The Path to Mount Daigami’s Summit
In the dead of night, Nanoka and Konoka were heading towards the Purification Ritual, accompanied by four adults. Each of them held a wooden stick with a flame at the tip, illuminating the darkness around us. The mountain path was different from the forest we had traversed; it was wide enough for people to pass through. However, the grass was thick and it didn’t appear to be easy to walk on. The vegetation seemed to grow in a way that avoided the path, almost as if it were clearing a way to the summit where Lord Daigami resided.
“Are you really sure this is okay…?”
Uncle’s voice was laced with anxiety. It wasn’t just him; the young man who had shared everything with us and the other two adults were equally restless. It wasn’t the fear of bears that troubled them; after all, these people were about to defy the Divine Being they believed in. Having seen the people of Tsukiba Port and Kai City, I found it hard to comprehend. Yet, perhaps it was thanks to the Demon God Clan that they had begun to trust us. If those beings hadn’t appeared, we would have been driven out of the village by now. I didn’t want to feel grateful, but in that regard, I truly was.
“Um, Rua-san, Roel-san. I… I…”
“Don’t worry, Nanoka-chan, Konoka-chan. Everything will be just fine.”
“I… I don’t want to die yet…!”
Nanoka wasn’t talking about the Ash Death Disease. She was terrified of the path we were supposed to take from here on. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she clung to us, refusing to let go. Children around our age were trembling in fear of death. It was unimaginable; what had these two done to deserve such a fate?
To think that children like them were to be sacrificed.
“In exchange for the village’s safety… No, if we anger Lord Daigami, our village will be finished in no time…”
The villagers claimed that they could cultivate the land even when left behind in the mountains, all thanks to Lord Daigami. Due to the terrain in that area, heavy rains would flood it, and storms would sweep away homes. Many lives were lost during the cultivation process, and the villagers prayed to Lord Daigami. Then, a voice echoed from the heavens.
Once a year, offer a young girl.
Since then, children like Nanoka and Konoka had been sacrificed as part of the Purification Ritual. They were told by the adults that it was a ceremony to ward off evil spirits. I couldn’t believe that, but it seemed the villagers did. They believed those words, and since then, they had continued to offer sacrifices without fail. Was that why there were hardly any young girls left in that village?
“Why does Lord Daigami have to be so cruel…?”
“Who knows? But thanks to that, we can live in peace.”
“That’s not true!”
Roel’s voice rose to a near shriek. Her hair was disheveled, and she looked unlike anyone I had ever seen before.
“I believe the reason we could cultivate a village in such a place is because everyone worked hard. Whenever something bad happens, they say the Divine Being is angry; when something good happens, they say it’s thanks to the Divine Being. This country is full of that kind of thinking. Isn’t that too much? Are our efforts and lives as humans really so insignificant? Have we survived all this time just because of the Divine Being? The fields, the houses, the scenery of the village—those were all created by us. Nanoka-chan and Konoka-chan have been able to live healthily because their mothers made delicious meals for them every day. Everyone being here isn’t thanks to the Divine Being… it’s thanks to everyone!”
“W-What are you saying…?”
“Let’s move on.”
With that, the young man resumed his silent march at the front. If he had said something like that in Kai City, it would have undoubtedly caused a huge uproar. Yet, the villagers didn’t blame Roel. Perhaps they were starting to realize it, even if only subconsciously. At the very least, these people weren’t respecting or believing in Lord Daigami; they were merely pretending to believe out of fear. Whenever something happened, they sought comfort in the idea that it was thanks to Lord Daigami. But now, it was different. These people had, at least, begun to trust me. In that case, I had no choice but to respond to that trust.
“We’ve arrived… this is the site of the Purification Ritual.”
The actual place for the ritual was a river slightly away from the summit. The water flowed violently, and beyond it was a cliff where the water cascaded down vertically. If an ordinary person fell, they would likely not survive. Purification, sacrifice. I had a vague idea of what was about to happen.
Near the Summit of Mount Daigami
“…So, what should we do now?”
Nanoka and Konoka, the four adults, and I stood before the raging river. If I turned to the left, I could see the lights of the village from this high cliff.
