《Fugitive Poison User ~I Am Somehow Recovering in a World Full of Miasma~》


 Chapter 1

    <h4>Chapter 1</h4>


    Unngghhh...


    As I tap away at the keyboard, programming to the specs of the project, a zombie-like groan escapes from my mouth.


    How many all-nighters in a row has it been already?


    They call it a death march, but this is beyond that.


    A few days ago, a guy in the next section over jumped in front of a train. The memory is still fresh in my mind.


    Will it be me tomorrow? Today? The thought keeps crossing my mind.


    God damn it. And I thought very had already been abolished.


    Yet I¡¯m basically a ve to thispany.


    When we had a moment of silence for the guy who died, the president was even spouting bullshit like how thepany wouldn¡¯t be profitable if not for unpaid overtime. If thepany is at that level already, unpaid overtime won¡¯t suddenly make it viable! I hope you guys go bankrupt after I find a new job!


    Why did I even choose this ce... I¡¯m at wit¡¯s end already.


    My name is Kogure Yukihisa.


    I¡¯m 26-years old and a productive member of society for over four years. I work as a software engineer at a sweatshop of apany.


    Well, I knew there were a lot of jobs like this from the start.


    But still, when I was being interviewed as a university student, everyst one of thesepanies seemed to be as shitty as each other.


    ording to my friend from school who gave me a referral to this job, everywhere else is just as bad.


    The world is just full of these fuckin¡¯ sweatshops.


    Fuck those clients who change everything at thest minute. Fuck the bosses who dump all the work on us grunts and leave on time every day. Fuck the temp workers who sometimes get paid better than us full-timers. Fuck the part-timers too. Fuck everyone!


    If you¡¯re gonna change the specifications, pay us for the work we¡¯ve already done! Dipshits!


    You¡¯re all just brainless sheep!


    With my urge to kill rising, I m down on the enter key for thest time, wrapping up this project.


    Wheeew.


    Completely exhausted, I hang my head down in front of myputer and let out a sigh.


    There are a lot of coworkers on a death march much like me.


    They all have their own work to do and can¡¯t spare the time looking at other people.


    Another guy in my department is slumped over his desk, looking like as if he were dead.


    ¡°All dooone?¡±


    ¡°All dooone.¡±


    There wasn¡¯t any strength left in our words.


    I gently lift my head to check the clock.


    Ugh... it¡¯s already five in the morning. I don¡¯t even have time to go home.


    They take no excuses from grunts like me who have to be here by eight o¡¯clock sharp.


    At any rate, even though we¡¯re done with this project, I think we¡¯ll have to be on stand-by for the next one. Just thinking about it makes my blood boil.


    The next deadline draws nearer.


    How much fuller are you gonna cram this schedule, you bastards?


    Gotta calm down. My body is already tattered. I can¡¯t risk burning out and dropping out.


    I wish I knew some kind of magic to somehow escape from this hellhole. Otherwise I¡¯m just gonna die here like this.


    ¡°...¡±


    There¡¯s only three hours left.


    Out from under my desk, I take out my sleeping bag and slip into it.


    How lucky I am to get three hours of sleep.


    I¡¯ll change and take my dirty clothes to a coinundry at lunch. Then, some time in the evening, I¡¯ll hit up a bathhouse nearby. I get to do that once every three days or so.


    Speaking of which, how long has it been since I¡¯ve gone home?


    With the time I could spend thinking about that, I use it to sleep instead. With the groans of zombies and cking of keyboards in the background, I fall asleep like a warrior after an arduous fight.


    Ah. Lying down feels so good. I could sleep forever.


    ¡°I¡¯ve found you, dragon!¡±


    ¡°... you lot sure are persistent.¡±


    The foolish human soldiers shouted at me, a dragon flying in the sky.


    Humans are but easy prey to me. However, I have no such interest in destroying them.


    If not for them being such an annoyance, like flies in my face, I would not even try to involve myself with them.


    Yet, these humans fly through the sky, plotting something nefarious.


    The magical barrier erected is nought but a hindrance to me.


    ... killing them now would be too heavy-handed. I shall scare them away and destroy their barrier.


    Truly, humans are pests to wherever they propagate.


    What do they stand to gain by defeating me?


    I stop beating my wings tond in front of the leader of these humans.


    A battle of magic begins.


    They put down magic circles after magic circles. Almost all of them are protective spells to prevent human casualties.


    ... what a bothersome way to fight.


    However, there will be no casualties in a battle with me.


    Though troublesome, humans are tenacious.


    If I were to such carelessly kill one of them, it would be a spark for a war involving all of mankind.


    Even with multiple copies of me, it would still cost considerable time to fight off all humans.


    I shall cast my mighty me of Megiddo and incinerate their armor.


    With a mighty roar, I breathe out a scorching ze.


    I cause the vanguard major damage.


    The smell of burning flesh permeates the air.


    With fine control, my mes dealt most of the damage to the ones wearing armor, narrowly avoiding causing deaths amongst the humans.


    ¡°Viinous dragon!¡±


    The leader charges to the frontlines.


    In a set of pure white armor, this warrior¡ªa representative of the humans¡ªbrandishes a sword enchanted with anti-magic properties. He cuts through my magic, defending himself. However, seeing his ally behind him taking full brunt of the attack, the warrior shouts in a rageful voice.


    How does he ignore the fact that he was the one instigating this fight? Not only that, but he has the nerve to victimize himself... This generation is all talk.


    No matter what, they have to feign being just.


    I have a life of my own to live. I wish not to perish.


    Humans do not seem to understand that fact.


    In any case, I would prefer to quickly escape from this predicament.


    If threats will not work, then I shall bring down Heavenly Thunder to smite their sorcerers conjuring the barrier.


    Know thy ce! I am merely holding back on you lot!


    ¡°From the moment you were imprisoned within our barricade, you had no chance of victory. Take this!¡±


    The warrior raised his sword towards me.


