Chapter 99: Integrating into what is lost

Rika Kimoto sat in the living room, the electric fan shaking its head, blowing in the cool mountain breeze. It was not hot at all, but she was very nervous.

After meeting Gong Zhili, she started to get nervous.

It's not just because of that terrible monster - she now knows that those monsters are called "Cursed Spirits". It can be said that these monsters have completely changed her life. Just because she and Youta can suddenly see Cursed Spirits, the attitude of her family, the living environment, the school she could go to before... all of these have changed.

The only good news is probably that she is still with Yuta.

Sometimes she would wake up from a nightmare. Although she was young, she had a good memory and always thought of the truck that almost hit her.

In her dreams, no one rescued her from the truck, and she always woke up in a sea of ​​blood and screams.

Before entering the village, Rika Kimoto could hardly hide her mental breakdown. She didn't know what was happening to her. She was worried that if she showed any discomfort, her family would dislike her even more or a fierce quarrel would break out. So she endured it until she was brought to the village in a trance.

As soon as she entered the village, she felt her body lighten.

Even though she was without her family and in an unfamiliar environment, she had a good night's sleep in the village with Youtai, and nightmares never came to her again.

Later, after she heard Teacher Geji talk about the existence of a barrier in the village that could absorb cursed energy and cursed spirits, she secretly guessed in her heart that it must be the barrier that helped her.

She... is very grateful to Sister Zhili.

But she acted so strangely when we met for the first time today. Sister Zhili must have thought she was a weird kid...

This is the only thing she doesn't want!

"Rika," Otsutsukota, who was sitting next to her, looked at her worriedly, "Are you okay?"

Rika Kimoto came back to her senses from her thoughts, held Yuta's hand tightly, and said, "I'm fine."

Tsu Miki sat on her other side, observing the girl who was the same size as the twins, but her mind was thinking about the time when she and her brother came to this house together.

Was she also so nervous at that time?

In addition to being nervous, she also felt a little secretly happy: she really liked the appearance of this house, it was very beautiful. If she could really live in such a place, she would definitely be very happy, right?

As it turns out, she is indeed living a very happy life now.

She believed that Rika and Yuta would feel the same way - even if they could only stay here for one summer vacation.

As expected, Rika's back, which had been overly straight due to nervousness, completely relaxed after the meal.

Tsu Miki was secretly proud in her heart: No one can remain indifferent after eating Sister Zhili's cooking! No one!

Rika Kimoto and Yuta Otsutsukota ate until their stomachs were full and a little bloated, but they were still savoring the big meal.

Utahime-sensei and Kuroi-sensei usually take turns cooking. I'm not saying their food isn't delicious; it's also delicious! But, but Chiri-sensei's cooking is different... The joy and empowerment of eating it leaves the two children unable to express themselves and they can only devour it.

Gong Zhili placed the soaked hawthorn water in front of them and said, "Don't eat like this next time. Overeating is not good for your health."

Yuta Otsutsuki blushed and whispered, "Okay, okay."

Qi Ben Li Xiang changed her previous reservedness and went over to help pour the hawthorn water, saying sweetly: "Sister Zhili, your cooking is really super-delicious! Li Xiang also wants to learn!"

Gong Zhili looked at her with a smile: "You are still young, and the kitchen is dangerous for you. Study hard first, and I will let you help in the kitchen in the future."

The two children nodded obediently.

In the following days, Rika Kimoto and Yuta Otsutsukota officially began their life in the village. Their initial nervousness and uneasiness were gradually soothed in the regular life day after day.

In the early morning, they would follow the other children and do the most basic physical training and cursed power perception exercises with the singer or the teacher. The pure and abundant natural energy within the village barrier made their perceptions particularly sharp, especially Rika. Her speed of progress surprised both teachers.

In the morning when it is cooler, there are mostly practical activities or free activities, while in the afternoon there are cultural classes, with Geto Suguru occasionally coming over, or the singer serving as a part-time teacher.

The adjustment process for children is not without its ups and downs.

Rika Kimoto instinctively resisted the thought of suddenly touching, or even attempting to control, her own feeble magical energy. It brought back vague memories of unpleasant feelings. The first time she managed to gather a bit of it in her palm, she was so frightened she nearly cried. It was Otsutsuki Yuta, who held her hand tightly and whispered words of encouragement, that she slowly calmed down. Miya Chiri noticed this and didn't rush her. Instead, she discussed with the singer a slower pace, encouraging Rika to feel more deeply. After all, they were still young, so why rush into anything?

Otsutsuki Yuuta, on the other hand, studied with extraordinary devotion. Whether it was taijutsu or cursed energy manipulation, he strived for perfection, as if something was chasing him from behind. He kept a constant eye on Rika, and if she showed any sign of discomfort or difficulty, he would immediately become nervous, even a little overprotective. During a taijutsu sparring match, Nanako accidentally tripped Rika, and Otsutsuki Yuuta immediately rushed over to help Rika up. Then, he gave Nanako a wary look that was far beyond his years, almost ferocious, which scared her so much that Mimiko glared back at her unhappily.

