Shiraga: more than two weeks, but shortest chapter ever.
-internal screaming-
Chapter 9: The calm before the storm
Reservoir of No Name Water tree.
Sparkling droplets of water rolled off the tips of the forest new leaves. Perhaps it was because of the five consecutive days of rainfall in the region, it became the talk of the town as they speculated whether it was due to the change of the Floor Master of the East side.
With this morning being a rare cloudless day with fine weather to boot, the senior group, the maid group and the Community leader, Jin Russell were planting the young seedling of rice that they had bought for their paddy field.
But the current situation was unlike any that one would expect to encounter on a paddy field.
"I believe I've made it crystal clear already. When placed before us, the Eastern Cuisine Alliance you puny soldiers of the Western Cuisine Alliance are no different than dust. Lily, your fox ears need not listen to her words. Hold your chest high and retaliate proudly!" Shirayuki Hime pointed her finger at Percher while puffing her chest, causing them to jiggle which in turn pissed Percher off.
"Calm your tits, you Titty Snake. Our leader wants Western food. If you want to argue…Oh right, you should come back when you're at least capable of julienning a cabbage properly." Percher's comeback was unforgiving in the choice of word and hit right in the sore spot.
"Shut up! I can do julienne in two hours! And who are you calling Titty Snake?!"
"Shi, Shirayuki-sama please calm down! Didn't you spend five hours on it yesterday and hadn't complete the julienne?!" Lilly hugged to stop the agitated Shirayuki from behind but that sentence was totally uncalled for.
Inccidentally, because of her clumsiness, Shirayuki Hime wrecked 24 cabbages so last night's dinner turned into a cabbage full course.
Their quarrel showed no sign of stopping, and Jin who was also at the scene also got dragged into it.
"So, what is our leader's opinion? Western or Eastern food?"
"Hey! Normally one wouldn't ask that question in this sort of timing, right?"
"Child, there's no need to consider. Meals prepared in the Eastern style is the standard of our Community and that's what you should be telling to that washboard!"
As Shirayuki shouted, Percher dug her nails to the point where bones were creaking. And it was Jin's bones.
"Be quiet, Titty Snake. My body is based on a twelve years old so having breasts would be a lot scarier."
"Ha! And I was wondering what you're going to say. If you eat Lily's delicious meals every day, you would naturally be well-endowed! But since you're still a washboard, you should eat more beans and rice!"
"Uu…Don't be stupid! I'm always asking for seconds when Lily is in charge of the meal!"
Jin's bones made grinding noises as they were squeezed tightly. Assaulted by so much pain that no words came out, JIn repeatedly tapped on Percher's hand, but he was no longer in her field of focus.
"Leader-kun! Leader-kun!" just as Jin saw his live flashing before his eyes, two energetic voices called for him, which made Percher loosened her grip on his arm as her and Shirayuki looked to the direction where the voices came from.
"Y-yes, w-what is it, Yuuyake-san, Yuugure-san?" Jin spoke in a shaking tone while still trying to break free from Percher's grip.
"We finished planting the all the trees that master brought back!"
"Finished! Finished! So what is our next task?" their energetic voices were like the radiance of the sunflower, which made Jin forget somewhat about the pain. Or was it the light at the end of the tunnel to him?
"Ah, right. F-for now, you can help everyone planting the young seedling."
"Planting young seedlings, got it!"
"Got it! Got it!" with the same energetic voices, the twins ran off.
"Aren't those two…the ones 'he' brought back?" As Percher suddenly released of his arm, Jin who was struggling lost his balance and stumbled. The 'he' she referred to was Burai. Although the four problem children and Kuro Usagi all took part in defeating her, she was especially awkward with Burai. Part of the reason being the nickname he gave her during the battle to reclaim the Death Eye of Balor.
"Ah, I heard that they are the Hesperides sisters. Always shining like the sunflower, maybe you could learn a thing or two from them." While complimenting them, Shirayuki did not forget to poke at Percher.
"Hesperides sisters…then they're the Nymphs who take care of the Golden Apple tree." Percher mumbled to herself while eyeing Yuugure and Yuuyake. Their appearances were also similar to her, meaning around the age of twelve. Even so, for the appearance of a twelve years old, their breasts were rather well developed for that age, unlike her.
