After entering the dark mountain path, about twenty seconds later, Sakumura was sent flying back with a tremendous crash.
It was as if something had struck him in midair.
Bang—!!!
Sakumura slammed heavily into the mountain gate, smashing a huge crater into it. Then he lay on the bluish-gray stone floor of the village, looking as though he had passed out.
"Sakumura!!!"
Seeing Sakumura's miserable state, Ryoma's eyes nearly split with rage. He roared and tried to rush over to him.
"Mr. Sakumura!!!"
Fujimaru Ritsuka's eyes widened as well.
"I—I'm fine!"
Sakumura struggled to his feet and spoke to his friend and Fujimaru Ritsuka. Though he said he was fine, there was a trace of strain in his voice.
"Focus on the enemy!"
"I'll heal you!"
Fujimaru Ritsuka jogged down from the watchtower and began using healing magecraft on Sakumura.
Sakumura did not seem to have suffered any particularly serious injuries. The tremendous impact had merely left blood seeping from the corner of his mouth.
"...Did you see that thing clearly?"
Ryoma helped Sakumura up, pursing his lips with apparent concern. But seeing Sakumura's condition, he still chose to ask about that strange entity.
"No. Black River Mountain's night is so dark you can't see your hand in front of your face. I could only sense that thing's presence—I really didn't see its face!"
Sakumura wiped the blood from his mouth with his sleeve, shook his head to dispel the lingering dizziness, and looked upward.
After Fujimaru Ritsuka's warning, everyone seemed to sense that gaze.
A greedy, wanton gaze, even carrying a certain kind of fury.
That unknown presence stood there, beneath the shrine's torii gate, looking down from above.
Everyone became aware of its existence.
"Mom!"
Yukina leapt onto Mama Bear's back.
Her voice trembled.
"That thing, could it