Chapter 24
Awareness came slowly—the sunlight warmed my skin, fresh air brushed my face, something soft beneath my head, and the gentle warmth playing with my hair.
My body ached, but not painfully. My mind was drained, yet strangely clear.
Even my magic, while still chaotic, felt... tame.
For the first time in a long time, I felt at peace.
For a moment, I wondered if I was either dreaming or in heaven.
Everything just felt so good. So right.
Then, I opened my eyes and was faced with Ryuu's face.
Her usual tight features were softer, more relaxed. Her eyes were zoned out, and there was a small smile on her face.
All in all, she was even more beautiful than usual.
For the usually so uptight Ryuu to look this relaxed, "maybe this really is heaven".
Then, her blue eyes met my green ones and froze.
Wait. Did I just say that out loud? Ryuu's face was turning redder by the second.
Seeing her blush, my blood started rushing towards my face as well, as I became cognizant of our position and the direction my thoughts were going.
Seeing Ryuu's blush about to creep up to the tips of her pointy ears, I got a bad feeling. A life-threatening bad feeling.
Somehow, I knew that I had to do something before she unfroze!
So, slowly and very gently, I raised my hand and wrapped it around Ryuu's that was playing with my hair.
Then, as smoothly as I could, I disentangled it and guided it away. Taking advantage of the motion, I got up from her lap, whose precious, comfortable warmth was suddenly getting too hot.
I immediately noticed as my ability and mind mourned at the loss of… something. Was Ryuu using her magic on me?
Not now—I still had a Level 4 embarrassed elf to defuse.
So, as nonchalantly as I could, I let go of her hand and saluted. "Morning, Ryuu. Anything happen while I was sleeping?"
She jumped incoherently at my voice, then looked at her hand, then at me.
Come on, take that. Ignore whatever that moment was and act normally.
"A-ah, good morning, Regis." She seemed to reset as her blush receded somewhat.
There we go! Ladies and gentlemen, that's how you avoid death by an embarrassed and mortified elf.
Seeing that I wasn't in life-threatening danger, I started on my morning ritual. I conjured an orb of water from the air and drank some. Then, I used the rest to wash up.
Meanwhile, I looked around at my things scattered all over the floor.
"So, did something happen last night?" I asked the still a little out of it elf.
"Hmm, ah yes. But it doesn't matter." She said, shaking her head.
"How come?" I asked.
"Someone I knew came by last night, but she was understanding, so she didn't bother us." She clarified after averting her gaze.
She was holding something back. Still… I trusted her. If it mattered, she'd tell me.
I was still curious, though.
"I see. So, why are all my things all over the place?" I asked.
"Before I knew who she was, I went to confront her and left you alone. Your magic reacted violently while I was gone." She said concerned.
"Oh shi– I'm sorry, are you alright? I didn't hurt you, right?" I asked, a little worried. While having my magic react violently during a night had been an issue, it usually wasn't that bad.
Not to mention that I usually woke up, and I kind of just had the best sleep of my life.
It was the reason I gave up trying to find an Inn to rest, even without Apollo's meddling, after the incident at Eina's apartment. I didn't want to burn someone's house down.
Thankfully, she seemed physically fine.
Wait, she said that I only reacted violently while she was gone.
"I'm fine. You didn't hurt me," she said, standing and dusting herself off.
"You used your magic on me, didn't you? Oh, thank you." I accepted the blanket she was handing me.
There was no other way. Ryuu must have used her ability on me to let me rest. In a similar way to how I helped Norn get over her fear. I was inspired by her ability, after all.
It also would explain the mental pressure I felt when I let go of her.
"Yes." She said, observing me closely.
"I see. Thanks Ryuu. That was the best night's sleep I've had in ages." I said gratefully.
She blushed and said. "I just returned the favor."
"Favor?" I asked, confused.
She didn't respond, but saw how she fingered the pendant around her neck and remembered the day I gave it to her.
"Oh, I see." I said, chuckling. "I guess the situation was reversed, huh. Curious how things often go full circle."
She smiled lightly. "I guess they do."
As we picked up everything from the ground and started putting it into my bags. I started wondering what I should do today.
Probably check on Eina first. Then go to the dungeon to work on getting my latest project working. It should help stabilize my AIM field, even with the nightmares, among other things. And, since Lili was going to be busy with her familia and Ryuu would…, huh?
What was she doing again?
"So, what are you going to be doing today?" I asked her.
She usually stalked places during the day to hit during the night. But with the Daedalus district being a literal maze that messed with my math models… It would be a waste of time trying to find the Rudra familia on her own. And that I knew of, there wasn't any urgent business to scout. We had done a thorough job this last month.
"There's a rumor about–." She began, but suddenly she caught herself and glared at me.
"What?" I said, raising my hands in surrender.
What did I do!?
"I'm not telling. You just have to rest." She replied as she turned around and began gathering her things.
"Eh? Come on, I already agreed to take the break. You can tell me." I said a little indignant and definitely not pouting.
But she continued ignoring me and continued her task, making sure not to look at me.
I narrowed my eyes on her.
She seemed unaffected, but with my ability tuned to her AIM, I knew better. I just needed to make another push.
My curiosity shall be satisfied!
Besides, if something were to happen to her. I wanted a hint so as to know where to begin to find her.
"Ryuu, come on~. You already know that I'm telling the truth, and even if I don't go with you, I still can give you ideas to help you." I pleaded to her. Letting my emotions influence my AIM in a way that I knew she would be able to notice.
A couple of seconds later… She sighed and said. "Alright."
Bingo! Hehe.
"There's an old rumor that I remembered from a couple of months ago. It was about a weird drug that turned normal people into crazed lust fiends." She said with a bit of disgust seeping into her tone.
"Weird drug? That seems like the dictionary definition of an aphrodisiac." I said, puzzled. Also, how come I've never heard of it?
"I agree. But the problem with the drug is the area of effect reported. It appears to affect entire blocks of buildings at the same time, and it seems to affect people indiscriminately."
"Entire blocks!?" I asked, shocked and more than a little worried. Was that even possible to do with drugs? From what I knew, even with alchemy, it should be nearly impossible.
I wasn't an expert, but airborne aphrodisiacs should typically lose potency quickly. To affect an entire city block? That'd take an absurd concentration.
Considering that we lived in a pseudo-medieval world, such a thing should be incredibly difficult to produce.
"Yes. I've heard of several massive orgies." She blushed slightly, but it quickly receded as she continued. "Due to their frenzied behavior, people have been physically and mentally harmed in the past. Thankfully, they've been limited to the pleasure district."
"I see." Even if it was limited to the red-light district, I could tell it was a disaster waiting to happen. The fact that no one had died in the past was a miracle. What with how indiscriminate the drug seemed to be and the fact that high-level adventurers could get caught in it and attack civilians…
I shivered. If a drug could affect and cloud my mind so quickly…
"Are you going to be alright?" I asked, concerned. I didn't want her to go alone to that place. I knew that if she were to be affected by the drug and something happened....