    For a dragon like me, a hero¡¯s sword is needed to cut through. Wielding even a sword made of dragon scales would be a fruitless endeavor.


    However, not only is the warrior¡¯s sword not one of a hero¡¯s, a hero¡¯s sword has to choose to y a dragon.


    I am brimming with confidence that I am not the dragon chosen by that sword.


    I need not to defend against his attack.


    I shall take the warrior¡¯s attack straight on.


    The enemy is the one behind him¡ªthe sorcerers. I shall start charging to cast Heavenly Thunder.


    The warrior¡¯s sword bounces off my scales and sets off sparks.


    ¡°It connected!¡±


    What?!


    The warrior¡¯s sword snaps and something like a glimmering crystal appears from within.


    Curses¡ªrecently, myrades have fallen to this magic without leaving a mark on the humans.


    ¡°This is the end for you, dragon!¡±


    With a howl, I unleash my magic to counter their spell.


    ... what the hell kind of dream was that?


    It wasn¡¯t remotely realistic, but total fantasy.


    That was great. Way better than dreaming about being shitty at my job.


    Dreaming makes time seem to pass by slower too.


    Being half-awake and feeling like you¡¯ve dreamt for a week is even better than a rxing sleep.


    Anyway... maybe it¡¯s not such a good thing that my dream was from the dragon¡¯s point of view.


    I¡¯d like to pretend as if they were all the assholes from work and just let loose on them.


    Their spell eroded through my defensive magic and then coursed through my body.


    ¡°Don¡¯t underestimate mankind! Now die!¡±


    Gyahhh!


    I fire off all the power I have left.


    Seemingly as a response to it, great lines of red run through my body and into the earth.


    ¡°W-what?!¡±


    ... huh? What the hell?


    It feels as if I¡¯m floating in the air, but gravity is pulling me back down. Like this is some sort of hallucination.


    Right, it¡¯s the same feeling like riding a roller coaster.


    I¡¯m... the dragon and wrapped in light. I soar above to space, red light shoots out from my body, and I drop like a meteor back down to Earth.


    Whoaaaaaaa?!


    ¡°B-st! Dragon! I won¡¯t let you escape us! Wherever you go, we shalle hunting you do¡ª¡±


    Before the light fills my vision and I soar into space, I hear my opponent run his mouth.


    And then... my consciousnesspletely fades.


    Blub... blub.


    An unnerving noise.


    But at the same time, this feels really, really nice.


    Ah. It¡¯s just like as if I¡¯m soaking in an onsen. It feels as great as that.


    Something making a big ssh ising towards me.


    ¡°Are you alright?!¡±


    Mm... I¡¯m not fully awake yet.


    Rather than half-asleep, it¡¯s more like my fatigue is giving me sleep paralysis. Then I remember the feeling of someone pulling on me.


    Who is it? Or rather, what is it?


    Can¡¯t you let me sleep for a little longer...? What, did I get assigned a new guy at work and he¡¯s trying to wake me up?


    There are so many noises going on at once. I can¡¯t see anything in the office, but I can at least hear it.


    Thanks a lot, but this isplete unnecessary. Let me sleep more.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to be fine! Cough!¡±


    It sounds like I¡¯ve been dragged out of the bath.


    ¡°Hello?! Are you awake?!¡±


    ¡°Mm... I don¡¯t wanna wake up...¡±


    I am definitely not going to wake up for you. My body isn¡¯t even able to move anyway, so I sleep!


    After disying my willpower, I fall back asleep.


    It feels like as if the sounds are getting quieter.


    Zzz...


    Has it been a while?


    I wake up with a weird feeling and open my eyes.


    ¡°Ahh... that was a good nap. Huh?¡±


    ¡°Ah.¡±


    I wake up and scan my surroundings. I see an unfamiliar girl looking at me.


    In her hands is... a mortar and pestle. It seems as if she¡¯s concocting some sort of medicine.


    ¡°Have you finally woken up? I¡¯m so d that you¡¯re alright.¡±


    Ignoring the worried girl, my head¡¯s aplete mess.


    I mean, I was sleeping under my desk at work.


    I look down and, as expected, I¡¯m wearing my dress shirt and trousers.


    Let me take a look at my surroundings.


    I¡¯m at the bank of some kind of purplish swamp with a bonfire burning, with ominous-looking trees and a slight haze in the air surrounding us.


    It feels like some sort of weird ce deep in the mountains.


    Oh. Are we at some sort of campground?


    Is this a dream? Or is this some kind of prank?


    I¡¯ll try asking this girl in front of me to sort things out.


    ¡°I was about to feed you an antidote and a potion, but I¡¯m d you have awakened.¡±


    ... huh? What¡¯s with this girl? The wordsing out of her mouth sound kinda weird.


    I understand what she¡¯s saying, but her pronunciation is kinda off?


    At least I can tell that she¡¯s not speaking Japanese.


    ¡°Umm... this is a little sudden, but where are we?¡±


    Am I speaking in some othernguage too? Maybe I¡¯m just imagining it.


    ¡°... is your memory a little hazy?¡±


    The girl speaks in a worried tone.


    How should I exin?


    Do I speak frankly? Or is this some kind of prank?


    Or perhaps even that I¡¯m still dreaming.


    They say if you pinch your cheek while you¡¯re dreaming, it¡¯d still hurt like normal, so you wouldn¡¯t be able to tell from that.


    To be honest, I¡¯ve had dreams like that before too.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s a mess in my head all of a sudden...¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s right, isn¡¯t it? I mean, after all, you did fall in a poisonous swamp... and you were breathing in that toxic gas too, so it really isn¡¯t all that strange.¡±


    A poisonous swamp?


    Ah, you mean swamps that have poisonous gasses bubbling through?


    Are there still ces like that in Japan?


    Shit, don¡¯t tell me that this fuckin¡¯pany didn¡¯t want to pay me, so they went and got their hands dirty.


    Considering how easy it would be, they¡¯ve done quite the sloppy job.


