Gripping "Zero," Aru—who had just been acting cute—leaped onto the back of the bike and pulled out a bomb larger than himself. Lancer wondered if that was the "Mega Barrel Bomb G."
Normally, Lancer might have joked about whether Aru intended to blow up the enemy or himself. But right now, he wasn't in the mood. He remembered when they went to District 24; Aru had just tapped the ground a few times, found a weak point, and used a bomb to force a path...
Perhaps this lazy-looking cat who loved to act spoiled was actually the most terrifying of the three.
As Lancer and his team took a defensive stance, the heavy water vapor intensified, turning into a thick fog.
This fog, which would block an ordinary person's vision, meant nothing to Lancer or Aru. Lancer "Eagle Eye" inherently enhanced his sight. As for Aru? Was this fog any worse than a blizzard on a snowy mountain?
Man and cat both saw a large number of youkai emerging from the mist. Most had scales or smooth skin, with heads resembling fish, frogs, or crustaceans.
'Looks like the master of this place found me early. But that's fine; I was wondering how to introduce myself, and now they've come to me.'
The reason he knew the master was here was because Lancer could clearly feel a powerful demonic aura behind the cannon-fodder youkai.
However, just as Lancer locked onto his target, Kawashiro Amayuki saw Lancer.
If it was a suspicion before, seeing Lancer in person—feeling the bloody aura radiating from him and seeing that iconic black-red spear—confirmed he had drawn the short straw. More importantly, the battle-hungry look in Lancer eyes made him curse his luck.
He didn't know why Lancer was here, but he knew that once an Oni-clan type noticed you, a fight was inevitable.
He took a deep breath to suppress his frantic thoughts. He disliked fighting, but he didn't fear it. Besides, his subordinates were watching. If he shrunk back now, he wouldn't be able to lead the team in the future...
The curtain of mist was pulled back, and a short youkai gradually stepped out. Lancer didn't underestimate him for a second; he knew this was the master. But just as Lancer was about to speak, the other party spoke first.
"Red Oni, what is your purpose at 'Lake Hamana'? My youkai rarely leave this place. If you want a fight, I'll take you on! The name of Kawashiro Amayuki isn't just for show!"
This was a classic case of having nothing to lose. Since a fight was coming anyway, why not go in with full momentum?
When he called out the "Red Oni" identity, the surrounding subordinates—who hadn't known what was happening—let out a collective gasp. There was even a moment of panic. To them, an opponent that even their leader treated with such caution was like a final boss. But when he declared "If it's a fight you want, let's fight" and stated his name, his subordinates gradually calmed down.
True, the "Red Oni" was the most talked-about name among youkai recently, but their leader wasn't weak; he was a long-established Great Youkai.
While the Kappa's morale fluctuated, Lancer found it strange.
'Weren't the Kappa supposed to dislike fighting? This guy seems more intense than the Oni. Charging straight in for a duel?'
Undoubtedly, as Lancer gained more experience as a Spearman, he had grown accustomed to battle. From his initial caution to his current state where he feared no challenge, he was maturing.
However, this battle was starting for a bizarre reason. Lancer was trending toward becoming a battle maniac, but the difference was that both of his Shishōs had warned him: in battle, you must use a cool head to govern a hot heart.
If the two had simply talked, this sudden fight wouldn't have happened. But one was convinced the other was a "Ghost/Oni," and the other didn't mind a spar. Finally, this senseless battle began under the mutual thought of "I cannot run from a fight my opponent started."
Besides, Lancer wasn't just satisfying his urge to fight. A battle would demonstrate his strength, making it easier to "ask" for the item later. And—
He looked at "Zero" in his grip; he could hardly control his own hands anymore.
"In that case—bring it on!"
His left hand, which had been at the middle of the spear, slid down slightly, the spearhead dropping forward. He gripped the shaft firmly with his right hand, assuming a basic spear stance.
Watching Lancer stance, Amayuki's expression turned serious. Confidence aside, no one from the Oni clan was easy to deal with—a conclusion countless youkai had reached with their lives. Moreover, this man had a track record of killing Great Youkai. If he wasn't careful, he might end up lying here forever.
The average height of Kappa isn't high, and the one before him was no exception. Standing under 160 cm, he seemed dwarfed by the tall Lancer. But with a wave of his hand, he dispersed his subordinates, and the dense water vapor instantly turned the battlefield into his home court.
The battle didn't even need a start signal. As the vapor spread and the opponent's figure vanished, Lancer knew it had begun.
Lancer tried to lock onto his position as he faded, but unfortunately, he couldn't confirm the exact location until he was gone. He even suspected the one who spoke to him earlier wasn't the real body.
'Did he prepare for battle before even meeting me? Truly, seeing once is better than hearing a hundred times; the Kappa aren't as leisurely as the rumors say...'
If Amayuki knew Lancer thoughts, he would probably spit out a mouthful of blood.
But right now, neither had the mind for anything else; their gazes were locked on their opponent.
Using the Kappa's innate "Water Hiding" ability, he completely merged with the vapor. But just as Lancer didn't know where to strike, he looked at Lancer—who stood like a statue with his spear—and didn't know how to strike either. He found that he couldn't see any openings at all.
'What a difficult opponent.'