「 It’s a normal technique from my hometown, not opposing the opponent’s power, but using it against them instead. 」
「 Then, show me how to use the next weapons. 」
Showing deep interest, Thorn excitedly urged him on.
「 Then, this is called a cross shuriken, of the throwing-type. 」
Like in Hifumi’s blueprint, the shurikens were cross-shaped, with a blade in each direction.
「 Throwing-type? Thrown weapon huh. A bow would be better than a hand-thrown weapon. 」
「 That’s what you think. 」
Hifumi threw the shuriken at the pillar to refute Thorn’s doubts.
The shuriken deeply embedded itself in the pillar with a *gatsun*.
「 For shorter distances, rather than nocking an arrow, aiming and firing, this is much faster. 」
「 Certainly, master can throw from the elbow in an instant. With that speed, any skilled magician’s magic would not be in time. 」(Origa)
Looking at the embedded shuriken from various angles, Thorn gave a low groan.
「 Though it seems to have been thrown lightly, it’s tightly lodged in. Though unlikely to mortally wound without excellent control, even if it sticks in an arm or leg, the opponent will be greatly weakened. 」
「 That is so. Throwing and hitting something is easy. On the other hand, shallow wounds will only cause an opponent to flinch. They are weapons to create opportunities to escape. Origa. 」
Called forward, Origa was handed a shuriken.
「 Use this. 」
「 Is that all right? 」
「 Originally I was going to use it, but you use it now. We spoke before about fighting without magic, practice with this so as to recover from situations not in your favour. First of all, aim at a place 5 steps away. I will also teach you the method of throwing it. 」
「 Yes. Thank you very much. 」
「 Not for me? 」
「 Kasha, first handle your sword more skilfully. 」
Che, muttered Kasha, still rubbing her head.
「 Then, how is this used? 」
Thorn asked, holding up the suntetsu.
It consisted of a cylindrical metal rod with a ring attached on the body for a finger to pass through. Different from the Chinese Kenpo version, both ends were sharpened to a point, as requested by Hifumi.
Apart from stabbing, it can also be used to tangle clothes and destroy the opponent’s balance, stab into stone walls while climbing.
While explaining the usage, Hifumi grasped the suntetsu and stabbed the end protruding from his fist into the pillar.
A piece of the pillar fell off, exposing a sorry figure.
「 Since all the power can be concentrated at one spot, with enough speed, even if power is lacking, bones can be crushed. Unlike fingers, there is no fear of fingernails peeling off while using it to hang from somewhere. 」
「 Easy to make, yet surprisingly convenient weapons. 」
Testing the suntetsu, Hifumi nodded contentedly and passed Thorn the money.
「 ….It’s too much. 」
「 Another suntetsu. Also make 5 more shurikens. 」
「 All right. Come again in 2 days. 」
「 That’s fast. 」
「 I’ve made them once, it is easier to make them again. 」
For the next few days, Hifumi made Origa and Kasha constantly practiced. Hunting demons as practice targets, every day was nightmarish.
「 Haa…..Haa…. 」
Today, Origa was trying hard to hit a “runner rabbit” with the shuriken. Hifumi had given her challenges like “Kill one after a strike to the neck”, “Without fail strike it while walking or running”, “From morning, strike and kill 10 of them”.
She had walked around for about 2 hours, but they escaped every time on sensing her footsteps and breathing. Barely grazed, far from fatal wounds, even ordinary wounds weren’t accomplished. The time limit was in an hour. Achieving the target did not seem possible.
Not having hit a moving target, Origa cursed her previous self-confidence and wanted to hit herself for answering Hifumi’s challenges with a proudly puffed-out chest. (TN: We’re talking about pride here guys.)
I did not think moving targets would be this hard to hit.
Hasty movements are sloppy, excessive noise makes them run away.
Origa was miserable, with a face ready to cry at any moment.
In such a case, I cannot face master….!
