Vol 9 Chapter 3.1 (1/2)

Chapter 3.1

Its s-so cold

Put this on.

s.h.i.+n took out a fur-lined coat and gave it to the s.h.i.+vering Tiera. On the other side, Yuzuha cuddled closer to her to warm her up.

Thanks to Kagerous limitless energy, the horse carriage kept running onward, at a speed surpa.s.sing even that of a car. Because of this, they had already traveled a considerable distance.

According to Mitsuyo, they had already covered half of the distance from Fuji to Kunitsunas location.

As they proceeded northward, they began to see traces of snow two days after leaving Fuji. Now, a silvery white world spread all around them and the scenery around the carriage became visibly different three days after their departure.

They couldnt even see the bare ground because of the snow, but Kagerou had no trouble proceeding.

To think that we had to turn the carriage into a sled

Looks like our destination will be covered in snow.

s.h.i.+n had moved to the coachmans seat and exchanged words with Schnee. Both were wearing heavy, furry coats and thick trousers. They also wore gloves and anti-freezing boots, making them well-equipped for the cold from head to toe.

No matter how resistant the body was to the cold, even if it didnt hinder movement, the feeling of being cold would remain.

Schnee claimed to be perfectly alright in her normal clothing, but the other party members protested that just looking at her made them cold, so she wore thicker clothing too.

Furthermore, to ride through snowy landscapes without any countermeasures for the cold would make them look unusual in any strangers eyes; especially Filma with her high ratio of exposed skin.

The inside of the carriage had been remodeled and was warmer than outside, but because of the materials used it still felt chilling. For these reasons Tiera, Filma, and the others wore warmer clothing too.

On the other hand s.h.i.+baid, who equipped a low-quality full body armor to hide his ident.i.ty, simply wore a coat over it.

Mitsuyo, being a weapon, said she would not need anything, but s.h.i.+n and the others forced her to change her attire and wear a coat. A kimono and winter coats would be an absolute mismatch.

Oh, a pack of Snow Fangsjust ran off.

A group of white wolf-type monsters appeared in s.h.i.+ns detection range, but ran off scared of Kagerous presence. Their course until now had been a continuous series of such events, as s.h.i.+ns party proceeded straight ahead towards their destination, without the smallest skirmish.

Mitsuyo, is this the correct direction?

Yes, straight ahead. Is there something wrong?

Looks like we need to pa.s.s through a forest. Everyone, were getting off for a while.

The carriage stopped just before the forested area and the party started walking.

Because of the heavy snow, the party proceeded at a relatively slow pace. From the depths of the forest, from inside the snow, monster eyes were fixated on them. They seemed to understand that they would be no match for the group: after a short glance, they all quickly left.

Among them, certain presences kept following them at a distance.

Were surrounded.

Yes. Theyre maintaining a circle surrounding us. Their presence suppression and coordinated movements are far too good for mere robbers.

s.h.i.+n and Schnee, while continuing to walk on, verified the numbers of the group chasing after them.

Filma, s.h.i.+baid, and Mitsuyo acted naturally, but were ready to draw their weapons at any time.

There arent supposed to be any villages around here, right?

Tiera, being sensitive to other people&rsqu

o;s gazes, also noticed that they were being observed. Speaking without letting her breathing become irregular, she tightened the grip on her bow.

There might be something near our destination. Or maybe theyre just a band of thieves. Well see when we get there. If we keep going forward like this, therell be some reaction sooner or later.

Rea.s.sured by the optimistic s.h.i.+n, the party continued to walk through the pathless forest.

Their surrounding continued for about another 15 minutes: as they arrived close to a mountain, an arrow struck the snow next to s.h.i.+ns feet.

Looks like they wont let us go any further.

Hmph, if theyre thieves they will just taste our blades.

Well, lets hear what they have to say first. One of them is getting closer.

After trying to make the hot-blooded Mitsuyo cool down, s.h.i.+n faced towards the approaching presence.

What appeared from between the trees was a young girl, dressed in black and red ceremonial garb, which s.h.i.+n felt he had already seen before.

She was also wearing an overcoat on her robes.

Well-defined facial features and animal ears on her head. The young maidens ears, colored light brown like the hair tied behind her neck, pointed straight up because of her nervousness.

