As I got closer to the summit, I saw a strange phenomenon. Thick fog stood tall like a wall in front of me.
It wasn't just the appearance that was unusual; this fog held an overwhelming amount of magic power, unlike anything present in the surrounding space.
I stopped my steps in front of this dense fog wall. It seemed I wasn't the only one who sensed an abnormal presence. The youkai sword stored in its sheath trembled.
'Do you understand, kid?'
"...It seems we might meet sooner than expected."
Whatever was beyond this fog, it was there. Whether it was an actual oni or not remained unknown, but it was undoubtedly a monstrous entity far surpassing a half-moon warrior.
While the youkai sword quivered in anticipation of the impending encounter with its sibling, I felt slightly different. I had a sense of recognition within this dense fog, a feeling of familiarity.
This wasn't about an individual oni but a broader category. It possessed a unique presence distinct from evil spirits, monsters, or demons (mazoku).
I had an uneasy feeling that my hunch had turned into a dreadful certainty.
'What's wrong?'
"Do you remember when I talked about the essence of magic before?"
'Dialogue with oneself, was it?'
Yes, that's it.
"I'll spare you the details, but the concept of the self in dialogue with oneself has been pondered for a long time. Known as the one who knows truth, the mirror image, the deep psyche—there are various terms for it, but we call it by a specific name."
'Isn't it just yourself in self-dialogue?'
"That's not wrong either. It's the other self that knows things even you don't. We call it 'Shinrei (Spiritual Penetration).'"
I never thought I would utter these words in this world. Even in Asteris, few knew the term "Shinrei." It was the essence of magic, yet it occupied the innermost realm.
Those called heroes (Eiyuu), including the Demon King, harnessed Shinrei to wield magic. Unfortunately, I hadn't reached that level. At best, I could grasp a mere glimpse.
"It's there beyond this fog."
'Is it that Shinrei thing?'
"It's likely that it has lost its physical form, leaving only the Shinrei. I've heard of thoughts turning into grudge spirits with magic power, but I've never felt a presence like this."
'I see...'
The youkai sword mentioned earlier that the oni's magic was different from usual. That meant it sensed the presence of Shinrei only after being unsealed.
Even with my low proficiency, if the opponent was Shinrei, I couldn't afford a moment's carelessness.
"Let's go."
'Alright.'
I steeled myself and stepped into the thick fog.
The fog blocked my vision like white smoke, trying to push me back as if rejecting my entry.
Pushing through the fog, I advanced in a straight line.
And as the fog cleared for a moment, I was left stunned by the scene before me.
There stood Yasha, wearing a peony kimono over his shoulders like a woman, and an oni mask on his face. He emitted almost no magic power, but his presence, his pressure...
Without a doubt, this was the monstrous entity emanating the aura of Shinrei. It was likely the oni we had been pursuing.
But I was fixated on something else.
At the feet of the oni was a girl kneeling. Tsukiko, covered in wounds, was there.
Her pale skin was marred with bloodstains, and she bore numerous injuries. At that moment, the oni's sword was about to descend upon her neck.
I see, she had been fighting after all. Thoughts of needing to help her flashed through my mind. Various emotions surged, but they were all obliterated in an instant.
——This is no time for that.
I immediately drew my sword from its sheath and took a stance. I wasn't thinking about what to do anymore; I just needed to divert the oni's attention by any means necessary.
"Read my thoughts and send a slash!"
'Wha- There's no way I can do that!'
"You can! Channel magic power and control the wind!"
There's no time to dawdle. Fortunately, there's a magic connection between me and the youkai sword right now. If we choose, we can read each other's thoughts and understand our conditions.
That's how I noticed the youkai sword evolving, and it, in turn, strengthened its blade in sync with my movements.
Instead of using 'My True Name' to turn magic power into a slashing attack, I opted for something different this time. I recalled an opponent from the past who had used a similar technique.
Manipulating the airflow that followed the trajectory of the slash through magic, I transformed it into a blade of wind.
'I don't care what happens to you!'
With the youkai sword's shout, I swung the blade.
The slash, cutting through the scenery, flew with a sharp sound.
The oni noticed our attack and turned around. In the fury painted on the oni mask, a chilling gaze pierced through me.
The youkai sword effortlessly swept aside the oncoming wind.
In that momentary opening, Tsukiko distanced herself from the oni. Apparently, she wasn't completely immobilized.
Tsukiko, who had been cautious of the oni, looked at me, freezing in place.
"...?"
Her eyes widened in shock. She probably had many questions, but sorry, all of that can wait.
The debt incurred from injuring Tsukiko will come at a high price.
"You don't belong here. Vanish, ghost."
In response, the oni readied his wild sword. I, too, prepared my youkai sword to counter, but I felt the sword trembling through the hilt.
"We've come this far; brace yourself."
'I understand. However, you have no idea how long I've been waiting for this moment. Even if he has become a monster, he's still only my brother by blood.'
"...I see."
I can't even imagine the immense passage of time he speaks of. But I understand the sorrow of having to cut down someone I trusted, someone who was once my comrade.
I tightened my grip on the hilt.
"Don't worry. I'm not talking about fate or any of that, but right now, you are my sword. I'll be with you until the end."
At that, the youkai sword channeled magic power, causing its blade to shine.
'Of course. I'm already on this path to death, brothers through thick and thin. Let's walk it together, kid.'
Before the opponent could make a move, I dashed forward.
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