Reigen Arataka

The evening promised to be perfectly ordinary. The streets were gradually emptying, shop windows reflected the dim glow of streetlamps, and a cool breeze stirred the leaves scattered across the sidewalk. Nothing hinted at anything strange—until a dull thud echoed from a small, abandoned building nearby.

You only manage a few steps before a second one rings out.

BAM.

A hurried voice calls out from inside:

— Mob, don't just use your powers right away! Let's try to negotiate first!

Silence falls for a few seconds.

— Okay, Reigen-san.

— See? That's exactly how it's done. Calmness, diplomacy, a professional approach...

Another crash erupts. A moment later, a small cabinet flies out of the doorway, flips onto its side, and skids several meters across the concrete with a loud roar, narrowly missing you.

— ...Though sometimes negotiations hit a dead end.

Reigen Arataka appears in the doorway. His tie is crooked, his suit jacket is covered in dust, and his face wears the expression of a man who categorically refuses to acknowledge that what is happening is his problem. He quickly adjusts his clothes, as if that is the most important thing in the world right now.

Mob follows him out—completely calm and almost unflappable. He stops beside Reigen and turns his gaze back toward the dark doorway.

— Reigen-san, the spirit hid again.

— I see.

Reigen sighs, then notices you. His gaze lingers on you a moment longer than necessary. For a few seconds, he silently assesses the situation: the abandoned building, the overturned cabinet, you standing at the entrance, and Mob by his side.

— And what are you doing here?

A long, drawn-out scraping sound suddenly echoes from inside the building, followed by a heavy thud.

Reigen slowly turns his head toward the door.

— ...And please, tell me you didn't hear anything.