Day 411-420/Day 411

"Day 411"
The expedition ceremony of 【Sun King】 started out from noon, heading towards the approaching "Sagami Worm Wave".
It seems that the corps was organized with robust urban soldiers and those with the grand desires gathered from various places, dealt with in deception by [the main character] of [Sun King], but because the opponent is actually tough this time, it seems they were uneasy. That was done extensively for the purpose of wiping away the weak and strengthening their power.
With a total length of 200 meters, the ship of the golden king moved through the widest part of the central road in «Orzi Manu · Deunas».
It seems to be one of the [Solar Boats] of a past [Sun King] equipped with individual flight capabilities, but from the armed magic items such as cannons mounted in various places and the thickly layered armor, rather than a boat I feel like it's a moving castle.
One of these vessels has led the war between city-nations to victory, and although there are talks about other factors, it would be possible to be convinced that it had the single most powerful contribution to the war.
In the middle of the [Solar Boat] deck there was a somewhat higher platform with a throne that could be seen from the surroundings, the present generation [Sun King] was sitting there.
It was a man whose face can not be seen, hidden by the luxurious hawk mask made of gold and jade.
There were no clothes on the upper body, only ornamental items such as a glowing necklace or bracelet with feathers that are shining golden, lighted by the sun.
With 2 to 4 wing big wings on his back, you can see at a glance that he is a bird-beast.
There was also a decorative item on the feet with claws like a bird of prey, wrapped around to the waist, a fabric designed to symbolize the sun and the desert.
There is a magic wand in the shape of a hawk in the hand, which must be [sacred treasure] from the look of it.
Is it better than a physical magic system, based on the [magic] system?
The tribe of this generation 【King of the Sun】 seems to be called "Taiyo Kinmu Bird Emperor" Lar · Fernikus · Atum. In their tribal group, there is an [Empress] with a superior group ability, and the [King] with excellent individual ability. They would have slightly more than double the battle capability of Mino Kichi-kun, the [Great King Thunderous Bull (Gigas Minotaur - Superior Species)].
The intimidating feeling wrapped is real, It left me wondering how delicious it is if eaten.
In the end I could not eat their [sacred treasure], instead, because they are not hostile towards us, we would have no motivation to eat anyone from their group.
Regardless of attacking or just being an obstructive enemy or monster, whatever we would do, we had to refrain from eating them without reason.
When I was looking at them with my appetite, combined with the current state of the corps, that seemed to be just out of reach, I was faced with a moment where my gaze was noticed, but I immediately turned towards another direction.
Waving lightly to the people and meeting their expectations, was it just a coincidence?
Surrounding the [Sun King] are five people, [Supplementary Figures] including the appointed "Shuriganusu Deadly Guardian", and I kept my eyes open for the absence of any absurd people.
A fully armed outing will be encouraging to the people.
The gaze of those five people also turned towards my direction, but again, I quickly turned aside.
I somehow wave my hand.
There was no reaction, but that would be an ordinary reaction.
There are hundreds or thousands of soldiers who further surround the [Solar Boat] that has such a key person.
With them traveling on foot, those people will not accompany this expedition, but people wearing polished equipment and marching in order for the people to see will make them feel relieved.
Although there is a strong trust in the [Sun King], the influence of the fighting force when clearly seen also is great.
Looking at the expedition ceremonially marching along lively and bustling, with the [Court Musician] and [Bard Singer]'s performances, cheers are raised from the left and right, from the people and the houses along the road.
A colorful flower blizzard dances along with them and the firework magic explodes in the sky.
We looked at that from the second floor of a well-known high-class restaurant located along the central road of «Gamuna · Dutka». We reached for the "Cham Bu-woo" which had just been laid out on the table.
Even in dry places "rice honey", similar to normal rice, easily grows like the "Chachacha" beans and several other kinds of vegetables. Monster meat and fish were cooked together and served in a large flat plate, it is a traditional dish of the area.
Since there is an amount equal to our hunger, the spreading smell told us they used a lot of spices, etc. It is a little bit of spicy.
Other dishes such as a flat bread called "Egucha", "Culture Nu" fried desert frog eggs, soup using several kinds of vegetables "Hana Hanato", all these foods that you can eat on a daily basis were lined up for us.
Although all dishes are commonplace, this was a well-known high-class restaurant «Gamna · Dutka».
Their ingenuity has been exaggerated in the cooking method, and carefully selected materials were prepared by a skilled chef.
