At some point, a thin mist had begun to drift through the silent village.
It spread into every corner, yet it had no ill effect on the residents. Instead, its faint wisteria scent helped them sleep more soundly.
Tetsu no Sosuke sat on a rooftop beside the Serpent Pillar.
"There shouldn't be a problem... right?" The Serpent Pillar did not sound particularly worried.
Tetsu no Sosuke smiled. "Nothing serious."
"Sosuke-kun really is terrifying!"
The Love Pillar suddenly chimed in. "If I were your enemy, I probably wouldn't even know how I died."
Tetsu no Sosuke fell silent for a moment, then said, "People like us had better not become enemies. If we ever wipe out every demon, we should put down our swords, cultivate a few fields, and enjoy the peace we fought so hard to win."
The Love Pillar nodded eagerly. "Yes, yes! And then I'll have to find someone to marry."
The Serpent Pillar's face lit up, but though he opened his mouth several times, he couldn't get a single word out.
Tetsu no Sosuke glanced at him by starlight and shook his head. "Smooth."
"What's that?"
The Love Pillar suddenly pointed.
Not far away, a dense bank of mist flashed through the air. A blade gleamed immediately after.
"That's the Wind Pillar's sword!"
The Serpent Pillar sprang to his feet. "Looks like he flushed it out."
Tetsu no Sosuke's plan had three parts.
The first was to probe the enemy!
One member of their group would engage the demon when it appeared, while the others watched without intervening.
That would let them gauge its strength and step in quickly if their comrade was in danger.
After some deliberation, the task of testing the enemy's strength went to the Wind Pillar.
He had been delighted when