"...I must say, I was quite surprised. Who would have thought you'd make such a hasty decision? It's unlike Minister to take such a risky path, isn't it?"
In the dignified study of the palace, those words echoed with meaning.
"..."
Despite the sudden familiarity from the official who employed him as a scribe, the elderly nobleman continued his duties without reproach. With a warm smile, he remained silent for a moment before speaking.
"Oh? Didn't you agree? I thought it was a perfect opportunity to weaken the exorcists."
The attack on the envoy, the kidnapping of the representative— the chaos that ensued from these events was significant. The fact that such outrage occurred in the heart of the capital region shook many, leaving even some attendees stunned and speechless.
It was proof of how the court had underestimated this matter. They probably thought that just by sending an envoy in a parade, the other party would surrender easily. Their naive expectations were quickly shattered, and they realized that.
"It's impressive how you can manipulate a chaotic assembly to get the order for suppression. But still, it was reckless, don't you think? Wasn't the Minister of the Right skeptical? It's not admirable to draw suspicion when you're about to criticize that household."
The Ryuen family, one of the families that have traditionally inherited the position of Minister of the Right, is especially cautious. This is true even when it comes to marriage. Due to their vigilance towards connections and blood relations, even Nue, who has reincarnates in various forms, has not been able to penetrate the bloodline of that family. The decision for the Minister of the Left's granddaughter to marry into that family in this generation was the culmination of a plan that had been in the works for over half a century. And...
"But it was also an opportunity. The Middle Counselor (Chuunagon) was also a bit troublesome, just like the Minister of The Right."
The elderly Middle Counselor was knowledgeable nobleman in both the courtly and military matters, quick-witted, and even able to entertain. Even in retirement, one couldn't let their guard down. If possible, it would have been better for him to die early.
"Moreover, the opponent is that snake. The expedition team will likely be destroyed. But that's fine. That is what is desired."
He didn't anticipate the divine snake. It was a natural consequence. It was bound to provoke the snake's wrath. The sacrifices would pile up.
And yet...it was all just the remnants of past glory. The tarnished court would send assassins without concern for appearances. Eventually, they would be defeated. And then disaster would be unleashed. Divine punishment would strike the people. It was doubly delicious for him.
"According to you, Master, you have invited them (the snake) several times in the past, right? I've heard that Master was rejected."
Despite the deep connection with the imperial court, it also signified something profound with the master right in front of him. The ghost (the master) had tasted the bitterness of the past, much like the snake.
"Cooperation is impossible. Neglect could lead to unforeseen consequences. The snake, with its unnecessarily high status, could become an uncertain variable in our plans. Therefore, we should make the most of it while we can, even if it means using it up. Along with the Tengu."
If the extermination squad is annihilated, the Tengu will have no choice but to fully engage in conflict with the imperial court. Whether the Tengu will submit to the snake or it will become a three-way struggle... in any case, weakening the imperial court is essential.
"The snake will be slain. The Tengu will be eradicated. We are prepared to control the remaining Spiritual Vein."
The Minister of the Left, who advocated for suppression, would likely secure the rights to the Spiritual Vein of the lost Mt. Anma to the fullest extent possible. Killing two birds, maybe even three, with one stone. It's a perfect opportunity. While the negotiations with the Tengu, as originally planned, and attempts to incorporate them into the court and provoke conflict between the court and the Tengu have failed... overall, isn't this landing point not bad?
"Why not just say it clearly? That you want to destroy those birds?"
"..."
The Minister of the Left stopped writing. He looked at his assistant (his master) in silence, his smile stiffening as if glued on.
"...Don't be so cautious. Aren't we in this together?"
"Since when did you notice?"
"From the beginning. Would you believe that?"
The ghost (亡霊) disguised as an assistant answered while resting his chin on his hand. Though his tone seemed playful, the Minister nodded.
"I see. Indeed, it wouldn't be strange at all for you to come to such a conclusion."
During the founding period, this ghost who knew about the great war knew a lot more about the Tengu than the experts in that field. He knew about the Tengu of Anma. He knew about the leader of the Tengu. Of course, because they were acquainted.
"I was rather careless, wasn't I? I should have expected you to be tough on them if you had the chance."
Even though he usually wore the skin of a gentleman, it is important to remember that this Minister is actually a madman. If not a madman, he would not have considered stealing the bodies of his descendants for hundreds of years for his own purposes. Could it be a symptom of aging to forget about it even for a moment in the position of inviting people to hell? It might be a deterioration of the soul. It's an important subject for research.
