I logged back. After the three of our companions were abducted into the demon world, I had no choice but to log out to work on my day off. Consequently, I could only catch up on the events through the chat logs.
“…and that’s what happened.”
“That Satan guy, he’s definitely got a nasty personality!”
“Well~, he’s not exactly~ the serious type~, is he~?”
“It seems like it was truly a misfortune.”
However, getting the story directly from them was both quicker and more accurate. Moreover, Moth-san had been providing live updates on the demon world via chat, but towards the end, the messages were rushed and became incoherent. So, I asked them to clarify the parts of the chat log that were unclear.
Hearing about their ordeal in the demon world, we couldn’t help but feel deep sympathy for them. They had undergone an experience akin to that of a horror game. While some might enjoy such an adventure, for others, it would be nothing short of torture. I might have felt sick myself.
“So, what do you plan to do? Are all three of you considering accepting the offer to become demons?”
The erratic behavior of Satan that was honestly unsettling and the idea of a Demon Palace with its fearsome yet convenient features did pique my interest. However, what really caught my attention first was the prospect of becoming a demon. It almost guaranteed an enhancement in fighting power. So, if one’s sole desire was to become stronger, the answer would be obvious from the start.
However, I was aware that power without a price did not exist. Becoming a demon meant that one would have to complete quests given by the demons residing in the demon world, and repeated failures would result in severe penalties. I didn’t think it was a decision to be made lightly.
“I intend to do just that.”
“Really?”
And so, Moth-san’s immediate response caught me off guard. Given that I had pegged him as someone cautious like myself, this was a big surprise.
“And why is that?”
“The quests might be difficult, but I believe we can manage with the help of Isam and the others. Oh, and we’ll split the rewards.”
“I see… There’s something in it for those who help, then.”
If the rewards included items from the demon world, I was sure that many of our companions, including myself, would be willing to help. There might be rules against involving outsiders, but we would cross that bridge when we came to it.
“What about you two?”
“To be honest, I’m torn. It’s tempting to become stronger, but the thought of possibly turning into a gross…” Shishu said.
“As for me~, I’m considering~ maybe~ becoming~ a demon~.”
Shishu hesitated due to concerns about her avatar’s appearance, while Wool seemed more open to the idea, likely for the same reasons as Moth-san. Despite the potential hassle of becoming a demon, it appeared less troublesome when you have friends.
“So, what’s the plan for today, Isam? Are we going to start collecting parts for the repairs right away?”
“That’s the plan. We’ll start with the ‘Ancient Ruined City’. Eiji and Usaji will be joining us. It’s the only large-scale ruin that’s been discovered so far.”
The question of how Moth-san and the others would evolve was a matter for the future. For now, the focus was on repairing the floating battleship. Whether the necessary parts could be found was uncertain, but it seemed that there were plenty of junk parts that lay dormant in the “Ancient Spring” and the “Ancient Ruined City”. For a while, my role would involve collecting these parts and entrusting them to Iris and the Shiitake.
“I’ll help out. What about you, Shishu-san and Wool-kun?”
“Sorry! I’ve got plans with Ruby and the others!”
“We’re off to Birdy Perch to accept a quest.”
It seemed that Shishu and the others had plans at Birdy Perch. Speaking of Birdy Perch, it had been quite helpful for us, and with the new base of operations in the floating battleship, it was only a matter of time before we left the place. There’s a saying, “Leave no trace when you depart,” and it would be best to leave on good terms if possible.
But let’s leave that aside. Apart from those who had agreed to accompany me, the rest of our group was engaged in separate things. Iris and Shiitake were deeply immersed in their work at the “Dragon’s Sanctuary” while Ruby and Shio had presumably headed to Birdy Perch together. Hanna and Roja were combining their hobby of long-distance running with a search for ruins on the Vetuus Floating Island. The remaining members had all gone to the Heavenly Mountain in the Aquaria Islands for training, no doubt to return much stronger.
“Since everyone has their own plans, maybe it’s time we called it a day.”
“Yeah! See you all later then!”
“See~ you~ later~!”
And so we parted ways, each heading towards different destinations to meet up with other members of our group. The thought of possibly making new discoveries filled me with excitement!
◆◇◆◇◆◇
While Isam along with Moth-san, Eiji, and the others found themselves suddenly encircled by a swarm of harpies that had been multiplying in the “Ancient Ruined City”, the members who had traveled to Heavenly Mountain with Jigoro were engaged in a fierce battle around the fifth station of the mountain.
“Haha! Not bad, you’re quite strong!”
“There are too many of them, big brother Jigoro!”
They were mainly attacked by Yokai resembling animals. On this island, apart from the forces of Tengu and Oni that Jigoro and Genjuro had previously encountered, there was another group led by a powerful Yokai. These yokai were enemies of the Tengu, and during their stay, Jigoro and Gejuro had fought against these creatures.
Jigoro and Genjuro were well aware of the nature of their opponents. The enemy horde consisted of two types of yokai: lesser yokai and summoned beasts that had been strengthened by the [Summoning Magic] used by the commanding yokai. These summoned creatures were small and nimble, and they were equipped with sharp claws and fangs. They were known as Mujina (badger).
“Relying too much on numbers, you fools. No coordination whatsoever… Compared to Seventh Armor, your use of [Summoning Magic] is far too crude.” Genjuro said.
“I’m flattered by your praise! But I’m at my limit here! Why do you seem so at ease?!”
For Genjuro, a horde of summoned beasts trying to overwhelm him with sheer numbers was no threat. And the lower-level minions, though stronger than the summoned beasts, were still insignificant opponents. Their lack of intelligence made any form of coordination impossible, so they were hardly a challenge for him.
