While most of the offices in the Division 2 Complex had already gone dark, inside Huashin’s bedroom, the light remained up. .

Huashin adjusted her grilled-meat-shaped plushies beside her laptop and leaned back in her chair, reviewing several training reports before finally closing the last document.

“…Done.”

Just as she reached for her can of pineapple soda, her work cellphone vibrated for a message.”

“So Yon did reply ….” Huashin picked up the phone and checked the direct message:

> Long time no see.

> Huashin, was it you who booked the certification appointment at Shimana Shrine this afternoon?

Huashin quickly typed a reply:

> It was.

> Fortunately, there happened to be one vacant slot.

It didn’t take long for another message arrived from Yon: 

> That’s actually part of a new pilot program.

> The Otanaku Clan recently started expanding certification opportunities for non-shrine Matake users. Especially after everything that happened over the past year, we want to make sure more Matake users become certified instead of being manipulated by criminals or groups with questionable interests.

> I was only recently certified to conduct these examinations, so they’ve temporarily assigned me to Shimana Shrine. 

…That explains it, Huashin thought. 

Before Huashin could finish typing the message, another one from Yon appeared.

> Would you mind switching to voice chat? Cuz I’ve got more things to tell you about. 

She pressed the call button.

The familiar ringtone, the one of a classic 3490s pop song, rang. 

“…Good evening, Huashin,” the voice of a confident adult replied.  

“Good evening,” Huashin replied with a smile, “It’s been a while.”

“It has,” A brief silence followed before Yon spoke again. “So, assume this candidate is the blue haired runner girl, right?”

Huashin smiled. “…Yes.”

“Because I was also checking if she’s doing well in Bakju,” Yon said, then he switched to a more serious tone. “Anyway, if Araka were coming in, there are several things you should know before she arrives.”

Huashin reached for her tablet and electronic stylo: “I’m listening.”

“First. A shrine certification isn’t simply an examination of Matake sensitivity. As such, the candidate must present a complete and functional Matake spell — not merely cognition or projection, but something that could be demonstrated, evaluated, and reproduced through the guideline.”

Huashin nodded while making a brief note. “Understood.”

“And the second one — ” Yon continued, “The spell itself must receive approval from the supervising shrine — it’s not just about effectiveness, but whether the technique aligns with the shrine principles.”

Huashin frowned slightly. “So … shouldn’t Shimana be the easier choice?” She said, “after all, from what I remember, unlike the shrines you and I went to, Shimana currently doesn’t have any certified Matake users — that could mean Araka will become the shrine’s first active sorcerer in the modern era, and she basically can develop her spell whatever she wants.”

Yon waited for a second, and then responded.

“Well, I guess that’s where the problem lies.”

Huashin raised her eyebrows.

“You see, when I first arrived here under the task of routine documentation by the Shrine Network, I was honestly surprised — the shrine no longer has any active lineage of Matake users.”

Huashin stopped writing. “…None?”

“None is even the neutral word here,” Yon said, “the shrine still performs ceremonies, like fishery blessings; agricultural festivals; and even seasonal cultural rites. But as for Matake…there’s almost nothing left, even the shrine priest didn’t know much about it.”

“So have you checked the archive?” Huashin asked. 

Yon sighed softly.

“I even searched through their old archive and  thought perhaps there were forgotten scrolls. And yes, there were, but …”

“But what?”

“…Most of them weren’t combat techniques.”

Huashin blinked. “So what kind of techniques?”

Yon answered in the same calm tone: “One was for asking rats to leave a household; and another …was intended to encourage birds to catch fish near the shore.”

That’s … even more useless than Toruyo’s spell, Huashin thought. 

“Anyway, since you have booked an appointment with us, I’ll try my best to come up with something useful for Araka. I’ll text you back by noon tomorrow.”

Huashin nodded: “So good night, Yon.”

“Good night.”

The call ended shortly afterwards.

Huashin placed her phone on the desk and leaned back into her chair.

