A clear, cloudless blue sky stretched over Tokyo, marking the beginning of the long-awaited summer vacation. The streets buzzed with families heading for holidays, young couples holding hands, and excited high school students. Amidst the hustle and bustle, one figure caught the attention of anyone who laid eyes on her.
The girl wore a white tank top that accentuated her well-proportioned figure and a gray mini-skirt that showcased her beautiful legs.
Her long, silvery hair shimmered in the sunlight, cascading beautifully past her shoulders. Wispy bangs partially covered her forehead, while a characteristic cowlick (ahoge) on top of her head bobbed amusingly with the breeze. Her skin was as white as snow, and her crystal blue eyes radiated an almost doll-like elegance.
Passersby unconsciously slowed their pace, captivated by her mesmerizing beauty. Some even did a double-take, spellbound by the aura emanating from her.
"So beautiful... I'd give up ten years of my life just to go on a date with her!"
"Is she a model?"
"She must be an idol in disguise!"
The beautiful girl was none other than Alisa Mikhailovna Kujou, or Alya as those close to her would call her.
"Ugh... It's so hot today. I shouldn't have worn this outfit." Alya muttered, flipping her hair.
Suddenly, a man in semi-formal attire approached her. His hair was neatly styled, and he wore sunglasses.
"Excuse me, Miss! Do you have a moment?"
"Yes? What is it?"
"Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Tanaka, and I'm a scout from the entertainment agency Starlight Promotion. I'm incredibly impressed by your natural beauty and extraordinary aura. You have immense potential to become a top model, perhaps even a famous actress! How about joining our agency?"
"..."
Alya stared at the man with a flat expression, a hint of disgust at his appraising gaze. She had received similar offers many times before.
"I'm not interested."
"Huh? But—why? This is a golden opportunity!"
"I know what kind of world the entertainment industry is. Full of pressure, manipulation, and... dirt that can't be cleaned with just fame."
"..."
Tanaka fell silent, not expecting such a beautiful girl to speak so harshly and decisively. However, he didn't give up so easily.
"What a pity, Miss. You truly have remarkable talent. Please reconsider, this is a golden opportunity to become famous and make a lot of money!"
"Sorry, I just want to enjoy my day. Please don't bother random people just because you think they're 'pretty'."
Having said that, Alya walked away, leaving the man frozen in place.
The summer sunlight illuminated her silvery hair, and all eyes continued to follow her steps, captivated and amazed.
Only a few minutes after Alya walked down the bustling sidewalk, a man with brightly dyed blonde hair and a flashy appearance suddenly stood in front of her. His floral shirt was left open, revealing a tight black t-shirt and a silver chain around his neck. His gaze was impudent, and his smile was a rude smirk.
"Hey, beautiful. Alone? Want to join me for some karaoke? It's guaranteed to be fun!"
"Sorry, I'm not interested."
"Come on, don't refuse. It's just singing. If you come, my friends will be really happy too."
The man tried to grab her shoulder. Without hesitation, Alya roughly brushed his hand away. She had a great fear of germs, especially in situations where she might have physical contact with other men.
"Don't touch me."
Without waiting for a further response, Alya turned around and quickly walked away from the disgusting man.
Continuing to walk with long strides, Alya sighed in annoyance.
"Why are so many strange people bothering me today? Is this the summer vacation effect? People are getting bolder and more impolite."
Alya had a great fondness for sweet food, especially chocolate. However, she had barely stepped out of the station when one disturbance after another approached her. She hoped the rest of her day would go more smoothly and she could soon enjoy the sweetness of chocolate without any annoying interruptions.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
Stepping out of the sweets shop with a satisfied smile on her lips, Alya admired the chocolate cake she had just eaten.
"This shop never disappoints."
"Today is too beautiful to spend in my room. Let's take a walk for a bit."
Since it was still early and she didn't want to rush back to her apartment, Alya decided to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the city atmosphere. She walked along the bustling streets, occasionally looking at the shop windows that caught her attention.
However, after ten minutes of walking, her happy expression turned slightly sour.
"Why did I wear high heels today? I forgot that the plan for the holiday was to walk..."
She finally spotted an empty park bench near a fountain. Without thinking, Alya walked over there and sat down carefully, lifting her mini-skirt slightly to avoid wrinkling it.
Her eyes scanned her surroundings—a young couple laughing while feeding each other ice cream, a man nervously handing a bouquet of flowers to a short-haired girl, and a middle-aged couple still holding hands.
"Everyone looks so happy."
"Hello. Is something bothering you?"
"Huh?"
Alya flinched in surprise, slightly startled by the interruption of her thoughts. She had just realized that a kind-looking old man had been standing right in front of her for who knows how long, a friendly smile radiating from his face.
The old man had neatly combed white hair, and a pair of thick-rimmed glasses perched on his nose. Fine wrinkles crinkled around his eyes. He wore a button-down white shirt with a gray vest over it, and a thin chain necklace circled his neck. Despite his age, his posture was still upright.
"No, I'm fine. Just a little tired."
"Ummm... Who are you?"
Perhaps because the old man looked friendly and non-threatening, Alya didn't feel as wary as she did when facing the blonde-haired man earlier.
"Ah, forgive my rudeness. My name is Suzuki, and I am the founder of the Happy Sheep Society."
Hearing that, Alya's eyebrows slightly rose.
'Happy Sheep Society? Could this be a cult?'
Alya had heard news about various cults operating in Japan. This was the first time she had come face-to-face with one of them. An uncomfortable feeling began to envelop her.
"Miss, I can see a person's life energy, read their fate and what will happen to them. And unfortunately, Miss... I see great misfortune will soon befall you. A severe trial that could destroy your life."
"Huh?"
Alya frowned, feeling uneasy with the old man's words.
"But don't worry. As the founder of the Happy Sheep Society, I can help you avoid that bad fate. I will hold a sacred seed ritual."
"I can purify your body, cleanse your stains, and thus change your fate for the better. Miss... You are a chosen priestess of happiness!"
'What is this old man saying? Sacred seed ritual? Priestess of happiness? Is he crazy?'
The more Alya listened to the nonsense of the old man in front of her, the more convinced she became that Suzuki was a crazy swindler trying to take advantage of others.
Usually, in such a situation, she would immediately leave without saying another word. However, as she stared into Suzuki's strangely shining eyes, an invisible supernatural force gripped her mind, disrupting it like waves crashing against a reef.
The glint of intelligence and vigilance in Alya's eyes slowly faded, replaced by a blank and obedient gaze.
With a slow nod, she replied in a soft voice, "Founder is right... I do need a sacred seed ritual to cleanse this impure body of mine..."
Seeing that the girl was completely under the influence of the evil spirit force he controlled, Suzuki grinned behind his friendly smile.
"Good. Let's move to my place now. We will soon perform the grand sacred seed ritual. I will ensure you give birth to my child so that the great misfortune threatening you will vanish forever."
"Um."
The dazed Alya nodded again without arguing. She stood up with stiff movements and allowed the old man she had just met, Suzuki, to wrap his wrinkled arm around her waist. Alya didn't feel any discomfort at the touch at all.
The sight of the old man walking so intimately with a girl as beautiful and young as Alya was very conspicuous in the crowd. Several passersby stared at them with confused and slightly disgusted looks.
After all, the two looked more like a grandfather and granddaughter taking a stroll rather than a pair of lovers or even close acquaintances.