Sett Chapter 12: Yukino Yukinoshita check in - Facebreaker (Patreon)

Of course, Higashino Tadashi was willing to help with the supernatural incident. If it was within his ability, he wouldn’t hesitate to assist. But if it was beyond his capabilities or too risky, he would have to advise the person to seek someone else.

…

Soon, Tadashi returned to the apartment, swiping his card to take the elevator upstairs. Over the past few days, Hiratsuka Shizuka had registered him in the apartment system, created a new access card for him, and even given him a set of keys. Tadashi could now come and go as he pleased.

He entered the apartment and sat on the sofa, waiting.

*Click.*

Not long after, the door opened.

Tadashi turned his head and saw Hiratsuka Shizuka walking in with a cool and elegant girl beside her, exuding an aura as cold and pure as a mountain spring.

Yukinoshita Yukino?

Tadashi was momentarily surprised, recognizing her.

On the other side, Yukino was also taken aback when she saw Tadashi.

Was this boy, around her age, the one Hiratsuka-sensei had called to solve her problem?

Instinctively, Yukino began to assess Tadashi.

His posture was casual, a personal cup sat on the table, and he was wearing slippers that clearly weren’t disposable. It was as if this boy lived here comfortably.

‘Is he Hiratsuka-sensei’s cousin or something?’ Yukino speculated internally.

"Hello, nice to meet you," she greeted him politely, her tone cold and distant. "My name is Yukinoshita Yukino. Pleased to make your acquaintance."

"I’m Higashino Tadashi," he said as he stood up. "You’re the one Shizu… er, I mean, Ms. Shizuka mentioned—dealing with a supernatural problem, right?"

Hiratsuka gave Tadashi a subtle glare.

He had almost slipped up. Though they were involved, their 10-year age gap wasn’t something easily accepted in public. Hiratsuka had specifically told him to call her "Ms. Shizuka" in front of others, not "Shizu."

"Yes, can you resolve it?" Yukino asked nervously.

"Come in and sit first," Tadashi suggested, not answering directly. "Let me take a look at your situation."

Yukino stepped inside, sitting down on the sofa with perfect posture, her back straight. She had been to Hiratsuka’s apartment before, so it wasn’t unfamiliar.

"Can you tell what’s going on?" Hiratsuka asked, her tone concerned.

"It’s not a major issue," Tadashi replied with a calm smile, observing Yukino.

‘A cat spirit, huh…’ he thought.

In Tadashi’s vision, a faint, pale white aura surrounded Yukino. It felt cold and malicious, vaguely forming the shape of a cat, hissing as if to threaten him.

"It’s not a major issue?" Yukino’s eyes lit up with relief.

Did this mean Tadashi could solve the problem?

"That’s great," Hiratsuka sighed in relief, then asked, "Can you deal with it now?"

"Yes," Tadashi nodded.

For ordinary people, this cat spirit’s aura would be terrifying and potentially fatal. Even their family members could suffer, falling severely ill. But to Tadashi, it was nothing more than a layer of mist.

Even if the cat spirit itself showed up, it wouldn’t stand a chance against him.

"Just give me your hand."

Tadashi extended his hand toward Yukino, a glint of excitement in his eyes.

He hadn’t forgotten about his system’s ability to reward him for interacting with key characters.

‘If I got rewards for Hiratsuka, I should get something for Yukino too.’

‘After all, she’s a main character.’

‘I wonder what kind of reward I’ll get this time?’

He couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation.

"Handshake?" Yukino was puzzled.

She had never heard of exorcisms involving a handshake. Wasn’t there supposed to be chanting or something?

Although confused, she didn’t hesitate. After all, it was just a handshake.

She extended her pale, delicate hand and clasped Tadashi’s right hand.

Meanwhile, Hiratsuka watched Tadashi with suspicion. ‘Is this brat trying to take advantage of Yukino?’

Tadashi had a history, after all. The first time they met in that alley, he had forcibly kissed her, and later that night, he had barged into her apartment and claimed her completely.

‘Yukino is such a beautiful girl, even I find her adorable.’

‘This brat probably has some ulterior motive!’

Hiratsuka’s brows furrowed in concern, just as she was about to shoot Tadashi a warning look.

*Boom!*

Suddenly, a powerful aura erupted from Tadashi, radiating strength and wild energy. It was fierce and overwhelming, like a king of beasts asserting its dominance over the jungle.

Tadashi unleashed his power, channeling it through the handshake and transferring it into Yukino’s body.

*Snap!*

The cat spirit’s aura around Yukino shattered like a fragile bubble, instantly dissipating.

At the same time, Tadashi heard the system notification in his mind.

【Ding!】

【Successfully interacted with Yukinoshita Yukino. Template progress increased!】

【You have acquired the skill: Facebreaker!】

【Facebreaker: Grab enemies on either side and smash them together, dealing (50/70/90/110/130 + 60% AD) damage and slowing them by 50% for 0.5 seconds. If at least one enemy is grabbed on each side, all enemies are stunned for 1 second.】