Oni.

They kept an eye on the two strangers who appeared in their territory. One of the strangers was a woman who felt friendly despite being unfamiliar to them. Naturally, there wasn’t a single oni willing to help her.

"Kehehe."

"Kehehehe."

Rather, it was the opposite. They wanted her to lose because they wanted to be with her.

- Kehehe, kehehehe.

The eerie laughter of children echoed throughout the silent, dusky forest.

***

“…”

Shika remained vigilant of her surroundings. The human woman told her that the oni here wouldn’t help anyone, but there was no way she was going to trust a human’s words.

‘I shouldn't believe her words.’

Shika had to be wary and doubtful of everything in this strange place. Besides, didn't the woman say that she would assassinate her? Assassination in plain sight… Shika couldn't help but think that there was something in the forest.

"You're distracted."

"Hm, but I can still deal with someone like you."

Shika had returned to her human form at some point. If she died even once, everything would be over. In that case, there was no reason for her to maintain his slow demonic form.

Claaaang!

Her wrist, strengthened with demonic energy, blocked a dagger that was thrown at her.

"Eh? What’s this? It's slow."

“…”

Mio was neither flustered nor shaken. She stared at her opponent indifferently before manipulating the dagger in mid-air.

Swoosh!

The dagger flew toward one of Shika’s eyes.

"Pffft!” Shika burst into laughter rather than screaming in surprise....