When Hibigami returned to the spot where the carriage had been, Midon and the others were waiting for him.

'Oh, I hope you are safe, Lord Hibigami!

　Midon comes running up to me.
　There are no signs of more dead wild thieves in the area.
　No one else seems to have found their way here.

We took care of that bloodthirsty bastard. The other burglars seemed to have lost their will to fight and ran away. I think it's safe to say that the danger on the road is over for now.

　Even if they attacked again, with a remnant of that level of strength and numbers, even Badak and the others could take care of them.

"You defeated that Bloody Anna? I'm sorry for all the rude things I said to you.

　Badak ducks his head in a fit of giggles.

"Lord Hibigami.

　A Huey with a bandage on his head spoke to me, looking depressed.
　An anxious Alisa stood beside Huey.

'How can I thank you for this?
That's all right. I told this Badak guy, and it looks like I'm headed for this area. That's not far off, according to my information.
'The reward, including the advance for this escort, will be given to Lord Hibigami.
It's auspicious for me, but I don't want it. I don't want any money. Well, if you are indebted to me, you can get that good merchant of yours to his destination in one piece. I'll change my plans and get out of the carriage.
I understand. If I had to give my life for it, I would bring Lord Midon home safely.

　Hoho, thought Hibigami.

　-- was he ready to risk his life, as the word implies?

　He must have heard from Badak that Hibigami had already refused to thank him. It seemed that Huey had no intention of offering any more thanks either. Midon also seemed to feel that any further imposition of gratitude would be counter-intuitive and did not offer any more thanks than necessary.

''Um, Hibigami-dono.......Am I not cut out to be a mercenary?

　As they were getting ready to leave, Huey spilled out in a whisper.

'Am I too naive to put myself in the fight?

　The former supremacy that had filled Huey had vanished.
　Had the one act here that made him feel helpless cast a dark shadow over his mind?
　There was a clinging sound to his question.

'Maybe I'm being too naive in terms of my lack of imagination.
..........
Nevertheless. Put another way, it doesn't matter how naive or good they are, it doesn't matter at all.
Isn't that a problem?
"We are not wrong because we are good.

　Hibigami tucked his arms into his sleeves and said.

'Just because I'm weak.'
Weak.
For example, if the source of his strength is goodness, I will not speak out. I'm a little hard on the goodness that is wielded without a sense of propriety or that is a drag on strength.

　Well, that's the point," continued Hibigami, "if you're going to be inclined to be sweet, you just have to be strong.

If you want to be inclined to be lenient - if you want to follow your own idea of goodness, you just have to be strong. It's that simple. If he is stronger than anyone else, then in the extreme, even lack of imagination becomes a trivial matter. If the power to lay waste to any opponent relies on goodness, then you should be rather naive and good, no matter how far you are willing to go. Remember. Those who put themselves in battle are guilty of only one thing--

　Hibigami looked at the bodies of the mercenaries laid out on the ground.

''You must be content with your own abilities at the moment.

"Be satisfied with your abilities.

　Thinking of some of the people he once spent time with in the apocalypse, Hibigami said with a small, comatose reproach.

"I despise those who have room to grow and yet are content with their current abilities.
"...Thank you, Lord Hibigami.

　Turning over with a determined look on his face, Huey clenched his fists in a powerful fist.
　Of course, the reason Hibigami answered Huey's question was because he wanted to water the buds that had the potential to become future enemies.
　Perhaps due to the effects of this incident, Huey had a new growth spurt in his life. From Hibigami's point of view, as long as it continues to grow up and reach its own territory, it's good.

By the way, let me ask you a question.

　Turning to everyone here, Hibigami asked, "Is there anything about this area........

''Is there anything around here ... yes, is there anything about a talented person who can make a name for himself?　I don't care if the gossip is untrue.
If it's a gossip, there is one thing I've heard, but...

　Alisa raised her hand unsurely.

'Huh, what kind of rumour is that?'
I have heard that a group of young swordsmen, famous in the East, were driven from their country for one reason or another, and later fled across the sea to Midzberia.
"Hmm.
So, this is just a local story that I've heard from my father, who was a playwright, that they live in the mountains around here in hiding.

　Around the playwright, Alisa's voice became quiet. You'd think it was a story that wasn't in the realm of fantasy, which is characteristic of writers who tend to indulge in fantasies.

'Well, Alisa came from around here, didn't she?

　Badak said. Alisa bows her head.

