swordhardy | GP: INBOX

What do you mean by “no position to be picky”?

Not that I care about the state of the exorcists, but you make it sound like you’re a dying breed.

Blood thins, power wanes. The golden age of exorcists is long over. You said your clan has dwindled to two. Do you think you're alone in that position? Or do you simply find that impossible to imagine? Though, I suppose if you're happy to be rid of them, that wouldn't look like a problem to you.

Like I said, it doesn’t matter to me. Once I complete my goal, if I’m not dead, I’ll likely seclude on a mountain. Golden ages or whatever have nothing to do with me.

So that’s why you were so focused on my not continuing my bloodline, huh? Taking care of the remnants of the exorcists? You really do have a heavy responsibility to bear.

Seclude, and then what? Simply exist, unending? I don't think that's true. Can you truly not face the reality of your own path? Are you afraid? I suppose so. But that being the case, I will do what's necessary to carry out my goals. For now you have the convenience to refuse me, but that may not be the case forever. This is a strange and dynamic place. I look forward to what surprises it may bring.

Exist that way until there’s someone strong enough to kill me. That’s my path to walk - it’s you who keeps thinking I have something to fear, or another way to go.

Why would I ever not refuse you?

And the mirror? An excellent question. Let us find out.

You think too much.

Hah. Maybe you’ll find yourself coming to me. From what I can tell, I’m your elder. That “golden age” sounds a lot like what I’m familiar with.

Again with the excuses. I might. Does that excite you? The thought of me pleading for you. We've been over this. We are practically classmates, Rangetsu-san. But most here are from strangely different worlds, no? What makes you say that?

Your era sounds very different from mine. By all accounts, everything you talk about as being long gone is what I live back home.

You should respect your ancestors.

My ancestor, huh? Then you admit that your blood is that of an exorcist, through and through.

Definitely not.

My clan did fight daemons, but we didn’t consider ourselves exorcists. My brother is the only one.

Make the distinction all you like. The Matoba, too, were once simply mercenary bowmen. If the only distinction is between the use of magic and the use of weaponry, it isn't much of one.

You’re so stubborn. Do you want me to be an exorcist that badly? Or are you homesick?

I simply think it's a shame that something with as much potential and power as you will be brought down by your own refusal to self-examine. You are wearing your heart on your face, Rangetsu-san. What's done is done, but it isn't an impossible task. You've simply given up. Can you truly be called "strong" like that?

What? I don’t have a heart on my face.

Can’t strength be carving your own path? Or are you so resigned to your assigned one that you can’t imagine anything different?

[he hates you so much]

I'm talking about that disgusting malice that has bubbled up and ruined half your face. The result, no doubt, of corruption borne from a weak heart.