I suddenly began to feel ill.
She smiled reassuringly and said. "Don't worry, I possess abnormal resistance. So I should be able to get away before it's too late."
Still, in the worst case scenario, I could easily imagine a drugged out Ryuu, in the middle of the pleasure district, surrounded by high-level amazons…
Normally, I would be confident that her speed would help her avoid any danger, but with such a potent drug… If it's even a drug in the first place.
Breathe, Regis, calm down, and analyse.
Having run down the possible scenario, I spoke up. "Ryuu, even if you said it's a drug. I'm not convinced."
Such a thing would have been used as a weapon a long time ago if it were the case.
"So, make sure you keep your aura technique up while you're there. You can do that, right?" Hopefully, since her technique was a pseudo self-mental manipulation, that would increase her time to get away and help her notice it faster.
"You think it's a Skill or a Spell?" She caught on quickly to my thoughts.
"Yes, if such an effective drug were indeed real. I wouldn't use it for something like this, and much less in the pleasure district. It would be bad for business." And even if some amazons would be delighted at the experience… They still needed money.
"I'll make sure to do so." She said seriously.
"Thank you," I said, and felt as my shoulders relaxed slightly.
What else could I say… My mind compiled everything I had on Ryuu and what I knew about the situation. Then, my eyes strayed to the wooden sword fastened to her waist and remembered how she used it the night before.
How she activated her skill with just her ability to make it vibrate was impressive.
But, as a human of science from the 21st century, I knew how devastating and harsh vibrations could be on matter.
"Also, I would keep an eye on your sword's condition. While your new technique is great. It will be harsh on it." I pointed it out to her.
She tightened the grip of her sword and gave it a panicked side-eye glance. Before her eyes turned on me and seriously nodded. "I'll keep it in mind."
I narrowed my eyes at that. Then I remembered the night before, when she said that her familia had deemed me innocent.
It had been a relief at the time, but the more I thought about it, the more I questioned it. How exactly did her technique judge?
I knew what I had done and my sins. And I also thought I had a good handle on Ryuu.
The fact that her technique affected evil people in some way was undeniable, as she demonstrated when she was able to kill the witch, where even my current chaos failed.
But, just what were the parameters it used? Did it use Ryuu's impression of how her dead familia would have judged me? Did it transcend death, space, and time to do it? Was it able to read all my past actions instantly to make a judgment?
There were just too many unknowns…
Not to mention, I wasn't sure having such a technique would be good for her growth as a person.
She already had a black and white mentality…
Thankfully, I knew that she had a sentimental attachment to it. How she cared about it after every encounter made it obvious.
Hopefully, my warning would limit how much she depended on it.
I would usually warn her now about the dangers, but considering where she was going, introducing any doubt in her ability could prove fatal…
I mentally sighed, hopefully, she would be alright.
We continued preparing for the day—I running through formulas to check my condition, while Ryuu took inventory of her gear, occasionally sneaking glances at what I was doing.
As I ran my final drill, a stream of iron sand flowed from my pouch to my hands and back again, deoxidizing as it passed through my grip, cleansing itself of dust and impurities at my command. I asked, "Do you need anything?"
"Ah, no, nothing." She replied rapidly while looking away, a little bit of color was on her cheeks.
"If you say so." She gave me a pensive look.
But I saw her eyes regain clarity and said. "Actually, no. There's something that's been on my mind for a while."
"Hmm, what is it?" I said as I circled the last of my sand, tossing the debris over the wall outside the city, and turned towards her.
"Regis, why did you come to Orario?" She asked.
"That comes a bit out of nowhere," I said as I adjusted the fastenings of my cloak. "Can you specify what you want to know? I came for a multitude of reasons, after all."
"Uh, yes, sorry." She said with a contrite look.
"Usually, people come here to the center of the world searching for something. Power, fame, or glory. But, I don't see what you could have won coming here." She explained getting puzzled by the end. "With your magic, if you wanted, you could have conquered any country and lived like a king…"
"Eeh… I guess you're right." She definitely had a point, considering the strength of the adventurers outside Orario.
"I don't know about kingship, but I would indeed have had a far easier time making a home outside Orario." I easily admitted.
"Then, why? Why are you suffering through this?" She asked, her distressed eyes hoping for an answer.
Why was I doing this?
As I looked up at the sky, the light coming from the sunrise painted it orange, I relived the last month, the constant exhaustion, the constant struggle, the constant vigilance…
Yeah, being homeless and basically being treated like a criminal by part of Orario wasn't fun.
But then, when I imagined going away…
Chaos monsters tearing people apart.
A violet eye searching behind the frail veil of order that formed reality.
The black dragon.
A self-deprecating smile formed on my face. It probably wasn't a pretty one, considering how Ryuu winced. "I guess I'm doing this because I feel I must. And because I think it's for the best."
My past would end up coming to hunt me eventually, after all.
"Even if you're destroying yourself?" She asked, her fist clenched white.
Ugh. I guessed it was too late to try to distract her, wasn't it? I didn't like seeing her like this.
"It's not that bad, Ryuu," I said, trying to put some cheer into my voice. "I have fun every day watching over Lili, and our nightly escapades are always interesting. They have taught me a lot about the people in Orario. Besides, cleaning up the scum of Orario is an important task, right?"
As I spoke, the faces of the people we saved went through my mind. Those alongside Lili's thankful smile and Ryuu's own…
"It's really not that bad." I said with a completely genuine smile.
"Still…" She didn't seem all that convinced
"My future, Ryuu." I ended up saying. "I'm fighting for my future, or I guess, the future I want for myself. My justice if you will."
"Your justice?" A strange gleam entered her eyes.
"Yes, my justice. I have a troubled past, Ryuu. I have to get stronger if I want to survive and make myself a place to belong."
"Your justice is to find a place to belong?" She said intensely, her eyes were laser-focused on me.
"Not find, I want to make my own place, a home," I said, even if I had difficulties imagining such a place. I had lost hope in finding such a place. In the past, all of them were stripped away from me by force.
I turned towards the city and walked over to the parapet of the wall. Stretching my open hand in the direction I said. "I dream of building a place—one that lasts. No matter what."
I wanted a place to call home.
A place no Master Wizard, deity, or overpowered Dragon could ever destroy.
"Regis, that…" She said, speechless, as she followed me and leaned on the parapet by my side, and looked at the rising sun with me.
"What? Is it wrong of me?" I asked with a wry smile on my face.
"No, I was going to say basic. Something that shouldn't even be a challenge for you." She said, her smile mirroring my own, before it turned melancholic. "But then, I remembered that this was Orario. The center of the world. And realised what a difficult task it would be to create such a place. What kind of place do you envision?"
