Chapter 177: Beautiful?
Chapter 177: Beautiful?
Kita arrived at the campsite cabin with Kamichiruzuru and Fang Jing.
There, they also met Hodai Shiki and another Fang Hunter.
“I am Hodai Shiki. Hello, little Zururu, and Oreki-kun.”
Hodai Shiki was a slightly chubby, bespectacled middle-aged man in his forties.
“My name is Kaidai, Kaidai Yumei…”
The last companion was a woman with red-dyed hair. She sat by the window holding a lady’s cigarette, but when she noticed someone had arrived, she put the cigarette away.
“Since all five of us are here, let’s go over the mission.”
Hodai Shiki found a wooden chair and sat down.
“The targets are three Corpse Hounds. Though the number is small, they’re not easy opponents. Their usual method is to organize offline gatherings online, then pick suitable prey—typically solitary men or women—and once they find them, they seize the chance to kidnap them…”
Hodai Shiki clasped his hands and looked at Fang Jing and Kamichiruzuru.
“I will infiltrate as a single guest. Kita and Yumei will blend in with the event organizers. Especially Yumei—she is very skilled at using poisons. Yumei will pose as one of the organizers and poison the drinks at the party when she gets the chance.”
Poisoning was always one of the Fang Hunters’ most commonly used methods.
Corpse Hounds did have strong regenerative abilities, but they were still affected by poison. Cyanide-based poisons went without saying; Fang Hunters who specialized in toxins also used topical medicines, cleaning agents, pesticides, and alkaloids to extract toxins.
“However, I use a kind of medicinal liquor. Ordinary people won’t have any reaction to it, but for Corpse Hounds, it causes a paralyzing effect.”
Kaidai Yumei smoothed her red curls. She was a highly skilled poison expert, adept at extracting toxins from plants and capable of creating drugs that could paralyze even Corpse Hounds.
“I will add the mixture to all the drinks. As long as the Corpse Hounds unknowingly drink it, they will be poisoned. We can tell just from their appearance.”
“I’ll be responsible for observing the situation on-site to provide support, and also for preparing the transportation!”
Kita stroked his sunken chin and spoke with a laugh, “If any of you have needs, you can tell me in advance.”
“Then what are me and this Oreki guy supposed to do?”
Kamichiruzuru nodded doubtfully. She suddenly realized she and “Oreki Tsuyoshi” didn’t know what roles they had been assigned.
“You and Oreki-kun will act as a couple.”
Hodai Shiki spoke seriously, “This task suits you two quite well.”
“Wait, why would you say that? And why should I act as a couple with this newbie?”
“Because only this method can reduce the likelihood of you being targeted.”
Kita spread his hands and explained, “Even Corpse Hounds won’t specifically go after pairs.”
Lone individuals were more likely to be targeted and become prey for the Corpse Hounds.
“Little Zururu, your two years of experience are still too little, and Oreki-kun is also participating in this kind of group action for the first time. Your task is to help him get familiar with the environment and also assist our operations…”
Hodai Shiki continued with a smile, “In such operations, we also need dedicated rear guards. This is an important responsibility for both you and Oreki.”
Though Kamichiruzuru had some complaints about this arrangement, she finally nodded in agreement.
The offline gathering was in a rural mountain village about fifty kilometers from the campsite.
Fang Jing and a reluctant Kamichiruzuru boarded the bus. The two of them were cooperating in the operation and carried nothing with them, going empty-handed to the gathering location.
Kita would sneak into the party venue and transport everyone’s Exorcism Blades to a designated spot.
After all, showing up with blades like that would outright tell the Corpse Hounds they were Fang Hunters.
To ensure safety, Hodai Shiki gave the two of them firearms and bullets.
“Beretta 92FS, with some minor modifications. The bullets are standard, no special additives.”
He then handed another pistol to Fang Jing.
“Glock 17L, 9mm caliber, but its accuracy isn’t high. However, you seem inexperienced with guns, so this one is more suitable for a beginner. Pay attention to the shooting distance; it’s more effective at close range.”
“Okay.”
Fang Jing had no choice but to take the gun.
He had thought all Fang Hunters would just wave their Exorcism Blades around wildly, but now he saw that wasn’t the case.
