Part 3[edit]
"How far on earth did he get!?"
It was nearly half an hour ago that Kuro Usagi started looking for Sakamaki Izayoi.
It probably didn't look as much of a distance from 4000m in the air, but from the lake they fell in, the [Edge of the World] was extremely far. Since you have to cross the forest to get there, it is doubtful anyone could reach it on their first try.
(Furthermore, this area is part of a particular kind of deity's Game Territory. If they talk him into participating in a Game...)
His safety was even more at risk now.
She started running with increased haste, but when she heard eerie moans from the forest around her she stopped in her tracks.
"Rabbit" "A rabbit is here" "A [Moon Rabbit] in this remote region!" "Just like the kid said" "Should we try to slow her down?" "Challenge her in a Game?" "Against the [Moon Rabbit]?" "But challenge her in what subject?" "Strength?" "Knowledge?" "Or maybe Valour?" "Impossible, either way there is no chance for us to win"
Rabbits were called the [Highborn of Little Garden], they were of noble birth. In addition to their small numbers, they rarely go outside Little Garden.
Many evil spirits of the land gathered to take a quick look at the unexpected Rabbit visitor.
"Errr... Wise beings of the forest! Sorry for the sudden question, but did you see someone go through this way by chance? Would you be so kind to point me in the right direction?"
"....." "........." "..........."
"I could be your guide, if that's alright with you, Kuro Usagi-Ojousan"
From the thicket, a reserved voice and the sound of hooves could be heard, very different from the evil spirits around. The one who appeared was a blueish-white colored horse with a horn reaching out of its forehead-- a type of Mythical Beast called a Unicorn.
"Thi-This is quite the rarely seen individual! The 'One-Horn' Community should be more to the south as I recall..."
"I could ask you the same thing. It is unexpected to see a Rabbit to the east of Little Garden. I thought it was only possible during official Games between Communities-- ...Well let's not pry further to each others business. If you are looking for the same boy I have in mind, then he should be in the same direction I'm headed. It seems he challenged one of the Masters of the Forest, in other words a Water God."
"Uwaa"
Kuro Usagi fell on her knees looking like she could faint at any time. At the steep cliff side called the [Edge of the World], was the Great Waterfall of the immense river called Tritonis that divided the world of Little Garden into 8 parts.
Dwelling in that area could only be the Dragon or the Serpent God from the Water God kind.
"Why... Really.... Why did this problem child....!"
"There is no time to weep now. If that boy is your acquaintance, then we should hurry. Only the strongest survive the Game of this area's Water Gods. We may make it in time yet. Climb onto my back."
"Yes,yes. ... Wha-what?!"
It was when Kuro Usagi tried to get on the Unicorn's back.
Suddenly a tremor shook the earth throughout the whole forest.
Immediately looking towards the river, in the far distance there were a number of water pillars so huge, one could see them with the naked eye.
Such an event was impossible during a regular Game.
"...I'm sorry. But it seems it would be best if I go alone."
"Mu- ... I don't like to send a young girl into peril, but... Would I be in your way?"
"Yes. If something happens I may not be able to protect you. And forgive my impoliteness, but Kuro Usagi runs faster too."
The unicorn took a few steps back with a bitter smile.
"Take care. Give my regards to that problem child of yours too."
Kuro Usagi nodded, then started running towards the river of Tritonis with a nervous expression.
Her figure became distant in a blink of an eye. Running faster than the wind while avoiding trees, she emerged outside the forest like a ray of light.
A few moments after she left the forest and her sight cleared, she was standing on the bank of the enormous river.
"Should be around here somewhere..."
"Hm? Are you Kuro Usagi? What's up with the color of your hair?"
The voice of that aggravating problem child could be heard from behind her.
It seems Izayoi was still alright.
Relief ... Was something she did not feel in the least. After this much pushing around, Kuro Usagi's sanity was at its limits. She furiously turned around.
"Where did you disappear to!?"
"To the [Edge of the World]. Well, don't be so angry."
His annoying smile was still present.
Looks like there was no need for concern, he was unharmed. The only aspect of him that was different from half an hour ago was that he was even more drenched than the time they fell from the sky.
"However I have to say, you have some pretty fast legs. I was just playing around, but still. I didn't think you would catch up with me this soon."
"Mu..., but of course! I am called the [Highborn of Little Garden], a distinguished Noble! To think I would...."
Wait a minute. Kuro Usagi tilted her head in confusion.
(I.... didn't catch up with him.... for more than half an hour?)
This was mentioned several times, but she was part of the household of Little Garden's Creator.
She moves faster than a hurricane and her strength is far greater than a run-of-the-mill War Deity. Thinking back now, the fact that she didn't notice when he disappeared, and that she couldn't catch up to him for half an hour, suggested inhuman physical abilities.
"Well anyway! It's good to see you were unharmed. I heard you accepted a Water God's challenge and that scared me to death..."
"Water God? ... Ahh, you mean that one?"
Eh? Kuro Usagi was petrified.
Izayoi was pointing at a barely visible long and white something floating in the river. Before Kuro Usagi comprehended what that was, the huge body raised its curved neck and said:
Mondaiji-tachi ga isekai kara kuru soudesu yo v01 055.jpg
"Not yet.... The Test is not over yet you brat!"
What Izayoi was pointing at was an enormous serpent over 10m tall. It goes without saying, it was without a doubt a Water God that rules this area.
"Serpent God!.... How did you manage to make him this angry, Izayoi-san!?"
Izayoi explained the situation with a grin.
"He started babbling something about 'Choose your trial' or something looking down on me. So I tested whether if he could test me. In the end the result was well ... disappointing."
"You bastard... Don't get full of yourself, human! I won't be defeated by something like this!"
The Serpent God howled in a high pitched voice and his eyes and fangs sparkled. Pillars of water were being created by powerful currents of air.
Looking at the surroundings, Kuro Usagi can assume the numerous trees scattered around twisted and torn are the result of their battle.
If someone was swallowed up by those currents it's over. A human body would no doubt be mercilessly torn into a thousand pieces.