The fresh, tasty food had a somewhat nostalgic taste.
It was not as good as the dishes cooked by the chefs under the Spice Curry Chef, but good taste is still delicious.
Also, thinking that I will come back the next time I am in town, I will eat to the extent that their stock of food is reduced for the time being.
Happy sigh leak out.
Then, after watching the ceremony that saw off the expedition force, we got on the [Sharkhead issue] to move further up the magnificent «Ganzinamus Taiga».
The next destination was the abundantly mysterious [Dark Continent] using the Tatsuro Shiro flying dragon ship as one of the hidden capabilities of  [Steering wheel of ship God ~ Paradise - Hull Drum] called【Ship sublimation】 and moved with the air whipping past us as planned, but before that it is to watch the battle of the [Sun King].
The planned battle area is the desert.
Although it is away from it, there is no big obstacle obstructing our view, so we were able to see from the far off «Ganginams Taiga» which flows nearby.
Not only the reconnaissance for insurance but also those who feel felt life will be many.
We'll see what happens.
■ 〒 ■
【Now 【Sun King】 Ramenas VIII's Perspective: Current Time Axis is more than ten days ago】
【King's anguish, unknown enemy, unknown enemy's purpose, king ignorance】
It was a thing that happened ten days ago.
Suddenly I had a bad feeling, and when I looked up at the great sun I saw a black shape spreading, as if something were eating it from the inside out.
The darkness gradually increases, as if trying to hide the sun, like an eclipse.
"Is the 【God of Disaster】 approaching ...? "
It was not actually happening up in the sky. The real sun is still shining now.
The unknown future is a bit clearer now, one of the benefits gained buy God, [Solar Trust], is showing it's powerful forces in accounting for the near future through the strength of the sunlight that hits me, and it is an illusion that showed its benefits many times before.
With the Kichijo raid coming up so soon, this shadow was one of the biggest hurdles to come up.
Unfortunately, what can happen clearly can not be known by just with 【Solar Trust】.
Although, this is the second time time it is that I see more images, the cause can easily be imagined.
The first thing I saw that was during the time of the World Enemy appearing recently that occurred somewhere else.
As I have never seen things like something like being swallowed up like this time, I felt that some tremendous things must have happened.
Afterwards, it was a hard transition to grasp the cause by the voice of the god that resounded in my brain.
Fortunately I did not suffer any permanent damage at that time, but I became obsessed with learning what it meant, so I began to more closely read the later writings and other information, such as the handwritten pages left by the previous generations of the 【Sun Kings]. Since there is a role I would need to fill, I read and I read back and forth, realizing that it is my duty to write.
This continent is different from before, the era of the distant past where green fertile ground was spreading is long gone.
There was a [Sun King] one who actually rose up against the pillar of the terrible [Death God] who casually scattered death to the earth, collapsing civilizations and eradicating all life.
The brave subordinate of Ikki Ten who followed, accompanied him who faced certain death to avenge the people who had already died, finally succumbing in a deadly battle that lasted several days and even succeeding in sealing the God while being seriously injured in the morning of the last day.
That single pillar of the Fallen God, the 【God disaster designated individual】 【Sacred Sand】 - 【Story of the Wind Song】, eradicated an entire continent, spreading death to everyone's eyes.
"Do you break down from the [Brutality] or burden of [Kingship] of the birthplace, flowing to here, or escape to another land...?"
As myths are now told, the story of the Wind Song was about the battle of the first generation 【Sun King】 Oziman I.
The darkness of the sun written about is very similar to the shadow which I saw just before. It is reliable information only found in the personal notes filled by their thoughts.
In reading other notes, you could also find several similar descriptions.
None of them are upfront about the critical crisis, so it is no doubt that this horror is similar to the current [Enemy of the World].
"Well, what should I do ..."
I remember the voice of God that slammed into my brain.
Until the current [Enemy of the World] disappears, there seems to be the chance to grasp the position of [Psalm Awakening Person] somehow but, for some reason it is murky now. Perhaps it is hiding.
I could not recognize it clearly, but I also felt some signs of approaching footsteps getting close.
"Teto, are you there?"
"Here."
I can not keep the crowds away, even with intelligence and spies, even an assassination and destructive works are assumed to have been sent by the [Dark Priestess], and if you call that Teto Honus, there will be an immediate reply from the shadow.
