Reincarnated in a Shounen Manga - Chapter 280

Chapter 280 - Clone?

Anika stared at the space where Agon, Yamata no Orochi possessing his body, had been, recalling the fierce battle between Sei and the monstrous entity. Sei had transported both of them to the Mirror World, a place Anika couldn't access.

All she could do was wait, hope that Sei would come out of this with all his limbs, and pray that Yamata no Orochi wouldn't end his life.

While she waited, there was a glint in the sky, and the distant light gradually drew nearer. She squinted at it, watching as it approached. It was a talisman, flying straight toward her.

Many wouldn't be on guard against talismans since they were less dangerous than special abilities by quite a margin. But Anika wasn't one of those people, and she used her Ord to wrap herself in strings, forming a white dress.

However, as the talisman came closer, it started slowing down and didn't seem like it was there to deliver a pre-emptive attack. Instead, the talisman halted within arm's length away and spewed ink and formed letters in the space in front of it.

Every exorcist in Sun Country is ordered to gather in the capital city.

The message was concise and to the point, infused with a heavy dose of Ord that conveyed the authority of the sender and served as a silent warning against disobedience. Whoever had sent this was quite strong.

Curiously, Anika was not intimidated by the display of power. Instead, the intense Ord had an oddly familiar quality. Before she could dwell more on it, the talisman disintegrated into ashes.

Suddenly, a rift in space materialized before her, and Agon emerged—not the Agon she knew, but transformed into a humanoid snake-like demon. He clutched Sei by the nape of his clothes.

Yamata no Orochi's yellow eyes swept over Anika, and he nodded in approval. "Good, you look ready to attack me. I bet that you have no problems with getting stronger and don't whine about things all the time, like this guy."

Anika had no interest in indulging the demon. She disregarded his words and informed him, "We've been summoned to the capital."

"And what of it?" Yamata no Orochi tossed the unconscious Sei to the ground. "Who summoned you? Some feeble king? I've never understood why humans establish hierarchies based on anything other than power."

"Then you can stay here," Anika retorted, using her strings to secure Sei and carry him along as she began to walk away.

Humans lacked the power to thrive alone. She wasn't sure whether she'd agree with the higher-ups' plans, but she preferred to at least be informed about whatever the hell was happening.

"So. Now I'm already starting to feel bored, but I can't let Agon come out just yet... So, are you curious to test how strong you are?" Yamata no Orochi taunted, attempting to provoke her into a battle.

However, Anika had no interest in such a battle. Unlike Sei, she didn't hold grudges against demons. Though recent losses had left her feeling somewhat adrift, she knew that crazy and immortal beings like Yamata no Orochi wouldn't offer her the answers she sought in life.

...

Days passed, and the journey to the capital was an uneventful one. Except for the inexplicable behavior of Yamata no Orochi, who seemed to be following Anika and Sei like an aggressive dog.

Sei, unfortunately, seemed to lose all reason when provoked by the demon and ended up fighting... and losing every fight, though it appeared Yamata no Orochi had no intention of killing him so far.

"This is the capital city?" Yamata no Orochi inquired, glancing around and unsettling the civilians with his monstrous appearance. "So many humans gathered in one place. Beelzebub would find this like an all you can eat baffe."

Anika wasn't particularly interested in his comments, because the snake demon talked way too much. But she recognized that Yamata no Orochi possessed valuable information that could be useful in these dangerous times. So she decuded to play ball with him. "Beelzebub?"

"Yeah, technically, it's a race of Ultimate Class Demons, akin to mermaids or dragons. However, within this particular demon race, Beelzebub is the title held by the Lord of Flies, the mightiest among them. He's also known as the God of Cannibalism, compelling humans he contacts to commit acts of cannibalism," Yamata no Orochi explained, a sinister smile playing on his lips. "Two thousand years ago, there was a highly dangerous Beelzebub, often referred to as Satan's right-hand man, a prestigious position back in the day. But they clashed with a certain man who... hehe."