"Well, I understand the feeling, but it's not good to stray from the path, right? Unlike me, you should focus on the main goal that must be accomplished. A person who chases two rabbits catches neither, you know?"
Saying so, the ghost reached out for the candy dish placed beside the Minister (Daijin). He plucked a red candy egg and savored it, letting the gentle sweetness spread through his borrowed mouth.
"Mmm. This is quite delicious. I believe... it was a gift from the Tachibana merchant guild, right?"
"Yes. With keen ears, they have been selling labor and goods to the expedition team."
The ghost recalled a recent visitor. Bringing Nanban-style sweets invented by the young lady of family while talking about business... it turned into a mere boast about his daughter... remembering the head of the trading company.
When it came to his daughter being treated as his successor, it was a pathetic sight, but Minister of the Left knew that he was not to be underestimated. He may not be all-knowing, but it was unusual how something decided in a private council could be known the next day. His ears seemed even sharper after the purge of the merchant guild a few years ago.
"It's a troublesome situation, isn't it? Is the daughter of his fixated on Onitsuki's second princess? Truly troublesome."
Taking another bite of the red candy egg, he sipped his tea and pondered for a moment. Then... he looked squarely at the Minister.
"As a master, as an elder, and as a collaborator, let me advise you. Make arrangements so that you can retract your orders immediately without getting too involved."
The ghost recommended this to the disciple, who was also a collaborator, just like a teacher imparting wisdom to a student. Yet, it was sincere and urgent.
It was a gesture truly uncharacteristic of the enigmatic figure of a hundred faces.
"...You think it won't go well?"
"Well, you know... hm. Well, Kouka-kun seems to have failed in the meantime, too. It would be better to handle the situation before it becomes a mess."
Nue who had been hiding and watching the Tengu mountain as a messenger. The Minister of the Left sighs when he realizes this.
"It's frustrating."
"You shouldn't be greedy. At least we have eliminated uncertainties. No matter what happens between the snake and the Tengu, the court will not be at ease. Our attention should be on Anma's mountain. Or rather, we should direct it there. That way, things will be easier for us."
Nue proposes a plan to send an army and the Seven Demon-Sealing Warriors to the mountain as a heavy support. It is not a bad idea for a large army and skilled exorcists to be away from the capital.
"Indeed, that makes sense."
"You don't fully agree, do you?"
The Minister remained silent in response to the sharp question. This attitude seemed to be that of a ghost of obsession and determination. In the chaotic times, even the Tengu demons took part in the human sacrifices offered by the priestesses. At least, that's what the deceased think.
From Nue's perspective, it may seem like a bit of a grudge, but...well, he won't point it out intentionally. Even if he points it out, he won't be satisfied. It's best not to touch it and risk ruining the relationship.
"...Minister, it's about time. Your carriage has arrived."
"...Is it already that time?"
The heavy atmosphere was broken not inside the room, but from outside. The Minister responded with dignity to the maid's call from the other side of the shouji paper door.
"Time?"
"I have plans to go out. I have been invited to a tea party. Can I not refuse such a kindness?"
The exchange transitioning from mentor and disciple, from comrades to the facade of master and servant, reminded Nue of something the failed shrine maiden had once mentioned...
It would serve as a fitting distraction. Perhaps, by seeing her, the fervor among the Tengu would cool down a bit. Nue anticipated this.
"Now, I'll prepare to depart..."
"Alright. While I'm away, should I handle most of the remaining tasks before returning home? Should I expect your excellent skills as a assistant?"
With a gentlemanly air, the Minister of the Left stood up and instructed the scribe. It was a natural order considering the circumstances, and although Nue smiled and accepted it, internally he felt frustrated.
This incompetent disciple, he thought to himself.
"Understood, I will carry out your orders."
The assistant (Nue) picks up the candied eggs again and eats them. The calligraphy brush is respectfully thrown away with all his heart and soul towards his master. Just by listening to the voice, no one could measure his true intentions. They smile at each other.
...Well, well. Since he has been left behind, there is no point in complaining. Let's start processing the stack of letters that have arrived from various places with care.
Generating friction, twisting the country as it rots, right...?
* * *
It was a fierce, brutal, grand, yet meaningless, worthless, and endlessly boring battle.
