The Spearmaster and the Black Cat

Chapter 414

All of a sudden a fist came between Solck and me from the side. The magic source response also felt very peculiar as if a wind hat passed by. But, the arm he used to block my attack became a bloody pulp after having its flesh torn apart and its bones shattered.

Even so, probably because of the grandpa's own power, La Doola's trajectory deviated. Catiza, in her third-arm-state, shrank away due to the punch's impact and reverted to being a finger, before moving towards my right palm.

La Doola fell to the ground, before it could hit the ground, I snatched it with my <Chain>. The power of <Call of the Water Goddess>, which had been engulfing La Doola, had vanished at this point, too.

『It looks like Water Goddess-sama's power has disappeared for the moment』

『Yep』

While agreeing with Helme telepathically, I looked at the grandpa who was obviously bearing his pain.

"…Anyway, grandpa, why did you save him?"

The grandpa didn't answer me and extended his healthy arm towards Solck's hips.

A spear hand? No, he's stabbing Solck's body at several places with a finger pushing out. Solck gasped, recovering his consciousness in an instant.

"I'm…in the divine domain…," he babbled, apparently hallucinating or having a near-death experience.

The grandpa tossed a round pill into Solck's mouth with a, "Here you go."

Solck looked like he might croak any moment, but somehow managed to swallow the pill. And then, in the next instant, I detected several magic sources around us.

Enemies?

In the blink of an eye, divine domain forces surrounded Kisara, who was about to finish off Delgug as he lay on the ground, Shuhelia, and Rollodeen. The new forces were just human monks either. Some of them were divine warriors with several arms.

…The armors of that warrior unit were shining brightly. They carried all kinds of weapons such as light rings, hatchets, spears, swords, and so on. All of their equipment pieces looked high-quality. They were clearly different in quality from the warriors we fought so far.

Seeing those reinforcements, Kisara muttered, "New enemies, huh…?"

Immediately after she saw how healing magic was applied on Delgug, she rotated her witch spear and fell back. However, her <Unified Flying Witch Familiars> and <Flying Familiars> remained clinging to Delgug's body, unwilling to leave. They mounted a resistance by erasing the healing magic and kicking as well as cutting the magic light in their own way as tiny creatures.

However, in the end they were no more than paper dolls, and so it bore no meaning. Or so I thought, but the <Unified Flying Witch Familiars> Jubei and Chikata were different. They truly erased the magic over a small range.

After I watched them for a short while, Jubei and Chikata apparently gave up on erasing the magic, and after delivering a parting kick against Delgug, they retreated back to Kisara together with the <Flying Familiars>.

Kisara took up position with her back against Shuhelia's back.

"Just when…did such a big number of divine forces…"

"Shuuya-sama, is the village going to be okay…?"

Both intended to work together by covering each other's blind spots. However, their expressions were full of worry rather than being murderous.

Well, I guess that's only natural under these circumstances…

One of the divine warriors with eight arms was clearly abnormal. His name was Jenga Buu, wasn't it? He looked like an Asura statue with the face of Acala. All his arms were as thick as logs with the topmost metallic arms being especially thick. He carried a bundle of iron-ball-like rosaries on him. His weapons, which looked similar to steel rings, could most likely be used for defending as well.

However, his strongest weapon…I remember from the battle during the night of chaos…is most likely the club which was formed by golden loops being stacked on top of each other in a spiral. Back then, he used it to pulverize Hoffmann's captain-class subordinate.

I naturally ended up invoking <Magic Hand guided by Thought> while swallowing my spit.

"…They should be okay. Rotalz is over there, right? Also, Rebecca and Eva. Higlia, Red Tiger Storm, and Quiche are strong, too."

Not to mention Moga, Nemus, Quema, and Solobo.

"You have a point there. Then we will pull back here for a moment."

"Affirmative."

The two women nodded at each other and moved back to Divine Beast Rollodeen. Without moving from her spot, Rollodeen spread her griffon-like wings as if protecting Kisara and Shuhelia like a mother bird her chicks while also amassing her swarm of tentacles below.

Kisara hoisted Damon'Anun up in front of her eyes. The spear transformed into a big shield. One you'd likely use when performing ceremonies.

