Chapter 19: The One Who Rules the Kin of Twilight – 07
“Yukuzo!”
Migitima readied his trident. Though he had wings, it seemed he had no intention of flying. In that case, fighting him barehanded would suffice. I stowed my mace and shield into the Item Box and took a light stance.
“You have confidence in your strength, don’t you? Just like Lord Rendurm.”
Migitima showed no concern for my actions and began measuring the distance with his spear poised.
I advanced straight toward Migitima, maintaining my stance.
“…!”
The moment I entered his range, Migitima’s spear flashed.
Though it was a trident, it seemed he had used the Phantom Blade skill, as its tips multiplied to nine, aiming to pierce my body.
I grasped the central tip with my left hand. Migitima’s strike was perhaps faster than Zaikal’s, whom I had fought in the past, at least in terms of speed. However, it still couldn’t surpass my Dynamic Vision and Reflexes.
“Muu…!?”
The spear I held remained completely still, no matter how much force Migitima exerted.
He attempted to pull the spear back several times, but as I timed my pull perfectly, he stumbled into my range. The reason I couldn’t let go in that instant might have been that Migitima possessed a skill akin to ‘Grasp.’
In a counter-move, I lightly landed a right hook to Migitima’s temple. My Dynamic Vision allowed me to see the surface of his head ripple from the wind pressure of my strike.
If I had struck with full force, his head would have been obliterated. It seemed Migitima understood that as well.
“…I concede. I acknowledge your strength.”
Migitima relaxed his stance and raised both hands. It appeared that the surrender pose was the same for the Kin of Twilight.
Afterward, our companions gathered again, and discussions resumed.
“The ‘Twilight Sage’ Geshura. Your words were indeed true. We shall withdraw from this land. Let us also drive back our kin. However, we cannot do so on the battlefield.”
“That’s a sound judgment. Soushi, is that acceptable to you?”
“Yeah, if that can be arranged, it would be best. But I have something I want to ask Migitima.”
“What is it?”
“How many among the Kin of Twilight are reluctantly following Lord Rendurm?”
“Like us, eight tribes, about three hundred, resisted until the end.”
“And how are those tribes treated on the battlefield?”
At my question, Migitima let out a low growl, “Guggu.”
“…They will likely be forced to fight on the front lines.”
“I see… Can I ask how many troops Lord Rendurm commands?”
“Three thousand, or so I’ve heard. Almost all the fighters of the Kin of Twilight.”
“That’s surprisingly few. With that number, we might manage. I appreciate your help.”
“Becoming Geshura’s envoy is a strong human. The eight tribes, including us, do not wish for this battle. I fear that half of the Kin of Twilight must share the same sentiment. If you are a true strong one, I hope you can settle this early with a duel against Lord Rendurm. As long as we are forced to obey by strength, we cannot refuse a challenge.”
“That’s good to hear. I’ll consider that direction.”
“Then, farewell.”
Migitima spread his wings and flew away without looking back.
Once their figures disappeared from sight, the atmosphere relaxed significantly.
“Thanks to Geshura, the discussion went smoothly. It seems there are many among the Kin of Twilight who can understand reason. I could sense that they do not view humans as enemies.”
“Indeed. Rather, there are likely more who are indifferent. However, there are certainly those among the tribes or individuals who harbor an abnormal hostility toward other races. Such individuals must be dealt with.”
“Truly a diverse situation.”
I exhaled and turned around.
The members of Soul’s Guidance seemed to have a good relationship with Geshura and understood my approach, as they all smiled and nodded in agreement.
The ones who looked surprised were the members of the Polar Drake and the adventurers guarding us. For them, conversing with the Kin of Twilight, who could be considered arch-enemies, and lightly battling before negotiating was completely outside the realm of common sense.
The first to recover, Jaze from the Polar Drake, approached me.
“Soushi, you’re amazing! I can’t believe you just talked normally with the Kin of Twilight, lightly twisted them, and extracted information. I don’t even know what just happened!”
“Fortunately, we had someone capable of negotiation on our side.”
“Yeah, but I don’t think it’s just about that… By the way, those people are… what are they, really?”
Jaze glanced at Geshura and lowered his voice.
“Yes. She is a member of Soul’s Guidance.”
“Oh, sorry, it seems that’s the case. But isn’t it a bit rude to mention Soushi’s… well, never mind. However, shouldn’t we report this to the Grand Master immediately?”
“Leave that to us. We have a means of communication.”
“Seriously? As expected of the strongest party on the continent. By the way, what was it the Earl had? Something like ‘communication magic tools’?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
I replied, though it was the first I had heard of such a system. It might be a system available to those who hold territory.
“Excuse me, may I have a moment?”
The leader of the guarding adventurers approached cautiously.
“Should we consider what we just heard as something we didn’t hear? If you say so, I can keep quiet about it.”
“Yes, I think it would be best not to speak of it until we receive an official notice from the guild.”
“Understood. I never expected to encounter such a situation. It seems that being a tournament champion puts you in a different world.”
As he said this, the leader returned to his companions. The merchants had retreated a bit further away, so they likely hadn’t heard our conversation.
However, I had unexpectedly gained valuable information. If this was indeed the guidance of Bad Luck, I could accept it, but realizing that the Kin of Twilight were reasonable beings was significant for me.
Perhaps this would make it a bit easier for His Imperial Majesty to respond as well.