I got a sudden call from Gef to meet him in his office.
Jin-yun! We’ve received reports of monsters showing up in Hakuraku in Yokohama. But…they’re not very urgent, for some reason. No one’s calling us to get rid of the monsters there. That’s quite strange, isn’t it? We need you to investigate Hakuraku as soon as possible! What could be going on there?
I took a train to Hakuraku. I suppose I never grew out of my disguise, because not many people paid attention to me on the way there.
It was refreshing. Sleuthing in some other place than Shinjuku, I mean. Even if Hakuraku was a small place, the sights were nonetheless new, and human infrastructure always impressed me. I was tempted to shop, eat, and explore here, but I came here for one reason and one reason only: monsters.
What the heck…?
I think I found what I was looking for. The problem was, these humans weren’t afraid of monsters. Quite the contrary, in fact: they were training them to fight like animals. I needed to ask one of them what was going on here.
Excuse me, miss.
Ah! You looking for a Byakumon battle?! My Carisfly’s still got some fight left in him, you know!
Byakumon? Carisfly?
You must be new here. Welcome to the world of Byakumon! My name’s Kurashiki Mika, but everyone calls me Professor Kurashiki. This right here is a Byakumon.
That monster that fought at her beck and call… That was a "Byakumon"?
There are many species of Byakumon. Some people treat Byakumon like pets, some people treat them like helpers… Some people, like me, fight alongside Byakumon.
Right, Professor Kurashiki. How long have you…known Byakumon?
It’s been the hot new thing in Hakuraku this past week.
The incident at the park only happened a week ago. So if this Byakumon business began at the same time… This was incredibly suspicious.
Where did you learn about Byakumon in the first place?
Well, I—
Whoa, hold on! I’m not here to kill your Careless Fly or whatever you call it!
That was a big fat lie. I was there to kill monsters, but now there was a change of plans.
Wait. We can talk this out. Just listen!
No! Get the heck outta here! Don’t bother us Byakumon trainers ever again!
Alright, sheesh.
Her monster hissed at me. I still couldn’t believe that that was what she called it… A Byakumon? What was going on with those people?
I left Hakuraku with haste, and, after I returned to The Mongoose Revolution’s HQ, I reported what I’d learned there to Gef.
I see… So the people of Hakuraku are keeping these monsters as pets and sport animals?
It definitely seems that way. But something that Kurashiki girl said worries me.
Oh?
She said that this Byakumon phenomenon began a week ago… The same time as the incident at the park.
Really? Hmm.
Gef stood up and looked out the window, arms behind his back. He seemed deep in thought.
If the goal was to promote monsters as partners and pets, it should have taken much preparation and planning. Almost certainly, there is a spirit behind the strings, if these “Byakumon” have become popular.
Behind the strings? Gef, do you know anyone who might fit the bill?
Well, I’ve met a few spirits who insisted that monsters weren’t much of a problem. Perhaps the “mastermind,” let’s call them that, subscribes to that belief as well.
A monster apologist, huh?
In fact, it might be those people that pushed Alchias to do what he did.
Gef turned to me and clasped his hands.
Could you do me another favor, Jin-yun?
Let me guess. You want me to find out who’s behind this.
I know it’s a tall order… But you’re the most qualified person I know for this job.
Always a busy day with you at the helm, huh? Alright.
My sincerest thanks, Jin-yun.
Maybe it’s about time you gave me a raise.
Gef and I laughed it off. I really could use a raise, though…