Chapter 5

"Phew, finally finished."

After using a whole day off, I finally finished unpacking the moving boxes and cleaning the new house.

"Still, it's so big..."

Looking around the house, I thought to myself again. I had worked hard to get into a high school in Sapporo, which boasted a high academic ranking, as a reward for my efforts, my grandparents said I could live in the old house they used to live in. That's why I ended up living in this house, which is a two-story building with about 30 tsubo (about 990 square feet).

It's too big for one person to live in.

And that's not the only problem.

"Ha... I can still see them..."

I can see them. If I squint, I can see them even better.

Many white orbs are floating around.

I noticed them about two days ago.

Remembering that God had said, "I'll enhance your physical abilities," I was testing how good my eyesight had become when I saw the white orbs flying around.

I can also see semi-transparent people and small old men. They are probably spirits or something like that.

While my eyesight is indeed good, I didn't want to see this much. Thanks to this, I've been sleep-deprived for the past two days.

"What should I do? Maybe I should call an exorcist?"

As I was thinking about this, I saw a white orb leave the front door, and the other orbs followed.

"What's going on?"

Curious, I opened the door and saw a black cat lying on the ground, apparently injured.

Around the black cat, orbs of light were buzzing busily.

"I can't just leave it, can I?"

I brought it inside, wiped its body, washed the dirt from its wounds with water, and wrapped it in a bandage. I'm not sure if this is the right way to treat it, but it's better than doing nothing.

The wounds don't seem too deep, so it should be okay for now.

◇

In a temple in the city, in a meeting room located in the basement, a young man was raising his voice.

"You couldn't capture the Cat God!? What the hell are you doing!?"

The man shouting in anger is Kino Yamashiro.

He is the current head of the Kino Yamashiro family, one of the five major Onmyoji clans that protect Japan.

"I sincerely apologize. We sent 50 Onmyoji, but the Cat God possessed far more power than expected. Most of them were severely injured, and none of the remaining members were unscathed."

While being scolded, Sanjokaku Yuuen, one of Kino Yamashiro's subordinates, calmly reported the current situation.

"However, according to the reports, we managed to wound the Cat God. Therefore, we have stationed personnel at nearby shrines and temples to ambush the Cat God when it comes to heal its wounds."

"Damn, well, it's fine. If that cat, which is a guardian deity, is gone, that land will become a den of evil spirits. When that happens, the authority of the Mizukami clan will be undermined. Hahaha! And then, Ruka will have no choice but to rely on me!"

While feeling uncomfortable with the young man's words, Sanjokaku maintained a neutral expression and listened.

"However, I want that cat as a familiar. Find it at all costs!"

"...Understood."

Sanjokaku frowned but began to devise a new plan to capture the Cat God.

◇

"Hey, you're awake."

A few hours after I rescued it, the black cat opened its eyes. It looked around and then at me.

"Don't be afraid, you're safe here. Look, I have milk for you."

Not human milk, but cat milk I bought from a nearby supermarket.

"Actually, I was thirsty. Thank you."

Saying this, the black cat started to lick the milk from the saucer... wsefrtgyふじこlp!!

"Can you talk!?"

"Ah, I ended up talking normally. I'm sorry for surprising you."

Wow. Well, if there are ghosts and gods, it's not strange to have talking animals.

"There are talking animals, huh?"

"You're not very surprised."

"Yeah, I've had more mysterious experiences."

Like being resurrected by God.

"I see. You've had a tough time even at a young age."

"Ah, yeah."

I feel a sense of authority from this cat. How old is it?

"First of all, I'm grateful for your help. I want to repay this kindness, but staying here would be a bother to you, so I'll take my leave. I'm sorry."

Saying this, the black cat tried to go outside. It was still wobbly, probably because it hadn't fully recovered.

"Wait, wait, wait. It's dangerous to go out in that condition. You can stay here for a while."

"But..."

"If I helped you and you died right after going outside, that would be more of a bother. At least stay until your wounds heal."

"Ah... You're right. I was about to refuse your kindness. If you don't mind, I'll stay a bit longer."

"Sure, I was thinking this place is too big for one person. If you like it, you can stay as long as you want."

The black cat, having decided to stay, returned to the zabuton where it had been lying. It seemed to feel at ease and fell asleep again.

It was already quite late. I covered it with a bath towel as a blanket and went to my room to sleep.

Thanks to the sense of security from having someone else around, I was able to sleep soundly for the first time in a long time.