A pale blue fire fills the entire area. Reduced to ashes. The snake rises again many times. It crushes the woman. The woman also returns from the flames. It continues endlessly... The snake continues this task methodically.
(Dull, isn't it?)
The snake complains while dropping the burnt flesh.
(No matter how many times I crush you, it's the same)
The snake boasts while crushing with its tail.
(No matter how many times I dissolve you, it's the same.)
The snake hisses as its venom breaks down flesh and bone.
(No matter how many times I cut you down, it's the same.)
The beam incinerates and blasts away Hina as the snake hisses.
And then, it receives the sword of the phoenix woman, burning as it reclaims itself. It receives the flames. It's all the same. It was always the same.
Truly, it was a tedious task. Despite the excessive use of grand techniques, nothing changes.
No matter how powerful her attack is, even one that can kill a calamity youkai, if it doesn't match the snake's abilities, it's all meaningless. Her body regenerates each time it's destroyed, at no cost. And just in return, the snake flicks Hina's body away with its tail. Breaking into pieces and scattering, then the woman approaching unscathed from the flames... It's a scene it's seen countless times.
Compared to the intensity, the fight felt dull and repetitive. It was just the same thing over and over again.
(What!?)
A fierce battle with the burning woman ended suddenly. A Tengu appeared in sight, surrounded by smoke bombs scattered around.
(Are you stupid? It's pointless... No, it's not that boring either.)
In front of the senses of the great snake, it was like a child's play. Indeed, the snake could 'see'. They sensed that the group was gathering and talking inside the smoke screen. If the snake wanted, they could have captured them all at once. But they never did.
For the snake, it was a welcome turn of events. The outcome of the recent battle was so empty. They both had no decisive moves, and the snake understood that the pointless battle would end that way. A victory that was already known... to the long-lived snake, it was an even more boring conclusion.
That's why the snake welcomed it. They could see the immortal fire woman leaving. It didn't matter where she disappeared to. The snake had no attachment to that woman.
Instead, there were two people left working together. From within the smoke, they swiftly approached. Back and forth, they came...!!
"It's payback time!! You darn snake!!"
(Haha, I've been waiting so long! Don't bore me too much now, okay?!)
Responding with gusto to the monkey's words, the Great Snake replied. For the Great Snake, it was the perfect opportunity to resume their playful game, laced with just the right amount of danger.
* * *
In Fusō-kuni, there is a legend known as "Shuten-doji."
Among the demon, who are inherently different from humans, this individual had a particularly unique origin.
With the countless deaths of a multi-headed snake, the calamities left behind at its dying moments often afflicted people as epidemics or disasters in various forms. Among these, one of the most peculiar legacies was this demon.
By injecting a curse filled with divine power into the many human remains in its stomach and making their anger, hatred, and desires stronger, the deformed child expelled from the snake's stomach quickly became one of the top "demons" in Fusō.
It was the result of a person created by a god. The snake's actions, striking back at humans, could show that after dying many times, it saw humans as enemies. The snake realized it couldn't beat humans with disasters and that humans were becoming stronger than nature. To harm humans, it needed a new kind of curse.
In any case, the embodiment of desire, the demon, rampaged extensively. They drank, ate, ravaged, destroyed, stole, and violated weak people at will.
In the process, this demon gathered countless demon with even lower origins. This was driven by the desire of humans who wanted to "dominate." Of course, there were cases where they were repelled and driven away, like being repelled by the blue demon of the Four Disasters... In any case, they were not ordinary monsters.
A hundred Demon. The chikd who had become the master of the Hundred Demon Night Parade, but when his evil deeds was known, virtuous monks visited the mountain where they nested. Though strong, they were powerless against the great power of the monks. The demon, severely defeated... but it was then revealed that the demon inherited the blessings of their parents.
Like their parents, these demon also had multiple lives. Deceiving the monks and fleeing with their minions, the demon's heart was ruled by overwhelming rage. Anger towards the humans who had attacked them. Yet, knowing the fear of death from their roots, the demon never went back to the monks.
Instead, the demon headed towards the direction the monks came from. It was an act of revenge. Destroying the villages in the direction the monks had come from, and finally reaching the center region.
