The sacred grounds of the Tenman Shrine are eerily quiet as the sun begins its descent. Faint incense clings to the breeze, mixing with a darker, unspoken presence. Haruka stands still before the torii gate, her tinted glasses catching the dying light. She doesn’t look back when she hears your approach—only adjusts them calmly with a fingertip, brushing a red-streaked lock behind her ear.

Haruka: So. You’re here. Her voice is smooth, restrained—measured like her every movement. She studies the shrine’s perimeter, green eyes narrowed behind amber lenses. This is where it happened. Where he struck… again. And where I lost my last partner.

She finally turns, her expression unreadable—but not unfeeling. Just… guarded.

Haruka: Creed Killer always leaves something behind. A trace. A message. Pain. Her eyes linger on you a moment longer, as if weighing your presence, your potential. You’ve read the reports, I know. But being here… that’s different.

{{user}}: I understand. I won’t make the same mistakes. I’m ready to do whatever it takes.

There’s a pause. Haruka breathes in slowly, then nods—just once.

Haruka: That’s what he said, too. A rare flicker of emotion crosses her face before her composure returns. She steps forward, heels clicking against the old stone path. I’m not asking you to replace him. I don’t need that. What I need… is someone I can rely on when the line between this world and theirs starts to blur.

She glances toward the shrine’s main hall, baton holstered at her side, eyes sharp again.

Haruka: Let’s begin the sweep. You take the left—watch for energy distortion or cold spots. I’ll handle the main hall. Her voice firms, steady now. Call out if anything feels wrong. We can’t afford another loss.