Miya Chiri handled this small conflict. She did not blame either party, but asked Yuta to take Rika to rest nearby. Then she explained to the twins the past experiences of Rika and Yuta, and touched the two children's heads and said, "But I am really happy that you will protect your sisters." After this, Nanako and Mimiko snuggled on her knees, having long forgotten that little bit of anger, their eyes full of her gentle smile.

Afterwards, she talked to You Tai alone.

"Yuta, it's important to protect Rika." Miyajima looked at him, "But here, Nanako and Mimiko, as well as Tsumiki, Megumi, and Yuhito, they are not enemies. Excessive vigilance and hostility will only hurt those who could truly become friends, and it will also make it more difficult for Rika to relax."

Yuta lowered his head, his fingers twisted together. "...I'm just scared." Afraid that she would get hurt again.

"I understand," Gong Zhili said in a gentle voice, "but one of the meanings of this place is to make you less afraid and try to trust the people here a little, okay?"

Yuta Otsutsuki was silent for a long time, and finally nodded slightly.

These little episodes did not affect the overall warming of the relationship between the children. Tsu Miki is a gentle older sister who always takes good care of the new brothers and sisters. Itadori Yuji is full of energy, pulling Yuta to run and climb trees together, infecting the somewhat gloomy Yuta with his pure sunshine. Fushiguro Megumi doesn't talk much, but he is very attentive. Rika noticed that he would whisper to the wild flowers while walking on the path. When she asked him about it, although Fushiguro Megumi blushed, she still answered her question: "The kind of flowers I like are not growing very well... The other wild flowers and weeds are too strong, so I want to encourage them..."

Having lived in a magical village since childhood, Megumi Fushiguro felt that his approach must be effective. After all, the gardenias on their balcony bloom almost all year round. If anyone complains about the strong fragrance of the flowers, they will be hit by them intentionally or unintentionally. He believes that the wild flowers he likes will definitely receive his encouragement.

From then on, Rika Kimoto was no longer afraid of Megumi Fushiguro's slightly cold face.

Although Nanako and Mimiko had some minor frictions with Yuta Otsutsuki at the beginning, these frictions disappeared quickly like morning dew. They received enough love and became the most tolerant children. When sharing snacks and toys, they would also include Rika and Yuta in their share.

During the hottest afternoons, the children often gathered under the porch, enjoying the warmth of electric fans, sharing fruits and vegetables chilled in well water, listening to Miyaji's storybooks, or watching Itadori and Fushiguro play a chess game they learned from the villagers. Rika and Yuta gradually integrated into this atmosphere and smiled more often. Rika would occasionally take the initiative to discuss with Nanako and Mimiko which hair tie looked better.

It was not until the afternoon of the hottest day in midsummer that Geto Suguru came to the village again. This time he did not come alone, Gojo Satoru was with him. The expressions of both of them were not as relaxed as when they usually came on vacation, especially Geto Suguru, who had a barely perceptible solemnity between his brows.

They went straight to Gong Zhili who was reading in the study.

"I have some news," Geto Suguru said straight to the point, his voice a little deeper than usual, "about Rika and Yuta's family."

Gong Zhili put down the book and looked up: "Have they changed their minds? They want to take the children back early?" She was not surprised. It was normal for parents to send their children here on impulse and then feel that they were unreliable, so it was normal to regret it.

Gojo Satoru leaned against the doorframe, his eyes heavy with emotion. "On the contrary, their families have negotiated and decided to pay sufficient child support and entrust this village, or rather, you, to raise the two children until they reach adulthood."

The study was quiet for a moment.

Gong Zhili frowned slightly. "Entrust me with raising the child? Until he reaches adulthood? What do you mean? Are they not planning to take the child back?"

"Literally," Geto said calmly, yet with a hint of coldness, "They believe the problems with the two children have seriously affected the family's normal life. They 'believe' that staying with you is the best option for everyone. That money is like buying off future troubles."

The words were euphemistic, but the meaning was stark and cruel—the two families had essentially given up on the two children. They were willing to pay and never ask about them again.

Gojo Satoru scoffed, "The negotiation went smoothly. Neither side wants children."

There will always be adults like this in the world.

Gong Zhili was silent for a moment. She didn't really need the money, but the news itself was undoubtedly a heavy blow to the two children who had just begun to adapt to the new environment and might subconsciously be looking forward to returning home one day.

"Do they know?" she asked.

"Not yet," Xia Yujie shook his head, "We need to discuss how to tell them."

Gong Zhili nodded: "I understand."

They discussed for a long time in the study, and finally it was Gong Zhili, who had become much more familiar with them recently, who went to talk to them.

She found Rika Kimoto and Yuta Otsutsukota weaving little rabbits with dogtail grass under the shade of the bamboo forest behind the yard. Other children were also playing around them.

"Yuta, Rika," Miyajiri walked over, trying to keep her voice calm, "Come with me for a moment, okay? I have something I want to tell you."

