Kael took the two jade pendants and examined them. They were of fine quality.
"Good." He nodded, placing them in his palm, channeling two streams of soul-devouring mana into them. Then he handed one pendant to Yoko and the other to Mai.
"These contain my power. They can protect you from hypnosis and even save your life in critical moments. Use them carefully."
Yoko accepted the pendant and thanked Kael repeatedly. Such life-saving items were never too many.
"Thank you very much, Mr. Kael. As for payment, would five million yen be acceptable?"
"Yes." Kael agreed readily, marveling at Yoko's wealth—truly a superstar.
If it were Sonoko Suzuki or Kaguya Shinomiya, he would have earned even more. After all, Yoko, no matter how rich, couldn't compare to the heiresses of major conglomerates. These families could shake Japan's economy with a single move. They surely knew the truth of the world and wouldn't lack protective items. Perhaps they had onmyoji or superhuman bodyguards.
Kael never underestimated the wealthy and powerful—their concern for safety and control over the nation. After all, everyone fears death.
After this interlude, the TV station staff urged Mai and Yoko to prepare—their program was about to begin. Once they finished their makeup, they left. Before leaving, Yoko asked her manager to stay with Kael. Had the manager been a beautiful woman, Kael might have been interested. But he was a man, so Kael dismissed him with an excuse and wandered the station alone.
Around ten in the morning, as Mai and Yoko's program neared its end, Kael finally saw the person he sought—the Detective Prince, Akechi Goro.
Akechi had brown hair, reddish-brown eyes, a slender build, and an androgynous charm. He entered the station with a calm smile. He wore a gray suit jacket, black trousers, and shoes, with black gloves on his hands—simple yet formal. Clearly, he knew how to present himself. He carried a small briefcase containing a laptop and case files.
To those unaware of his true nature, his appearance was deceiving. His face was disarming. But as a cultivator, Kael sensed the malice radiating from him. Even without the anime, Kael knew he wasn't good. And having seen the anime and played the game, Kael knew better. Though the game redeemed Akechi in the end, Kael felt it was unnecessary. Villains should meet villainous ends.
Seeing the Detective Prince, Kael approached. As they passed, he flicked a finger, sending a stream of mana into Akechi's body. Unless Akechi left Tokyo immediately, Kael could sense him anywhere. Having marked him, Kael left the station. He couldn't act against Akechi in broad daylight.
Later, Kael went to Leblanc Café in Yongen-Jaya. This time, the café was open. He entered, greeted by the rich aroma of coffee. He couldn't tell what kind—it wasn't his specialty. He had drunk canned lattes and cappuccinos before, but to him, they all seemed similar.
"Welcome to Leblanc."
The café's owner was a middle-aged man with a goatee—Sakura Sojiro. He looked lazy and carefree but was actually kind and tolerant. In the game, Kael hadn't paid much attention to him, nor built strong bonds. With so many women in P5, who would focus on a man?
"A new customer, huh?" Sojiro studied Kael, realizing he hadn't seen him before.
"What would you like?"
"A latte, please."
As Kael spoke, his eyes scanned the café and landed on a woman in a white lab coat. She was clearly a doctor—short hair, a choker around her neck, dressed in an alternative style. Kael smiled. He recognized her. It was the first woman he had pursued in P5—the doctor of Yongen-Jaya, Tae Takemi.
Allow Kael to cheer: living is for Tae Takemi!
Without hesitation, Kael sat beside her. "Long time no see, Dr. Takemi. I didn't expect us to meet here."
Takemi looked up curiously. "Do we know each other?"
She didn't recall Kael at all.
"I used to be your patient," Kael said.
It was a lie. The original owner of his body had never met her. They were strangers. But Kael knew Takemi had treated countless patients—she couldn't remember them all. He was simply using it as a reason to start a conversation.
Takemi studied him again, certain she had no memory of him. "Were you really my patient?"
"Of course." Kael spoke without hesitation. "You probably don't remember me. You see so many patients every day."
Takemi, embarrassed, apologized.
"No need." Kael waved it off. "It's nothing serious. But I'm truly glad to see you today. Dr. Takemi, are you free at noon? Let me treat you to lunch."
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Gimme your stones, please.
( •̯́ ₃ •̯̀)