    For this cutie to have found me and your ns toe to nothing...


    Hmm? Aren¡¯t her facial features really well-defined for a Japanese girl?


    Her eyes aren¡¯t ck either... it¡¯s some sort of purplish-blue, you could say.


    No, that¡¯s not it, but her whole appearance isn¡¯t very Japanese-like.


    Her dress isn¡¯t fully Western, but it¡¯s all frilly and cute. And around her neck is a scarf. Very stylish.


    Mm. This has got to be some high-level cosy.


    And her age... a high school student perhaps? Oof, I¡¯ve caught glimpses of a schoolgirl in cosy.


    Nice. It looks fantastic on her.


    Seems like she was also carrying arge basket, the one ced down nearby.


    While I eye her up and down, the girl ces a hand on her chest and smiles.


    ¡°I believe we have yet to introduce ourselves. My name is Arleaf. I¡¯m an apothecary.¡±


    Arleaf, eh?


    She doesn¡¯t seem like your average herbalist though.


    ¡°My name¡¯s Kogure, Yukihisa...¡±


    ¡°Mr. Cohgray, is it?¡±


    Why are you pronouncing my name so weirdly?


    But Cohgray, huh...? Kinda fantasy sounding.


    Still kinda irks me though.

 Chapter 2

    <h4>Chapter 2</h4>


    ¡°My first name is Yukihisa, Arleaf.¡±


    ¡°Okay, then, Yukihisa. Are you sure you¡¯re okay? I¡¯m about to finish making an antidote, so please take it.¡±


    After informing me so, Arleaf gets back to her mortar and pestle and starts grinding some medicinal herbs. She finishes by putting the herb paste inside a ss bottle filled with water and then handing it to me.


    Am I... supposed to drink this? It looks like it¡¯s gonna be super bitter.


    ¡°Though it¡¯s only just a Simple Antidote, it should still be effective. Please go ahead.¡±


    ¡°Ah, alrighty...¡±


    I¡¯ve been dragged along into this, but my body feels fine.


    Maybe actually, the power nap did my body some good.


    Well, no, it could be that I¡¯m still riding the high ofing out of a death march.


    In any case, let me take a look at this mysterious liquid Arleaf handed me.


    ... huh?


    Simple Antidote


    Quality: Average


    Medicine with a detoxifying effect. Can counteract weak toxins.


    Some weird arrow pointer and message just popped up!


    What is this?!


    ¡°Now, quickly! Before it reverts back to poison.¡±


    This is poison?! No way! I know I like video games, but to like it so much that I¡¯m hallucinating? That¡¯s a bit extreme!


    But since Arleaf suggested me to take it, down the hatch it goes.


    The aftertaste is a little minty, I guess? It¡¯s kinda refreshing and not nearly as gross as it looks.


    ¡°You should be fine after taking the antidote. I believe your condition will start to improve.¡±


    ¡°Ah, thank you very much.¡±


    I understand that she¡¯s worried over me out of kindness, but something seems kinda off.


    Well, for starters, her name isn¡¯t Japanese. Then, though I don¡¯t know what kind of closed off settlement this is, but either way, I get that she¡¯s helping me because of goodwill.


    ¡°Umm, then Yukihisa? I¡¯m sorry that this is all I can do to treat your condition, but since it¡¯s rather dangerous here, it would be a good idea to quickly move to a safe location.


    ¡°Oh, okay.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take you to the vige nearby, alright?¡±


    ¡°Thanks so much for everything you¡¯ve done for me.¡±


    ¡°No, not at all. This is how things should be when we¡¯re in times of need. Well then, it¡¯s this way. Just to be safe, I¡¯ll light up some monster-repelling incense.¡±


    With Arleaf¡¯s guidance, we begin setting off from this mysterious marsh.


    The incense smells rather nice too.


    Taking an unpaved trail, we arrive at the vige in 30 minutes or so.


    It¡¯s... tranquil? No, that¡¯s not it.


    I can¡¯t help but feels like this vige is starting to be deserted.


    ¡°You should be fine from here on. Do you have any money on you?¡±


    ¡°Hmm, lemme check real quick...¡±


    I have a few bills in my wallet.


    If I need to, I have my debit card as well. I can take out money wherever.


    ¡°Okay, you¡¯re alright then? If anything happens, try going to the town hall. They might be able to help. Well, then, I should probably get back to work...¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°Umm, while I am very worried about your situation, I do have a job...¡±


    Ah, I get it. She found me deep in the mountains and nursed me back to health, then took me back to civilization. Still, Arleaf has work to do.


    I would¡¯ve liked to keep chatting with a cutie like her though.


    ¡°Thank you very much for everything. I will have to pay you back.¡±


    ¡°No, please do not worry about it.¡±


    ¡°That wouldn¡¯t be right. I¡¯ll pay you back soon, so could I please get your contact details?¡±


    ¡°Is that right? Then, in that case, I¡¯m the apothecary in this vige of Nisua, That building over there is my home.¡±


    Arleaf points to a Western-looking house that¡¯s a little out of ce in this vige.


    Wow, there¡¯s a chimney on top.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯ll have to get back to work now...¡±


    With that, Arleaf goes back the way we came from.


    The name of this ce isn¡¯t really Japanese either, eh? The Vige of Nisua... I wonder where this is.


    I wave her goodbye until I lose sight of her then walk towards town.


    Thinking that I came back to civilization, I was about to call out to one of these vigers, but I hesitated.


    Seriously, their ears.


    There are people with dog-like ears.


    Is that cosy? A dude putting on dog years is a little gross, don¡¯tcha think?


    Even if you y it off as an ironic joke, this isn¡¯t like a cosy convention or anything.


    That, and they look real shady. I¡¯m gonna avoid picking a fight with these guys.


    With all these weird things going on, I feel like I¡¯m still dreaming.


    ... am I really, though?


    This... is pretty long for a dream and it¡¯s not even a nice one.


