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At the entrance of the cavern you and your party stop. You frown. Ideally, it would only be you and Yumi coming here to doing a quick check up and then leave soon after. The clankers would serve as a distraction if anything bad happened. Yumi <span class="mu-i">had</span> told you earlier that this was your first step in becoming her 'disciple', so you suspected she wasn't overly fond of Mel and Herta intervening. You guess the opportunity to form a stronger bond with her would have to come in the future.
"Alright," You take out the ghost's crystal. "Do your thing."
"Hmph." Yumi crossed her arms and looked away from you as she puffed up her cheeks in annoyance. "Don't wanna." While you were tempted to bully this bratty ghost girl, you knew it wasn't the right time.
"Yumi." You tapped into your inner chuuni. "Unleash your arcane might and unveil whether Aneko's spirit lingers in this realm of fleeting life."
She smiles from within her crystal. "O Savant, shatter the shackles of this gleaming crystal confinement, and unleash my spirit at the mouth of the boundless cavern!"
You do so. This wasn't the first time you'd released her from the crystal. That privilege went to yesterday afternoon.
===
"It's been a while since I've stretched my limbs." Yumi said while floating around. "You've chosen wisely, Savant! It's not everyday I feel merciful enough to offer my wisdom and powers!"
You'd decided to give her a chance to roam. Not enough to keep her out of sight, and you still had the crystal on hand just in case. But, oddly enough, she'd been content to simply boast in front of you and make a few objects levitate.
"I'm putting a lot on the line by trusting you." You warned her again. "If-"
"Yes, yes. Punish me if I say anything to your fox slave, and exorcise me if I try to harm anyone you care about." She repeats with an annoyed roll of the eyes.
"At least you understand it now." It's good that she can confirm it with you.
"Fufufufu!" She laughs evilly. "Foolish mortal that you are, do not place upon me your own lack of understanding! But," She gets a smug look on her face. "Since I am in such a good mood, I shall let it slide this once."
"You weave praises too great for me, o magnanimous Yumi." You put on some airs. "Truly, a tapestry of words welded with care."
"Well said, Savant!" She smiles happily and moves her face closer to yours. "When the day comes that I purge you all and claim this estate as my abode, you shall suffer the least against my wrath." She floats up and laughs like a villainess. "Should you wish to learn my ghostly arts, you're in luck! I am willing to take a disciple, for-"
"Masteeeer!" A moody Herta kicks open the door. "I just sensed malicious spirit energy-" She takes notice of an astonished Yumi
And then proceeds to shoot a bolt of concentrated divine power at the ghost girl.
===
It was only through your quick thinking that you were able to calm things down. That unfortunate situation lead to what was currently happening.
