Chapter 138: Kinrenka’s Bargain

Compared to the previous era, the nations of the world had changed.

For example, the United States lost Alaska, which is now dotted with small independent states.

Japan abandoned Pacific islands such as Minamitorishima, Okinotorishima, and the Ogasawara Islands.

The Republic of Korea annexed North Korea and renamed itself the True Korean Republic, expanding its borders northward.

China, while keeping its name, saw its borders shift. Its northwestern borders, dominated by mountains, retreated significantly, concentrating its territory in the plains.

One of the daughters of the Flower Witch, Kinrenka, has taken root in Wuhan, located roughly in the center of modern China.

While eastern China is peaceful, the west still suffers from poor monster control and unstable security.

As the guardian of Wuhan, situated between east and west, Kinrenka also serves as a barrier against the various monsters drifting in from the west. She has protected the city for over sixty years—a true veteran.

Many citizens have lived their entire lives under her protection, from birth to old age.

Like all members of the Flower Witch clan, Kinrenka enforces the “flower burial” system.

In exchange for lifelong protection, the people of Wuhan must offer their bodies to Kinrenka after death.

However, the Chinese version of this practice incorporates local culture—sending off the dead with a lively ceremony, scattering colorful petals and bursting seed pods that make noise.

For the Flower Witch clan, the goal is to obtain nutrients from corpses—not to clash with humans. They pursue practical benefits while respecting human values, at least to some extent.

Even Fuyou wants my corpse as nutrients, but she wouldn’t turn against Spider or Hiyori to get it.

Anyway—

Two days after leaving Beijing, we arrived in Wuhan.

This massive city along the Yangtze River was astonishing for its farmland and orchards. Shenyang was already a major breadbasket, but this was on another level. Once farmland came into view from the train, it stretched on for a full hour without change.

The scale was absurd—truly continental. Nothing like Japan.

As we entered the urban center, the scenery changed, but the greenery remained abundant.

Brick high-rise buildings stood tall, boats moved constantly along the river, and shrubs with beautiful orange flowers were planted throughout the city, making it easy on the eyes. A faint herbal fragrance lingered in the air—surely from the flowers.

Fish with rainbow-colored scales leapt from the clear river, cats yawned lazily in the shade of shrubs, and small birds chirped merrily atop Chinese-style inn signs.

Good atmosphere, good environment—Wuhan was a rare city that balanced a massive population with comfortable natural surroundings.

I’d been to Flower Witch-managed zones before and spent time with Fuyou, so I knew immediately—this felt exactly like their territory.

If you didn’t mind your corpse being eaten after death, some people might even call it an ideal city.

Walking through the bustling streets, Hiyori—disguised with sunglasses and a hat to lower her presence—cheerfully said:

“The local liquor here is great. I’ve got a recommendation—we should drink together.”

“Oh, the magically brewed liquor Nectal? I saw tons of treant trees growing in the outskirts.”

Treants are tree-type monsters that produce ingredients for magic power enhancers. Since they compete with the Flower Witch clan, they don’t grow within her domain—but they’re common outside it.

Nectal, brewed from those enhancers, is genuinely delicious. It gives a floating, pleasant intoxication—like the unpleasant sensation of magic depletion flipped into something enjoyable. It also has a soft, woody aroma. I usually warm it to enhance the scent.

That said, it’s strong, and it messes with fine motor control until you sober up, so I only drink it before bed.

Apparently, it also reduces magic control precision—though I can’t tell.

“If you come to Wuhan, you have to try Jinlian Noble Liquor. It’s widely produced, but demand is so high it rarely makes it overseas.”

“That good? Want me to make a chocolate cocktail with it?”

“Ah… I’d like that, but don’t try to feed me too much chocolate. I like it, but if I eat too much… my figure…”

“Huh? You’re not fat.”

“Don’t say that so easily! I work hard to maintain it!”

“Ah, I get it. If you gained weight, your charm would drop from 100,000,000 to 99,999,999.”

It seemed like a trivial difference to me, but maybe it’s like how I obsess over fine details in my staffs. I can’t relate, but I can understand.

While chatting aimlessly, we eventually reached central Wuhan, where Kinrenka resides.

Flower Witches always have a giant tree with white leaves beside them, so they’re easy to find.

According to Fuyou, they take the highest-quality nutrients for themselves and store the rest in the tree. If they’re injured, they can instantly regenerate using those reserves.