In the history of Fusō Province, there was an event called the "Night March of a Hundred Demon." Led by a powerful Demon known as the Four Heavenly Kings, a big group of demons attacked the capital and nearby areas. Some strong people got away, but the demons went after farmers, merchants, and noble ladies in the city, enjoying feasting on them. The initial revenge was forgotten as a lot of blood was shed.
The imperial court was not without a plan. However, facing such a large group of demon, they hesitated to send a large-scale punitive force, as they even considered seeking out the Spiritual Vein of the capital if the opportunity arose. It might have been more troublesome for the imperial court to engage directly than to be confronted by the demon.
Yet, their evil deeds do not last long. The elite warriors skilled in exorcism, under the emperor's command, launched an attack. They did not hold back, using ruthless methods to defeat all the demon. They have no intention of leaving any survivors, it was a thorough massacre and annihilation.
The child was also slain. Their head was cut off. One managed to escape. It was thanks to the power inherited from their parents.
They were truly frightened. Terrified. Their origin was human resentment. Human grievances. The fear of death was vividly recalled. The demon trembled and retreated to the mountains.
How long did they stay hidden...? Like the snake, the demon continued to hibernate. Falling into slumber, curling up like a baby, gathering their strength in the remote areas of the Spiritual Vein.
They suckled on their own fingers like a baby and slept soundly for eternity...
(I have finally found you, my unworthy child.)
In the eternal dream, it appeared. The Great Snake looked down upon them. What it was, the demon understood at a glance. Their instinct sensed it.
(Poor, foolish, adorable son. You should come back to me. Return. Dig yourself up. Then I shall give you what you desire. ...Shall I fill that hungry heart of yours?)
The demon, who lived like a wild animal, saw it as a sign from the gods and more than that...
'ROOOOOAAAARRRR!!!'
the demon, fueled by anger, tore apart the ropes. The ropes were wrapped around the sacred tree in Anma's forbidden forest. These ropes were strong, even stronger than when the demon ate Tengu or humans, because they absorbed the tree's energy. But against the demon's raw strength, they were just a delay. Finally, the ropes snapped. The demon howled loudly at the sky.
The reason the demon came here was to fill the emptiness in their heart. The connection with the great snake was their reason for being here. So, the demon freed, followed, and protected the snake. And those puny beings dared to...
'ROOOOOAAAARRRR!!!'
The roaring sound shook the air once again, more aggressive this time. Holding their barbaric swords, they stared at the two approaching the great snake. It's uncertain if the demon were truly obedient or if they even understood such a concept.
Nevertheless, the demon glared at the two with fierce looks and single-minded intent to kill. Growling, they prepared to leap, but then... dodged.
The forest they were just in moments ago was swallowed by a sea of blue flames.
"You're like a beast. Reacting to hostility. Oh my, what a filthy appearance upon closer inspection."
Descending slowly from above, a woman's figure made the demon snarl as they shifted their attention. The murderous intent towards the two from before was immediately redirected towards her. This demon's mind was far from stable.
However, being true to their nature, the demon excelled in intuition. Hence, the impulsive demon rushed in.
"Burn!"
'GROOOOOOAR!!'
The flames were released. A tsunami of flames impossible to evade. But the demon's response was simple and straightforward.
With a swing of their arm and a barbarian sword in hand, they scooped up a massive amount of water, like a muddy stream, splashing it at the flames. The fire eagerly swallowed up the water.
"What?! How dare you do this at the level of a beast...!!"
Onitsuki's First Princess clicked her tongue. She understood that the actions of the demon were the best in this situation.
Onitsuki Hina, who wields the power of 'annihilation,' is powerful. It burns everything as a concept, as an existence. If used skillfully, it can bring exceptional effects as both an attack and a defense.
Yes. Everything. Especially Hina has not yet fully mastered that power. She cannot quickly select or change the conditions for 'annihilating' the target. Therefore, when she uses this power as an attack, the annihilation includes all beings within range.
The swirling hot water engulfed the purified flames of 'annihilation' with immense spiritual power. It was like the water swallowed the flames, or maybe the other way around. Either way, it meant the same thing: the water was annihilating the flames, erasing them completely. In this process, the flames refined from the spirit power within the water were diminishing. It was an incredibly unfair trade-off, like buying something expensive with cheap coins.
(I can just burn their youkai aura...? It doesn't even make sense!!)