"One filled with people that can help me defend the place while simultaneously having fun exploring magic with me!" I said, starting to get excited as the image started to form in my mind.
A melodic giggle came out of the elf.
"What, was that too much to ask?"
She shook her head. "No, it's just a very you response. I should have seen it coming."
We shared a moment as the sun came out fully.
"Well, I should be going," I said as I stretched my back and put a foot on the parapet, ready to jump as my formulas were nearing completion.
"Regis." She said, "When all this is over and you make your place…"
I smiled at the blushing elf. "Don't worry, I'll make a room just for you. You'll always have a place there."
Her eyes widened and then sharpened as she smiled happily. "Ah, if that's the case, then my sword will always be ready to defend it. That's a promise."
"I look forward to it." I really did, there were countless applications to Ryuu's ability to explore. Her potential was vast. I was really excited to see what she could accomplish.
But, before that. "Ah, right before I forget. Ryuu, if you find the stray black cat, be gentle."
"Eh? Black cat?" She asked, perplexed.
"Yes, anyway. Good luck and be careful, see you in a week." I said as I waved my hand, and I jumped from the wall.
Hopefully, if they found each other, Ryuu would remember my words.
Anyway, it was about time to check on Eina.
I wondered how far she had gone with her ability.
//////////////////////////////////
AN: So, I had the idea of making shorter chapters and update more frequently. Preferably, once a week. Although I make no promises. Hopefully, having closer deadlines will help with my procrastination.
Anyway, please comment on what you would prefer. Shorter chapters more often or a larger chapter each month.
Thanks for reading.
Chapter 25
My silent steps brought me to the doors of the guild, with my usual stealth-related formulas running at full force in the back of my mind.
But they appeared unnecessary, as I crossed the doors and found myself with the equivalent of rush hour at the train station of this world.
The place was full. Adventurer parties and civilians alike awaited in rows before each guild attendant, and while no one was outright shouting, the place was lively with chatter and the sound of armour and weapons clacking against each other.
Usually, after a long night of sleeping poorly, I sneaked in while the staff of the guild was still preparing for the day. Then, I rested for a while in the private room Eina kindly kept reserved for me.
But today, I was late. Probably due to my interactions with Ryuu.
A wry smile tugged at my lips as I let my camouflage formulas fade from my mind.
My cloak shimmered back to its usual white. A few high-class adventurers glanced my way momentarily, but such magic wasn't out of reach for some magical objects, so no one raised a fuss.
Crossing the place, I spied a certain half-elf whose row was almost twice the length of the others.
Heh, it was hard being popular, wasn't it?
She was talking with a civilian, pointing at something in a paper. Probably filling out a form for a request.
While the civilian was filling in the paper on the side, the next party of adventurers advanced towards her and started chatting with her. She dealt with them with a cool smile despite the overly friendly mannerism from the adventurer.
Everything seemed to be going well. At least until the civilian finished with the form and started asking Eina about something which seemed to annoy the adventurer she was dealing with.
Narrowing my eyes, I started preparing a formula in my mind. Just in case things escalated.
But Eina, with a graceful smile, touched the paper and, without really looking at it, marked something with a pen and returned it to the civilian. Maintaining her service to the adventurer uninterrupted.
The civilian made an 'oh' noise and continued scribbling. The interaction continued like this. The half-elf balancing her attention between them so seamlessly that it left them perplexed.
I couldn't help but relax and shake my head in amusement at my hyper-competent advisor.
I was glad to see she was doing well. There was also a warmth inside me just from seeing how she was using my gift so freely after what happened a couple of weeks ago.
Perhaps a tad too freely…
I might need to give her a lesson about subtlety.
At last, I reached the corridor and stepped into the now-familiar booth.
The room had undergone some changes since I first used to sneak in to sleep.
Now, the previous barebones chair was padded with cushions, and there was a new carpet on the floor that warmed up the room. There was also an extra cushion and blanket hidden behind the bookshelf that I usually used to rest more comfortably.
Apart from the quality of life provided by extra objects, there had been another change.
It was imperceptible, but beneath the carpet, on the floor, the previous smooth wooden floor now sported a few blurred lines. These were made from wooden fibres that didn't exactly match the original planks of wood.
But all those changes were old news. There was something that piqued my attention as soon as I entered the room.
A single sheet of paper lay on the desk where I usually sat.
I narrowed my eyes at the paper. Something about it prickled my senses.
Eina, really? Being enthusiastic was good, but…
It seemed like it was time for a lesson.
Despite my exasperation, I began feeling a little giddy as my mind brainstormed on how to do this.
First, let's see if she managed the basics.
'Hey there Eina, can you read this?' I wrote on the paper.
Under my hand, the paper vibrated faintly to my metaphysical senses.
Good. She could read it, even from afar.
My smile curled into something far more wicked as an idea slithered up from the depths of my mischief.
Should I?
Pffft, of course I should.
So, I began sketching a calligram — a twisting shape of a cat formed by words, each one a vertical ambigram spelling out a tongue-twister about felines planning world domination. With plenty of nyas, just to irritate her. And to make sure to get my point across, I laced the border with an old Lanovan rune sequence — the kind used in battlefield shields to draw attention.
This whole thing was stupid, but I couldn't help the stupid smile on my face.
"Woah, this looks pretty cursed." I couldn't help but exclaim as I contained my snickering.
Now, I just had to wait…
Come on… Any time now…
Now!
I ducked under the table as the door of the room slammed open and a hardcover book flew where my face had been a half a second ago.
"Regis! Stop it, you fiend!" I heard Eina scream at me.
"Good morning, Eina. I see you've improved your book-throwing ability." I said with a grin.
"My ability doesn't consist of throwing books! You know that! And what unholy thing is that? Why can't I stop paying attention to it?!" I heard her screech as she pressed her hands against her temples. Contrary to her professional appearance back at the reception. Now her hair was all over the place, and her glasses were barely hanging on her face as she glared at me.
"What? You don't like my art?" I teased, badly feigning sadness and waving the cursed page like a flag.
"No! That's not art! That's a gaaaah! I don't know! Ugh, I feel dizzy." She put a hand on the wall to stabilize herself
Then, after gathering herself, she glared at me and started walking up to me and around the table, obviously with the intention to take the paper from me.
I, of course, stood up and walked around the other side of the table, avoiding her.
"Regis!" She barked, her usual grace discarded. "Give it. Now!"
I held the paper just out of reach. "You want it? Then reach for it."
She moved with purpose, her eyes shining with frustration and determination.
But I was in better shape than she was, and no matter how fast she moved, I was always out of her range.
"Come on, Eina. Focus and take it." I said, this time with emphasis to my voice with my magic. Just enough for her senses to pick up on its use.
She stopped as she remembered her ability, her eyes narrowing in concentration as she fought through the dizziness.
