Chapter 76 - #75 Putolu (2/2)
”What do you mean, Akame-chan?” Tsukushi asked with a confused expression.
”What my big sis means is that overall they aren't on the same level at all. Their level of swordsmanship might be similar but Akashi Nii-sama has vaster experience in fighting. Therefore they aren't on a similar level at all, at least when it comes to fighting.” Kurome explained in her sister's stead. Of course, she used harsher words than Akame would use since it was Akashi who she was talking about and she simply had to praise him, it was already her habit.
The girls only released a wry smile when they heard Kurome's words. She was speaking about their leader who was strongest of all of them in this way.
In the end, the match ended with Akashi's victory and girls quietly returned back to the camp.
---Akashi's POV---
Class: Blade Master (Lv. 5; +9 Str, +9 Agi, +4 Const) 70/160 XP
That guy is really a prodigy in swordsmanship.
I thought with a small smile while beads of sweat were pouring down my forehead.
Just from this sparring alone, I was able to gain so many experience points but I have to be careful because I am not the only one improving. I should limit those sparring with him unless I want to train him to be even stronger. His mastery of swords is already pretty high so there is no need to make him even stronger.
”*Huff* ...It's your win.” Najasho said with a complicated expression while trying to catch his breath.
”Where did you learn those moves?” Najasho suddenly asked me with a curious expression.
”I created them myself from watching other people's practices.” I replied with a small smile while sheathing my sword.
'...He created it on his own yet we are on a similar level...What would have happened if he practiced in already created and perfected movesets with the help of a good teacher? Anyway, I am still not sure if I would be able to defeat him with everything I have got. His fighting experience is also much vaster than mine...' Najasho thought with narrowed eyes while looking at the ground.
---
”You didn't mind those girls watching?” I asked with a raised eyebrow.
”Not really, I didn't want to interrupt our match.” Najasho finally composed himself and said with a calm tone while adjusting his clothes, especially his blue tie.
...
When we returned to the camp, girls kept secretly glancing at both of us, completely confusing Green which made me guess that he wasn't with them at that time.
.
.
.
The town that was situated some distance away from the tombs looked similar to some kind of ancient Egyptian town.
We quickly joined the Empire's camp located in the mountains not too far away from the town, one could still see it just by looking from the camp.
----Commander's tent----
”You have finally arrived. I have already lost a lot of my units and also lost contact with some of them, they are most likely dead too or captured for extraction of information about us. This is the first time I am experiencing such heavy casualties.” A bald man wearing a monocle over his left eye said with a difficult expression while sitting at the table with his hands folded together in front of his face. His eyes were extremely cold but it wasn't due to the casualties but due to this big humiliating failure.
”I couldn't arrive any faster...Still, I am surprised that you were able to convince that kid to help us.” Gozuki who was together with him in that tent replied while shrugging his shoulders.
”I was actually surprised myself when he replied to my message. I even sent for someone else just in case but it looks like it will be overkill. I am slowly starting to pity those Gravekeepers.” The man said with a sarcastic tone.
”?! Did you call for 'her'?” Gozuki asked with a surprised expression.
”Yes, those Gravekeepers are good as dead with her and that kid here. Unfortunately, it will take some time for her to arrive, that kid replied to me much faster than the Empire did. I still want to rescue those good for nothings that are possibly still alive inside the tomb. I spent too many resources on them to just let them die there plus they are also one of the strongest after your group.” The man explained with an irritated expression.
”I will see what I can do but we can't just run inside without any plan.” Gozuki said and turned around, ready to leave.
”Please do, I can't send any more units and even if I would have sent them, they would just die since I even lost contact with one of my strongest units.” The man said before Gozuki left the tent and Gozuki just nodded his head in understanding.
---Akashi's POV---
”Alright, our first goal is to rescue all our units that are still alive and then recover the treasures. We only have a map of the first floor that was provided by inhabitants of the town near the tombs. Un fortunately, Gai isn't here with us so we can't send anyone to scout ahead since he would be the most suitable for this kind of job.” Gozuki informed all of us, we are currently gathered in one smaller room inside the town
”Ugh, there will definitely be a lot of traps” Poney grumbled aloud with a tired expression and her shoulders down.
”Since we don't have our scout, how are we going to scout the area?” Cornelia asked with a thoughtful and slightly sad expression.
...This feels really weird, I wonder how would they react if I just suddenly said that I am Katsura.
I thought with closed eyes and a small smile across my face.
”Akashi? Do you have an idea?” Akame asked me when she saw my expression, thinking that I already had a plan in my head.
Over the entire trip, we talked very rarely which slightly saddened Kurome but I didn't want to force any conversation with her...At least it was visible that she didn't hate me.
I could feel everyone's gaze land on me.
”Death comes to those who strays near the tomb.” I muttered with closed eyes and my voice getting gradually colder. Almost everyone tensed up when they heard my words together with my voice.
”Then let's take a walk around and see how so-called death comes for us.” I slowly opened my eyes that were devoid of any emotions and said with a cold smile making a few girls and Green in the room shiver a bit.