For a moment, Hina thought of a plan, but she quickly dismissed it. The reason was straightforward. She faced a relentless onslaught of waves of hot water, thousands of times more than she could handle, followed by big trees thrusting towards her. As she landed on the water's surface, Hina danced and swung her sword with grace. The blue flames coordinated to protect her. They shielded her from both the hot water and the giant trees.
Water, trees, or even rocks... even low-level youkai often use them as tools. Higher-level youkai, more closely connected to humans, might use weapons once wielded by people. Of course, these things don't possess youkai aura. It wasn't very realistic to expect the flames of 'annihilation,' which were unleashed as an attack, to discriminate and only burn things with youkai aura while sparing everything else.
"Here it comes!!"
The demon emerged from the tsunami of hot water, aiming her flames. Hinata was sent flying, her upper body crushed.
It was caused by a giant tree being uprooted. In the brief moment it took to 'annihilate' the tree, what struck Hina at supersonic speed was a literal feat of strength from the demon. Consciousness faded along with her body. Her vision went dark. When she woke up, she was once again dancing in the air. Before regeneration could kick in, her body was thrown into the sky by another giant tree. And... this time, she was smashed by a huge boulder thrown at her head.
"Wha...!?"
Her consciousness fading away with the impact. Burning in the water, her body began to regenerate. And then, her burning eyes caught sight of a giant tree piercing through the water's surface. The tree was getting closer. Everything went black.
The simplest way to defeat an immortal being is to keep killing them. Keep attacking until they weaken, find a way to stop their revival, or seal them away. Hina instinctively grasped this while facing the demon, maybe because she had the power of immortality.
"But, how naive...!"
A storm of annihilation flames overflowing from the bottom of the hot spring. Every time the surrounding water flowed in, everything was 'annihilated.' It was like a blazing fire, rapidly consuming her spiritual energy like water from a hot spring. Unable to endure the intense flames, the demon backed away from the flames. Of course, the attacks from the giant tree stopped.
"Pant, pant... Now then. Shall we start over?"
Onitsuki Hina crawled up to the surface of the water and pushed her head out, hitting it against the rocks. She climbed up to the top of the rocks and proudly proclaimed. Even though she smirked confidently, beads of sweat overflowed from her forehead, indicating that getting to this point was not easy.
As the demon continued to run around the surface of the water, circling around Hina, she didn't miss a beat. Hina probably has more chances to die right now. And in terms of physical ability, she is far behind. The demon sensed that the woman no longer had the strength to compete head-on.
The demon had the advantage of the terrain. Against a monster who could run on the surface of the water with pure physical ability, Hina needed to enhance her body strength. She had limited mobility and time. The same goes for projectiles. With several swords at her waist, Hina could pull out the trees and throw them. It wouldn't take much effort. But Hina would need to use an outrageous amount of spiritual power to burn them...
'Guuu!'
The demon didn't logically understand them. It was just an animalistic instinct. Intuitively, the red-faced demon found a way to victory. Their mouth, wide like a crack, twisted into a grin.
The girl had given them trouble, but she was just a little monkey girl after all. She may have gained an incredible power, but she couldn't control it. Let's savor this carefully. It's high-quality meat. It must taste delicious when dried and salted. Even making blood wine out of the meat would be tasty. the demon's mouth was drooling.
"You monsters probably have some idea in mind. You must be planning something very rude, aren't you? I won't let this end in such a boring place."
The girl declared as if she were chewing on something. And then... immediately she ran through the air!!
'Oh-!!?'
For a moment, the demon was caught off guard by the unexpected turn of events, but they quickly turned on their heels. They managed to evade the "Annihilation" arrows raining down from the sky, despite their large size. While slipping through them, they were amazed.
What a fool, it's not on the surface of the water, your in the air!? And at that speed...!? Do you have the brute strength to kick up the air like I do? The demon quickly revises Hina's abilities upwards.
...The reality is a little different. Onitsuki Hina's flight is more like a jet propulsion. She just used her 'special ability' to do what the servant in black clothing did with a conch shell and steam.
Releasing 'Annihilation' from the soles of her feet, she propels herself with 'Reiki' that turned into flames... it's the pinnacle of inefficiency. It was a technique made possible by Hina's slender and lightweight body, and her tendency for short-term combat without much thought.
...But for Hina, those shortcomings didn't matter compared to the fact that her beloved was flying with a similar idea. Her mind was full of the fact that they had arrived at the same conclusion, making her feel dizzy. She couldn't help but believe in the existence of the red string of fate.
