Altair originally wanted to point out to Souta that her saber wasn't meant for grave digging.
But then she suddenly realized something—in this mission, aside from digging graves... it seemed she had no other role.
Resurrecting people had nothing to do with her.
After all, she couldn't even bring back Setsuna Shimazaki, who died half a year ago, and had to rely on help from the group. Let alone resurrecting Nezuko's family, who died two years ago.
Souta probably considered this, so he let her handle what she could, allowing her to contribute more and earn more points.
Thinking of this, Altair's expression changed.
She no longer complained and looked at Souta gratefully.
What a gentle person.
"Thank you, Souta." Altair smiled and said, "I almost misunderstood you. Really, wouldn't it be better if you explained things clearly? There's no need to be shy about such matters."
Seeing Altair in a grateful state, Souta was puzzled.
Letting her dig graves... and she's this happy?
Uh... could Altair have awakened some strange trait?
Souta paid a bit more attention but didn't delve deeper.
He turned his gaze to Rin Tohsaka, who was observing the group members.
Souta walked over, patted Rin's shoulder to get her attention, and said:
"Rin, go with Altair. Restoring Nezuko's family's bodies will be your task."
"Me?" Rin was stunned. "Wait, Souta, magic isn't omnipotent. Restoring ashes to bodies—how could I possibly do that?"
"I know. I've already thought of a way. Here, take this."
Souta took out a large stack of 'Fourth Bullet' item cards from his pocket and handed them to Rin, saying:
"This should increase your contribution."
These were item cards Kurumi had given him long ago, unused until now.
Unexpectedly, they came in handy now.
If he were to manipulate time reversal himself, it would consume a significant amount of divine power.
Rin didn't take the item cards, showing a helpless expression:
"I came here just to earn some points; you don't have to accommodate me . You must be short on points yourself, right?"
"Oh?" Souta was a bit surprised. "You're not obsessed with money... Are you still the Rin Tohsaka I know?"
"Hmph." The twin-tailed girl snorted softly, turning her head away, unwilling to engage with Souta.
"Alright, I was just joking."
Souta blocked everyone's view with his body, and out of sight, he reached out and pinched Rin's cheek.
It felt like a secret affair... a bit thrilling.
"Take the item cards. Once you earn points, won't you need me to use divine power to enhance your strength?"
Rin accepted the item cards.
Her face was slightly flushed, evidently affected by Souta's affectionate gesture.
Souta turned around to face the others, speaking to gather their attention:
"Let's split into two groups. Altair, Rin, Nezuko, and Tanjiro—you four go retrieve the ashes. Restore the bodies in front of the graves; being close to the graves makes material recall easier."
After a pause, he looked at Altair and asked:
"Altair, you have spatial movement abilities, right?"
"Yes." Altair nodded. "I had Setsuna add it for me. Moving with others isn't a problem."
"Then I won't see you off." Souta said, "After restoring the bodies from the ashes, remember to bring them back here."
"I will summon the corresponding souls during this time," Athena added. "Once the souls merge with the bodies, the resurrection will be complete. However..."
Athena looked at Nezuko and Tanjiro, saying:
"I need to extract a medium from you to summon the souls. Don't worry; it's just a wisp of soul essence and won't cause any harm."
She raised her hand, and the ability to detain souls from the underworld activated.
When gods use their divine powers, it's as natural as breathing, unlike magicians who require various preparations and incantations.
In an instant, a wisp of aura from Nezuko and Tanjiro was grasped by Athena, as if holding a tangible substance.
"I'll go summon the souls now."
After speaking, Athena prepared to leave.
But Souta called out to her: "Wait, Athena."
Facing the silver-haired girl's puzzled gaze, Souta said:
"Besides Nezuko's family's souls, could you check if there are other souls in Mount Sagiri? If there are, please gather them and bring them here."
Upon hearing this, Athena remained calm, but Sakonji Urokodaki trembled slightly.
His eyes beneath the mask looked at Souta, showing uncontrollable excitement.
"Mount Sagiri..." Athena asked, "Is it this nearby area?"
"No problem, it's a small matter."
After responding, Athena vanished from everyone's sight.
She was probably looking for the most suitable place to activate her underworld divine powers.
The effectiveness of a god's abilities is somewhat influenced by the environment.
"I'm heading out too, Souta."
At this moment, Altair spoke to Souta.
She then turned to Rin and the Kamado siblings, beckoning:
"Everyone, gather around me. Also..."
Altair looked at Nezuko:
"Where was your original home? Approximately how far is it?"
Tanjiro stepped forward, pointed in a direction, and provided the approximate distance.
He felt this scene was familiar and instinctively glanced at Souta.
These people... do none of them like walking?
After spending time with them, would he become lazy too?
"Hmm... it's a bit far. I probably can't transfer there in one go; I'll need to make several trips."
Altair murmured, then manifested a saber and held it.
She placed the saber on the rifle that appeared on her left shoulder, drawing the saber like playing a violin.
Immediately, the space cut by the blade distorted, and the four figures vanished into the rippling space.
Only Souta and Sakonji Urokodaki remained, watching.
Souta approached the latter, pointed to a nearby cabin, and suggested:
"Mr. Urokodaki, would you mind having a chat inside?"
Urokodaki nodded gently and led Souta to the wooden cabin.
The iron pot used for hotpot earlier had been put away, and the two entered the guest room.
After sitting down, Souta got straight to the point:
"As you saw, resurrecting people in this world where souls linger isn't difficult. So... I have a proposal."
Raising a finger, Souta smiled and said:
"You can report my abilities to your Demon Slayer Corps leader, Kagaya Ubuyashiki. Tell him I can help resurrect past 'Pillars.' As for my conditions..."
PS: Let's update 2,000 words today. I'll continue after some sleep.