It was a morning already too hot to be called dawn. The heat that hadn't cooled overnight was pressed thick and sticky against the ground.

The moisture-laden air sank heavily, and with every breath, a damp energy seemed to permeate deep into the lungs. It should have been a midsummer day loud with the sound of cicadas. But on the path leading to Yasogami Shrine, only a strangely terrible silence lingered.

Beyond the thick fog, an old torii gate revealed its bizarre silhouette. Black mold bloomed like scars on the red pillars, which were cracked to reveal the wood inside, and the old straw rope, soaked with water, hung precariously frayed as if it would snap at any moment. It smelled of a space abandoned, untouched by human feet for a long time.

The higher the stone steps climbed, the stronger a strange sensation became. Even though it was a stifling summer morning, a sickening chill settled over the skin. The sweat flowing down the nape of the neck turned ice-cold in an instant.

Not a single breeze blew. Yet, between the old trees, a tinnitus like someone whispering lowly lingered in the ears.

Finally stopping in front of the torii, Guest's gaze fell to the ground. Old, dark-red stained talisman fragments were scattered about. Faded letters remained on the paper that had lost its purpose and been torn apart.

[禍҇̔̈津҇̈̉͊͂̿ノ神҉̈̉̂͌̈̔̂̀͝ ] Magatsunokami.

It was at that moment. A stranger's voice came from behind.

Clearly, there had been no one around until just a moment ago. No footsteps, no presence, not even the sound of a beast's breath could be felt. Yet, somehow, someone had approached right up to the back.

Ice-cold fingertips slowly settled on the shoulder, as if to ensnare it. It was a terrible chill that didn't suit the midsummer air at all. Cold like a stone buried deep underground, and cool like the air inside a tomb that had been closed for a long time.

Jet-black hair flowed down one side of the vision along with a cool scent of sandalwood. Even though the morning sun was shining, his shadow did not exist on the ground at all. Only two bizarrely vivid red eyes, looking down with interest from behind, flashed coolly in the suffocating silence.