...Certainly, it wasn't the time to think about this in the midst of a battle for life and death.
'Gwoah!!?'
In any case, it was an unexpected ambush. As Hina streaked through the air to close in rapidly, the demon narrowly dodged. The unleashed blue flames were dispersed with a breath. The demon's lung capacity turned their breath into an air cannon, scattering Hina's flames. Hina passed by the demon's side.
"Huh!?"
Similar to the steam jets from the servant's conch shell, such intricate maneuvers were not her forte. Hina temporarily deactivated her power, changed her posture mid-air, and thrust backward to approach the demon once more.
The demon laughs at this. Their physical abilities are overwhelming. Even a surprise attack was dodged. Avoiding the second attack is easy for the demon. So, the demon calmly plans to deflect Hina's rush.
...But then, a sharp sense of discomfort is pointed out by the sensitive intuition of the demon. A cold shiver runs down the spine!
'...!?'
Feeling the unsettling sensation, the demon hesitates in their murderous intent, focusing their eyes in the accelerating world. Their eyes widen, almost bulging out of their sockets, and then they see. It was like their eyes were enhanced with youkai energy, drastically improving their vision.
And they found it. A butterfly hidden in the illusion. The culprit who tried to deceive their vision...!!
'RRROARRR!!'
A loud shout erupted suddenly. With just a swig of alcohol, the butterfly vanished in the shockwaves. And their field of vision expanded. The illusion of the butterfly faded away, revealing Onitsuki Hina's true location.
It was an illusion that distorted the perception of distance. In truth, Onitsuki Hina was charging ten steps ahead. The demon aimed straight at the fledgling, unleashing flame. More precisely, igniting the breath they exhaled.
They spit out the potent alcohol stored in one of the demon's organs, the Shozou, and simultaneously rubbing their Adam's apple to ignite it. The youkai sake stored in the demon's organs is unique, and the high temperature from its ignition is incomparable to what a person would drink. The same move used against the servant and Tengu... no, this was the maximum output version, unleashed as a pressure tactic.
'Whoa!'
'Back away!!'
'Watch out!'
It was so strong that the Tengu who were fighting the unparalleled youkai at a considerable distance and altitude flinched. The intensity of the heat was incredible. The Tengu quickly raised their altitude to avoid being engulfed by the flames. The slower-reacting snake servants were caught in the fire and turned into charred remains. The monsters' screams echoed dozens of times.
As for Onitsuki Hina, there was no need to even mention it. The flames of "annihilation" she wielded were not something easily dealt with, they were saturated and turned into chunks of coal that fell like burnt bodies.
...Right before her fall, the demon couldn't react quickly enough to the melting sword tip that was thrown from the flames. The blade grazed their arm, cutting through the thin skin and causing a slight, but truly minimal, amount of blood. A scratch.
'Argghh...!?'
With a gasp, the demon turned their attention away from Onitsuki Hina falling into the hot spring waters. In a panic, they quickly inspected the wound on their arm, preparing for the worst possible scenario.
Thankfully, the flames of 'annihilation' didn't cling to them. If their flesh had caught fire, the demon would have promptly severed that part. So, they felt a sense of relief. It appeared to be a futile struggle after all.
Their prejudice stemmed from Hina's frequent use of the 'annihilation' ability, coupled with their own optimism fueled by her immortality. However, that turned out to be the demon's worst decision.
"Hehehe... Finally... finally cut, right?"
...A creepy laughing voice echoed in the place.
From the hot spring, she crawled out with bones as dark as coal and a body drained of moisture from the scorching heat. Dripping water, she squirmed and creaked as her burnt and tattered body climbed the rocks, letting out a chilling laugh.
'...'
This is like a scene from hell, where the dead are depicted, and the demon was amazed as they watched it. Meanwhile, the corpse climbed onto the rocks, enveloped in blue flames. As her thin limbs regenerated, it transformed back into Onitsuki Hina, with her delicate body, clothes, and sword all restored to their original state.
And then, she smirked. Not because she had been brought back to life, but because of the superficial wounds carved into the demon's body. It was savage and cruel, almost as if she were reveling in it. More terrifying than when she was dead.
'Ggghh...?'
The demon instinctively sensed the danger and backed away, leaping onto trees emerging from the hot spring water, keeping a wary eye on the unsettling madwoman. It also meant she could launch projectiles at any moment.
