Grimoire x Reverse ~Reincarnated Demon Romance Tale~

Volume 3 Chapter 6

Mountain Road of Tunto [Intimidation Aura, Accompanied by White Rice]

{Shuten POV}

I could not suppress my Intimidation Aura.
For two days on our journey to Tunto, Holly repeatedly lectured me before dinner, and I repeatedly practiced, but it wasn’t working out very well. Eventually we reached the mountain path to Tunto, but I still had no way to keep my intimidating aura from leaking out enough that I would be able to enter the town.
Today also I practiced diligently while we camped out in the forest next the road. While the hares I caught baked over our campfire, I worked through the exercises to suppress my Intimidation aura.
Sitting on a stump opposite from me was Hiragi. In the beginning, I was worried about what kind of teaching methods she was going to use, but…
“I don’t understand when you keep telling me the same things. Just saying that it feels kind of like hair and that I can manipulate it isn’t helping me get a feel for it.” (Shuten)

“It is just like how hair grows from your body. It’s part of you.” (Hiragi)

“Stop! I’m just not getting it! Try something else!!” (Shuten)

So says this ma.s.s of useless tails.

…Well, even though I said that, I was still grateful for Hiragi’s explanation and I was starting to understand what she meant by it feeling like hair.
My aura…in other words this spiritual energy was a part of me.
Though first you need to realize that it is invisible.
Even if I was suddenly told that it was leaking out, I couldn’t do anything about it.
For the first lesson, I was helped with her comparison to it feeling like hair, in order to realize how my aura is a part of myself. With that sense I was somehow able to move onto the next step. As for the next step, I am completely stuck on actually being able to manipulate my aura.
“Hah…whatever. Can you feel it?” (Hiragi)
“Somehow, I’m starting to get a sense for it. Can’t you feel it for me?” (Shuten)
“Are you serious!? No, I do not want to feel it in any way!” (Hiragi)
“But I’ll be troubled if I’m not actually feeling it!?” (Shuten)
“What!? What are you talking about!? Such a thing, are you like Yatano who just ignores everything in regards to your body!? Something like that is disgusting!” (Hiragi)
“You! I don’t think that way at all!” (Shuten)
“Which is it!?” (Hiragi)

Hmm…yeah, this isn’t going anywhere. Just what is this ‘Intimidation Aura’ doing with such a cool name, even though it causes so much trouble.

Hiragi now seemed to be lost in thought. However, I do not want to pry, and we both sat silently, listening to the crackling of the dancing flame. Eventually, Hiragi removed her hand from her chin.

“How do I put it? It’s kind of like slime, but different…Are you familiar with the famous side dish of j.a.ppon that goes with rice?” (Hiragi)

“A side dish of j.a.ppon… It’s Natto[1] isn’t it!?! I don’t want it!! Why is Natto covering my whole

body!?!” (Shuten)

“It’ll probably be easiest to understand that it’s like the sticky part of the beans. Because it is more like

a liquid and does not really have any sort of hard core, it isn’t quite like using your limbs.”[2] (Hiragi)

“Oh, so it’s like the sticky part of the Natto beans…hm? Wait. Then what kind of feeling do others get from my intimidation aura?” (Shuten)
“A feeling like a heavy stickiness is released randomly into your surroundings. In your case, a sort of ‘steady dripping’ would be the best description.” (Hiragi)

“I see…” (Shuten)

So, Aura = sticky Natto.

Although it seemed extremely simple when expressed, I was able to understand that it was impossible to move in the same way as muscle and bone. It is just Nattoafter all.

It’s just Natto.

……

It’s just Natto.

“Well, I can understand what you want to say when you describe it as something similar to slime rather than a liquid, making it difficult to manipulate.” (Shuten)

“Unlike waving your fingers, it will not immediately react, and you just have to get used to it. In any case, try moving that sensation of your Aura.” (Hiragi)

Is that way of putting it correct?

It seems to be a distinct existence even though it is invisible and seems to lazily drift about. I do not know if it has ma.s.s, but it doesn’t seem to be at the level of just an ‘atmosphere.’

“Then with that understanding, I want you teach me how to move it.” (Shuten)

“If you can understand what it feels like, then do you know how much there is total?” (Hiragi)

“No, it seems to give off the sensation of melting.” (Shuten)

“That is because it is leaking. It is melting out into the world, and the core of you Aura, your magical power, is blending in with the air. Because of the strength of your Intimidation Aura, it takes it longer to acclimate to the air and dissipate.  It is amusing just how much ‘magical power’ you have.” (Hiragi)

“How do I manipulate it?” (Shuten)

“After feeling your magical power as something that is being expelled from your body and becoming an intimidating Aura, you can eventually move it or draw it in with your force of will. Either way… first of all, you need to realize your own ‘magic power.’” (Hiragi)

“Realize my own magic power?” (Shuten)

In the first place, I am supposed to be a demon that was unable to use magic, but in the end it seems I have some magical powers after all. It would be cool if I could use the Divine Phenomenon skills like the magical Librarians, but I certainly wouldn’t even have the qualifications to practice it if I were not from the Empire. Another possibility would be the ancient Law spells of the Professor Country, the magic of the Devil King’s Army, or the saradabaru[3] of the Princ.i.p.ality?