There were quite a few Fang Hunters skilled with guns. Firearms had considerable destructive power and could be effective if aimed at vital spots, but to kill a Corpse Hound, the decisive factor was still the Exorcism Blade.
After the small meeting to assign tasks ended, everyone split into three groups.
Kita and Miss Kaidai moved together.
Uncle Hodai Shiki set off alone.
Fang Jing and Kamichiruzuru transferred to another bus. The bus turned off the highway onto a lush, green mountain road, winding through a quiet residential area. After a few more turns, the road became straighter and steeper, leading to an unpaved path that stretched into the dense, leafy forest.
Following the road, they veered into the verdant, refreshing mountain path, passed through the tranquil residential area, took a few more bends, and the road grew increasingly steep and straight, arriving at an unpaved section that extended deep into the thick woods.
This mountain road led into the dim forest. Driving closer and through this stretch of woodland, they reached a relatively open area.
Ahead was a grassy field overgrown with wild plants. The two climbed a gentle slope and saw dozens of cars parked on the flat ground below.
“More people came than I expected!”
Fang Jing glanced around and estimated that quite a few people had gathered.
“How foolish and fearless. They probably never imagined that three extremely dangerous man-eating beasts have infiltrated this party.”
Kamichiruzuru folded her arms and let out a cold laugh.
From a Fang Hunter’s perspective, ordinary people choosing to attend such offline gatherings were clearly asking for trouble.
“We can’t blame them. They’re just ordinary people, after all, completely unaware of the truth…”
Fang Jing chuckled.
“Shut up!”
Kamichiruzuru shot him a glare, put her hands on her hips, and said, “From now on, don’t act recklessly. You have to follow my lead in everything.”
“Yes!”
Fang Jing agreed verbally but had no such intention in his heart.
He felt this hunting operation might not be as simple as Hodai Shiki and the others thought. Especially with the disappearance of one member, Oreki Tsuyoshi—there was a faint, sinister aura about it.
“…Besides, at such close range, any Corpse Hound would be able to sense the aura of the ‘Jawtooth Mark’ on me.”
The presence of the Jawtooth Mark was naturally also a problem. As long as this thing existed, their group’s presence here couldn’t really be called covert.
“Come here, get closer.”
Kamichiruzuru moved closer on her own and linked arms with him.
“Look a bit more natural; don’t let anyone see through our act…”
“Understood.”
The two approached the party venue. Amid the noisy music, quite a few people gathered around several barbecue grills.
In the more open area, some people in work clothes were gathering, setting up a temporary stage.
The theme of this offline gathering was independent band performances.
They had specifically invited some independent music producers who were somewhat famous online. It was precisely these elements that attracted young people to attend.
Fang Jing looked around but didn’t notice any suspicious individuals. Holding hands with Kamichiruzuru as if they were a couple, he whispered in her ear, “Do you sense any Corpse Hound aura?”
“No, not at all. That’s a bit strange.”
Kamichiruzuru also had a strange look on her face. She paid attention to the people around her, but she didn’t smell any trace of the Corpse Hounds.
“Forget it, I remember Uncle Kita said that those Corpse Hounds are quite cunning. They might only appear at night.”
The two of them blended into the crowd, pretending to be an ordinary couple, and started chatting with the people nearby.
More than half an hour passed.
Fang Jing and Kamichiruzuru noticed that Hodai Shiki and Kaidai Yumei had both appeared.
Kita also contacted them via radio, saying he had entered the area as well.
“So, have you sensed the presence of any Corpse Hounds?”
“No, nothing unusual so far.”
“Could it be that they’re hiding among the members of those underground bands?”
“That’s possible, but we’ll have to wait a bit longer.”
With no Corpse Hounds showing up, Fang Jing started to wonder if they had sensed the “Jawtooth Mark” and deliberately kept their distance.
No, he didn’t even have the Exorcism Blade with him now. He looked like an easy target. They wouldn’t be that cowardly, would they!
Thinking this, Fang Jing decided to break away from Kamichiruzuru. Staying together didn’t make much sense for him anymore.
“Sister Tsuru, I’m going to the restroom. I’ll be back soon.”
