The night sky of the royal capital finally regained its darkness once again.

　The crystal lights are doing their job, illuminating the cobblestones of the suddenly disaster stricken royal capital with a twinkle.

"-What do you want from me?

　Hibigami fluttered to a halt on the spot.
　He had been followed by someone from a little while ago.
　I could have left the royal capital immediately, but I was slightly intrigued by that tailor and 'brought' him here.
　Hibigami was in a relatively secluded corner of the royal capital.
　Coincidentally, it was also the place where he had cut the man who had been wounded by Cecily Arkwright.
　From the darkness, a figure appeared, wavering.
　Illuminated by the light of the crystal lamp, the figure's entire appearance became clearer.

''The appearance and guise seem to be consistent with the murderer in question.

　Hibigami narrowed his eyes.

'You're a holy warrior in that outfit, aren't you?　But that jet-black color... well, I--

　Tall, with a ship's arm.
　Mustache and beard.

The way you talk it seems you know who I am.
Kaka, what do you mean? "Kaka, what do you say? Anyone who has any connection to the armed forces in Midzubere knows your name first. "The Black Juggernaut - Sogut Sigismos.

　Sogut's dark hair swayed in the night breeze, and Sogut's long sleeves fluttered.
　Something, eyes that guessed.

''I heard that all of the four deadly plagues that struck this royal city were defeated, but I couldn't find a single body.
That's probably the Four Deadly Sins I dealt with.

　A faint wrinkle creased between Sogut's eyebrows.

'You, the other guy?'
"I cut off one arm, but I didn't finish it. I'm not sure which way he's going to turn, but I thought it would be fun to set him loose in the wild, so I let him go. It's not a bad idea to take advantage of your growth potential and become a success, but if you die easily, that's also your fate.
I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one. So I felt a strange and intimidating feeling, so I went up there and found you.
Kaka, that's me too. I had a feeling that something very promising was on the way. That's why I brought you here.
I'm not going to ask what you're doing in King's Landing. But you're a captive in King's Landing.

　Sogut sheathes the sword at his waist with one arm and pulls it out and releases it.

''I'm sorry, but I can't just turn a blind eye to it.
Oh, yeah?　So that's what they say, Levatain.

　As he pulled out his beloved sword 'Mu Killing', Hibigami sat down and flung the blade back.

''The 'Black Holy Jury' that is renowned on the continent. Something to test if it's real or fake, is a fun thing to do.

　The moment their sword-filled eyes crossed.

　Sogut's side set it up.

　A speedy thrust, as if to see how it would look first.
　It's a good idea to be able to have a good time with them.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this as well.
　Fast.
　As Hibigami evaded, Sogut next scattered a slash.
　However, it wasn't a blow aimed at a fatal wound.
　It was only an attack to try to inflict a blade wound, even if it was just a scratch.

I see, so Levatain's Black Flame can be used against a wounded person. I see, then even a shallow wound is no problem, but--

　A minuscule wound ran across the back of Hibigami's hand.
　However, it did not ignite.
　Sogut drew himself backwards and readied his sword.

'I see, you.
'That flame, perhaps a power that manifests in response to the magic element of the person you cut?　Well, that's a shame. I am not equipped with an organ that can take in magic. I'm not a person who has an organ that can take in magic, so the flames of my sword can't eat me.

　Sogut stepped on the cobblestones with a click, as if to check his footing.
　A moment later, Sogut jumped toward Hibigami with a single step.
　A sharp arc ran into the darkness of the night.
　The blade of the holy magic sword that cut through the wind and darkness, however, could not gouge Hibigami's flesh.

　Hibigami chuckled and let out a chuckle.

''It's Sogut Sigismus.
..........
I once named myself as a potential adversary, yet I'm having trouble understanding what I'm talking about...

　I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this in the future.

It's not as if you can rely on hearsay. You don't think Sogut Sigismus--

　A trickle of sweat trickled down from Sogut's brow to his cheek.


'I didn't know you were such a good, errand boy.


　Hibigami regrasped his sword and desperately suppressed his trembling joy.

I don't think that sword is made by any normal way of forging. It's hard to believe that this sword was born from the pure spirit of a knight...............mostly resentment and revenge?　.........No, I don't care about the underlying motive. What is important is that you have managed to become such a good user.

　Sogut took a half step back.
　You understand, Hibigami thought happily.
　He had already figured out that even at this distance, Hibigami's slash would reach him.

　--and his talent for battle is also outstanding.

