In order to showcase my skills, we rode on a beast called Sebek and headed deep into the wilderness. Kimishima and the others seemed eager to join, but for now, I asked them to be patient.
Sebek, the beast we rode, had horns that resembled a mane, flowing backward. I was initially cautious because of these horns, thinking they might be dangerous when mounted. However, it turned out that the horns were soft, and the material was different from what I had imagined.
Its temperament was quite gentle, and even beginners could mount it. However, when we tried to run, it proved to be quite challenging. It rocked and swayed randomly, making the ride overly dramatic.
“Shigeto-sama, please remember Sebek’s movements. Once you grasp the pattern, you should be able to absorb the shocks with your legs and body.”
“Wow. Nii-san has no sense…”
“Sid.”
“It’s nothing.”
Gradually, I got used to Sid’s casual remarks. It seemed like this man spoke his mind without any filters. Having been a teacher for ten years, I had encountered various types of students. It was just a matter of not letting it bother me.
After riding Sebek for an hour, Paldomihov began to increase its speed while observing my adaptation.
“Where are we going?”
“I haven’t decided yet, but I’d like to encounter some strong monsters. The reports mentioned defeating some high-ranked ones during the traveling from Galal Blue.”
“Well, I’m not really sure if they’re truly high-ranked since I don’t know the names of the monsters…”
“If we can’t go too deep, I’d be fine just watching you defeat intermediate-level monsters. It would be interesting to see any racial characteristics.”
“I see…”
By the way, during our time in Dudur Valley, they mentioned something about racial characteristics.
“What are racial characteristics? In my case, I think my skills are brought in rather than inherent racial traits.”
“Ah, yes… For example, do you know General Camilla?”
“Yes.”
“The general is a descendant of a transmigrant from a world called Morrison. She comes from a rare pure-blood lineage and was born in this world, but she possesses racial characteristics.”
“I see…”
“In simple terms, she has a skill called ‘Oni-fication’.'”
“Oni-fication?”
“Well… do you know about the Huger Duchy?”
“On the Irminsul continent?”
“Yes, that’s right. The founder of that nation, Duke Huger, was one of the most famous Morrison individuals. Originally known as a hero from the Jibe Kingdom.”
“I see.”
In the past, there was a war between the Gibeah Kingdom and the Hodgkin Federation, strictly before it became a federation, involving the Rivet State. At that time, the Rivet Kingdom was led by the formidable warrior of the time, Great Celestial Weldon. Enter Duke Huger from the Gibeah Kingdom.
Duke Huger’s ranking at that time was around 150, while Weldon was at the 8th position. It seemed impossible for anyone to match Weldon. However, without showing any fear, Huger stood in front of Weldon and underwent a transformation known as ‘Oni-fication’.
“Oni-fication is said to carry a tremendous burden, like sacrificing one’s life. It’s not a skill that one easily uses. After an intense battle, Huger finally demonized and accomplished the unprecedented feat of overthrowing Grand Celestial Weldon.”
“That’s incredible…”
“There are elements other than the basic physical abilities and magical aptitude that determine rankings, and such elements exist in this world. Morrison individuals are considered to possess abilities that far exceed their normal rankings, as their rankings are calculated based on their usual capabilities.”
“I see…”
“While I haven’t seen a Morrison individual rise to the Celestial rank with their base abilities, if there were one, they might even surpass a Great Celestial.”
“That’s amazing…”
“Don’t be too surprised. Shigeto-sama’s replacement has had a greater impact on the world than that incident at the time, you know?”
“Huh?… Hahaha.”
“Honestly, you seem unaware of it…”
Eventually, the road became unpaved, but the Sebek continued forward without concern. In the midst of this, an uneasy feeling began to creep in. Paldomihov also seemed to notice, as he stopped the Sebek.
“Hmm… Is it okay around here?”
“Why not go further in?”
“Monsters… right?”
“Oh, you get it…”
“Huh? Monsters???”
Approaching cautiously, just like with the wolf-like monster before, there was a sense that it might come in a group. Even though I increased my concentration by gripping the scabbard with my left hand, it seemed to be only one monster. The Sebek also seemed to sense something.
…I guess this is my turn.
Dismounting from the Sebek, I handed the reins to Sid. Glancing at Paldomihov, he nodded as if to say, “Show me what you can do.” Keeping my right hand on the hilt, I advanced toward the direction where the monster’s presence was felt. The monster became more alert to my movements, intensifying its hostility.
…
Swish. Haa.
Iaido is not a performance, but… I want my allies to understand.
The monster silently advances through the bushes with minimal sound. It was a splendid sight. However, the glaring killing intent was impossible to conceal.
It wasn’t that there was no concept of taking the initiative. The principles of the Kusunoki school, passed down in my family, emphasized the latter. While cutting the mouth of the scabbard, I smoothly lifted my right foot and forcefully stepped forward.
Thud!
The sound cut through the tense atmosphere. The bushes shook abruptly. In an instant, a jet-black, giant cat-like monster leaped at me like a bullet. In my eyes, it was slow. Like in slow motion… Now, it was just about gauging the distance, pulling it in…
Just a slash.
With the momentum of its leap, the monster, now sliced into two, turned into a mass of flesh rolling on the ground. I performed Zanshin, avoiding the slowly dancing splatters of blood.
Yeah. I took a piece of paper from my pocket and wiped off the grease on the blade.
“What… What…”
Could Sid see the unsheathed sword? It seemed that there was a time gap between my Iaido and the surroundings. If you pursued speed, the unsheathed sword was hard to see even in the same time axis. With the addition of a time gap, it became even more…
“So, Carton was killed… Fast… Too fast.”
It seemed like even Paldomihov, with a clouded expression, was looking at me.
“My skill, or rather the skill I brought with me, concentrated all elements during Iaido. Magic, strength, senses — everything is condensed at once.”
“Concentration…?”
“Yes. …However, with my ability, there wasn’t enough magic power.”
“Magic power?”
“Yes. Because I also condensed my own magic power onto the blade, which I had to use.”
“I see… How many times can you perform that Iaido then?”
“Five times. The sixth time, I would probably collapse due to magic power exhaustion.”
“…Hmm… I see, I understand now. That’s enough.”
“Is it really okay?”
“Yes. It is a double-edged skill, so to speak. But because of that, it is dangerous.”
“I’m aware. If someone wanted to kill me, they could easily do so. That’s the nature of being a Celestial.”
“Even though we’ve come this far, let’s return to the city. We need to consider how to deal with Shigeto-sama in the future.”
“Thank you.”
“Understood… Leave it to me. But before that… Sid!”
“Y-Yes!”
“Extract the heart.”
“Eh…”
