"But... this is the first time this toxin has been used in an actual fight, after all." Shinobu Kocho bit her lower lip, a barely perceptible trace of unease in her voice. "If the poison doesn't work as well in combat as it did in the experiments, if I drag you down again..."
"Stop!" Rokuya cut her off, suddenly stopping and turning to look straight into her eyes. He reached out with his broad hand and unceremoniously flicked her forehead.
"Ow!" Shinobu Kocho clutched her forehead in pain and glared at Rokuya. "Why did you suddenly hit me?!"
"To knock some sense into you." Rokuya's smile faded, and his tone grew serious. "What did I tell you? As long as I'm still alive, I'll hold up the sky for you if it falls. What you need to do now isn't doubt yourself, but put your efforts over the past two weeks to the test. You've seen firsthand how overpowering my Arcana Power is, haven't you? What, do you have no faith in my blood, or in your own toxicology?"
Looking into Rokuya's deep, unwavering eyes, Shinobu Kocho felt the agitation in her heart miraculously subside. She took a deep breath and lifted her chin with haughty defiance. "Wh-who said I had no faith in you? I was just thinking about tactics! If we run into a demon, don't interfere. Let me handle it myself!"
"All right, all right, whatever you say, Lady Kocho." Rokuya shrugged and raised his hands in surrender. "But we've been wandering around this godforsaken place for most of the night without seeing so much as a demon's shadow. Are they all holding an internal meeting today?"
Time ticked away, and a faint grayish white was already appearing on the horizon. Dawn was approaching. If they couldn't