"Zakumero" the "Ceremonial Dark Cat" lives in the darkness of night, because it is hard to comprehend them, their footstep comes immediately before their arrival, but they are one of the people that believes in others.
"Is it a dreadful 【Monster】 that is approaching or has it already entered the territory? Anyway, it is a difficult thing, because you do not know where the threat is lurking, but do not be afraid to search for it, look for those who are coming soon "
"... ... As you please"
So Moto gave the orders, and more than ten days have passed since then.
I have already read the gathered reports over and over again, and I am just as worried today about those unanswered questions.
"Really, what is the aim of this monster"
When I looked it up at the beginning, it seems that we had a hard time because of the enormous number of people entering and leaving each day, but there are still times when there are not enough people to check the numbers visiting, even then the target has already been narrowed down.
Thinking at the time of what might come from being wrong, several candidates have already appeared once, it is almost certain that a big favorite in the first part of the report.
The presence from the most recent action from [Onimusha] stands out too strongly, so if it's something other than the demonic warrior it will be just as troubling.
"Is there anything else you want? No, but ..."
As soon as the search started, a group arrived on a ship that was not inferior to the remaining [Solar Boat].
At a glance it is enough for those who know to doubt, but to have a large amount of dragon meat readily available at the inn, buy a lot of what you want even in the desert area, even wearing gaudy metal armor with abilities, this behavior is plenty conspicuous anyhow.
With this, it is impossible to say.
"There is nothing extraordinary in their malignancy, but the adversary's mercilessly treatment of all, and their murderous abilities ......are their skills perfect?"
First of all, if this continues, the place amount of the remaining sun will continue to be restricted, but you could still see it from afar using the [Solar Eye].
If I look down on the world from the sun using [Solar Eye], I should be able to observe from a distance without being noticed.
However, when I first saw looked out with [Solar Eye], Onishima suddenly looked up at this place.
I got away from the line of sight quickly, but could have noticed if I did not leave.
It is not unusual, for example, to feel the sight of the [Solar Eye] by those who can look over the world from the great sun.
I feel a change that can not be said to be a trivial accident from among those things that occur in nature.
Just doing it naturally can not be done, their vigilance will only increase.
However, even if you shake hands, the talk will not proceed. After that I also watched and watched, sometimes I watched the scene of a transforming body or the crushing if illegal orginizations, sometimes I saw a scene of humans being helped.
What a terrible thing that is.
Unless you are watching from the beginning, if you do not keep following the demon warrior with [Solar Eyes] from a safe distance, it would have been extremely difficult to capture that part of that action.
That is why it is almost certain.
When the Devilish Demon Warrior and the Devil come up to the bedroom, although I also felt somewhat tired, but there were a variety of irregular warnings in this area that the Devil Warrior exposed.
There were many small things that I had missed due to neglect, but until the injustice that was being investigated, about the back house proprietor who was recently brought in has gone back to justice.
 The fresh information that can be used has a reasonable value, but Onimusha does not ask for a price.
 There will be some speculation, but then what does that speculation matter.
 Perhaps you want to know how the rest goes, there may be something other than that happening.
I do not know it, but I think I can have a small talk.
If you are an instructor who only works through instincts, if you are an opponent who can not communicate well enough, it does not make a bit of good in the first place.
If there are any pieces that can invade the bedroom, you should order an assassination as it is.
Even if the devil of this time seems to have a low fighting ability by itself, we can not abandon the possibility that it has abandoned reconnaissance in favor of frontal assaults, but I think that is low.
Therefore, it seems the Onimusha judges situations himself, judging in an instant whether there is a reason or not to rely on violence.
 It is rather frightening, the one factor which makes me not understand what I want to do.
Why did you come here? Why did you act like this?
That thinking is repeated several times throughout today.
"There is no way you would easily lose a fight, but it is unknown whether you could win either, and it is decided that the city will be totally ruined by the aftermath if you fight here."
First of all, I have no idea how to eliminate demons with my own power.
If you seriously want to conceal information, Onimusha and its subordinates will still become familiar with the city without much trouble.
A mimicry skill that Onimusha hides, it is not very difficult to create a cover-story if you use it. Mimicry leaves slightly different signs, but it will be difficult to tell the difference when you get a momentary look.
However, in fact it does only disguise a person to the extent that they can be easily found out if examined.
That said, I do not think there would be any problem if their identity is discovered.
Is it arrogance because of he is a strong man, or is it a cunning way to wait for prey to be caught to feed himself?
