The existence of anomalies was inseparable from sound.
Humans fear invisible sounds. Fear eventually takes form and manifests as anomalies.
The reverse is also true. Cheerful music and the bustling atmosphere of people are natural enemies of anomalies.
The essence of 'Senshu Kagura (Thousand Verses Kagura Dance)' is kotodama (spiritual word). It combines various forms of music into a song that denies the existence of anomalies and affirms human life. According to Kagami Ayaka, who doesn't mince words, it's something like a "rock version of the Heart Sutra," but the difficulty level is beyond imagination.
Many magicians use words to cast spells, but there are not many who can imbue words themselves with power. Words are so uncertain and transient.
To combine self-composed lyrics with edited music and perform this, Kishijou Saki's talent is undoubtedly genuine.
"As amazing as ever, your magic."
Udoo muttered as he watched the warriors disappear.
He drew a small sword from its sheath and ran towards his target, an archer hiding in the shadows of the trees.
The archer seemed to have noticed Udoo's presence, as arrows were shot his way with swift movements. Fighting against opponents with long-range weapons was all about closing the gap.
Udoo tilted his head to dodge the arrows aimed at his forehead and cut down the second arrow with his small sword.
By this point, the enemy was within arm's reach, Udoo's optimal range.
The archer also immediately abandoned the bow and drew a sword, but it was too slow.
Udoo closed the distance even further, swinging his arm while stepping forward.
The flash of the small sword slipped into the archer's neck without hesitation, cutting it almost halfway through.
"One down."
Udoo murmured as he continued to move without stopping.
His next target was the other archer. While he didn't think arrows could penetrate through Kishijou's song, it was better to eliminate any potential threats.
Udoo's role was to take care of them. The circulation of magic power was steady, and he kept the heat at his fingertips as he leaped through the forest.
These warriors were undoubtedly strong. However, they couldn't reach Udoo, who utilized body enhancement magic.
Udoo slipped through the trees, cutting down archers one by one.
When Kishijou's song finally ceased, Udoo's job was done.
There was no sign of the enemy anymore, but Udoo remained vigilant. This was a situation where anything could happen.
He sheathed his small sword and returned to Kishijou, not letting go of the hilt.
"Ah, aah. My throat doesn't feel right."
"I told you to suck on a throat lozenge."
"Look at this, it's the new release of Ryukakusan Ultra. Doesn't it sound pointless?"
"Quit your jabbering and just take it already."
Udoo couldn't help but wonder if there was a way to alleviate her lack of tension while suppressing a sigh. He turned his gaze towards the mountaintop.
Kishijou also looked in the same direction and spoke casually.
"Well then, let's hurry and check out this 'shrine' or whatever."
"What?"
Udoo squinted, thinking he might have misheard.
"Not 'what.' We're here for a mission to investigate the shrine, aren't we?"
"But... we just saw that headless thing. We can't handle that."
"Those guys aren't my enemies unless they catch me off guard!"
Kishijou raised her voice, indirectly declaring that she wouldn't be a match for Tsukiko's opponent.
But still...
Udoo pondered how to persuade this wild horse.
Certainly, if it came down to defeating the enemy, Kishijou could probably do it. 'Senshu Kagura' was a magic art with that kind of power.
However, unlike Tsukiko, Kishijou wasn't skilled in close combat. In fact, her song wouldn't have done much against the sand and gravel from earlier. Ideally, the three of them would work together, with Tsukiko and Udoo on the front lines and Kishijou providing support from behind. But with no proper training or coordination among the three, it was clear that such a plan would fall apart.
"Whether we fight or not, for now, we should retreat and regroup. We can't move recklessly when we don't even know where everyone is."
"Didn't Koresawa-san take the others?"
"Probably. Our first priority should be to meet up with them."
"It's such a hassle."
Udoo breathed a sigh of relief, having somehow persuaded Kishijou. Her judgment was still intact, which was a relief.
At that moment, Udoo shivered as if his spine had been grabbed by a vise.
"――!?"
He immediately assumed a stance to draw his sword, turning to look behind him.
All he saw was the dimly lit forest, its mouth gaping open.
But he knew. He could sense the presence of something approaching him ominously.
"What's wrong?"
"..."
Kishijou hadn't noticed yet. So, Udoo's immediate action should be to sprint away with Kishijou in tow.
His warrior instincts screamed at him to flee, but despite that...
(If I show my back, I'll be done for.)
A terrifying pressure robbed Udoo of the choice he should make.
"Something's coming."
Finally, Kishijou also noticed. It meant that whatever it was had approached close enough for her to sense it.
"Kishijou, prepare your magic. I'll distract it up front, and when you get the chance, strike."
"Why do I have to take orders from you?"
"We don't have time to argue."
As if to prove those words, it appeared before them. Emerging from the shadows with a swaying motion was yet another ghostly warrior in armor, similar to the ones before. It wasn't as headless, but it towered over Udoo with a hefty physique, carrying a long spear over its shoulder. It walked toward them with a dignified gait.
The helmet was decorated with a crescent moon, and the armor itself was different from the previous warriors. Based on the decorations and demeanor, Udoo was convinced that in the Sengoku period, this one would have been a warlord or someone of similar stature.
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