CH 105.1

"The current extent of the damage, within our grasp, includes nine casualties among the exorcist personnel, including three exorcists, the Hidden Group, and Servant Group, and nearly twenty casualties among the miscellaneous workers and laborers. These numbers may increase further as we gather more reports."

In the improvised conference room, which was once a banquet hall ravaged and destroyed by the onslaught, Miyamizu Shizu reported the details that had been confirmed so far. Her face was pale, and her voice trembled noticeably. Naturally, the damage had been severe.

The massive swarm of vines and roots that suddenly attacked the camp... There was no need to explain their true nature now. Knowing that they had been swallowed up by the ground rather than being killed on the spot, and with the presence of "Mayoiga" right before their eyes, it was easy to deduce its true nature.

Similar to carnivorous plants in the nature, "Mayoiga" does not kill its captured prey on the spot. It slowly suffocates them, like tightening a noose with soft cotton, digesting them over the course of several decades or even centuries.

...However, even considering all of that, the shock of those present in the conference room regarding this incident was immeasurable.

"Unbelievable. Unthinkable. How could it sneak up on us from underground?"

"No, it didn't sneak up on us. It had already established its roots. We unintentionally set up camp within its range. It's a cunning creature."

"For 'Mayoiga,' the exterior mansion is nothing more than decoration to attract prey. But this is going too far..."

"While cases of luring and kidnapping by means of illusions are common, a direct attack like this is unprecedented. Never before recorded."

"Tch, we won't be done with just a single word!! D*mn it, how did this happen...!?"

The exorcists from each household attending the conference room complained incessantly. Yes, everything about this incident was unprecedented. "Mayoiga," which is essentially a passive entity, acting in such a manner...

It's true that it may tempt prey with sweet enticement. Although there have been very few cases of it expelling its dependent and kidnapping people, it was unheard of for "Mayoiga" to directly attack and abduct external humans. Truly unprecedented... However, that didn't mean everything would end there.

"..."

Shizu understood her position better than anyone else. Who would be sacrificed in this situation? The extermination led by the Onitsuki family, but it was unthinkable for the wife and daughter of the head to take responsibility. That's why her blood ran cold. Her own life was at stake, and above all, her downfall would jeopardize the position of her loyal lord.

"Princess, what are you planning to do!?"

A voice close to a scream echoed through the conference room. All attendees turned their gaze towards it, and a commotion spread.

The two princesses appeared, pushing aside those who tried to stop them. The first princess wore crimson armor, while the second princess adorned herself with a top-tier curse tool. Both had a resolute expression, emanating a trembling aura.

"We are going to infiltrate 'Mayoiga' from this moment on. Everyone, prepare yourselves immediately."

At the request, or rather demand, from the princesses, the exorcists from each household became even more agitated. Confusion filled the room.

"Nonsense. Impossible. Out of the question."

"It's reckless to enter 'Mayoiga.' Has the first princess lost her sanity!?"

Entering the domain of "Mayoiga," which had grown to the level of a calamity youkai, was tantamount to suicide. No, it didn't mean there was no chance of survival. The abilities of "Mayoiga"... the power to confuse and bewitch others, trapping people in a hellish labyrinth... while it was heinous and wicked, it didn't mean it was impossible to overcome.

No matter how slim the possibility, with strength, wisdom, and a bit of luck, survival was possible. That was the structure of "Mayoiga's" ability—a binding that allowed for survival if one had the power to overcome the internal environment, the types of its dependents, their habitats, and the details of the traps. Several scouts had been sent before, and some had survived, recording the internal structure, the types of its dependent, the habitat, and the details of the traps.

...Although it was about one in ten individuals.

"But what about those who have been captured by 'Mayoiga'? Are we going to abandon them like this?"

"However! The interior of that thing is vast. Even if we infiltrate, we'll only end up encountering secondary accidents. It's foolish..."

As one of the attendees tried to argue against Hina's question, a brutal event unfolded before their eyes. The ground in front of them was mercilessly torn apart.

The person responsible for this act... Onitsuki Aoi, who glared at them with eyes as cold as ice, swiftly directed her fan towards the attendees, as if making a clear threat. The fan, crafted from the carved sacred wood, imbued with numerous curses, was not a mere decoration but a top-tier weapon. Pointing it at others was an unmistakable and blatant intimidation.

"Prepare yourselves, will you?"

