Chapter 45
I didn’t expect it to hit me this hard.
I thought I had already written them off, but seeing him like this… Yeah, it’s a shock.
What comes up is disgust and anger.
But I don’t think it’s anger over “my classmates being turned into monsters.”
It’s not because they were my classmates, because they were close to me.
It’s more like Muraki falls into the category of “people from Earth like me.”
So my emotions, whether I liked or disliked him, don’t really matter. The fact that he’s one of the few like me is what counts.
And honestly, I never hated Muraki that much individually.
So the anger over one of the few of my kind being harmed outweighed my disgust toward Muraki.
“Don’t screw with me. Why did this happen!” (Shizuma) Melt was right, this thing can’t be killed. At least not until we get information out of it.
Can it be changed back? Do we have to kill it? What caused this?
Well, anyway…
“I’ll hack off every damn limb and make you writhe in pain, you bastard!!!!” (Shizuma)
The self-buffing battle cry [Crimson Howl].
The shout came out naturally, and my whole body felt a surge of energy.
I drew my sword, stepped in as if tracing the image in my mind, and activated [Rapid Step].
This randomly boosts both power and number of attacks. The range goes from 1x to 9x.
At my full strength right now, even the weakest attack could at least tear through flesh. At 9x, it’s devastating.
Kicking off the floor and the walls, I moved in irregular patterns and swung my sword at the monster’s limbs.
Its tongue lashed out at incredible speed to block me, but I dodged it and slashed through its right front leg.
…Looks like I got a high multiplier. Not just flesh, I completely severed the leg in one blow. Unfortunately, the number of attacks didn’t increase.
Even so, the shockwave from the attack was strong enough to send the monster’s massive body flying and crashing into a wall.
“I’ll cut you to pieces! Quit squirming, you worthless trash!!!!” (Shizuma)
[Crimson Howl] only applies to the first attack after activation. That means I have to keep shouting this kind of threatening crap while fighting.
It’s incredibly embarrassing! But this much is necessary if I want to defeat it without leaving any openings.
If it were a Dungeon Master with clearly exposed weak points, I could have targeted them easily. But this thing, its true nature is completely unknown. For now, I just have to boost my power and hit it.
I dashed in again as it flailed against the wall, swinging my sword with the intent to sever its remaining limbs.
“Jackpot.” (Shizuma)
My body moved on its own, swinging the sword at the monster more than necessary.
Its left front leg and both back legs were slashed repeatedly, torn to shreds. Unable to support its own weight, the massive body collapsed to the floor.
The power of each hit was lower this time, but I must’ve landed nine attacks in total.
“…Melt, what about the wounded?” (Shizuma)
“It’s amazing… This is amazing… The wounds turned shallow instantly…” (Melt)
“Turned shallow, huh. So, not a full recovery.” (Shizuma)
“Rikka-chan…still has awful bruises on her limbs. But they were broken just a minute ago. Kash… I think he still has internal damage…his face is way too pale. But…he’s stable.” (Melt)
“I see. Once we confirm this thing’s completely stopped moving, let’s carry them out.” (Shizuma)
“Yeah. Also… Grant was the most seriously injured… What do we do… He’s breathing, but everything below his stomach is really cold… He might already be…” (Melt)
An attack strong enough to destroy the lower half of the body… What is this monster? It’s way too powerful.
Could it have inherited Muraki’s abilities…?
“Melt. Do we have any packing chains or ropes in this warehouse? I’ll keep watch. Can you search?” (Shizuma)
“Got it… So you managed to completely immobilize it. You’re strong.” (Melt)
“…Honestly, I think I took a big risk.” (Shizuma)
My weapon helped, sure. But even with a lucky high multiplier from [Crimson Howl], I only managed to blow off its limbs. It could’ve easily been a one-shot kill if things had gone differently, but it was more durable than expected.
Abilities vary between Shilent and Seimu, but this thing is definitely stronger than the monsters kept near the summit of that mountain.
“Found the chains! And also some iron string.” (Melt)
“That’s wire. Hand it here.” (Shizuma)
I immediately wrapped wire around the monster’s mouth and fixed it shut. Then I tied up the rest of its body like a package.
But there strangely wasn’t any blood flowing from the monster’s limbs.
…Is it even alive?
“Alright… Melt, go outside the warehouse and call for help. Reinforcements should be coming from upstairs now.” (Shizuma)
“Okay. Seimu, be careful. We don’t know what that monster is. It might explode or release poison when it dies.” (Melt)
“Understood.” (Shizuma)
Before long, the museum guards and national knights arrived.
I left most of the explanation to Melt, since she and Letty knew more about the situation than I did.
“There was a suspicious group, and I went with another guard to check it out. I think…they were originally a group of three.” (Melt)
“Originally? What do you mean?”
“The captured monster… I think it was a human. There were three suspicious people, but only two fled. And inside the monster’s body…there was a human face embedded.” (Melt)
Hearing that, I added a few words.
