Volume 1 Chapter 24 The Great Villain Of The World And His Senior Disciple, Taking The Exam Ii
"'Four Divine Steps'──'Byakko Tiger's Swift Run (The Byakko tiger's gait is like the wind)'!"
My body feels light.
The scenery rushes by behind me.
I don't even feel the weight of the sword on my back.
After leaving the town gate of Hokurin, once there were no people around, Shikei and I started running with 'Four Divine Steps.'
This is the first time I've really run outside... and with all my strength.
I didn't think I could go this fast.
Is this the true power of the 'Movement Speed Doubled' and 'Escape from Any Opponent' technique?
My master's advice to 'become the Seiryuu Dragon, Suzaku Bird, Byakko Tiger, and Genbu Turtle' really helped.
'Beast Body Guidance' lets you become a snake, a chicken, a cat, or a turtle. For me, getting used to it makes becoming the Byakko Tiger or Seiryuu Dragon not that hard.
That's why my master told me to keep practicing 'Beast Body Guidance'...
"Thank you, Master Raikou."
While I thank my master, I keep running.
I don't feel tired. I'm not out of breath.
This must be thanks to 'Four Divine Steps' and the 'ki' energy I've trained.
"But... is Shikei okay running that fast?"
Shikei is running a little ahead of me.
The distance is about 50 to 60 meters (164 to 197 feet), I guess.
Today, Shikei is different from usual. He's saying fewer words and his attitude is cold.
Did I do something to upset Shikei...?
"――Hey, Shikei!? That's not the road!?"
Kaou-shikei, who is running in front, suddenly jumps off the road.
He's heading towards the river. Is he really planning to cross the river?
If he jumps over the river, he could cut the distance by about 30%. After that, there's a big path along the river. It's a rocky path with an uphill climb. Once we get past that, Horou town is right there.
But... why is Shikei in such a hurry to compete?
"...I'm not going to join you."
I'm not really focused on the competition.
My goal is to avoid the 'Kou Tenhou Destruction End,' and 'Four Divine Steps' is just a means to that end. I don't want to play my part, and I don't want any special skills.
There's no need for me to follow Shikei and take a dangerous path.
But...
'――I'm going to bet everything on this test. You better come at me seriously.'
Kaou-shikei's words flash through my mind.
Shikei is hiding something. He once told me he wanted to share it with me someday.
And now, that Kaou-shikei is seriously challenging me.
If I run away now... I feel like Shikei won't take me seriously anymore.
"Ugh, fine! I guess I have no choice!!"
I change my course. I leave the road and chase after Kaou-shikei's back.
No matter what, we should take a break later. At that time, I'll talk to Kaou-shikei.
"'Four Divine Steps'──'Lurking Dragon King's Ascent (The Lurking Dragon King Soars to the Sky)'!!"
I jumped over the river along the road.
Becoming a dragon, I extended my jump distance. I chased after Kaou-shikei from the air.
"I'll make sure to get a proper explanation for why he's messing with me!"
So I continued to chase after Kaou-shikei.
──Two hours later──
Shikei and I were running over the rocky terrain.
We took several breaks to catch our breath and gather our 'ki.'
But I couldn't catch up to Shikei. Whenever I got close, Shikei would stop resting and start running again.
In the end, we had no choice but to rest apart.
Still, the distance between Shikei and me was gradually closing.
Maybe it was because it started to rain.
I was using the 'Byakko tiger' from 'Four Divine Steps.'
The tiger has claws on all 4 limbs. Because of that, the Byakko tiger can grip the ground firmly.
But Shikei was using the form of the 'Suzaku bird.'
This allows him to fly using 'ki' energy and gain distance with a long airtime.
However, when the ground is wet, it's easy for his feet to slip when landing. The rocky terrain is especially bad for that.
Because of this, Shikei lost his balance several times. It's getting dangerous like this.
"Shikei. Let's take a break!! I'll rest too!!"
Shikei doesn't answer.
It's like he's possessed, running non-stop.
"Kaou-shikei!! Why are you being reckless!?"
"...I can't say."
I hear Shikei's voice.
"If I say it... you would definitely give up the fight, right?"
"...Shikei."
"I'm your friend. So, I will fight without shame! Come at me with all you've got, Tenhou!!"
"I understand, but please take a break, Shikei!"
"Okay. Come at me with all your strength... Tenhou."
Shikei's breathing gets rough.
His 'Ki' energy──the flow of 'ki' is getting disturbed.
"────!?"
"Shikei!!"
Shikei's feet slip as he lands.
This is a rocky area. A narrow path. Right next to us is a river. If this keeps up, Shikei will fall into the river!
"──'Byakko Tiger's Flash Step' (Byakko tiger moves a hundred steps in one)! ."
I kick the ground in the form of Byakko tiger from 'Four Divine Steps.'
Focusing 'ki' energy on the soles of my feet for high-speed movement.
I catch Shikei's body, which is about to fall.
Then, using the cat form of 'Beast Body Guidance,' 'Cat's Triple Roll' to absorb the impact. We stop in a puddle by the riverbank.
We got soaked, but... we managed to avoid falling into the river.
"Are you okay, Shikei?"
"...I'm sorry, Tenhou."
"Anyway, let's take a break. It's dangerous to move in the rain. We need to dry our clothes."
The exam task is to reach Horou's town by sunset today, but thanks to taking a shortcut, we have plenty of time. We can rest for one or 2 hours without any problem.
"Is there a place to take shelter from the rain...?"
I found one. There's a small cave in the rocky area. The overhanging rocks make a good roof.
It looks like I can stay dry there.
"Let's take a little break. I'm sure Master will allow that."
"...Yeah."
Shikei had a face that looked like he was about to cry.
When I offered my shoulder, he leaned on me without hesitation.
Maybe because he pushed himself too hard, his body temperature was high. It seemed like his breathing was getting rough.
While supporting Shikei, I headed toward the cave in the rocky area.
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