And soon enough, I felt something tug at the paper.
When I felt a solid enough force on it, I let go, and the paper shot straight towards the awaiting hand of the green-eyed brunette.
Who then proceeded to tear it to shreds with her hands and mind.
When the last scrap fluttered to the floor, she exhaled in relief. Like an adventurer who just survived their first battle.
"Well," I said, returning to my seat, "what have we learned today?"
She fixed me with a glare so intense I nearly flinched. Then, slowly, she slumped into the chair across from me when she saw that I was serious about the question.
"That you're evil," she muttered, hiding her face in her arms.
"But I thought that we had already established that?" I couldn't help the twitch on my lips.
"Ugh…" As expected, she didn't have a response to that.
"Seriously though," I continued, my voice unyielding, "are you going to use that brilliant brain of yours or not?"
"My brain is busy leaking through my ears thanks to you." She whined.
"Oh well, at least you got the consequences right," I said. "Now, tell me why that's the case."
"Oh, I didn't think of that." She froze as she realized what I was trying to tell her. "Of course, a new level of awareness means a new vector I can be vulnerable from."
"Yeah, now that your book-throwing ability–We're not calling it that!–has evolved to the point you can read paper from far away. The world has opened up to you. For good and for bad." I said with a melancholic smile.
I really wanted her to understand. Having the ability to glance at knowledge was great and useful in almost all scenarios.
But I knew firsthand that there were risks to useful abilities without true stopping power...
My days of being imprisoned and exploited due to my hacking abilities hadn't been fun.
I didn't want my kind advisor to have to go through that.
"Eina, power's great—until it makes you a target. Know what you're reaching for before you see it. And more importantly, know who might want to silence you for it. Alright?" I said dead serious.
She lifted her face from the table, her fingers tightening around the table's edge, and nodded solemnly. Clearly internalizing my words.
Then, she stared at me intently. "Yes, I understand."
"Very well. That's today's lesson. For next week, your homework is to figure out a way to snap yourself out of these kinds of traps." I said, excited to see what she'll come up with.
"Also, be more subtle using your ability at work, will you." I continued in a drier tone. "At least look at the paper for a second before you act on the information you gleaned from it. Even without my senses, I could tell something weird was going on."
"Ah, you saw that? hahaha." She laughed awkwardly, her eyes having difficulty looking at me. "I'm sorry."
One of my conditions in helping her unlock her ability had been to keep it a secret.
It was for her security. Since now, she was on the same boat as me when it came to the risks of being forced into a familia.
I sighed. "It doesn't matter. Make sure to work on what I've asked you."
"Of course." She said as she took another piece of paper and focused on it.
Curious, I focused my senses on it and felt her playing with it. The paper became charged with her AIM and shifted around due to it.
Then she surprised me by tearing a piece of it. Suddenly, I felt it, her AIM crystalising briefly, and her face lighting up in wonder.
Ah, a small breakthrough.
A gentle smile formed on my face as I continued observing my new student as she experimented.
It was always a treat to observe someone playing with magic.
Suddenly, the paper flew away from her, which seemed to snap her out of her trance.
"Huh." She let out a confused sound. Then, she glanced at me and blushed.
I chuckled slightly at her face.
She pouted and averted her gaze.
"There's nothing to feel embarrassed about. I play with my magic all the time. It's often when I make more progress as well."
"I know, it's not that." She said, still averting her gaze.
"Then what is it?" She panicked at my question and looked around searching for words.
"Regis, could you not repeat what you did today? Please?" She pleaded as she shivered slightly, obviously trying to distract me.
I hid my smile. "Hmmm? So, how are you doing?" I asked, not giving her any response.
She narrowed her eyes at me.
I tilted my head at her, puzzled.
Her gaze bored into me, sharp and unwavering.
It tilted my head to the other side.
"Regis?"
"Yes?" I replied, smiling innocently.
Then, she crossed her thumb across her neck.
I smiled at her with my eyes.
Despite trying to keep her serious countenance. I could tell she started giggling inside. I soon joined her.
Eventually, we broke out in laughter at the silliness.
After we calmed down, she said. "I just want you to know that you're the worst."
"I know." But I still was going to test her more. It was necessary to check on her progress.
"Seriously though, how are you Eina? Are you alright?" I asked.
She pressed a hand to her chest and sighed, her smile tinged with sadness. "It still hurts, but I'm better. Thanks to you."
As I saw her melancholic demeanour, I remembered what happened a couple of weeks ago.
Her downcast expression and the pain in her eyes were a dead giveaway that something horrible had happened.
It didn't take much coaxing for her to admit that one of the other adventurers had died in the dungeon.
She was grieving deeply, blaming herself for the death.
I tried to convince her that she had done everything she could have done. That she wasn't at fault. Her lessons were really good.
That with the current system in place, casualties were inevitable.
But she still wasn't having it.
Then, she asked if there was anything else she could do to improve.
Reluctantly, I told her that there was. That there was something I had been working on.
I told her that I could turn her into an ability user.
Obviously, it was a lot more complicated. I still had nightmares about having to modify the ritual that was used to create mages in Lanova to something that would turn Eina into the first artificial esper/artificial natural ability user in this world.
Despite the risks, I warned her repeatedly. She decided that she wanted it. That if there was anything she could do to save people and be better at her job, she would do it.
I couldn't say no to her after everything.
Fortunately, everything went well.
And she developed paper-based clairvoyance with some minor telekinesis. Which translated to her throwing books all over the place while learning how to use it.
"I see. If you need anything, you only need to ask." I said.
"I know. But you've done more than enough. Just continue looking out for me, please."
"I will."
A tired but comfortable silence stretched for a few seconds.
"Tell me Eina, don't you have work to get back to?" I asked as I remembered the huge row of adventurers.
"Hmm? But I'm working. I'm your advisor, aren't I?" She said with a puzzled look that didn't deceive me. There was too much mirth in her eyes.
I snickered. She definitely left all that work to her coworkers.
Suddenly, she adopted a thoughtful look.
"Regis, are you alright? You seemed lighter… No, that's not it. But you appear more relaxed and rested than usual…"
Ah. She noticed.
"Hmm?" I tilted my face sideways, feigning puzzlement. Come on… buy it.
But her brilliant and intelligent eyes continued to examine me. "You had a good night's sleep?" She breathed out in conclusion.
What. How! How did she know?!
My reaction must have given me away, because she pounced like a hungry lion onto a gazelle.
"So~? Anything you want to tell me?" She asked with a smug and curious smile.
I needed to change her back to work mode, now.
"About the reason I came, I need info about the dunge–""It was the Gale Wind, wasn't it?" She said with glee, cutting my poor attempt to distract her.
Wha–? I did a scan on our fields to check for any magical shenanigans. But came up empty.