Apparently, it’s also used for reproduction. I don’t really get plant biology, but I think of it like male and female flowers.

With Hiyori’s transcendent ID card acting as a near-universal pass, we were quickly allowed into Wuhan’s government building, which resembled a botanical garden.

Declining a guide, Hiyori led me forward as I carefully watched my step.

The long wooden corridor gradually transitioned into soil and thick roots. The rich scent of earth mixed with a refreshing forest-like aroma—it was clear we were approaching Kinrenka.

Kinrenka, daughter of the Flower Witch and Fuyou’s younger sister, was at the center of the building.

In a circular courtyard stood a white-leaved giant tree, and at its base bloomed a large flower shaped like a woman.

The vibrant orange petals were full of life—like the sun, ripe fruit, or jewels.

At the center of that flower was a human figure.

Her features resembled Fuyou’s… probably. Honestly, all beautiful women look the same to me. But they’re related, so I guess they’re similar.

“Nice to meet you, Blue Witch. I am Kinrenka. I’ve heard much about you.”

“Likewise. I’ve heard of you too. We actually came to discuss something—”

“Oh, no need to rush. Let’s talk first. The man beside you—is that Dairi? I know of him. Mother told me. Hmm… I see…”

A root crept toward my feet, but recoiled when it hit the ring of frost Hiyori had deployed.

Good security. Their clan likes me, but their values are different enough to be a bit scary.

“Hmm. Not quite as impressive as Mother described… Hey, why won’t you look at me? Am I too beautiful?”

“No, uh… looking at faces makes me nauseous.”

“…What?”

“Wait, Kinrenka, calm down. He doesn’t mean harm—he’s just socially awkward. Let’s talk calmly. And you—don’t say unnecessary things. Let me handle this.”

“Y-yes, ma’am…”

While I stared at the ground and scraped at it with my heel, Hiyori smoothed things over.

Kinrenka, though exasperated, created a wooden mask and wore it, allowing us to finally face her properly.

Honestly, maybe everyone should just wear masks. Nobody would lose out.

“Alright, back to business. He wants to make a magic staff and needs high-quality wood. Can you provide it?”

“Of course. I know what materials are suitable. And in return—what will you offer me?”

“One option is double the market price. But you’re not in need of money. How about liquid fertilizer? I have connections in America.”

“I have enough nutrients. Wuhan is fertile, and there are plenty of people.”

As instructed, I stayed silent and let Hiyori handle negotiations.

Eventually, the discussion shifted toward leveraging Hiyori’s combat ability.

“A proxy duel against a demon? Why?”

“There’s an old law from when Wuhan was being rebuilt—win a duel, and your claim is enforced. It’s obsolete now, but someone dug it up and challenged me using it.”

“Why not fight yourself?”

“I could, but they’re quite strong—and not a good matchup for me. If the Blue Witch fights as my proxy, I’d feel safer.”

“I see. Rules?”

“No staffs. Victory by death or surrender. Location: the plaza behind the government building.”

“Fine. I accept.”

Hiyori agreed immediately.

Dangerous—but fair enough. Even other transcendents can’t beat her. A demon certainly won’t.

Even without her staff, conditions are equal. There’s no way she loses. If the opponent lasts ten seconds, that’s impressive.

The deal was set.

Hiyori would crush the opponent, and I’d receive top-quality wood for my staffs. Easy.

While Kinrenka summoned the opponent, we headed to the plaza behind the building.

A large square ring had already been set up with ropes, and the area was cleared.

Makes sense—collateral damage from a fight like this could kill people.

There were a few onlookers, but none dared cross into the plaza. Those who tried were dragged back by vines from the shrubs.

Wait—are all the shrubs in the city part of Kinrenka? If so, her control is absolute.

Hiyori layered multiple defensive spells on me before entering the arena.

Fuyou is strong—roughly B1 to A3 class.

Kinrenka should be about the same.

So what kind of opponent made her hesitate?

Sitting at the edge, waiting casually, I soon saw the challenger emerge.

“Mimimi! My name is Tsubaki Sugoi! If I win, all the rapeseed fields are mine! Let’s have an honorable duel!”

The one who burst in energetically was a middle-school-aged girl with blazing red hair like flames.

Hiyori, who had been waiting lazily, stared in shock, mouth agape.

I nearly fell over in disbelief.

Th-this is bad!

A seriously dangerous one just showed up!