The White Snake Sage's urging still echoed through the empty canyon.
With the three snake princesses in position, the entire canyon fell so quiet that even the rolling of grains of sand could be heard clearly.
Tagitsuhime nodded across the distance to the White Snake Sage in the stands. Then she slowly drew her gaze back, turning it toward Uzumaki Hayashi, who stood on the gravel opposite her.
"Lord Sage, my apologies. I haven't even had the chance to congratulate you, and already we must cross blades."
As soon as she finished speaking, Tagitsuhime's aura surged!
Dense natural energy erupted from all around her, pushing the rough gravel beneath her feet outward. The newly formed rock walls on either side of the canyon hummed with a low resonance.
Her aura kept climbing, one layer surpassing the next. Even the White Snake Sage in the stands narrowed her eyes slightly.
The most solemn snake princess in Ryūchi Cave also possessed unparalleled Sage Energy!
"Well, since the White Snake Sage has everything arranged, I suppose I'll get moving too."
Ichikishimahime cheerfully looked at Hayashi ahead of her.
The next second, countless sounds of surging tides began rising from the floor of Ryūchi Cave.
Sage Energy yielded to Ichikishimahime beneath her, gradually forming a torrent.
Tagorihime bowed slightly to Hayashi.
"Lord Hayashi, be careful."
With those words, the three snake princesses opposite him rose into the air together, baring their fangs at Uzumaki Hayashi on the ground.
Three figures hung in midair above the canyon, blocking most of the light spilling down from above and shrinking Hayashi's shadow to a small patch beneath his feet.
"Well."
Hayashi tilted his head up toward Tagorihime.
"I told you, didn't I? I'm going to sign a contract with you!"
"As long as I'm alive, come