[Part 10/10]
The cause of it all was that light... Despite there being a considerable distance, it still drained a significant amount of youkai power. Kamui had transformed back into a doll (ningyou) now, purely due to the remnants of strength being exerted. It was enough to make him complain.
"Haah... haah... haah... Is this... what it has come to?"
Taking a moment to catch his breath, swallow his saliva, and calm his mind, Kamui finally took a step forward but abruptly halted.
"Oh, right, I forgot. ... 'No one is seen in the empty mountains.'
'How about a spring slumber?'
As if remembering something, Kamui quickly spoke the words, and a muffled voice echoed from the rocky walls on the left and right of the cave. Upon closer inspection, it was the gatekeeper, a demon-like face emerging from the walls. Its eyes widened, demanding the password. It exuded an intimidating atmosphere, disguised as a simple gatekeeper.
"Ah, 'Unseen in the empty mountains.'"
After a brief pause, Kamui recalled the continuation of the verse from their memory and answered with the next line.
'When the country is in ruins?'
"'Mountains and rivers remain.'"
'When timing is unfavorable?'
"'The swift horse does not falter.'"
'What should one not desire?'
"Hmm? Let me see... Ah, 'Do not desire to do good to others,' was it? Hahaha. How treacherous."
Just in the nick of time, Kamui pulled out the continuation of the verse from his mind and responded. In addition to answering, he scolded the person who set this password.
After going through all the trouble of establishing the setting with continental poetry, suddenly using a password from ancient writings showed a mean-spirited nature. Moreover, the selected excerpt had a sharp irony, emphasizing the unpleasant character of the person who chose the password. The poets and philosophers from that distant time would have certainly been unhappy to see their words used by someone like him.
'Enter...'
The gatekeeper, floating on the rock wall, muttered and closed its eyelids. Once closed, it blended into the rock surface, making it nearly impossible to discern the disguised gatekeeper's presence without careful observation.
"Well, then, I'll intrude."
After carefully checking for any other traps or dangers they might not be aware of, Kamui finally stepped into the cave.
"..."
For a while, Kamui supported his body against the cave wall and walked straight into the dimly lit depths of the cave.
The cave was clearly not of natural origin. Despite being weathered and eroded by the passage of time, the walls were undoubtedly artificially carved.
"It happened in the ancient past, before Fusō-kuni was founded. In the various slave dynasties that were intermittently established, it became a trend for kings to construct palaces that also served as tombs to showcase their authority... They employed countless slaves over decades."
"..."
In response to the sudden explanation to the raised question, Kamui turned around. What stood there was a horrifying creature, barely covered by a coat. It had many eyeballs arranged to cover its blind spots, and the repulsive creature had seven fingers on each hand. It expertly weaved words together.
Kamui knew what it was. It was a low-cost disposable subtitute, a mixture of cultivated human and youkai flesh that his mentor used. It was designed for basic conversation and manual tasks, lasting only seven days before expiring.
"Ugh..."
Kamui let out a small groan involuntarily. Despite trying to maintain rationality, the repulsive appearance and putrid odor of his mentor made him grimace. However, his mentor seemed unfazed by it all and continued the conversation.
"Do you know? Many palaces were already under construction before the next king ascended the throne. And once the reigning king passed away, the palace would be converted into a tomb. Countless slaves were buried alive to serve as their final resting place. The palaces were disposable, lasting only for one generation. Quite a luxurious tale, isn't it?"
It was likely done with the intention of exploiting and intimidating the people to prevent rebellion. The regional kings, who possessed spiritual powers, were often despised and envied by the common folk. Making them construct massive palaces at the cost of numerous sacrifices might have been a necessary ritual to elevate their own divinity.
...But from the perspective of the oppressed people, it was unbearable.
"...In my tribe, there are indeed similar ancient legends. The local king, I believe it was around the third generation, was assassinated by the tribe's founder."
"That's an impressive feat. It perfectly illustrates the rise and fall, the impermanence of prosperity. 'Pride comes before a fall,' as they say."
"And is this cave the remnants of that glory?"
Kamui glanced around the underground passage with a wry smile. This place had been forgotten by people for a long time, and it was difficult to imagine the amount of blood that had been spilled here. What made it truly disturbing was the fact that Kamui's boss used this creepy place as both a research facility and a hiding spot. Well, some might argue that it was logical, but...
