“So, I guess we won’t leave...” They were outstanding martial artists, but they were also humans with hearts. They wanted to be rewarded for working hard, but they didn’t want to be compared to someone they disliked. They were just normal humans, with weak hearts.
The seven women arrived at the detached building away from the Testudo mansion and sat down for the first time in a while. As the four martial artists were returning to their lives here, they also began to unpack their belongings.
“Well, they actually listened to us,” Toris said as she settled in. “We’ll just go along with what they decide. Of course, if they ask to leave, we’ll do so immediately.”
“Just as Prince Heki asked of us.”
There were no objections from Shiyoki or Utto. They knew they were just pieces on a chessboard and had no place aiming to be the main character. They were to do as they were told for their nation’s sake and for their own atonement.
“I feel like they’ll laugh at us saying we just did as we were told. It’ll seem like we wasted a year when we go back,” Yabia noted, poking a little fun at the situation. Fortunately, the women had matured enough that they were able to laugh it off. After a short while, enough hot water for the seven of them arrived, followed by some cakes to eat with tea, allowing them to take a break.
They probably didn’t want to serve us, but we’re with guests, so...
As it was the first time they had been welcomed to the village, the four martial artists could only smile bitterly. However, they still hoped that their travel companions—the three princesses—would be able to achieve what they came here to do. The four of them, however, were all hated, so they were unable to act as intermediaries for the princesses. The most they could do was remain silent and not do anything; if they were to try and help them, they would likely end up inconveniencing them instead. If they thought that the three princesses were friendly with the four of them, then they might end up being hated too.
“Could I have a moment of your time?” While they were lost in thought, a group approached the detached building, consisting of the attendants of the Four Vessels Style master who had welcomed the group when they arrived in Tempera. “We have a message from our master...”
“Of course. What is it?”
“I accept the message.”
The Magyan group of three and the Temperan group of four split paths here. The Magyans were unable to refuse. Instead, they were only able to obey orders. Regardless of if they were guests or of a lower class, they all shared one trait in common: selflessness. When the three Magyans left the building, the Four Vessels Style master and his other attendants were waiting outside. People from the other houses were also glaring at them from afar. Although the master of the Four Vessels Style was the one who had summoned them, it seemed that the people from the other houses had also asked for their presence.
“First, we will tell you of the village’s collective wish. We are to host you all here as guests in the village. It won’t be forever... It will be roughly the same amount of time that Yabia and the others stayed in Magyan.”
“That’s plenty, thank you.”
“In that time, the Marionette Style, Delusion Style, Shark Tooth Style, Stormy Winds Style, and Revolving Circle Style houses will show you around and provide hospitality.” The aforementioned houses weren’t the ones to which Yabia and the others belonged. It had been decided that the three princesses would be under the care of martial artists they had never heard of for around half a year, which was more or less exactly what Heki had wanted. As such, this was the best possible outcome. Of course, until they had completed their mission, they couldn’t really call it an “outcome” yet, but the three of them were grateful nonetheless.
“As such, there is no place for the Four Vessels Style... However...” It didn’t seem like they were finished passing on the village’s decision. The members of the Four Vessels Style were brimming with fighting spirit. “It is incredibly displeasing that you think Yabia and the others are representative of the strength of the Four Vessels Style.” They were not out for blood; instead, their fighting spirit was an indication that they wanted to show just how strong they were to the visitors from another land. They practically exuded their straightforward desire.
“I’m probably asking for a lot... We let you fight them once. But to be honest, we would like you to fight those responsible for the Four Vessels Style.” The three of them had no reason to decline. The only issue was—who would fight? The three princesses exchanged glances. They all felt the same, however. There was only one of them who could fight. Not wanting to keep them waiting for long, they made up their minds moments later.
“Then I...Deyiaoe Utto...shall fight.” All of the Four Vessel Style users were willing to fight the women who stood before them. However, only one of them stated their name.
“I’m Uzame of the Four Vessels Style.” He was a man in his thirties, wearing similar clothing to that of Yabia. The muscular man had walked forward, leaving the others behind. “If Tempera Village had sent someone to partake in the royal exhibition...I would have been one of the candidates. I take pride in that fact.” He was the perfect representative; he didn’t claim to be the best, nor did he pretend to be merely qualified. He instead established himself as an elite.
I’m done for...
Utto readied her fists as she looked over at the prideful Uzame. Spirit Summoning was more effective as a grappling technique, but her opponent was an elite Four Vessels Style user. Grappling with an opponent who could cause major damage with their arms and legs would be suicide. As such, she prepared to strike with her fists.
“Hm?” Uzame sensed something was off as he saw her ready herself. The other Four Vessels Style users, as well as the other martial artists, were equally concerned. Anyone who was familiar with the Four Vessels Style knew that fighting with your fists was the way to go. However, Utto’s stance was a little off.
Does her art center around grappling? Actually, even then...it feels like her stance has been changed from a grappling stance to a fist stance. Uzame was trying to read where Utto’s strength lay, but all he could tell was that her stance was closer to that of a beginner. He couldn’t help but feel uneasy.
“Well, here we go.”
“All right.”
Regardless of all that, it was still a match. Uzame didn’t know how Utto would handle herself, but Utto also didn’t know anything of the true Four Vessels Style. The only way to confirm would be to fight.
“Four Vessels Style of the Orb Blood, Stance of the Facing Blades.” Uzame, deciding he would get a read on the situation, spread both of his arms and then covered his face. It was one of the Four Vessels Style basics: a defensive stance. Yabia could also fight with a similar stance; however, an elite warrior was on a completely different level than a half-baked beginner.
“Ancestral spirits, lend me your strength...!” In response, Yabia invoked her Spirit Summoning. Rather than transforming into an enormous beast, she had instead grown dramatically in size. Everyone started chattering when they saw her transformation. No one with abilities like that resided in the village.
“Is that a form of Mist Shadow Style?”
“No, it’s different... Her flesh, bones, and skin grew with her... She’s like a beast.” The onlookers asked a user of the Marionette Style to confirm what they were seeing, at which point he confirmed that it was not a form of Mist Shadow Style.