「 Calm down. 」
Breathing roughly while looking for prey, abruptly, her head was hit. She didn’t notice anyone nearby at all.
「 M-Master…? 」
Facing someone she did not want to meet at that moment, Origa did not know what kind of face she was making. Hifumi smiled wryly.
「 What an awful face. Prowling with a blood-curdling face like that, timid guys will immediately run away. 」
To say she had an awful face, Origa almost cried for a different reason. Abruptly, Hifumi patted her cheek almost causing her heart to stop.
「 When throwing the shuriken at the tree, loosen your expression, do it more comfortably. Don’t just throw it, aim at a spot beforehand and then throw it like I taught you. 」
「 Y-Yes…. 」
「 There is still time. Focus on the tree, and hit it. 」
Origa realised she had slightly calmed down. Breathing deeply, she gripped the shuriken slightly more comfortably, and began to walk forward.
Though her face was red, her emotions were stable.
Kasha found herself near a large tree, practising sword draws, frontal strikes and sword returns(to the sheath).
Strength no longer filled her arms as a result of endlessly repeating it. Still, she drew her sword while taking a half step forward, stepped forward 2 steps while shaving off the tree’s bark while slashing downwards, and returned the sword to the sheath while stepping back.
The sheaths housing the two swords were affixed to her waist by metal fittings, leaving enough play to manoeuvre. The previous slow draws were gone, now it was possible for her to draw in a fluid movement.
「 That’s good enough. 」
Hifumi called out, Kasha collapsed on the ground, drenched in sweat, spread-eagled.
「 Tireeed~ 」
「 Drink water properly. When moisture is insufficient, movement becomes duller. Don’t drink too much though. 」
Taking the wooden flask, Kasha drank some, splashed herself with some of it, and with a refreshed expression looked at Hifumi.
「 How’s that master? I think my form is considerably good. 」
Kasha had single-mindedly absorbed the footwork learned from Hifumi resulting in the current movements that made her hips the core.
「 You’ve done well in a short while. Thanks to your hips twisting for stability, the need to brandish your swords is gone. 」
「 Hips twisting…… saying it like that is… dirty. 」
「 The heck? Leaving that aside, next is a mock battle with me…. Don’t look at me like that, we’re using wooden swords. 」
On hearing about the mock battle, Kasha glumly took the two wooden swords passed to her. The wooden swords were the same as her original ones, about 70cm long blades. Hifumi too took 2 swords with about 30cm difference in length between them and faced her.
「 Master, the lengths are different… 」
「 Pay attention. I will demonstrate the true usage two swords. 」(TN: I’m pretty sure he’s referencing Musashi here.)
「 Both my arms are now in better condition. Even if master is the opponent…. Here I come! 」
Dodging Kasha’s swords, Hifumi’s longer sword abruptly changed direction to parry… at the same time the shorter sword drove into Kasha’s side. Of course, there was no damage to internal organs, but it was painful.
「 Gu….. No more! 」
The two swords simultaneously drilled forward, the longer one suppressing Kasha’s twin swords, while the shorter one
struck the pit of her stomach.
Unable to breathe, Kasha dropped the swords and fell over.
「Think about the advantages of two swords. You lack the skill to wield two swords with a scary atmosphere. 」
「 Uu….the movements today… 」
「 It is the basics of the basics. Do it again and again for the body to remember. 」
「 That’s a dirty way of saying it. 」
「 Stop playing the fool and quickly get up. 」
They were repeatedly instructed again and again. Unbeknownst to them, Hifumi had obtained another demon hunting request.
Like this, when evening fell, the two exhausted slaves were finished.
「 That reminds me, eventually, I want to leave this capital city. 」
While seated for dinner, Hifumi unexpectedly said.
「 Is there a place master wishes to go? 」
Origa asked, stopping her spoon.
「 Before I want to go anywhere, I don’t know the geography of this world. Aren’t there maps? 」
「 We can receive simple maps in the guild, I think? 」
「 Is that so…. 」
Putting the steamed meat with slightly salty sauce and vegetables in his mouth, Hifumi thought about it for a while.
