"So, how is it going in that city, Roa?"
"Just the usual. Those rich bastards robbing the poor with their taxes. Using whatever means to cut short the common folk. Hell! They raised the trader tariff! Again! Those damned guards barely let me in without paying the "inspection fee!"
"Corrupt bastards."
"Yeah! All of them. Why do you ask, anyway?"
"Come on! You just came back! And I have been stuck in this village since… I don't know how long. I don't even remember when I left to visit my parent's place."
"You really should visit them, before…"
"Before what?"
"Don't even listen to me." The half-drunk man shrugged, looking away seemingly ashamed.
The only inn of the village was rowdy and there were always a few folks around, drinking away their sadness, or celebrating something.
The barmaids can even be considered good-looking, with generous assets to invite the patrons inside.
But more importantly, this place was popular, because it was close to the church and the local clinic. Thus, if people drank too much, or had a sudden urge to repent thanks to their excess consumption of alcohol, they can visit the holy place and admit their mistakes, or, request aid from the local healer.
"What do you mean I should visit them before…?"
"Nothing, really."
"Tell me!"
"Fine then, you insistent bastard!" Yanking his shirt out from his friend's grasp, the traveler shared the news. "More and more rumors are spreading about the sudden monster activity in the countryside. Some say it is the work of a bandit group who are herding those beasts there."
"Why would a bandit group do that?"
"The hell I know! Bandits will be bandits, I guess. They also have their schemes." Even if most of them make no sense in the end. Banditry rarely draws the smarter kind, after all.
"But if you ask me, it is more like some evil lurking outside, doing something ominous and vile behind the scenes."
"Pff! Are you joking?"
"Not in the slightest." The trader shook his head, before sighing. "Even in Roa, there is a tense atmosphere. Rumors spreading across the region. Bad news, all things considered. A strange sphere also appeared in the sky. I'll tell you! It is a bad omen! That's what it is!"
"And? Rumors will be rumors. Without a base, why do you give a damn about them?" Snorted the grizzled looking man, from the bow resting on his side, his profession was clearly obvious.
"And what about that sphere? It's just floating there! Menacing like an evil eye! Staring down at us like dread incarnate! What about that?"
"And? That damn castle is also just hovering around since who knows how long! Who does it hurt? No one! More so, thanks to the lord residing there, we rather feel safe! I'll tell you! You are just paranoid! I bet those dragon folk are just experimenting on some weird stuff again." Not something simple people like them would understand anyway.
"Well, combined with that thing and the circulating news. All were enough for me to hire a few adventurers for escort." He pointed behind him with his thumb, at the group sitting not far. Folks those were clearly sticking out in the crowd with their gear. "Cheaper than losing my wares, or my life, I guess."
"If you say so." Shrugged the half-drunk man, before raising his tankard and drinking a big sip.
"Even if it's some rumors, one can't risk the chance. I am an important businessman! You hear me?"
"You are a delusional trader, that's what you are. Trading with all manner of stuff." Maybe even with not-so-legal things. Not as the hunter had anything against it. Everyone lives as they can. These were times of hardship, after all. The man was his friend, and well, until he caused no harm to him and his family, why should he care?
"Tch! Whatever you say, I am rather a few gold coins poorer, than dead. If you are alive, you can always make more." It was the obvious conclusion for the man.
Even legends and myths used to have some content of truth, or something they were based on - even if they end up distorted in the end. Why would he take risk if even the heavens harken the coming dread?
"Your loss. If you ask me, someone overheard another drunk bullock speaking nonsense, and… well, you know what happens when a drunk man or gossiping woman tells wild tales. Amongst the folk, it becomes a horror tale or some legendary achievement, and when it starts to spread, it usually becomes an exaggerated myth after a while."
"Hmph! Whatever is the case, visit your old men. It's no good if you forget about your elders."
"Hah! I might do that. I hope you do the same."
"I did so on my way back. Exactly because of the rumors. And well, they are dead."
"Oh! Sorry to hear that." Repented the man with a sad, apologetic expression.
"Don't, their time has come. It is better for them. My old man was a drunkard, my mother worked herself to death on the fields. I guess they are in a better place now. Time spares no one. Not even the innocent, the good, the bad or the worst."
"Truer words were never spoken." Agreed his friend with an apologetic yet approving smile. "What about it? I will pay for the next round, for the honor of your parents, and so you can forget about that evil thing."
"Haah! Maybe it will be the best. I can't get that thing out of my head ever since I saw it!" Though his loss was evident, the man still mustered a friendly smile. "Anyway! What about our dusty little village? Anything interesting happened while I was away?"
"Haah! Nothing really, just the same old Peillon. The old pervert is preaching, while peeping at the girls' bottom. People going on their business. Several new folks also arrived, and the chief gave them a settlement permit. People die, and babies are born! Monsters lurk in the forest, but Simon and the local militia deal with that. That's it, roughly."
"So, our small settlement develops, that's good, I guess."
"Yeah… oh! I almost forgot! We found a stranger in the plains."
"A stranger?" Now this was interesting, and even when raising his tankard, the man kept his eyes on his companion. What stranger is he speaking about? Why did he even mention it? "What stranger? What's so interesting about them?"
