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Part 8 

Upon returning to the Headquarters after wrapping things up on the other end, Izayoi, Asuka and Jin had made a beeline to the Community workroom to confirm Yō’s situation. The workroom that Yō was warded in was a ritual ground that drew upon the power of Gifts for treatment. 

Fortunately for them, the Demon Lord who had laid the [No Name] in shambles years ago did not bother to lay a hand on the treasury that hoarded the Gifts collected by the Community. And that left them with various Gifts stored within the workrooms. But due to their unique nature that required a lot of conditions to be met in order to be wielded, most of them were too troublesome to be operated and as such, made it difficult to find a buyer on the market who would take an interest to such high requirement equipment. Hence, they could leave them to lie and collect dust in the Treasury workrooms. 

After paying a visit to Yō, Izayoi who was lying on the sofa in the lounge asked Kuro Usagi with disbelief in his voice: 

“I heard that Kasukabe’s injury will just require two or three days to be completely mended. Is this where they would say ‘as expected of Little Garden where the Gods reside’?” 

“Yes. It’s just that she had lost quite a bit of blood so Kuro Usagi helped to perform a treatment to increase her red blood cell count. After all, if a blood transfusion were to be required, we would have to ask for another specialized Community to handle it.” 

“Well, I guess it’s a good choice since that wouldn't require us to pay any fees right? Oh I almost forgot. What's the situation like for the Game you talked about the other time?” 

Izayoi and Kuro Usagi were alone in the lounge on the third level of the Headquarters and they were discussing the Game where their comrade had been offered up as the Game reward. 

Upon learning of Izayoi's willingness to participate in the Game, Kuro Usagi had happily gone to submit an application, but her expression upon her return was one that looked close to crying. 

“The Game was delayed?!” 

“Yes……Kuro Usagi had only learnt of it when she tried to apply for it. Looking at the way things are faring, it would seem that there’s a possibility that it will be delayed indefinitely.” 

The rabbit ears on Kuro Usagi's head drooped while her face seemed to look disheartened and regretful as she pulled a long face. 

Having propped himself up a little while earlier, Izayoi now fell back to the sofa seeming to regret having worked up his anticipation for nothing. 

“To actually do such a silly thing as that. Can’t we just talk to Shiroyasha about it and ask her for some other way?” 

“There shouldn't be any way by now, for it’s the talk of the town that there’s been a buyer who has taken interest and has made a generous offer.” 

Izayoi scowled at that, clearly displeased by what he heard. But this unhappiness wasn’t caused by the sale of individuals. 

Instead, the unhappiness was due to the notion of the Host redrawing the offer of the Game reward due to the appearance of a buyer with a generous offer. 

Izayoi clicked his tongue in irritation: 

“Tch! In the end it’s just an organization of traders?! From the perspective of what Hosts should actually do, that kind of act can only be called a despicable act! Isn’t [Thousand Eyes] a large group of Communities? How can they stoop that low?” 

“There’s nothing we can do about it. After all [Thousand Eyes] IS A LARGE GROUP OF COMMUNITIES. With more than half of the Organization being directly under Shiroyasha-sama, but there’s still another portion that is under the control of the Communities under that Flag. And the Community that’s supposed to be in charge of hosting the Game is a cadre under the Flag, a Community by the name of [Perseus]. So long as the sum of the offer or Gift offered up to exchange for it is attractive enough, they wouldn’t bat an eye about putting a stain on the flag of the Twin Goddess, such as being bold enough to redraw the Gift Game.” 

Although Kuro Usagi’s words may have sounded like a reluctant acceptance of fate, her regret and hate were definitely many times greater than what Izayoi felt. 

Even so, the reason for her composure was due to the fact that Gift Games were the absolute law of Little Garden. 

To retrieve one’s comrades who had been taken as trophies from the loss of a Gift Game was definitely a difficult task. 

But Kuro Usagi was also clear that the only way to regain her former comrades would be through the winning of Gift Games. Hence, it could only be counted as an unfortunate event where luck wasn’t on their side and obediently give up on the thought. 

“Forget it, let’s just wait for the next time then. Come to think about it, what kind of person is that comrade?” 