 “I really hope that would work, Araka,” she quietly repeated the words to herself while stretching her arms. 

—

The following day, just after noon, Huashin’s phone vibrated again — a message from Yon

She opened the message:

> Huashin.

> I may have found something suitable for Araka.

Her eyebrows lifted.

Another message followed:

> It’s… unconventional.

> But the more I thought about it, the more I believe it fits the way she naturally uses Matake.

Huashin smiled faintly: “…Let’s see.”

The next message was considerably longer.

> The concept isn’t based on a single historical spell.

> It’s a composite built upon three archived shrine techniques.

> Individually, they’re all rather ordinary. Together, they become something surprisingly practical.

> The first was originally used by mountain villagers while foraging for mushrooms and bamboo shoots beneath dense forest canopies. It enhances visual recognition under poor natural lighting.

> The second was developed to preserve orientation while travelling through heavy fog, reducing the tendency to lose one’s sense of direction.

> The third…was intended for catching snakes during the night while they were resting to prevent them from attacking the villagers.

Huashin typed back:  quietly stared at the screen

> Catching snakes? 

Then, another message appeared:

> Strange, I know. But its underlying principle is actually excellent.

> When the three are combined, the resulting cognition resembles a form of enhanced night vision.

> Most importantly, it doesn’t fundamentally change Araka’s current way of perceiving Matake.

> I believe the learning curve will be demanding… but manageable.

Attached beneath the message was a file.

> Composite Proposal — Temporary Working Draft

Huashin downloaded it immediately.

“…Interesting,” she rubbed her chin and said. 

— 

Later that afternoon, the Division 2 dormitory gym echoed with the sound of the training equipment.  

Clack. Clack. Clack.

Araka, wearing her usual graphite-coloured Novak sports bra and athletic shorts from training, stood up from the squatting position steadily with a weight on her shoulder. Her breath rhythm was controlled, while her forehead was covered with sweat.  Meijin, nearby, wearing the SAIR uniform, nodded with quiet approval. 

“Let’s get one more lap done.”

Araka adjusted her footing before making another lap: “…Yes, Instructor Meijin.”

After the final lap, Araka placed the weight back to the holder. 

“You’ve already learned the fundamentals,” Meijin said, “but to actually put them into proper use, you should also start to learn the mindset and physical preparedness of a soldier — balance, weapon familiarity, determination.” 

“Understood, Instructor Meijin,” Araka replied, still panting. 

“That is why we’ll let you do more than just running …”

Before Meijin finished her speech, the gym’s door slid open — Huashin stepped inside carrying a tablet.

“There you are.” 

“Instructor Huashin?”

Huashin nodded.

Araka picked up a towel from the nearby bench. Huashin walked over, then she stopped, stared at Araka’s soaked sports bra. 

A small sigh escaped almost involuntarily.

“Instructor Huashin?” Araka tilted her head.

“Ah, nevermind,” Huashin switched back to the original topic. “I’ve heard back from Yon.”

Araka’s attention sharpened immediately: “The certification?”

Huashin nodded. “He will enroll you in Shimana Shrine, and more importantly, he has found a spell that could fit you quite well — and it’s a new one.”

She handed the tablet to Araka.

Araka quickly began reading. As she reached the explanation about combining three historical techniques, her eyes gradually widened.

“…can these actually become one spell? Like mushroom  gathering and fog navigation?”

“They can,” Huashin folded her arms, “Yon believes the principles complement one another.”

“…but who came up with these?” Araka frowned, “definitely not Yon, right?”

Huashin smiled. “Several shrine priests across several centuries, but never really see much use now.”

Huashin’s expression became a little more serious.

“Also, there is one more thing.”

Araka nodded. 

“When the time comes, I’ll be accompanying you to Ninju personally — no others, not even Jun.”

Araka blinked.

“…Just us?”

Huashin nodded. “Yon specifically mentioned that for the security of the training and certification process, he won’t allow anyone else coming close to the Shimana Shrine.”