'I'm sorry, that was unreliable,'
No, don't apologize to me. I was the one who told you to talk to me.

　The person in question apologized, but her goodness is to be commended for her goodness in not holding her tongue here and uttering a sermon in a genuine manner because of the location's relevance.

'And now that's a bit of an interesting story, too. I thank you.



　After leaving Midon and the others, Hibigami stepped into the bushes.
　Immediately after the first kick on the other side of that "blood-crazed Anna" shins, Hibigami felt the source of the sharp sensation moving away.
　But after a few beew (seconds), he was completely unsure of his position.
　So he lent an ear to Anna's words afterwards, and if the signs hadn't disappeared, he would have killed her immediately and followed the signs.

　The edge of Hibigami's mouth naturally falters.

　--You know how to dismiss the will to fight, if you didn't let me know the exact location.

　After killing Anna and returning to Huey's group, I saw more than a dozen dead bodies of burglars killed by blade wounds that were not theirs.
　The only reason none of the burglars made it to Hughie and the others was because they had been cut off by someone on the way.
　Blood splattered and adhered to the tree trunks in several places.
　The handwriting was one of the most brilliant.
　Ruthless, but a taijutsuji that Huey and the others could never reach with their abilities.

　And now, Hibigami had returned to the scene.

　--A group of swordsmen who had been driven out of the country, huh?

　It can be taken as a story that can only be handed down in a small region.

I'm not sure if it's just a kind of mistake.　Or, no way--'

　The words were spoken by one of the cutthroats. What followed those words, or perhaps they were words from a local legend.
　But even after walking around, there was no sign of that presence.

　--It's not just a matter of time before you'll be able to get your hands on a new one.

　It's a good idea to go to the village at the foot of the mountain to gather information once again. The bundle of paper pieces handed to me by Noyes also stated that I should visit the underground archives of that village.
　It's not a particularly hurried trip.
　We have some preserved food on hand and we are used to sleeping and waking up in the wild.
　We should reach the village at the foot of the mountain by the end of the day.
　Hibigami took a path to get back to the main road.
　Clouds were beginning to gather in the sky.
　Would there be a shower?
　A short distance down the path, he saw three men in dirty clothes collecting broken branches. They didn't look like burglars.
　They were carrying bundles of straw on their backs and wearing mud-stained hoods. Could they be villagers from the foothills?

'What is it?'

　As Hibigami approached, one of the men stood up. He continued, and the other two men stood up as well.
　The first man who stood up was young and good-looking.

'Oh, you're wearing a dressing gown. That's an unusual outfit around here.''
Oh, yeah?　Do you know how to dress in the East?
It's very well known here, too. Even the locals know about it, if they have some education.
..........
By the way you're a swordsman?
There's no such thing as nobility. I'm a migrant.

　Hibigami snorted, "So you are a village at the foot of the mountain?

"Are you the people of the village at the foot of the mountain?
Okay. To collect branches for the fire. Besides, there's good wild plants to be had around here.

　After a beat, Hibigami asked.

'What's in that bundle of straw?'

　The three men exchange glances. The youngest man smiles mildly.

It's a mountain sword. It's a good thing I have a sword, because it helps me to navigate through the dense vegetation.
It's a long sword. Normally it's a little shorter.
Sometimes it's more convenient to be around for a long time.
Then I have to ask you why...

　Hibigami stroked his beard and posed the question.


'Do you smell human blood on the machetes used to cut the overgrown vegetation?


　An illusion ran through the place as if the flow of air had stopped.

　As a matter of fact, Hibigami had been able to see through them as they approached.
　Sturdy arms peeking out of short sleeves.
　The well-developed muscles of their calves.
　You don't get that kind of muscle tone from just plowing a field.
　It's a bit more heterogeneous.
　The three men took some distance from Hibigami and each picked up a bundle of straw.

'I didn't expect the pursuers to come this far, I'm sorry to say.
What do you want to do, leopard?
Yeah, he's gonna do it.

　Hibigami's mouth hung open.

"I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I'm not an acolyte. I heard a rumor of a group of manslayers and came here to fight them.

　With a bang, the three of them take out a sheathed sword from the straw bundle.

''Kiddo-san, it doesn't look like this guy is lying to me.
I can see that but, Amano, this guy is on fire.
'Hmmm, this man has a wildness about him. He doesn't look like the kind of guy who would be a good fit for someone else's dog. I'd say he's an expert martial artist.
Ha, so you're a big fisherman today.
Wait a minute Amano. This guy he's going to do it. That's pretty good.
Look at you two. I got goosebumps. I've never met a better user in the East.