He was clearly leaving things half-explained, so she would ask more from him. But Anika wasn't going to do that.

Despite Yamata no Orochi being a demon, for some reason it felt like he was just a more annoying version of Agon. Maybe that was why the demon had decided to protect him? He felt a smiliar soul, and saw himself in him.

As they walked along the cobblestone streets, Anika's thoughts wandered, pondering the identity of Satan. Yet, she chose not to dwell on matters she couldn't understand anytime soon. Instead, she focused on the increasing number of Ord users as they neared the castle.

Moreover, silver-haired Ord users were positioned on the rooftops, observing them. There was something about them that gave Anika a familiar feeling, as if she was staring at demons.

Approaching the castle, Sei wore a disgruntled expression while glaring at Yamata no Orochi. However, the bandages wrapped around Sei's head, neck, and arms undermined the intimidation of his glare.

“Orochi, make sure not to send out waves of aggression at the people who are trying to welcome us,” Anika cautioned him, noticing the demon's smirk directed at the silver-haired exorcists.

Upon closer inspection, these exorcists didn't appear to be affiliated with her family, which was hardly surprising. Anika doubted any of her clan members would show up here. One of her half-siblings would likely seek to rule the ashes of the Raion Clan. They were too power hungry to give up on a seat like that.

Suddenly, the air beside her shifted, and another talisman materialized, emanating a feminine and mechanical voice. "If you are a summoned exorcist, there will be a gathering. Join us at the castle gates tomorrow, and everything will be explained."

"Whoever orchestrated this affair is quite meticulous," Yamata no Orochi remarked. "They've taken every precaution to avoid falling under the influence of any special abilities."

Anika didn't like it, but she had to admit that Yamata no Orochi had a point. Someone exceedingly cautious was orchestrating events from behind the scenes.

They might be walking into an ambush...

Normally, she'd be concerned about something like an ambush, but with Yamata no Orochi by her side. Yeah, she wasn't that worried.

"Let's find an inn to rest," Anika said, casting a glance at Sei. "And you two, stop getting into any more fights."

"Technically, they can be seen as training sessions," Yamata no Orochi chimed in. "He's improving with each defeat. Although, to him, it probably doesn't feel that way because I'm way stronger. Like at least a thousand times... No, more like ten thousand times stronger!"

She sighed and chose not to dignify the demon's comment with a response.

...

The next day arrived far too quickly for Anika's liking. However, as requested, she had gathered at the front gates of the castle, along with many other exorcists.

Some of the exorcists chatted among themselves, while others muttered to each other.

The front gates were constructed from thick wood, adorned with inscriptions and seals that covered the doors. There were also gold inscriptions along the walls, which appeared to be recently added.

Although Anika wasn't highly experienced with inscriptions and seals, as a Blaster, she could sense them and discern the danger they posed.

The front doors creaked open, revealing the castle's yard, a lush green space with a well-maintained garden.

Anika walked amidst the group, scanning the area for anything unusual. However, her attention was soon drawn to the people on the balcony.

Her thoughts ground to a halt when she saw a familiar man standing at the forefront of the group on the balcony. He wore a haunting smile and bore an eerie resemblance to someone she knew, except for his silver hair.

She extended her senses, and there it was – his Ord was somewhat similar but not exactly the same. It seemed to carry an unknown pressure. This couldn't be Kon; it had to be some kind of clone!

"They dare mess with him! After everything he did for these useless bastards and that bitch princess!" Anika clenched her teeth, and her Ord began to stir, on the brink of going berserk, until she felt a hand on her shoulder.

"Calm down," Sei advised her. "I'm the one who is supposed to be easily provoked amongst us."

Though he tried speaking calmly, by how much power he was putting in his grip, Anika could tell that Sei wasn't as calm as he tried to be.

"Hey, come on, let her be," Yamata no Orochi interjected. "Let her introduce a bit of chaos into what is undoubtedly going to be a dull meeting."