 The former is possible, but the main reason is probably the latter.
As there is a possibility of fishing, there is no chance for the host to remain.
It is no joke that those that dominate the sky would be reduced to a fish which could be easily snatched up.
There are also other reasons for someone not giving up, but there is no such reason visible at present.
Before any of that, I could not even fight with my full power unless I were away from the city.
If the rest try to fight, all that would remain would be scorched earth.
If it was a desert or the like, I would not have to worry about, as usual I do not think anything more than a suicide bombing would happen anywhere else.
What you would get if you win is unknown, so there are too many things to lose.
That would not make any sense at all.
So do not do it with others, do not do it.
No, it is not even sure whether I could stand an attack from the leader and keep moving after.
"Well, now, is "Sand Shikinami" the priority, perhaps if you do not strike out, Onimusha will leave you alone, it's only a postponement of the problem but it is still easy enough to eliminate them sequentially"
There are also other kinds of problems.
It is the dangerous "Sand Worms" coming out as if attracted to the Onimusha's scent.
"Sand Worms" of an unprecedented size in the past caused enormous damage even if there was no surplus of them.
Agreed, it seems they would be troublesome one on one, there seem to be complaints leaking out without thought.
While we were bothering ourselves with other troublesome things, the days passed and still we were able to finish today's expedition ceremony without any problems.
In the expedition ceremony, I was sent off by the Onimusha who had come to watch, but the dwelling in his eye at that time was the look of a predator who sees prey.
Like the Desert hunter overlooking their worm prey on the ground from the sky "Rishes of threat Ryushi" Aljikhaka, it was very similar.
I understood then, a part of the reason why Onimusha came here.
Apparently, the demon warrior seems to want to eat more.
There is only an desire, you can understand him even if you can only point at his pure appetite.
Instincts though, do not attack, it may be that some other demons have something to planned. Instincts are controlled by reason.
It is not a beast that moves through instinct, but the thinking monster that is much more frightening, if you obey that rule, you will be able to stay safe.
It is probably their decisions that clearly show their hostile or lack therein.
Even if it is not, I do not dare touch the demon warrior.
It is such a kind being that any involved will become unfortunate victims according to how much they are involved.
It may be necessary to move to exclude the great [God of the Sun], but this time has not yet arrived.
Although it is an industrious job, it would be best to wait for just pass the time for now.
I think that is the correct judgment for now because the sun's shade has faded.
However, if I do fight someday, I have to set the time, place, and challenge myself.
Take care of everything, bringing out a number of luxury goods including the [Emperor] and [King], unexpectedly striking with the maximum power.
Although it can not be said that you can absolutely win, and even if you do so, much hardship must be surpassed even if you do not attempt it.
Indeed, that is often said about [The God Disaster].
[God]-like things, giving up good things little by little.
"Truly, the world is full of troublesome things"
I could not believe the complaints.
Physical fatigue accumulated in recent days, the fatigue caused by official duty that grew by day and night. I realize that.
"Well then, will you let me go with all your strength?"
As for the first strike, the rest releases power towards the "Sand Worm" and creates a second sun along the ground.
Although it increased or decreased so as to secure the remains for collecting of the material, the surrounding area turned into a flame just after the aftermath.
The earth will fuse into glass and the atmosphere with such a high heat will burn you from the inside out if you absorb it. Without any preventative measures, your whole body burns, and after that not even a few ashes would remain.
Originally it has to be adjusted more or less, but there is no helping it this time.
Come with the sun, light up the world.
■ 〒 ■
----
PLACE TRANSLATIONS ABOVE THE BAR. THESE ARE THE RAWS, LEAVE THEM HERE UNTIL SOMEONE DOES A REAL TRANSLATION (NOT JUST A GT OR RUSSIAN TRANS). CLICK EXPAND TO VIEW THEM.
