Chapter 32: Revisiting the Old Place
The people from the Yomi Weapons Division arrived quickly.
Hikigaya and Doni hadn't been birdwatching for long before the helicopter arrived.
However, the helicopter didn't fly directly into the base. Instead, they switched through several other modes of transportation along the way before finally arriving at one of the Yomi Organization's bases in Japan. It took about an hour.
This base was located in the forest at the base of Mt. Fuji, known as the "Sea of Trees." Interestingly, it was a place where Hikigaya had stayed even before becoming a God Slayer.
In the Japanese dictionary, the term "Sea of Trees" (Jukai) broadly refers to vast, dense forests. From a high vantage point, they resemble a wide sea—hence the name. But in reality, very few places can truly be called a "Sea of Trees." In practice, the term is more often associated with mysterious or secluded areas.
The Yomi Organization is meticulous about constructing their bases.
If the local powers are weak, they build their bases openly and brazenly. Conversely, if the local powers are strong, the bases are built more discreetly—or sometimes, not at all.
Here, "local powers" refer to the magical societies and martial arts factions that are similar in nature to the Yomi Organization.
Japan is considered a country where "local powers" are relatively strong, but not to the extent that the Yomi Organization can't infiltrate. In fact, within the martial arts world, Yomi's influence far outweighs the native forces.
After entering the base, Hikigaya and Doni didn't say much and immediately started feasting.
The way they ate made them look like two starving ghosts reincarnated—neither looked dignified in the slightest.
The Weapons Division members stood nervously nearby, serving them carefully.
They were genuinely afraid now—something didn't feel right about how things had played out.
Initially, they thought that the "Sword King"—who had become a God Slayer several years ago—would have no problem dealing with Hikigaya Hachiman, a newcomer.
Clearly, they didn't understand what a God Slayer truly was.
So even though Hikigaya didn't pay them much attention, they hurried to contact the people from the Barehanded Division.
Although the two groups usually didn't see eye to eye, there was no time to care about such things now.
Meanwhile, Hikigaya, after finishing his meal, continued chatting with Doni.
He had too many questions, and he hadn't gotten the answers he wanted from Voban.
"Oh, you mean Authorities?"
Doni was still eating, seemingly determined to win back some pride at the table, but he still had the energy to respond.
"I don't know too much about that."
He continued stuffing his face while trying to gather his thoughts.
"Let me think... Oh right, it goes like this: we defeat a god, and then witches perform a secret ritual for us. But during this process, the kind of Authority we receive is determined by ourselves."
"Is it based on personality?" Hikigaya asked.
This idea came from anime impressions—Voban's Authorities were either overwhelming powerhouses or reflected his controlling and violent nature.
Doni was the same—his Authorities were closely aligned with his focused personality and sword specialization.
"It's not just personality. If you understand a god very well, you'll naturally strongly desire some of their abilities. In that case, there's a high chance you'll obtain it."
Doni finally stopped shoveling food in and looked as if he were reminiscing.
"Of course, it might also be a power you remember deeply, and if it matches your personality, there's a good chance you'll get it."
"I see..." Hikigaya felt like he was beginning to understand.
Why he never obtained skill-based Authorities—only those that seemed like inherent qualities.
It was probably because he always approached gods from that angle of understanding.
Except for Set, which was a bit of an outlier, both Osiris and Kuafu fit this pattern.
Thinking about it carefully, it was a bit frustrating. These Authorities had variety, but initially couldn't be used effectively. A God Slayer had to improve through battle—so didn't that mean he had to constantly find equals to fight?
"Lord Hikigaya."
A somewhat fawning voice suddenly rang in his ears.
Frowning, he turned his head.
Whoa—what a huge face. Back off, man.
"Ah… Lord Hikigaya, please don't misunderstand." The man seemed startled by Hikigaya's fierce expression, backing away several steps, face pale. "Our comrades from the Barehanded Division have received our notice and hope to have the honor of meeting you."
Hikigaya blinked in mild surprise.
The Barehanded Division wanted to come?
He didn't like the Weapons Division guys, but the Barehanded ones were a different story.
In terms of martial artist mentality, Hikigaya actually aligned more with the Yomi Organization's Barehanded Division style.
The Barehanded Division always thought the Weapons Division guys were sissies—couldn't fight unless they were holding something. Not manly at all.
Of course, in return, the Weapons Division viewed the Barehanded ones as uncivilized monkeys—barehanded combat was originally derived from weapon-based martial arts, so if someone couldn't use weapons, what were they if not monkeys? Should they just call them gorillas?
But they didn't dare say that to Hikigaya's face.
"Got it," Hikigaya said with a wave of his hand. The Weapons Division members immediately fled as if they'd been granted amnesty.
"You keep eating—I'm going out for a walk."
With that, Hikigaya left the still-gorging Doni behind and got up to leave.
He was very familiar with this base—deep within the Sea of Trees.
After all, he had once stayed here before.
Outside the base, dense jungle spread as far as the eye could see. This was a completely untouched, pristine forest. No signs of human interference. The plants grew freely according to nature's rhythm.
With a quick step, Hikigaya leapt forward and darted through the forest like the wind, silently.
The humidity in the air was just right—it made him feel right at home.
The martial arts he had mastered were now fully integrated into his every move. Every martial technique had become instinctive. Power distribution flowed naturally. With a single thought, he could effortlessly execute various techniques.
His internal magical energy had also increased—and become purer. This was the realm pursued by magicians: continuous purification of their magic. A magician who achieved this state to its limit would be called the "Pure One."
At this moment, he was without a doubt one of the top martial artists.
Then there were his Authorities—this recent battle had given him deeper understanding.
Set's dryness and Osiris's moisture—in Egyptian mythology—paralleled the Yin-Yang philosophy. They encompassed all things. How far he could develop this in the future was a fascinating prospect.
Hikigaya dashed past towering trees. The wildly stretching branches and uneven ground posed no hindrance to him.
Suddenly, the forest ahead brightened, and the trees disappeared—Hikigaya had reached an open space.
The forest had been split in two.
Because a river ran through it.
The river, untouched by human pollution, was crystal clear and gently flowing, sparkling like fish scales in the light.
Both riverbanks were rocky gravel flats. Hikigaya stood on one side.
Walking to the river's edge, he dipped his hand into the water. A cool, refreshing sensation spread through him—it felt wonderful.
Once upon a time, this place had been like hell for him. But now, moving through it felt no different than strolling through his own living room.