Chapter 87: Sudden Attack

The next day, the weather was gloomy. The dark clouds that had formed the previous night still hadn't dispersed, and a fine drizzle continued to fall, perfectly described by the word "lingering".

After Li Mo woke up, he didn't see the Saemon brothers. Even Saemon Katsumi wasn't home, leaving only Saemon Eri, who had prepared a pot of porridge.

"Ah, you're awake, guest. Here, this is a pot of preserved meat porridge I made this morning. Have some while it's hot."

"Thank you. Where did Ichiro and the others go?"

"Ichiro and Jiro went to check the fields. They'll be back soon. This old woman has a question for you, if you don't mind answering." Saemon Eri, who was getting on in years, spoke up.

Li Mo replied, "Please go ahead, Auntie."

"Are you skilled in swordsmanship?"

This question left Li Mo momentarily unsure how to respond. How did his swordsmanship rank in this world?

He was stronger than the Kairagi. But what about compared to the sword masters in the dojos? Li Mo began to ponder his skills. The sword techniques paired with the Sun Breathing style were undoubtedly top-tier, and since demons and humans had similar body structures, the techniques were even more effective against humans. Then there was the secret technique, Swallow Return, a supreme swordsmanship. Unfortunately, he had only grasped the basics.

After a pause, Li Mo answered, "I'm not sure how I rank in Inazuma City, but I'm certainly not weak."

"That puts the old man's mind at ease," Saemon Eri said. "This morning, Ichiro suggested giving you our family's treasured sword. The old man was a bit hesitant, unsure if you were worthy of it."

Thud, thud, thud.

A series of hurried footsteps echoed as Saemon Katsumi emerged from the room, speaking urgently, "Old woman, are you really slandering me in front of our guest?"

Though advanced in age, the old man's movements were not slow. According to the Saemon brothers, he was much more agile than the Imatani family in the village.

Saemon Katsumi held a black scabbard in his hands. He approached the two and casually handed it to Li Mo: "Here, guest, this sword is yours. Consider it a token of gratitude for bringing Ichiro back.

I've just sharpened it a bit. This sword hasn't been used in decades, but it's still sharp."

Li Mo took the scabbard, gripping the hilt and drawing the blade. A sharp, gleaming sword appeared before his eyes.

"This sword is called the Amenoma Kageuchi, right?"

"Yes, guest," Saemon Eri said. "The last time it was used was when the old man was young and ventured out into the world."

Saemon Katsumi added, "I still have some armor from my youth. Would you like it, guest?"

Saemon Eri retorted, "That armor of yours is long past its prime. How can you even think of giving it away?"

Li Mo smiled as he watched the two bicker. Though it sounded like an argument, their eyes showed no real conflict. Their relationship was truly good.

As he sipped the porridge, feeling the warmth flow through him, he was still uncertain about completing his mission. But he had a rough idea of what to do next.

First, he would try to contact Miss Hasegawa. If that didn't work, he'd head to Inazuma City. At worst, it would be a world quest, or perhaps an Archon quest.

Ding-ding-ding—!

Ding-ding-ding—!

The sound of bells ringing echoed.

Li Mo noticed the expressions of the elderly couple change, becoming much more serious.

"What's happening?"

"Guest, this is the village's alarm signaling an attack. No, old woman, I need to go check. Ichiro and Jiro are still outside," Saemon Katsumi said, standing up.

"I'll go," Li Mo said, rising to his feet.

Luck really wasn't on his side. On his second day here, he encountered an attack.

Village attacks were actually quite common. Even a stronghold like Mondstadt could be attacked—though it was by the Abyss Order. But it proved that this world was far from peaceful.

"Guest, take this rain hat."

"Thank you."

Li Mo put on the hat and stepped into the rain.

He knew where Konda Village's fields were. On the way back, Saemon Ichiro had chattered about it endlessly. The village had started as an agricultural community, and at its peak, it had grown many lavender melon trees. But with the Sakoku Decree in place, foreign merchants no longer came to buy the flowers for dye, and the village had declined significantly.

Li Mo found the Saemon brothers at the edge of the village, standing as onlookers. Ahead, a middle-aged samurai was fighting off attacking monsters—Hilichurls.

"Who's that?"

"That's Tejima. He used to be a samurai."

Saemon Ichiro's explanation reached Li Mo's ears as he watched the man fighting in the rain. He noticed the Vision hanging from Tejima's waist.

Was this his first time seeing a real Vision?

The monsters attacking Konda Village were a group of Hilichurls, all low-level ones armed with clubs. A single one of these Hilichurls could be handled by a strong adult man.

"Something's off. Hilichurls usually operate in tribes. Even though ordinary Hilichurls are low in intelligence, the shamans in their tribes are wise. Why would they launch such a senseless attack?" Saemon Ichiro said.

Having spent a long time in the wild, he was most familiar with Slimes and Hilichurls. As the saying goes, you understand your enemies best. While not a scholar specializing in Hilichurls, Ichiro at least understood their logic.

"I'll go help."

With those words, Li Mo rushed forward.

Tejima was strong—his Vision was proof enough. But he was getting on in years, his hair already graying. His stamina wasn't what it used to be.

Li Mo charged ahead, moving so fast that the Hilichurls couldn't react before he cut down the remaining ones.

Even the Kairagi were no match for him, let alone these ordinary Hilichurls.

"You're the guest who came back with the Saemon boy yesterday, right?"

"Yes. Uncle Tejima."

"Hmm, be careful. Something feels off. Why would a group of Hilichurls attack from this direction? There might be reinforcements," Tejima said.

Reinforcements—Li Mo was no stranger to that. Wave after wave, like the plot of "Huluwa Saves Grandpa." But that was in the game. In reality, it was a war of attrition.

Li Mo and Tejima were on the eastern side of the village. If his memory served him right, there was indeed a daily quest to clear out Hilichurls in this direction—though it was just a rough recollection.

His memory had grown fuzzy over time.

Soon, as Tejima predicted, reinforcements arrived. But among the Hilichurls, there was one monster that stood out.

"An Abyss Mage? Why would an Abyss Mage be leading Hilichurls to attack Konda Village?"

Doubt filled Li Mo's mind.