    Maybe it¡¯s because I¡¯m in an unfamiliar ce, but still, something¡¯s wrong.


    Furthermore, the people walking around have animal ears and tails growing out of them, adding to my ongoing list of confusions.


    And Arleaf was speaking in a foreignnguage, yet I could perfect understand her. What a stange feeling.


    What in the world is going on?


    Then right after that thought went through my mind...


    ¡®Hey. Can you hear me?¡¯


    I hear a voice in my head and I look around frantically.


    I see no one behind that voice. Rather, I see no one speaking to me.


    ¡®Finally, I am getting through to you. It was quite the bother fine-tuning this.¡¯


    ¡°Wh¡ªWho are you?!¡±


    It¡¯s no surprise that a sudden voice in my head would be surprising.


    What happened to me? A dream? Is this a dream?


    ¡®Calm down. Making a racket would trouble the both of us. You might even die.¡¯


    What? Aren¡¯t you asking a little too much for me to calm down?


    But, he¡¯s got a point. Kicking up a fuss here would cause trouble for everyone around here.


    Luckily, the voice isn¡¯t doing anything to me, so Iply with his instructions.


    ¡®Good. The priority currently is for me to exin the situation at hand.¡¯


    You¡¯re just telling me to smarten up, aren¡¯t you?


    ¡®Fear not. But you wish not to simply perish right now, correct?¡¯


    ¡°Perish¡±? That¡¯s a little extreme.


    ¡®It is not.¡¯


    ¡ª?! You can hear what I¡¯m thinking?!


    ¡®Aye, I can. Perhaps this channel¡¯s frequency is a bit too sensitive?¡¯


    What are you?!


    Am I hallucinating from working too many all-nighters in a row? Or rather, did working in that sweatshop mess with my mind?


    ¡®I said to calm yourself! Augh, you are really pissing me off... Aye, as you said, I can read your thoughts, but in actuality, it is not quite exact. So calm down.¡¯


    Ah, jeez... the mysterious voice in my head keeps going on.


    I did as he says, but isn¡¯t this getting worse and worse?


    ¡®Worry not, just calm down! I was going to have you go somewhere so that people will not see you, but you just will not listen. No choice but to do it here and now. I shall have you understand your condition by confirming it together.¡¯


    As the voice spoke, in my vision outes a status screen, as if straight out from a game.


    Kogure Yukihisa


    Poison Earth


    Level 1


    Acquired skills: Spirit Link, Poison Absorption (Weak), Poison Release


    What the hell is this?!


    Didn¡¯t the antidote Arleaf got me to drink cure my hallucinations?!


    ¡®As I thought, you are still not misunderstanding it. This is how the world measures your power, the strength you possess in numerical values.¡¯


    ¡°Just like a video game, huh?¡±


    I blurted it out loud, without thinking.


    ¡®A game, hmm...? As suspected, parallel universes do exist.¡¯


    Parallel universe?


    ¡®Ah, I also understand that you are from a parallel universe. That is where I should begin to exin.¡¯


    To be inconspicuous¡ªand more importantly, safe¡ªI move to a corner of the town square. A ce close enough to where everyone can see and with lots of pedestrian traffic.


    I realize I¡¯ve got to first understand the situation I¡¯m in.


    ¡®Surprisingly, you can actually calm down.¡¯


    ¡°What the hell is going on? What happened to me? I guess it¡¯s good that you¡¯re not just my imagination?¡±


    ¡®It is fine that you are asking many questions, but will you be able to understand the status quo? ... well, in any case, you will have to understand somehow. I can but pray that you will keep calm.¡¯


    He continued on to exin, taking breaks once in a while.


    ¡®To answer your first question, yes, it is the same as you think¡ªa status screen from a video game of your world.¡¯


    Yeah, and as I said, what the hell is this shit? So, will you goddamn answer my question?


    ¡®I know not what to say to you; I have no other answer. But to exin another way... aye. Long ago, a... an acquaintance of mine had once said it this way. I was told that other worlds may not have such an ability to objectively determine abilities. And in that case... why do living beings need to air to live? is an equivalent question, I heard. It is a rule of this world.¡¯


    It¡¯s because I¡¯ll friggin¡¯ die if I don¡¯t breathe... but I get it.


    Whatever. I¡¯ll just drop it. This isn¡¯t the ce to get into an argument anyway.


    ¡®The answers to the rest of your questions will be rted. First, you were forcibly summoned here from your world to ours by an evil magic performed. In order to subdue me, they are using you as a scapegoat and a sacrifice.¡¯


    Scapegoat? Sacrifice? Subdue?


    ¡®The magic goes by the name of Forced Possession Summoning. It is a magic used to defeat the strongest of opponents with no effort. It is an underhanded tactic that cany waste to true heroes. And I am disgusted by the barbarous actions of them and their country.¡¯


    The voice bridled with offhanded sighs.


    ¡®It is ck magic used by weak men to easily overthrow the strong. Conjuring the spell also allows the user to tap into the target¡¯s mana to summon an otherworldly being, forcibly bringing them to this world.¡¯


    Summoned to an alternate universe?


    ... I¡¯ve seen something like that before.


    A guy gets summoned and turns into a hero. It was popr at the same time as those mecha pilot stories.


    Wait, no... isn¡¯t it still pretty popr amongst online novels right now?


    Working in an environment like mine unfortunately doesn¡¯t give me much time to read, but I¡¯ve seen novels in bookstores advertising **** million page views! as a selling point.


    ... I digress.


    So you cast that sorcery on your opponent, control their power¡ªtheir mana¡ªand strong-arm them into doing the dirty work.


    And that spell is a summoning one... calling upon people from a parallel universe...


    I know I¡¯m just parroting back what I¡¯ve been told, but I¡¯ve got to sort this out in my head too.


    And in this situation, the one who had the spell casted on is the guy behind the voice and I¡¯m the one who was summoned... right?


