ALL NOVEL Chapter 23: Chapter 23
Lin Cheng saw the sun shining brightly in the sky and exhaled a sigh of relief. It seemed that his plan and design were quite successful, completely delaying Akaza's actions so that he could escape with Mitsuri Kanroji.
Although he possessed strength and skills that surpassed even those of a higher rank like Akaza, Lin Cheng knew that there was no way to finish off his opponent during the night.
This reinforced his urge to obtain a Nichirin Sword. Without this weapon, forged from special steel, it was impossible to eliminate a demon before dawn.
Lin Cheng tilted his head to the side. At that moment, Mitsuri Kanroji rested hers on his shoulder, sound asleep. Her breathing was calm and even, but Lin Cheng, with his perceptive abilities, noticed her heartbeat quickening.
He turned his head slightly to look at her, and noticed that Mitsuri's cheeks were red, like cherry blossoms in full bloom. Although she looked asleep, Lin Cheng was not fooled.
"Stop pretending, Mitsuri" he whispered softly.
"Huh? Have you figured me out yet?" she replied, opening her eyes and sticking out her tongue in a mischievous gesture.
The reason she had pretended to be asleep was simple: she wanted to stay in his arms longer.
"Lin Cheng-san..." said Mitsuri, looking up. Her emerald green eyes, bright as willow branches under the rising sun, reflected concern.
"Can you tell me what happened last night?".
Although he had tried to minimize the incident, Mitsuri had awakened in an unfamiliar place and noticed her strange behavior. It was clear that something important had happened, and he didn't plan to let it go.
Lin Cheng sighed. Now that dawn had dispelled the immediate danger, there was no reason to hide anything from him. Looking into Mitsuri's troubled eyes, he began to recount the events of the previous night: the fierce battle against Akaza, the traps that had delayed him, and the escape that allowed them to survive.
When he finished, Mitsuri's eyes were red and tear-filled.
"Lin Cheng-san... I'm so sorry!" sobbed Mitsuri as she looked at him, clenching her fists tightly.
"This was all my fault.... It's too dangerous."
Before Lin Cheng could respond, Mitsuri interrupted him, his voice cracking with emotion.
"You faced such a terrifying demon all by yourself! I... I didn't do anything to help you!".
Lin Cheng gently stroked her back and smiled to calm her down.
"Don't worry, Mitsuri. You did enough by trusting me."
However, the comforting words failed to calm her down. Mitsuri looked up, her eyes steady as never before.
"No... it's not enough. I want to be stronger!" declared Mitsuri with determination.
"No matter how much effort it takes, no matter how many sacrifices I have to make! Because I'm Lin Cheng-san's fiancée, and I want to fight by your side!".
Lin Cheng smiled at her determination and nodded. He knew she meant what she said, and they both needed to prepare for the dangers they would surely face.
However, the most urgent thing was to leave that town as soon as possible. Sakura Town had become extremely dangerous. Akaza had already set his eyes on him, and it was possible that other demons were also aware of his presence.
"Mitsuri, we must first look for your parents. We can't leave them here.
Hours later, Lin Cheng and Mitsuri made up an excuse to convince his parents to move in with them. Although Akaza did not usually attack ordinary humans, other demons would have no qualms about using their family as a tool for revenge.
With everything ready, they packed their belongings and left Sakura Town.
..........
A few days later, near another town in the north...
Lin Cheng, Mitsuri and their parents arrived in front of a new town.
"Lin Cheng-san, is this where we will live now?" asked Mitsuri with anticipation as she looked at the streets on the horizon.
"Yes, this place is far enough away from Sakura Town.
Lin Cheng smiled and pointed to the sign marking the entrance to the place.
"This will be our new home: Hokuyuki."