“May I speak as well? What she said is true. I joined later and fought the monster. Inside its mouth, I saw a human face.” (Shizuma)
“Couldn’t it have just been eaten?”
“No, it was clearly something else. Its appearance was entirely unnatural. I’ve sealed its mouth shut for safety, but it can be easily verified. Initially, I was going to kill it, but considering its inhuman form and the possibility of human involvement, I chose to capture it.” (Shizuma)
“…I see. We’ll report this to the higher-ups immediately. Please leave the warehouse. We’ll take over the watch.”
“…Apologies, but there are items here I won at the auction. Could you first contact the company that owns this warehouse?” (Shizuma)
I didn’t fully trust them. If these knights were in on it, they could destroy the monster to erase the evidence.
“Well… the man who came down here to manage the goods was likely devoured by the monster. There’s no trace of him. We also tried contacting the company’s headquarters, but got nowhere. They keep insisting, ‘We didn’t participate in the auction.’”
“What…! This wasn’t just a random attack.” (Shizuma)
“Exactly. That’s why we lower-ranked knights can’t do anything more. All we can do is guard the place and wait for backup from the capital.”
“I see… Then please contact one of the Thirteen Knights stationed in this city, Shuris-san. She’s the one who instructed me to bid on this company’s items.” (Shizuma)
“What! You’re one of Shuris-sama’s people?”
“More or less. She probably suspected something. I’ll leave the rest to you, is that alright?” (Shizuma)
“Yes, of course!”
Their attitude changed drastically, but I didn’t feel any ill will. They really seemed like people loyal to their duty.
Leaving things to them, Melt and I exited the warehouse.
“Seimu, let’s head to the old building. I’m worried about Rikka-chan and the others.” (Melt)
“Alright, let’s go. And…keep what was inside that monster a secret, please.” (Shizuma)
“…Okay. Sshhh, right?” (Melt)
…She’s still a bit childish, even in a situation like this. That somehow helped ease my tension a little.
“…Let’s hurry, Seimu.” (Melt)
“Got it. Lead the way.” (Shizuma)
Guided by Melt, we reached the old building, where the two other guards from the Pigeon Company came running over.
“There was a commotion. What happened?”
“Well, actually…” (Shizuma)
I told them just the gist of what happened.
That a monster appeared, and Melt and Letty dealt with it.
And that Letty was now chasing the two thieves who escaped.
“…We’ll need to report this to the clan home. Hey, you handle that.”
“Got it. What about Captain? She is probably gone for the day.”
“Oh, about that, I already asked the national knights to head to Shuris-san’s family estate.” (Shizuma)
“Oh! Nicely done, Seimu-san. That’s a big help. Then I’ll leave the clan home report to you.”
“Roger. And Melt-chan, you can go home when you’re ready. From here on, this becomes Clan business.”
“Okay. But my friend’s in critical condition, so I’ll stay a little longer.” (Melt)
“I see… The injured were taken up to the second floor a bit ago.”
“Got it.” (Melt)
I watched Melt rush off, then turned to the remaining clan members to talk.
“When Shuris-san arrives, please ask if she can meet with me as soon as possible. I’ll be staying with Melt.” (Shizuma)
“Yeah, got it. …This might turn into a bigger incident than expected… It’s not just an attack, but the appearance of a monster.”
I didn’t tell them yet that the monster used to be a person.
It was too shocking a truth. That people could become monsters…
Well, if necessary, Shuris-san’s subordinates would probably be given that information.
————————-
The second floor of the old building seemed to serve as a storage area for items that weren’t on display.
In one of the rooms, the items had been pushed to the sides to make space for the injured to rest.
There were no doctors, just people laid down to rest. Honestly, it wasn’t a great environment.
“Rikka-chan… Her breathing is stable, and the injury on her arm has healed quite a bit. Also, it doesn’t seem like the monster was poisonous.” (Melt)
The young female adventurer was simply sleeping for now.
But the other two…
“Kash… We have to move him to a proper medical facility soon… His complexion is really bad. It’s not just simple anemia…” (Melt)
“Yeah… He’s clearly pale, more like ashen… If I remember right, that’s a sign of bad lymph circulation…” (Shizuma)
“Lymph…? Seimu, do you have medical knowledge? And that potion from earlier… Can’t you save Kash with it?” (Melt)
“…I think I can. But afterward, Kash will definitely feel indebted. Melt, how much do you think a wonder drug that can save someone from symptoms like this is worth?” (Shizuma)
“…I don’t know. But I think it’s something incredibly rare. Even I probably couldn’t make one.” (Melt)
“What do you think would happen if we used something like that on a rookie adventurer?” (Shizuma)
I knew I was saying something harsh, but I wanted Melt to think it through.
She’s too sincere, and because I can do just about anything, I need her to consider what kinds of consequences these choices might bring, and how we should act going forward.
“…I think he’d be incredibly grateful. And then…he might feel like he has to obey everything you say for the rest of his life.” (Melt)
“Exactly. That’s the issue. So…” (Shizuma)
I pulled out the highest-grade recovery item from my item box.