"Heh, they're lucky because they absorbed the essence from the tree." Percher reassured herself.
"Did you say something?"
"Nothing! Anyway, back to our conversation just now." Dark wind sprung up around her as she heightened her killing intents.
"Since both of us aren't going to step down…Let's decide things in the way of Little Garden."
"Oh! I see, a brilliant idea indeed. I was thinking about teaching you the correct way to teach your elder." Glaring back at Percher, water started dancing around Shirayuki Hime as she also responded in kind with her killing intents.
At this point, Jin started to panic. If the two were to clash at full force, the damage would not be a laughing matter that could be brushed aside lightly. Aside from the newly made water field, even the senior group would be caught in the mess.
As he started to ponder over all the possible options to stop them, the voice which belonged to his savior and the two greatest demise spoke up.
"You two. What are you doing?" both of them froze in their step, gulping their saliva. Right at the moment they were about to clash, a blade of shadow that could cut steel like butter slashed between them faster than the speed of sound.
In the path that leads to the forest, the leader of the maid group, Chief Maid Leticia stared at the two with crimson eyes.
"Well well. I came hearing the ruckus, and heard something very interesting. I didn't know you two were so friendly that you would skip work and play game with each other."
"But I finished my share of-"
"Shut it." The small smile on Leticia's lips immediately vanished as she sharply glared at the two. Her order was one that left no room for questions and Percher couldn't help but fall silent.
The pair of crimson eyes held a dangerous glint. Leticia was obviously mad. Explicitly showing her rage like this was rare of her, but this was understandable. She had just become the Chief Maid only a week ago and they already started to do things that would smear dirt on her face. Even with her warm and docile nature, she would be mad. And currently she didn't look hesitant to spill some blood.
"Th-that's not it, Leticia-dono! We were just trying to settle our differences using peaceful and maid-like method…!" both Percher and Shirayuki quickly retracted their Gifts.
"Hoh? A maid-like game…I see. That's good. It might be a good reference to the eight commandments of the maid group that I was making." Smiling while her golden hair billowed in the air, Leticia said to them.
"Then, let's return to the Headquarter and start the game. The one who can act more maid-like will be the winner, and the loser will have twice the amount of work for the whole month."
"What?!" they both asked back instinctively.
"Let's see…We'll start by competing who is better at making and serving tea. I'll be very strict so be prepared." Easily catching the two that were about to escape by their napes, Leticia sped off toward the Headquarter.
Jin and Lily who were left out stared at them, completely in daze.
As Leticia entered the Community's main building as the duo who lost all will escape followed suit, they passed by the Community new special sector.
A gentle breeze brushed pass them, carrying the fragrance of flowers with it. And in that garden, a goddess was tending to the tree with a blissful expression.
"Yasuragi-chan!" stopping on her track, Leticia called out to the girl. Turning around as her ponytail swayed in the wind, the girl ran toward her with a big smile.
"Leticia-sama!"
"Are you tending to the tree again? Such hard work every day."
"N-not at all! In fact, I should be the one to express my gratitude. I get experience so many new things, see a whole new world, and have an even bigger family. Thanks to everyone, to master."
"That's good to hear. So, are you spreading the spirit energy veins?"
"Yes! As per the plan that Leader-kun and master's friend came up, I've finished spreading the veins to all other plantations."
"Then I won't interrupt with your work anymore. And can I ask you to check on the trees that master Burai brought back later?"
"I understand. Then I'll be off." Seeing Yasuragi off with a smile, Leticia turned to look at the giant tree standing in the center of the garden, the Golden Apple tree.
A special sector for spirit trees and herbs. Originally, the estimated time for the plan to be in motion was 3 months. But with the Golden Apple tree that Burai brought back, their plan took a huge leapt, not only for the special sector but also for the No Name's entire land.
The Golden Apple tree being the symbol of Immortality in Greek mythology, the tree itself is a Divinity holder. It could distribute it seemingly endless spirit energy to its surroundings, thus being able to revitalize even abandoned soil. Just the perfect Gift for the current condition of the No Name's plantation and land.
