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We cannot rush, we cannot rush! I must strike the full twelve!

But—eek—didn't something just fly past the eaves?!

Still short! The last three times!

I—I'll help!

Hoh... they came twice in one day. Why so frequent?

'In one day'... you mean 'in twenty-four hours,' right?

It really is a pain that daylight and nighttime don't ever switch. If you overslept, you'd end up losing track of time forever, wouldn't you...?

Hahaha, sleeping in is no good habit...

Though I must note how unruffled you are, Miss Lava. Presumably you did not cower when those monsters first appeared to you, either?

These things happen. And you seem pretty calm yourself.

See the sun strong above our heads. Those monsters would never make their way here.

Nobody'll get hurt, right?

If you're slow to escape, I fear they're unavoidable... If you do not lose your life, then you are already very lucky.

Mr. Umbrella-Boiler... I have a suggestion.

Go ahead.

We'll help P'o-shan Village pass the Dusk Ridding safely. Those monsters aren't strong, and we'll give it all we have to ensure the villagers' safety.

I want to wait until P'o-shan Village is safe, and then I'd like you to help us leave, Mr. Umbrella-Boiler.

Leave? Here? That of course is easily done, but... you've only just arrived, Miss. Are you truly willing to endanger yourself for us?

No problem. Those monsters only look scary. They're not actually that tough.

—Then let me first thank you, on behalf of all in P'o-shan Village.

M—My benefactors!

Oho, so thou art the benefactor Lava that Nothing spoke of! Well met, well met. I am Saga, humble servant of the Buddha, from Higashi—

Now now now, Master, Master, the self-introduction can wait! Those Ink Spirits have plunged straight into the village!

...'Mo'... fiend...? 'Liang'... two?

'Tis the name I chose for those monsters.

'Ink Spirit'... 'Mo-liang', a liang of the ch'ih, mei, wang and liang monsters. Very good. We finally have a unified way to address them.

Those Ink... Ink Spirits aren't much of a threat. You don't need to be so nervous.

Oh! Quite imposing! I approve!

Benefactor, I feel this time might be somewhat different...

What's different?

They're, well, er, a bit of a... horde?

Is there anyone still left here? Hurry over to the storyteller's and hide!

To the east, hurry!

Ever since we noticed the sky, I've been conscious of how the further west you go, the more nighttime it actually gets...

If so, are we currently heading 'from the noon to the twilight?' Quite a poetic ring, actually.

It's not right. The distance 'from daytime to nighttime' is just too short. We've only gone how far?

The length of the painting's scroll does vary, and its every sight is a strange, wonderful turn. The people in the picture have all set customs for their world, but in the end, it is still artificial. That much is unavoidable.

And I'm saying—wait, what?

What?

What did you just s—

Gyaaaaghh—!

—! Someone's still here?!

This way!

S—Save me!

Fear not, I am here!

Gkhaa—

Ho, just as expected. Once cut down, it becomes an ink stain. Most strange, most strange.

Master, I commend your talent!

Lower not your guard, good girl, and make haste for the east!

Got it! You all be careful too!

It looks like quite a few villagers didn't run in time.

It was likely too sudden, no chance to—

Papa? Mama?

Th—There's a child there!

Oh no—get down, now!

She won't make it!

Uwaahhh... waaaaaahh...

Ahh!

Whoa, there, too close for comfort!

Are you okay?

Uwaaahhh... yeah... uwahhh...

Just... just now, did something stab that creature in the throat...?

That would be Kroos. What a tricky angle.

Where—Where is she?

Don't look, you won't find her. As long as we know she's here, that's good enough. Gotta prioritize ensuring every villager makes it out of the night.

Ho, quite the profound rapport. My horizons do broaden.

Wahhh... uwh-uwaah...

B—But how do we bring this young girl with us?

You take her out of here, and to somewhere safe. Okay?

Verily! As if I couldn't!

However—I really cannot bear to cast off my benefactors and take refuge alone! The fact I cannot accompany my benefactors in lopping off heads and spilling fresh blood is a true shame—

You can take the child to Mr. Umbrella's place first and then come back to us.

Ahahah... ah... alright, very well now. Very well.

Young miss, would you care to come with me?

*Sob*... *whimper*... mister, have you seen my mama...? *whimper*...

I'll take you to find her, okay?

Hic... mm-hm... thank you, mister...

Ahem. Benefactor, shall I depart for now then?

Yes.

Sir, will we be safe, relying on just Saga and the three heroes?

Sir...?

No matter.

What's wrong with him? Is he in a bad mood today? Did he forget to sleep last night?

Sir has culture and grace. He's not the temperamental kind.

I bet he's tired, worrying all about us. We should give him some space, let him sleep.

Cleanse the six senses!

Gkhaa!

Sever all desires!

Gkhaa!

Aburaage!

Gkh... gkhaa?

You're pretty strong yourself.

I grew from childhood in the monastery. It influenced me, and I learned a few ways of the sword. That is all.

You call that a few?

Mind not. Stay while I open a path for thee, Lava!

Gkh... gkhaa!

Those monsters are starting to fear you... now that I mention it, do Ink Spirits even have intelligence?

Gkh! Gkhaa! Gkhaakh ghkaa!

Ho?

Why'd you stop?