"Now listen to me, because it will be hard to believe, but we found this man on the outskirts of the village, just near the forest, bloodied, battered, burnt, multiple bones broken. A corpse, which normally would have been burned, and buried deep so the beast will not sniff out his remains. All things considered, he should be dead, even the chief told us to finish him off to ease his suffering. Yet, the sister insisted on nurturing him, insisting that he still had the spirit to fight!"
"Damn, poor dude. You really handed him over to that old witch?"
"She might be old, she might be terrifying, but her skill with medicine, herbs and healing is top-notch! She fixed me up no time when I was injured during our hunting party. And well, she knows better. She is the village's healer, after all. I would have stabbed that guy in the head and gotten done with it. He did not look like he would survive any moment longer." Even with healing magic around, his survival was questionable at best, but maybe their good old healing lady knew better.
"Ah! That's so you. Always seeking the easy way out. Anyway, is he still alive, or…?"
"Believe it or not, he is! Moreover, he is already out, walking around the place. Like some freaking corpse, he scares people covered head to toe in bandages! A mystery freak, who barely speaks, even when he is spoken to."
"Is that so?" The friend squinted his eyes for a moment, tilting his head in slight disbelief. "Wait! Can't healing magic fix burns? I thought that old hag can…"
"Usually yes. But it seems, out of some way he can't be fixed that easily. Some weird stuff the old witch mumbled under her nose. I honestly don't know. Magic was never my forte."
"Weird."
"Yeah! He is not really talkative though, and I had a creepy feeling around him, almost like he would be not human at all, but a…"
"Demon?"
"I would say, he feels like a predator lurking around, stalking its prey. Shivers running through my spine just looking at him. So, yes, something like that. I mean, he should be dead, all things considered, but he is up and walking after just a week? What manner of humans can do that?" More so without being properly healed. "It is… it just feels unnatural."
"Are you sure he was in that bad state? Aren't you already drinking your portion for that day?"
"I swear, I did not drink a drop! You know I never drink before going to hunt! Nor under it!" Shrugged, the hunter almost offended.
"Sorry! Sorry! Please continue."
"It happened around two, or rather one and a half weeks ago. We just came back from the forest with our prey when we found him. And well, it was already dawn when we found him. But still, even under that light, it was a horrific sight. I still have nightmares about it."
The "corpse" groaned as they checked on him, his body burnt, bones broken, some even sticking out from his flesh. It was something that was not entirely human anymore, but in his eyes, in those bloodshot green oculars, the light of defiance was still burning bright! Those orbs were the only thing that made the corpse human looking, but also, demonic with all its death-defying nature!
Grabbing his shirt with an impossibly strong grasp, gritting his teeth, the thing muttered something, words they can't understand.
All around, the group was flabbergasted, even shocked. A dead man speaking? They never saw something as horrible before! If not for the sudden shock, they would just run away, screaming at the horrible sight!
"Damn! If it's true, no wonder you were scared. Of course, if it's not one of your drunken delusions again." The traveler questioned his friend, knowing him well enough to assume such a thing.
"That's the truth! Ask anyone around! Besides, if you still do not believe me, find him, and ask him yourself. He is easy enough to find! Just don't blame me I didn't warn you! That guy is really creepy."
"Maybe I will do so."
"Anyway, let's not waste another word on this topic. Instead…"
As the conversation continued, the rowdy place's noise swallowed the words of the sides. Barmaids still served the patrons, and business went as usual. Even small bar fights happened, which usually ended up with the sides rolling on the ground laughing, realizing the useless nature of their brawl.
Although, not everyone enjoyed their day like this, because a certain someone just sat outside, enjoying the warmth of the sun.
…
This was but a small village, in the countryside, and even in the busiest hour, only around a dozen or two mingled in the main square.
Just watching over this small community filled Toji with some calm and satisfaction, and though his body was still slightly bandaged, he felt his scarred and burned flesh healing steadily.
"They tried to use some kind of Jujutsu on me. Some sort of reverse cursed techniques if I had to guess. But it hardly reached its intended effect." He can only smile, remembering that old hag's face after his daily treatments. Her stubborn anger when her hex failed to reach the intended result was really entertaining. And each time she tried, she only scoffed at her failure, before turning around and leaving the room scowling, mumbling under her crooked nose.
"Burned, bones broken and dying." That's how they found him.
Indeed, fighting against Gojo Satorou while he had not regained his edge was not his brightest idea. But considering his opponent was also exhausted, maybe he was the one who already grew dull for this kind of hunt.
"I am such a fool…"
According to the old man, when they brought him to that granny the first time, the stubborn woman repeated her seance until she collapsed from exhaustion. She tried to use her weird reverse cursed technique on his "corpse" to heal his broken body. Over and over again she repeated the spell, and she earned a less than satisfactory result, yet, she still continued.
Maybe, only because of her willfulness he was alive. Or, would he have recovered naturally if given time? He had no idea.
"Although, that's what the old man told me."
After a week of constant treatment, he was healed, mostly speaking. But even after a week, he did not feel his strength fully returned.
"Thanks to my complete lack of cursed energy, my body is different from that of a normal human. I can heal and recover faster, and survive wounds that may kill any other. I also posesses resistance to curses." And it seems, this resistance also extended to whatever these people were using.