The three Hesperides sisters: Yasuragi, Yuugure and Yuuyake were the Nymphs that take care of the tree as recorded in Greek mythology. Since they have been taking care of the tree since the beginning, they were also well adept at gardening work in general and their Gifts also involved communicating with plants and trees.
So they were in charge of taking care of the new special sector while also helping out with the field and other plantations. As for their uniform, instead of the maid uniform of the Maid group, theirs was modified to fit with gardening work.
The 'spirit energy veins' that Yasuragi mentioned earlier was also one of her chores. Instead of letting the spirit energy spread uncontrollably, she redirected the veins of spirit energy from the Golden Apple tree to the center of all other plantations so that they could be distributed evenly.
"Well, we should get going. Can't wait to see which one of you two is the better maid." With another smile, Leticia signaled for the duo to follow. As her golden hair danced in the wind, Percher noticed a pair of earing.
The shape resembling a flower, with the petals made off topaz whereas the center was adorned with a red gem. At first glance it looked like ruby, but the red color when placed under the light gave off a shade of purple indicated it was something else.
"I don't want to admit, but they sure fit her a lot."
She wanted to ask, but decided not to when she thought about the things that were about to come next. And she has a vague idea as to who it was.
"Maybe I should find a spirit tree and absorb its spirit energy." Percher dropped her head dejectedly upon recalling Yasuragi's figure. Her breasts were of moderate size, not on the level of Shirayuki nor Kuro Usagi, but combined with her slender body line the two features complimented each other.
Under the sunny sky without a trace of cloud, the two maids followed behind the Chief Maid, preparing themselves both physically and mentally for what to come next.
Today the No Name is as peaceful as usual.
Outer Gate number 54545, Kouen City.
With the work on the field done and stuffing their bellies with delicious lunch, Jin and Percher marked their next destination as the City of Brilliant Flame. 3 days ago, the problem children and Kuro Usagi had already set out in advance and today was Jin's turn to join with them.
Having made their way through the Astral Gate from the East side, a warm wind brushed pass their cheeks. The huge chandelier that hung from the city's centre swayed violently as the hot winds generated from ironwork refineries blew at it from below.
But what business do they have in Kouen City? Well…
During the battle with the huge dragon, not only Underwood of the South side but the North and East was simultaneously attacked by Demon Lords. The Floor Masters suspected that all these attacks were orchestrated, and just as they thought, their enemy was an organization named the Demon Lord Alliance.
Until now, their motives of the mysterious enemy remained unknown, and only rumors of their existence had spread. Hence, to decide on their next course of action the Floor Masters decided to hold the Floor Master's Convention.
The Convention was to be held in the territory of the North side, but the people attending this time would be slightly different.
Two months ago, the strongest Floor Master Shiroyasha had resigned from her post, and taking up where she left off was the new Floor Master of the West side, Great Sage who Devastates Sea – Kouryuu.
The No Name, having crossed path with the Demon Lord Alliance twice and defeated the both Demon Lords that were sent their way was also invited to join the Convention. To the No Name, this was an unprecedented treatment. And Percher, besides being under the Genie Contract with Jin, her other reason for being here, the city that was once ravaged by her was…
"Guess I'll be thoroughly interrogated as well. Such a bother." Percher let out a sigh as she stared broodingly at the dusk skies.
"That can't be helped. You're the only who holds the information about the enemy so of course we would need your cooperation." Jin said trying to make the situation not as bad as it seems, but his both his words and his heart stopped the moment his gaze stopped at the giant chandelier.
Wondering what might have caused this reaction, Percher followed his line of sight to have a look for herself.
The giant chandelier, besides being a source of warmth and light it was also the symbol of Kouen City's development. And right now, four figures could be seen sitting on it.
"Oh ho, the view from up here is much prettier than I thought."
"Yup. The streets paved with flames and colorful glass totally looked like a jewel box."
"Hm, the view is much different than that of Underwood."
"The scenery and the warmth from this chandelier sure gives you a funny fuzzy feeling inside, don't they?"
Totally nonchalant. Sakamaki Izayoi, Kudou Asuka, Kasukabe Yo and Burai Kudoku. The four problem children had boarded the chandelier without permission. And upon closer inspection, they even brought their lunch boxes with them.
No matter how you look at it, it was still a trespass of another's property.