The bunch of filaments extending out of the hole on the spear part would occasionally look like nothing more than a writing brush at a first glance, but since it could change like that, the filaments were extremely flexible. I think those filaments can be used more freely than the blue tassel right below Ganghis's spear blade part.

The spear was called Damon'Anun's magic spear and witch spear, but it's pretty obvious that it's quite special with a deeper history behind it.

Rollodeen moved her tentacles, instantly creating something like a barrier with the tentacle bone swords protruding outwards and Kisara's big shield in the center. Previously, when Rollodeen had fought against Rotalz, she had bundled her tentacles into one huge bone sword. This time she bundled them up, forming something that ought to be called Divine Beast barrier.

And just as I was admiring the awesomeness of my partner, a stinging pain ran through my finger. When I looked down, wondering what was going on, blood was surging out of my thumb.

It didn't stem from an attack by Solck or the grandpa. Instead a small branch had precisely stabbed the clover mark on my thumb from the ground.

Lucy, huh (the name is still temporary though…)?

The branch connected to my finger sucked my rich blood with its stimulated mana at a tremendous rate. The absorption force was so strong that I felt my stomach being churned. And the twisting of my stomach was even more powerful than the feeling back when the crest tree sucked my blood several hours ago. Rather, it was so strong that it felt like my arm was going to dry up.

The branch (it had a key shape) continued to draw my mana and blood. But, at the same time it returned some of the mana and blood it took from me. It felt like there was a circulation between inside and outside. Blood also overflowed from my feet.

Saraten clamored about her blood being sucked out as well, and her scream-like telepathic message echoed through my head, but I ignored her.

For the first time in a while, I felt the taste of rich blood and bile inside my mouth. And then a liquid blended with blood spread across the ground as if eroding the grasses. The sensation of my blood flowing outside while circulating was weird.

But, the gleaming blood lake's surface was extremely pretty. Also, I felt like it was a new domain for me…

At that moment,

※Piiing※ <Blood Path - Open Fourth Gate> ※ Permanent Skill acquired ※

※ Derivation conditions of Extra Skill <Crest Tree of the Lucival> met ※

※Piiing※ <Spring of Spirit Blood> ※ Permanent Skill acquired ※

Ooohh… Finally I obtained the fourth gate. But I see…this lake's domain is <Spring of Spirit Blood>… It's kind of like <Beginning Dusk>, and then again, it's slightly different…

It seems like the true power will be exhibited if it's within the range of a domain with a crest tree. At least, I can somehow tell this by intuition. But, I could probably learn this because of the current situation. Oh well, the skills' details have to wait for later.

『A beautiful lake surface teeming with Your Excellency's scent! I want to jump in and swim in it!』

Helme commented excitedly while her tiny version in my visual field actually swam in the air, but although I didn't comment on that, I had to admit that the blood's gleam as it reflected the sunlight looked very beautiful.

As I watched it, several ripples occurred on the lake, just for glowing blood to suddenly gush out in the middle of those ripples. The blood shot into the air like a geyser, creating trees on the lake. Those trees transformed into humanoid tree people clad in blood armor.

The finished tree soldiers possessed almond-shaped eyes. The wooden spears and shields looked imposing, but their heads were kinda cute.

"Shuuya-sama, these blood and tree warriors are…"

"…It doesn't look like they're new enemies."

Kisara and Shuhelia commented while watching the situation from underneath Rollodeen.

Suddenly, the finger connected to the branch felt hot and I heard, 『…Master, protect…this, plash connektet wiff master』

A telepathic message by Lucy?

『Place? You mean something like a domain?』

『Master, Lushibal temmel』

『Lucival temple, you mean? So it's a domain of sorts? Is it something that exceeds <Pheremone's Touch> in range?』

Is <Spring of Spirit Blood> also related to the Crest Tree of the Lucival?

『…Got <Lushibal Protekto>. Also <Hidn Twee Solza of Spirit Blood>…』

So Lucy obtained <Lucival Protector> and <Hidden Tree Soldier of Spirit Blood>, huh?

Immediately after Lucy told me so, Rollodeen growled loudly and then opened her muzzle somewhat. Small flames flickered out of her mouth. She was apparently demonstrating that she was quite capable of turning this whole place into a sea of flames.

『…Lushibal Gwardan Beashd scary』

Lucy called Rollodeen a guardian beast, and she was evidently scared of her. The branch connected to my finger was pulled back into the ground in no time. At the same time, the blood around us also vanished.

