Then, shortly before sunset, Garnet and I decided to leave town and make our way to the example bridge.

　I also remembered to pack a portable lantern.
　We don't need to use it now, but it will definitely be dark by the time we return.

　And Sylvia has left me with some food and drink to bring to Sakura.

'Hey, Garnett.

　As we walked down the well-maintained mountain path, I spoke to Garnett, who was walking next to me.

'You actually wanted to train with Sakura, didn't you?'
Hey, man, you know what?

　Garnett returned the sideways glance with a raised eyebrow.

'You're being held up all the time by being my guard, right? I just thought maybe you'd like to use that time to work on yourself or something.

　About a week ago now, on that night when the siege battle over the camp under construction had been fought, Garnett had been severely depressed by his defeat to the Demon General Norzuri.

　The reason why Sakura had begun to focus on training in the first place, and Garnett's quest for superior armor, was also because of his remorse for not being able to stand up to Norzuri in that battle.

　If that's the case, then Garnett shouldn't be satisfied with armor alone if it's true.

　It's a good idea to be able to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

"d*mn, ...... you don't understand anything.

　Garnett sped up his pace and came around in front of me, and then he turned around and stood in front of me.

"Do I look like I don't want to go out with you?
...... No.
'Right?　That's what I mean, idiot.

　Garnet turns away again and walks away.

　Just as I was about to call out to her back, an intense wave of magical power pierced through the trees.

　Almost at the same time, I saw the depths of the mountain forest lit up like midday.

''The White Wolf's!''
Get over there!　Up the river!

　I immediately switch my thoughts and sprint towards the source of the magic wave.

　The light has already subsided and the surroundings have regained their original dimness.

　Running down the mountain path as fast as I could, I didn't cross the bridge, but instead headed upstream along the ravine, and soon I saw someone standing alone by the riverside below the cliff.

'Sakura!'

　One minute the figure looked back at my voice, and the next it disappeared without a sound, and the next it appeared on the cliff.

'How can I help you, Master Luke?'

　The figure was still Sakura, after all.

　Exhaustion is evident, but she seems to be trying her best to smile as usual.

'I'm surprised. It was you who did that earlier. Don't tell me that was a 'godsend'?
...... I'm sure you have nothing to hide from Lord Luke. I am truly sorry that I broke my promise not to attempt to descend a god in this country.
That's why you're trying to keep it a secret that you're training for it. I don't remember making that kind of promise to you. You should do what you want.

　It's honestly troubling to have your head bowed down in an apologetic manner.

　It is true that Sakura had made such a declaration, but I didn't take that guy as a promise.

　Even if such a declaration had not been made, I would have said the same thing to Sakura at that time.

'Wait a minute. Have a drink before you start talking. I'm sweating like a motherf*cker.
"I can't hang on, Garnett.

　Sakura takes the water bottle from Garnett and starts drinking the water inside.

　I decided to tell her the confirmation I wanted to ask while I was there.

'When you and Nagi were arguing before, I believe you said something about the 'pattern' being distorted or something. Has that issue been resolved?

　Huffing, Sakura took a breath and began to speak calmly.

''First, let me explain what I call 'Bunsho'.

　--It's not just a matter of time before you get to the point where you'll be able to get a new job.

　It is said that Sakura's family has been researching God-surrender from generation to generation, and that the total hijikirokane sword commissioned by Sakura is a ritual tool for this purpose.

But this is not enough: "But in addition to the ...... total scarlet metalwork ritual objects, there must also be a trick in the receptacle ...... My ancestors thought this way and inscribed a magical action in their own bloodline. That's the 'God-Devouring Pattern'.

　--Children of the Sakura clan are born with an invisible pattern on their bodies.

　The procedure was apparently done in the hope that this pattern would improve the stability of the god's descent --

This technique, however, was flawed. With each generation, there would be minute distortions in the shape of the pattern, which would accumulate over time.

　-- the existence of flaws and distortions was revealed two generations ago, counting from Sakura's generation.

　The family line that had passed down the technique had already been cut off due to the long war, and the technique itself had been lost, leaving behind an incomplete instruction manual.

　It was difficult to recreate the technique from now on.

My father's and grandfather's generation was greatly troubled. "My father and grandfather's generation were torn between researching to correct the distortions in the pattern or considering it a secondary purpose. My father chose the latter, and he attempted to use a substitute ritual tool he was studying to lower the gods ...... and lost his life.

　I've heard that history from Sakura before.

　Technically, though, I only heard him claim that in an argument with Nagi on the side.

'I believe that my father's death was caused by a substitute ritual tool. To prove this, I wish to fully master the ritual of the god's descent with my imperfect pattern and Lord Luke's total scarlet-hot gold-worked sword.

　Sakura continues to speak in a calm voice, but with firm intent.

''Of course, if the pattern is complete, there is a possibility that we can bring out even more performance. If you're thinking about being able to help Luke-dono, maybe you should abandon your obsession and ask Luke-dono to [restore] it. But ......
I don't mind.

　I interrupted Sakura's words as she confided in me about her conflict and gave her the shortest possible response.

'Maybe it's because I'm a big a**h*le who hasn't been able to give up my admiration for fifteen years. I can't help but root for the guy who's chasing his dreams.

　For example, this sentiment was also half of the reason why I suggested to Erika that she should try selling medicine in our store.

　Half of the suggestion was because I wanted to support her dream of owning her own store, and the other half was because I genuinely felt the attraction and demand for the new product.

'Luke-dono ......'
'So you do what you want to do. That's great if you can afford it, and I'd be happy to help you, but your top priority should be your goals.
Thank you to .......

　Sakura looked relieved from the bottom of her heart and bowed her head deeply again.

　Perhaps he had always been worried about the fact that he had rebuffed his declaration of 'not attempting to descend a god'.

　Otherwise, he wouldn't be hiding the fact that he was training between requests itself.

''But I'm sorry, but can you refrain from doing that for the time being? As a matter of fact. ......

　There was a possibility that the information hadn't been passed on to Sakura yet, so I'll tell her that the Silverwing Knights are planning to send troops and that the Mad Golem may act dangerously.

　The messenger who brought this information to us arrived in Green Hollow before us, so it's well known to the people in the town hall and guild house.

　It will be a little later when the normal residents will know, but there shouldn't be a problem if we tell Sakura here and now.

''I see, that's a venerable problem. I've gotten a pretty good sense of the God-Devouring Ceremony, so I'll be focusing on guarding the town and Lord Luke for a while!

　Sakura clenched her fists tightly and got into the spirit.

'No, it's just that it's too noisy and I want you to refrain from acting alone. ......
'......?　Isn't that the same thing?　If you're going to stop working out on your own, I'm afraid I'll have to put more effort into that one.

　It was so obvious that he said it off as if it were obvious, and I could only nod my head.

　I think it's good that you're full of motivation, but I have to be careful not to let you just push yourself too hard.