"It is different from cursed energy." That what he concluded after a week. Its nature, but even the taste was different, like two different breeds of animals. The two can barely compare, yet, similar in the aspect it was all around, seeping from people and even present in the environment.
Back home, even the simplest of humans possessed some degree of cursed energy. Not enough to see curses, but enough to be affected by them. But him? He had none. Not even a drop! The only thing he has is a body of steel and senses that surpassed those of a simple person by a great margin. That's all what he gained in exchange.
"According to those old geezers in my clan, over my first few years, all my cursed energy converted to physical ability. They called it, "Heavenly Restriction." Something that made him a pariah, and an outcast in a family of Jujutsu sorcerers. A family that considered simple humans as mere animals and fodder.
"The records state that the clansmen who possessed this "disability" were few and far between. But in their case, this "affliction" only lowered their cursed energy levels, but reinforced their body in exchange." Only in his case, it caused the complete erasure and conversion of cursed energy.
Thinking back on the event that sent him here, any normal sorcerer who can't use reverse cursed technique to recover would have perished facing that blast.
"More likely even they couldn't negate that monster's attack with mere reverse cursed technique. Or with any technique I know about."
Yet, he is here. He survived long enough to be treated.
It was most likely all thanks to his weapon, his weird body, and his sudden crazy decision to face the attack rather than try to evade it.
"Maybe I am lucky…"
And when he thought about it, all his gambles were lost. This was the only time his bet earned him a win - so to speak.
"But I can't complain. All things considered, this small village is quite cozy." Maybe he can even thank that monster, Gojo Satoru, for sending him there.
No noise of the modern world, which usually hurts his sensitive ears. No light pollution, which made him squint his eyes most of the time. And more importantly, he spotted little to no cursed spirits around, which implied this place was no longer the Earth he knew before.
"This world might not be mine at all." A laughable conclusion, which made sense, if he recounted all possible signs.
It is said that Japan has always had a monopoly when it comes to Jujutsu users since known history, but that doesn't mean curses can't appear in other places.
Indeed, where the negative emotion of humanity resides, there will be curses. That was the unwritten rule of the Jujutsu world.
"Even in rural areas, they used to be present. Lesser curses, which cause no big trouble, but still manifest as an aimless, mindless mass of negative energy, causing hardship for people."
Do you feel a great weight on your shoulders? Do you feel unnaturally lethargic? Do you stumble continuously without any evident reason? Getting angry from one moment to another? There might be a curse lingering around you. And as such, even such minor things can increase the negative energy, and reinforce the curses around.
"Fear and spite are especially potent amplifiers. And when people fear or hate something enough, it will manifest."
"Toji-san! Toji-san! Come play with us! Show us some sword moves!" One of the brats asked again. Just sitting before the place where he gained residence was enough for these children to not let him a moment of solitude.
They were boisterous in a sense, buzzing around like flies ever since they spotted him.
"Almost like the kids in the clan. Except, they spat on me whenever I passed them." Compared to those brats, these kids are at least trying to be nice and polite. Rare thing considering his reputation as an assassin and an outcast of the Zen'in clan.
But also, they were weird. Why do they even approach a menacing figure like him?
"Ever since they spotted me making a practice swing outside with that wooden sword, they have been nagging me to teach them." Not something he wanted to do, since it just made him remember the grueling training he had to endure in his clan's grasp, as a member of the Kukuru unit.
"But maybe, I should thank my so-called family, since that training gave me the base of martial arts."
"Sorry kid, maybe another time." He refused their request with a sly smile. Maybe one day, he will show them some moves. But not today. He simply had no mood to teach kids.
"Please! Pretty please!" They begged. "Simon never teaches us! He always says children should not play with swords without learning the basics!"
"Yeah! He wants us to do those boring exercises before showing us anything!"
"Is that so?" Building stamina and learning the basics was important. Maybe his host reasoned like that.
"In the Kukuru unit, under the first lesson, the trainees were always ordered to attack an advanced rank member with weapons." Of course, the green ones were always beaten to bloody messes. Even he got beaten half dead before he managed to land even one strike.
"Ah! Children, please let Toji-san rest. He is still not yet fully recovered."
"But Father!"
"Now! Now! That's how you act before our guest? Besides, I am sure he will show you some moves once he feels a little bit better. Am I right, Toji-san?"
"Sure…" Toji replied with a short snort.
Only a week passed, but he picked up the local language quickly. It had some resemblance to Japanese structure-wise, maybe that's why.
"According to the old man, I am in the Kingdom of Asura, in the Fittoa region. Which is located in the Central continent" Where it was? He had no idea. It doesn't sound familiar at all.
"It was a realm ruled and mostly inhabited by humans. But also, other races were also present."
If he had to guess, he was dropped in some weird fantasy world stuck in the middle ages - no matter how ridiculous it sounds.
"A world of magic and sword." He almost laughed as he lowered his head, but only allowed himself a sarcastic smirk. "Beastfolk, humans, demons and other races. Sounds ridiculous."
But compared to living in a world of curses, where monstrous beings roamed the land existing outside of simple people's perception, maybe this place was not so bad.
Still, when he spotted the tail and cat ears of that nun, even he had taken back. It was like some weird fetish stuff that was popular in Japan in his time.