    ¡®Rather than to think about it, first, listen to me. The target¡ªthe being on whom the spell was ced¡ªlives on as a parasite on the one summoned. And if the weak and unexperienced person from another world were to be killed... the original target shall simultaneously be annihted. This detestable sorcery essentially causes a battle by proxy.¡¯


    A battle by proxy... like a proxy war?


    This might be a little easier to understand.


    In a cold war between two superpowers, each side usually backs up a smaller nation to do the fighting. The superpower who backs the emerging victor will profit somehow.


    The advantage of this is that it greatly reduces risk for the superpower.


    But in our situation... the man behind the voice is the superpower and I¡¯m the small nation getting the backup. It seems like how it differs is that in our case is that if I die, the voice dies as well.


    Well, the ones who are behind this have basically nothing on the line.


    So basically, the whole idea is to weaken your opponent and to destroy them after.


    Man, this is some bullshit.


    ¡®Aye... I am d you are quick to pick up on this. It seems like somehow you were able to grasp my exnation well.¡¯


    ¡°And just for reference, to be hit by this spell... what in the world are you?


    Suddenly, I remember the dream I had.


    This has got to be the result of the battle where the dragon gets sted by the sorcerers.


    ¡®Oh? Would I be correct in saying that you have foreseen the battle? This is an expected turn of events. Indeed, you are likely correct in saying that this is the oue of the Forced Possession Summoning. I had mustered all of my power and wisdom to resist the enemy. But s, though I have escaped the battlefield, this is where we are at. I am known to you humans as a dragon; to my friends, Veno Yveval.¡¯


    I thought that was all just a dream! You¡¯re telling me it was the situation right before I was brought here to this world?!


    What a headache.


    This doesn¡¯t feel like real life... but I know this isn¡¯t a dream either.


    I mean, I¡¯ve always wanted to get out of that sweatshop of apany, but being summoned to a parallel universe? Never would I have imagined that happening.


    Aren¡¯t I too old it anyway? That¡¯s like a teenager¡¯s fantasy.

 Chapter 3

    <h4>Chapter 3</h4>


    ¡°Anyway... you think you could lift this spell casted on you?¡±


    ¡®If I could, it would have been done already. Unfortunately, evading the Forced Possession Summoning has spent most of my mana. Furthermore, the spell drains whatever I regenerate back.¡±


    ¡°Yeesh.¡±


    I made a weird noise without meaning to.


    Well, if you think about it, he would¡¯ve if he could¡¯ve, huh? And since he can¡¯t, it¡¯s an inconvenience for him too.


    ¡®And that my body has been transferred away to an alternate dimension, I cannot do much to help. It is quite the unexpected turn of events.¡¯


    You think we can... talk to them about this?


    ¡®The lot can y a mighty dragon by just killing aplete stranger from a parallel universe, you know? Do you think they will respond in kind?¡¯


    The bastards who caused this absurd mess aren¡¯t exactly gonna go ¡°Oh, I¡¯m so sorry for causing you so much trouble,¡± are they?


    ¡®Moreover, they will most likely being to murder us. We do not have the time to loiter. After you build up some strength and I recover some mana, we would do well to run far and escape.¡¯


    ¡°Man, what did you ever do for them to hate you so much?¡±


    ¡®I know not. Humans are greedy and foolish. You are beings who will fulfill your own desires, no matter how despicable the method is, correct? It is expected that they want not only my life, but my scales, bone, blood, and flesh so that they can unt their power and authority.¡¯


    I don¡¯t know what kind of dragons exist in this word, but to do something so intensely stupid like summoning me, a powerless sryman?


    How much more are you going to abuse your powers for?


    ¡®Such is the way things are. Will you cooperate with me so that we may both survive?¡¯


    ¡°Not much of a choice for me, hey? I don¡¯t exactly wanna die.¡±


    ¡®Aye... that much is true. I am self-aware that I have suggested an unfair proposition. But, had I not counterattacked as hard as I did, you would already be dead, no?¡¯


    Tch... how unpleasant of him.


    The only good part about since being summoned into this unthinkable situation is that at least we managed to avoid death by the skin of our teeth.


    ¡°Are there any means to free us?¡±


    If we can¡¯t ask our enemies for help, we have no choice but to solve this ourselves.


    ¡®Even I am not that familiar with this spell. We can only do our best by analyzing and testing out what works and what does not.¡¯


    ¡°Once you find out how to solve this, you better not go and stab me in the back.¡±


    Like, for example, what if once he recharges enough mana, he breaks free of our link by destroying me from the inside, leaving only him alive?


    As soon as I thought about that, a heat like anger rushed through my head.


    Wow, that¡¯s hot. It¡¯s a weird feeling.


    Maybe he¡¯s mad.


    ¡®How dare you?! Do not treat me as if I were such a despicable creature, a mere cur. I will not stand for your insolence! I am not the enemy of your enemy, rather, we are on the same boat. An ungrateful human is no more than a beast.¡¯


    ¡°Where did you get all those idioms from anyway?¡±


    Oops. I made that smart-assment without meaning to.


    ¡®Hmm? My trantion skill¡ªSeal of Solomon¡ªis in effect. It should be adapted into thenguage of your world.¡¯


    Ah, it¡¯s trantion magic, eh? How convenient.


    But the name ¡°Seal of Solomon¡±... no, that must¡¯ve been tranted as well.


    I wonder what powers the skill though. Hopefully it¡¯s not my brain.


    ¡®I believe it is also due to this skill that you can understand thenguage here.¡¯


    ... I see. That Arleaf didn¡¯t seem like she was speaking Japanese, yet I could fully understand her was thanks to Veno¡¯s powers, huh?


    That¡¯s so useful.


    ¡®Back on topic. Even if I could break free from this spell through a process like that, it would only hurt my own pride. I am a most honorable dragon, above the stupidity and arrogance of humans. I would never be able to forgive myself. I would rather stay in this form forever!¡¯


    Mmm, yeah, well... I would rather you not stay in my head and make such a racket for all of eternity.