“Well……To put it in one line, she’s a gorgeous woman with beautiful silky golden hair that feels just like flowing silk if you use your fingers to run through them while combing. And when she takes a bath, the wet hair glistens like the light of the stars as it sparkles.” 

“Oh? I don’t really get it, but it sounds like something that’s a worth a look.” 

“Of course! Plus she’s very thoughtful about others, having taken a role as a Guardian[2] for Kuro Usagi. If only she were nearby, Kuro Usagi would really want to talk to her a little……” 

“Ara, those words really make me happy.” 

The both of them were shocked as they immediately turned to look at the windows to see a golden haired teenage girl smiling while standing in mid-air outside the windows that were rattling quite noisily. 

“Le…Leticia-sama!” Kuro Usagi who jumped up in surprise immediately rushed over to the windows. 

“Don’t call me sama anymore, I’m now just a possession of another person. As a [Highborn of Little Garden], if you were to regard a [possession] with respect, you would be mocked, you know?” 

Having opened the windows, the golden haired teenage girl who was named Leticia wore a bitter smile as she entered the lounge. 

Her beautiful golden hair had a special custom-made ribbon fastened behind her head while a red leather jacket was pulled over the long dress. Although it was said that she’s an elder to Kuro Usagi, she appeared to look quite young. 

“Excuse my rudeness for entering through the windows, but I just wanted to see you, Kuro Usagi without letting Jin know about my visit.” 

“Is…Is that so? Ah! Kuro Usagi will get tea for you, please wait a moment!” 

Perhaps it was the happiness from seeing a former comrade who had been lost for a long time, Kuro Usagi skipped lightly to the tea preparation room. 

Noticing that Izayoi was also present and the fact that he was using a strange look to stare at her face, Leticia tilted her head as she returned the gaze. 

“Is something the matter? Or is there something on my face?” 

“No, I just felt that you really fit the description that I’ve heard of you. A gorgeous woman……No, a bishoujo. So I just thought that I would just admire you as a way to soothe my eyes.” 

Izayoi’s reply sounded really serious and Leticia gave a hearty laugh in reply. 

Suppressing the rest of the urge to laugh, she gave an aristocratic air of sitting on the chair. 

“Hehe, I see. So you are Izayoi? Just like how Shiroyasha had described, a guy who is outspoken. But if you want to admire, Kuro Usagi shouldn’t lose to me right? After all, she does possess a lovely appearance that is of a different type of charm.” 

“But because I count her as a pet, compared to admiring, I would say that it’s more meaningful to tease it right?” 

“Hm, I won’t disagree.” 

“Please disagree with that, can you?!” 

Just then, Kuro Usagi who had returned with a tray of red tea pouted her lips in annoyance. 

Her expression when pouring the tea into the teacups, which were given the once over scalding with hot water, was still that of a sulking face. 

“When compared to you, Leticia-sama, most females in the world would not possess the worthiness to be admired. It isn’t only Kuro Usagi who looks inferior.” 

“Nope, you didn’t completely lose you know? I do not deny that you are a bishoujo who has a different charm from her but if you were to ask about my personal preference, you are definitely my type, Kuro Usagi.” 

“……Is…Is that so?” 

Hearing that sudden confession that came so unexpectedly, Kuro Usagi's couldn't help but blush on her cheeks and rabbit ears. And though to date, the number of praises and confessions of love to her had been as many as the stars in the skies, the words of Izayoi just seemed to be imprinted on her mind and it hovered at her ears to an unnatural extent. 

“……Kuro Usagi, could I have perhaps interrupted something? Like for example you guys had been having a nice little tryst before I …” 

“No, there’s no such thing! Well then, what is it that brings you here today?” 

Kuro Usagi panicked and hastily veered the topic back on course. Leticia was now the possession of another. For her to come here without the orders of her master, she should also be taking on quite a risk. 

Then, she shouldn’t be here just to meet with them. For if she did intend to do so, Leticia would have also gone to visit Jin. Although Kuro Usagi was betting that Leticia was here to discuss a topic that shouldn't be heard by Jin, Leticia had surprised her with a shake of her head and a bitter smile at her lips. 

