I'm sure every day you're learning a bit more about them, [Matoba says encouragingly.] Histories and detailed bestiaries are useful to know well, but even I cannot say I know of every ayakashi. Surely, in a place like this, I imagine you have even encountered ones I have never seen.

[He's not meaning it to be patronizing.... Truly, this place had quite a few differences from the ayakashi he was used to. Even though they mostly reflect the ayakashi and their desire to reach humanity........ Well, no matter. His point stood.]

[Did Matoba do his best? ...In the moment, yes, he probably did, he decides.] It seems those responsible did not appreciate being interfered with. Too bad; I would have liked to have killed at least one, so that I could inspect their corpse more closely.... But, they had some rather interesting armor.

Ah, and firearms. Have you heard any details about those? I admit I am not the most familiar with such weaponry, but perhaps you'd be able to fill in the gaps. Most guns tend to leave a shell casing, correct?

[He'll note that reaction for later.]