    And if you think about how long an oh-so-mighty dragon lives for, my lifespan is but a blink of an eye.


    ¡®What are you going on about? This link between us might not have an expiration, you know? We still know not enough about it.¡¯


    ... you mean I might be possessed by him for centuries?


    Immortality may be the dream for mankind, but to live as a fugitive forever? No, thanks.


    In any case, even if I don¡¯t get betrayed, staying like this isn¡¯t ideal either.


    ¡°Is there anything we have to do as soon as possible?¡±


    ¡®Hmm, good call. We must prepare before the enemyes. You need to familiarize yourself with this world, prepare for an attack, and learn how to protect yourself. Then, we must find a way to destroy this Forced Possession Summoning.¡¯


    I wonder if he realises how lofty his goals sound.


    Not to mention theck of privacy from how he can read my every thought.


    ¡®I will do my best to attend to every concern. In the meantime, you should try your best to survive too. I will give you as much advice as I can.¡¯


    ¡°Understood. Then let¡¯s work together from now on. My name¡¯s Kogure Yukihisa.¡±


    ¡®Aye, and Yukihisa is your first name, correct? Let us forge ahead together. My fate is in your hands.¡¯


    Ugh... I don¡¯t know what¡¯s worse¡ªbeing fully consumed by that shittypany or a double suicide with a dragon for the sake of some assholes from a parallel universe.


    Whichever it is, it doesn¡¯t matter. I¡¯ve now been dropped into this ce to survive or die.


    And just like this, my fugitive life in a parallel world with Veno the dragon begins.


    As I stroll in the town square of this deserted vige, I double-check the facts just to be sure I¡¯m getting things straight.


    Well, not so much that it¡¯d help me out, but I should ask Veno about all the rules to this world so that things go smoothly.


    At least we can still try to figure things out and do some research.


    In the sweatshop, they demanded battle-ready troops who can start working without any exnations at all and to do nearly impossible feats.


    Things like seemingly endless and pointless work, meaningless meetings where unsavory higher-ups make no real discussion, and even customer service in which you can do nothing but apologize.


    We had to do some customer service... but that was the roughest.


    It didn¡¯t matter why customers were angry and it didn¡¯t matter that you understood it or not. What mattered was that you could take all the me and apologize for it.


    In dealings with a lot of pressure, we were practically forced to kowtow to the other party.


    Being an SE is tough, so getting a break from actual work was just a bit nice, but now that I think about it, it still all sucked.


    ¡®There are many trials and tribtions within mankind as well, hmm?¡¯


    Veno takes a stroll down my memoryne without asking to do so andments in a empathetic voice. I hope you understand you are one of those trials and tribtions.


    ... I digress.


    What¡¯s important right now is info.


    To be ignorant is just waiting for problems toe to you.


    If you don¡¯t know why your someone is mad, apologizing won¡¯t do a thing.


    ... maybe because it¡¯s refreshing to say everything that was bottled up, the other party usually buries the hatchet... and then exins the situation carefully to whom was really to me.


    Anyway, at the expense of looking like a total yokel, I¡¯ve got to ask around for answers.


    But I¡¯ll stick out like a sore thumb.


    But do I already stand out like this?


    I¡¯m wearing a dress shirt and a pair of trousers. I look pretty different than the vigers around me.


    Speaking of which, I¡¯m really confused to as why the vigers aren¡¯t staring at me.


    Even how Arleaf dresses is different, and no one batted an eye at her.


    ¡®This is but my personal opinion, but I believe that you look like nothing more than lightly-dressed to others. Never mind how you dress, the clothes you are wearing are quite soiled.¡¯


    Ah... well, yeah. That¡¯s true.


    ording to Arleaf, I was floating in a swamp. That¡¯s why my clothes are so dirty.


    Just in case, I should dry them out. But it¡¯s not like they¡¯re that ufortable either.


    And while I do want to change, I have nothing but the clothes on my back and that it¡¯s a trivial matter.


    The first thing to do is to learn somemon knowledge so that I don¡¯t stand out. It¡¯s important to survival.


    ¡®I understand what your whole preface is about. What do you wish to learn about?¡¯


    Hmm, that¡¯s right... I guess first off, I¡¯d like to take a closer look at that status screen you showed me before.


    ¡®Oh, that? Is that all? It is something you can do by yourself, you know? All you have to do is focus on your desire to check your condition.¡¯


    I try focusing after he tells me to.


    As soon as I do that, the status screen reappears and hovers in my vision.


    This world really is like inside a game, huh?


    Wait, maybe there were status screens back in my world too, but what if no one figured out how to make it appear?


    Let¡¯s get back to the screen for now. XP doesn¡¯t seem that easy to earn and it doesn¡¯t seem like there are any hidden statues either.


    ... call me in, but I can¡¯t seem to ept the situation I¡¯m in.


    I feel like a total mess.


    Anyway, let¡¯s continue.


    It really is like a game, making me lose all sense of reality... I wonder how the inner workings are though.


    ¡®I do not know of a single person who solved that mystery. It has been in ce since ages ago and all beings are able to ess their status screens.¡¯


    Since it¡¯s unexinable, let¡¯s just leave it at that. Knowing how doesn¡¯t affect our chances of survival anyway.


    ¡®But entertainment... you said it is like a video game. Oh-ho... there are various of them in your memory. They sure look interesting. Would you mind if I try my hand at them? It seems that I can ess these video games from your memory.¡¯


    Don¡¯t just go through someone¡¯s memories without asking! And stop your gaming marathon too!


    I just know that Veno is like digging through my toy box and ying every console there is.


    Whatever. To someone who¡¯s so familiar with games, I feel a certain affinity to this.


    But I still have lots to do to prepare for what lies ahead.


    And I don¡¯t even know what I should do. Should I go an be an adventurer as if this were some sort of tabletop RPG?


    I have zerobat experience, you know?


