the scene into a peaceful paradise removed from the world.

Who could have imagined that behind the Sankō Shrine lurked sinister spirits that ordinary people would desperately avoid — beings that even disguised themselves as deities.

"Mei, all of you stay here and don't wander off. I'm going to see what this Sankō Shrine is really hiding behind the scenes."

From the coffee shop at the mountain's foot, through the glass windows, one could see both the lush forest and several people stationed in the area.

"Daiki-kun, you should still be careful. According to records from the Jujutsu World, the Sankō Shrine was originally guarded by Mages and Great Knights from the Mage Associations. Although considerable time has passed, no one can guarantee whether they have abandoned their guardianship. I've noticed the Cursed Energy flow around here is unusual. It might be similar to a barrier ability — entering the shrine would alert them to our presence."

Mei casually brushed aside her white hair, took a sip of coffee, and informed him of all the details she had noticed, warning him to be careful.

Her professional qualities and demeanor left Ayase and the others sitting nearby in awe, while Iroha stared at her in shock.

Although this woman had previously mentioned she was a Grade 1 Sorcerer, it hadn't felt real until now, perhaps because she had never demonstrated her abilities.

People tended to think "even Grade 1 Sorcerers are normal people", but now Iroha suddenly realized those impressions were all illusions. While she was still at the coffee shop lamenting how bitter the black coffee was and adding several spoonfuls of sugar, Mei had already completed her survey.

After the initial shock, Iroha reined in her playful attitude, as according to Mei, the shrine might not be peaceful today. Ayase and Kirino nervously swallowed, unsure what to do with their hands.

Was this their first contact with the mysterious side?

The most anxious were Hana and Miko, who had come looking for Daiki just to lift Hana's curse. They had no idea it would involve such outrageous matters, and though they tried to persuade him to give up, they clearly hadn't succeeded.

Amidst their anxiety, they couldn't help but feel touched — their relationship with Daiki was only ordinary, yet he would go to such lengths. Miko and Hana didn't even know how to repay this kindness, with Miko's thoughts drifting back to the time on the rooftop.

The flames transformed by Yin-Yang Power swept across her sensitive flesh, the sensation making her grip her skirt instinctively.

When she came back to her senses, Daiki had already left the café.

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Outside, two luxury cars stood at the weed-covered steps.

A muscular man in a black suit held a parasol, beneath which stood two elderly men.

The first was thin and frail, swaying like a candle in the wind, as if a breath might extinguish his life force. The second was robust and sturdy — despite his white hair and beard, he remained vigorous, his muscles hard as rock.

"Old man, do you really believe those ethereal legends? The fox deity in the Sankō Shrine is no benevolent being!"

Stroking his white beard, Senzaemon Nakiri's eyes narrowed as he gazed at the Sankō Shrine's mountains with trepidation.

"What does it matter if it's not benevolent? In my condition, I'm certainly not long for this world. And with the constant internal strife in the Shinomiya Zaibatsu (Financial Group), if I fall, the entire group will fragment in no time!"

Gan'an Shinomiya couldn't help but look enviously at Senzaemon — his overwhelming muscular physique and robust body showed that this old man's physical condition remained at its peak.

"Tell me, why are you so strong? We're about the same age, yet your physical condition is... just miraculous!" Gan'an asked indignantly.

Senzaemon laughed heartily, "It might be because of our Nakiri family bloodline, but isn't there also the God's Tongue curse?"

"I know it's about bloodline, of course." Gan'an wore an expression of resignation, as if everything this old man said was nonsense.

Seeing his expression, Senzaemon recalled, "It seems there are some far-fetched legends passed down in the family."

"What do you mean?" Gan'an asked eagerly.

Without teasing him, Senzaemon said in a deep voice, "Legend tells of how the Nakiri family ancestor, a thousand years ago, stumbled upon an endless culinary wilderness. There, he witnessed marvels: roasted pigs draped in succulent meat, lions made entirely of cake, and steel birds with impossibly tender flesh. The locals welcomed him warmly, and their mightiest warrior, moved by our ancestor's tale, presented him with a precious jewel meat."

"After consuming these miraculous ingredients, the Nakiri bloodline gained mysterious powers. We've searched for this culinary wilderness ever since. Yet perhaps because later generations proved unworthy, we never found a trace of it again. Now, 'culinary wilderness' merely refers to unexplored territories of cuisine."

Senzaemon's tone grew somber, while Gan'an listened with evident skepticism — no wonder such tales had endured so long; they were masterfully crafted stories.

"Cuisine is like an endless wilderness, scattered with countless delicacies and unpalatable foods, lying beyond that distant land." Without noticing Gan'an's change in mood, Senzaemon calmly recited the final words of the Nakiri family ancestor.

As his words faded, a sudden breeze swept past them.

When they regained their senses, they spotted someone climbing the steps.

Senzaemon and Gan'an froze for a moment before calling out, "Eh? Wait! The Sankō Shrine is closed to the public today!"

Gan'an had arranged to meet the fox deity to fulfill his wish through the Great Knight from the Eastern European Mage Association. Once the Great Knight arrived, the Sankō Shrine would be sealed, preventing anyone from entering or leaving.

But before their warning could reach the intruder, the God of the Mountain lurking in the Sankō Shrine bristled and rushed out swiftly.

Standing atop the red torii gate, the golden fox deity's pupils dilated to their limit, its massive tail spreading like an umbrella across the sky.

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