“Well, it isn't something important. My reason for coming here was just to see the standard of the power in the new Community. As for not meeting Jin, it’s because I do not have the face to meet him after all if one were to look at the results conclusively, it was I who had injured your comrades.” 

Kuro Usagi was suddenly reminded of the observation she had noted earlier. Although she had already suspected it from the start, it would seem that those demonified trees were truly the work of Leticia. 

Even amongst the Demon species, the pure-blood Vampires were the rarest in terms of their race and numbers. Their ecology did not differ too widely from Izayoi’s knowledge of Vampires. But if he had to point out the major difference, it would be how the different worlds viewed the Vampire Race. 

Just like how the rabbit Heralds of the Little Garden’s creator were termed as [Highborn of Little Garden], 

The vampires who could only walk around in the broad daylight of Little Garden were called [Knights of Little Garden]. 

The Gift that they brought along could waive the ritual process completely. With just the exchange of blood, they were able to induce a Demonification. The recipient of the Gift would soon be consumed by the desire to devour Humans, but this technique was only limited to the [Pure Bloods] and it wouldn't cause the Demonification if one were to be preyed upon by other normal Vampires. 

Hence when a Vampire got an impulse to suck blood, the Vampire would host an individual Gift Game with the Participants’ blood as the bargaining chip. For in the cities of Little Garden, the respect and compliance with the Game rules was the only thing that allowed Vampires to live alongside the other Humans. 

The cities of Little Garden enable the Vampires to enjoy and receive sunlight while leading a steady and glorious life. And in return, they have also defended and acted like Guardians for Little Garden, leading the pure blooded Vampires to be known as [Knights of Little Garden]. 

“A vampire huh? I see. Is that why it’s set to be a beautiful person?” 

“Eh?” 

“Oh, don’t mind me. Please continue.” Izayoi waved his hand for them to continue. 

“Actually when I had heard that Kuro Usagi and the others had announced to reconstruct the Community as [No Name], I had felt indignant about it……Fuming over why you guys had chosen such a stupid choice. For I knew that you guys had understood that this choice would be a very tough and obstacle filled path.” 

“……” 

“Just when I had obtained the chance to get in contact with you guys, to talk you guys out of it, albeit with much difficulty… I heard of a news that I just couldn't ignore…. It’s said that there’s a Possessor of Divinity who has joined your Community as your comrade.” 

Kuro Usagi’s gaze shifted to Izayoi reflexively. Leticia should have heard about it from Shiroyasha. 

The reason for Shiroyasha, the [Floor Master] who had a Community Headquarter in the four digit Outer Gate to specially come to the lowest Outer Gate of the seven digits would then be a small favor to smuggle Leticia over. 

“So I wanted to use this time to conduct a small test to see if the new members possess the power enough to save the Community.” 

“And your conclusion is?” Kuro Usagi asked with a serious look in her eyes but Leticia only gave a bitter smile as she shook her head. 


“It’s unfortunate but Galdo wasn't even much of a tester with his meager power. Both girls who participated in the Game are just budding talents and it’s difficult to make a judgement now…… I did successfully make it here on the sly, but what should I say to you guys?” Finding herself struggling with her thoughts that she did not seem to understand, Leticia could only smile wryly once more. 

It was then that Izayoi took on a dismissive attitude to rectify Leticia’s words. 

“To pay a special visit to your old home to say something? It can’t be that, right? Shouldn’t it be more of a desire to find relief from the sight of one’s old Community being able to progress and develop once more?” 

“……Hm. That may be true.” 

Leticia concurred with Izayoi's point but if that were so, it would mean that everything was about to end without having accomplished her aim. In terms of Human strength, Asuka and Yō should already be Humans who possessed extraordinary talents. However those were similar to unrefined ores that didn't give Leticia the peace of mind to entrust the fate of her previous comrades to. But even if it’s the case, she had already lost her chance to talk Kuro Usagi and the others to disband and create a new Community. Since the situation that occurred after the defeat of [Fores Garo] had already made this a futile attempt. 

