Volume 6 Chapter 11 There Are Times In Life When You Want To Let Go Of Consciousness A Few Times
The problem is, when I step away, Aina is left isolated once again.
"Aina. Can you endure it alone for a while?"
"...I can't attack, but I can defend with a barrier for a while."
Even though Aina can't grasp the full extent of my intentions, she senses my determination to do something, and she begins to weave magic by channeling her magic power. In times like this, Aina's ability to understand my thoughts to some extent with few words is truly appreciated.
'So, what's your plan?'
(Use the move we used when dealing with bandits. Leave it to me, Gram.)
'Got it. I'll handle the small stuff here, so go for it.'
Nodding inwardly at Gram's response, I dash away from Aina. Right after that, she (Aina) surrounds herself with a defensive magic barrier, preparing for attacks from outside.
In a fierce battle, Mikage and the swordsman had moved away from us. But I actually preferred the distance between us.
As I enchanted my Black Spear with Weight Increase, I firmly planted my foot on the ground.
"Oraaaaaaa!!"
I stomped the ground forcefully, causing the exposed tree roots to break through the ground, then swung my arm in one swift motion. The Black Spear, released from my hand, flew straight towards the two in the midst of their clash.
"────Wha!?"
At that moment, Mikage had her back turned, allowing the swordsman to see the Black Spear. Their face peeking through the cloak showed a tense expression as they observed the Black Spear.
"Tchhhhh!"
With a click of their tongue that almost sounded like anger, the swordsman somehow managed to 'forcefully' push Mikage aside and made her dodge the Black Spear's trajectory. It seemed like a split-second decision, leaving no time to fully understand their intentions.
──Whoosh!
"What──?"
The swordsman tried to deflect the incoming black spear with their sword, but it just cut through the air. It wasn't a failure on their part. It was because I had summoned back the black spear using my Summon (Call) ability.
Furthermore, right after throwing the black spear, I ran towards them, unwilling to waste time readjusting the grip on my summoned Gram, letting it fall to the ground. While running, I pulled out a big hatchet from my waist sheath and slammed it towards the swordsman. The black spear that should have been flying disappeared, and it seemed the swordsman couldn't keep up with my counterattack. Engaged in a fierce battle on par with Mikage, the swordsman had no choice but to defend themselves by preparing their sword, unable to evade or counter.
It was a result of some luck, but I'm grateful they faced me head-on. Thanks to that, we could engage in a pure test of strength.
"Take this!!"
"Ggh──!"
With the force of a collision, I strike the swordsman with a big hatchet, sending them flying. The swordsman flies horizontally like a ball, crashing into a tree trunk ahead. Despite the impact on their back, the swordsman doesn't lose consciousness but stops moving while glaring in this direction.
Although the swordsman's identity is unknown, they swiftly deal with the situation before recovering. I throw the big hatchet, summon a black spear again, and rush forward to deliver the finishing blow.
"Please forgive me for that."
──Jingle... A bell-like sound echoed, just before taking a step forward.
'Partner, watch out!'
Before even thinking, my body responds to the slight movement of the black spear (Gram). Suddenly, something swung by the newcomer clashes with the black spear extended forward reflexively. With the advance completely thwarted, the impact hits my unprotected chest. Unable to brace for the complete surprise attack, this time, I am sent flying.
Rolling on the ground, dizzy, and struggling to stand up with the spear for support, saliva overflowed from my mouth due to the nauseating pain.
"Cough, cough..."
"Are you okay, Yukina-sama?"
"I feel like I'm going to throw up the breakfast... bleh"
Trying to hold back a sob and prepare for a counterattack, Mikage suddenly stood in front of me and pointed a sword at the unexpected intruder.
"Who are you!!"
Mikage showed her anger and pointed her sword at the man, but the man, holding a pole-like weapon on both shoulders, sighed and said,
"You're a heartless woman for pointing a sword at me. Have you forgotten this face? Quite heartless, Mikage."
"────Wait, you!? Why are you here!?"
Upon hearing a voice mixed with some delight, Mikage was so surprised that she lowered her sword.
I was more shocked by the fact that Mikage let her guard down in surprise than by the fact that surprised her. I never expected her, who was stricter than anyone else when it came to battles, to react like that.
Finally, I was able to calmly confirm the appearance of the intruder here.
From his voice and physique, I knew he was a man, but what caught my attention first were the two ears growing from the top of his head and the tail extending from his buttocks. Both were unmistakably features of a beastman. They seemed to be dog parts unlike Mikage's.
Next, my attention turned to the long pole the man was carrying, which was a clear blue color—more like a serene 'azure.'
It was similar in length to my black spear, but instead of a blade at the tip, it had several rings of decoration.
'I haven't seen this around here, it's a "khakkhara" that foreign monks carry.' And──'
I didn't need to hear the rest to understand.
I see, that strange sensation since entering the forest was caused by that thing.
'Oh... Seems like you're not as dull as to not notice me standing right in front of you.'
A voice resonated in my head, completely different from Gram's. It came from the staff that beastmen man was holding. He spoke with the same pompous tone as the owner.
It's a weapon with the same will as my Black Spear (Gram) and Reed's snake belly sword (Slay).
"So, if you're here, then that means... it's really him!"
Mikage gasped and turned her gaze to the swordsman leaning against the tree trunk. As the hood of their cloak fell off from the impact, the beastman's ears were revealed, resembling Mikage's white fox ears.
The white fox swordsman, with a face so handsome even from a distance, glared at me with more anger than Mikage had shown earlier. Besides being blown away, there seemed to be something else on his mind.
From the way Mikage spoke, it seems like both the man with dog ears and the swordsman with white fox features are people Mikage knows. The question is, why did those guys attack us?
'Hey, remember what that Rudel guy said.'
A group of beastmen who were looking for Mikage. These must be them.
The man with dog ears made a gesture and exchanged glances, causing the people surrounding Aina to lower their weapons. After confirming the lack of hostility, Aina released her defensive magic.
"You let your guard down, Getsuya. In that situation, if you were a fool who thoughtlessly involved your companions, 'your little sister' wouldn't have wanted to join forces with you in the first place. Has the excitement of this reunion clouded your judgment?"
"I-I apologize. I am only ashamed of my own immaturity."
The white fox man called Getsuya, despite his pain, straightened himself up and bowed to the man with dog ears. His mannerisms strangely overlapped with Mikage's.
──Hey, something really important just came up.
"Wait, did you say 'little sister'──"
"...I will explain later for sure."
In response to my question, Mikage looked visibly uncomfortable.
Ignoring our confusion, the man tapped the ground with his monk staff, making a sharp sound.
"I'm sorry for not introducing myself earlier. My name is Rouza Egawa, the eldest son of the Egawa family. And──"
The man who called himself Rouza glanced at us and smiled at Mikage.
"The fiancé of the beautiful lady over there──"
"That's not true."
"──Well... it's a bit complicated..."
Rouza's confident speech was abruptly cut off by Mikage, leaving him dejected.
I couldn't help but look up at the sky. There was just too much information to process in such a short time. It was overwhelming, and I felt like giving up and losing consciousness.
'I wouldn't recommend escaping from reality. Things might get even more complicated.'
But Gram seemed somewhat happy.
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