「 Well, we’ll gradually go to another town and country… 」
Hearing Hifumi’s decision, Origa and Kasha exchanged glances. The two had a common intention in going to another country.
Chapter 13: Stronger
In the end, Origa and Kasha said nothing to Hifumi, or rather, it was impossible for them to say it anything.
From the slaves’ point of view, it would be unreasonable to get their master involved for the sake of their revenge, so the two decided not to ask him.
Origa had sworn to become stronger and take revenge, following Hifumi’s relentless training energetically. Even though gaining power from Hifumi’s guidance seemed similar to relying on Hifumi’s power, it was different.
After dinner, when Hifumi returned to his room, Origa and Kasha had a discussion.
「 ….Certainly, as Origa said, depending on master one way or the other doesn’t feel right. 」
Falling back on the futon while relishing the feeling, Kasha agreed. A soft feeling is kind towards a tired body.
In retrospect, their current hotel was better than the ones they used to frequent as adventurers. In spite of being slaves, their living conditions had improved, Kasha smiled at the irony.
Being able to choose what to eat; how much to eat, is it thanks to the extreme practice that their figures were maintained? On the contrary, it feels like their figures had tightened.
「But if this continues, we’ll never get our revenge….. Master is kind, on getting an opportunity, he will listen to our request… though that’s what I think.. 」(Origa)
He is certainly kind. (Kasha)
He doesn’t hesitate to kill those hostile to him, regardless of their standing or authority. Conversely, he is kind to those he calls family, the two slaves can also live life without discomfort. There is neither abuse nor sexual assault.
Origa, sitting on the bed brushed her pale green hair. Combing her freshly-washed beautiful and lustrous hair, even Kasha of the same sex was charmed.
Generally slaves are lucky if they can occasionally bathe with cold water. We can wash our bodies everyday with hot water, can also buy and use everyday necessities.
Objectively seen, he’s a kind master, thought Origa.
「 But…. 」
Something caught in Kasha’s chest.
Not complaining the slightest and thankful for the good treatment, Kasha frankly admired Hifumi’s personality. Substantially different from those she encountered till now.
「 What’s wrong? 」
「 Iya~, it’s nothing. My weariness was easily relieved by resting while cleaning myself. 」
Kasha showed Origa a smile, who seemed to hold goodwill towards Hifumi, while worrying pointlessly.
「 It’s time for bed. We have to expect Master’s severe training starting tomorrow morning again. 」
「 You’re right. Have a good night. 」
「 Good night. 」
Somehow, her real worries lie in how not to hurt her best friend’s feelings, Kasha prayed in her heart.
The next day, Pajou, who was wearing a uniform, went to the dining room where three people were eating their breakfast.
「 There is a report on the Marquis from a few days ago, is that fine? 」
「 Yes. 」
「 Excuse me then. 」
Since Origa was sitting in front of Hifumi, Pajou naturally went to sit down on the vacant seat beside Hifumi.
Pajou quickly confirmed that the surrounding people will not overhear her, she pulled the chair silently.
「 A considerable number of documents in the Marquis’ mansion were been burnt by the fire. But the documents that I salvaged revealed a lot of information. They’re smugglers….. Actually, a trading company was established under a different name for that purpose. We are now investigating the premises of the trading company. 」
During these past few days, the 3rd Knight’s Corp and the Public Security Corp have been investigating together. they discovered a building a ways away from the commercial area of the royal capital,registered under this trading company. But when the combined force of both Corps entered the place, it was completely abandoned.