You can call yourself the sword and body as one. It's not just a matter of how much time you have left on the clock. This is the one and only swordsmanship that turns being a one-armed man into an advantage, and that's something I can't even imitate.
Did you say "hibigami"?
Kaka, I'm sorry. You know, you never told me your name.
'I'm told that you are of the Sixth House and all the Sixth House members are monsters like you and Currier Versteen?
Currier.

　Hibigami gulped and strained his arm.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.

It's a good thing that you're able to get the best out of the Sixth House in terms of growth potential, but at this point in time, your ability is greater than even Currier Versteen's.
'Currier Versteen is still young. He'll have a lot of growing to do.
Of course!

　Hibigami swung his stiff arm and slashed at Sogut with his sword.
　Soggyut tried to skillfully release his power with the sword he received, but Hibigami's sword entwined like a snake and prevented the power from escaping.
　The sword and the holy demon sword are battling each other.

You are going to have to make sure you follow my sword, Soggyut Sigismos!　
That power what the hell are you?

　Once Sogut's sword was knocked away, Hibigami took a step away.

''--Lone.''

　Sogut's eyes lit up with the color of understanding.

''....I see. So you're a loner because you're too strong, huh? I'm beginning to understand. The reason why you missed Sagara Kurohiko before--
That's right. The way it breaks down and expands, it's a fitting tribute to my future nemesis.

　Sogut returned his wrists and cut up in an inverted fashion.
　Hibigami's kimono, which was bent over his body, was partially torn off.
　Hibigami tried to counterattack without a care in the world.
　However, Sogut has taken control of the initiative and unleashed a slash with his returning sword.
　The man Sogut Sigismus, the man, there was no wasteful movement at all between attacks, to the point that there seemed to be no seam between attacks, even between attacks.
　Hibigami took the ensuing horizontal cut with his sword barrel, while keeping his distance with a sideways leap.
　Sogut, who seemed to have anticipated Hibigami's move, made a flash from a vertical stance.
　The blade is crossed, contact.
　A heavy metallic sound resounded.

The actuality that you are using such a sword with reduced killing power?

　Sogut asked.

It's also called a sword to be used against someone who wants to promote their growth. I'm sure you'll be able to find a good deal more than just a few of them. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.
Hmm, that's a terrible way to be a combat enthusiast.
Do you understand?
I can understand, but I don't have any empathy. I have no sympathy for them.
That's good.

　Hibigami used the momentum of his pop to put distance between them again, then he sat back down and held his sword as if he were carrying it.
　The sensation of blood circulating and spreading across his face.
　Sogut, who was measuring the opportunity to jump in again, wrinkled his brow.

''On your face ... black, a pulse?　Even the color of your eyes are red.
I'm grateful to have met someone who can do it in this realm.

　In an instant from a distance, Hibigami closed the distance.

''--!　This, speed.........?

　While saying it, Sogut reacts well to this speed.
　The two blades are grinding against each other.
　When was the last time anyone other than those from the Sixth House reacted to Hibigami's slash that was delivered at this speed?
　Even if there were, it is a memory so distant that you have to scramble for it.

　The struggle for power continues, just barely.
　If Sogurth tried to escape the power of the sword strikes delivered by this hibigami's physical strength, he would probably be cut down.
　There is no way for Sogurth to escape.

　It seemed as if there was no way to escape.

　The moment you see it, it's an instantaneous, thumping sound.
　It's as if the machine was unreadable, and Hibigami's power was swept away.

"This technique, I--

　Nii," said Hibigami, smiling with delight.

It's a good thing that you have the ability to use the sword of the East.... That was the "Falling stone flow" of the Jinshin style, wasn't it?

　Sogut's stance has changed to the upper level.

''I wish I had a skill you didn't know about--''

　The soggyut moved like a bobbing willow branch, wavering.
　Even if you can read the trajectory, the speed and the plane are difficult to avoid.
　Is it intuition or skill?
　Whatever it is, it's an admirable battle talent.
　The heavy blow from the upper level was swept away by Sogut.
　Gansu, and Hibigami received the blow with his sword gut.
　The second blow.
　The second blow, but it didn't come.

　Thump.

　Overwhelmingly, the drop in speed.
　It was a sweet blow that should be called a shrug, like a baby baby's comfort.
　It's not even the ability to kill or injure, a blow that gently touches the skin of a baby caresses the belly of the "no-kill".
　A blow, as if to gently dissipate the war spirit, such as.

　--This, the technique........

　The third strike is the third strike of the fierce earthquake.
　It's a heavy blow that, if received as it is, would crush Hibigami's skull.
　But Hibigami beat back the blow.

　It is said to have been concocted in between training to crash a piece of paper without cutting it with a blade... this is the first time I've actually received it, but I see, this is the kind of technique that utilizes a person's anticipatory nature.