Although Leticia had risked herself to return to her old home, her aim was now stuck in a tight spot as she couldn't make any progress or retreat. Seeing how Leticia kept that wry smile in self-mockery on her face, Izayoi made a suggestion in a frivolous tone: 

“Well if you are that insecure about it, there’s only one way to get rid of it then.” 

“What?” 

“Actually it’s quite simple. Since you worry about whether [No Name] possesses or lacks the ability to go up against Demon Lords, you just have to use your own power to test it out—How’s that? Former Demon Lord-sama?” 

Izayoi stood up abruptly. Understanding Izayoi’s intention, Leticia was momentarily stumped for words, but she soon broke out into laughter. Leticia who gave that exaggerated laugh also stood up, having laughed to the point where tears had formed at the edges of her eyes. 

“Hehe……I see, that’s something that I didn’t think of. It’s definitely a simple and effective way. If I had known, I would have done this straight from the start and not played some kind of inferior plotting behind the shadows.” 

“Please…Please wait a moment, both of you?” 

“What do we do about the Game rules?” 

“Since it’s a test of strength anyway, let’s not make it too complicated. We will just strike each other and see the reaction of our opponents.” 

“The last man standing wins? Is that so? Okay, that’s what we call ‘simple is the best’ right?” 

The both of them smiled at each other before jumping to the courtyard by exiting through the window at the same time. 

The windows that were left open from earlier didn’t pose an obstacle for the both of them as they successfully passed through the frame. And as they faced each other in the courtyard that measured around 10 jo[3], their positions were separated like Heaven and Earth. 

“Oh? So Little Garden Vampires have wings?” 

“Hm. Although it isn't flight with the use of wings……does it make you dissatisfied to see me having the skies at my disposal?” 

“No, we didn’t rule that out in the rules.” 

Izayoi shrugged his shoulders indifferently. Although this meant that Izayoi was in a less favorable position, Izayoi did not discuss it further but merely got himself into a defensive stance. 

And Leticia started to evaluate him from this response. 

In Gift Games, assuming that the opponent was an unknown factor is a basic rule. 

Take for example if a monkey had brought up a complaint that the bird was being unfair for having the ability to fly freely in the skies, in a Gift game, it would be seen as the fault of the monkey for being unable to fly and the monkey’s complaint wouldn’t have been a valid argument. To see the opponent whose abilities remain a mystery take the first step in displaying a skill and come up with a counter with one’s own Gifts on hand, that was the true essence of Gift Games and the greatest joy. 

(I see. He does have the right attitude towards the game, let’s see if he has the strength to back that up……!) 

With her back facing the full moon, Leticia smiled as she unfurled her Black Wings while taking out her own Gift card. 

Seeing the Gift card that was adorned with the contrasting colors of Black, Red and Gold being drawn out, Kuro Usagi had turned pale and shouted loudly: 

“Leti…Leticia-sama! That Gift card is……” 

“Stand down, Kuro Usagi, although this is a test of strength, it is equivalent to a duel.” 

The Gift card gave off a bright light as it materialized the Gift’s true form that was sealed within the card. 

As the light particles condensed to form the outer shell of the item, it suddenly shattered outwards to reveal a weapon fashioned like a lance. 

“We will just toss a lance at each other and if the opponent is unable to block it, it would be counted as an immediate loss. Excuse me but I will be starting first.” 

“Fine by me.” 

Leticia raised the lance, which was to be thrown, high into the air. 

“Hu—-!” 

Leticia took a deep breath to adjust her breathing while spreading her wings even more. 

Rotating her whole body to add to the momentum of the toss, the impact of the throw caused the air to ripple and the lance pierced through the air with such force that ripples of air could be seen spreading to the sides of the lance’s tip as it flew towards its intended target. 

*Ha!* 

The lance that was thrown with a fierce shout had already started to heat up due to the resistance of the air and was rapidly closing in on Izayoi in a straight line. 

Facing the lance tip that was flying towards his face while vibrating the air around it like a meteor, Izayoi parted his lips in a smile. 

“Hmph!—What’s there to be cocky about?!” And swung his fist to smash into the lance. 

 

“—Shwat……?” 

Leticia and Kuro Usagi had both given out a shout that was seriously out of tune. 