Something was wrong... the demon focused on watching Hina's next move. It was an unusually cautious response for an Oni, but in hindsight, it proved to be a mistake.
Instead of hesitating, the demon should have mercilessly crushed Hina without a second thought, like a wild beast. Completely, before she even had a chance to connect with them...
"Hmm. Well...yes. This is a souvenir from the underworld. Shall I tell you something? This sword that injured you is a type of youkai sword. Well, it's a spirited horse that has been sleeping in the onitsuki's storehouse for many years."
Although her body was mostly burned and charred, Hina didn't show any signs of readiness to fight.
Instead, she began to speak while looking at the red-black shining sword she held in her hand, discussing how the blade had been restored with a focus on the particularly lost tip through the flames of 'annihilation', clearly showing a youkai aura.
...However, there wasn't really a large quantity of it, rather, the princess's twisted expression was much more powerful.
"Well, you see...although many lower-class youkai swords are like this, it doesn't necessarily bring blessings to their owners. Instead, many of them curse their owners in exchange for sharpness and strength."
Indeed, even the renowned Ako family are no exception to this. Take, for example, the snake sword wielded by the youngest daughter. With each rebellion of its previous owners, it has been broken and bent countless times, its spirit broken, and thus it complies, even without rebelling. And as for the youkai sword wielders of Akō, most of them only use it because it's durable. As for the sword inherited by the eldest son, it's a voracious eater that consumes most of the owner's spiritual power.
"Actually, this one's no different. It's said to have been unearthed from the treasure trove of a demon slain by our ancestors long ago... but it's been covered in dust ever since, all because of its curse."
With that, Onitsuki Hina swung the sword she held. Against her own shin. The blade shimmered as it traced an arc, and then, a moment later, blood gushed vigorously from Hina's shin. It was self-inflicted.
And from the shin of the demon, blood spattered in the same manner.
'Guahh!!?'
The unexpected situation made the demon nervous. Involuntarily, they lost their balance and half of their body sank into the water. The once white and cloudy surface of the water now turned red. the demon looked at their own legs, then at Hina. Hina smirked, even more sinisterly.
"As you can see, this is no ordinary sword. It connects the fates of its owner and the one it strikes. If it injures one side, the same place on the other side will be injured in the same way."
Perhaps it was a cunning souvenir for the demon who ruled the Onitsuki Valley. One member of the Onitsuki family, who had carefully received the sword, perished by its power, and finally, the Onitsuki family understood its nature. They understood and sealed it away deep in their storehouse as a troublesome item.
"Of course, I don't think it's completely useless. There are ways to use it, like risking a fight against a stronger opponent, exploiting the size difference, or even using it as a sacrificial pawn."
Instead, it might prove that there was still some humanity left in the Onitsuki family. Just the bare minimum, though.
"Named 'Kyouran Sword (Chaos).' Ah, sorry. It takes time for it to fully connect fates. So I had a little chat with it, mixing words and all... Surprisingly, it worked out quite well. I managed with some practice against mid-tier youkai opponents."
Hinata tilted her head and smirked, even more sinisterly.
She didn't know. The reason the demon stopped moving wasn't because of words, but because of the ominous madness she carried.
The ominous curse she carried.
"Now then, let's finish this off."
Hinata's body was engulfed in blue flames, resembling Will-o'-the-Wisps. These flames seemed to erase the wound on her shin with a force of 'annihilation.' Her shin was cut. Then the other one. The demon's legs suffered the same fate. Unlike Hinata, the demon's wounds would never heal.
'Gwaaaah!?'
"I'm sorry, but this sword only binds wounds. It is beyond its scope to heal scars."
With a hint of pity, Hina spoke. And then, she thrust the sword into her stomach... creating a horizontal cross and the demon's scream happened simultaneously. Blood sprayed out. With her lips tinted red, Hina remained calm. Calmly, she parted her bright red lips. The alluring shade of her bright red lips squirmed.
"Well then, farewell."
As the girl forcefully pushed the sword into her mouth, the demon's consciousness was extinguished at the same time.
'Ggh!!'
Am I death? How long had it taken? The demon though so as they regained consciousness. The redness of the demon's face reflected in the hot water was now bluer than before regaining consciousness. It wasn't just a loss of blood. It indicated the remaining power of this demon. When a drunkard's red face turns blue like a dead person, it is the demon's final moment. And...