　The bodies around there.
　You mean the corpses of the burglars?



　The man named Amano had almost correctly guessed the quality of Hibigami's sword, just from the wildling blade wound that Hibigami had cut.
　The man called Amano composed himself.

'Huh?'

　--That stance, an iai?


I can't help it.
"Mm, I'll give you that.

　Amano smiles innocently as he takes a stance.

'Thank you!'

　The tone was refreshing, but the sword qi emitted was that of a fierce predator.
　Hibigami raised his holy sword while feeling favorable.
　In the distance, a heavy sound of thunder roared.

''What is your name, if I may ask?
It's Hibigami.
Hibigami-san, is it? I'm Amano, a member of the Eight Swords Scrolls of the Mugen Koshito style.

　Hibigami's eyebrows twitched.

''Muhen, Yuefu?''

　The darkness increased slightly and a light rain began to flutter.
　Hibigami's mouth, struck by the thin rain, draws a gentle arc.

It's a good thing that you're able to have a good time. I didn't expect to come across that legendary group. The fact that they existed in the first place is a surprise, but...
"Oh, Mr. Hibigami, do you know about Muhen Koshi-ryu?
Speak up, you fool. If you know anything about the history of the swordsmen of the East, even a Midzberian would have seen this name at least once. It's just like the Doomsday Empress on this continent.

　However, in this Midzberia, there aren't many people who are keen on unraveling the history of the East, or even the history of swordsmen. It's not a good idea to have a new style of swordsmanship in the East, as there are not many people who are interested in the history of swordsmanship in the East.

　The rainfall was gaining momentum.

"But because it's a legendary sect, there's no shortage of people who believe in its name...
So....

　Amano sinks deeper into his hips.

'I thought you might like to try it.

　'Huh,' sniffed Hibigami in a good mood.

'The fact that you don't run away from bad words already tells you that you're the real deal, man, you're an Amano.

　The muscles of the leg muscles are strained, Hibigami.

Maybe we should thank the Formless Game for this one.

　The two men faced each other in silence for a while.
　They were within reach of each other's blades in a single foot. There is no sign of the other two joining in. It seems that they only want a one-on-one match. Moreover.

　-this guy wants to die.

　This Amano was a man who was willing to risk his life.
　He's not afraid to lose his life.
　But he's determined to win.
　In other words, he doesn't take life for granted.
　He is aware of the weight of his life, but he also has the spirit to bet his life in battle without hesitation.

　--So he's a genuine warrior.

"Muhen, Koshinata--

　The index finger of the hand holding the Amano's hilt floated away.
　Is it a sign of something?


''Instant killing sword, hoof crossing.''


　The name of the technique, I suppose.

'Is it strange to mention the name of a technique?　However, it is customary in my style of Mugen Koshi-Do-Ryu to say the name of the technique before it is performed.

　In a theatrical performance, it would be a fool's errand to mention the name of the technique in a real fight.
　There is no dumbass who will politely reveal the technique he or she is about to unleash. Even if you can't help but chant a chanting spell in which verbal chanting itself is the key to activating it, speaking the name of a swordsmanship or jutsu is not the act of a fighter.
　In fact, if the only goal is to win, the technique should be kept secret as much as possible.

　There are two main types of techniques that have names.
　The first is when a technique is created and named in order to lend credence to the name of one's own school, and the second is when a technique is created and named in order to lend credence to one's own school.
　The other is when a person who is moved by the technique sees it and names it for himself or herself.
　The only exception to this is that Hibigami has heard that in the East, there is a concept called "Kotsumoku". This is a concept that by shouting the name of the technique, you can put a part of your life into the technique itself, which will increase the sharpness of the technique.

　However, for reasons that do not apply to the Mugen Koshin-ryu, it seems that they dare to say the name of the technique first.

He said, "The special sword that you have refined.......if it is prevented to the extent that the name of the technique is known first, then it is no longer a special sword or anything else. In other words--

　The smile disappeared from Amano's mouth.


"A special move that can't be named first--not a special move.


　That's the style of Mugen Koshito-ryu, Amano concluded.

　Thereafter, there were no more words for each other.
　Both of them kept their positions, not making the slightest movement.

