Anime Collector: Starting With the Malevolent Shrine

Chapter 37: Chapter 37 ⟴ Treasure Hunting in the Ancient Tower



The path behind the shrine's mountain was rugged, strewn with jagged rocks that made walking treacherous. In the moonlight, the ancient tower's silhouette loomed faintly in the distance.

"Is that the ancient tower? It's more magnificent than I imagined!" Yotsuba exclaimed, perched atop a large rock as she gazed into the distance.

"Indeed, it is quite old." Haruno chuckled breathlessly, "Miss Mimiko mentioned earlier that it dates back to either the Heian or Warring States period. I was distracted at the time and didn't catch the details clearly."

Miku, previously disinterested, suddenly looked up.

"Are there still traces of the Warring States period inside?"

The stark contrast in her intense gaze startled Haruno.

Standing beside her, Yukino pondered briefly, recalling that this classmate had poor grades, with history being her only passing subject. Could she be interested in the Warring States period?

"There should be some remnants left. This ancient tower is open to the public, but only at night. If you find any artifacts in the ruins, the shrine will give them to you directly. That's where the name 'Ancient Tower Treasure Hunt' comes from. However, this place has been searched many times. If you're interested, Miss Miku, you can try looking for something in the ruins." Haruno racked her brains to recall various details about the ancient tower.

She wasn't sure if it was just her imagination, but she clearly felt Miku's entire demeanor change.

The silent Nino quietly observed the ancient tower. As the instigator, she was fully aware of the information Haruno had shared.

Her original intention was to use the Warring States period history to attract Miku's attention. Then, while the others were distracted, she planned to enjoy the treasure hunting process with Daiki.

However... Ichika had ruined it all.

Nino couldn't help but glare fiercely at her.

Feeling guilty, Ichika shrank back, hiding behind Itsuki. At this moment, she had to admit that her previous behavior was foolish.

This Haruno's knowledge and etiquette were nearly perfect. Especially those mountains that obscured her toes, which maximized her charm.

Ordinary boys would find it hard to resist this big sister type.

Although Haruno hadn't spoken to Daiki yet, Ichika had a feeling that this woman was here for him.

"Miss Kiyotaki and Miss Ginko, are you also here for treasure hunting?" Haruno changed the subject, addressing the two less noticeable individuals.

{N/T: It's important to note that she is using different names to refer to different people. Being older, she feels at liberty to call the younger ones by their first names, while with Keika, who is almost the same age as her, she calls her by her surname.}

"Yes, Master Shakando's birthday is approaching. It's said that a top-class Go player from the Heian period once stayed in this ancient tower. He deliberately hid a game record here, which hasn't been found to this day. It would be quite valuable as a collectible. We wanted to try our luck. If we really find it, we'll give the game record to Master Shakando as a birthday gift."

Keika's words caught Daiki's attention.

Haruno, who had been secretly observing him, immediately brightened up. She'd been wondering how to approach him.

"Oh, is Daiki-kun also interested in shogi and game records?" Haruno's question drew everyone's attention to him.

'Come to think of it, I haven't paid attention to what Daiki-kun likes…' Both Miku and Nino suddenly realized, recognizing this blind spot.

"I'm generally interested in anything with collectible value." Daiki said with a smile.

Yukino's mind raced. With the Yukinoshita family's wealth, collecting artifacts would be too easy. Shogi-related collectibles might be rare, but still obtainable.

Haruno didn't speak, sensing that wasn't what he meant.

Miku looked thoughtful, clearly pondering the meaning of his words as well.

Only Nino quickly came to her senses. The reason was simple: she had been to his home. That neat and simple style didn't look like someone who would have collections.

"In that case, aren't we competitors?" Keika said, her eyes widening, "Ginko, let's hurry! We need to find the game record first!"

With that, she suddenly sped up.

"Ah, that's sneaky! Don't try to get ahead!" Yotsuba leaped forward, catching up to Keika.

Ginko, who had a heart condition, coldly watched the two.

"I'm going too!" Ichika, trying to make amends for her mistake, dragged Itsuki along as she ran off. She also pulled Haruno and Yukino with her.

Daiki and Nino leisurely entered the ancient tower.

Miku and Ginko's eyes met, seeming to burn with determination.

"The game record is mine!" Ginko said coldly.

"I won't lose!" Miku clenched her fists, unwilling to back down.

Then, the two headed deeper into the ancient tower to explore.

"Daiki-kun, that bookshelf over there looks interesting." Nino pulled his hand, leading him to a secluded corner.

As soon as Daiki stopped, Nino threw herself into his arms. Her soft hands roamed freely, even more eager than him.

"Having Miku bite your neck, and still carrying her up the mountain with effort. Daiki-kun's stamina is really impressive!" Her light words were laced with undisguised jealousy. Before he could answer, Nino moved close to his face, "And Daiki-kun's hands never left those black stockings."

"I was carrying Miku on my back, of course I had to support her." Daiki replied helplessly.

"Hmph... It's clear that you didn't want to let go... Was it that comfortable?" The angry girl wouldn't care about these details.

She grabbed his hand and guided it under her skirt. Slowly moving upwards from the inside of her tights, the delicate sensation was captivating.

"Me... me and Miku... which one feels better?" Nino, melting in his arms, asked breathlessly, her face flushed red.

Daiki's heart raced, his Ghost Hand forming a wall to shield them.

❊❊❊❊❊❊❊❊❊❊

Meanwhile, the moon reached its zenith.

Mimiko and Nanako fidgeted restlessly.

"Mr. Geto, when will he return?" Mimiko asked anxiously.

"They've found two of Sukuna's Fingers over there, so it'll be a while before he comes back." Nanako's words plunged Mimiko into despair.

An overwhelming Cursed Energy swirled uncontrollably around the ancient tower behind the shrine. Not only were the two girls keeping their distance, but even the surrounding Cursed Spirits dared not approach.

Yet despite this, some fools still ventured inside.

"Capture the Yukinoshita family's eldest and second daughters alive, and the Zombie Devil Lord will grant you power beyond ordinary humans!" A voice commanded.

❊❊❊

T/N: If you want more chapters like this, check out my Patreon! Take a look at my other translations too, you might like them!

For just $1 you can access all the extra content, descriptive images, and the smuts (this one has a lot), costs only $2!

That's it and happy reading! (-‿◦)

https://www.patreon.com/mrblackwing


Tip: You can use left, right, A and D keyboard keys to browse between chapters.