"Feminine intuition." She responded to my unasked question. "Now, details. Tell me?" She demanded with shining eyes.
I wasn't going to get anything out of her without giving her some of the details, wasn't I?
Then again, it had always been like this with us.
I sighed. "It wasn't anything special. Lili and Ryuu just decided to give me a break for a week." I said. It was more that they imposed it, but she didn't need to know that.
"Oh, that's good. You deserve the break. But I know about your nightmares. You destroyed my apartment, remember? They must have done something to help…" She said, her sunny disposition not wavering in the slightest.
Why did she put more pressure on me when she was happy than when she was yelling at me?
Can we go back to me messing with her and her yelling at me?
Please?
"Ryuu used her magic to help me rest."
"Oho~." Her smile widened as if she was smelling something delicious. "Tell me more…"
"There's not much. She just looked after me for the night." There was no way I could tell her what happened before we slept.
With this woman's love for gossip and fiction, she would tie me to the desk and make me write it down.
"Sure, sure. So… did her lap feel comfortable? Warm? Extremely soft?" She said her mischievous look turned positively victorious as I felt the blood rush to my face.
How?! Was this woman an Esper!?
As the thought came to my mind, I felt like smacking myself on the face.
Because, yeah, she was. I turned her into one.
But that wasn't her ability!
In the end, I surrendered to her and answered that Ryuu's lap was indeed very comfortable. And gave her a rundown about how her ability could help with the nightmares.
"Kyaa! So romantic!" She exclaimed as she started enthusiastically writing in her notebook. But as she wrote, her smile started turning weird.
Was that a bit of bitterness I detected?
But before I could ask, she slapped her notebook shut and with it her gremlin self seemed to be satisfied for the day. Then her demeanor shifted to one more professional.
"Anyway, I'm glad that you're better, Regis."
"I'm sure you are," I replied dryly.
She hummed affirmatively. In a way that denoted that she was more than satisfied. Then, she looked at the clock and her eyes widened. " It's already so late… Was there anything you needed from me? Otherwise, I should go back to help at the entrance."
"Ah, yes. I was planning to go on a dungeon expedition this week. I wanted data on the natural safe zones."
"Aren't you on a break?" She asked, looking unsure to have heard me right.
"Yeah? That's why I'm asking about the safe zones." I replied, looking puzzled.
"Regis… you do know that going to the dungeon isn't taking a break, do you?" She said slowly, suddenly looking agitated.
"Yes, I know. Again, that's why I'm asking about the safe zones." I said, not seeing where the problem was.
I felt that we were talking past each other.
"Eina, you remember that staying on the surface is more stressful for me, right? Besides, I have a project where I need an isolated place to conduct the final tests. I can't exactly do that in Orario." I scratched my head.
She opened her mouth. Then closed it, then opened and closed a few more times. She seemed trapped in an infinite loop where she couldn't quite vocalise what she wanted to say. Finally she covered her face with her hands and groaned.
"Eina?!" I yelped in shock as more than a few books suddenly slammed onto the table.
"And you say that's not a book-throwing ability?!" I yelled, my heart beating furiously.
"It'll become a 'book-to-your-ass' ability if you don't sit down and start memorizing." My spine stiffened as I heard the seriousness in her voice.
"Eina?" I asked cautiously, wondering what came over her.
"Yes, Regis?" She said back, her eyes weren't laughing at all.
"I'm not getting out of here before you're convinced I've crammed all these, aren't I?" I said, waving at the books on the table.
Her eyes crinkled at that. "It's always a pleasure to teach intelligent boys," Then I heard her mutter. "Even if their brains are lacking in other ways."
A retort was at the tip of my lips, but something primal inside me stopped me. Something told me that doing anything but studying right at this moment would be hazardous for my future health.
So, feeling like I had no other choice, I picked the first book and started reading.
At least I was getting the data I came for.
Flipping through pages on dungeon geography, I skimmed past annotated diagrams, familiar sketches of terrain, and charts on monster migration patterns. I was halfway through the third page when I paused.
There, slipped into the fold of a recently added sheet, was something new.
It was unmistakably a ghoul. But not the type I was used to seeing on the upper floors.
My heart started beating faster.
The image was rough, but that particular muscular shape… That definition…
This was a monster that I had seen before.
A monster that had killed me before…
And now it was free to roam the dungeon.
How many people will die when they encounter it for the first time?
So much for a break. It seemed that I had another reason to go back in.Last edited: Jul 14, 2025 Like Quote ReplyReport Reactions:Kathador, CILinkz, Granz and 83 othersMystic QuillJul 14, 2025Reader modeAdd bookmark Threadmarks TisakuExperienced.Jul 14, 2025Add bookmark#177Mystic Quill said:another piece of paper and focused on it
.it.
Mystic Quill said:sure you're," I replied dryly.you are Like Quote ReplyReport Reactions:Mystic QuillveekieConnoisseur.Jul 14, 2025Add bookmark#178Jeremy001 said:I think whenwe suffocate, our bodies are telling us that theres too much co2 in our blood, whereas we dont actually know if we aren't getting oxygen, just that theres toomuch co2. It would have worked too, the adventurers just would have realized it was happening, where as with CO they would have been breathing out their co2 still, but no oxygen.
Its why we have CO alarms in our house, because many times but the time yoy might figure you have some symptoms its too late.
Its such a small and nitpick thing I know lmao nit a big deal at all
Its really a great story, and im trying my bes to whittle away and catch up!Click to expand...Yep, the body is sensitive to high CO2 levels, it feels suffocating even if there is plenty of oxygen. Likewise to water, its why waterboarding feels like drowning even though you can breathe normally.
The only sign of low OXYGEN levels is fatigue and shortly after, loss of consciousness, then probavly death(coz you fell unconscious in an area with too little oxygen to run your brain). If you want to kill someone like that, you just flood the room with a denser gas. They feel fine until they drop Like Quote ReplyReport Reactions:ARK7860, J001, Vox De Harlequin and 1 other personMystic QuillGetting sticky.Jul 14, 2025Add bookmark#179Tisaku said:it.
you areFixed, Thanks. Like Quote ReplyReport Reactions:TisakuThreadmarks Chapter 26 Threadmarks Mystic QuillGetting sticky.Jul 21, 2025Add bookmark#180Chapter 26
Regis Pov
Descending the circular stairs into the dungeon felt different when I was alone.
They felt longer. Sharper, almost sinister.
Like the maw of an evil dragon, one that tempts you, for there's treasure and power to be found inside. And every adventurer descending with me was being drawn to that, despite knowing that you're more likely to find death and suffering.
I sighed as I felt my senses slowly lose sight of Orario, and all I could hear was the magical heartbeat of the dungeon.
I wish Lili or Ryuu were here with me.
Entering this place felt too much like undergoing the trials all over again.
"Come on, Regis. You have work to do." I whispered to myself as I warmed my cold hands by rubbing them against each other.