"Alas, if you want, I can show you a few moves. Only if you are interested."
"Eh? But you are old, you can't possibly use a sword, Father! You are a priest!"
"Yeah, Pa! Don't tease us!"
"You would be surprised, young one. You know, I as well was young once. This old chick still knows a few tricks."
"Pff! Sure!"
"Don't tease us, Pa!"
The kids snorted in disbelief, and the elder priest made a few moves with the stick he used to support himself. Only before his back released an audible crack, making him groan with a twisted expression.
"Agh! I shouldn't have done that." with a pained expression, he collapsed to the ground and grabbed his back in pain.
"You shouldn't do that at your age." With just one hand, Toji pulled the old man up, who cracked his body with a hiss of agony.
"But you move while you still can, Toji-san. Once you grow old, you will understand." He smiled friendly, turning to the man on his side.
The children, seeing they can't expect anything from their elders, dispersed, going on their way once again. The houses were slightly apart from each other, and the place is surrounded by a rural field, giving them plenty of places to hide and play. Considering this, trying to convince Toji, instead of playing in the fields, seemed to be a foolish errand.
"By the way, good work, Toji-san! You are improving every day. A week ago, you couldn't even say: Good morning. But now, you can even idly chat with an old man like me."
"Maybe your language is just similar to the one of my country." Alas, that was just an excuse for the man.
Using a common channel of communication was the base of civilization. Who can't communicate are more likely to die or sorely exploited.
As a professional who can only rely on himself and no one else he learned to pick up things fast, or die.
Even he learned a few languages back then, so he can communicate with the clients, and know what they are whispering behind his back.
"Although, I still can't understand a few words and expressions. But context based guessing works charms." Like in the case of every other language.
His vocabulary and grammar still need serious improvement. But every day he feels it is easier to pick things up.
"If I had to categorize myself, I would put myself on elementary school level in this "Human" tongue."
After the first day, he bit his tongue and forced himself to pick up the basics, then build on that. In this errand, the wife of Simon and the local teacher was a big help.
"That teacher guy seemd awfully happy that someone pays attention to his lesson."
"Hmm, fair point. Though, even in our community, most people are not even literate. So, all things considered, you should pride yourself a little more." He patted him on the back, giving a slight squeeze on his sturdy muscles.
"Oh my! The muscles of a warrior. Ufufufu…"
"Hmm…" The old man aimed for the same gate? Or, he pulled both ways? Seeing him subtly peek at the girl's bottom and bosoms from time to time, the case was maybe both.
"Aaah! But this old man just speaks without stopping. How do you feel yourself? Recovering steadily?"
"I will live, all things considered." He raised and clenched his hand. His movements still felt stiff, but he is recovering, maybe he needs more exercise. He needs to regain his edge!
"Good. You are staying in Simon's house, no? How are they treating you?"
"They are good people." The man and his wife were nice enough to give him a home until he regained his bearing. In exchange, he is trying to not bother them with his presence. Though, the woman's constant advances on him, while her husband was not around, was annoying in a sense.
"But maybe, she is just playing around."
Or, she was just lonely, considering her husband was barely home? The hell he knows! That woman was too puzzling for him to figure it out - even with his experience with one night relationships. It is like she doesn't know what she wants.
Any normal day, he would have taken her offer, but like this? He rather avoided trouble. Don't shit where you live, according to the catchphrase, and he intended to keep himself to it.
"Regardless, according to my host, monster and bandit activity increased recently in this area, making him and the local militia busy on the clock." The man usually left in the morning and then returned at dawn, or even at night. Having little time to spend with his family in the passing weeks.
Alas, his kids and his wife were almost always around, he paid only as much attention to them as needed. But being he lived in one household with them, he nonetheless picked up a few details.
Amongst them, one of their kids, the daughter, was more reserved, and kept her distance, which didn't phase him too much, maybe she was afraid.
"I don't blame her. Children, especially girls, are usually more sensitive to negative energy."
She rather spent her time helping her mother, and watching the pictures in the probably only book this couple had. He even heard her trying to read it. A smart kid, considering she was only around five.
"She looked like the smart one from the two. Rather thinking before acting."
The other brat... The boy however was a buzzing bomb of energy. Always have a question or two, always playing with sticks, saying: he will be a knight like his father once he grows up. An impulsive child, around the age of six or seven, who rather followed instinct than smarts.
"No wonder he is like that." A boy takes after their father, as they used to say. "His father is the knight who was assigned to this place by the kingdom. He must be proud of him as his paragon." Some kind of local police force these knights were, sent and settled here to keep lesser pratles and monsters at bay.
And seeing how things went around, his knightly host being away for long was well found, and not some ruse to visit another mistress. Toji also spotted several predators lurking in the outskirts of the forest, which was located just near the fields. No wonder he was always out, trying to keep the area clean was a troublesome task.
"As Simon explained to me, these "monsters" come to be when simple beasts mutate due to the excess "mana" in the environment." Which happens more frequently in a place dense with this "mana". "If I had to guess, they call cursed energy like that in this place. Mana… like some freaking fantasy story."
This so-called "mana" felt and acted similar, yet it was different from the cursed energy he was accustomed to. Not tainted, not smelling and tasting awful like a moldy rag drenched in vomit, and it was all around like it was part of the world even without human presence.
