More death, more slaughter—that was what the demons craved.
The demons born alongside the Nine-Tails and those born continuously in this vibrant world over centuries—many would die in the war between Izumo and the Nine-Tails. Even humans would die, from both nations.
Yet in that death and slaughter, the regrets and grudges of the dying would give birth to new youkai upon their bones... This world was truly remarkable.
Yukari didn't stay long. After two more cups of tea, she took her leave. A career-minded youkai was always busy. In fact, if the Izumo army hadn't happened to pass Sū ěr and Think secluded home, Yukari wouldn't have had the time to explain these things, just to prevent some mindless youkai from triggering Sū ěr wrath.
Though not explicitly stated, in every word and action of Yukari, Sū ěr clearly saw two words: "Corporate Slave."
For a youkai with the ability to traverse space, Yukari was exceptionally well-behaved in front of Sū ěr. She even walked to the door on her own two feet and gave a polite farewell before stepping into her gap.
The malicious eyes were still there in the lightless black gap. With a final wave from Yukari, the rift disappeared, leaving Sū ěr with the scenery he had already grown bored of.
Spring hadn't fully arrived. When the breeze blew through the valley, the chill was still evident.
"She's testing whether you have any intention of participating... in this war between Izumo and the remnants of Yamato—or rather, the Nine-Tailed Fox."
Think voice came from behind. Even though Sū ěr current body didn't need it, she draped a coat over him.
"Is that so?" Sū ěr wanted to sound more surprised, but he felt little emotion. "How terrifying~"
The bamboo forest hissed in the wind. A light snow had fallen two days ago, making the winter piles that hadn't melted even whiter. The transition to spring always felt a bit more desolate.
"Our understanding of this world is still too shallow," Sū ěr said suddenly as a bamboo leaf fell before his eyes. "The Nine-Tails' sudden movement, everything about Izumo, gods and youkai ruling together... Heh."
He sneered.
"So... you want to get a closer look?" Think asked, wrapping her arms around Sū ěr neck from behind and resting her chin on his shoulder.
"..."
Sū ěr didn't answer. He seemed to be making a choice.
"Can't suppress your curiosity?"
"Ambition ignited by the struggle outside?"
"Want to show off your power?"
Think didn't wait for a response, idly listing possibilities in his ear.
"I recall the lifespan of your race Elf is generally seven or eight hundred to a thousand years, right?" Sū ěr asked before Think could throw out more ridiculous guesses. "Compared to humans, you're definitely a long-lived species. In all that time, don't you get bored? What do long-lived species do when they're bored?"
"Start a war, obviously," Think replied without a second's thought.
The answer was so real and practical that Sū ěr was momentarily stunned.
"...Well, there must be times when you aren't fighting, right? In the brief gaps?" Sū ěr tried to struggle.
"Academic research, obviously. Publishing new papers, researching more powerful weapons," Think said naturally, again without hesitation.
Sū ěr finally realized he had asked an incredibly stupid question. In the unending war of the previous world, if one stopped getting stronger, the entire race would soon face extinction.
"Ah, thinking about it now, that life was very fulfilling... Researching the unactivated Suniasters [God-cores] or the simple desire to develop a technique that outdid those 'ground-rats' [Dwarves] was great," Think sighed nostalgically. "Once you enter the magic workshop, time accelerates. You lose track of the date, you even forget little things like eating."
"Or bathing?"
"You're getting bold... Sū ěr?"
Boink!
The consequence of telling the truth was Sū ěr head being flicked.
After some playful bickering, the scene shifted to Sū ěr holding Think as they sat cross-legged on the bamboo porch, watching the sun set.
"I think I'm finding it hard to endure this life."
When the brilliant white of the sun turned into a warm, non-stinging gold, Sū ěr spoke softly.
"Thinking about it, setting aside the changes forced by my environment, I'm just a guy in his twenties—I've never seen life after thirty, let alone forty, fifty, sixty..."
"Starting a family in a normal world, complaining about prices rising while wages stay still, worrying about children's grades and education... I've experienced none of that."
"I haven't had my edges smoothed out by society, nor have I become peaceful with age... In this state, isn't it a bit much to expect me to get used to a secluded life for decades, centuries, or thousands of years after seeing only a few storms?"
Sū ěr asked the question as if talking to himself, looking down at Think in his arms.
"You're just bored," Think said calmly, meeting his gaze. She was pleased. "Even the lives of long-lived species need adjustment... finding a rhythm that suits you."
"Bored... am I?"
Repeating Think words, Sū ěr found no point to argue.
It hadn't taken long—barely over a year—for him to grow sick of this primitive world. No phones, no computers, no entertainment, no variety in food... it sucked.
Aside from the various novel youkai, there were practically no upsides. In contrast, the list of downsides was unending.
The most terrifying thing was that this life would likely last tens of thousands of years—at least until the myths actually became myths.
The thought of witnessing human evolution step by step made Sū ěr skin crawl.
It was a living hell.