“Until now, we’ve entered this river as part of the Purification Ritual. As a breath of Lord Daigami.”
“Forget that. I want Lord Daigami to show himself!”
“We’ve only heard his voice; we’ve never seen his form.”
“Lord Daigami… no, Daigami! We won’t offer any more sacrifices! If you have complaints, then show yourself, you fool! What kind of guardian deity are you?!”
With a frightened squeak, the villagers scattered like startled insects, hiding behind the trees. That was fine, but why was Roel backing away a little? Come to think of it, it was probably the first time I had ever called someone a fool.
“Rua-chan, that’s inappropriate!”
“Eh…?”
I felt a light smack on my forehead. One of the villagers watching our exchange from behind the trees looked up at the sky and exclaimed.
“Th-That’s…”
When we looked up, despite it being night, there was a single point shining brightly. It looked like a star floating in the night sky, growing larger as it approached us.
“What is that?! R-Run away!”
The villagers burst from their hiding spots, trying to escape, but the point transformed into a pillar of light that descended to the ground faster than they could flee. Despite it being night, the overwhelming presence of the light pillar lingered for a while before gradually dimming.
“Ah, ah… ah…”
Two adults were frozen in shock. They were barely facing the light pillar, yet they couldn’t accept the reality before them. Nanoka and Konoka, however, were captivated by the light pillar, showing no signs of fear.
“R-Rua-chan. Could this be…?”
“Yeah, I think it’s come for us.”
As the light faded, something began to emerge from within the pillar.
It was enormous, towering at least five times the height of an adult.
A white fox.
Even in the night, its beautiful white fur was clearly visible.
The fox’s slender eyes gazed down at us quietly.
“Is th-this… no, is this being Lord Daigami?”
The villagers’ questions went unanswered as the white fox surveyed us for a moment.
“I am Daigami. The one who has protected the land of Azuma since ancient times.”
It felt less like the fox was speaking and more like its voice resonated within our minds. Its mouth didn’t move, and this Daigami was directly communicating with us. It was just like when Lord Hast used his Word Soul magic. If that was the case, then Daigami was speaking directly into our heads without any contract. Whether it was Word Soul magic or not, I couldn’t help but shiver.
So powerful.
It might be strange for me to think that way about a Divine Being, but the first thought that crossed my mind upon seeing this white fox deity was whether I could win against it. Roel seemed surprisingly calm as she gazed up at the fox, while the villagers were still in shock. In the midst of that, I was already thinking about such things.
“Humans. Where is the sacrifice?”
“L-Lord Daigami! These children are still young! Please let them go!”
“Silence.”
Even the villagers’ desperate pleas fell on deaf ears. With just that one word, the villagers shrank back completely. Seeing the villagers trembling and cowering, I felt a surge of anger once more.
“Lord Daigami, why do you take sacrifices?”
“…A child from a foreign land. I spared you when you first entered this land the other day.”
“Please answer me.”
“Leave this place. This is the last warning.”
“Just answer me!”
“It cannot be helped.”
It wasn’t a threat or anything. The fur of Daigami bristled, and it was enveloped in light as multiple tails began to sway.
“Everyone, run!”
It was impossible to defeat Daigami without involving Nanoka, Konoka, and the four adults. I had no choice but to get them to escape as far away as possible.
“Everyone, leave this to me and Rua-chan. Hurry and get away!”
“B-But Lord Daigami is…”
“Just go already!”
Overwhelmed by Roel, who usually didn’t raise her voice, the six of them began to run away. If I were to attack those six now, I wouldn’t hold back, but Daigami was only looking down at us.
“You are the guardian deity, right? Why do you take sacrifices?”
“Humans wish only to be protected. Gradually, they take it for granted and become complacent. Therefore, I demand an appropriate price. That is all.”
“What does that even mean…?”
“Lord Daigami, those who became sacrifices had futures too! No matter how divine you are, isn’t it too cruel to deny that? Even a god shouldn’t take lives so lightly!”
“A mere child dares to preach to a god… Little one, any further disrespect will invoke divine punishment.”
“There’s no such thing as disrespect when it comes to murder!”
The light emanating from Daigami intensified, a pressure so overwhelming it felt as if it could scorch the very air. If those villagers were here now, they might very well faint from the sheer force.