"They are treating me fairly." He sighed in the end, answering the old man's question after his mental ramble.
They treated him well, all things considered. Aside from his first wife, very few, if ever, treated him this well. And these people, they are almost suspiciously kind.
"I am not used to being treated like this…"
But considering how friendly and trustfull Simon acted when they first met, even willingly offering his house for him to stay, maybe, he was just like that. A person, Toji, would only be described with two words in his past life: naive and foolish.
"I felt no deception from him. And I am awfully good at picking up lies." Even his ex-wife showed some distrust when they first met. And she was awfully trusting back then. But this man? He invited him to his house without a second thought?
"Hah! Splendid! Good to hear!" Approved the old man. "So, what's your plan, Toji? Planning to stay, or set out once you are healed?"
"I don't know, honestly." He never really thought about it. He never planned far ahead. Leaving his clan. Having children, marrying his second wife after losing his first, all happened out of impulse. He only took jobs when he ran out of money. Living to paycheck to paycheck. After he left his clan, he lived for the moment, and he was satisfied with that. "Why do you care?"
"Just asking. I am just like that, a curious old man." Laughed the old priest.
"Uhu…" Toji breathed deeply, gazing at the street before them.
The people had already gotten used to his strange appearance after a few days, and for now, they really didn't bother him with questions anymore.
"It was weird enough that they speak some heavily accented mix of languages, with different dictionaries, but their writing is completely foreign."
Something that reinforced the instinctual feeling he had ever since he woke up.
"Down to the rabbit hole, eh? You are no longer in Kansas, Dorothy."
The children still swarmed around him from time to time, asking nonsense questions about where he is from or nagging him to join their game, begging him to show them some moves with the sword.
"But children will be children, I guess."
He wondered if his kid would be like that, and just now, the nun he kept hostage when he woke up was surrounded by those brats. Chatting with them, almost like she cared what they think or say.
"Maybe she really is… caring."
They were further away, the girl perhaps too occupied with other things to recognise him, or his staring gaze.
She seemed happy and careless, even kind. But once their eyes met, the girl turned her head away, embarrassed and frightened. Like a little hare spotting a predator, she avoided the man's gaze once she met it and hurried forth.
He met the nun over the passing week, but they barely spoke a few words. She just glanced at him for a moment, blushed and hurried away. Unlike that other nun, that witch, who was stronger than she looked, and was not afraid to slam his head with a wooden stick if he didn't remain put when she changed his bandages and worked with her magic. That girl, she seemed and felt harmless compared to her.
"Lyrinia, the dear is not angry at you. You know?" Gustav seemingly recognized his stare, implying he had experience reading people.
"Huh?"
"She is just a little shy. And when you grabbed her like that, she remembered her past."
"Was she kept hostage before?"
"Yes, hers is a sad, tragic story…" The priest lowered his eyes, watching his crusty hands resting on his cane. "Her parents were most likely killed, or she was kidnapped and was kept as a slave, the plaything of bandits. Abused, dragged from place to place until she was freed. Of course, she most likely doesn't remember it clearly, considering the traumatic experience."
"I see…" No wonder she acted so hysterical when he grabbed her like that. On any normal person, such an experience would leave a mark.
"Toji-san, may I have a question?"
"What is it?"
"Are you a demon?"
Good question. Many called him like that in the past, mostly out of fear, or spite. But for being a real demon? Even he had doubts.
"As I am aware, I am still human. Why?"
"Nothing important. Just a question." Lowered his head the old man with a wry smile. "Please don't cause trouble, son. These are good people. They deserve no harm."
"?" Toji raised his brow, questioning, before nodding his head understanding.
"Good. I am glad we came to an agreement."
He was aware of what the old man implied, and he was not surprised. In his stead, he as well would be cautious with him being around.
"After all, killers always recognize each other."
As he turned his head away, processing the information, his senses pinged, another figure approached him.
"Yo! Toji-san!" A lively voice, which belonged to a man, dropping a sword before his leg.
"What is this?" Looking up at the figure, his shining brown eyes were up to no good. A man around his age, with spiky brown hair and sideburns on his face. He beamed wild, his mouth reaching almost ear to ear.
"Up to some practice?"
"Why would I?"
"Come on! Don't be like that! You are living with us for a week! I want to give you a test run! And since I have time now, I thought, why not?" He was Simon, the knight assigned to the village. His characteristic face, and manly jawline were recognized anywhere.
"And why do you think I am a swordsman?"
"Fufufu! I have a hunch! I can sniff out swordsmen!" He proudly announced, pulling his finger under his nose. A motion which earned a raised brow from Toji.
"Really?"
"No, I saw you practicing outside." He replied in a cold tone. "Besides, even if not that, fellow swordsmen and women recognize each other. It's the air around us that makes us different. Now, don't think anything bad. Agnes says you smell nice, which is a compliment in itself. She always calls me stinky when I come back from my patrol." His jolly tone returned, bursting out in laughter.
And how would she know that one may ask? The man seemingly did not even question his wife in this matter.
"Go ahead, maybe you can feel better after this." The priest patted his back, urging him to go with the flow.