But it’s because the following description is not metaphorically speaking and there’s no other way to describe it fully. The tip of the lance that was sharpened to the point where it could be thrown at a speed that would allow it to pierce through all air resistance…its shape, from the sharp lance tip to the intricately designed handle with its beautifully crafted patterns, was twisted into a lump of iron in just one strike and had shattered to form countless shrapnel that seemed like pellets of a shotgun as they flew back towards Leticia. 

(This …This is bad…..!) 

Such a crazy destructive power! Leticia did not have the ability to defend against such a strike and that only left her the option of dodging. 

But her body did not catch up to the speed of her thoughts. No, it wouldn’t have mattered even if it were able to catch up. 

If it were a normal bullet, Leticia, who was a Pure Blood Vampire should have the ability to use her hand to swipe it away. But currently in the face of these wicked sharp shrapnel that were travelling at a speed similar to the Third Cosmic Velocity and rapidly approaching with a speed that was faster than humanely possible, it was impossible for her to do the same. 

(To…To actually be that strong to this extent……!) 

And as Leticia was about to be made into a dartboard, she gave a wry smile. Having witnessed Izayoi’s extraordinary strength, Leticia felt a little ashamed for having naively requested a visual assessment and at the same time, she felt relieved. 

Since this guy holds such a strong talent, maybe……when Leticia had just mentally prepared herself to fall to the ground torn up to shreds and covered in blood— 

“Leticia-sama!” 

Simultaneously, Kuro Usagi who had leaped out of the window helped her to block the metal shrapnel that had nearly reached its target. In her surprise and shock, Leticia had also retracted her wings while hugging Kuro Usagi as they descended. 

“Kuro…Kuro Usagi! What are you doing?!” 

All of a sudden, Leticia shouted loudly. However, it wasn’t to protest Kuro Usagi’s intervention in the battle. But it was due to Kuro Usagi’s act of snatching the Gift card from her hand and holding onto it tightly. 

Ignoring Leticia’s protests, she stared at the Gift card in her hand and following that, she turned back to face Leticia while saying in a trembling voice: 

“Gift name [Pure Blood Kyūketsuki Hime]……as I thought! The Gift name has changed! Although retaining its demon species, it now lacks the Divinity!” 

“Uu……!” 

Leticia immediately looked away, being unable to meet Kuro Usagi’s gaze. Izayoi who had stridden over to them, seemed a little disappointed but he shrugged his shoulders with a disapproving expression on his face. 

“What’s this? Could it be that you do not have the former Demon Lord-sama Gift anymore and have only been left with a Vampire Gift?” 

“……Yes, Most of the weapons are still retained but the Gift that used to be held in her body……” 

Izayoi did not bother to hide his frustration as he clicked his tongue harshly. 

It’s most probably due to him feeling displeased by the thought that Leticia in her current weak state had challenged him as his opponent. 

“Hmph! No wonder there wasn’t even a bit of fight put up from your end! So this means that after becoming the possession of another person, the Gifts will also be taken?” 

“No……The Demon Lord only took away talented individuals from the Community and wasn’t after the Gifts. Different from the Gifts that can materialize as weapons, what we call [Grace] is the miracle that has been given to various Gods, deities, Buddhas and Spirits. In other words, it is a part of the soul and is unable to be forcefully removed from the holder of the Gift without their consent.” 

It meant that Leticia had consented to give up her Gift. Seeing how the both of them were focusing on her with their gazes, Leticia seemed to turn away her eyes with a pained expression. 

Kuro Usagi wore a grim expression on her face as she asked: 

“Leticia-sama, your former power that was equivalent to that of a [Demon Lord] was due to the dual possession of both the pure blooded Demon type and Divinity, hence earning you the title of one. But with your current abilities, it seems like it’s not even a tenth of your original strength. Why did it become like this……” 

“……This is……” 

Leticia started her words hesitantly before stopping and she continued that way for a few more times. But in the end, she was still unable to be honest with them and had relapsed into her silence while looking down at the ground. 

Izayoi scratched his head in irritation as he gave a suggestion: 

“Forget it, how should I say it…If you have something to say, let’s just head back to the room first.” 

“……I guess you are right……” 

The both of them nodded their heads gloomily.



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