"So, why the history lesson, Master (Shishou-dono)? Especially at a time like this?"
"Kamui, you've returned safely. Well done."
Ignoring Kamui's question, his mentor offered words of appreciation. It was a typical response, but it still left a bitter taste in Kamui's mouth. Nevertheless, he provided an answer.
"No, I deeply regret not fulfilling the given task."
"Hahaha, no need to say something you don't mean. I'm sure you were tired of the troublesome mission anyway. That's how young people are."
Kamui refrained from responding to his mentor's blatant remarks. It was pointless, as he already knew it would be.
"Now then, standing must be tiring, right? Take a seat first. It would be difficult to report while standing."
As his mentor spoke, a giant woodlouse, perfectly suitable for sitting, appeared behind Kamui. Although Kamui made a displeased face at its appearance, he accepted the gesture and sat down.
"...However, I have been observing your activities from a distance. Oh boy, you underestimated him, didn't you? Who would have expected the use of soldiers and the jade block? I didn't even anticipate that. Well, I can't blame myself."
Indeed, the flesh puppet before Kamui had expected "him" to undergo youkai transformation in this mission. However, it turned out that he managed to navigate through that local crisis while remaining fully human, exceeding expectations.
"You seem to be enjoying yourself despite not achieving the objective."
"Of course. The finest sake only gets better with age. So, considering that, it was quite enjoyable. Besides, I was able to deliver the message to 'her' as well."
"'Her'...?"
Kamui twisted his head in confusion at his mentor's words. He didn't understand what his mentor was talking about.
"Oh, that's a different matter. I'll tell you if necessary, but don't worry about it for now. We might not meet again anyway."
"Uh, I see."
Kamui decided not to delve further into his mentor's indifferent words. It would lead to no fruitful outcome.
...Though he can't just end up like a coward. But not here, not now.
"For her sake, huh?"
"...At the point when my body was altered, I assumed as much. Did you make it possible for yourself to read my thoughts, Master?"
Kamui asked with resignation, interjecting at an opportune moment. He couldn't help but wonder how much his thoughts and memories had been tampered with.
"No, I wouldn't do such an unsophisticated thing. You can rest assured. Your memories, emotions, judgment, and certainly your passion are undoubtedly yours."
Nue denied Kamui's concerns in a carefree manner. Despite the denial, Kamui couldn't fully trust it.
"You don't have to be suspicious like that. Well, freedom of the mind was also present in the ancient non-humans, so I won't fault you for it."
Nue casually proclaimed, pretending to be magnanimous. Kamui felt exasperated by his arrogant and audacious attitude.
Yet, even understanding that, Kamui had no choice but to follow his mentor before him. It was the only option to save and preserve her life.
In a world where there was no future for Fusō-kuni or his tribe, the only path that could keep her, who had fallen even to a half-youkai state, alive was this.
"...So, Master, what is my next assignment?"
For a moment, Kamui's mind conjured up the image of a tomboyish non-human woman, reminiscent of a wolf. He pushed that thought to the corner of his mind and posed the question. He couldn't imagine his mentor engaging in a meaningless conversation.
Kamui understood that this exchange was a warning to himself, unsettled by his emotions during the previous assignment. So, what did his mentor, who had made him realize his position once again, demand from him? It was clear that it had to be a new mission.
"Haha, it's not as complicated as you think."
The flesh mass deftly formed what appeared to be a smile and clapped his hands. Kamui felt the presence slowly closing in behind him.
"What I ask of you is two things. First, I want you to infiltrate the capital. Leave the guidance to me. And the second..."
As Kamui turned his attention to the approaching presence, he recognized its existence and involuntarily opened his mouth in astonishment. He couldn't help but be dumbfounded.
"...Master, are you joking about this?"
Kamui turned around. He glanced at his mentor. He called out to him with a mix of suspicion in his gaze. In response to that doubtful look, the flesh puppet smiled calmly.
"It's still a work in progress, you see. Please forgive its awkward movements. ...Will you take care of its care and keeping?"
Kamui could only contort his mouth, utterly dumbfounded, in response to the nonchalant words of the man who once served as the first head of the Onmyouji Bureau.
And so, dressed in tattered rags, 'it' drooling sloppily, observed the exchange between the two before it in a daze, tilting its head.
It resembled an innocent child...
Onikuma fan art: Click here
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