Published at 12th of December 2025 8:19 am

Chapter 1336: Poor Genshiro

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Genshiro Arakuro dragged his feet as he walked through the streets of Taketsu City. His face was marked by sadness, and his eyes looked hollow. He radiated utter depression, as if his world had fallen apart.

The general atmosphere of the city wasn’t what it used to be either. After Genshiro and his men brought the wagons containing... the leftovers of their kin, a wave of subtle terror gradually washed over the city.

Only a fraction of the population had seen the contents of the wagons before the Arakuro Magi had stepped in and gotten rid of the wagons to prevent public unrest.

But the damage had already been done.

Needless to say, those handful of residents who had seen the contents of the wagons were beyond mortified. The news then spread like wildfire within the city, planting a seed of doubt and fear within most of the residents.

Ever since the battle with the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult had started, the residents of Taketsu City hadn’t really felt any substantial threats. After all, they had all been safe within the confines of the city walls, and the battles had usually taken place along the borders of the province.

But now, when Genshiro Arakuro had brought back the remains of his kin in those wagons, everything changed.

Of course, while all the Magi of the clan thought that Genshiro had committed such an act due to being mentally broken by the enemy, the truth couldn’t be far from it.

Genshiro had done it on purpose.

After all...

Genshiro was no longer Genshiro.

As he wandered seemingly aimlessly through the city, wallowing in misery and self-deprecation, his thoughts raced.

I don’t have long before the effects of the spell wear off, he mused.

I must find my target quickly. It has to be someone high-up in the hierarchy of the clan. Attacking the Patriarch is out of the question. He is strong, and the fight would inevitably draw out. And I’m behind enemy lines...

Genshiro sat down on a public bench, watching in a daze as the people passed by. He made sure to maintain the facade of depression and helplessness.

I’ve already marked my target. It should be relatively easy. But I only have until midnight to carry out my plan. After that, the effects of the spell will wear off, and I will have no choice but to retreat.

He turned his head, his gaze settling on a two-story pagoda located on a small hill within the city. His eyes flashed with vile cunning, and he thought:

But a Mana Core Magus is still a Mana Core Magus, no matter how weak they are. Who knows what defensive artifact they must have on themself...

My attack must be precise. It must be swift.

A plan began to form in Genshiro’s mind.

He soon lowered his head and covered his face with his hands, his shoulders trembling.

To the onlooker, it would seem that he was sobbing, but in truth... he couldn’t stop himself from laughing.

Oh, what a devious plan this will turn out to be!

But only if I can pull it off...

He lowered his hands, his face returning to a state of despondency. He rose to his feet, then walked to his next destination.

Time to put my plan in motion.

***

In a certain restricted section of Taketsu City, a grand flight of stone steps led up a small, green hill. Red torii fated stood in rows, their paint weathered by the ravages of time. The wind rustled through charms and bells, carrying faint echoes of prayers into the ears of travelers.

At the top of the hill, a two-story pagoda awaited. It was wooden, simple, and ancient. Green moss crept along the base of the building, and a faint scent of incense drifted in the air.

This was the residence of Lady Chiyo, the Head Diviner of the Arakuro Clan.

Inside the pagoda, she sat cross-legged on the ground, thinking about the current state of the clan, its people, as well as what had transpired earlier today.

Thinking back to how foolishly Genshiro had acted, she couldn’t help but sigh.

Poor Genshiro, I have always known you to be strong and steadfast. What happened to you?

She wondered.

But then again, if she were in his shoes, she couldn’t help but wonder if she would do things any differently.

Heavenly Demon, I must salute your cunning. You have managed to strike directly at the minds of Arakuro’s Magi.

I wonder how this war will play out...

Suddenly, her eyes narrowed when she heard footsteps approach her residence. It was already past dinner time, so she was puzzled as to who would come here at such an odd time. Besides, she couldn’t remember inviting someone over.

With the current state of war, she couldn’t help but grow slightly wary. But she breathed a sigh of relief when she heard the voice from beyond the door.

"Lady Chiyo," said the voice. "Is it okay if we can talk? It’ll only be a few moments."

But very quickly, the voice added, "I-I’m sorry for coming unannounced. I... will see you in the morning—"

"Come in," Lady Chiyo gently said.

With a long, drawn-out, almost eerie creak, the doors to the pagoda opened. The pale light of the twin moons spilled inside, stretching the visitor’s shadow long across the floor.

"Genshiro, what’s the matter?" Lady Chiyo asked, her eyes flashing with concern.

"Lady Chiyo, I..." Genshiro stepped inside, closing the door behind him. Then he knelt on the ground before the elderly woman and continued, "I don’t know, I just... I feel so lost."

Lady Chiyo sighed. She observed the man’s sorrowful aura, at his hunched shoulders, then at his face that appeared lost. Finally, her gaze settled on the item he was carrying.

"What’s this?" She asked with an arched eyebrow.

"Oh." Genshiro forced a smile. "I didn’t want to come empty-handed, so I bought some tea."

Lady Chiyo smiled faintly. "Very well. Go ahead, brew us both a cup of tea. Then, let’s talk about what’s been bothering you."

Genshiro nodded ever so slightly. "Yes, Lady Chiyo."

Then he walked to the corner of the floor and began preparing tea.

His lips slowly curled into a crooked grin.

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