"Huh! Fine then." Giving in to the constant nagging, Toji stood up, his hand grabbing the sword's handle tight. Maybe a little practice will do him some good.
…
"Oh, Saint Millis. What a brutish man…" Meanwhile, in another section of the village, the nun muttered, biting her sensitive lips while she watched the statue that stood in the middle of the main square.
"Please, give me enough strength to bear with this." She mumbled a small prayer, asking for the holy spirit to survive this ordeal and purge the impure thoughts that invaded her mind.
Her cat-like tail gently moved behind her back, and she felt her faith give her strength to continue on!
"Sister, are you alright?" Asked Patrick, who seemingly recovered since the incident - no little thanks to Lyrinia, who used all her healing knowledge to help his recovery.
"Oh! Sister Dalia asked me to deliver some supplies to… to our guest ." She was still red remembering the event.
Somehow, after an hour or two of trying to communicate with that man, the priest managed to convince him to let her go.
And albeit, she was exhausted not only bodily but even mentally - being held in that uncomfortable position for so long - she dashed out of the room ashamed. Their guest was, for lack of a better word, naked all along, all while he held her close to his rock-hard body.
Seeing him without any clothing was too much for her faint heart. No wonder, she was not even twenty, for a young damsel like her, even if she was the bride of the Lord, such impure thoughts may resurface. Thanks to her race, it was even harder to suppress those urges in those sinful days.
"Damn that bastard! If I get my hands on him! He will not be so lucky next time!"
"N-No! Please! It is alright!" She chided the man in panic. "I-I don't want anyone to be hurt."
"Sister, that man…!"
"H-He was confused. He just woke up in a foreign place. I am not mad at him." Her words were honest, and even on that tanned face, the man couldn't find any trace of rage, only regret and sadness.
"At least he apologized? For what he did. For hurting you?" And knocking him out for a whole day? That man did not even take the effort to say sorry! Worse! He did not even spare him a gaze when they met on the street. He just ignored him, like he was mere hot air!
"Well…"
"Just as I thought so." Scoffed the woodsman angrily, before his expression softened seeing the nun's sullen expression.
"Let me at least help you. It is no good if you overburden yourself in this state. Taking care of those children almost alone is hard enough. That old geezer always overwork you."
"I-It is nothing, really. Father Gustav and the rest are really nice. Even when Sister Dalia is a little strict sometimes, they want the best for us."
"Welp! That's old folks for you!" Laughed heartily the man. "Regardless, let me help you."
"Thank you, I appreciate it." The nun accepted the offer with a humble smile, allowing the fellow to help her out.
"!"
Alas, this serene, even romantic moment when the frail nun handed over her burden to her towering champion, and their hands momentarily touched each other didn't last long, because a sudden event disturbed the scene!
"Come! Simon and the stranger are fighting!"
"What?" Patrick blinked, eyes wide. That scoundrel is causing trouble again?! This is it! He will take care of him now for good!
"Sister, wait here and I will…!"
"By Saint Milis!" Lyrinia started to dash, not even thinking, following the lesser crowd heading towards the scene of battle.
"Sister! Wait!"
…
"Impossible! He is holding up with Simon!?"
"Spectacular!"
"Come on Dad! You can beat him!"
"What do you think, who will win?"
"My money is on Simon."
"Aye! I put a a copper coin on him."
"Two for me."
From all around the village, and even from the fields, people gathered to watch the spectacular duel! And after just a few moments, the bustling crowd started to make bets!
Whom do they bet for? The majority naturally put their money on their local knight!
"What about you Gustav? Care to make your claim?"
"Oh my! To ask such a thing from the humble pastor of the Saint?" His smile was serene, but after a look around, he pulled out his purse, winking towards the man on his side. "A silver coin on our guest."
"Sure thing!" Grinned the self-appointed organizer. "Just don't cry if you have to pay up."
"The same goes for you." He countered with a witty comeback and a stick of a tongue.
The two blades clanged, and flowed in a peerless dance! Each time they met they released rain of sparks in their clash!
For the simple onlooker, they were just two blurring blades, with much focus needed to register with their eyes their peerless work! For these simple people, the two sides almost seemed equal, struggling to gain the upper hand in this minutes-long struggle.
Although, for those who were proficient in the art of sword and combat, it may have looked an entirely different matter.
"Hah! Not bad!" Simon licked his upper lip, excited about the opponent before him.
His body mirrored some strange stance, foreign to Toji in every sense. He learned swordsmanship when he was younger and later, but this was oddly unfamiliar to him.
A weird mesh of several swordstyles from Japan, and around the world, but refined to work together nicely, creating something entirely new.
"He is changing between two main styles. Rarely using a third to fill the gaps. Using an aggressive stance while he is attacking. A hit and run type. And a more defensive approach, with parries and counterattacks while I push him back. As for the third, it is rougher, but complementing the first two weaknesses." Seemingly random acts and moves, those filled the gaps while he transitions from one stance to the other.
"Here I come!" Simon lunged again against Toji, and the man felt the sudden burst of power coming from his opponent!
Just a moment before Simon moved, the aura which these people call mana concentrated in his body, just in the places that he will use for his assault!
"I see. So he is like those cursed swordsmen, using cursed techniques to amplify their physical abilities, and infuse their tools with power."
