“How did things get this way!?”

“Hrrppphh?”

The exasperated remark of a certain High Priest was met by a Divine Beast’s bewildered query.

“What do I mean? Do you have any idea how many Demonic Beasts we’ve seen thus far?”

“Hrppph…?”

“Not just ‘a lot’. It’s basically one beast for every major settlement that we’ve passed by. I’m sensing a pattern I really don’t like. I’m basically fighting every beast on Miss Laila’s list at this point.”

Oraki had just made it out of Rabuko forest after facing all manner of Demonic Beast; found in or near the setlements scattered across its vast sea of trees. He would continue to follow the main road to Sokoke Forest and was currently in some grassy fields.

“Hrphhhh?”

“It’s tedious. That’s the problem. I’m glad to help keep the peace but every time I take one out there’s always an innocent bystander. Which means I also have to take care of and escort them to a safe location. Repeating the same process until Ganga village is going to be annoying.”

A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

“Hrppphh…HrpphhhHrphhhhh?”

“Huh!? Why in blazes would I prefer to just have them all come at me at once!? Don’t even say that. You might…”

“Hrphhhhh!!!”

A cloud of menacing shadows soon approached from the distant horizon. Demonic crows of an impossible size were carrying all manner of land based Demonic Beasts.

It was as if they had been expressly delivering them to his location.

“…jinx it. I’m beginning to wonder if someone’s just trying their absolute hardest to kill me.”

Oraki said while making an incredibly stupid expression.

“Hrpphhhh.Hrphhhhhhh…”

“Don’t be silly. Why would it definitely be a woman? It’s not as if I naturally make women want to kill me. At least, I hope not…”

“It would explain a lot of things.”

The divine presence of a Chief God chose to give their take on the matter.

“You hardly speak for the entire journey and that’s what you choose to comment on!?”

As Oraki remarked on Gesa’s awkward timing, he had already prepared himself to do battle.

As luck would have it, there was an old lady and their grandson carrying some chopped wood at the top of the hill. Naturally, Oraki would have to rush to protect them before the Demonic Beasts reach them.

“Seriously, what kind of tedious game is fate playing with me!?”

Oraki could not help but think these words as he made a tired expression.