"W-w-why would they be on that chandelier?!" Jin cried in panic, but it was understandable. Needless to say, that chandelier was also the symbol of Salamandra's Authority and Order.
Climbing up there without permission and start eating lunch up there, being chased out of the Convention would be the least of their worry, and most likely their reputation would be questioned.
"A-anyway, Percher! Take this chance when no one has noticed yet to get them down from there! Even if you have to resort to viole-"
"OOOOOY! YOU BASTARDS! WHO THE HELL ALLOWED YOU GUYS TO CLIMB UP THERE?!" but it was too little too late, for the Salamandra's military police had already spotted them and started to gather.
"…I say, Percher…" Jin hugged his head and was aching in despair as he said to her.
"Hm?"
"Is it possible to make them incapacitated for the time being?" and suddenly, incredibly dark words in a very calm tone. To even break the kindness in him to this extent, Percher secretly admired that for this sort of character would be just a wolf in a sheepskin.
"If it's Asuka and Kasukabe then I might be able to, but Freak Boy and him? No. And even then, won't your life be in danger when they recovered from the illness?" Percher held back the urge to laugh.
"Then there's no other way. We can only call in the expert to solve it."
On the other side, the problem children group.
Whipping up a whirlwind around her, Kasukabe Yo rode on the hot winds that drifted from the metalwork refineries to land on the suspended chandelier.
Shortly after, Burai Kudoku jumping on the black platforms, Sakamaki Izayoi and Kudou Asuka who had been transported by Yo's whirlwinds were also looking down at the Kouen City from the vantage point that is the chandelier.
"Oh ho, the view from up here is much prettier than I thought."
"Yup. The streets paved with flames and colorful glass totally looked like a jewel box."
"Hm, the view is much different than that of Underwood."
"The scenery and the warmth from this chandelier sure gives you a funny fuzzy feeling inside, don't they?"
The four sat at the side of the huge chandelier as they looked down at the city below.
In the distance, Mandra, the advisor of Salamandra had also joined the military police and was roaring at them loudly.
"What kind of joke do you guys think you're playing?! What do you think the chandelier is huh?! Get down from there now, you rascals!" Mandra's veins had budged at his temples in his rage but the four did not take it seriously. For they were not joking. They were simply…seriously teasing at the people on the ground.
"Well, I guess it's time to eat our late lunch." And just like that, the problem children had laid out their lunch brought from the street vendors along the way and started to have a casual conversation.
"Oh right, Kasukabe. I remember that you still have a Gift Game that you signed up for. What was it called again?"
"It's the Duel of Creators that had been hosted during the Rise of the Fire Dragon festival."
"Oh, the one where you fought Shorty huh? Perfect chance for a revenge, especially with your current caliber."
"Ah, we will be rooting for you."
Yo nodded her head slightly as she gulped down salmon onigiri, and another one, and another one. Her excited face had been stuffed full until her cheeks swelled. And on the ground, Mandra was still roaring at them, with a look which made one think that he might really burst those blood vessels of his.
"So Izayoi-kun, what are your plans?"
"Me? I only wanted to take a stroll today and accompany Ojou-sama to some places, beyond that not really."
"Really? That's rather surprising. Normally you'd have scheduled a whole list of to-do. But…passing time like this from time to time would do you good as well."
"You don't say. And what about you, Burai?"
"Strolling around the gallery, I guess. After that, spectating the Gift Game."
As the four were done with their meals, they looked at each other as they confirmed their schedules for the day.
"Ojou-sama and I will be meeting up with Jack and the others. Ochibi-sama is responsible for the greeting at the Convention. Kasukabe will be participating the game and Burai will be there later."
"Oh? Jack is here as well?"
"Yep. He says that he will be introducing the last Community to join us in the Alliance, and…there's also a present for Ojou-sama." As Izayoi gave a cryptic smile, Asuka who was hearing this for the first time was stunned.
And at that moment, a fuming Kuro Usagi stood behind them, with dark aura enveloping her entire being. But they continued to ignore her.
"Well then, let's go our way from here."
Yeah. What's your plan, Asuka?"
"What do you mean what's my plan? I can't possibly get down from here by myself…"
"Then let Kuro Usagi help you with that, you PROBLEM CHILDREN!"
