As the Hunters drew nearer, the deafening cheers of the surrounding people gradually subsided. The air that was once filled with excitement and anticipation now carried a heavy scent of blood that wafted through the ranks of the Hunters.
The overpowering odor caused a collective hush to fall over the crowd, and their voices involuntarily lowered.
It was at this moment that the people noticed the bloodstains adorning the attire of the Hunters. However, it wasn't their own blood that marked their garments, but rather the blood of the Kabane— the monstrous creatures that plagued their world.
Among the spectators, Fang Li's mind clicked into place as he made a sudden realization. "No wonder I haven't come across a single person since arriving here," he thought. "It seems that after meeting with Mumei, these people went straight into the forest to hunt Kabane. That's why the residents of Hayajiro Train could remain here without worry."
Indeed, it was safer for them to gather and wait, acting in unison with the Hunters, than to risk being ambushed by Kabane during their journey. As Fang Li pondered this, Yomokawa Ayame, accompanied by Konochi Kurusu, approached the Liberator.
"Thank you very much, Lord Biba," Ayame expressed her gratitude, bowing slightly to Amatori Biba. "Thank you for protecting us and taking the initiative to fight against the Kabane."
Amatori Biba smiled in response, his handsome face radiating warmth and creating an indescribable sense of closeness. "Since we happened to cross paths here, it is only natural to help those in need," he replied. "After all, combating the Kabane is the very purpose of our existence as Hunters. Ayame, there's no need to thank me for that."
Saying this, Amatori Biba finally turned his gaze to Fang Li and asked thoughtfully, "But what about this person? I don't recall seeing him yesterday."
His words drew everyone's attention to Fang Li.
Biba's words captured everyone's attention, including Fang Li's. Despite his diminished presence, Fang Li found himself the subject of scrutiny. Perplexed, he wondered how he had managed to draw attention to himself in such a manner.
Nonetheless, Fang Li shrugged casually and directed his response toward Amatori Biba. "I'm just a wanderer," he stated. "The general's son need not concern himself with someone like me."
Biba mulled over Fang Li's words, murmuring to himself. At that moment, Mumei interjected, her voice betraying a hint of defiance. "Don't be fooled by him, Ani-sama," she warned Biba. "He's not merely an ordinary wanderer. Although he may be detestable, his skills in battle are commendable. He has already slain countless Kabane."
Amatori Biba was taken aback by Mumei's revelation, but soon his surprise transformed into admiration. "Is that so?" he exclaimed, his eyes filled with genuine appreciation. "To fearlessly and actively engage in battle against the Kabane is a rarity. Based on that alone, you deserve more respect than the average Samurai."
As Amatori Biba spoke, the atmosphere among the Samurai who had been silently observing their conversation grew tense. It was abundantly clear to everyone who Biba referred to as the "Average Samurai."
Apart from the cowards who only sought to hide and evade confrontation with the Kabane, there were no others who fit the description.
The Samurai of the first Hayajiro Train, who had harbored disdain for Fang Li and secretly hoped the Hunters would put him in his place, suddenly found themselves reevaluating their sentiments. Their emotions became a tangled web of conflicted feelings.
On the other hand, Fang Li felt no pleasure in Amatori Biba's admiration. Lifting his gaze, he locked eyes with Biba, a smile playing on his lips. "I suppose my only advantage is that I'm not afraid of death," Fang Li remarked, his voice filled with irony. "I must be quite the joke in your eyes."
Amatori Biba found himself momentarily at a loss for words, a mixture of emotions crossing his face. Eventually, he managed a bitter smile as he spoke. "Nevertheless, you are an exceedingly rare talent,".
With that acknowledgment, Amatori Biba extended his hand toward Fang Li, his smile nearly flawless as he introduced himself. "I'm Amatori Biba,"
Fang Li regarded Biba intently, contemplating for a brief moment before extending his own hand in return. "I'm Fang Li," he responded, their hands clasping in an unexpected display of unity.
At that moment, Fang Li and Amatori Biba's tightly clasped hands symbolized a silent understanding between them. Their unwavering gazes locked onto each other, searching for meaning and intent, refusing to look away.
Interrupting the intense connection, Mumei couldn't contain her frustration any longer and eagerly spoke up. "Alright, Ani-sama," she interjected. "The nearby Kabane have been cleared. We should set off soon, shouldn't we?"
Amatori Biba snapped back to reality, glancing at the sky before nodding in agreement. "While I would prefer if everyone could rest, considering that the immediate vicinity has been mostly cleared of Kabane, we shouldn't face an immediate attack. Let us return to Hayajiro and rest there."
With his attention shifting to Yomokawa Ayame, Amatori Biba inquired, "Ayame-dono, are you planning to head to Kongou Stronghold?"
Yomokawa Ayame responded in a subdued voice, "Yes. Aragane Station, managed by the Yomokawa family, has fallen. We must find a new place to take refuge, and Kongou Stronghold seems to be the most viable option for us."
A glimmer of excitement sparked in Amatori Biba's eyes as he swiftly proposed, "In that case, why don't we escort Ayame-Dono to Kongou Stronghold?"
Yomokawa Ayame appeared taken aback, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "Is… is that really necessary? To trouble the general's son with our escort…"
Amatori Biba's expression remained composed, but his gaze shifted towards Fang Li as he spoke calmly, "Please do not worry, as our destination is also Kongou Stronghold." Then, his attention turned directly to Fang Li. "Fang Li-Kun, would you care to accompany us?"
Fang Li hesitated this time. He considered his situation carefully. From a logical standpoint, declining Amatori Biba's invitation would be the most sensible choice.
He had already completed all the main quests and was merely waiting for the retention time to pass so he could return to the Main God's Dimension. Continuing to interact with these plot characters offered no apparent benefits and could potentially entangle him in meaningless conflicts.
However, as Fang Li glanced at Yomokawa Ayame waiting expectantly beside him, and observed Mumei's frustrated expression, he let out a sigh.
"Since the moment I started interacting with these plot characters, it seems that I can no longer avoid being swept into this whirlpool," Fang Li mused aloud.
He realized that he couldn't solely base his decisions on his own interests. These people, even if they were just characters in a story, had become flesh-and-blood individuals in his eyes. He couldn't treat them as mere pixels on a screen anymore.
Perhaps other main divine envoys could detach themselves from these characters, but Fang Li couldn't. He had formed connections and owed Mumei and Yomokawa Ayame his gratitude. He felt a responsibility to repay them.
"The others seem to have no objections either, at the very least, I owe Mumei and Yomokawa Ayame my help. Regardless of the circumstances, I will stand by their side." Feng Li thought in his heart.
Having made his decision, Fang Li nodded his head and felt a renewed sense of purpose. The whirlpool of events awaited, and he was ready to dive into it.
…