It wasn't like I was truly alone. Frey was still in my necklace, busy comprehending and learning the ins and outs of my latest project.
Still, I also had this piece of paper Eina had given me, overflowing with her magical power.
She had asked me to bring it with me after her lesson. She was probably trying to see how far her range went.
Knowing her, I had an idea of what she was trying to accomplish, so I was eager to help.
Whatever her reason for asking me to carry it, it was undeniable that the image of the half-elf surrounded by books and ink I got when I focused on it brought me far more comfort than I could have expected.
It was another constant reminder that the dungeon wasn't the Trials.
Putting the paper back in my pouch, I found myself stepping onto the first floor of the dungeon.
I took a deep breath and said. "Well then, here we go. First stop, the 18th floor, Rivira."
I ignored the disdainful looks from the adventurers who heard me and started walking the newbies road.
Well, I wouldn't blame them for looking at me that way, since from their point of view, I was an unblessed adventurer without any armor.
As I traversed the long hallway and little by little the weakest adventurers of Orario left through the side tunnels, I felt more alone than ever.
I couldn't help it, even with all the obvious differences.
So I took a crystalline card from my coat and focused on it.
The world lost definition and became a kaleidoscope of barely coherent, yet vibrant, palette of colors as I immersed myself in my personal reality.
Immediately, a program etched itself into my mind, giving some measure of coherence to my surroundings.
Outwardly, no one would notice any difference, besides perhaps a slight decline in my aura for those sensitive enough.
But, as the walls ahead fractured and ejected a trio of monsters, already calculated formulas were fed into my mind.
First, a magic stone-sensing spell provided me with the exact numerical coordinates of the monsters' cores and calculated their strength.
Then, the card used those parameters to select the most efficient spell to deal with it.
Then, I just had to will it for it to actualize.
A trio of needles made of ice coalesced in front of me and shot forward with just enough force for them to penetrate the goblin's chest and destroy their magic stone.
The monsters disintegrated into ash moments later.
Seeing the card working as intended, I let myself enter into a trance.
The first few floors went by in the blink of an eye. The monsters dying from ice spikes instantly after appearing in my range.
For a while, I wondered how this way of fighting would look from the outside.
Tyrannical? Maybe heartless?
In the end, I couldn't find myself to care; this was the most efficient way to me.
And efficiency was the name of the game for me right now.
The faster I could get to the middle floors, the better.
Soon, I reached the fifth floor, and the cavernous labyrinth opened slightly. The previous blue lights embedded on the walls changed to green. And the heartbeat of the dungeon shifted ever so slightly.
Soon enough, war shadows and ghoul shaped blobs were being slaughtered by my ice spikes.
The ants were tougher, so my card gave me a wide-ranging lightning spell, using the moisture of the air to create temporary rails to dispose of them.
To my sight, I saw rivers of blue carrying the yellow mana to the numerous insectoid-looking blobs before those disintegrated.
The next floors blurred. For each ice spike I launched, a monster died. Nothing posed a challenge.
Finally, I was welcomed by the familiar mists of the tenth floor. Where immediately, I was besieged by whitish blue waves.
The screech of the Bad Bats.
I quickly countered with my version of the hunter's ability.
Turning the blueish of the mists into an icier blue with a simple formula, I froze the bats. Then I plugged the siphoned energy of the spell into an air formula that made them spin like helicopters, which kept them afloat.
With my weapons of choice for the floor secured, I advanced.
The orcs and imps fell to the shuriken like meteors that my magic had turned the bats into.
Then, I used the bats like a distracting stone to keep the tougher monsters away. Throwing them in their general direction and away from me so that they were lured to investigate.
Clearing a free path for me to walk freely as a result.
I climbed out of the trance as the stairs to the middle floors came into view.
Hopefully, the novelty of the new floors would keep my mind off things…
The light coming from beyond the stairs had a more reddish tint, and the walls changed from the previous brittle rock to the more solid bedrock.
"Well, Frey. From here on, we enter a new territory. Excited?" The little spirit in my pendant gave me the equivalent of 'Go away, I'm busy.' Which made me smile because I could still feel him giving curious glances at the new floor before returning to his task.
Man, he must be hating this. With how much he loves exploring…
Then again, he agreed to help me with this project. And if he succeeds, his pranking potential would skyrocket.
"Poor Lili," I chuckled. She would have a hard time avoiding him in the future.
Still, a little adversity will get her to be more creative with her powers. So all was good.
Thinking of Lili, I wonder if she had made any headway into enchanting…
Eh, probably.
She was a clever girl.
//////////////////////////////////////////
Liliruca Arde Pov
Lili didn't understand this. At all.
How did engraving symbols and runes into the icy armaments give them additional effects?
It didn't make sense!
What little Lili knew about runes and enchanting didn't work that way!
Lili huffed as she plucked grapes from the vineyard of the Soma familia.
As someone who had lived all her life in this cursed familia, she had long been taught how to judge which were ripe or not. To the point where her body plucked the correct ones automatically.
Not that it mattered much if she got one or two wrong. The basket that Lili was filling would first be filtered by Mister Chandra, the responsible adventurer for the vineyard, and then by Lord Soma himself before they would be processed into wine.
That meant that Lil was bored, and while her hands weren't idle, her mind certainly was.
Which meant that she had plenty of time to ponder the teachings Master Regis imparted upon her.
But she just didn't get it, and she didn't understand why.
Usually, she would have had a flash of inspiration by now.
Or at least that's what happened when she was by Master Regis' side. She always learned faster when she was by his side.
She sighed and went over the steps again.
First, she had to create an icy armament.
Boots would be good. Her current ones were getting worn out with all the fighting in the dungeon.
Then, she was supposed to decide what kind of enchantment she wanted.
In this case, she wanted to give them the bounciness and softness of a Needle Rabbit. If she managed to get a boost on luck, then even better.
Lili thought it was a nice and straightforward idea.
Even without the lucky charm, comfy boots that let her move silently, faster, and jump higher sounded nice to her.
Although she would need thick socks to not get her tiny toes cold…
She was supposed to use the formula Master Regis gave her to engrave her spell formula into the ice.
Thankfully, her practice with the chat function of her status ability card made this part fairly familiar; otherwise, she would have had to spend a couple of weeks learning it.
After a few seconds of full concentration, the boots appeared over her shoes.
They looked nice, the ice was textured like fur, and while cold, what little she could feel of them in her legs was soft.
There were also the runes that she had in mind engraved on their side.
But as she took a step, the sound of ice breaking made her cringe.
Why!? Why didn't it work?
This time, Lili even got the texture of the rabbit fur right!
Ugh, this sucked.
The problem was that, as much as she didn't want to admit it, Lili thought that she had an idea about why.
From master Regis' own words, his runes worked because in his personal reality, anything with those runes on them would work.