「 So why did you intentionally tell me this? 」
「 Because you were involved in this. Though the Marquis’ attempted murder was stopped, the money made from smuggling was used for political maneuvering within the Imperial Court. The Marquis’ son…… The knight that you killed during the audience with the King, was able to enter the Imperial Knights Corp at a young age. A position that brings them closer to the royal family, and used their wealth on the nobles to create a large faction. 」
To be acquainted with the royal family like that, “A young excellent knight with good family background, betrothed to the imperial princess” is what they were getting around to. If a problem in succession should arise, they’d appeal to the person sitting on the throne for a child, they really planned this for the long haul. Acknowledging it to that extent, there is a possibility to politically manipulate the maternal relatives of the royal family
Having their grand scheme with the King summoning the hero collapse as a result of killing the son, who is also knight. They aimed at taking revenge on Hifumi.
「 Hmm, if it’s like that, those within the high-ranking nobles must be dealt inconspicuously. Collect evidence from the officials to arrest them and be done with it. Announce publicly that the Marquis died from an illness, and the knight had an accident during training. 」
However, the investigation for anyone connected to the trading company have been pushed through, it has been discovered that the scale of the simple smuggling operation is a problem.
「 The amount of money involved is too big. They were able to secretly move goods of staggeringly huge value back and forth. To make matters worse, there is no information on the individuals that buys through the trading company. Furthermore thanks to the company, all the items sold have been settled already. The purchases seem to have influenced the founding of the trading company. 」
Thereupon, Pajou turned to Origa and Kasha.
「 Origa-san and Kasha-san isn’t it. Before becoming slaves, have you two done any work regarding a jewel called “Aqua Sapphire”? 」
To Pajou’s question, Origa’s body twitched.
Kasha looked sharply at Pajou.
「 …..Indeed, we received the task of transporting a jewel of such a name. However, that was merely by chance.」
「 Pajou, stop this roundabout behavior. 」
「 ……Understood. I will explain from the beginning. In addition, there is a request for adventurer Hifumi-san, from the Orsongrande kingdom. 」
Facing Hifumi, Pajou began to explain with an earn
est gaze.
Listening to Pajou’s explanation and telling her they would reply to the request the next day, Hifumi, Origa and Kasha gathered in Origa and Kasha’s room.
「 So, this matter about this “Aqua Sapphire” is the source of your debts, and the reason you are slaves. 」
「 Yes… 」
After listening to Pajou’s explanation Origa had a brooding expression on her face. Sitting next to her, Kasha grasped Origa’s shoulder, eyes downcast. The details of the Knight Corps’ investigation were told to them.
Origa and Kasha had received a request to safely transport “Aqua Sapphire”, an expensive jewel among the nobles from a craftsman. Since there were a large number of adventurers who wanted the request, in order to travel comfortably to other towns and sightsee, the guild did a recommendation.
The Aqua Sapphire is a speciality of Orsongrande’s, and without the Royal family’s permission, it is forbidden to carry it outside the country. Because of it’s extraordinarily high price, from the time it is collected, processed and then sold, reporting its whereabouts is essential. Ordinary thieves do not aim for it since selling it outside the country is not easy, as it can be easily traced.
Origa and Kasha were carrying the Aqua Sapphire to the destination town with their documents being verified by soldiers at various stops along the highway, over the period of some days. The client was supposed to be at the destination town according to the craftsman.
However, upon entering the town and checking the artisan’s wooden box, there was no Aqua Sapphire inside.
Naturally, the client was angry and Origa and Kasha had to pay compensation, but it was not an amount an ordinary adventurer could pay.The payment deadline passed, and they ended up as slaves.
「 The moment it was decided that we would be slaves, the client was laughing unpleasantly.At that moment, we realised…. 」
Kasha sighed, letting out a self-mocking laugh.
「 The client at that time, a guy called Beirevura seemed to be a representative of the firm related to the Marquis. 」
It was said that the destination town was managed by a viscount affiliated with the Marquis’ faction. Most likely, the soldiers received orders from the Marquis to extract the Aqua Sapphire at a checkpoint while entering the town. If multiple soldiers were accomplices, then it could not be helped.
Summoned Slaughterer - Book 1 Page 10