—-———————–
[Elixir +15 Blessed by the Cathedral of Oracles]
-Fully restores HP
-Heals all status ailments, including KO
-Grants status ailment resistance
-Effects last until logout
-Removes death penalties
—-——- —————-
A top-tier item from the game.
To be specific, just one of these could buy you a full set of frontline gear.
The combination of status ailment resistance and death penalty removal made it a must-have for top-tier players.
The recipe required self-mixing, rare materials, and mixing at a specific location during a specific time, so the market price was insane.
…Well, I had seven full stacks of them. I made them myself, after all.
Crafting professions are a pain to level, but once you master them, you’ll never struggle with money again.
“That’s why, Melt, what I’m about to do has to stay a secret, okay?” (Shizuma)
“…That’s all? You’ll help just for that?” (Melt)
“Yup. These kids promised to buy me delicious food once they’re all grown up.” (Shizuma)
“! Right! Yes, that’s it! I’m sure the three of them know all kinds of tasty food! They even taught me how to make pie!” (Melt)
If she’s thought it through, that’s enough. If Melt can grow little by little, then that’s all I want.
So, I used the beautiful little vials, elaborately crafted and radiant, on Kash and Grant.
The glittering liquid, like liquefied rainbow light, flowed into their mouths and enveloped their entire bodies.
While I was at it, I gave one to Rikka-san too.
Melt said she was the least injured, but her arm clearly looked terrible.
It wasn’t just a bruise. There was a hole, almost like a bite mark left by the monster.
“Amazing… Grant’s leg was completely pale just moments ago, but the color’s returning…! That’s really amazing…” (Melt)
“I’m glad. I used the best potion I have. But you absolutely must not tell anyone. This time was special, because it just so happened to be Melt’s acquaintances, and people I also knew.” (Shizuma)
“Yeah, thank you so much. I’m sorry for asking something so reckless. I promise I’ll never tell anyone, and I won’t ask you to use one so casually again.” (Melt)
Still, I’m sure there’ll be times when I want to use one for my own reasons.
At the very least, this incident involved another person from Earth indirectly. Someone’s malice was behind it…and that made it impossible for me to stand by and do nothing.
Yes, malice. This was clearly a serious incident. Some classmate of ours was caught up in a massive conspiracy, used, and Melt’s friends ended up hurt. There’s no reason not to use the elixirs.
“Melt. The two who escaped… They seemed to know you, right?” (Shizuma)
“Yeah, I think so.” (Melt)
“I’m pretty sure…they were the ones who were with us in that ravine dungeon.” (Shizuma)
“Ah… That’s very likely. Not many people know who I am, after all.” (Melt)
Almost certainly, the ones who were with Muraki were our classmates.
According to Melt, they were men, which narrows it down to either Isaka Iori or Kazunuma Kouhei.
Even if the girls are acting separately, it’s pretty clear that the country of Golda is behind this incident.
…Or rather, the fact that those guys are even in this country is irritating enough.
Yeah, it was only because it was Muraki that I considered letting him go. If it had been her -the rotten bitch, and currently number one on my: Don’t think you will ever see the sunrise again, damn it! Ranking- Inami, I would’ve killed her without any trace or hesitation.
“Seimu, you’re making a scary face. What’s wrong…?” (Melt)
“I was just thinking about what’s going on behind this whole incident… Things might get messy again.” (Shizuma)
“Really? Seimu, are you going to be okay? You’re not going to leave, are you?” (Melt)
“I’m going to make sure that doesn’t happen. Don’t worry, we’ve finally made some money, so I’m going to buy a house and make sure we can live peacefully.” (Shizuma)
“Wow! Enough money to buy a house? That’s amazing! If there’s anything I can help with, don’t hesitate to ask, okay?” (Melt)
They’re probably going to suspect that Melt and I know something.
We’ve let slip enough bits of information, and if anyone puts the pieces together…they’ll realize we passed through the Scorched Ravine and are somehow connected to the dungeon closure.
I already talked about something like that when I got Melt registered with the guild.
“Melt. If it ever comes to it, they might take both of us to see someone important in the government. When that happens, just say, ‘I’m sorry, I don’t really know.’ I’ll handle the rest.” (Shizuma)
“Eh… What do you mean?” (Melt)
“I’m just talking about a possibility.” (Shizuma)
She’s still a child.
She may look like an adult, but she’s really just a little kid.
That’s why, even if it’s arrogant or selfish, I have to be the one to shield her.
“It’s okay. If everything works out, let’s go eat that meat like we promised, okay? We sold it for a great price, so even after buying a house, we’ll still be able to afford good food.” (Shizuma)
“Okay! Then I want to try beef! Not dried beef, real beef! There weren’t any cows or cow monsters in the forest, so I’ve never eaten it before!” (Melt)
“Alright, it’s a promise. I’ll find a place where we can eat all the beef we want.”
And so, I began preparing for the inevitable interrogation, deciding what information to reveal, what cards I could play, and how to negotiate…even if I was dealing with an entire nation.
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