Magic? Muscle Is Much More Important Than Such A Thing! Chapter 13

h.e.l.lo there!!

Well, things happened so here’s the chapter.

See you later^_^

The Man Called Shinigami.

While roaming through the town, I feel as though the blood scent becomes more and more apparent. However, there's something I'm concerned with, and that's about Firia.

Ever since I started tracking this Shinigami, Firia is just following me without uttering even a single word.

She may do that so that I can be fully focused on tracking him down, but her expression is somewhat gloomy.

"Firia. From a moment ago, looks like you've something on your mind but, is something wrong?"

No matter how much I think about it, I won't ever be able to understand other's feeling. That means I have no choice but to ask the person herself, and so, I decide to directly ask Firia.

Hearing my inquiry, Firia averts her eyes several times, and then quietly says.

"…I, don't you think I'll only become a hindrance here?"

Hindrance? What does she mean?

I don't understand what Firia says because I've never thought her as hindrance even once, after all.

"I'm pretty confident with my magic, but battle prowess-wise… I'm weaker than you, Yuri-san. So if I'm here with you, won't I only become an additional burden to you?"

Upon hearing her words, I finally understand what she wants to say.

Seems like she's worried that she might drag me down in battle.

"We're partner after all, so don't bother to think about dragging down or the like. Moreover, Firia, you're pretty powerful yourself, so as long as this Shinigami guy isn't simply ridiculously too powerful, I doubt you'll ever become a hindrance, don't you think so too?"

"…I've never expected you to say such nice words. Did you by chance hit your head or something?"

The gloomy air disappears from Firia, and she unnaturally says such joke while poking her head.

"That's just my honest feeling."

"I've perfectly receive your feeling, Yuri-san… then, I don't think I'll have my turn here, so I'll just watch you from a bit further away, okay?"

In the end, seems like she decides to not partic.i.p.ate in the fight.

"Are you fine with that?"

"Yes. Could it be, you want me to be together with you as well?”

Saying so, Firia faintly laughs 'nihihi' and shows a teasing smile.

I simply let out a light sigh in response.

I just can't understand why she doesn't want to fight such powerful opponent, but I have no intention to criticize her either. If Firia doesn't partic.i.p.ate, that means I can fight him one on one, after all.

Finishing our conversation, I focus myself and continue tracking down this Shinigami again.

…seems like he didn't pa.s.s this road. This way huh.

After tracking for a while, the scent has become considerably strong. Seems like we aren't too far off from him.

"This way. Follow me."

"Okay."

I carefully follow the scent.

And once the scent has become strong enough to the point I can't be mistaken about it again, I stop my legs.

The scent is leading toward a certain ruin of abandoned building.

"Seems like the Shinigami is inside that abandoned building. Firia, will you wait for me here?"

So that she won't get dragged into the battle, waiting outside of the building should be the best choice.

"Got it… please be careful."

Shortly answering 'Yeah' to Firia, I head to the abandoned building.

Dust scatters everywhere inside of the building. I can feel it from the dust which is mixed in the air that I inhale.

When I sweep my gaze, I can see spider webs here and there.

Seems like this Shinigami doesn't reside here from the very beginning. Perhaps it's just a temporary hiding place for him.

I carefully advance in this quiet building to not make any sound.

Upon arriving at quite a vast room, I'm greeted by an electric-current-like p.r.i.c.king pressure.

An intense pressure as though I have sword thrust before my neck.

Seems like this is an opponent whom I can't let my guard down even for a bit.

I stare at the man who is standing at the center of the room.

His whole body is wrapped in black clothes.

Those are clothes that are unusual to be found around here, those are clothes that are usually worn by those so called samurai.

With his hair that is also black, his whole black appearance really is just like a Shinigami.

The man exudes a fierce yet somehow transient presence, as though he may disappear the moment you take your eyes off of him, that's just how faint and fragile the impression I get from him.

"Are you the Shinigami?"

The man looks toward me.

With firm but fragile looking body and pale face, he looks exactly just like a Shinigami.

"Indeed. I don't recall ever calling myself as such, but it appears that's how the people here refer me as. Then, who are you?"

"I'm Yuri, someone who aspires to fight against powerful people. You, how about having some bout with me?"

Toward Shinigami's husky voice, I inquire his will to fight.

"Very well. In my life, I never refuse a duel even once. Let me bestow you death just like how I did those criminals."

Saying so, the Shinigami quietly grasps the sheathed sword with his hand.

His stance exudes a sharp pressure as though he may advance at any given moment.

He's better than I expected…!

Interesting. In my whole life thus far, those who can give me such powerful pressure can be counted in one hand.

It might be bad if I don't give him my best from the very beginning.

While shivering in excitement, I remove the limiter on my muscle.