----
“四百十一日目”
　迫るに向けて、【太陽王】の遠征式が昼前から執り行われた。
　普段なら屈強な都市兵や各地から集った希望者によって編成される軍団を【太陽王】の【副要人物】が率いて粛々と対処するらしいが、今回は相手が相手な為、不安の払拭や権力の強化などを目的として大々的に行われたらしい。
　≪オルジ・マヌ・ディウナス≫で最も広い中央道を進む、全長が二百メートルはあるだろう黄金に輝く王の船。
　歴代【太陽王】がそれぞれ個別に持つ飛行能力まで備えた【太陽舟】の一隻らしいが、各所に取り付けられた大砲のようなマジックアイテムによる武装や分厚い積層装甲から、舟と言うよりかはまるで動く城塞のような印象を受ける。
　これ一隻で都市国家間戦争を勝利に導いた、何て話もあるが、これならできそうだと納得できるくらいには強力なシロモノだ。
　そんな【太陽舟】の甲板中央、そこには周囲からも見えるようにやや高い王座が用意され、今代【太陽王】が座っていた。
　黄金と翡翠で作られた豪奢な鷹の仮面で隠され、素顔は見えない男性だ。
　太陽に照らされて黄金のように煌めく羽毛の生えた上半身に衣服の類はなく、煌びやかなネックレスや腕輪などの装飾品のみを着けている。
　その背中には二対四翼の大翼が備わり、鳥系獣人だと一目で分かる。
　太陽や砂漠を象徴するようなデザインの腰布を巻き、そこから伸びる猛禽類のようなかぎ爪を備えた足にも装飾品があった。
　手には鷹頭の魔杖があり、気配からしてあれが【神器】に違いない。
　物理よりかは【魔法】系の戦法が得意なのだろうか。
　今代【太陽王】の種族はというらしく、種族的には集団に優れた能力を持つ【帝】と個人に優れた能力を持つ【王】のどちらも兼ね揃えた、のミノ吉くんと同格かやや上になるだろう。
　纏う威圧感は本物で、喰えばどれ程美味いのか。
　結局喰えなかった【救聖】、その代わりになるかもしれない。まあ、敵対していないので喰う動機が今一つ足りないのだが。
　襲い掛かってきたり邪魔な敵やモンスターならともかく、何もしていないのに理由なく喰うのは控えるべきだろう。
　届きそうで届かない現状で食欲混じりに眺めていると、視線に気がついたのか一瞬こちらを向いたが、すぐに別の方向を向いた。
　民衆に軽く手を振り、期待に応えているのでただの偶然だろうか。
　そんな【太陽王】の周囲にはを始めとした五人の【副要人物】が侍り、不埒者がいないか目を光らせていた。
　完全武装の出で立ちは、民衆にとって心強く感じられるだろう。
　そんな五人の視線もまたコチラを向いたが、やはりすぐに逸れた。
　何となく手を振ってみる。
　反応はないが、まあ、普通の反応ではあるだろう。
　そんな要人を乗せた【太陽舟】の周囲を更に囲むのは数百数千の兵士。
　足手まといになるので今回の遠征には同行しないが、磨き上げられた装備を着込み、乱れなく行進する彼・彼女達を見れば、民衆は安心感を抱けるだろう。
　【太陽王】に対する厚い信頼もあるが、やはり目に見えて分かる戦力の影響は大きい。
　生き生きとした賑やかな【宮廷楽師】や【吟遊詩人】達の演奏と共に行進する遠征式を見て、左右の家屋や道にいる民衆などからは歓声が上がる。
　色鮮やかな花吹雪が舞い、空には花火めいた魔術が炸裂した。
その様子を中央道沿いにある老舗高級料理店≪ガームナ・ドゥトカ≫の二階から見ていた俺達は、丁度運ばれてきた“チャム・ブォ”に手を伸ばす。
　乾燥した場所でも簡単に育つ米に似た“ハートムナ”と、豆のような“チャチャチャ”やその他数種の野菜、モンスターの肉や魚が一緒に煮込まれ、大きめの平皿に盛られた地元の伝統料理である。
　量があるので食べ応えがあるし、香辛料なども多く使われているのか食欲をそそる匂いが広がる、ややピリ辛の味付けになっている。
　他には平べったいパン“エグシャ”や、砂漠蛙の卵を揚げた“カルチャ・ヌ”、数種の野菜を使ったスープ“ハナハナト”など、日常的に食べられる料理が並んでいる。
　どれもありふれた料理ではあるが、そこは老舗高級料理店≪ガームナ・ドゥトカ≫。
　調理方法には細やかな工夫が凝らされ、厳選された素材を熟練の料理人が仕上げている。