The paper fan generated a towering wave of air that sped forward. Just like that, the four were smacked off the chandelier. Jin who witnessed the entire thing could only turn pale and hugged his head.
"Okay, little miss. A little review before the game. Let see how many of those down there can you get pass." Falling down from the chandelier, Burai said while pointing at the Lesser Dragon of Salamandra.
"Um!" Yo nodded back and closed her eyes to concentrate. In that instance, the air around her changed completely. If one was to describe it, it would be akin to the cloud. Seemingly there, but at the same time not there, ungraspable.
Utilizing a small whirlwind to cushion her fall, Yo landed on the ground without making even the smallest sound, without disturbing even a particle of dust. She has completely blended in and became one with her surroundings.
The Salamandra's military police then split into two groups, one chased after Izayoi and Asuka and the other is to find Yo and Burai. But who would have thought that the ones they were looking for was right there, right under their nose.
"Where did that girl go?! Look over there!"
"Nothing over here!"
As the Lesser Dragon turned every stone on the street up-side-down, Yo leisurely slipped pass all 50 of them. She wasn't even going at super speed that their eyes could not keep up either, but right now even if she was to stand in front and wave at them they would still not notice.
Ever since returning from the Harvest Festival in Underwood, for the past two months Yo has been training under Burai. Although Garol had told her that in a Gift Game especially one against a Demon Lord, there would be several conditions to take down the Demon Lord, and she should only result to a direct confrontation when all else failed. But she still wanted to perfect herself more, and as per her request Burai became her mentor.
In combat, since both of theirs fighting styles has the same foundation, and since he wanted her to develop her own fighting style like how he did, he only taught her two things regarding this department.
How to control her senses more freely. With her Gift, Yo can easily heighten her senses to greatly increase her combat efficiency, but that once proved to her downfall. The battle with Rattenfanger.
Because she has stronger sensory sensitivity than others, Ratten's dissonance caused damage directly to her mind instead of simple mind control, resulting in her coming down with a fever and being bed riddance for a whole week. So to avoid the same scenario, Burai showed her how to both heighten and temporarily shut down her senses when necessary.
And the second lesson, how to read the opponent's movement. Yo can't possibly come close to reading a few steps ahead into every possible situation that the opponent could pull off because she lacks experience that is accumulated over thousand years, so Burai went for a slightly deviated way from his own.
Every day, they would spar with each other, and after every move, Burai would have ten different tactics for his next one. What he trained her was, to predict and counter at least three out of ten tactics with the highest possibility of occurring and to always have one wild card up her sleeve for the rest.
The first lesson was a complementary to the second one. Being able to control her senses more freely, Yo could acquire a massive amount of information on her opponent in less than a tenth of a second. Their breathing, heartbeat, eye movement, even the smallest change in their muscle fibers did not go unnoticed.
In just three weeks, Yo was able to predict and counter up to five out of ten tactics. The core idea of his teaching was to be 'unpredictable'. Never fall for the same trick twice and never show your opponent the same trick twice. Although right now, her wild card could still use some improvement, but luckily Yo's Genome Tree was the perfect Gift to be 'unpredictable'. Pros and cons considered, it was a rather satisfying result.
And, the third lesson if not the most important one, for it plays an essential role in the success of the two previous ones. Aura training.
Sensing others aura. The two would spar with each other without using eyes, ears or nose, only by reading the opponent's aura. At first Yo had some troubles but gradually she was able to keep up. Then he would raise the difficulty by having her increase the range to the entire Community ground.
Controlling one own aura. Everything has its own aura, and by blending one owns aura into the surroundings, one can become completely invisible to others. Similar to how a chameleon could change its color to match with the surroundings, their aura would be the color.
To put it simply, it would be similar to the helmet which holds the Gift of Invisibility of Perseus Community. But their helmet still has a flaw: the wearer is simply hidden, not disappeared. Their disturbance to the surroundings still remained albeit of a much lesser extent. Burai's method of blending the aura to the surroundings was capable of solving this problem, thus yielded more supreme.
Even a 'quick learner' would be an understatement to describe Yo. In just only two months, she has progressed this far, and more than half of the training was something that she never heard of until recently. Given enough time and training, she might even go toe to toe with Burai within the span of just a few years, and the thought of that amused him greatly.