I feel like I might be able to learn the magic of the Princ.i.p.ality, but without a teacher it is impossible for now.

Well, it was true that I could now feel the magical power in body. I could feel it very clearly emanating from every part of my body. Huge amounts of energy was lodged in every cell.

“With what you are able to feel now, can you tell that some of it is leaving your body?” (Hiragi)

“Ahh, so that’s what I’ve been feeling for awhile now.” (Shuten)

“It might be difficult for

for you to use magic, so for now try imagining you are dragging it back in.” (Hiragi)

“Dragging…” (Shuten)

I closed my eyes.

The word “Dragging” Hiragi used strangely made a lot of sense.

That’s right, it’s sticky. When I tried to pull it, it stretches like rubber. Perhaps it doesn’t seem to be moving at all. However, the technique is still working. Although it stretches and extends for a while, eventually the entirety moves without stretching any more.

Then, like Hiragi and Yatano-chan had done, I began to pull in the magical power that escaped my body and became an Intimidation Aura. The sticky Intimidation Aura was being suppressed.

As I drew it in as much as I could to the center of my body, and tried to make my Intimidation Aura as gentle as possible.

“Ah, yes! That’s it!” (Hiragi)

“Oh…Really…!?!” (Shuten)

It seems like I am doing well, but it still takes quite the effort.

Hiragi, who is holding a stick like a teacher, is pretty cute. But pulling in this sticky thing is really a tough job requiring a lot of energy.

I kind of felt like a vacuum cleaner.

“Yeah…converging, keep converging…The amount of magic power isn’t fully hidden, but at least it’s at the level it won’t frighten people off.” (Hiragi)

“Is that enough?” (Shuten)

“Its enough for now. It’s pretty tough but keep it from leaking.” (Hiragi)

“Yeah, I got it.” (Shuten)

Hiragi nodded in satisfaction.

With this, was it okay to go into town now?

It was that moment when I felt relieved from a sense of accomplishment, all of the Intimidation Aura was released at once on a grand scale, causing the trees around me to fall down.

The next day.

I was climbing the mountain path to Tunto in the morning. I was in a great mood.

“Wow, climbing the mountain path is fun!! I was getting tired of walking on those roads covered in mushy leaves! The weather is fabulous, and the dirt is exquisitely soft on my feet!! Don’t you think so too, Hiragi-kun!” (Shuten)

“Why is this guy so annoying?” (Hiragi)

“Hahaha, don’t say such a thing Hiragi-kun! After all we can now enter the town without reservation! Well, your useless tails might get in the way…but it is still good to visit various towns as you travel the world. I think it is best to live positively! This is why you should be happy!” (Shuten)

“What is wrong with you?” (Hiragi)

Even though it is called a mountain path, it is nothing like the cliffs of the Alfan Ranges. It is a similar feeling to hiking on a trail that cuts through a forest.

Looking up, it is a clear sky with no clouds. It could easily be said that the temperature was comfortable and displayed the rich climate of the Professor Country.

“However, since you cannot keep it up for long, we cannot stay in an inn.” (hiragi)

“I know! Oh I understand! But my pleasure of being able to enter a town will not change! No, after accomplishing such a difficult thing I could not continue without a reward!” (Shuten)

“It’s still leaking even now though, isn’t it?” (Hiragi)

“No, it is seriously impossible to pull it in even more than this. It would not be strange to be tired. Well, I’ll

Well, I’ll be okay as long as it’s not for a long period of time.” (Shuten)

“Just get used to it already.” (Hiragi)

“If I get used to it then staying at an inn is no longer an impossible dream!” (Shuten)

“…Seriously, what a strange guy.” (Hiragi)

Quiet you. This Shuten is pursuing his romance.

It is a true dream of mine to be able to come to a town in the game and stay the night there at an inn. I am living in this world with all my heart, pursuing my romance.

Well, for Hiragi who does not understand my circ.u.mstances, her expression of embarra.s.sment will not change.

Now then, time to check on our current position.

This is the road connecting the town of Tunto and the Narcissus Harbor, a mountain path close to Tunto. Probably around noon we will reach Tunto from our campsite. Thanks to Hiragi’s efforts, I was able to suppress my Intimidation Aura enough to be accepted into town. The Professor Country is open to demons and humans. To put it simply they are willing to coexist and are rather tolerant.