It was as simple as that.
But Lili's personal reality wasn't so convenient.
In the end, she was only a vessel.
Even Lili's falna confirmed it.
Yesterday, after returning, she went to have her falna upgraded, after a whole month of rigorous daily training in the dungeon, she thought it was time.
To her surprise, alongside a great improvement on her stats –Her magic reached B rank!– she also unlocked a new Skill.
Skill: Personal Way Awakening.
May your light be forever pure and illuminate the way as you walk your true path.
Every Spell turns to Skill.
All skills can be used chantlessly.
The user can create new personal spells according to Element, Origin, and perception.
The user becomes incompatible with Falna's granted spells.
Element: Water
Origin: 3?4?!-Vessel
What even was this thing!? Lili had never heard of anything like it.
Even Lord Soma was puzzled by it. Well, for about a second. Then he shrugged, decided he didn't care, and went back to his winemaking.
The only useful thing about this Skill was that now she didn't have to transform into a human using Master Regis as the template to access her ability.
Which saved her some magic power.
Other than that, Lili hadn't noticed a difference.
Well, other than knowing for certain what her origin was.
Err, at least part of it. What did all the weird symbols in her origin entry even mean anyway? Lili had never heard of a status hiding information.
Still, Lili had been trying out different spells all morning and noticed that with the new insight that knowing her origin gave her, her ability was easier to use than before.
She also felt that spellcrafting would come easier now.
Master Regis was going to go starry-eyed when he eventually learned about it. She couldn't wait to see it.
Hehe.
Unfortunately, this knowledge didn't help Lili in figuring out her own enchanting.
Because she was a whole vessel!
How could she make a vessel inside her own vessel? It just didn't make sense!
There was only one Lili!
Grrrrr, stupid magic!
Master Regis clearly knew something obvious that would make this work… Or maybe Lili just wasn't smart enough.
And the stupid falna didn't help!
Ugh, who cared. It wasn't like Lili expected anything out of her falna anyway. She wasn't a proper adventurer and likely would never be.
She abhorred the idea of spending the rest of her days with her body and magic deep within the guts of monsters.
Who would even enjoy that?! Weirdos and pervs, the whole lot of them!
The only reason she even went to the dungeon anymore was because she needed the money and because she wanted to spend more time with Master Regis.
She just wanted to find a way to get out of her Familia and out of that godforsaken place.
Was it too much to ask for?
With a sigh, she returned to her task. Ruminating. What if–"Arde! Come here!" When suddenly, Mr. Chandra's voice snapped me out of my spiraling thoughts.
"Ah, Yes! I'm going!" She replied immediately and picked up the basket full of grapes.
She walked around the vineyard, taking particular care not to trip on the roots. The last time it happened, she accidentally fell on a grapevine.
The beating she received wasn't pretty.
"What's the matter, sir?" She demurely asked the dwarf.
"Leave the basket here and go. They are waiting for you." He yawned while pointing a finger at the door.
"They?" Lili asked, confused.
"Yeah, they!" He said impatiently. "Now, get going!"
"Y-Yes, sir?" What was with him today? Lili's shift wasn't even half over. Usually, he wouldn't have let Lili out without meeting my quota of produce for the day...
What could it possibly be that changed… Oh.
A gray-haired man with a thin face and glasses was waiting for her behind the door.
Right, Lili guessed he would be enough to make the usual strict dwarf bend the rules a little.
Because if he was looking for her, then…
"Captain Zanis." She said and instinctively looked downwards. She immediately hated herself for it.
Why did she need to hide herself in front of these people? Why was she like this!?
"Arde, you're here. Come quickly, your guests are waiting for you." He said, adjusting his glasses. These hiding his calculating, disgusting, greedy eyes as they observed her.
"Of course." Why did she need to sell herself for them? Why had she agreed to sell the only person to show her kindness in so long…
The more she thought about it, the more upset she became.
She also hated how much anticipation was building up inside her, the closer she got to the meeting room where the familia conducted their deals.
What was wrong with her?!
"I don't need to tell you this. But if you mess this–""Lili knows." Lili snapped.
She immediately regretted her words as they left her lips, and reflexively began forming a spell in her mind.
His backhanded swipe impacted her face before her eyes even saw it coming, lifting her off her feet and slamming her against the wall.
"You're getting more impertinent, Arde. You'll do what I say and not mess up this meeting. Am I clear?" He said, and glared at me.
Lili couldn't help but inwardly roll her eyes as she whimpered loudly and replied.
"Yes, sir."
He flexed his hand a couple of times, looking puzzled, before he shook his head and said. "Then, let's go. We must not leave our guests waiting." He said as he turned away.
Lili picked herself up from the floor and followed behind him. As she walked, she began caressing her cheek where her captain had hit her and wondered worriedly.
Did he notice that Lili had blocked that attack? The captain was Level 2, but that hadn't hurt at all. How hard did he hit her?
Was he that much stronger than her anymore? Lili had grown a lot stronger in the last month, so she just didn't know.
But what she knew for certain was that she had to grow stronger than her captain if she wanted to have a chance at freedom.
Sha knew she was just too useful and skilled at making money for him to let go.
Lili would have to be cautious and obedient for now. No matter how much it irked her.
The anticipation continued building beneath her skin as she followed behind.
Finally, they reached the meeting room, the captain gave me a final warning glare, and opened the door for her.
Inside, the blinding divine aura of a god immediately slammed against her senses.
The scorching heat from the sun shining upon her and trying to evaporate what little water she kept on her AIM before she redoubled her concentration on her spell formula and managed to save most of it.
What was happening!? Usually, he wasn't so overwhelming. Was it because of her new skill that she was more sensitive to auras now?
"Oh, you're finally here, little supporter! I was waiting for you." The blond deity excitedly said.
Her heart beat loudly as the deity talked. Whether it was because of the divine presence or the death glare she received from the companion of the god or because of her nervousness, she didn't know…
Oh, who was she kidding. She knew exactly why.
And she hated herself for it.
"Lord Apollo! It's so exciting to meet you again. Lili's been eagerly waiting to meet you." She said with a childish smile and then pouted. "But it's been so long~, For a moment, Lili thought you had grown tired of her…"
Just because she hated how she felt didn't mean she wasn't going to use them to her advantage.
"Of course not, my dear. I was just preoccupied with other matters. It's only been three days…"
Much less when she saw how easily the god was deceived just because he detected that she wasn't lying.
Chills went up her spine. Why did this have to feel so good!?
Then, she pouted at him and said in a depressed voice. "So it was like that. My lord doesn't care about Lili anymore. Well, then Lili won't tell Lord Apollo anything about her adventures anymore!"
"Ah, no. Little Liliruca, it's my bad. I should have come faster." He panicked for a moment. Then, looked around before he took a sweet from his pocket and presented it to her. "I was just looking for the perfect snack for you, see?"