Tsu Miki keenly noticed that the atmosphere was a little different, and she stood up obediently: "Then let's go back and prepare dinner." After that, she called her younger brothers and sisters to leave.

Yuta Otsutsuki and Rika Kimoto looked at each other, put down the things in their hands with some confusion, and followed Miya Chiri back to her room.

Miya Zhili asked them to sit on the tatami and she sat opposite them. She looked at the two children's faces, which were still a little confused but vaguely uneasy, and sighed in her heart.

"Just now, Teacher Takeru brought news about your family." She spoke directly.

Yuta Otsutsuki's back straightened subconsciously and his fingers curled up slightly, while Rika Kimoto nervously leaned closer to Yuta.

"Your families have discussed it and made a decision," Gong Zhili said, choosing his words carefully but not wanting to sugarcoat it with lies. "They hope that you can stay here until you grow up, and they will provide for your living expenses."

There was dead silence in the room.

Yuuta Otsutsu's face gradually paled. He obviously understood the meaning of the words. Rika Kimoto felt extremely uneasy. She asked in a low voice: "...stay here forever? Then, what about mom and dad? Aren't they going to come to see us? After the summer vacation... aren't they going to come to pick us up?"

Gong Zhili looked at them silently.

This silence was tantamount to an answer.

Rika Nobi's eyes instantly turned red, tears quickly filling her eyes. Yuta Otsutsukoshi suddenly reached out and tightly grasped Rika's hand. His own hands were also shaking slightly. He raised his head and looked at Gong Zhili, his voice trembling with an imperceptible tremor: "They... don't want us anymore, right?"

He did not clamor to meet with the parents for a confrontation, perhaps because they had vaguely sensed something was wrong before coming, or perhaps because in their hearts, Sister Zhili was not someone who would deceive them.

Yuta Otsutsuki's words were like a key, instantly opening the floodgates of fear in Rika Norimoto. She cried out "wow", tears rolling down her cheeks: "Why...why don't you want Rika anymore? Did Rika do something wrong? Is it because Rika can see cursed spirits? Rika doesn't want to be a sorcerer anymore..."

Yuta Otsutsuki bit his lip, trying to stay calm and comfort Rika, but his own eyes quickly turned red and he tried hard to hold back his tears, looking particularly pitiful.

Gong Zhili did not immediately say "Don't cry" or give empty comfort "It's okay". She let them cry for a while to release the initial shock and sadness.

When their crying subsided a little, turning into suppressed sobs, she slowly spoke: "You didn't do anything wrong."

Her voice was clear and calm, with an undeniable power.

"It's not your fault that you can see cursed spirits, and it's not your fault that accidents happen. The problem isn't you, but their inability to understand and withstand things that are beyond their ken. Their choices reflect their fears and limitations, not your values."

She looked at Yuta Otsutsuki: "Yuta, you don't need to become very strong immediately to protect anyone. Protecting you here is my responsibility, and the responsibility of all the adults here."

She leaned forward and looked at the two children calmly. "This decision was sudden and hurtful. It's normal for you to feel sad, scared, or even angry. It's okay to cry if you want to."

"But," she paused, her tone firm, "this doesn't mean you've lost everything. You still have each other, you still have this village, this home, and me, Satoru, Jie, Utahi-sensei, Kuroi-sensei, as well as Tsumiki, Megumi, Yuujin, Nanako, Mimiko... We are all here, and you will meet more friends in the future. They are all your companions."

"This will always be your place. It's not just a temporary place to stay, it's not just a summer camp. This will be your home." Gong Zhili's voice was low, but every word carried weight. "As long as you're willing, this will be your home until you reach adulthood, and even longer. No one will expel you, fear you, or abandon you because of what you see."

Yuta Otsutsukota stared at her blankly, and the tears he had been holding back finally fell. Rika Kimoto sobbed and asked softly, "...Is it really possible? Can I stay here forever?"

"Of course it's true," Gong Zhili answered affirmatively, "It's not because they don't want you anymore that you have to stay here, but because you are welcomed here and needed here. I and others also hope that you will stay. The choice is now in your hands."

These words were like a solid dam, temporarily blocking the flood of panic.

Yuta Otsutsukota lowered his head and wiped away his tears with his sleeve. When he raised his head again, although there was still sadness and anxiety in his eyes, there was more determination. He held Rika's hand tightly, looked at her, and turned to Miya Chiri and said, "...We want to stay."

Rika Kimoto also nodded vigorously, and said in a tearful voice: "Rika, Rika also wants to be with Yuta and everyone... Rika doesn't want to be alone..."

"Okay," Gong Zhili reached out and gently touched the two children's hair, "Then stay. This will be your home from now on."

She knew that the pain would not disappear immediately and trust would take time to build, but at least on this hot summer afternoon, she gave them a promise that they would not be abandoned again, a place that they could truly call "home", and she would need to accompany them on the road ahead.

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The author has something to say: The children in the magic world are all unhappy, and the older children are not happy either...so jjxx should become iivv