　何処か懐かしくも新鮮で、味わい深い料理となっていた。
　ジャンカリーの料理長ほどではないが、それでも美味いモノは美味い。
　また今度来ようと思いつつ、とりあえず食料の在庫が少なくなる程度は喰う事になった。
　はふ、と幸せなため息が漏れる。
　それから何やかんやと遠征式を見送った後、俺達は雄大なる≪ガンジナムス大河≫を更に遡上するべく【シャークヘッド号】に乗り込んだ。
　次の目的地となる【神秘豊潤なる暗黒大陸】にはタツ四郎を【】の秘めた能力の一つ【船舶昇華】で飛行竜船化し、サッサと空路で行く予定だが、その前に【太陽王】の戦いを観戦する為だ。
　戦闘予定地は砂漠。
　それから離れてはいるが、大きな障害物はないので近くを流れる≪ガンジナムス大河≫から遠目に見える、はずである。
　保険として放った分体による偵察だけでなく、生身で感じた方が得るモノは多いだろう。
　さて、どうなることやら。
　■　〒　■
【今代【太陽王】ラムーナス八世視点：時間軸は十数日前より現在】
【王の苦悩、敵知らず　敵の目的、王知らず】
　十数日前の事である。
　ふと嫌な予感がして、偉大なる太陽を見上げると、まるで内部から喰うように広がる黒い陰りが見えた。
　陰りの規模は次第に増し、まるで日蝕のように太陽を覆い隠そうとしている。
「【神災】が迫ってきているのか……」
　実際に陰っている訳ではない。今も本当の太陽は輝いている。
　陰って見えるのは、陰りや陽光の強弱により近い未来を占う余の能力の一つであり、これまでに幾度も助けられた神の恩恵【太陽神託】が見せる幻である。
　吉兆凶兆があるなかで、此度の陰りは最大級の凶兆であった。
　残念ながら明確に何が起こるのか、それは【太陽神託】で知る事は出来ない。
　しかし今回で余が見るのは二回目であった為、その原因は容易に想像できる。
　最初に見たのは、つい最近どこかに生じた【】の時である。
　今回のように太陽が塗り潰されるような事など今まで見た事が無かったので、何かとてつもない不吉な事が起こる、と直感した。
　その後、脳内に響いた神の声でその原因を把握する訳だが。
　幸いその時は何ら被害は出なかったが、気になったのでこれまで受け継がれてきた代々の【太陽王】が記した手記――【太陽神託】の暗示やその他の情報を後世に伝えるなどの役割もあるので、記すのは公務であり義務である――を余は読み返し、そして見つけた。
　この大陸が今とは違い、緑の生い茂る肥沃な大地が広がっていた遠い過去の時代。
　無造作に大地に死を振り撒き、文明を崩壊させ、全ての生命を根絶しかけた恐るべき【堕神】の一柱と実際に遭遇した一人の【太陽王】がいた。
　死に逝く民を護るべく立ち向かった【太陽王】とそれに付き従う一騎当万の勇猛な配下は数日続く死闘を繰り広げ、瀕死の重傷を負いながらも封印する事に成功した。
　大陸一つを蝕んだ、万象に死を振り撒き砂とした【神災指定個体】、堕ちた神の一柱【堕神】――【風歌の語り部】。
「生まれた地の【英勇】や【帝王】を打ち破り、こちらに流れて来るのか？　あるいは、逃れて来るのか……」
　神話としても今も語られる、初代【太陽王】オジマン一世と【風歌の語り部】の一戦。
　此度の太陽の陰りは、その直前に見たとされる陰りと酷似している。個人的な当時の思いまで書かれている手記だけに、信頼できる情報だ。
　そして他の手記も読み解けば、似たような記述が幾つか見つけられた。
　そのどれもが危機的な難事の前であり、故に、この凶兆は今代の【世界の宿敵】に関係しているのは間違いない。
「さて、どうするべきか……」
　脳内に響いた神の声を思い出す。
　今代の【世界の宿敵】が消滅するまで、余のような【詩編覚醒者】にはその位置を何となく把握する能力が備わっているらしい。
　しかし、いまはなぜか朧気だ。恐らく隠しているのだろう。
　故にハッキリとは認識できず、しかし足音を潜めて近づいてくるような何かの気配も感じていた。
「テト、テトは居らぬか」
「ここに」
　胸騒ぎを抑える事は出来ず、防諜や密偵、果ては暗殺や破壊工作まで執り行う【闇神官】テト・オヌスを呼べば、即座に影から返答がある。
　闇夜に生きるであるが故にその気配はすぐ側に在れど分かり難いが、余が信ずる配下の一人。
