If You Care, Then Erase It.

The abrupt scream shattered the stillness of the night.

Watching Physician Shinnō rush out the door, Hotaru could not help growing tense as well.

After all, this was her first time traveling far from home. She had yet to completely emerge from the terrifying environment she had experienced before.

Her current composure had been built upon the human town and its warm lights, but the sudden scream was like a pair of sharp scissors, effortlessly snipping apart her sense of security.

"Ma-Master."

"Something seems to have happened."

She softly reminded the young man beside her, who remained unmoved by the disturbance and even calmly took a sip of tea.

"Mm."

"I didn't expect those people to arrive so quickly."

"As expected of the ninja who once dared to declare war on all Five Great Nations. They really do have some unusual abilities."

As he set down his teacup, Arata slowly rose to his feet.

The reason he was not in a hurry was that the entire village remained under the insects' surveillance. So far, no force beyond his control had appeared.

And that monster—his prey on this journey—had yet to be summoned, or rather, activated.

"Who are you people?"

"Let Amaru go!"

"Ah!"

Therefore, even when Physician Shinnō's indignant demands and warnings reached his ears once more, followed by the clash of weapons and agonized screams, Arata showed no sign of impatience.

However, while Arata could remain completely calm, the little apprentice at his side gradually lost her composure amid the turmoil.

"Master, that sounded like Physician Shinnō screaming just now."

Unease at the unknown was clearly visible in her eyes, driving her to cautiously remind the young man beside her again.

"Master Shinnō!!"

Before her words had even faded, another shrill, despairing female cry tore through the village's usual