    What did you think was my job before this?


    SE. I was an SE. Systems engineer. Let alone fight, I didn¡¯t even get to exercise much.


    If that¡¯s the case, I might as well get a part-time job and earn some money. While we search for a way to break free of this spell, I could run around aimlessly. Fighting isn¡¯t everything.


    ¡®I am aware of such a profession. A part-time job... daybor is not such a bad idea, but that too would be ssified as adventuring.¡¯


    After perusing through my memories, Veno answers.


    Of course, this world is quite the fantasy clich¨¦, so there must be adventurers too.


    But a job like that could open us up to a new world.


    Whichever path we take, I gotta know exactly how strong I am.


    Kogure Yukihisa


    Poison Earth


    Level 1


    Acquired skills: Spirit Link, Poison Absorption (Weak), Poison Release


    As well, all the fine details are shown on this screen... but all of them are in the single-digits, slightly worrying me.


    ¡®Level one, hmm... Furthermore, your statistics indicate you to be quite weak. Even in the adult stage, humans are quite the fragile creature... However, in my distant infancy, I was likely about as weak as you are now.¡¯


    You don¡¯t remember?


    ¡®Can you recall any memories of your infancy? The distant past is but a blur.¡¯


    Mm... well, it¡¯s not like he¡¯s wrong.


    I don¡¯t think I have any recollections of anything before elementary school.


    ¡®My current stats are so high, it may shock you to the afterlife. You should at least gain a few levels, so you can protect yourself if and when the timees. You should be able to quickly earn experience by hunting.¡¯


    Hunting... since it¡¯s a fantasy world, it¡¯s probably like monsters, wild animals, and stuff like that.


    Just like a game, if I defeat monsters, I gain levels?


    ¡®Aye. Just like in with what you are familiar with, experience points also exist in this world. No matter human or monster, within lies quintessence. By defeating another being, their quintessence transfers to the victor. By umting quintessence, you, too, will gain levels and, thus, your abilities will improve. It is the rule of survival of the fittest.¡¯


    That¡¯s nice and easy to understand.


    However... there¡¯s one part I don¡¯t quite get.


    ¡°Poison Earth¡± is written beside my name. What does that mean?


    ¡®All humans have a power known as ss or profession. This power grants the beings of this world the ability to discover their power.¡¯


    Dragons too?


    ¡®Monsters and dragons slightly differ on the technical side.¡¯


    Hmm... you can tell at first nce that this job thing is pretty important.


    In games, you do get a lot of effects and buffs from your ss.

 Chapter 4

    <h4>Chapter 4</h4>


    ¡®However, I have heard not heard of such job as Poison Earth.¡¯


    Is that right?


    I mean, I¡¯ve yed a few videogames before, but that¡¯s a job title I¡¯m not familiar with.


    ¡®Aye. To my knowledge, ¡°Earth¡± is a first job for humans. Once a certain level and conditions are fulfilled, you will advance to a second job.¡¯


    So, Earths are first jobs.


    Might be pretty simr to the jobs that frequently appear in MMOs.


    Like how you¡¯d go from novice to warrior, mage, priest, or ranger.


    But the stupid ¡°Poison¡± bit has really caught my attention.


    ¡°Poison¡± is just poison, right?


    Besides Spirit Link, other usable skills that I have are Poison Absorption (Weak) and Poison Release.


    If ¡°Earth¡± means ¡°human¡± in this world, then what am I? A poisonous person?


    Why the hell poison? What, am I toxic or something? I¡¯ve never even trolled or griefed before.


    ¡®Aye... perhaps it is due to my influence.¡¯


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    I inquired Veno.


    He replied in a slightly troubled tone.


    ¡®It is because I was born a poison-type dragon.¡¯


    There are lots of different types of dragons too, huh?


    It¡¯s not exactly rare to find dragons described as red, blue, white, or ck either.


    In this case, would he be green? It would be quite kinda tricky to put him in a game.


    Because I¡¯m linked with him, I¡¯m a poison human... a Poison Earth.


    Is this an effect of Forced Possession Summoning?


    Hmm? Hey, didn¡¯t I see you breathe fire and cast lightning?


    ¡®If I had used my most powerful magic, there would be nothing but death for my opponents. It would be more troublesome that way. Rarely do I use poison now.¡¯


    Ah. He had been holding back in the fight so that he wouldn¡¯t kill anyone.


    He would rather let them go rather than to deal them serious damage.


    ¡®The swamp that you fell into was a poisonous swamp. That would be the reason why the girl gave you an antidote, is it not?¡¯


    That¡¯s right, isn¡¯t it?


    It must¡¯ve been because I was in the poison that I was feeling great.


    Maybe it was actually dangerous though. Who knows.


    I don¡¯t know, but it doesn¡¯t seem like a pleasant job ss.


    How do you put it? It just doesn¡¯t seem like it¡¯s very strong and it doesn¡¯t seem like it¡¯ll get stronger either.


    From what I¡¯ve experienced in JRPGs, poison is never useful in a big battle.


    Most bosses are resistant or immune to poison, so it never does anything.


    ¡®That is not true. Do not make light of poison.¡¯


    That¡¯s only because you¡¯re on the boss monster¡¯s side.


    In a JRPG, it¡¯s not very effective on your opponent but super effective on you. That kind of bullshit happens all the time.


    ¡®Aye, then you are wondering what you should do?¡¯


    ... in a ce withoutputers, there¡¯s not much an SE can do.


    No, there¡¯s practically nothing I can do.


    Like I said early, the life I lived was far removed from things likebat or exercise.


    If you think about it normally, you can¡¯t level up your job unless you actually use its powers.


    ¡°Well, not much of a choice but to use my job, huh?¡±


    The problem is how much power does a Poison Earth have.


    They had to resort to Forced Possession Summoning¡ªan outrageous measure, might I add¡ªto defeat Veno. What if I had picked up some of his powers too? Maybe I could use it to my favour as well.