"Well, you woke up surprisingly late, didn't you?"
'GAAAAAAAGGGHH!!!'
A nonchalant, deep-black inquiry thrown at them. Both legs submerged in the hot spring split open again. They looked ahead, seeing the figure of a woman who had also cut her legs. The clothes and the ground were covered in crimson blood, proving that everything before losing consciousness was not an illusion.
The reason for cutting both legs was to prevent escape and retaliation. And the demon had already anticipated what was to come next. They attempted to throw their massive barbaric sword. She responded by cutting off her own arm. One large and one small arm fell to the ground, one by one. It was entertainment.
"That."
With a casual tone, she slit her own throat, performing seppuku. Falling backward in the same manner, the demon collapsed. They woke up again, their legs slashed, screaming in agony.
"You still won't die like this? Well then, shall I try cutting off your head next?"
In the next moment, the demon's head was deeply severed, a beheading. Hina's delicate white neck and the demon's thick neck fell at the same time. The demon awakened, jumped, but it was too late. The demon stumbled as if rolling, sinking into the hot water, consciousness fading. The body was stabbed in the heart. However, perhaps it's better for the demon, as they can deceive their death by hiding underwater...
"Aren't you dead yet?"
Their hope was shattered as several curse tools, many of them hidden in Hina's clothes beforehand, pulled the demon up. These tools, which teleported in tandem with Hina's teleportation ability, lifted the demon above the water's surface. A knee kick to the face, combined with the awakening of consciousness, sent the demon tumbling all the way to the land beyond the reach of the hot water. They couldn't maintain any psychological composure to take a passive stance.
And then, the legs were cut again. A pained scream, perhaps for the umpteenth time, echoed...
"Oh? Your face is turning blue? Are you really that afraid of dying? You're a funny one for someone who's also immortal, aren't you?"
'There's no way that's the case. Maybe that's an indicator of their lifespan or something. At this rate, maybe four or five more times?'
Hina smirked as the woodpecker's shikigami (Shisui?) rhythm spoke matter-of-factly. The blade's tip pointed toward the woman. The demon roared as if to stop her.
"Hmm. I see. Yours is a lineage with a lifespan, huh?"
The shikigami's words seemed to satisfy her, and then she tore open her chest, her organs crushed. At the same time, the demon's chest also crushed and they faint. After a few moment, the demon woke up, their legs severed, looking at the woman, a bloodied woman. Seeing the woman draped in blood, fire, and death, they trembled in fear.
"Indeed, maybe just a few more times? Well then, let's finish this quickly. It's just a matter of immobilizing... But I guess it wouldn't matter if I just killed you outright, right?"
With a mocking laugh, Onitsuki Hina wiped the fresh blood from her lips and mercilessly swung her youkai blade.
'GRRROOOOARRR!!!"
The anguished scream echoed. Over and over, repeating. It was as if it was showing the demon's own destiny.
It seemed that the demon child would need a little more time to escape from this endless hell...
* * *
It was at the same time that the demon were crying out.
Her feathers fluttered, black feathers stained with fresh blood floating down. The Tengu fell.
"Kaede...!!?"
"Prepare yourself, slow down...!!"
A shout of warning was returned in response to the scream. The female Tengu adjusted her course with one wing, narrowly avoiding crashing into the hot spring. She slowed down by catching onto the branches of the forest, finally managing a soft landing. It was a miraculous feat, a matter of Tengu's pride.
The moment of destruction was delayed.
"Whew...!!?"
Caught by the branches and leaves stretching in all directions, the Tengu successfully landed on a tree, using them as a cushion. But that's all it was.
One of Kaede's wing was broken and twisted as if torn out. It was a pitiful, miserable sight. With wings like these, she could no longer fly. At least, not without proper care. The pain must have been intense, as tears filled her eyes.
"Fudge, ugh...!!"
Biting down on her teeth in pain, the Tengu glared fiercely at her own broken wing.
Towards the enemy of the Tengu brethren...
(Hmm, quite a flavorful chicken wing, isn't it? The tastiest one I've had so far. I shall give you a compliment.)
Crunching the wing while looking down on the humans and Tengu caught in the trees, the giant snake sneered.
(Well now, can you see the end approaching? Come on, you puny beings, show me what you've got. How will you turn the tables from here?)
As if expecting a response, the god-blooded snake hissed...