第４５３堀：侵食 (Part2)
"What do you mean by that? I’d like to hear the details."
"Ah, hold on a second. If I recall correctly, the guy's name was Nobutsuna. He was something else—so skilled that he was even granted a one-on-one duel with Nogosh, and he won decisively. But that was his undoing. He wounded the pride of the King of the Sword Kingdom. A gag order was slapped on the whole affair, and that Nobutsuna fellow was hunted down and forced to flee immediately."
"Ah, so that’s why they’ve been so quiet for the last thirty years."
"I see. So that was the reason this war-hungry nation has been keeping its head down."
...I hadn't mentioned the story of Kamiizumi Nobutsuna to Mauve and the others.
Still, it’s a terrifying tale.
As far as the man himself was concerned, his only goal was likely the pursuit of the sword's path, but to think he even surpassed the gods...
The fortunate thing is that Nobutsuna does not seem to be in this country anymore.
Master has given us strict orders not to antagonize such anomalies.
If that’s the case, should I assume that it was at that time that Nogosh set his sights on the katana?
I must report this to Master.
While I was lost in thought, the public tournament began.
The qualifiers were already finished, and the top ten had been decided.
Apparently, there’s a bonus where the winner gets to spar with Nogosh, so I suppose I’ll just watch that.
However, every match is low-level.
Well, I suppose this is the norm.
It serves as a reminder that Master and the others are simply anomalies.
In the first place, trading blows with swords is already in the realm of sports compared to the weaponry from Master’s homeland.
Of course, I am perfectly capable of using firearms myself.
Honestly, I prefer guns over swords.
As I watched the matches, bored, the tournament organizers gathered and brought a cage containing a monster onto the stage.
"What is that!?"
"Isn't that a Minotaur?!"
Such cries rose from the crowd.
Indeed, inside the cage was a Minotaur.
I assumed it was some kind of entertainment, but I couldn't understand why everyone was so shocked.
"Ah. I suppose it’s small fry to someone like you, Kirika, but a Minotaur is something that usually requires high-ranking adventurers or a company-sized army to take down. That’s why capturing one like that is meant to incite fear."
Seeing my puzzled expression, Raiya-san explained it to me.
"I see. But judging by the reaction of those around us, this shouldn't be possible under normal circumstances."
"Normally, it would be an Orc or something. You can't easily capture a Minotaur unless you're in a dungeon."
"Is that so?"
"It is likely just as you suspect, Kirika-san."
I should assume they requested Bicks to bring the Minotaur here.
However, the question of *why* remained, but that doubt was blown away the moment Nogosh appeared.
Nogosh had a katana sheathed at his waist.
Even from a distance, I could tell it was a dangerous blade.
...I never imagined it would be to this extent.
The audience, who had been buzzing at the appearance of the Minotaur, had their eyes stolen—no, captivated—by the Dojigiri that Nogosh had drawn, and they fell silent.
Seemingly satisfied with that reaction, Nogosh opened the cage, faced the Minotaur, and sliced it in two in the blink of an eye.
And the moment he sheathed his sword...
*ROOOOAR!!*
A massive cheer engulfed the arena.
Nogosh waved at the roar of the crowd and walked back.
"Hey, hey. You've got to be kidding me."
"...Yuki was right to be on guard."
"It seems that blade is more dangerous than Nogosh himself."
"...It appears so. I will contact Master immediately."
I left the scene, but honestly, I couldn't bring myself to be happy that I’d found the sword so easily.
"That thing is bad news."
The magical energy Nogosh was exuding had begun to turn murky.
It was as if he were being eroded by the sword, starting from his arm...
"A month from now will be too late. I shall advise that we begin the operation as soon as possible..."
He’s a god, so I wish he could endure the corruption a little better...
But is that asking too much?
And so, things are starting to get strange.
Now, what will happen next!!
Will this turn into an otherworldly Battle of Oeyama!!
Well, that’s fine and all, but is everyone catching Pokémon?
I’m catching Pokémon!!