~?????~

"I knew Asuramaru would bring results, but to think they would go this far. Honestly, I expected less than this."

As they were seen sitting in the passenger part of the helicopter, Shiranui looked at what use to be Jinoshima island. Even now, after a night passed since the incident, the blaze didn't seem to diminish in the slightest. While taking in the scenery, the head of the Demon Hunter Organization placed their right hand upon their chin as they were lost in thought. Meanwhile, the pilot of the vehicle spoke up.

"Such destructive power. From the report you received yesterday, it was said this fire was caused by S-Ranked Cursed Treasure: Asuramaru's domain expansion. Are we sure this wasn't the work of a reality marble?"

"No. The created worlds of a reality marble are completely cut off from normal reality, they are the projection of mage's internal landscape and seal off the actual world we live in. They will encase anyone within range, causing them to disappear from view. Mages are still able to feel the presence of the Bounded Field, and while the people inside the reality marble cannot be directly affected from the outside, a large burst of Mana may be able to disrupt them."

Soon Shiranui let a sigh escape from their lips. They could understand how some people would assume a reality marble and domain expansion are the same. However, while they may seem similar at first glance, they are fundamentally different when you dissect how each of them work.

"Meanwhile a domain expansion isn't a different world cut off from our reality, but just the expansion of one's innate domain through cursed energy while using a barrier to construct it inside a separate space. The caster then imbues their cursed technique within the barrier to complete the expansion, allowing them to deploy their ability all throughout the domain. From the outside, a domain's barrier is normally completely closed, making it appear as a floating black sphere that can even be moved slightly if needed. It's easier to interfere with a domain expansion from the outside unlike with a reality marble."

"I see, since a domain expansion isn't removed from our own reality, we can interfere with it directly from the outside. I read that the stronger a technique is inside the barrier, the more fragile the outside is and that makes it easier to break in."

"Exactly, however, there are cases where a domain expansion is deployed but they lack a barrier yet still retain their guaranteed hit. Those types of domain expansion are seen as divine in the world of curse users. With no barrier, anyone could be caught in this sure hit attack. It would take a whole class to fully explain all the differences between a reality marble and a domain expansion, so let me leave it at this. A domain expansion for a curse user is like a reality marble for a mage, an extension of one's self. The differences between the two is like the difference between mana and cursed energy itself. While similar up close, the core of these aspects couldn't be more different."

As Shiranui said this, they looked downwards from the window of the helicopter. The moment they did, they saw the executioner they sent to do this mission. A smile slowly formed on their face as they told their pilot to land. Just as the helicopter was slowly descending, a ladder emerged from the side door as the head of the Demon Hunter Organization made their way down.

~With Shiki~
"Asuramaru is asleep now. To think they would get bored after lighting an entire island on fire."

As Shiki thought this, he looked down at the palm of his right hand. Everyone on the island aside from him was dead. Women, children, everyone from this island was gone. He was even the one who gave Asuramaru permission to do it. Yet, that wasn't the thing that scared Shiki the most.

"Why don't I feel anything about it? Shouldn't I be more afraid of my actions? Or upset that I was willing to let that all happen. All I feel right now is .........nothing."

"Mr.Shiki is the nicest person."

"............."

Just as Shiki stood up, his entire body shivered for a moment as he instinctively placed his right hand on Asuramaru's hilt. Suddenly the boy drew his blade as he spun around and had the weapon aimed at the throat of the one responsible for his uneasiness.

"Oh my, that's one way to greet me. I went through the trouble of giving you your first solo mission and this is the thanks I get? You really are something, Koritsu Shiki."

The sound of their voice wasn't one of someone in danger. No, all that this individual felt was joy. A joy similar to when a child found an interesting toy and can't stop laughing as they enjoy themselves. Right now, on this island engulfed in flames, Shiranui stood there with a smile present on their face.

"Well then, i'm here to pick you up and hear your report, my little killer."

"...........i failed the mi-"

"No, you didn't. If anything, this went perfectly. I wanted to get rid of this place as we wasted resources on people who could not make use of what we gave them. All because this use to be my clan's former stomping ground. As for the cover up, i'll use my Mystic Eyes of Domination as I speak to the public. I'll tell them a widespread forest-fire occured. It may seem ludicrous, but if I say this with my eyes active and high up government officials attend, it'll be even easier to convince Japan. In any case, I should reward you as well. I already know what Asuramaru wants, but what about you?"

Shiranui soon motioned for Shiki to follow them as they were getting on the helicopter. While the boy followed his boss after sheathing his sword, he quickly glanced back at the island of Jinoshima. The moment he did, he remembered the words of one little girl that he met on this island filled with disgusting people.

"In my eyes, Mr.Shiki is the nicest person!"

As the two were now in the helicopter, they began to fly back to Sendai. On the fly back home, Shiranui looked at Shiki and noticed how the boy's gaze hasn't left the direction of where Jinoshima was located. With a sigh escaping his voice, Shiki spoke up.

"Shiranui, I know what I want as my reward."

"Oh, what is it?"

"I want a grave made for someone. Their name is Kurogane Rika."