---Gaudy.

This thing's very appearance and existence is gaudy. Excess. I suppose it's impossible to describe a living thing in such terms, or whatever you would describe this being as.

But nevertheless, that is how it feels to me. I recall performances in theater, once when I was assigned to slay a criminal and a handful of other times. The exaggerated costumes of kabuki performers is a vivid image in my mind.

This creature's body and appearance are reminiscent of those plays.

I did not dislike those performances, of what I witnessed of them, but laying eyes upon this creature inspires an entirely different sensation.

I want it to disappear from this world. The faster it is gone, the better. Just laying eyes upon it almost makes me feel ill.

But that won't hinder my own performance.

I wrap my fingers around my sword, drawing it smoothly and bringing to fingers to its edge. I run them along the blade, heat rushing down to my fingertips and springing to life as flame along my weapon, the red-orange light flickering across the features of my allies.

Once again, Caradoc-san's advice is not ill-informed. My free hand reaches into my pouch as I step forward, and as I bring one of my explosives out of it I swiftly flick it against my blazing katana, igniting the fuse.

"Stay clear!"

And with that, I take aim and hurl it forward, aiming to destroy the vile thing's shadowy refuge and open it up to the light as much as possible.