Thats an Immaculate Robe, isnt it. Its my first time meeting an Onmyoji here.

As I thought, you are not simple travellers who got lost in the forest.

The young girl wearing black priestess clothing seemed to have heard s.h.i.+n talking to himself and replied, her diffidence clearly expressed in her tone of voice.

Rindou Suzune Level 210 Onmyoji

s.h.i.+ns a.n.a.lyze showed the girls information. Based on their level, she was probably the most experienced in the group surrounding them.

We came here to find a certain katana located somewhere ahead. We have no hostile intentions towards you all. Wont you let us go?

A katana? ah!? Do you mean that your target is that? In that case, we cannot let you pa.s.s.

For reasons unknown to s.h.i.+n and his party, Suzune took an enchanted charm from inside her robe and a.s.sumed a fighting stance.

Her reaction told s.h.i.+n and the group that trouble was brewing.

A fighting stance so suddenly? Thats quite aggressive of you.

I had predicted that someone would come for Onimaru. But as long as we stand, you will not do as you please!!

Suzunes tone became more and more belligerent. Having clearly heard her say the name Onimaru, s.h.i.+n realized they wouldnt have been able to avoid having to deal with her.

The surrounding circle gradually grew smaller and smaller. Figuring it was the only way, s.h.i.+n talked again to Suzune.

You, could you be from Black Priestess Shrine?

Do not feign ignorance. Who else would wear robes such as these!?

Black Priestess Shrine was the name of a guild in the game era, hence s.h.i.+ns question.

I just wanted to make sure. If I was wrong, itd cause trouble. Let me ask one more thing, then: is Kuchinas.h.i.+ still around?

!? How do you know that name!?

Suzunes expression became even sharper because of her heightened surprise and caution.

The name s.h.i.+n had mentioned, Kuchinas.h.i.+, was the name of Black Priestess Shrines guildmaster. She was one of the players who had died during the Death Game, so s.h.i.+n mentioned it thinking that it might be connected to the present situation.

Judging from Suzunes reaction, it was clear that she at least knew the name.

For now, we will not go any further than this. In exchangeyes, please report that the master of Demi Eden has come with his entourage.

After finis.h.i.+ng his request, s.h.i.+n took his hand off the hilt of his weapon, showing his lack of hostility. He wouldnt go as far as put the weapon away, though.

.fair enough. Ayame, you were listening, right? Go!

Should I?

I request you to, by my authority.

Following Suzunes order, one of the units surrounding the group left towards the direction s.h.i.+ns party was headed in.

Is it okay to just let her go?

The Kuchihas.h.i.+ I know wouldnt resort to violence. Lets just take a short rest.

.if you say so, then all right.

Mitsuyo saw s.h.i.+n relax his stance and sighed; she had grown tense for nothing.

Let me make some tea, so that we dont get too cold.

Schnee proceeded to take a teapot and teacups from the item box.

Suzune was surprised to see that, but Schnee paid no mind to her and went on to create an oven with earth magic, then lit a fire to boil water.

s.h.i.+n took out a table and chairs and the whole party sat at leisure. Only Tiera was still a little tense.

What is wrong with you people

Suzune looked absolutely perplexed at the groups nonchalance, despite the fact that weapons were still pointed at them.

I said that we have no intention of fighting, didnt I? Do you guys want a cup too? I bet the cold is chilling you too.

Nonsense! Who would ever accept that offer!?

Suzunes retort was almost a roar; she probably thought they were making fun of her.

After about 30 minutes of waiting, the girl called Ayame returned.

.Really? Understood. Thank you.

Ayame related her report without letting s.h.i.+n and the others hear. Suzune thanked her and let her go back to her post.

Lady Kuchinas.h.i.+ will see you. Come with me.

Her dissatisfaction clearly visible on her face, Suzune turned her back to s.h.i.+ns group and ran off.

Looks like shell be our guide, lets go.

Does this mean that lady Kuchinas.h.i.+ crossed over here too?

Judging from their reaction, looks like she did. Kuchinas.h.i.+ is a high elf like you, Schnee, so even if she arrived here 100 years ago, it wouldnt be strange for her to still be alive.

s.h.i.+n and the others talked between themselves while following Suzune. She was clearly used to traveling through the forest, as she chose the easiest courses to proceed on.