Many used swords and other weapons in the Zen'in clan to serve as the focus of their power, and it was widespread amongst many Jujutsu sorcerers to follow the same method.
"Amongst Jujutsu users, not everyone was born with innate technique, and even if they had some, for many it was not combat effective. They were forced to develop new methods or use other means to compensate for this weakness. All in order to fight curses."
Alas, it was mostly true for those who sought more combat-oriented jobs. As for those who were satisfied with more mundane, simpler and even more spiritual sorcerer occupations, they rarely developed their combat skills beyond what was necessary.
"He will make a slash coming from below."
His sharp eyes, his senses were able to pick up the subtle distortion in the air, in the space, the changes happened on his opponent's body, caused by the swirling of mana he released. The distortions around the blade as the mystical energy flowed through it like some conduit was a dead giveaway how will his oponent move!
Just like in the case of those sorcerers, the smell of the mystical energy, its humming presence picked up by Toji's senses, granting him akin to a sixth sense, when all perceptions combined.
This mana, or whatever they call it, was always present around these people, in the environment, just like cursed energy was all around, clinging to them like some hex, no matter where they went or what they do. The residue of it was present!
"And if it is here, affecting the environment and the body, that means I can read it."
Reading it came naturally to Toji, like he did so many times in the past, he only needed to adjust his senses and get used to the new kind of energy.
'Clang!' Flipping his sword's handle around his index, he blocked and redirected the flash of strike with a simple move, counter attacking with another slash, which carried enough strength to push his opponent back and visibly strain his whole body!
"Guah! Dammit! That was harsh!"
There was no real technique behind Toji's movement, only brute force, and agile counteraction. Brutish, and unrefined many may call this method, but he didn't care until it was effective.
"What the..!? No one was able to block that before!" Shouted astonished the figure on Gustav's side, unable to believe what he was seeing.
"What? Scared he will lose?"
"Tch! It is not over yet, old man! Simon will win! You will see."
"Come on Dad! You can do it!"
"Pl-please Dad, win!" Even the usually reserved girl started to cheer for her father, which gave the knight a new burst of strength, charging against his opponent, fangs sharpened and out!
"Hah! After hearing their cheer? How can I lose? Haah!? I will win this!" With renewed vigor in his eyes, his grin grew wild once again!
"In that case, show me your resolve, knight."
As Toji's usual bored expression turned into a sly smile, and the metal creaked and screamed from the pressure the two sides exerted, their duel continued with renewed energy!
The guest held the European-style blade with one hand, while Simon put his weight on their clash of blades with two! Eventually, their lock was broken and pushed to the side. Their fierce clash continued! Faster, and more intense than ever before!
"Whew! Those guys are something else!"
"You think so?"
"Hell yeah." Smirked one of the adventurer who watched the match. "The last time when I seen a duel like this, I still trained in the holy land. This is indeed a great day!"
"Are they really that impressive?"
"Of course they are! That one with the brown hair is around advanced rank, if I had to guess. The other? I can't really say, since he doesn't use any style I am familiar with. Nonetheless, he must be hell of a fighter if he manage to keep up with that swordsman!"
"Oh! That really is impressive." Finding people with that skill in a place like this was very unusual. But to see not one, but two, more so, locked in a duel? What is the chance?
"What? Don't believe me?"
"Don't misunderstand, it is rare to see you like this. Like some noble lord, excited, falling over some noble lady." Teased him his companion with a grin.
"Shut up, pretty boy."
"Touche…" The handsome one dismissed the swordsman retort just like that. It was evident he had great practice in this.
"I still don't get it. What so impressive about them?" Scowled the girl in robes. "Just some brutes swinging sticks of iron. A well aimed spell is more effective."
"Until they cut through your spell and cleave you at half. Aren't they taught you anything useful at that academy?" Countered the swordsman with a scar across his face.
"Ju-Just shut up!"
"Easy there. You are young, don't underestimate the skills of a honed swordsman. That hunk of iron might be your end, if you are not careful."
"Hmph! Whatever…" Huffed the academic girl while puffing her cheek in her defeat.
"And you, please don't be so harsh with our newest member. We don't want to scare her away before time."
"Whatever…" Scoffed the grizzled adventurer, unable or not willing to argue with the party's leader.
"Why we even wasting time here? Just watching some senseless competition of muscles?"
"Because we had to guard our client?" The fourth adventurer added, nodding towards the trader who also watched the match. A sturdy figure wearing padded leather armour and a mace on his side.
"Forget I asked anything." Muttered the girl indignantly.
"Sto-Stop!"
"Oh boy! I sniff trouble!" Seeing the girl, who ran with all her might towards the sides, the adventurers already felt it can't end well.
"Ah! Lyrinia, dear. Don't worry, just Toji and Simon practicing."
"It doesn't look like practice though." Mumbled one of the spectators, and many agreed. It looked like a full-blown fight at this point. A battle to death, many may categorize it.
"N-No! They get hurt!"
"Lyrinia, don't run there!" Patrick reached after the nun, but he was too late. Being burly in physique, he was not yet in the scene, and the woman already dashed, trying to stop the fight!
"Please, stop!"
