Yamiyo no Hotaru

Chapter 120

　Humans are creatures with emotions.

　To be precise, insects and animals might possess some level of thought and emotion, but their structures are not as complex as humans, and they lack the same differentiation. For better or worse, this is based on simple instincts. Thoughts, beliefs, art... culture. The origin of these is nothing but the rich emotions and sensibilities that humans, as the highest beings, have.

　And naturally, this isn't only about the positive aspects. Having rich emotions also intensifies the negative aspects, making them more ominous, impure, and ugly.

　Exactly like the "cursed being" deep within the forest before us.

　'■■■■■■!!!!'

　A roar similar to an indescribable strange cry echoes. Imagine a big, dark blob that's sort of reddish-black, and it has eyeballs floating around in it. This thing is rushing through the deep forest towards Onitsuki Valley. The air around it is shrouded in a curse-laden miasma. A cursed Poison.

　This curse (jushiki)... an intentional manifestation of hatred and resentment, cursing people, bloodlines, and land, condensed into the form of a shikigami. It's a mixture of shikigami art and curse art. While it should normally be the size of a single person, the body of the raging creature is easily the size of several houses.

　"Is that... the cursed being we were called to exterminate?"

　As I observe with a few subordinates from a few miles away, a sweet voice speaks from behind me. When I turn around, there stands a lady dressed in inappropriate attire, her purple-blue hair flowing. Our eyes meet, and she smiles.

　"...It appears that this entity is harboring a substantial amount of resentment. Without implementing appropriate measures, anyone who intervenes could potentially face a curse. Moreover, there's the concern of the negative impact it might have on the land."

　I deliver a straightforward report, feigning a lack of emotion or reaction.

　The cursed being running rampant in the northern region is, in its appearance alone, an event from the original story, "Firefly of the Dark Night."

　Created by the underground stray exorcist piling various grudges, it's undoubtedly classified as forbidden art. The one who created it lost control and irresponsibly fled after haphazardly sealing it. It's a story from about fifty years ago.

　Fifty years is a relatively short time for sealing. Besides, during that time, the curses still attack. Of course, with longer years of sealing, bonds weaken, and the curses become diluted. But in fifty years, your children, grandchildren, or even yourself may still be alive. So, it's too short. Proof that it was a poorly executed seal. Thanks to that, we were burdened with the task of extermination.

　"I could do it, but... for such a curse, I could vanquish it in one blow."

　"That's..."

　I can't help but be exasperated by Lady's casual words. The cursed being, which is the incantation shikigami but also the very concept of the curse that drives it, could be annihilated by a mere burdock (produced by Asumi-kuni), not a youkai sword or any sacred sword... Well, considering the eccentricity of the Ako clan, it's not really surprising. I mean, the youkai is treated funnily by her and she is under strict orders to avoid direct combat.

　"Hehehe. I'm joking, of course. I wouldn't want to interfere with his chance to shine."

　"Yes."

　The Lady says she's not serious. Just not saying it's impossible implies that it's possible. It's not amusing at all.