She reiterated her request. It was an order from the second princess. Overwhelming and dense spiritual energy emanated from her... The exorcist families gathered here, other than the Onitsuki family, had histories that spanned no more than three hundred years. Considering that spiritual power and supernatural abilities tend to concentrate with each generation, it was only natural for them to be intimidated by the unwavering determination of these young girls before them. If they wished, they could have slaughtered everyone. It seemed as if there were no other options...

"Hina-san, Aoi."

Nonchalantly, Sumire called out to the two "daughters" as if nothing had happened. Her voice was soft, gentle, and somewhat carefree. It provided a sense of tranquility that soothed the frayed nerves of the anxious people.

...Without drawing attention, she stood just behind the two girls.

"Huh? Ahh!?"

"What!? Gah...!!?"

It happened in an instant. The two princesses, who turned around in astonishment at Sumire's call, let out a scream and collapsed immediately. Sumire swiftly caught them, preventing them from falling to the ground.

It was a knife hand strike. An incredibly fast knife hand strike. Executed at a speed that even seasoned exorcists could have missed, it accurately targeted the vital point of their necks, seizing them in a single blow without allowing any room for counterattacks. Everyone present was left dumbfounded. The act itself, the precision of the technique, and the skill involved... It was almost artistic, considering that rendering someone unconscious is more difficult than killing them.

'Screeeech!!'

'Grrrrrrrrrrr!!'

Simultaneously, a white eagle and a dragon swooped down from the sky. Sacred beasts emanating divine energy advanced towards the assailant who had harmed their master.

"Be silent, worthless birds."

Sumire seized the beak of the eagle, intending to tear apart its skull, and hurled it into the forest behind her. The following dragon observed the scene and coiled itself in the sky, as if assessing the situation. It growled at Sumire.

"Stop it. I can't win against you either, but if you're going to fight me... I won't hold back. Are you planning to involve your master?"

'...'

The Onitsuki dragon narrowed its eyes, displaying profound intelligence, as it gazed at Sumire.

"Sōten, too. You shouldn't recklessly charge in just because your master has been harmed, right?... Right, Chouei?"

Lady Onitsuki directed her gaze towards an invisible corner where nothing was visible. The divine eagle that had flown from the forest enraged at the woman who had stained it with dirt.

"I understand your feelings, but for now, retreat. Excessive loyalty will only trouble your master, you know?"

Upon hearing Sumire's words, the divine eagle fell silent. Silence enveloped the surroundings...

"I will say it once again. Please retreat for now."

'......'

The dragon, first returning to the skies, was followed by the displeased screech of the divine eagle as it disappeared with the storm. And then, the invisible yokai... After confirming their departure, Sumire finally returned her gaze to the ground.

"The young girls showed an unsightly sight. It's truly disgraceful how they were so easily shaken by the preemptive strike of a yokai. ...Everyone, please pardon their behavior."

Amidst the speechless crowd, Sumire politely offered her apologies, holding the princesses in her arms.

"...Now then. I would like to provide my opinion as the leader of the extermination squad regarding our future plans. Would that be acceptable to everyone?"

Lady Onitsuki smiled and addressed one of the nearby exorcists. The exorcist in question nodded in agreement. Taking that as a sign of approval, Sumire surveyed the attendees and began to speak.

"There is no other choice at this point. Regarding those who have been captured, considering them as good as dead is like counting the years of a deceased child. Since this extermination mission has been officially reported to the imperial court, and we have received authorization that has burdened the emperor, it is impossible for us to retreat without accomplishing anything...

In that case, we have only one option left, wouldn't you agree?"

"But... does that mean we abandon those who have been captured?"

One of the attending exorcists tremulously asked the question. Without changing her expression, Sumire continued her proposal.

"It would be best to follow the exploration protocol regarding 'Mayoiga.' Is it not meaningless to expect their survival beyond that point?"

The exploration protocol for 'Mayoiga'... To be precise, it was mentioned in the established regulations based on various yokai characteristics compiled by the Omnyouji Bureau. It stated that individuals trapped inside 'Mayoiga' should be considered as dead if they are unable to escape from within for a full day.

"But..."

The attendees exchanged glances, and the reason was clear. It was about assigning blame. While sacrifices of laborers and servants were inevitable, it was a different matter when it came to the exorcists, including their own family members.

They couldn't easily agree to abandon them, considering the potential damage to their reputation and possible repercussions. They couldn't afford to be resented and cursed.

"...In this extermination mission, the Onitsuki family took the lead. So, we will take responsibility for this incident as well. We won't cause any further inconvenience to the other families. We humbly request your understanding."

With these words, Sumire, the Lady of the Onitsuki family, bowed her head respectfully towards the attendees.