“But isn’t Shimana Shrine a public space? I mean, even Jinlin worked there.”

“It’s not the shrine, but the training facility behind the main hall,” Haushin said, “That was supposed to be kept away from the public eyes — you don’t want Milo remnants to find out where Yon is now.”

Araka nodded. 

—

That evening, the dining hall of the Division 2 dormitory was noticeably livelier than usual.

The day’s training had finally ended, and the long tables were gradually filling with agents carrying trays of dinner.

Araka sat together with the other interns, while Huashin and several instructive agents occupied a nearby table.

“So, Araka,” Jun looked up from his bowl, “I heard you’re going to Tzehae next Monday.”

Araka nodded.

Jun put down his chopsticks.

“…Then, as your responsible older brother, I hope your certification goes well,” he smiled slightly, “and  I hope you become an even more capable Matake sorcerer.”

“Come on, Jun,” Araka said, “you don’t have to add that title to you.”

The others chuckle. 

Jun leaned back in his chair. “…Well, let’s say, at least I won’t have to wake you up every morning anymore.”

The table burst into laughter.

Araka immediately protested: “Hey! It’s summer! You guys know I don’t even need to wake up that early.”

Jun shrugged innocently.

Tenka giggled before looking toward Araka.

“Araka-cha…” she said, smiling warmly, “We’re going to miss you. But if anything happens… I’m always online, and even Hiraka-cha would reply before I do.”

“Come on, Tenka,” Araka sighed, “it’s just a two week thing, and I will be back in Bakju soon.”

Across the table, Sukeo quietly continued eating. Only after several moments did he lower his voice.

“Speaking of going north…” he said, “If you happen to pass through Niangkee, could you visit a shop for me?”

“…A shop?”

Sukeo nodded seriously. “In the old city district, there’s one that occasionally sells second-hand copies of Maze 3. I’ve been looking for one.”

Araka stared at him for several seconds.

Then sighed: “…I’ll see what I can do, Mr. ‘Student Council President’.”

Sukeo simply nodded, completely ignoring the teasing. “I appreciate it.”

From the opposite side of the table, Okuri, the red haired intern, joined the conversation.

“Oh, Araka. If you’re heading into the mountains around Ninju… you better watch out for the snakes.”

Araka blinked. “…Snakes?”

“They’re everywhere during summer — not poisonous, just annoying. And the smell is really bad.”

Araka smiled politely. That’s what she expected Okuri would say, though it was slightly out of context. 

—

The Monday afternoon sun reflected brightly across the coastline of northern Tzehae.

After several hours on the road, a newly reskinned silver Donlin X3 hatchback finally rolled into the quiet town of Bokhae (北海), a small coastal settlement not far from Ninju.

Nearby, traditional fishing boats rested quietly in the harbour. Beyond them, forest-covered hills gradually rose toward the mountains.

Huashin steered the car through the narrow streets before pulling into a small gravel parking area behind Shimana Shrine.

The engine finally stopped. A small moment later, Araka held her throat tight

“…Instructor Huashin.”

“Hm?”

“…Why do you drive so fast?”

Huashin looked over, seeing Araka’s tense face, puzzled. “I wasn’t driving that fast.”

Araka slowly turned her head. “…I’m still dizzy.”

Huashin blinked. “We made excellent time, even arrived before dinner.”

“Exactly!” Araka leaned against the seat dramatically. “You took the mountain pass through the Yun Mountains (允山), and you literally drifted around two of the corners again!”

Huashin nodded.

Huashin quietly looked out through the windshield before giving an almost apologetic smile.

“…Sorry. Old habit.  Just figured there would be fewer cars and fewer police on the road.”

Araka stared at her instructor in complete disbelief.

“I hope I can ride Instructor Anawa’s car more,” she said, “at least she didn’t drift around hairpin curves.”

Huashin coughed lightly. “Fine, fine, I will not do it next time.”

“Deal.”

Huashin opened the driver’s door. “Then let’s meet Instructor Yon.”