The newly-created. blood-dripping tree soldiers all lifted their spears towards Rollodeen like a guard of honor after their body trembled. Matching their movements, the soldiers formed two lines, looking like royal guards who obeyed Black Queen Rollodeen. Just like that, they moved over to Kisara and Shuhelia in military order.

Moments later, Solck, who seemed to still be alive, muttered, "Fatherly master…," to the grandpa who had covered for him.

"Huh?"

This bald old-timer is his fatherly master?

Meanwhile, Solck was looking pale and sweating greasily, although his body continued to heal. Was this the effect of the earlier pill? Or did he hide a healing potion in his molar? Or maybe it's a healing skill or an equipment item's healing effect…?

But, unexpectedly it might also have been triggered by the grandpa stabbing Solck's body with his fingers. Something like a pressure point technique.

At the time when Kisara taught me about her spear hand and palm strikes, she also touched upon this sort of topic…

Well, maybe his wounds are healing by combining all of these effects.

Having said that, the recovery rate is exceedingly slow when compared to a progenitor-class vampire. Still, his shoulder injury and even his ear have both recovered completely.

It might stem from his basic resilience being top-notch, and despite his personality and conduct being more than questionable, I can totally see why he's leading the war god faith's forces in this area.

"Master Labius…your own arm…"

"…What, this much is no big problem. Nevertheless, I thought I had repeatedly warned you to watch how you act towards those unknown to you. Didn't I?"

"…Forgive me."

I could tell that they shared a master-disciple relationship, but I still butted in.

"Grandpa, sorry, but…why did you get in the way of our battle?" I asked.

I focused on casting a sharp, biting look at him in order to emphasize that I'd be willing to go on with the battle at any time.

"…A valid question. First, allow me to apologize for our War God Faith to have trespassed into this domain without permission. I am terribly sorry. And as you can see, I have sacrificed my left arm like this. If that doesn't abate your anger, I won't mind offering you my other arm as well to obtain your apology. So…could you please spare the lives of my pupil and everyone else?"

While looking pained, the grandpa lowered his head politely and apologized.

"Master! Why are you saying all that!? This guy killed our friends. That evil crook that sucks other's blood――" Solck yelled, anger dyeing his voice.

But, hearing his remark, the grandpa muttered, "For this brat to run his mouth like that…," with blood vessels popping around his temples and forehead.

Moreover, his expression got colored by rage like that of a ferocious beast, and his healthy arm blurred.

"――You bloody fool! Eat this! Haaaah!!!!!"

Accompanied by a yell so loud that it seemed to deafen me, his fist, which was densely filled with mana, directly hit Solck's face, who looked flabbergasted with his mouth half open. Receiving the dragon-like punch, the skin of Solck's face warped as if being hit by the winds of a typhoon. For an instant, the whole thing looked like it was going on in slow motion. But, coupled with the low voice, the spectacle of Solck's face having a fist embedded in it was very real.

With his teeth and jaw being pulverized, Solck was blown away, crashing into the War God Faith members behind him. A part of them was dragged into it, and they all crashed into the tree further back after being blown away alongside Solck.

I can understand the grandpa punishing his pupil…and I think it was a punch full of affection to spare Solck's life, but…Solck's body was currently riddled by many branches stabbing through it. It looked so gruesome that even I, as his previous opponent, felt pity for him…

His body, which had been in the process of healing, had become full of wounds again. Is he going to be alright?

—————- End of Part 1 —————-

Read over 40 chapters ahead and support the TL!

"For heaven's sake…they've been fighting too much against the forces of the Tree King of Wonders and the Qshanaan demons. For him to have turned into a fool not even recognizing a divine stigma…"

"Captain Solck!" The skilled monk, who had been fighting Shuhelia, yelled.

"――I could have predicted that Delgug would act like this, but why haven't you stopped them, you lot!? That also includes you, Unki! What is with your ineptitude to rein in those hot-blooded morons despite being at Solck's side all the time! You are such a disappointment!"

"But…"

"Unki, don't get carried away just because you're somewhat good at martial arts! …To attack a person with the same light crest on his chest as the saint appearing in the 16 Commandments of the Holy Scripts Azaya even though having noticed the stigma…there's no way that a saint could have turned into an existence of pure evil. Even your comrades-in-arms, who have been watching while hidden in the grass, will certainly be disappointed with you, if they hear of this."

