Volume 2 - CH 453

10-40. Old Tale ②: A Human Who Should Not Be Here

Several months had passed since the last visit. The surprise attack at that time ended in a decisive victory, and they managed to annihilate the humans and seize all their supplies. Despite being anxious about the proximity of the Oni Village, Engetsu and Shisui, the two oni skilled in assassination and espionage, killed all the humans who attempted to escape and buried them skillfully, leaving no evidence.

In the shadow of the Oni Village’s lord, Enma, were Engetsu and Shisui. Both were skilled in assassination and espionage despite being oni. Thanks to these two, there were no leaks in the information during the surprise attack, and witnesses were eliminated effectively.

Presumably, the humans would change their supply routes. Dacia thought they needed to investigate it, but human investigations were challenging. They had no idea how many devilshad become sacrifices for that.

“…Alright, we’ve arrived.”

While lost in thought, Dacia flew and arrived at the Oni Village. It seemed that the lifestyle had changed considerably since her last visit. Most of the oni were wearing traditional attire, and each one was engaged in unique tasks. Wondering what had changed since then, Dacia decided to observe the situation for the time being and landed on the main street instead of going straight to the palace.

Today, Dacia had come to see if they could exchange something with the village. Previously, the devils had attacked a vein of iron ore that had been under human military control, and they were running low on the iron used to create weapons. Even a temporary solution to produce weapons was urgently needed. However, judging by the current situation, it seemed there was nothing they lacked.

Iron was also important to them. In the past, they had provided iron and steel as rewards, but that was because they still had veins of ore. They had relied too much on one enormous vein. If it was taken away from them, it would be a real problem.

“The village has changed.”

The rudimentary shacks had been replaced with sturdier buildings. Instead of just attaching planks together, they now dug grooves into pillars, created lattice frames, and attached boards after forming the structure. The roofs had also changed from flat roofs to gable roofs.

The foundations were solidly built, with molded stones placed under the pillars. Unlike before, where the buildings creaked even with a slight push, they now remained firm and steady even when applying force.

What surprised Dacia the most was the roof. The stones were neatly arranged in an intricate pattern. It was a sophisticated method of stacking stones to support each other’s weight. When he inquired, he learned it was called “kawara” (roof tiles). He couldn’t help but be impressed at their ability to create something like this.

“Who came up with this?”

“It was Hiwa-sama. The houses, clothes, and even small items were all thanks to that person.”

“…Hiwa?”

It was the name of an oni he had never heard before. However, considering the vast knowledge that Hiwa possessed, they might have traveled the world. Dacia thought that he would like to meet and talk with them someday as he continued walking along the main street, observing the greatly changed Oni Village.

The kimonos were still plain, but everyone was wearing clothes. Even the male oni who didn’t wear clothes before now looked neatly dressed. As far as Dacia could recall, only the leaders like Enma, Renma, and Hinata used to wear proper clothes. She wondered how they were now. They might be wearing luxurious attire.

Then, she noticed beautiful fabrics hanging on the buildings. It seemed to be indigo dyeing. There was a place nearby where they made it.

Next, she heard a sound. It was the sound of hammering on iron, but it felt different. When she peered inside, she saw two oni vigorously striking a sword with a red curved blade using a large hammer. She had never seen such a weapon before. Nearby, there was a completed weapon, and when she looked without touching it, she couldn’t help but admire its beauty.

“What’s this?”

“It’s a weapon called Katana. But… it’s not going well. Only Hiwa-sama can make this properly.”

“…Hiwa?”

It seemed that this knowledge had also been taught to the oni by Daystar. Dacia became more eager to talk to them.

After telling the blacksmith oni, “Excuse me,” she went outside. Then, children passed by in front of her.

“Oh! It’s Hiwa-sama!”

“Hey!”

“…”

Apparently, someone named Hiwa was nearby. Looking in the direction where the children ran, there was a conspicuous figure with white hair. His long hair partly covered one eye. He was wearing a black-themed kimono and had a katana at his waist.

Seeing him, Dacia felt a chill. This was the Oni Village. However, the person she saw had… no horns, a characteristic of oni. Without hesitation, Dacia took out a long sword from her magic pouch and attacked.

“Human!!!”

“hnggh!?”

Khchang!!

She had intended to cut through the weapon with a powerful overhead strike, but this katana turned out to be incredibly strong. Moreover, just from this single exchange, she had already realized…

(He’s strong, this human!)

The person quickly blocked Dacia’s fastest attack. While she was flustered, she had only managed to surprise the opponent with her sudden strike. Her opponent hadn’t shown his full strength yet.

His expression of astonishment disappeared, replaced by a sharp gaze directed at Dacia. At that moment, the person lightly tightened his left hand.

“!!”

Dacia used her wings to retreat. Just then, she heard the sound of the wind being cut.

Fhyuu Fhyyuuuu!

Although it was just a two-strike combo, the killing intent imbued in those strikes was overwhelming. If she hadn’t moved back, she would have been cut.

The person shifted his stance after his slashing motion, lowering the katana.

With an intense expression, the human continued to stare at Dacia. He left no openings. Furthermore, he continued emitting sharp killing intent and spoke.

“Who are you?”

“…Why is a human here?”

“I am merely disguised. Originally, I was a monster.”

“A what…?”

“”””Enough!!””””

“Bwuh?! What’s going on?!”

Several dozens of oni children charged at Dacia, attempting to strike her.

Though they didn’t possess much strength, they were still the children of oni.

If Dacia didn’t evade, she would be blown away.

Swiftly avoiding the children, she couldn’t understand why they were attacking to protect the humans.

She couldn’t expect them to explain in this situation.

Then, the humans called out to her.

“Children, stop it.”

“Why?! That person was attacking Hiwa-sama!”

“Yeah, that’s right!”

“Let me rephrase it. Don’t interfere with the swordsman’s fight.”

“Ugh…”

Realizing that this might be true, the children reluctantly moved away from Dacia.

However, Dacia didn’t let the words the children spoke slip by.

“Hiwa-sama…? That’s you…?”

“That’s right. It’s our second meeting.”

“Say what…?”

At that moment, Hiwa, the human, readied his weapon.

Advancing with a shuffling step, he made a large step forward and swung his katana from the lower stance.

“Kuh!?”

“But I’m just starting to have fun. Let’s have a little duel, shall we?”

Dacia tried to counter his attack with her weapon, but after exchanging blows twice, her weapon flew up into the sky.