Since the inception of modern science, folklore such as spirits and fairies had been widely regarded as superstitious. This applies to Taigen Shrine as well.

Unlike other shrines that have gained fame as tourist spot, Taigen Shrine remains a small, old shrine with only an elderly caretaker attending to all the chores. Only the local residents visit this humble place.

However, Taigen Shrine enjoys a certain level of fame within minor and low-profile groups.

Standing before the long stairs leading to Taigen Shrine on the hill, a middle-aged man with graying hair around his sideburns was among those who did not believe in folklore. Yet, he found himself compelled to seek help from the shrine, fearing that it might be too late for his daughter…

“I heard that the shrine on Taigen Hill, dedicated to the worship of a yamagami (god of the mountain), is a real deal. According to my grandmother’s story, the shrine maiden from Taigen Shrine saved my great-grandma’s life when she was possessed by evil spirits. But, of course, I can’t be sure if it’s true …”

Despite having tried his best, the desperate middle-aged man now found himself climbing the stairs towards the shrine that promised to expel evil for mortals. Or so he had been told.

Upon reaching the end of the old, moss-covered stairs, he caught sight of a teenage girl sweeping the fallen leaves in front of the ancient yet sacred shrine. The young girl, dressed in a high school uniform, appeared to have just returned from school.

Noticing the man’s presence, the girl asked, her voice tinged with doubt and curiosity, “Um…you are here to offer prayers?”

The man shook his head and replied, “No, I’ve come here for the Taigen Shrine Maiden.”

The girl raised an eyebrow. After inviting him to the seating area on the veranda, she disappeared into the house behind the shrine, and returned with an old man in tow.

Despite his advanced age, the old man appeared tough and capable. When he heard the man’s request, he affectionately patted the girl’s shoulder and remarked, “Now you are the shrine maiden. It’s your duty to handle this request.”

The desperate father couldn’t fathom how this young teenage girl, who seemed like an ordinary schoolgirl, could possibly be the legendary shrine maiden capable of solving his problem. Could he truly entrust his daughter’s life to her?

The young girl didn’t contest the old man’s statement. She merely raised an eyebrow and replied, “Well, grandpa, if I’m the one tasked with this job, I can’t guarantee how many things I might accidentally break in the process. You understand, right?”

The old man rubbed his forehead, as if recalling an unbearable memory, and reproached, “You are a Shrine Maiden, for Mountain God’s sake! Not an exorcist! Can’t you display some sense of gentleness?”

The young girl simply shrugged and choose remain silent.

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After observing his granddaughter’s reaction, the old man let out a sigh, shook his head and turned to the middle-aged man. “I can assure you that she is capable of saving your daughter, but I cannot guarantee the condition of your property …She possesses an unusual strength, you see.”

“It’s okay, no problem!” the desperate father instantly agreed. “I don’t care about the state of my house, as long as my daughter is safe!”

The old man nodded, “Very well. Shana, prepare yourself.”

“I will.” the young girl replied. She entered the house and retrieved a long bag, then joined the desperate father as they descended the stairs.

*****

After observing the young lady laying lifelessly on the bed, Shana raised an eyebrow and gestured for the desperate father to have a seat in the living room.

“How is the situation?” His voice filled with concern, and his wife, sitting next to him, nervously twinged the corner of her clothes.

“It’s a bit tricky.” Shana’s words ware blunt. She didn’t know how to sugarcoat the truth to make it less harsh for the victim. “An evil spirit is draining her energy, and this is the result of her being drained for a long period of time.”

“And the evil spirit?”

“It’s not here at the moment, but it will probably come later,” Shana frowned. “Based on my observation, it visits every day, but I don’t know exactly when it will arrive.”

The couple looked at each other in stunned silence. Although they considered such beliefs superstitious, if it could help their daughter, they were willing to worship and pray at that shrine every single day!

“I’ll stay here today,” Shana reassured them with a smile, “Don’t worry, she’ll be fine.”

Shana had anticipated having to wait until midnight for the arrival of the evil spirit, but to her surprise, it appeared in the evening just as the desperate father’s daughter woke up. The young lady was too weak to leave her bed, and could only consume liquid food as she was unable to swallow solid food.

Shana exited the room, leaving the mother and daughter to spend time together. However, she was perplexed by the four sets of utensils arranged on the dining table. Since the daughter ate in her bed, there should have been the couple and Shana dining in the house …

Just as she was about to ask, the doorbell rang. The homeowner got up and welcomed in a young man who sheepishly grabbed his bag, and took out a few notebooks, “Sir, these are the note I took for Lily today. Is she feeling any better?”

The desperate father let out a sigh, “Nothing has changed. You can see for yourself...”

“Stay right where you are.” Shana pulled out a katana from her long bag and blocked their path into the living room, “Sir, could you please explain why you would let the ‘thing’ who harmed your daughter inside?”

The desperate father looked puzzled and replied with a hint of anger, “What do you mean? He’s my daughter’s boyfriend…”

She firmly gripped the hilt and drew the blade from its sheath. A glint of cold reflection shimmered from the dangerous blade. “My patience is limited. Leave while you still can, or else...”

“Is this some kind of joke…” The young man collapsed before the desperate father could finish his sentence. As Shana approached, he trembled and began to convulse. The handsome face that had once been admired by the victim contorted, and his body became enveloped by an ominous cloud of black.

Shana simply let out a huff and swung her katana, “In the name of Taigen Yamagami, cease!”

The blade tore through the black cloud.

Before the homeowner could react, a powerful gust of wind swept in from nowhere. It was so forceful that the window shook vigorously and shattered into pieces. He couldn’t even open his eyes!

When the wind finally subsided and he could survey the scene, his house was in disarray with shards of glass scattered everywhere. Amidst the chaos, the shrine maiden stood up tall, holding the blade, but his daughter’s boyfriend was nowhere to be found.

The shrine maiden returned home after that.

Rumor has it that the homeowner’s daughter was able to get out of bed right after the incident.

Another rumor circulated that there had never been such a handsome young man in that college. No records could prove that the young man ever existed…