The grandpa looked like he wouldn't be able to get rid of the anger gnawing at him, but after seeing his pupils dwarf away, his demeanor softened a bit as he had apparently recovered some of his composure.

And then he apologetically said to me while meaningfully looking at the light cross on my chest, "…Forgive my pupils. Would you be as kind as telling me your name?"

Even so, the price he had to pay for blocking La Doola was steep. Even through his sorcerer-like attire one could see how muscular and abnormally thick his arm were, but now the arm he earlier used to block my attack was feebly dangling around while continuously losing blood.

However, despite the wretched state of his limb, that grandpa was politely and properly bowing his head towards me while apologizing. I could sense a dignity from him similar to that of Master Achilles or Gramps Ton. So I shall answer courteousness in kind.

"…It's Shuuya Kagari."

"Shuuya-dono, you have my gratitude――"

The grandpa lifted his arms with a smile, respectfully cupping his fist in the other hand. And although he was injured, his actions looked very natural. For an instant, his demeanor reminded me of the Martial Arts Federation's chairman Nemo.

I returned the Palm Hold Fist greeting, "No need to humble yourself so much. Anyway, your name is…?"

I had already heard people call him Labius, but I asked anyway to get his proper introduction.

"…My name is Labius. Wiseman Labius the 35th. I've been called the reincarnation of Labius. Well, in reality I haven't been reborn, but combined my spirit with the spirit body of the real Wiseman Labius who fought at War God Vice-sama's side in the past, but…this is a secret, okay?"

The name of grandpa, who released a rainbow-colored light from the Sanskrit characters on his forehead, was Labius, but his winking at me at the end of his introduction was gross.

Still, Wiseman Labius…? A statue of him stands at the entrance to Hekatrail's Vice Square, doesn't it? I remember how Rollo climbed that statue during our meeting for the Evil Dragon subjugation. Thinking back on that statue, I think it resembles that old man in front of me a bit.

"…I see. I've seen your statue in Hekatrail."

"Ah, you mean the one on the War God Square? Well, that's a story of the past. So, do you need my other arm as well?" He asked while holding out his other arm towards me with a grin.

Jesus's sermon of ‘if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also' crossed my mind.

"No, it's fine."

It'd be absurd to rob him of his arm. And I don't have a hobby of collecting arms either. Moreover, I don't plan to fight Labius who has shown so much understanding.

…And above all, with Rollo having returned to her cat form and wholeheartedly rubbing her head against his shin, before starting to lick his injured hand, I don't see any reason to be hostile towards him. Rollo warming up like that to people other than acquaintances is quite unusual. Most certainly she wouldn't act like that to people who could become our enemies.

"…Ho ho, what a cute divine beast you are. At any rate, would it be fine for me to assume that you're going to forgive us, going by your words and look?"

"――There's nothing to forgive. Whatever might have transpired over the whole time, it's undeniably true that my kin started that attack. The fault lies with us," I explained after bowing.

Grandpa Labius whispered, "What an honest man," and then cackled.

"…You're very upright! Nice, very nice!"

He was smiling all over his face, his anger apparently gone altogether. No, he must be still angry, but he's got the backbone of wanting to finish this without a fuss.

Labius let his eyes wander across his comrades. Catching that, they began to nurse the injured friend while slowly withdrawing.

Delgug, who fought Kisara earlier, had apparently been healed through magic. He slowly got up while lending the shoulder of a divine warrior. But, it looks like Kisara held true to her promise as she had splendidly devastated Delgug's lips. Though it might also be a mischief of the paper dolls.

And then the combat monk called Unki nodded, before straightening himself and rushing over to Delgug's side. After talking about something and casting a glance at my direction, they withdrew together. On the other hand, Solck, the leader of the branch division, still remained collapsed on the ground…

But, then the huge divine warrior Jenga Buu approached Solck, curtly commented, "UnSIghTlY…," and picked him up with one of his eight strong arms. As he trudged away, he left deep, huge footprints on the ground.

Just like that, the divine forces successively pulled back. After having confirmed their departure, the <Hidden Tree Soldiers of Spirit Blood> moved. As if to express their joy over victory, they crossed each other's wooden spears and then bumped their spear's long shafts. It started to sound like an orchestra of percussion instruments.

