First Outer World Story Series: The Black Mist that Devours - Chapter 65
Translator: MadHatter Editor: MadHatter
Ryo and the others at the moment. And…
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(Ryo POV)
“Even at this time of year, it’s scorching in this country…”
“Yeah.”
“It’s hot…”
“Well, it’s located further south than our country. It is no wonder.”
We were currently in a certain country in South Asia. Since the latitude was lower than our country, the temperature was high and hot despite the fact that the season was winter. Even so, while the lack of chopsticks and the constant serving of curry were acceptable, the number of Demon Kings was so prolific, probably owing to the large initial population, making the frequency of battles unbelievable.
Now, the four members of our party who were here now were Houki, Izumi, Mugi, and me. As for Aria? She was summoned by Kurokiri from the north, and we parted ways when we returned to “White Mist and Black Swamp Forest”. For the record, Chirito also split up with us at that time.
Although there were some members who had joined us since we went to the continent, they were not here now.
And then, Kurokiri instructed me and Houki to search for Ichiko, who was my bodyguard during my human days, and who had been transported to somewhere in this world after we joined up with Izumi and Mugi.
“Nevertheless, I wonder where on earth Ichiko-san was sent to.”
“If I recall correctly, she was the former bodyguard of Lady Ryo, wasn’t she? I don’t know her very well, since she was always guarding you from the shadows.”
“Even I hardly know her, except for her name and the fact that she’s a brilliant woman. Well, she is the kind of person who saves those whom she can save, no matter what it takes. If only she was still around, I think she would be as famous as we are.”
Houki and I were having a meal and trying to figure out what kind of person Ichiko was, whose face and age we had no idea about.
Well, the information was too scarce to grasp anything.
Furthermore, after leaving the country and entering the continent, I had been reluctantly cooperating with the Demon Kings who were cordial with the humans as well as engaging in battles with the hostile Demon Kings. Even under these circumstances, for various reasons, I had come here as a bodyguard for those who were engaged in trade, thus gaining daily sustenance and information. To put it simply, I was a mercenary. I supposed it fitted in well with the world we lived in now.
So, the largest job I’ve ever had would be… well, you know.
In China… no, formerly China, we were requested to rescue the people of a village who were under attack by an army of Demon King (more than 1,000 of them, from small fry to powerful enemies), followed by escorting them to safety. At that time, there was another movement simultaneously to conquer the dungeon reigned by the Demon King, and as a consequence of the Demon King’s attempts to take on both sides, the Demon King was outnumbered and vanquished.
Well, I supposed a detailed account will be discussed at another time.
By the way, we earned the title of ?Mercenary of the Mist? with this request. Mugi was somewhat displeased though.
“At the very least, since Izumi and I fought together for a short time, we do have some knowledge of combat techniques.”
“…”
“Huh? What’s wrong, Izumi?”
“…Nothing.”
Mugi then attempted to recollect Ichiko, but it didn’t seem to be yielding favorable results.
In contrast, Izumi seemed pensive and turned away when I spoke to her.
Nonetheless, I wonder what on earth this child is thinking. According to what I have heard, she became a Kirijin with Ichiko-san’s help, and even now she can barely speak due to the after-effects of that time, but regardless of how deeply she is wounded, no blood is spilled, and she can heal on her own. On top of that, she creates weapons out of her own body. She is like a puppet, and I don’t truly understand her.
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(Izumi POV)
On that day nine years ago, when Ichiko vanished, she also disappeared partly within me and Mugi.
Even though Kurokiri didn’t say anything, I was positive that whoever sent Ichiko away that day must have done something to me and Mugi as well.
No, it was not only that. It is not limited to me and Mugi onee-chan. Ryo onee-chan and Ichiko nee-chan were not so distant from each other that Ryo onee-chan couldn’t even remember her face. Moreover, Houki, who was Ryo onee-chan’s attendant, also claimed that she had no acquaintance with Ichiko nee-chan.
The identity of this someone was unknown to me. Kurokiri must be aware of this, but he did not disclose it to me. It must be a hazardous opponent if we found out about it.
That was why even though I knew that there was something wrong with everyone’s memories, I didn’t point it out to them. It was doubtful that the current us could overcome an opponent whom Kurokiri refrained from facing.
“Even so, the cuisine here is too spicy even for me who has a great nose.”
“Then perhaps it’s time to start moving on to the next country.”
“So I guess we should proceed as usual, guarding the appropriate human beings and earning some traveling expenses.”
Mugi and the others were discussing the upcoming affairs.
Although I had no particular complaints about departing this country, I also felt as if I was traveling.
Ichiko nee-chan… Where are you now…?
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(Ichiko POV)
A little over nine years ago.
“This place is…?”
I, Ichiko, have been converted into a half-Demon King by the God of Calamity and transported to an unknown place.
It was a world of snow, ice, and boulders.
Even the sun was almost directly next to me.
“! How freezing!”
A slight wind swept across me. But the wind was so frigid that it felt as though it was slicing me.
“I can’t… communicate with Kurokiri huh?”
I attempted to communicate with Kurokiri in my mind, but the connection was not working.
The piercing wind then hit me once more.
“Ugh… I have to hurry and search for a safe place somewhere…”
And I began to wander around the empty horizon.
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A/N:
From this point on, the story will be done in order after Ichiko is transported away by the God of Calamity.
The presence of Kurokiri fades away again~