Chapter 73: Battlefield
Makoto's voice came from behind. She stepped out of the ship's cabin and walked slowly to Yuxie and Chiyo's side.
"This is a catastrophe," Makoto continued, her tone somber. "No one wanted this outcome, but things have already developed to this point, and we can only do our best."
Makoto reached the edge of the ship's railing. The sea breeze tousled her deep purple hair, making it flutter like waves in the wind.
Sometimes, Yuxie couldn't tell the difference between Makoto and Ei. Despite their vastly different personalities, they shared countless similarities.
For instance, there were times when the expressions in their almost identical eyes conveyed the same feelings.
"Makoto, once we reach the battlefield, don't leave my sight," Yuxie said.
Makoto hesitated for a moment. The serious expression she had earlier faded, replaced by her signature charming smile.
"Then... what about when I'm sleeping?"
"I'll stay outside, or let Chiyo accompany you," Yuxie answered without a second thought.
"Don't worry about me too much," Makoto said casually. "Although I'm not as skilled as Ei in combat, I'm still a Electro Archon."
How could I not worry? If things go as they did in the past, you could...
Yuxie didn't voice his thoughts, choosing to remain silent for the time being.
The fleet continued its journey across the sea. Several days passed, and they finally reached land. The group began their march across the open plains.
Days passed once more. At first, traces of ordinary civilians could still be seen, but as they neared the battlefield, all signs of regular people vanished. Even the traces of animal activity became increasingly scarce.
Only the smell of gunpowder from the battlefield grew stronger, and the bodies of monsters, now reduced to bones, could be seen lying by the roadside.
As evening approached, the fleet set up camp.
Once the sky had completely darkened, the entire camp was finally settled.
Makoto sat inside the tent, looking over a map as she pondered. Yuxie sat cross-legged beside her, his eyes closed.
[Skill: Mastery of All Weapons (Rare), Ashura Flash (Epic)]
At this level, these skills should be sufficient to handle ordinary monsters. But if they encountered more powerful creatures, it wouldn't necessarily be easy to deal with them.
At that moment, the tent flap was lifted, and Chiyo entered.
"I just received a battle report. The Geo Archon from Liyue has reached the frontlines and the battle has been a victory for us. From the looks of it, we have the upper hand."
Hearing Chiyo's news, Yuxie closed the system interface and opened his eyes.
The Geo Archon, Morax. If I get the chance, I'd like to meet him.
"This is already considered a battlefield," Makoto said slowly, worry evident on her face. "We mustn't let our guard down."
"Are you worried about Inazuma?" Yuxie noticed Makoto's mood.
"Mm…" Makoto nodded. "The disaster is spreading. Although we've temporarily gained the upper hand on the main battlefield, there's no doubt that some of the calamities have slipped past the main frontlines, and they could very well affect other regions. The monster we encountered on the sea earlier was a warning."
"With Ei and Kitsune Saiguu there, nothing will go wrong." Yuxie reassured her.
Though he said that, Yuxie couldn't help but feel concerned.
He knew better than anyone what might happen.
....
Mt. Yougou.
Inside the Grand Shrine of Narukami, Yae Miko sat in a corner, gazing at the ripples on the distant sea.
The words Yuxie had spoken before leaving kept echoing in her mind.
"If Kitsune Saiguu says she's going on a trip, don't let her go alone."
"If there's a crisis on Yashiori Island, don't let Sasayuri lead the team alone. Make sure to notify Ei."
When Yuxie had said these things, it felt as though he could predict the future, his tone filled with certainty.
Though she didn't fully understand what was going on, Yae Miko kept these words in her heart.
"What are you doing?" At that moment, the voice of Kitsune Saiguu reached her ears.
"Nothing, just being lazy for a bit." Yae Miko replied calmly.
"You're so open about even being lazy." Kitsune Saiguu walked over and sat beside Yae Miko.
"See, I've always said I'm not suited to replace you as the head of the Narukami Shrine."
"But I think you're the perfect choice." Kitsune Saiguu smiled. "By the way, if you become the head of the shrine, you can eat as much fried tofu as you want."
"Really…" Kitsune Saiguu paused. "Ahem… that's a terrible reason. Also, don't start thinking about retirement so soon. According to what Yuxie said… that's not very auspicious."
"Yuxie…"
At the mention of Yuxie, Kitsune Saiguu suddenly fell silent.
She turned her gaze toward the distance, and as her eyes scanned the horizon, all she saw was the sea.
"I wonder when they'll be back."
After saying this, Kitsune Saiguu stood up and began to turn away.
"Where are you going?" Yae Miko hurriedly asked.
"I'm going to the Tenshukaku to check on Ei. Don't be lazy now. When I'm not at the shrine, you're the acting head, and you need to take responsibility for this place. Understand?"
"Understood." Yae Miko sighed helplessly. It seemed that when she had mentioned not wanting to be the head of the shrine earlier, Kitsune Saiguu hadn't listened at all.
It had already been some time, and of course, Ei knew that Makoto, Yuxie, and Chiyo had gone to the battlefield.
When she first learned the truth, Ei had wanted to rush to the battlefield immediately.
For all this time, whenever it came to battle, it had always been her taking action. Her sister wasn't particularly skilled in combat, was she?
But now, to think that they had gone to the dangerous battlefield without telling her—how could she accept that?
However, after taking a moment to calm down, Ei realized that Makoto had never been reckless. There must have been some reason behind her decision.
Despite the lingering worry in her heart, Ei chose to trust her sister and Yuxie.
The sound of footsteps suddenly echoed through the quiet hall, drawing nearer.
Ei's gaze remained fixed on the Naginata in her hands, and she did not lift her eyes.
"Would you like some sweets?" Kitsune Saiguu appeared before Ei, waving a small tray of treats. "Something sweet might lighten your mood."
"I don't think it will." Ei lifted her eyes and replied, "But, I'll give it a try."
Kitsune Saiguu silently smiled, opened the package of sweets, and handed one of the delicate treats to Ei.
Ei took the sweet but suddenly became quiet again.
Her thoughts seemed to drift far away.
"Thinking about the battlefield?" Kitsune Saiguu, ever perceptive, quickly noticed Ei's thoughts.
"Mm..."
"Just protect home, and wait for them to return." Kitsune Saiguu said with a soft smile on her face.
Although Kitsune Saiguu often joked around, there was a deep seriousness in this particular smile.
Indeed, protect the home, and then welcome them back in triumph.
End of chapter
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