Meanwhile, Seventh Armor directed crows against the mujina summoned beasts. The identity of the summoner was unknown and hidden from view. However, Seventh Armor believed that the other party’s [Summoning Magic] skill was superior. This was due to the higher quality and quantity of his beasts.
However, Seventh Armor’s ability to fight came from his skills and instincts for handling summoned beasts, honed through numerous dangerous situations alongside Isam and others. But just as he had told the others, he was nearing his limit, faced with an insurmountable difference in inherent strength.
“There they are! All members, charge!”
“””Ooooooh!!!”””
“Tch! Damn Tengu! Retreat!”
As if sensing their situation, a group of Oni led by a Tengu descended from the beast trail Jigoro and the others were climbing. As the Tengu swung its shakujo (staff) in its hand like a warlord, the Oni charged at full speed, exerting a pressure that even Eiji might not have been able to withstand with brute strength alone.
Beasts who have fought with each other since ancient times, were well aware of their enemies’ formidable strength, with their robust bodies armed with war clubs and large swords. Thus, the decision to retreat was made swiftly. As a hoarse voice, likely that of the commander, echoed from deep within the forest underbrush, the lesser yokai obediently began to pull back. At the same time, the summoned beasts launched what could be described as either a brave or foolhardy charge, which was a clear attempt to buy time.
Even knowing it was a stalling tactic, leaving the summoned beasts unattended was a poor strategy. The Oni knew too well the risk since summoned beasts could be made to self-destruct, as Isam had often demonstrated. Before any could detonate, the Oni efficiently eliminated them, though this allowed the yokai to escape.
“No need to pursue. Overextending will only bring a harsh counterattack.”
“Yes, chief.”
None among the Oni felt the urge to hotly pursue; such minor skirmishes were an everyday occurrence for them. All of them lifted their weapons to their shoulders and released their fighting stance.
“Yo. It’s been a while, hasn’t it, Mr. Tengu?”
“Ah! If it isn’t Sir Jigoro!”
“””Thank you for your hard work, instructor!”””
“Umu.”
Jigoro, who held the title of “Direct Disciple of the Great Tengu” was respected among the clans of Tengu and Oni. And just like him, Genjuro who had the title of “Swordsmanship Instructor of the Heavenly Spirit Island” was even revered by some warriors. Indeed, even at that moment, the Oni were standing straight in formation.
“Is the old Great Tengu around?”
“Yes, the Great Tengu is, as always, in the dojo.”
“Is that so…”
In contrast to the Tengu’s cheerful reaction, Jigoro twisted his face into a mischievous grin, radiating a ferocity reminiscent of a wild beast stalking its prey. Even Sei and Seventh Armor, who were supposed to be his companions, felt a tinge of fear in the presence of Jigoro’s aura that was as sharp as an unsheathed blade.
“By the way, why have you come down the mountain? It’s unusual for you to come this far, isn’t it?”
“That is…”
Unlike Jigoro, who had nothing on his mind but fighting the Great Tengu, Genjuro inquired about the differences since his last visit. The Tengu’s territory was known to extend from the summit of the mountain down to about the eighth station. They would descend for hunting and other activities, but it was unheard of for them to come down to the fifth station, where they were currently.
When asked about this, the Tengu contorted his face in distaste. However, after taking a deep breath and exhaling slowly to calm himself, he looked Genjuro straight in the eyes with a serious expression and hesitantly continued.
“I believe the Great Tengu will have something to say about that. For now, let’s go together to the ‘Heavenly Spirit City’.”
“Fumu, understood.”
◆◇◆◇◆◇
At the summit of Heavenly Mountain, there was a city known as the “Heavenly Spirit City”. The atmosphere of the city was reminiscent of Japan during the Edo period. However, the individuals bustling along the streets were creatures of folklore like Tengu and Oni, and the creatures tethered to the ox carts were beastly spirits. Even though it’s a Japanese-style city, it’s a sight that makes you understand that this is still a land of spirits.
In the heart of the “Heavenly Spirit City” stood an exceptionally large building. It was a meeting place where the town’s influential figures gathered and included a dojo where Jigoro and Genjuro honed their skills against Tengu and Oni. When Jigoro arrived at the dojo, it was unusually devoid of any trainees. Instead, there was a figure lounging in the seat of honor.
“Hey, old man. Just dropped by for a visit.”
“Oh? It’s been a while, my disciple.”
The individual present in the dojo was none other than the lord of the city, the Great Tengu himself. Despite having his own residence, he often relaxed in the dojo when he had no other pressing matters.
“It’s been a while, Lord Great Tengu.”
“Genjuro is here too, I see. Hmm? It seems there are others as well.”
“They’re with us. Come on, introduce yourselves.”
The Great Tengu leaned forward and cast his gaze over Jigoro’s shoulder to look at the two figures standing behind him. Jigoro nudged the two forward with a pat on their backs.
“I’ve taken some damage… Haah. Umm, my name is Seventh Armor. Pleased to meet you.”
“I’m Sei. Pleased to meet you, master of big brother here.”
“Ah, good, good, spirited indeed.”
The Great Tengu laughed and radiated a friendly, grandfather-like aura. But Jigoro and Genjuro knew better. Despite his friendly demeanor, the Great Tengu possessed a trickster’s nature that loved to play mischief, and when it came to battle, he would become a nasty monster who raged as if he had changed his nature.
“However, it’s quite fortunate that you’ve come to us in these troubled times. Now, might I trouble you with a request?”
This must be a troublesome matter, but I’m sure it can’t be escaped. Jigoro and Genjuro realized this and let out a sigh.
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