「恐るべき【怪物】が迫っているか、既に領地に這入ってきたか。ともかく、難事である。脅威がどこに潜んでいるか分らぬ故、見付からぬようにさり気無く、近日中に来た者達を調べよ」
「……御心のままに」
　そう余が命令を下し、あれから十数日が過ぎた現在。
　集まった報告書は既に何度も読み返し、答えのない疑問に今日も悩む。
「本当に、何が狙いなんだ、こいつは」
　最初に調べた時は日々出入りする者の数が膨大だったので苦労したようだが、すぐ目に止まるような者の数は決して多くない事もあり、すでに対象は絞り込まれている。
　間違っていた時も考えて候補は一応数名見繕ってはいるが、報告書の一枚目にある大本命でほぼ間違いない。
　最近の活動が一際目立つ【鬼武者】の存在感があまりに強すぎたので、鬼武者以外だと逆に困るくらいだ。
「余が狙いか？　いや、しかし……」
　調査を開始してすぐに余の【太陽舟】に勝るとも劣らぬ船でやって来た集団。
　一目で尋常ならざる者達だと分かる事だけでも疑うのに十分すぎるが、宿で滅多に手に入らない竜肉を惜しげもなく大量に贈る、欲しい物を大量に購入する、砂漠地帯でも平気で金属防具を着込んでいるなど行動が派手でとにかく目立っている。
　これで疑うな、というのは無理がある。
「どうしようもないほどの悪性ではない。しかし敵対者は情け容赦なく皆殺しにした後の処理能力……そしてその手腕も完璧である、か」
　一先ず目星がつけば、後は余の太陽が姿を現している場所限定になるが、【太陽眼】によって遠くからでも見る事が出来る。
　太陽から世界を見下ろす事の出来る【太陽眼】ならば、遠方から気付かれる事無く観察できる、筈だった。
　しかし最初に【太陽眼】で見た時、鬼武者は不意にコチラを見上げた。
　咄嗟に視線を逸らして事なきを得たが、視線を逸らさねば気付かれていたかもしれぬ。
　まさか偉大なる太陽から世界を俯瞰できる【太陽眼】の視線を感じるなど、普通ではない。
　自然にあるモノの中から些細な異変とも言えない変化を感じ取る。
　中々出来ないそれを自然とこなすだけに、警戒心は高まるばかりだ。
　しかし手をこまねいていても話は進まない。その後も警戒しながら観察し、時には肉体を変化させて不法組織を潰す場面を見て、時にはヒトを助ける場面を見た。
　何と恐ろしいのだろうか。
　最初から注視していなければ、安全な遠方から【太陽眼】で鬼武者を追跡し続けなければ、その行動の一端を捉える事も困難を極めただろう。
　
　だからこそ、ほぼ間違いない。
　鬼武者の手先と思わしき悪魔が寝所にまで来ようとした時はやや焦りもしたが、それは鬼武者が暴いたこの地の大小様々な不正の密告であった。
　中にはあえて見逃していた小事も多かったが、調査中だった最近余所から入り込んできた裏家業者による不正まで記されている。
　使える新鮮な情報には相応の価値があるのだが、鬼武者は対価を求めてこない。
　何かしらの思惑はあるだろうが、そうなるとその思惑は何だ。
　余がどう動くか知りたいのかもしれぬ。それ以外の何かがあるのかもしれぬ。
　それは分からないが、最低限の対話はできそうだ。
　本能だけで動くような輩なら、会話もろくに出来ない相手なら、そもそも密告などしない。
　寝所まで侵入できる手駒がいるなら、そのまま暗殺するよう命令するはずだ。
　今回の悪魔は戦闘能力自体は低いので、あくまでも捨て身の偵察だった可能性は捨てきれないが、それは低いと思っている。
　よって鬼武者には自身を律し、暴力に頼らないだけの理性があると判断する。
　それがむしろ恐ろしく、何をしたいのか分からなくさせている要因ではあるのだが。
　何故ここに来たのか。何故このような行動をしたのか。
　幾度となく回る思考は、今日も続いていた。
「戦えば容易く負ける事は無いが、勝てるかも不明。ただココで戦えばどちらにしろ余波で都市が滅びるのは確定、か……」
　まず、現状では鬼武者を実力で排除する、という考えはない。
　本気で情報を隠匿しようと思えば、鬼武者とその配下は都市に違和感なく馴染むだろう。
　鬼武者が秘める擬態能力。それを使えば、さほど困難な話ではない。擬態していると微妙に気配は違うが、一瞬で看破できるかと言えば余でも困難になる筈だ。