Moreover, the horned soldier, which seemed to be something like their leader, planted himself in front of the group and began a weird dance following the swift, unique rhythm.

Kisara reacted to that as well. A part of the filaments of her witch spear transformed into a strap belt which then extended itself around her shoulder, making her spear hang from her shoulder like a guitar. Moments later Damon'Anun's spear turned into a genuine guitar. As soon as the whole transformation was over, Kisara started to play the witch spear guitar while sinking with a smile. The sound was like that of a shamisen. It was a nice piece of music.

Drawn in by this, Shuhelia started to dance as well. Before long Labius joined in as well. And that's when I took out my Lute of Justice and joined the small live performance, accompanied by Helme's joyful dancing in my visual field.

◇◇◇◇

After that musical performance, we sat around a campfire and had a chat with Labias.

Soon he searched his pocket with his uninjured arm, and while saying, "…Shuuya-dono, allow me to give you this as an apology for all of the trouble," he took out a magic book, I think, from his pocket with a solemn attitude.

"That's…?"

"This is the "Spear Study of the Demonic Army's Night Parade." I heard it had been stored inside the Ezone Mountains' 【Eight Peak's Greater Tomb】 where the god of old sleep. How I obtained this, you ask? That would become a fairly long story, so I'll spare you that, but even so, I'd like you to accept this precious book."

"Spear Study of the Demonic Army's Night Parade," huh?

"You mean it's a book about spears? It looks like an ancient magic book Professor Pabramanty of Ernst University might desire."

Hearing my comment, Labius immediately furrowed his eyebrows. The characters on his forehead split and spread out to the sides while new characters kept popping up. Moreover, he also intensified the look in his Demonic Eyes, but he immediately revealed a gentle smile.

"…It might be close to an ancient magic book. I was told by a translator that the characters on the front cover combine Ancient and Demonic language, but I don't know the details. There's a very old legend stating, 『You must not let this fall into the hands of demons. Be careful of Spirit World Knight Boshiad. Death shall visit all those who understand what is written in this book』. Well, I suppose this is a warning of sorts. Its crimson sealing stone's vicinity had been carefully bound with feathers and skin of the Holy Bird Concord."

Is he giving this to me because of that legend?

One side of the book had traces of being polished smoothly while the other side depicted tow demon knights with matching white mist mantles and magic spears. Those two knights had been molded to look like they were fighting over a devilish-looking gem.

One of them had a large build with four arms. Each of his arms held a uniquely formed magic spear. The other knight was small with an ugly mug. That demon also held magic spears in his four hands. But, one of his arms had been chopped off with blood gushing out of the wound.

Both demons wore magnificent armor.

The drawings of the demon knights was 2-D, but the devilish gem was symbolized by a 3-D ruby. The ruby itself was affixed to the book with metallic fasteners. It exuded a mysterious light that seemed to charm anyone looking at it. Even now a black magic power was swirling inside its curved, crystalline facets, trying to get out.

I think it's a fairly valuable object, but…I might not want anything to do with it, if it's an intelligent item.

"…It's a cursed item. For the War God Faith it should be a precious book and although I feel sorry as it sounds like I'm constantly repeating myself, but we killed divine warriors, including your precious pupils, Labius-san. As such, I cannot accept this."

"…Don't mind it. Those of the War God Faith have been promised for their souls to prosper if they lose their lives in battle. Everyone will be able to gather under Vice-sama and become glorious, new divine warriors, if they follow the path of Seuros. Even if their mortal bodies are destroyed, their souls can thrive for eternity."

That sounds kinda similar to the orcs' Ryevan society.

"Are you talking about the society of Ryevan?"

"The world of the orc gods? I have heard about War God Gundaln and God of Paths Selkuny. But, no, it's not the same. It's a path leading straight to the Divine Domain Seuros, and it's also a blessing based on Vice-sama's power."

I really can't remember all the gods since there's so many of them. Oh well, I'll be fine as long as I can worship the boob god and Water Goddess Akreshys. And every once in a while, I'll also spare a thought for the Cursed Goddess Kok-something.