After getting pass all of the Lesser Dragons and making sure that she was out of their range, Yo then regulated her breathe as the air around her returned to normal. Burai who had been observing her from the rooftop then leapt down next to her.
"Stupendous performance, little miss."
"Hehe." Yo raised her fingers and made a victory sign.
"When we get back, I'll teach you the advanced version of controlling your aura. Now, let's go and check out that gallery."
Leaving the small alley, the two made their destination the Corridor of Displays. Not too far from there the Lesser Dragons were still searching for them.
Stage area, the Arena before the Tablet of the Sea of Stars.
The two had just arrived at the area and the sparkling sculptures of glass flowers that decorated the area around them made it one of the most beautiful place in Kouen City. But it wasn't just those glass pieces that made the corridors such a beautiful place. It was the addition of precious gemstones that gave off the twinkling light of stars that made the place take on a dream-like quality.
This corridor also served as an area to commemorate the generations of crafters who had helped in the building as well as maintaining the Northern Territories for various monuments in remembrance of them had gathered here.
And if Yo was to come through as the champion of the Duel of Creators during the Rise of Fire Dragon Festival, she would obtain the rights to carve her Community's [Name] and [Flag] onto the Corridor of Displays.
And if one won in a Gift Game hosted to compete within the technique and art of crafting, they would also obtain the right to display their masterpiece in the stone pedestal in the Corridor of Displays.
Looking around at the countless previous masterpieces showcased around her, Yo started to feel a sense of doubt taking seed in her heart as she titled her head.
"Is it really possible for me to take part in this Game?"
The North is where Gifts of refining metal, manufacturing by crystallization, alchemical arts and the like circulated widely. Amongst all the races living in Little Garden, the Human race not possessing much power and was at the lowest rungs of the power ladder was a fact well known by all. But in the North, the talent of creating Gifts through the techniques of Human or Spirit alike was highly prized treasures.
Hence the creativity of Human in developing techniques and skills received high praise and the North soon became a place where they could truly call home. And amongst them were many Communities that have left their marks on the Tablet of the Sea of Stars, having had their strengths recognized and highly praised by Salamandra.
One of the many reasons for her to participate in this Gift Game was, to find her father, Kasukabe Koumei.
Garol of Six Scars, who claimed to be her father's friend had really helped the No Name a lot, even promising to take care of Calico Cat who had been covered in bandage after the first attack of the giant dragon. But he never brought up any talk about his past with her father and had only left her with this line when they were about to go their separate ways.
"Currently I can't say anything about it. But if you really want to know Koumei, you will need to chase after his footsteps. Only then will you understand what kind of a man he is."
For the next two whole months, beside training with Burai, Yo had tried her ebst to search for a trace of her father's whereabouts but had come up with nothing.
There was still another method for her to get a lead, and that was to participate in a Game while registering the Genome Tree as the specific Gift to be used and observe the crowd's reaction.
But to appear in a Game where many famous blacksmiths and sculptors had signed up to vie for glory, it still gave her the feeling of uneasiness.
"No, I must not falter! This is not just about me, but about the whole Community. I shouldn't allow any smear to get onto our reputation!"
Yo clenched her fists while exhaling sharply. Standing nearby while looking at the displays, Burai glanced at her over his shoulder.
"Little miss's father…Family, huh?" lifting his gaze to the sky, Burai asked unconsciously. They were questions directed at no one, but the tone was melancholic and almost sounds like a plea.
"You whose face I never get to see, who are you?
For so long have I wondered, how did you feel about this blood and flesh of yours?
Did what you felt on the day I was born, bliss?
Were you filled with sadness when entrusting me to Mother Nature?
For whatever reason, did my presence bring tears to you?
Tell me, O Father and Mother of mine, you whose warmth I've never known of."
Suddenly coming back to his sense, Burai shook his head to shake off the thought.
"Ouch." Then he heard Yo winced and quickly turned around.
"What's wrong?"
"Something hit me…" it was a blunt weapon that took the shape of a cross while its top most was a rounded piece. From the shape of it, it would be more similar to a hammer than a cross.
