Chapter 30

In the early noon of a winter day, the quiet mountain village was enveloped in a cloud-covered sky, hinting at the possibility of imminent snowfall.

Yoriichi, a caring husband, escorted his wife Uta back inside their cozy house to rest.

The affectionate couple had been married for less than a year when they discovered Uta's pregnancy, filling their hearts with joy and anticipation.

"You know I can walk by myself," Uta playfully remarked to Yoriichi.

"I know, but one can never be too careful," Yoriichi replied, his eyes filled with love and concern.

Uta chuckled and affectionately said, "Oh, what will I do with you?" She cherished the attention and care bestowed upon her by her doting husband.

Their journey together had begun a decade ago, when Uta, having lost her family to war, met Yoriichi.

Their relationship had blossomed from an unusual friendship to a deep bond of love, and now they were building a family of their own.

Uta's heart swelled with happiness at the thought of welcoming a new member into their small family.

However, amidst her thoughts, she suddenly let out a cry of pain.

Startled, Yoriichi rushed towards her, panic written all over his face.

"What's wrong? Are you alright? What should I do?" he anxiously asked.

Uta, with a calm demeanor, reassured him, "Calm down, my love." She found his normally composed nature endearing.

Yoriichi awkwardly scratched his head, unsure of how to handle such situations as they were new to him.

"It's alright, at least let's go inside and sit down," Yoriichi proposed, trying to ease his wife's discomfort.

Meanwhile, Ginryu, perched on a tall tree some distance away, observed everything attentively.

He had transformed himself into an eagle, utilizing his biokinesis to condense his size to that of a normal one..

It was a challenge to find the balance between maintaining his line of sight and avoiding detection by Yoriichi.

Thus, he had taken the form of a creature with an extended field of vision.

As Yoriichi led Uta inside their home and tended to the fireplace to warm up the house, he realized the urgency of finding a midwife for his wife, as her due date was rapidly approaching.

Though he felt hesitant leaving his beloved alone, he had no choice but to venture down the mountain in search of a skilled midwife.

Ginryu, observing Yoriichi's departure, deduced that the time had come for the main event.

He returned to his original form, donned his attire, and made his way towards Yoriichi's home, timing his arrival for early evening.

Carrying a small bag as if he were a weary traveler seeking shelter for the night, Ginryu knocked on the door.

The unexpected knock startled Uta, who knew that Yoriichi would usually announce his arrival, and visitors rarely came to their secluded home. "Who is it?" she called out hesitantly.

"I'm sorry to bother you, but I am in need of help," Ginryu replied, feigning weariness in his voice.

Uta, struggling to get up, cautiously approached the door to see what this stranger required.

Opening the door, she was taken aback by the sight of a striking young man with dark skin, blue eyes, and silver hair.

"Excuse me," Ginryu called out to the bewildered Uta. It was the first time she had laid eyes on someone with such unique features.

"Oh, I'm sorry. What do you need?" Uta finally spoke, slightly embarrassed by her initial reaction.

Apologizing for the intrusion, Ginryu explained, "I apologize for the inconvenience. I have been traveling for a while now, and with no inns in sight, I was wondering if I could stay here for the night. I am more than willing to pay for your hospitality."

Uta hesitated, knowing that she couldn't make such decisions in her husband's absence.

"I'm sorry, but I can't make that decision. My husband isn't home," she replied, her wariness evident.

Ginryu had anticipated this response. "I understand. When do you expect him to return?" he inquired, trying to gather more information.

"I'm not sure, but you can head down the mountain. There is a village there where you might find a place to rest," Uta suggested, her caution still apparent.

Ginryu couldn't help but wonder why she seemed extremely wary of him.

"I see. Thank you, and have a good day," he said, turning to leave.

Predictably, Ginryu had somewhat expected this outcome.

His intention was to make his presence known to Uta, so when he eventually came to save her from the demon, she would be more inclined to cooperate.

As he departed, snowflakes began to gently fall from the darkening sky, creating a serene ambiance around the secluded mountain village.

Uta, gazing at the falling snow, felt a surge of hesitation.

A stranger, who seemed unfamiliar with the area, was walking alone under the darkening sky without any source of light and under the snow.

Having lived in the mountains for a long time, Uta was well aware of the dangers that lurked in the snow-covered landscape.

"Wait," Uta called out, causing the departing Ginryu to stop in his tracks, surprised by her interruption.

"Hmm?" Ginryu replied, curious as to why she had halted him.

"You can stay the night," Uta offered, concerned for his safety. The sudden change of events caught Ginryu off guard, but he expressed his gratitude with a polite smile.

"There isn't much space nor much to offer, but make yourself at home," Uta informed him, her voice tinged with apprehension.

"Thank you for your hospitality," Ginryu replied, choosing a spot near the fire to sit down.

The house fell into an uncomfortable silence as Uta nervously lay down in her room, hoping her husband would soon return.

Ginryu, meanwhile, sat quietly by the fire, attentively monitoring its warmth.

"Would you like to hear tales of my travels?" Ginryu proposed, hoping to ease the tension that filled the air.

"Hmm," Uta replied, feeling the awkwardness of the situation. It was the first time she had welcomed a guest into her home.

Hearing her response, Ginryu enthusiastically started recounting intriguing stories from his journeys.

However, most of his tales revolved around rumors and legends of demons.

In the midst of sharing another captivating rumor about a powerful demon, Uta finally voiced her curiosity.

"Do you believe these demons to be real?" she asked, having noticed that all of Ginryu's stories revolved around these supernatural beings.

"What do you think?" Ginryu replied, his tone filled with intrigue.

"I believe that these so-called demons you speak of are likely just humans," Uta responded, skeptical of such fantastical creatures.

"Ho, that's an interesting perspective and not too far from the truth. However, demons do indeed exist, and I hunt them," Ginryu revealed, causing Uta to question his sanity.

She had heard rumors and tales of demons in the past, but she never believed them to be anything more than superstitions.

"I am not delusional or crazy, although it may seem that way. You will soon have the chance to meet one yourself," Ginryu commented, predicting her thoughts.

His heightened senses had detected the approaching footsteps and the distinct scent of blood and decay lingering in the air. A demon was drawing near, driven by its insatiable hunger.

Remaining seated by the fireplace, Ginryu calmly awaited the arrival of the demon.

As the tension grew, he needed to skillfully orchestrate a scenario that would mimic the events of the original series, all while ensuring the safety of Uta and Yoriichi's child.