The Samurai Man gave Hiiro, who wouldn’t listen to a word he was saying, a scornful glare. But the boy by his side simply silently looked in Hiiro’s direction. And he put his hand on the man’s shoulder, that was trembling with anger.
“C-chief…?” (Man)
“… Stand back.” (Boy)
“U-understood.” (Man)
Following the boy’s words, the man stepped back.
“Oy, Aka-Loli. As I said, I’ll be the one taking him down.” (Hiiro)
“… Fine by me. But I don’t know if he plans on fighting.” (Liliyn)
“What?” (Hiiro)
The boy returned the swords in his hand to their sheathes.
“What are you doing? Are you saying we can pass?” (Hiiro)
The boy silently stares at Hiiro again. And he quietly opens his mouth.
“Are you going… no matter what?” (Boy)
“Yeah, taking a detour would be a pain.” (Hiiro)
“… Got it. Then… I follow.” (Boy)
“What?” (Hiiro)
“C-chief! Are you sure?” (Man)
The man raises an alarmed voice at the boy’s proposal. But the boy gives a light nod, showing his intent.
“… Understood. Then I’ll return, and inform our comrades of these events.” (Man)
“Yes… be careful.” (Boy)
“Yes. Then.” (Men)
After the samurai man left the area, the boy turned to Hiiro again.
“Introduction… late. I… Camus. I’m the『Ashura Race』… Chief.” (Camus)
(TL: If you didn’t know, Camus is pronounced Kamyu. It’s a French name. For more information, just google ‘How do you pronounce Camus?’)
By his disinterested expression, and his youth, one wouldn’t think him to be the head of a race. Even if, as an『Evila』, his age conflicted with his appearance, looking at a boy that looked to be of a similar age to himself, Hiiro couldn’t help but doubt his chiefhood.
“Now, I’ll take you… to home. There… please determine.” (Camus)
“Determine What?” (Hiiro)
“… Monster’s… terror.” (Camus)
For the first time, a speck of fire glowed in the back of the young man’s eyes. He was definitely showing his anger. Though Camus appeared to be devoid of emotions, he harbored quite a resentment for the monster.
Hiiro crossed his arms, and though of whether or not to follow the boy. Seeing the 『Ashura Tribe』’s settlement was definitely one of the goals of this journey. It would be beneficial if they had someone to lead them there. Of course, there was no need to drop their guard.
“Isn’t it fine?” (Liliyn)
Liliyn said as such, so Hiiro directed his gaze to the others. Silva nods with a slight smile on his face. Shamoe is fidgeting by Liliyn’s side, and it seems that her mind was unable to keep up with the sudden development.
Putting the maid aside, it seems the other two will follow without complaint. With Liliyn’s strength, no matter how strong the opponent, she should be able to take them out if they show any signs of deceiving the group.
“Got it. Then I’ll have you be our guide.” (Hiiro)
The boy nods, turns his back to Hiiro’s group, and starts walking. His men also get into rank and file behind him, and quietly follow.
(A monster of the desert… I bet it has quite a bit of strength.)
The strong Camus is taking such an attitude, so the monster should be something ferocious and uncontrollable, even for him.
As they walked, Hiiro approached Silva to see if he had any relevant information on the monster, but he didn’t know anything. Liliyn’s answer was the same.
“But doesn’t it sound interesting? Things like this aren’t bad for entertainment.” (Liliyn)
“You’re one to talk, after you holed yourself into that mansion for so long.” (Hiiro)
“Mu… listen here, brat! I only stayed there to accomplish my own ambitions! Don’t forget that!” (Liliyn)
Liliyn insisted this while pointing her finger at Hiiro, but Hiiro closed his eyes halfway, and let out a light sigh.
“More importantly. How does that guy look from your perspective?” (Hiiro)
“Hmm? So you want to know? Hm?” (Liliyn)
An irritating smile manifested, so Hiiro got slightly pissed off.
“Just answer the question.” (Hiiro)
“Hmhmm. Let’s see, he was the Chief, right? I think he at least has the power to back the title.” (Liliyn)
“So he has something of that level?” (Hiiro)
“Don’t play dumb. Since you also use a katana, you should understand that better than I.” (Liliyn)
Right. After seeing Camus’s strength firsthand, Hiiro had a slight grasp of it. Neither side was serious, but still, it was apparent that he had a considerable amount of power.
“In regards to physical ability alone, you wouldn’t stand a chance. And his magic is still a mystery. It may be good that you didn’t 1v1 him there.” (Liliyn)
Liliyn makes an ecstatic grin as she speaks.
“Quite joking around. If we fought, I would have won.” (Hiiro)
“Kukuku. Where does that confidence come from… Well, when that battle actually comes to pass, make sure to entertain me. Kukuku.” (Liliyn)
Her phrasing made it seem as if she had seen through Hiiro’s true strength. It’s true that she said she was accompanying him to find out his secrets, and to reveal his identity. The feeling of having her stare at him while he fought wasn’t a nice one. It felt as if he was being strip naked, and examined.
(Come at me if you will. I’ll look for a time when this one isn’t around.)
With that decision, Hiiro stared at Camus’s back as he walked ahead.