"A hammer?" Yo and Burai then looked around them, but to find the culprit amongst the crowds milled around the Corridor of Displays was simply impossible. Titling her head quizzically, Yo thought that perhaps in Kouen City hammers dropping from somewhere might just be a common thing. Just then-
"Hmmp!" Burai suddenly reached out his hand to the spot right above Yo's head, and in his hand was another hammer. They both were then in an alert stage as they stood back to back.
"Whoever's behind this, they escaped my five senses twice."
"Yeah, and I didn't even notice these hammers until they actually appeared." Carefully observing the crowd for any irregularity, their senses then kicked into action. For if there's a second, there would be a third and fourth.
"There should be some scent left on the hammer. Lock onto that and its aura to pinpoint them." They both closed their eyes and prepared for battle if necessary.
"…Are you alright?"
"?!" being caught by surprise, they both jumped back slightly and got into a battle stance. Even though the two had heightened their senses to maximum and even activated their aura tracking, for this strange girl to get this close unnoticed by both of them would be impossible. Yet, here she was, right in front of them and even striking a conversation, that is a fact.
"Uh, um…"
Yo's mouth was half agape as she looked at the girl who seemed to be the same age as herself.
A young lady with a baby-like face and slightly wavy twin tails. Her curvaceous body-like didn't seem to match with the age that she appeared to be from just her face alone. Although her height did not differ much from Yo, but her breasts were filled out like that of grown woman. The black and blue laced Gothic Lolita outfit boldly revealed her legs and part of her breasts, making her look very attractive.
But what got Yo surprised most wasn't her appearance.
"This girl…isn't human." Dool-like. A demon in the form of a young girl. That was the line that flashed through Yo's mind.
Seeming to ignore the caution that was obvious on the two faces, the girl moved closer to look at Yo's face.
"…Is your head fine?"
"Ah, it-it's fine. But who are you?" the girl then gave a slight nod. Every of her action was incredibly cute, just with that slight nod already compounded to the overall cuteness. Even if it's Yo, she would be unable to beat up such a cute girl. So with that,
"Chop."
"!"
Yo with her hand gave a chop on the girl's head without using too much strength…only enough to smash boulders.
"Let's call it even."
"Hn…" the mysterious girl nodded. It would seem she had given it some self-reflection.
Seeing that there was no malice coming from the girl, Burai then also dropped his battle stance. As Yo sorted out her thoughts and was about to make a self-introduction, the girl was one step ahead.
"You two are also joining the Game?"
"Game? You mean the Duel of Creators?"
The girl then nodded in response. Though Yo was a laconic person, this wgirl was even more reserve in her words than Yo. This is the first time Yo had met such a strong opponent that was even more laconic than her.
"Yes, I will be joining. Only me though." Yo who still haven't decided whether to turn up the event nodded her head. A smile then spread across the mysterious girl's face.
"Great. With this, I can complete my promise with Koumei."
"Eh-" at that moment when Yo was left speechless, the mysterious girl…vanished. Yes, simply vanished into thin air, without any warning.
"T-this must be a lie, right?!"
It wasn't just disguising her scent or movement at extremely high speed, not even her aura sensing could pick up anything. If it was only her then she could have think of it as lack of experience, but glancing to Burai who also widened his eyes, Yo concluded that that was not the case. But more importantly,
"She knows my father." Shifting her gaze at the arena, Yo clenched her fists as her eyes were no longer clouded. She had finally found the first lead to her father.
"That girl will also participate in the Game, huh. Then we have no time to waste. Let's get you registered, little miss."
"Right!" Burai then turned toward the registration office and Yo followed suit behind.
"And it seems I have to speed up the training."
"Eh?" as Yo let out a surprised cry, Burai explained his reason.
"Instant teleportation. That's how she got pass our five senses. And you could say it's the best counter to aura sensing."
"What?!" letting out another cry, Yo then sped up her pace to match with Burai.
"Well, I said 'best', not 'perfect'." Although he had just revealed that there's something that could counter his fighting method effectively, he remained grinning instead of being panicked.
"If I have seen it, I can best it. The counter to a counter, now that's a top class 'unpredictability'."
Shiraga: I know that it's a short chapter, but the next part is the Gift Game and when things start to go down so I'm saving it for the next chapter. My apology for too long yet too little