"Huh? You again?" Toji glanced away just a moment, but the flow of the battle was still on! And for his opponent, this much lack of attention was well enough to act!
"Got you!" A dirty move, which can be hardly called a proper sword technique was used by Simon, aiming to expose this weakness and lack of attention and disable Toji with a quick set of moves!
"Wha…!?"
Yet, at the last moment, the stranger moved! Like flowing water, faster than the knight was able to perceive, Toji grabbed his wrist, stopping the sword, and flipped him upside down with an elegant, practiced move!
"Ow! Ow! Ow! Ow! My wrist! You are breaking it!" He was disarmed and thrown to the ground with one fluid action.
"Stop it! You are hurting Daddy!" The girl no older than her fifth year ran to the sides, starting to beat Toji's legs in pouting, tearful defiance. "Mean! Mean! Mean! Mean! Mean! Leave daddy alone!"
"He defeated Simon…?"
"H-He beat father?" Even the boy stood baffled. For him, since he knew it, his father was an unbeatable wall! Even with practice swords,even when he went easy on him, he never managed to even reach him. And this stranger just took him out?
"Stop it! Stop it! Please, stop it!" Lyrinia arrived just in time, tearing down the girl from Toji's leg, and stood before the two sides. "Please, don't hurt anyone! Or I…" Her eyes were tearful, her mouth trembling, but from her tense posture, it was evident she was ready to move. Like a cornered beast, facing the ultimate predator, her body knew she had no chance, yet, she still stood her ground!
"Huh?" With her red eyes filled with determination, but also with fear, Toji would even call her brave, or even foolish if she were a contract target.
"!"
The air was tense while the two glared at each other for long seconds! And everyone expected the worst!
"Ly-Lyrinia.."
Patrick wanted to move, but his body didn't obey! All his muscles are worth nothing in this situation!
Just watching that man, who stood before his beloved like some monster, was a suffocating feeling! He was powerless! He felt, no matter what he did, he would still lose!
"Heh! You have guts."
"Aii!" In the end, with a smirk, Toji flicked her temple gently, making her grab her head tearfully, and reveal some of her lush gray hair. She fell on her bottom in surprise and pain!
"Don't be reckless."
In the end, everyone breathed a slight of relief, seeing their guest's easygoing attitude as he moved on.
"Dammit, and when I even used my secret North God style move in the end. You are something else, Toji-san. Eh? It is your win, I guess…" Chuckled Simon bitterly, embracing his daughter, and patting her head, trying to chide her. "It's alright, sweetie. I am fine."
Sniffing, she nodded meekly, still shooting a glare at Toji while her face buried in her father's muscled chest.
"Your swordsmanship is admirable." Respect needs to be given, even if it was not really his style. Thus, Toji offered a hand to the defeated swordsman.
"Nah! You had the upper hand all along, I felt it when our blades first met. But I wanted to test myself regardless, and I guess, I met my match." Simon admitted sourly but accepting. "What sword style did you use, by the way? Some variation of North God Style? I never saw anything like it."
"Honestly, I have no idea what North God style is" Nor have he seen the styles Simon used before. In truth, all he did was react to the man's attack and counter them with a set of movements. "I got lucky, I guess."
"Hah! I would question that luck, but whatever. Nonetheless, we can exchange a few tricks later. Though, I doubt I can teach you anything new."
"..." With a silent nod, Toji accepted the proposal. He was never a man who refused the offer when it granted new tools for his arsenal.
"Huh? Sister Dal…"
"One moment I am not around and you make trouble?! You scoundrel!"
Alas, just before the crowd can move on, and laugh heartily on this event, something or rather someone approached the sorcerer killer from behind, hitting his head hard with a wooden stick!
'Crack!'
Judging from the noise the instrument released when it met Toji's head, it may have caused a concussion to any normal person, as for Toji, he had worse things hitting his head before.
"Old hag…"
He turned around slowly, almost unbothered by the strike that was clearly aimed to crack his hard nut at two.
An old woman came into his vision, wrinkled, similar to Gustav, in her sixties if he had to guess. Her hair is curly, and white peeking out from her veil. She must be an incredible beauty in her youth, but now, even her once captivating blue eyes seemed menacing.
"You have the nerve calling me that, after I saved you? And what the hell are you doing out there, recklessly playing with a sword? Idiot! Get yer ass back to the house before I kick you back and make you eat dust!"
"Si-Sister…" Lyrinia's mouth trembled, just like her body, and the onlookers were no better off.
"And you girl! We will have a discussion about this, later!"
"Eeek!"
"Toji-san, I think it is best if you follow her orders." Gustav sneaked closer, whispering to Toji. "It is no good to challenge the will of this menacing woman."
"I heard you, old fart!" Throwing a stone, Gustav barely dodged it, raising his hand while he backed away.
"Good luck."
"Heh!" Shooting back an amused grin, Toji pocketed his hand. "Never argue with an angry woman, I guess."
Something he learned while his wife was pregnant.
While Toji gave a glance towards the crowd, then the forest, the winds brushed against his face and hair. He already felt, this world would not be as boring as he first thought.
With renewed vigor, he headed inside, just as the queen of witches ordered.
What adventures await him? What challenges will he face in this world of sword and magic? Read further and find out! Because the life of Toji Fushigiro in this world has just started!