Becoming an Oni in this land of illusion

Chapter 79

Bringing the glass closer to her nose, Marisa inhaled deeply, savoring the intoxicating aroma that wafted from within. Her eyes widened with delight as her senses were greeted by hints of spicy heat and sun-kissed fruits, creating a tantalizing dance upon her olfactory senses.

"Mmm, this is quite something," Marisa remarked, her voice laced with excitement. "The spicy warmth and the essence of scorching sun-kissed fruits... it's like a dance of flavors upon my tongue," she continued, her words filled with appreciation for the complex notes of the wine.

Yukari's eyes glimmered with anticipation as she reached for a glass of Hell's Wine, her curiosity piqued by Marisa's enchanting description. Bringing the glass to her lips, she took a small sip, allowing the liquid to grace her tongue.

An intense warmth enveloped her mouth, reminiscent of the gentle caress of flickering flames. The sensation danced across her taste buds, enticing her to explore the depths of this extraordinary creation.

"The flavors unfurl like a symphony, each note weaving together in a tapestry of intricate complexity," Yukari mused, her voice carrying an air of contemplation. "I detect the essence of blackened berries, their sweetness intertwining with the subtle hints of toasted caramel. And there, a touch of fiery spice emerges, igniting the taste buds in a delightful dance of sensation," she continued, her words flowing with eloquence.

As Yukari savored the wine, her mind wandered, delving into the depths of its flavors. She relished in the harmonious interplay between the various elements, appreciating the skillful composition that had resulted in such a captivating elixir. At that moment, Yukari became fully immersed in the experience, her keen intellect unraveling the secrets and nuances concealed within each sip.

A playful smirk curled upon Yukari's lips as she directed her attention towards Ibaraki. The oni's surprise at Yukari's observation was short-lived, for she knew all too well that Yukari possessed an uncanny ability to perceive even the subtlest details of her existence. It was as if Yukari's watchful gaze encompassed every facet of her being, leaving no room for secrets or surprises.

"Well, Ibaraki, isn't this exquisite wine akin to your everyday sustenance?" Yukari quipped, her voice laced with gentle amusement. Her words carried a hint of jest, playfully acknowledging Ibaraki's fondness for indulging in life's pleasures, including the finer tastes that others might find overwhelming.

A mischievous gleam danced in Ibaraki's eyes as she revealed her unique perspective on flames and their flavors. The group's surprise was palpable, their curiosity piqued by Ibaraki's unexpected revelation. With a small smile gracing her lips, Ibaraki continued to share her insights, offering a glimpse into the peculiar world of an oni made of flames.

"Indeed, flames carry distinct flavors, but it all depends on their source," Ibaraki explained, her voice tinged with a hint of excitement. "Eating the flames of ordinary objects may result in a rather unpleasant taste. Trust me, it's not something I'd recommend. However, feasting upon the flames of other magic casters, now that's a different story."

She paused for a moment, letting her words sink in before continuing. "As an oni of flames, I have developed a discerning palate for such things. The flavors can be quite exquisite, blending the essence of the caster's magic with the heat and intensity of the flames. But do be warned, my friends, attempting to consume flames like an oni may prove to be quite a challenge for those not of my kind."

Ibaraki's warning carried a mix of caution and excitement, her experience in devouring flames adding weight to her words. She understood that her abilities as an oni made her unique in this regard, allowing her to appreciate the flavors of flames in ways others could not fathom. Yet, her playful demeanor hinted at the thrill she derived from these unconventional indulgences, inviting her companions to delve deeper into the extraordinary world that she inhabited.