"I see. But…"

"Bah, I can understand your feelings on this…but, it's a fact that our side trespassed your domain and fought here. They must have surmised you to be someone related to the Spirit World because of the blood and darkness that can be felt from you. At the same time, you also possess a strong light in you, though…," Labius explained while looking awkward.

For all the time, he's kept the hand with the book extended towards me. It looks like he wants me to accept this as an apology at any cost. And although I refused, it's definitely true that I'm curious about it as it's about spears. I feel like wanting to take a peek at its content. Well, regardless of cursed or evil, if it's something to do with spears, I'll take it on.

"…We are people who are regarded as chaotic representation of light and darkness. I can understand if others are averse to accepting this."

"To be honest, I think it will be hard for our War God Faith to approve of you and your people, unlike other divine forces."

"I know. I could tell from their looks when we fought."

"Sorry."

"It's okay. This Sea of Trees is inhabited by all sorts of evil beings. And those countless demons regard humans as delicious prey that's situated at the lower end of the food chain. For this reason, the War God Faith members, who seem to continue fighting those evil forces day and night, will find it difficult to come to terms with representatives of chaos like us on their first meeting."

"It is a big help for you to understand things like this."

Countries have numerous disputes within and outside their borders. This nature of humans remains unchanged, be it nowadays or in the past. Most of the living beings strive to survive, and they're tied down by their positions and circumstances.

For this reason, the repetitive cycle of disputes, or rather, errors won't ever cease unless brain research advances beyond morales. If all people become primates who love peace and sex, disputes might come to an end, though.

Then again, even if I consider this as someone containing evil as well, it's kind of pointless.

"…Okay. Allow me to be honest as well, but…I don't know much about the War God Faith and beliefs. But, I feel truly happy that I was able to become acquainted with you, Labius-san."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

I think he's quite the big-shot within the War God Faith, and I predict him to possess considerable powers. So I'll regard my becoming acquainted with him as a big boon.

"…The more I talk with you, the more I understand that you truly do not have any ulterior motives, Shuuya-dono. I want to believe that Solck made a mistake in his judgment because he got blinded by his hatred."

"You say so, but I'm just an ordinary, horny chap, you know?"

Labius cackled when I answered him with a joke.

"…I see, I see. Still, it's regrettable."

"What is? If you're talking about that book, I feel like accepting it, though."

"Oh? Really? This is something like an esoteric writing of spearmanship. And as for the regrettable…we've only talked for a short time, but if I had met you at another place in a different life…I think we might have become very good friends who would have been able to talk about everything while drinking wine together. Here you go."

I took the book he handed me.

"Well then, farewell, open-hearted spearmaster!"

Labius smiled cheerfully as the characters on his forehead lit up, followed by his body being clad in wind. An instant later, his whole body blurred and he was gone. Without even leaving behind any footprints.

I could sense how he was moving through the woods in the distance. While jumping into the sky, something akin to a bandage independently coiled itself around his injured arm. So he deliberately avoided using this here, in spite of having a method to heal himself.

…What a cool grandpa.

A moment later, Kisara and Shuhelia, who had been silently watching from the side, ran up to me. The <Hidden Tree Soldiers of Spirit Blood> vanished by their armor, which was clad in blood, folding up into many layers.

"Shuuya-sama, are we going back to the village?" Kisara asked while looking curiously at the <Hidden Tree Soldiers of Spirit Blood> disappearing.

Meanwhile, Shuhelia genuflected while apologetically declaring, "――Your Majesty, I have not been of much use…"

Rollo was unleashing cat punches at her blond ponytail.

"Don't worry about it, Shuhelia. You and Kisara both fought well for me. Thanks."

"Yes, gladly…"

"Yes, Your Majesty! It has been an honor!"

Shuhelia is still quite stiff and formal. Well, I guess she'll come around once she gets used to us.

"Anyway, let's go back to the village. I'll tell Quiche about all this while also turning her into my bloodkin. Rollo."

"Nn, nya~"

With a twitch of her ears, Rollo looked my way. After some eye signals between us, she instantly transformed into a black horse. As soon as I straddled her back, a rein tentacle approached in front of my eyes.

I quickly grabbed it and played around with it by pressing its pad with my thumb. After doing so for a bit, I used my free hand to write a blood message. To Rebecca and Eva.

I told them about our battle with the War God Faith, our encounter with Wiseman Labius, and how we managed to get acquainted despite the initial beef.