“You, who so brazenly disregard the divine, I shall scatter your life with my divine punishment!”
【Silver-White Guardian Deity Daigami has appeared! HP 540,000/540,000】
Just as I thought it was coming, the light burst forth. No, this was lightning. Spheres of lightning floated around Daigami, and from them, brilliant flashes were unleashed all at once. Which was easier to deal with, this or the Catastrophe unleashed by Vandalsia?
At least I could read the trajectory of this attack, which meant I could manage it. It was time for Roel to shine.
【Roel cast Rainbow Barrier! Lua and Roel’s attribute damage is significantly reduced!】
【Silver-White Guardian Deity Daigami unleashed Divine Lightning!】
The Rainbow Barrier was a precaution. However, the trajectory of that lightning was something I had never anticipated. As I dodged to the left, the lightning twisted and pursued me, striking true.
“Ugh! That hurt…”
【Lua took 2,010 damage! HP 39,110/41,120】
This was bad; the power was alarming. Without the Rainbow Barrier, I would have taken damage comparable to Vandalsia’s Catastrophe. And of course, Roel wouldn’t be able to withstand such power. One hit would mean instant death for her.
“…I’m surprised. To withstand Divine Lightning with a human body is quite remarkable.”
“Unlike some gods, I’ve trained hard.”
“I cannot fathom it. You are hardly what I would call human.”
Though her expression was unreadable due to her fox-like features, it was clear she was quite astonished. The multiple tails behind her swayed independently, hinting that she was preparing something.
“Now it’s our turn!”
【Lua unleashed Sonic Ripper!】
“…!?”
Daigami’s eyes widened. My Sonic Ripper had yet to be seen by anyone other than Vandalsia. Let’s see how this goes.
【Dealt 112,492 damage to Silver-White Guardian Deity Daigami! HP 427,508/540,000】
“Ugh…! I see, such tremendous power…”
Daigami’s white fur became stained with crimson. The attack had landed, but it was not a fatal blow. In fact, it almost seemed like Daigami had allowed it to happen. Was it a display of confidence as a god, or was there another reason?
It looked as if a smirk crossed the fox’s lips.
“Lua-chan, let me heal you!”
【Roel cast Angel Heal! Lua’s HP is fully restored! HP 41,120/41,120】
“Thank you, that really helped.”
“Hehe, there’s more where that came from!”
【Roel cast Might Force! Lua’s attack power increased!】
【Roel cast Speed Force! Lua’s agility increased!】
I couldn’t let this moment slip away. If Daigami was the guardian deity of this island, he wouldn’t be aware of the magic from the outside world. I had to crush him before he realized I was using Enhancement Magic.
【Lua unleashed Sonic Spear!】
【Lua unleashed Sonic Spear!】
【Lua unleashed Sonic Spear!】
【Lua unleashed Sonic Spear!】
Four spears shot towards Daigami at high speed. But something was off about Daigami’s demeanor. He had been sitting, but suddenly stood up, focusing intently on the Sonic Spears.
【Silver-White Guardian Deity Daigami took 202,501 damage! HP 225,007/540,000】
【Silver-White Guardian Deity Daigami deftly dodged!】
【Silver-White Guardian Deity Daigami deftly dodged!】
【Silver-White Guardian Deity Daigami deftly dodged!】
Only the first spear struck true. The remaining three narrowly missed as Daigami gracefully sidestepped them. Standing firmly on all fours, Daigami exuded an even greater presence. While the Hellberos I fought in the Abyss Cave was larger, Daigami’s power was on an entirely different level.
Even while dodging, he conjured ten spheres of lightning in an instant, ready to retaliate with enough force to obliterate both me and Roel.
【Lua shielded Roel! Took 8,421 damage! HP 32,699/41,120】
“Ugh…!”
“Lua-chan, don’t worry about me… I’m fine.”
“No way… I promised to protect you, Roel.”
Tears welled in Roel’s eyes as she cast Heal on me. As long as Roel was here, I wouldn’t die. But Daigami had set his sights on her too. If this turned into a war of attrition, it would become troublesome. Protecting Roel while defeating him was going to be quite the challenge.