Kuruneaism, the national religion is ultimately a religion based upon the teaching of “love your neighbor.” Following the guidance of Kurunea, you appreciate every friendly encounter and give thanks to G.o.d that everyone is alive and can live together. It’s something along that kind of feeling.

I think the Restless Demon[4] also lives in this town.

It might be fun to meet such a person.

The G.o.ddess Kurunea is that brown-haired big-sister. When she was revealed in III, the impression of the G.o.ddess who led the Professor Country compared to the impression when she showed herself revealed a terrible gap.

Well, putting the story of the G.o.ddess aside.

Currently, I am in this country where demons are allowed coexistence for religious reasons, unless violence is used. That is why I was so desperate to subdue my Intimidation Aura in order to enter the towns and villages, and I was antic.i.p.ating our entry.

We are planning on entering Tunto. Well, since I had been banned from towns until now, I have not been able to gather information.

I want to grasp what the world is like now from the viewpoint of the locals.

No, I understand the general movements because of Kurunea, but the parts not related to her mission are also needed to live in this world. Because I want to move forward by my own two feet.

It would be great if I could also hear anything about the Pearl Pieces. It will probably not be easy, but I think that it is possible since I can talk with people. The strangest thing about me is probably the Demon Slayer on my back that is easily seen as I walk.

“…hm?” (Shuten)

“What is it?” (Hiragi)

There is something like a flyer in the middle of the road.

“Do you think it is a trap for you Hiragi?” (Shuten)

“Then leave it to fry in the sun!” (Hiragi)

“If it caught you, do you think you would be fried?” (Shuten)

“Tch, is there even a serious thought in your head?” (Hiragi)

“Haha, it is a beast after all.” (Shuten)

“Shut up!” (Hiragi)

While she sulked, I picked up the flyer and brought it back to Hiragi on the path. Shakingthe path. Shaking off the dirt on the paper, I held it where both of us could easily read it.

[If you see this face, report to the Imperial Academy]

Hmm? Whose face is…tch.

“Hoho, it’s a fancy portrait. Yep, the two black horns growing from his head are rather cool. The length of the hair even matches this handsome face. As a notable feature, wearing this Kinagaishi creates a wonderful atmosphere of ‘harmony.’ Heh, this guy has some good sense…though I feel like I’ve seen this face before.” (Shuten)

“Hey Shuten, what kind of retort are you looking for?” (Hiragi)

“Huh? Retort? Please do it later Hiragi. Now then.” (Shuten)

“Do you want me to wash your face now as well?”[5] (Hiragi)

“Why would I wash my face right now? I do not understand what you mean.” (Shuten)

I really don’t understand what she means.

Hmm? There’s something written under the portrait.

[Demon Shuten. This person has destroyed the Imperial Academy Research Inst.i.tute and an enemy. If you find him, contact Desiree McRein. Reward of 10,000 Gold.]

Ehh~ this Desiree person is looking for a demon named Shuten…? 10,000 Gold seems like a bit of overkill for a reward.
“…”

“…”

“Hey, Hiragi.” (Shuten)

“What?” (Hiragai)

“Do you think he will give me the 10,000 Gold if I go?” (Shuten)

“More likely he’ll give you a taste of his Divine Phenomenon skills.” (Hiragi)

“Yeah…” (Shuten)

Hahaha.

“Why am I wanteeeeddddd!?” (Shuten)

“You’re saying that now!? Now, of all times!?” (Hiragi)

“I just want to go into townnnnnn!!” (Shuten)

“Even though you have a price on your head!?” (Hiragi)

Abandoning my pride, I crouched and held my head in my hands.

If such a flyer has circulated around, I won’t be able to go into town…I wonder if this is the result of that person’s resentment~. It is totally his resentment.

It was probably because I destroyed his headquarters. Just how much are your thoughts filled with the research inst.i.tute?

At that time.

I heard a sound, and a sheet of paper was presented from my left side. But Hiragi should be standing on my other side. It couldn’t be.

A bounty hunter here to present a letter of challenge and then turn me in for 10,000 gold!?

I instantly raised my head and grabbed the paper.

“Who!?” Hiragi shouted in belated surprise and alarm.

Well, I also can’t say anything since I didn’t sense her until she was beside me.

As soon as I raised my face, I responded with a lifeless gaze and voice.

“This is?” (Shuten)

The paper handed to me was in a language completely different from human writing.

The young woman next to me who was now looking up into my face, pulled out a pen from a cute pouch and handed it to me.

“It is the Demon King’s Army correspondence -” was written on the paper I held.

Translation Notes