It must be acknowledged that Fang Li’s thoughts, while speculative, are not entirely implausible.
In that regard, it also provides an explanation for why Amatori Biba and the Hunters’ Hayajiro appeared immediately after the Aragane Station Hayajiro.
In the original story, the Aragane Station Hayajiro set off promptly after encountering a Kabane attack in the dead of night, and the paths of the Aragane Station Hayajiro and the Hunters never crossed.
However, this time, due to Fang Li’s intervention, the Kabane did not assault the Aragane Station Hayajiro, and Ikoma reverted back to being human. The ensuing chaos disrupted the Aragane Station Hayajiro’s smooth departure, leading to the eventual encounter with the Hunters.
Now, with Amatori Biba and Yomokawa Ayame joining forces, it is only natural that Amatori Biba would persist in using Yomokawa Ayame’s connections to gain entry into Kongoukaku, following closely behind the Aragane Station Hayajiro.
Furthermore, Amatori Biba has developed an interest in Fang Li and his unique abilities.
At this moment, Fang Li suppressed his speculations and gazed deeply at Amatori Biba. Adopting an indifferent tone, he remarked, “Sir, you must be jesting. Since those barriers protect humanity, why should we even entertain the thought of breaking through them? Isn’t that something only the Kabane would think of?”
Amatori Biba fell silent, and the smile on his face gradually faded away.
“Something only the Kabane would consider… indeed,” Amatori Biba spoke emotionlessly, “Yet, humans themselves are paradoxical beings. They yearn to accomplish anything and acquire everything, don’t they?”
“Perhaps that holds some truth,” Fang Li glanced at Amatori Biba and responded with a faint smile, “But what does that have to do with us?”
“… How should I put it?” Amatori Biba locked eyes with Fang Li and smiled, “Could it be that we can no longer be classified as humans?”
To others, this remark might be regarded as a sarcastic jest, but Fang Li calmly nodded.
“As a human, I am missing a crucial element, so I cannot pass judgment on whether I can truly be called human or not.”
Facing Amatori Biba’s gaze, Fang Li’s lips curled up into a slight smile as he uttered these words.
“As for you, you are no longer human, correct?”
The air temperature instantly plummeted, reaching freezing levels and Amatori Biba’s face lost all expression.
And Fang Li’s dark eyes underwent a rapid transformation, turning into piercing ice-blue Mystic Eyes in an instant.
“I speak with utmost clarity.”
Fang Li raised his ice-blue Mystic Eyes, transforming his gaze into the scythe of the Grim Reaper, aimed directly at Amatori Biba’s heart.
“The most vulnerable point in your body is your heart. Apart from that, you lack at least eighty percent of the weaknesses that a human should possess.”
“These eighty percent of weaknesses would be fatal for a human if struck.”
“But not for you.”
“Hence, you ceased to be human long ago.”
Fang Li’s voice resonated clearly throughout the entire compartment, causing the air temperature to continue dropping.
The ambiance in the air shifted.
It could no longer be described as tense or heavy.
At this moment, the palpable atmosphere in the carriage resembled a tangible aura of impending doom.
Fang Li and Amatori Biba faced each other from a distance, their countenances devoid of any emotion.
“… You truly astonish me, Fang Li-San,” Amatori Biba spoke slowly, “It seems Mumei was correct. You are indeed not an ordinary Wanderer.”
“Although I am reluctant to admit it, your eyes unnerve me.” Amatori Biba stared intently at Fang Li’s Mystic Eyes. “Furthermore, you seem to possess extensive knowledge. I am genuinely curious, just how much do you know?”
Amidst Amatori Biba’s words, he advanced toward Fang Li with an imperceptible step.
Simultaneously, he raised his longsword, its glossy black blade subtly glimmering in the dim light.
“You’re right, Fang Li-San. It’s been a long time since I was human,” Amatori Biba spoke calmly as he approached Fang Li. “But it’s not something peculiar. Mumei isn’t human either. The boy who got turned into a Human by you wasn’t human either. Even you yourself claim to lack an essential part of being human. So, can’t we all be categorized as the same?”
“No, you’re mistaken in that,” Fang Li, seemingly unaware of Amatori Biba’s proximity, remained rooted to the spot, uttering these words.
“In terms of this physical body, there’s no doubt that I am still human. However, I don’t know if I can truly be called human.”
“Because the most critical factor in defining a person isn’t the body, but the heart.”
“My heart is missing a piece, so I can’t be considered human.”
“And as for you, it’s not just your body, even your heart can no longer be regarded as human.”
“You are nothing more than a monster driven by revenge.”
“Amatori Biba.”
As Fang Li’s words trailed off, the frigid atmosphere in the air suddenly erupted.
“Pa—!”
With a resounding stomp, Amatori Biba charged forward, his countenance cold and detached as he hurl straight toward Fang Li.
His figure, his speed, could be likened to a tempest.
Yet, if Amatori Biba was a tempest, Fang Li was a whirlwind.
In the moment that Amatori Biba surged toward Fang Li, Fang Li, who had long prepared himself, reacted swiftly. Instead of retreating, he advanced, and in a single stride, he materialized before Amatori Biba.
His ice-blue Mystic Eyes shimmered and his hand gripped a sharp and lethal weapon unconsciously.
Fang Li suddenly leaped forth, darting towards Amatori Biba. His dagger transformed into the venomous fangs of a snake, striking with the swiftness of lightning.
In an instant, a glint of cold light honed in on Amatori Biba’s heart.
“So fast!” Amatori Biba’s gaze froze.
With the enhancement bestowed by his title, Fang Li’s speed had reached a level where even Mumei vaguely felt that she was unable to keep up with this guy.
AGI (Agility) encompassed not only movement speed but also attack speed, reflexes, motor nerves, and jumping capabilities, among other facets.
Therefore, Fang Li’s full-force thrust, while not lightning-quick, was not easily evaded.
Even if the opponent was not human, the situation remained the same.
Hence, when Fang Li’s dagger neared Amatori Biba’s heart, even causing a faint prickling sensation on the skin, Amatori Biba finally reacted.
Without delay, Amatori Biba forcefully stomped on the ground, exuding an aura capable of shattering the very earth as he forcibly arrested his movement.
“Rrrrrrrrrr!”
The sound of fabric tearing resonated abruptly in the surroundings.
…