I Was a Small Fish When I Reincarnated, but It Seems That I Can Become a Dragon, so I Will Do My Best - Extra Chapter 99
4-19. Side – Uchikage – Consensus of Oni
Yuuzen and Amariaz left the Oni village, in the midst of reconstruction.
Although a night had passed without incident, the damage was still significant.
There were more injuries than expected. Despite being Oni with some degree of physical resistance, the number of severely wounded seemed endless.
Even Tatareba, who had fought at that location, had injuries so severe that one couldn’t help but wonder what would have happened if their treatment had been delayed.
And then there were the small holes in the ground.
From the scattered clumps of soil, Uchikage finally understood that there was something peculiar about it.
Heading towards the place where the angels had supposedly appeared, Uchikage observed the Oni engaged in reconstruction and cleanup from a distance, while picking up clumps of soil from the ground.
Although it crumbled between their fingers when touched, there were faint traces of magic imbued within.
Squeezing tightly with demonic power, it condensed into solid form, yet it was no bigger than what could be held between one’s fingers.
Next, Uchikage examined the holes in the buildings.
There were countless small holes as if from shotgun pellets, and many places where larger holes had been torn open, unable to withstand the force.
Entering one of the houses and ascending to the living room, an unfamiliar sensation met their feet.
Upon sliding their foot, it seemed that fine sand remained on the tatami mats.
Bending down and touching it with their hand, they felt the sensation of stroking sand.
Upon closer inspection, indeed, fine sand was visible to the naked eye.
“Hmm…”
Obvious traces of magic use.
Unnatural soil, holes in the buildings.
And the sand that continued to remain in the living room.
Lastly, the words left by Tatareba, the angel.
The fact that the angel was still alive suggested that the magic used here was highly skilled.
Although Uchikage wanted to hear more about the enemy from Tatareba, it seemed she was in such critical condition that doctors doubted she would survive, let alone speak again. She had been warned not to let her speak further.
Considering she was thrown away and several houses collapsed, it was indeed miraculous that she was still alive after enduring such an attack.
All there was left to do was to be grateful that those two had treated her while she was still breathing.
But did they ever teach such medical skills?
However, Amariaz was there.
Even if they somehow learned useful skills in the meantime, it wouldn’t be surprising.
Uchikage refocused his thoughts and left the house, once again looking down at the ground.
After a low growl, he closed his eyes with a puzzled expression.
(Why did they choose to strike now… and with such indirect methods?)
The more he thought about it, the more inexplicable it became.
The angel must have sensed Yuuzen and Amariaz five years ago when they sent the assassin.
The unreadable documents the assassin had carried.
Those seemed to contain magic skills, not just magical tools, as it had been confirmed.
With the angel’s presence revealed, it was undeniable that only they could wield such skills, so it was certain that the human was an angel’s assassin.
Thinking about it, it meant that the angel had succeeded in producing magical tools made by Thekil.
That assassin was wearing armor he had made.
It was necessary to consider where it leaked from… but it seemed pointless to investigate since it might have happened hundreds of years ago.
Even if investigated, it would suffice to know what had leaked.
This was problematic in itself, but what Uchikage understood the least was why the angel had come five years after sending the assassin.
Yuuzen had coincidentally picked up the angel who happened to be in a devilform, but was that really just a coincidence?
And why did Kyuuri suddenly reveal her true identity?
There didn’t seem to be any hostility, and if there were any evil intentions, he should have noticed.
Living for many years, one learns to recognize such things.
However, there was no such intention at all.
Even though they were infiltrated by some strange skill, his senses weren’t dulled.
Just like Amariaz, he remained vigilant and attentive.
But from Kyuuri, he truly couldn’t perceive anything.
It was as if her presence had been sealed in his memory.
“Hmm…”
“Uchikage-sama.”
Lost in thought, he was suddenly addressed.
Turning to the source, he saw Kenra, one of the retainers who had come here for inspection, bowing with a traditional katana at his side.
He still had those fox-like narrow eyes, and his attire somehow hinted at the colors of a fox.
But the usual gentle atmosphere was absent, replaced by a constant air of vigilance.
“As anticipated, soldiers from the Gharott Kingdom are heading this way. It seems Sreiz-sama is among them.”
“If he’s there, we might be able to have a somewhat peaceful discussion.”
“…But isn’t their movement too fast? Just yesterday?”
“Indeed.”
The attack on Oni village had occurred just a few hours ago.
It hadn’t even been a full day yet, and they were already sending soldiers at dawn, quite an endeavor.
However, it showcased the remarkable information transmission capabilities of the angels, as well as the swift mobilization of Gharott Kingdom’s soldiers, which couldn’t help but impress.
With a furrowed brow, Uchikage glanced in the direction of the Gharott Kingdom.
The angels were still an unknown factor.
From Tatareba’s account, it would be prudent to assume that news of Yuuzen being the son of the Evil god, revered by the White Serpent, had already reached them.
This incident must have been communicated to them as a matter of urgency.
It was a troublesome situation, to say the least.
Kenra, still wearing a troubled expression, rested his hand on his katana.
“Uchikage-sama, I understand why you hold Yuuzen-kun in such high regard. We oni owe a great debt of gratitude to the first and second White Serpents for the prosperity they bestowed upon this land.”
“Hmm…”
“Indeed, it may be so.”
“And then?”
Uchikage looked at Kenra.
His stern expression didn’t suit him, but it was evidence that he took the matter seriously.
Since the conversation had been interrupted, Uchikage prompted him to continue.
Kenra’s expression remained unchanged, his mouth moving as he spoke with seriousness.
“…The stories of the second Serpent are known to other Oni as well. My aunt often made picture-story shows and told tales to the children. Personally, I don’t believe they are evil gods. Therefore, I intend to protect Yuuzen-kun until the end.”
“…I see.”
This was the consensus of the demons.
If that was the case, then Uchikage thought he should maneuver accordingly, concluding with a few brief words.
“Prepare to meet the King of Gharott.”
“Yes.”