Chapter 30: Eliminate Tachibana Masamune First

Page 1/3

Manipulating Erii and Tang Xi proved as simple as imagined. The girl’s mind seemed immature, her psychological age likely not even ten, like a child who understood nothing and was curious about everything. Tang Xi accompanied her, answering her strange questions, and their bond quickly deepened. Perhaps because her thinking was different from others, Erii did not find it odd that a weapon could talk; she was simply delighted to finally have a playmate—one she could communicate with. She showed great joy.

Tang Xi’s cosplay as the genie Aladdin also caught her attention, and happily, Erii made her first wish. “I want to go out and play,” the girl said excitedly, her eyes sparkling as if they held stars. “I don’t want to stay here.”

“No problem, but before that, you have to promise me one thing: you have to sign a contract with me, so we become friends, and then I can take you out.”

Without hesitation, Erii nodded, but then hesitated. “My brothers don’t like me going out…”

“That’s okay,” Tang Xi replied quickly. “I’ll help convince them.”

After speaking, she opened the panel. Sure enough, the information updated.

Weapon Name: Gungnir (Clone Version)
Owner: Uesugi Erii
Status: Intermediate (5052/10000)
Durability: 16/100
(Intermediate-level Gungnir clone, already possesses some of Gungnir’s abilities, 60% damage bonus against dragons, skill activated: reverse manipulation, variable size, brief free will of the weapon spirit, selective control of the weapon by the spirit)
(Next stage: Advanced, can obtain clues about the original, chance to unlock original abilities)

Looking at this panel, Tang Xi felt everything was perfect. Erii appeared very excited, like a child who had just received a new toy.

At that moment, Tang Xi suddenly sensed someone approaching. Gungnir trembled slightly. Erii, as if sensing her alertness, whispered, “The person who puts me to sleep is coming.”

Tang Xi frowned. Before she could react further, faint white smoke seeped in from the vent. Erii remained calm, clearly accustomed to this. Was this one of the means used to control her? Interesting. She wondered if that foolish elephant turtle knew.

Page 2/3

Squinting slightly, Tang Xi quickly asked, “Do you like Masamune Oji?”

Erii frowned, seeming puzzled by the question. After thinking for a moment, she asked, “What is liking?”

“Then let me ask it differently. If he died, would you be sad? Like feeling empty and unhappy. If so, that means you like him.”

Erii shook her head. “No. He doesn’t like me.”

“Why?” Tang Xi was momentarily stunned. Masamune Oji should be good to Erii, after all, he had assigned her identity as Erii’s father.

Erii’s eyelids fluttered as she lay down on the bed, repeating softly before falling asleep, “He doesn’t like me. He’s afraid of me; he doesn’t like me.”

No one knew what this girl was thinking. She was like a primal little beast, acting purely on instinct. Masamune Oji used superb acting to deceive everyone, but not this seemingly dull girl.

“Alright, alright,” Tang Xi sighed helplessly. “Go to sleep. When you wake up, you’ll be free.”

Meanwhile, at Seishinji Temple, Waka Minamoto and an elderly man in a simple white kimono sat cross-legged. The elder brewed tea with practiced, swift motions, steam swirling around his face, obscuring his expression.

“Did you take Erii out today?” the elder asked.

“Yes, I haven’t played with her for a long time. I felt a bit guilty,” Waka replied. “While I was away from Japan, she must have been bored.”

“Don’t think like that, Waka,” the elder said resignedly. “Erii is too pure, she understands nothing. Her world is simple—but we are different.”

“We bear burdens children can’t comprehend. You have become the head of the Enforcement Bureau. In two years, when your prestige rises, you can inherit the family’s leadership.”

Waka remained silent for a long time. The elder noticed the shift in his mood and spoke gravely, “Waka, I am old. This world will soon belong to your generation. Besides you, who else can lead the Snake Clan’s eight families to glory?”

“Don’t say that, old man.” The water boiled. Waka poured himself a cup, looking down, his expression unreadable. “You know I don’t want to manage the family.”

“But it is your responsibility, Waka.”

The elder sighed deeply. “Don’t you want to uphold justice? Without taking that position, how can you maintain your justice?”

“To punish all evil and uphold all righteousness—you believe in justice, don’t you? Isn’t that what you’ve held since childhood?”

“Have you forgotten your resolve?”

His tone turned solemn, like a strict parent—and indeed he was. He was the current head of the Snake Clan’s eight families: Masamune Oji.

Page 3/3

“Don’t worry, old man.” Waka sighed too, somewhat helpless but spoke firmly. “I just haven’t prepared myself yet.”

“At least you can hold on for two more years, right? Don’t be in such a rush to abdicate. Give me more time.”

“Sigh, you’re still as reckless as ever,” the elder laughed and scolded. “Don’t worry, this old bone of mine can still hold on. But in these two years, the Ghost Legion has grown increasingly rampant…”

“Leave the fighting to me,” Waka said. “You’re old now; stay home. I can’t manage the family, but I can still be the muscle.”

“You little brat…”

Masamune Oji shook his head helplessly. As he poured water to brew tea, a knock sounded at the door. He asked, “Who is it?”

“Miss Erii requests an audience,” the servant said.

At this, the two exchanged a surprised glance. At this hour, Erii should have been asleep.

Frowning slightly, Masamune said, “Let her in.”

“Yes.” The servant’s footsteps faded, then new footsteps approached—soft, delicate, unmistakably a girl’s.

The door opened quietly, and Erii’s expressionless face appeared in their sight.

Waka stood to greet her. “Why aren’t you asleep so late?”

Erii shook her head and looked toward Masamune, who immediately wore a gentle smile. “What is it, Erii? Is there something you need?”

She nodded. Masamune’s smile grew even more tender as he beckoned her closer. “Come tell us.”

Erii approached, lowering her head. In the wide sleeves of her shrine maiden robe, she searched for something.

“Erii?” Masamune asked curiously. “Are you going to show me something?”

She did not answer but continued searching until she found what she sought—a palm-sized gun-shaped ornament.

“What is this…” Masamune’s words faltered. He stared blankly down at his chest, as hot blood slowly welled from a wound.

The girl tilted her head as she looked at him. The gun in her hand was now pressed into his chest.

“Do you like this surprise?” she whispered. “Dr. Dragon?”