“…I see. I have a vague understanding now.”
“What do you mean?”
“There’s no need for those who are about to die to know.”
“You’re covered in blood too, you know.”
That was true. If I made a mistake, Daigami might not be able to move after the next strike. But would a god really boast like that?
【Silver-White Guardian Deity Daigami activated Absolute Divine Territory!
Daigami’s wounds began to heal rapidly! HP 413,250/540,000】
“Absolute Divine Territory. An inviolable realm permitted only to the divine. From here on, no means of a human child can reach this place.”
【Lua unleashed Sonic Ripper!】
“I don’t care; I’ll just destroy the white sphere enveloping you.”
【However, Lua could not deal damage to Silver-White Guardian Deity Daigami!】
The Sonic Ripper vanished without a trace upon contact with the white sphere, as if it had been absorbed into a separate world.
“Techniques unleashed by a human child are the same. Because you are not divine, your existence is not permitted here.”
Incredible, truly incredible. At this point, I had no doubt that this fox was indeed a god. It was absurd; what kind of skill was that?
“Lua-chan… what should we do?”
“What should we do? There’s no question about it…”
“If I expand this Absolute Divine Territory, I shall return your existence to nothingness. There is no escape.”
The white sphere gradually grew larger, and now there were nearly a hundred spheres of lightning. Daigami was determined to wipe us out completely. He was already acting as if victory was assured.
“Feel free to recite your death poem. And repent.”
“…This is amazing.”
I never expected to fight an opponent of this caliber. Thinking back, since leaving the Abyss Cave, I hadn’t fought with all my might. I had been subconsciously holding back, afraid of involving those around me. Even in battles against the Twelve Demon Generals of the Demon Lord Army, I hadn’t unleashed my full power. The only time I had truly gone all out was when I attacked Zeech’s massive form falling from the sky. I had to obliterate it completely to prevent debris from raining down.
Even so, I might have still been unconsciously holding back.
“Lua, why are you smiling?”
“I just think this is fun.”
Roel looked utterly speechless, and it seemed my current demeanor was quite eerie. It was true; laughing in such a situation was a bit off. But I couldn’t help it. I was having too much fun.
“You might be able to go all out now.”
“What do you mean…?”
I took my stance for Sonic Ripper once more. Daigami narrowed his eyes, as if to say, “Not again.” But it was only for a moment. Despite the presence of Absolute Divine Territory, the instant our eyes met, he pulled back his front paw.
Daigami was afraid. I could see it clearly.
“…What do you intend to do?”
“I’m going to attack.”
“That is futile.”
Daigami swayed his massive tail and braced himself on all fours, ready to evade at any moment. If he had Absolute Divine Territory, he shouldn’t need to be so cautious, yet he was on high alert.
“I’m going in without holding back…!”
【Lua unleashed Sonic Ripper!】
My full-powered slash. The speed was astonishing, even surprising me. The Sonic Ripper flew horizontally, severing the surrounding trees and obliterating any remnants left behind. While Vandalsia’s Catastrophe and Daigami’s Absolute Divine Territory were about skill properties rather than raw power, mine was pure strength.
This was it. This was the technique I had honed for ten years. Even in the Abyss Cave, I had faced monsters with unimaginable skills, but I had cut through them all with this. It didn’t matter what skills they had; as long as I had the power to shatter their abilities, that was all that mattered. I couldn’t think of anything complicated; this was all I could do.
“Ugh…!”
Even Daigami, who had been dodging the Sonic Spears with ease, could not react to this, leaving him with no choice but to rely on Absolute Divine Territory for protection.
As Daigami said, the Absolute Divine Territory does not allow any being to intrude. The Sonic Ripper from earlier couldn’t breach that sacred realm and simply vanished.
But this time, it’s impossible, Lord Daigami.
【You dealt 2,231,022 damage to the Silver-White Guardian Deity, Daigami!】
“W-What…?”
The Absolute Divine Territory split open horizontally, shattering as the attack struck Daigami directly.
“T-This… power… is…”
【You have defeated the Silver-White Guardian Deity, Daigami! HP 0/540,000】
And without losing momentum, the slash cleaved through Daigami, who was about to utter something.