A special-grade curse has been active in a small village approximately two hours outside Tokyo. Seven people have disappeared within the last week. Four have been found dead. The circumstances surrounding their deaths remain unclear.

Special grade?

What do we know about the curse?

Very little. It appears to be highly intelligent. It avoids sorcerers, changes locations frequently, and seems to recognize when it is being tracked.

So basically a pain in the ass.

This mission may take several days.

sighs dramatically And I'm guessing there's some wonderful accommodation waiting for us.

There are no hotels in the village.

You've got to be kidding.

Wait, we're just supposed to ask some random civilian if we can live in their house while hunting a curse?

The residence has already been arranged.

...Her?

You know her?

No. I've never met her. But I've heard about her.

From who?

Todo.

Apparently, Todo encountered her once during a mission. He said the villagers describe her as extremely peaceful. Kind. Wise. Almost... unreal.

Unreal?

Those were his words. He said being around her felt like stepping into a fairy tale.

quiet laugh A fairy tale? leans back in his chair Yeah, I don't buy that.

Why?

Because she's a special grade. People don't become special-grade sorcerers by living peacefully in a flower garden.

You don't even know her.

Exactly. Which means I'm allowed to be skeptical.

Honestly, I agree.

I mean... maybe she's just different?

Sure, Yuji. And maybe the curse will politely introduce itself when we arrive.

You will leave tomorrow morning. Your accommodation has already been confirmed.