　Sogyut didn't respond to Hibigami's words and held his sword low.
　Sogyut kicked the ground.

　A flower of circular slashes, five flashes.

　Neck, right wrist, left wrist, left ankle, right ankle--

　The speed of the circular arc of the sword flashes, which are so fast that you would think they were almost simultaneous, run through.
　However, Hibigami also deals with this one.
　This technique is also familiar to me.

"....the Touma style assassination secret sword, the 'Headhunters'.

　Sogut raises his sword barrel and moves into a stabbing stance.

"I'm impressed, Sogut Sigismos. I know that trick myself, but can you do it?
Will you be able to handle this?

　Quickly.
　The rushing Sogut released a storm of sharp thrusts.
　The speed of every thrust was slightly different.

　There was a female swordsman from the East who was once known as Shigure.
　It is said that although her Hagensemi school of swordsmanship produced many great swordsmen, only a few were taught its secrets.

　It is not a good idea to have a good time, but it is a good idea to have a good time.

　The rain of swords has stopped.

''Bladed Cicada School of Depth--'Ranbara, Red Rain''

　Huffing and puffing, Hibigami breathed.
　The flesh of her cheeks was ripped thin, and I could see the blood running down her cheeks.
　Even Sogut, perhaps because he used that technique, his breathing is disorganized.

''You're a know-it-all, aren't you?''
"Kaka.

　Hibigami released his stance and looked up to the heavens.

'Kaka, kaka, kaka, kaka, kaka........!

　Hibigami's loud laughter ceased.

'It's over.'
What?
It's over, Sogut Sigismos.
...What do you mean by that?
Huh... next time I'd like to do it, I'd like to do it with me when I'm not tired from all the marching and stuff.

　Hibigami put his sword away.
　It felt like a wave was receding from his face, arms and legs.

'Sogut, I have a favor to ask of you.
Do you want a favor?
"Sagara Kurochko, train. Currier Versteyn.
I'm the d*mn cursed user?
''That's right. That guy still needs to grow with the sword in addition to the forbidden curse. If it's me, I'm the right person for the job, no question.
Dare I say I'm in no position to accept your request?
''Sagara will come to you one way or another. As long as you stay in this royal city, if you want to hone your strength on something other than the demons deep in the Holy Ruins, you'll find yourself in the end.
Well it's a shameful story, but after crossing swords with you, I don't think I can beat you myself. So you think that Sagara Kurohiko, who you feel has potential, should be the one to beat you as a holy warrior?
You can interpret that in any way you like. But even if you have to settle this matter with yourself someday, before you do so, you have to make sure that Sagara will eat you by all means.
"'Eat'?
That's why I can't kill myself now. "Therefore, I cannot kill myself here," he said. I'm not sure how much longer I can keep this up, but I'm glad to see that the heat has subsided. I'm not sure how long I can keep this up, but I didn't think that I would be able to quell it while I was still in the capital.

　Sogut finally sheathes his sword, too.

''I suppose I should take it as good fortune to be missed here.......more importantly, you haven't given it your all yet......have you?''

　Hibigami took it as an answer with a smile.

'But Sogut Sigismus, eh?　I'd say I'm the second most powerful person I've ever met in my life. To be honest, I never expected to be such a good wielder. It's a good thing that I've excluded the likes of Rokia and Varaga, who never seem to show the depths of their power. Maybe I should.
...Now you say second. Out of curiosity, may I ask the name of the first one?
'Kaka the best man, let's just say, I don't know how accurate his strength is. Or if you can add up Levatain's strength, you might have a chance of winning. But I don't know... I'm not sure I'm going to be able to measure that man's strength, either.
That's pretty vague, isn't it? Is that man still alive?
No, he's dead.
I see.
His name is...

　Hibigami placed his palm on the hilt head of his sword.

'Beshgam Angren.

　After saying this, Hibigami turned on his heel and walked off into the darkness.
　There was no sign of Sogut following him.
　He seems to know very well that there is no point or value in following him here.
　A desirable man, Hibigami thought.
　If Sagara Kurohiko doesn't beat him, he's the man I'd definitely choose as my next opponent.

'And by the way, you Sagara guy.

　As he walked through the back alleys of the silent royal capital, Hibigami looked up at the sky.

''I didn't expect the Four Deadly Plagues to defeat even that noise. But--''

　Looking up at the still dark sky, which was showing signs of whitening, Hibigami muttered to no one.

'That man Sagara defeated..........................I knew I wanted to die to each other once.

　Thus Hibigami disappeared from the royal city before dawn.