The empty underground chamber resembled a warehouse, densely entwined with pink sashes.
Human figures were embroidered on those sashes-or rather, real people were imprisoned inside them, waiting to be released and eaten whenever the demon needed to feed.
The human bones scattered across the floor confirmed Haruto's suspicion.
And these sashes were no lifeless objects. One sash with a human face was directing its offshoots to attack the swordsmen inside the cavern.
"Damned worm sashes! I'll tear you to pieces!" Inosuke roared as he darted up and down through the cavern, rescuing a trapped person with each sweep of his blades.
In such cramped quarters, those with nimble footwork held a greater advantage.
Haruto pushed off on his toes and leaped toward the flailing sashes. The instant the sash with a human face turned toward him, he caught it with his blade and wound it around several times.
When their eyes met, both recoiled in surprise.
Haruto, who had assumed the sash was Daki herself, was stunned by its crudely formed face. He blurted out, "You're so ugly."
Tightening his grip on the hilt, he dragged the sash closer for a careful look and frowned. "This is Daki?"
To his surprise, the sash let out a piercing shriek the very next second:
"I'm not!"
"I couldn't compare to even one ten-millionth of Lady Daki's beauty!"
"Lady Daki's beauty is unparalleled!"
"What's wrong with this... worm sash?" Inosuke sniffed and asked, "It was acting so full of itself a moment ago."
After saying all that, the sash stopped attacking the swordsmen. Instead, its strands surged toward the opening above, preparing to flee.
"Aaaah! Don't run, worm sash!"
"It won't get away."
In the pitch-black cavern, several stars joined together.
"Star Breathing, Second Form: Starlight Prairie Fire."
Blue-violet blade light illuminated the