Heh, like taking candy from a child. But she still had to sell it.
"Oh! Candy! You are forgiven, my Lord." She said as she took the snack and put it in her pouch.
That put a smile on the god's face, even if his captain was looking moments away from murdering her.
Heh, sucks to be him.
Apollo had decided that he wanted her in his familia when she told him she wanted to leave her current one. That was why she was behaving in this manner. He probably thought that if she decided to join his familia, it would improve his chances of luring Master Regis in as well.
Not that it would ever work. If it were that easy, she would have gotten out of her familia a long time ago.
It would require a war game to force the issue, and a Level 1 like Lili wasn't worth that much effort.
But it was that belief that had allowed her to play with him for so long, so she wasn't complaining.
"I'm glad to have been granted the honor." He said magnanimously. "Then tell me, my dear, how have you been doing these days?"
"Lili's been fine. She went to the dungeon, made some money, and made it back safely. My lord knows how it is." She said.
"Oh, nothing happened outside?" He asked leadingly. "Usually, you tell me how you save people from bullies on the surface."
"Oh yes, that happened too! Of course, it isn't Lili who does the saving. Lili isn't that strong. But Mr. Regis is always great at it. He's Lili's hero for sure!" She babbled excitedly. "Lili loves how he walks, how confident he fights, how he…" As she spoke, she couldn't help but reminisce about the month.
How little by little his smiles were a little more strained. His magic had less flair. His demeanor was more restrained. How he improved the efficiency of his movements and magic. Not out of desire but out of necessity…
Lili was glad to have Lady Ryuu force him to take a rest.
But she felt guilty.
Guilty of receiving so much pleasure from playing with the god in front of her. Even when her inexperience had her giving him little clues here and there that would end up burdening him even further.
Perhaps it was time that she returned something to him. To take this game to the next level.
Lili's initial intention was to stall as usual while trying to play with her words to mislead him.
But… she could do better.
"Are you alright?" The god asked as she quieted down.
"No, it's just… It's nothing my lord could help with." She said sadly. Knowing that Regis' nightmares weren't something Apollo could do anything about.
But when you told someone from a higher station that they couldn't do something…
"Of course I can help my dear. There's nothing I, Apollo, god of the sun, can't do!"
…they inevitably took that as a challenge.
"Really! You'll help!?" Lili said, looking hopefully.
"Of course! Just tell me what the problem is."
"Well, you see, Lili's worried about Mister Regis…"
"Oh no! Something happened to him?" He asked preoccupied, although the gleam in his eye betrayed his interest.
"No, he's fine. But he's been looking really tired recently. Lili thinks that he's having a bad time finding rest at night."
Lord Apollo looked ecstatic at that for a moment before he put on a preoccupied expression.
Creepy.
"It appears that some no-good deity decided to make it difficult for him to find an Inn…" She said, "Someone as strong and as great as you, my lord, wouldn't have any difficulty defeating such an evil familia, right?"
Pfffff. The face he was making was funny.
He coughed. "No, of course not. Making such a familia back off would be no problem for me." He said, sweating a little.
"Really, as expected of you, Lord Apollo." Yeah, as expected from the god who launched said net in the first place. It will be as simple as ordering his familia to stop.
"Well, do you know where he is, my dear? If he's in such a pinch, I would love to lend my help to him directly." He said with an earnest smile that almost made Lili puke.
Such an amateurish performance. Lili could do better since she was five.
Of course, she remembered that Regis told her that he would be in the dungeon. But she had a special weapon for these kinds of questions.
"Oh, of course Lili knows." She said and froze for an instant.
Because she forgot to check! She wasn't expecting to be visited today in the first place, so she wasn't prepared!
To avoid lying, she had to check the text Master Regis had left in her spell card. But her mind was busy running the spell formula to keep the water vapor contained in her field.
Lili didn't want to be left defenseless with how murderous the companion of the god was looking at her. She was confident she wouldn't be attacked…
But releasing her current formula wouldn't be subtle. With how high-strung he looked, a burst of air could lead to unfortunate reactions and problematic questions…
What was she going to do?!
Master Regis!
The image of master Regis playing with his five elements simultaneously flashed through her mind.
Could she… Could she run both spells simultaneously?
Could Lili do that? No, she didn't have a choice!
She had to do it.
She couldn't stop the tips of her lips from going up as she slowly added a second formula to her mind. She struggled to keep them both and could feel as her hair shifted around as she lost some more water, but then they stabilized.
A series of sentences appeared in her mind.
Places where I'll be
Daedalus district.Pleasure district.Hostess of fertility.
Master Regis really spoiled her~.
"Master Regis told me that he would spend the day in the Daedalus district. Probably helping orphans, he's just that kind." She said adoringly, using her euphoria from her breakthrough to really sell it. "Then at night, he told me that he was going to visit the pleasure district. I heard that's the place to go when you need to rest, so hopefully it will be good for him…"
"What!" Apollo looked incensed. "No, that can't be!"
"Is something wrong, my lord?" She said, adopting a scared expression. "L-Lili doesn't see the problem. S-She had heard glowing reviews f-from multiple adventurers from that place."
He realised his mistake and was quick to try to reassure me. "Ah, no. It's just… I just remembered something really important I had to do. I'm sorry, but we'll have to leave it here, little supporter."
"Ouuuh." She whined sadly. "But Lili had tons more to tell my lord today."
She couldn't help herself, and barely managed to avoid snickering when he began to look conflicted.
"It will have to be next time. Have a good day, my dear." He said as he swiftly left the room, his captain giving her another glare before leaving.
Pffffff. She couldn't help it; she burst out laughing.
Pure euphoria ran through her veins at what she accomplished today.
Usually, she had to give the god something, even if it was tiny, to make him go away.
But today, there was a good chance that she managed to secure her Master a peaceful night at the Inn.
She did that without giving anything else of importance!
She felt great, no more than great.
Not only that, with her new dual formulas, couldn't she get enchanting to work now?
This was one of the best days of her life.
And yet, why did she have to gamble with her Master's life for her to be able to feel like this?
Why did deceiving and playing with someone who could eviscerate her give her so much joy?
What was wrong with her?
She sighed and forced herself to stop. Before her tears of laughter turned to tears of despair.
Her body still felt light from the encounter. It was selfish, but she wanted to savor this state for a little longer.
In the end, she could only apologize internally to Master Regis and hope that he was having a good and restful time.
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Regis Pov.
"What the fuck was wrong with this place?" I said as I ducked a needle rabbit that slipped through my defenses.
The dungeon, as if to validate my words, decided to break the floor I was standing on. A dungeon worm eating through the hard bedrock beneath and eating me whole.
Of course, the dungeon decided to eat me now! As if having three monster parties back to back wasn't enough!
Ugh, I hate my life.