　しかし実際には調べればこうも容易く見破れる程度の偽装しかしていない。
　それはつまり、正体が発覚しても問題ないと思っているのだ。
　それは強者ゆえの驕りなのか、あるいは自身を餌にして獲物が引っかかるのを待つ狡猾さなのか。
　前者もありうるが、恐らく主な理由は後者だろう。
　釣りをしている可能性がある以上、余から敵対するという選択肢はない。
　天空を支配する余が、釣り上げられた魚になるなど笑えもしない。
　何か譲れない理由でもあれば別だが、現状ではそういう理由もない。
　それ以前に、余は都市から離れた場所でなければ全力で戦う事すら出来ぬ。
　余が戦えば、残るはただ焦土のみ。
　普段のように気にしなくともよい砂漠などならいざ知らず、都市内でやるなど自爆以外の何物でもない。
　勝っても得るものは未知数で、確実に失うモノはあまりに多い。
　それでは全く意味が無い。
　よって余から相手にはしない、するべきではない。
　否、先手を打たれて動けない、が正確か。
「ふぅむ。ともあれ、今は“砂蟲波”が優先か。恐らく手を出さねば、コヤツもどこぞに去るだろう。問題の先送りでしかないが、順次解消出来そうなだけまだ楽か」
　それに悩みの種は他にもある。
　鬼武者に引き寄せられるようにやって来る害蟲達の“砂蟲波”だ。
　過去でも類を見ない規模の“砂蟲波”は、余が出ねば甚大な被害をもたらすだろう。
　まったく、次から次へと面倒な、などと思わず愚痴が漏れてしまいそうだ。
　そしてその他にも積み重なる厄介事に頭を悩ませつつも日々が過ぎ、それでも無事に今日の遠征式を終える事が出来た。
　遠征式では様子見に来ていた鬼武者一行に見送られたが、その時の鬼武者の眼に宿るは餌を見る捕食者のそれだった。
　天空から地上のを見下ろす砂漠の狩人、それによく似ていた。
　そして理解した。鬼武者がここに来た理由の一端を。
　どうやら、鬼武者は余を喰いたいらしい。
　【暴食】を冠するだけはある、純粋な食欲を向けられれば嫌でも分かる。
　しかし本能のまま襲ってこない事から、鬼武者には何かしらの決まり事があるのかもしれん。
　本能は理性によって律されている。
　本能のままに動く獣ではなく、思考する怪物の方が遙かに恐ろしいが、その決まり事を守れば、むしろ身の安全は確保できそうだ。
　決まり事は明確に敵対するか、あるいは隙を見せるか、その辺りだろう。
　違ったとしても、あえて鬼武者に触れなければいい。
　関わるだけ不幸になる、そんな類だ。
　偉大なる【太陽の神】の為に排除に動くべきかもしれぬが、今回はまだその時ではない。
　業腹ではあるが今はただ通り過ぎるのを待つのが最善だろう。
　そう思えば太陽の陰りが薄れたので、やはり正しい判断なのだろう。
　だがもし、いつか戦うなら、時と場を整えて挑まねばなるまい。
　油断させ、【帝王】や【英勇】を始めとした数多の豪傑を揃え、最大攻撃を不意打ちで叩き込む。
　そうやってすら絶対に勝てるとは言えないが、それすらしなければどれ程の苦難を超えねばならないのか。
　全く、【神災】とはよく言ったモノである。
　【大神】様も、少しは手加減してくれれば良いモノを。
「真に、世には厄介な事が溢れているな」
　思わず愚痴がこぼれた。
　ここ最近の内心に溜まっていた精神的疲労、日夜行った公務による肉体的疲労。それを自覚する。
「ならばこそ、全力で行かせてもらおうか」
　それをぶつけるように余は“砂蟲波”に向けて力を解放し、地上に二つ目の太陽を生み出した。
　素材の回収のため残るように加減したとはいえ、余波だけで周囲一帯は炎獄と化した。
　大地は融けてガラス状になり、高熱を宿した大気は吸えば内側から焼くだろう。何の対策無しでは全身は燃え、後には一握の灰すら残らない。
　本来ならもう少し加減しなければならぬが、今回ばかりは仕方あるまい。
　太陽よ在れ、世界を照らしたまえ。
　■　〒　■
----
----
Category:Novel
Category:Re:Monster ~ The Dark Continent ~ Vol. 1
Category:Articles that needs cleaning