　Then the rain began to fall.

　What came was silence.

　A glowing white color peeked through the clouds.

　The light that came in shimmered on the blade of Hibigami's holy sword and ran dully over the blade.

　During this time, both of them stilled themselves in a state of stillness.

　In the midst of the tranquil moment, a large drop, plopped down from the end of the longest branch above their heads.

　That moment when that pearl drop shining in the sunlight fell on the stone on the ground and popped...


　The sound of sheath-running and wind-cutting sounded on a plane that seemed to indicate.


　The first thing that fell to the ground was Hibigami's, the fabric of the dressing gown.

　

"I see, this is........Muhen, Koshito-ryu?

Nice job.

　Amano had been cut deep in the armpit.
　The wound was too deep.
　Even if he was an excellent user of the healing technique, if he wasn't here, he wouldn't have a chance to survive.

How many of you two can use the healing arts?

　To Hibigami's question, Kido and Hyougo answered in denial.
　It seems they can't use the jutsu itself in the first place.
　Thrusting the tip of his sword into the ground, Amano fell to his knees.
　The blood in his armpit did not stop, and the blood was draining from his face.

''Fu, fu........''

　It was Amano, in the throes of death, who uttered that laugh.



　After saying that much, Amano died.

　It could be said that he was capable of living up to his legendary reputation.
　It's a good thing that you can't get rid of them.

　--I didn't know such a capable person was still hiding in Midzubere.

"Mister Hibigami.

　After witnessing Amano's death, Kido said.

'You said that you were looking for our Mugen Yue-Tzu School, right?　We would like to continue to play our game here, but I think we need someone to guide us to the hidden village.
"Hmm.

　According to Kido's explanation, there is another person in that hidden village who has the skill to do it.

It's a good idea to have one more person here, but when it comes to one on one, this is probably not something we can hold back. Therefore, I thought it would be best for the two of us to restrain and control each other and guide them to the hidden village first.
I can't tell you how badly I wish it had happened.
So it's settled then!　Hey leopard, carry Amano's body!
You know what I'm talking about, Kidd--
I know!　We'll take turns on the way out.
Mm. Good to know.

　As Hyougo carried Amano's corpse on his back, Kido, who was carrying the other luggage, smiled at Hibigami.

'We will need to walk a bit but are you hungry or otherwise hungry, Hibigami-dono?'
I'll be fine.
If you need a break, I'd be happy to delay my departure.
No, that's okay, too.
'I see. Well, let's get going, Mister Hibigami.

　They're quite a strange bunch, Hibigami thought.
　From the way they handled the corpse, one could tell that Amano was a desirable figure to them.
　But they didn't seem to be mourning Amano's death itself. I can't see any trace of sorrow in his death. Not even a trace of sorrow. Nevertheless, the warmth towards Amano is definitely there.

How could Amano's "Hoof Crossing" be so brilliantly broken?
'You probably read the trajectory from the subtle changes in the rain-soaked soil as you stepped in.
Is that what you saw, Leopold?
''Of course the sword's speed itself was inferior to the opponent's, of course.
Well, I got to work with someone who was that good. Amano must have been very happy.
'But when I think back, Amano was a good man. He could cut people without mercy, but when it came to other things, he was a man who couldn't even kill insects.
Ha, that's a strange thing to say about a man. When I close my eyes this way, it's like I'm reliving a pleasant memory.
But that's why I'm shaking in my boots, Kiddo.
Don't worry about it.

　The two men ahead of them took a glance at Hibigami behind them. Moreover, rather than having any hostility towards the Hibigami who cut down that Amano, what they are directing at is a sense of expectation.

''Even so, you're very strong, Hibigami-dono. Isn't he quite a renowned warrior in the warrior circles of this continent?

　When I replied that they would be almost unknown among all but a few, they took the word in stride.

'Ha, ha, ha!　Well, we should thank heaven for that!　What good fortune to meet such an unknown martial artist in this way!
'Phew, phew, phew!　What a good day this is, Kiddo!

　This is the way it's going.
　Even for a man named Amano, there was something strange about him. Even as he was dying, what he was spouting off was a sense of gratitude.
　However, they did not seem to want to die.

　They have no desire to die, but they are well aware of the value of life.

　--I'm sure you'll find them to be a very refreshing group of people, depending on how you look at it.

　As he walked on the rain-soaked soil, Hibigami couldn't help but smile at the anticipation of what lay ahead.