Episode 398: My Name Is

"Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, AH! Damn it!"

Thanks to the slice through his lower body, the "Hungered" fellow I felled still seems capable of talking.

While the sight of his severed head spouting insults is admittedly a bit off-putting, I should probably stay away—this guy's still under the effect of the [Venomous Blade] curse, and getting too close could be dangerous until it wears off.

"Damn it! Damn it! Damn it all! That damn Matsumura...! That bastard! Lying, lying, lying! He said this method would save us, but—damn it all!"

Hmm.

Could this be a chance to get some useful information?

"Wait—Matsumura? Who's that?"

"Huh? You know Matsumura Wakahito, don't you!"

Ah. So, Matsumura Wakahito.

Yeah, um... (trying to recall the contents of a previously recorded note)... that's right.

He was a member of the Guild, his job was definitely "Heritage User," and he was level 75 in life. Just like Ryouma, he became a "Hungered" too, didn't he?

"What happened to that guy?"

'He betrayed me! Left me as a disposable pawn—like rotten lamb meat...!'

"Ah, I see. That's harsh. You can't forgive something like that, can you?"

"Darn it! He absolutely knew this would happen...! Damn heretic!"

"Hmm? You're saying he knew this would happen?"

"Yeah—because that guy has a book that lets him see the future."

"A, a walkthrough guide?"

"You know it already."

Hmm. So that book wasn't just one copy after all. That explains why his level was so high.

"So, uh... does that mean Mr. Matsumura isn't actually here right now?"

"Yeah, well... You're just about to die, you know. Oh, wait—Abu, you're trying to use me for your own convenience, aren't you!?"

He finally seemed to realize my intentions.

Well, I've already made good use of you, so no complaints.

"But either way, you're about to die right now. Wouldn't it be better to hand over the information to me before you go?"

"...Hmph! You want me to sell secrets to the enemy?"

"Exactly. That's precisely what I mean."

'You idiot! Do you really think I'd do something like that without any reward?'

Honestly, this guy's going to live a surprisingly long time, considering he's only got a head left.

"Then... yes. If you hand over the information, I'll make sure to write this in my notebook: 'A truly strong and noble person.'"

'W-What...?'

He suddenly became even weaker than the defeated heroine from a harem manga, his face turning distinctly feminine.

'Y-You're serious...?'

"Yes. Let me add this too—handsome appearance, a captivating voice, stylish and neat attire. Impressive, even as an enemy. By the way, I plan to publish a memoir and become a best-selling author, living comfortably in my old age."

"Hmm..."

The "Hunger People" seem to share certain personality traits with the "Demon King," likely due to their spiritual connection.

Hattori, who fought before, said things like "Don't forget me," so they must really have a soft spot for that kind of thing.

"Then, add something like this to the memoir: 'After battling each other as equals, feelings beyond friendship began to grow between us. Showing respect to the victor, I left you a hint...' Something along those lines."

"Uhh..."

I slowly pulled out my notebook from my pocket... scribbling clumsy characters with numb fingers.

...probably this is how history gets distorted.

"I'm done writing."

"Really?"

"Yes."

"I can't see it clearly from here."

"I wouldn't be so rude as to break a promise."

"...I've just unlocked the Poison Blade. Come closer."

Wait, seriously? You're not kidding?

I gently tap the cutter's blade with the tip of the sheath.

His skill doesn't seem to change visually, so I can't tell what's happening.

"Believe me! I believe in you just as much!"

"Mmm."

This time, I tap the blade with the tip of my toe.

...No issues seem to be occurring.

Carefully avoiding the blade, I approach and hold up my notebook where he can see it.

"...Hmph"

(Heart pounding)

『These squiggly characters look just like a worm wriggling...』

『Who do you think is to blame for this? Who, exactly?』

『And besides... couldn't you write something more dramatic? Like, "I'm moved to have unexpectedly met a worthy opponent!" or something like that?』

『Come on, don't ask me to pull off miracles in such a short time.』

『Well, fine. I'll tell you. Right now, most of the "Hungered" are heading toward the "Central Authority."』

『Huh? Why?』

It's obvious! They're heading toward the "Demon Lord" himself!

"Oh really? Wait—so the 'Demon Lord' is actually in the 'Central Authority'?"

"That's right! The place where humans gather the most, the safest spot—there, the 'Demon Lord' is blending in among the crowd."

"Ah, I see. That makes sense."

No wonder I hadn't heard any rumors about the 'Demon Lord' around here at all.

"So, you went toward the Demon Lord...—"

"Already known. The 'Hero' is approaching, it seems."

"What?!"

My voice unintentionally rose in alarm.

"Hero"—that's Dogbite.

While I've been idly lingering here, he's already moved all the way to Kansai?

"So, so? What's going on right now?"

"...Don't know."

He furrowed his brow tightly,

"I'm one of those left behind."

But isn't that strange? Why deliberately分散 your forces when fighting a "Hero"?

"Can't say. That's probably why this 'kingdom' is a base we should just leave alone."

Hmm...

I paused for just a moment, lost in thought.

I'm also curious about the hero's movements, but right now, I need to focus on myself.

Who else is there in the leftover group?

...Right now, besides me, there are only two people in the "kingdom."

Hmm, hmm.

"One of them can pretty much be ignored. The other's just a kid—'Hungerman'—who's still a liability, nothing more."

"Mmm-hmm."

"The other one... uh, Ryusune or something? Wait a second—!"

"?"

"Wait, I just realized—I haven't even told you my name yet!"

"...Oh, right, that's true."

"Phew. That was close... Listen carefully. Make sure you remember this. My name is—"

That was the next moment.

"Ghhaa, e, e, e, e,..."

He suddenly sticks out his tongue and rolls his eyes white.

"……Huh?"

Staring with mouth agape, poking the severed head.

No reply. Just a lifeless body.

Looks like we ran out of time, huh.

Hmm, I wish I could have heard a bit more of the conversation.

Well, I suppose it doesn't matter.

I managed to obtain quite valuable information, more than I expected.

I glance at the iron pipe beside me, feeling a slight pang of regret, then open the door.

Belongings... I'll definitely take them back, Kousuke.