Yamiyo no Hotaru

Chapter 105

　"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!?"