“Wait a moment…”
Kamichiruzuru reached out to grab his sleeve, but he slipped away through the crowd with a swift move.
“What is that guy up to?”
She felt both annoyed and anxious, quickly using the radio to call him, but there was no response at all.
“What’s wrong, little Tsuru?”
“That Oreki Tsuyoshi suddenly decided to act alone.”
Kamichiruzuru frowned, pushing through the crowd to look for him while whispering quietly to her companion. “He’s not answering his radio.”
“Did you see which way he went?”
“It seemed like he went toward that mountain forest area…”
“Understood. I’ll go after him. You two stay alert.”
From what Uncle Hodai Shiki said, it sounded like he intended to chase after him.
(Oreki Tsuyoshi, what on earth are you doing, causing trouble like this right now…)
She was naturally very angry and felt extremely anxious inside.
Just then, a hidden force struck the back of her neck.
Kamichiruzuru’s eyes closed. She didn’t even make a sound before she was knocked unconscious.
Fang Jing walked slowly, heading into the mountain path.
He had already thrown away the radio and even crushed the earpiece under his foot.
“The blade… I handed it over to Kita earlier. I remember he should have hidden it around here…”
Following the previously mentioned marker, Fang Jing found his “blade” inside a hollow of a large tree.
As before, the blade was stored inside a fishing gear bag.
Fang Jing unzipped it and took a quick look. Everything seemed fine.
“Alright, I’m alone now. The Corpse Hounds should show up.”
Do I need to throw away the blade to welcome them?
He shook his head and continued walking up the mountain. This forest area had now become a spot for couples to get intimate. For instance, with a quick glance, he saw a man and a woman moving up and down in the grass nearby.
Occasionally, he could also hear some sensual sounds coming from the bushes and trees.
Fang Jing had pretty good hearing. Suddenly, amid these sounds of lovemaking, he heard something odd and puzzling.
The sound seemed to pierce through the night wind. It sounded like a woman whispering in the dark, her voice very low, almost as if she was sobbing.
On a night like this, hearing a woman crying unnaturally made the air feel colder.
A chilling, wire-like sobbing sound drifted over from the night sky.
Fang Jing moved his feet and began heading toward the direction of the crying.
After about five more minutes of walking, he saw a steep slope leading up the mountain. A woman wearing a skimpy tank top was squatting on the ground, facing away from him, quietly sobbing.
“Miss, are you okay?”
He walked over proactively, intending to ask.
“N-no, I’m fine. Please don’t come closer.”
The woman’s tone became a bit tense.
“Did something happen, Miss?”
The woman squatting on the ground had a very graceful figure. She looked quite slender.
“I’m sorry, it’s nothing. I’m just a bit sad!”
“Is that so?”
Fang Jing didn’t know what else to say. If you’re sad, just be sad, but crying like a ghost in the middle of the night—aren’t you afraid of causing a big scene?
“By the way, young man.”
The woman let out a slight breath and wiped the corner of her eye.
She turned her face slightly, revealing a white mask covering her face.
“I have a question. I hope you can answer it.”
Fang Jing nodded and responded.
“Of course.”
“Then…”
The woman slowly stood up. Her body was slender and straight, over two meters tall. This tall, thin woman removed the white mask from her face.
“Am I beautiful—?”
Under the white mask, her mouth split open from both sides, filled with rows of tiny, densely packed teeth. Like a shark, she opened a enormous, blood-red maw wide.
“Ugly!”
The reply was a sharp shout, accompanied by the fishing gear bag swinging toward her.
Suddenly, it seemed as if everything went dark before her eyes. The fishing gear bag turned into a massive black shadow, completely filling her vision.
The next second, a violent gust of wind slammed into her, filling her eyes, nostrils, and that gaping maw with air, as if an elephant had charged into her.
That force crushed half of her head. The remaining violent momentum made her body suddenly light, and she was flung uncontrollably toward the right side of the mountain path.
“Boom!”
She crashed into the bushes. After a chaotic rustling sound, she plowed a path through the shrubs, completely flattening and destroying a large amount of plants and grass.
“It’s not your fault that you’re ugly, but scaring people is your mistake.”
A foot descended from above, crushing her head completely.