Lime got into the eyes.
The pain spread in an instant.
Even though the person could no longer be called ’human’, such pain was unbearable for them as well.
However, compared to an ordinary person, this twisted soul of a serial killer started firing several shots at Ryosuke’s position the moment the pain began.
When he threw the lime, Ryosuke had already made a movement to turn his head and side-step.
The bullets struck the wall behind him, and the splashed cement fragments hurt the back of Ryosuke’s head and neck.
But what hurt even more was his chest.
But a lung lobe was pierced.
Ryosuke could even feel the sensation of blood gushing in his chest cavity.
A pain far more intense than anything before struck him.
Yet, Ryosuke was unmoved.
He quickly pulled out another gun from under his armpit and pulled the trigger.
One shot in the brow.
One in the left chest.
One in the right chest.
The serial killer fell to the ground, his eyes filled with disbelief amidst the lime.
How did Ryosuke still have a gun?
To the end, the killer didn’t understand.
"A man always carries a gun on him."
Ryosuke said while coughing.
Blood kept pouring from his mouth.
He should be nearly dead, right?
Such a serious injury, even if taken to the hospital now, would be hard to save.
And even if saved, the likelihood of being disabled was high.
He didn’t want to spend the second half of his life in a wheelchair, needing help even to go to the toilet.
That would be too miserable.
It was a bit unfair to Jason.
They had agreed it was a cover.
Now it had become taking the blame.
A deep sense of apology surfaced in Ryosuke’s heart.
Then, darkness struck.
Ryosuke lost consciousness entirely.
A faint halo passing through the eyelids awakened Ryosuke.
On waking up, Ryosuke’s mind naturally popped up with this information.
If he hadn’t encountered the ’Mystical Side’, Ryosuke would probably think he was in a hospital now.
But having encountered it, Ryosuke’s thoughts were already erratic.
If I became a ghost, I wouldn’t be an evil spirit, right?
If I were a ghost, would there be a trial?
I should be able to see my parents and sister, right?
I hope my parents and sister can forgive me.
Amidst his fluttering thoughts, Ryosuke was full of apprehension.
"If you’re awake, sit up."
At this somewhat familiar voice, Ryosuke was startled, then he turned his head and saw a handsome face.
Tsuchimikado Motoharu!
Ryosuke was quite familiar with this person.
But such familiarity was definitely not positive.
Both for his disregard for life and his behind-the-scenes schemes.
Although he seemed to have an unusual relationship with Jason, Ryosuke didn’t like him, and that was that.
Undeniably, this sentiment showed on Ryosuke’s face.
"Is that how you treat your savior?"
Tsuchimikado Motoharu held a folding fan, gently tapping it against his palm, his voice soft and warm.
Then, Ryosuke found that the pain in his ankles was gone, there was no sensation in his lungs, and apart from feeling a little tired, there were almost no injuries on his body.
Ryosuke asked subconsciously.
Tsuchimikado Motoharu retorted.
Such retort made Ryosuke feel awkward.
There was the awkwardness of asking a question to which the answer is already known, but more so was the awkwardness of not knowing how to face Tsuchimikado Motoharu.
Yet he had saved him.
He naturally wanted to express thanks, but due to the disdain, such thanks would seem hypocritical, which was something he didn’t want.
Ryosuke wanted his gratitude to be sincere.
Yet he couldn’t deceive his own heart.
And so, this middle-aged man found himself in a dilemma.
Moreover, this was a life-saving grace.
Not something that could be thanked with a few words.
With a deeply furrowed brow, Ryosuke finally said—
"Tell me how much you spent to save me, I’ll repay you threefold."
"You saved my life, I owe you two lives, I’ll repay that too."
The words came out of Ryosuke’s mouth with great difficulty and stuttering.
Tsuchimikado Motoharu’s lips curled up, showing a smile that could be considered incredibly beautiful.
The Onmyoji opened his folding fan, covering his face with it, his slender eyes peeking out, enjoying Ryosuke’s embarrassment.
Especially when he thought of how Ryosuke had previously left his estate with anger and stubbornness.
The current scene made it all the more interesting to him.
But now, mixed with embarrassment, it was truly amusing.
Under Tsuchimikado Motoharu’s gaze, Ryosuke grew even more uncomfortable.
He wished he could push open the car door and leave this place.
But Tsuchimikado Motoharu had not yet told him the cost, so he needed to wait patiently.
"I was just helping the master avoid unnecessary trouble."
"It’s what a retainer should do."
Tsuchimikado Motoharu waved his hand dismissively, his tone nonchalant.
The less concerned he appeared, the more uncomfortable Ryosuke felt.
Ryosuke inquired tentatively.
Tsuchimikado Motoharu habitually responded with a question.
He had incurred another favor.
How should he repay it?
At this moment, Tsuchimikado Motoharu spoke again.