    But honestly speaking, in JRPGs, abnormal statuses are usually bad news for the yer. But in Western games, that¡¯s not always the case.


    It depends on the game too, but I¡¯vepletely shutout ast boss before with poison and paralysis.


    But who knows which one it is in this alternate world. Might be possible too that neither is true.


    Whichever it is though, I¡¯ve got to know what a Poison Earth can do in order to survive from now on.


    To go down the list, Spirit Link is probably a skill rted to Veno.


    ¡®Yes, that is perhaps correct. It is most likely that you were forced to learn the skill because of your link with me.¡¯


    Can skills be activated by focusing on the desired oue?


    ¡®Ah, there too exists skills that have to be acquired through proper training.¡¯


    Seems like there are learned skills as well.


    While thinking about nothing in particr, I focused on Spirit Link to try to activate the skill.


    ... nothing especially seemed to happen.


    ¡®I believe the ability tomunicate through our thoughts while linked together is the desired effect of Spirit Link.¡¯


    So that means it¡¯s a passive skill.


    Alright, next up is Poison Absorption (Weak).


    I try to focus on it, but there weren¡¯t any changes.


    ¡®Certainly, you realize that I was watching when this skill activated.¡¯


    What? When was that?


    ¡®It was when you fell into the poisonous swamp and was floating on your back. You seemed to be in greatfort if I am not mistaken.¡¯


    ... must¡¯ve been right before Arleaf saved me, when I was still half-asleep.


    It was because of this skill that I felt fantastic, like I was soaking in an onsen.


    That just doesn¡¯t sit well with me though.


    I guess it does exactly what it says on the tin and absorbs poison...


    Next up is Poison Release.


    I focus on it and then get the feeling that words lit up.


    Swamp Toxin


    Some other icon appeared.


    ... guess I¡¯ll just select ¡°confirm¡±.


    Two lumps of purple liquid were created in my palms as soon as I did that.


    ¡®Hmm... you are able to attack with the toxins you had absorbed. It would appear that you are able to cast beginner-level poison magic.¡¯


    Do I sling this at my opponent? Hmm... might have lucked out getting magical abilities.


    But I¡¯m not really excited or anything about being able to use magic so easily.


    ¡®Oh, but it is not magic. You will need learn quite difficult spells to cast magic. I shall offer you the chance to learn. First, you have to¡ª¡¯


    Veno conveniently draws these charts and forms in my field of vision, but it doesn¡¯t get through to me.


    Ugh, it hurts to fuckin¡¯ look at. Show it to meter!


    ¡®Hmm... as one would expect, the trantion skill does not activate for matters like this. At ater time, then, I shall simplify it for you so that even you can understand it.¡¯


    Though it¡¯s so that I can survive, to so kindly and thoroughly teach me would be a great help... but that¡¯s not the problem.


    ¡®I have time to spare for I am currently merely watching. Would it not be fine for me to kill time this way?¡¯


    He has the nerve to be so carefree...


    I thought it¡¯d be cool to ride a dragon into battle, but right now, it seems like it¡¯s the other way around. Feels like he¡¯s a dragon riding on my shoulders, ordering me what to do.


    ¡®Is there some reason that you should be making fun me?¡¯


    I¡¯m having a conversation with dragon in my head who¡¯s nothing but talk.


    ¡®Scoundrel! How dare you ridicule me?¡¯


    And that¡¯s why I¡¯m not scared. He gets all thirsty for blood but I don¡¯t see him making a single attack at me.


    But still, it¡¯d be a pain if he keeps getting pissed off like this. Literally and figuratively.


    ¡®It seems like we have been sidetracked. You were wanting to begin with confirming of what you are capable, correct?¡¯


    We¡¯ve pretty much wrapped up with this confirmation, haven¡¯t we?


    To be frank, I don¡¯t think I have what¡¯s needed to do what Veno wants¡ªdefeating a monster and levelling up.


    Firstly, I don¡¯t have any weapons or armor. Secondly, food.


    Moreover, I¡¯m feeling kinda hungry but I don¡¯t have any of this world¡¯s currency.


    How the hell am I supposed to live like this?


    ... speaking of money, Arleaf told me to go to the town hall.


    There might be a way to earn money there.


    ¡®Aye. If it is like how it is in the past, there is a chance that something like a bulletin board with methods of acquiring money existing. You should try going there. Perhaps it is that building.¡¯


    With that said, we left the square and headed towards the ratherrge building that looks different than the houses around it.


    The building is deserted, but there¡¯s a bulletin board by the entrance.


    I¡¯ll just check it out first.


    Though I¡¯ve never seen this writing before, it¡¯s tranted in a way so that even I understand.


    No, maybe it would be more urate to say the meaning gets transmitted into my head.


    However the trantion may work, I can assume it¡¯s thanks to Veno that it does.


    It would be absolutely tragic if I came to this world and didn¡¯t understand anything said or written.


    It¡¯s easy to see if you think of the situation when I was saved by Arleaf.


    After being spoken to in anguage I¡¯ve never heard before, I was fed some mysterious medicine.


    Then she was pointing and gesturing, somehow trying to figure out my condition. Even with all that said and done, I get to the vige and kept hearing a dragon¡¯s voice in my head.


    ... yup. If you think of it like that, you could say I¡¯ve been blessed.


    ¡®You brood upon strange thoughts. Well, at least you are giving me thanks.¡¯


    Oh, think about it the other way.


    Imagine if the Forced Possession Summoning transferred your magic to me too.


    ¡®What?! To have my feats and prowess stolen by humans?! Take your words back at once!¡¯


    Right?! It¡¯s more convenient for me this way!


    ¡®To dare steal my powers is but viiny! Remember that!¡¯


    I go to take a gander at the bulletin board while I brush off Veno¡¯s rage.


    Generally, most of the posts are calls for assistance and trade requests.


    I wonder if there¡¯s a specific time to post. It doesn¡¯t seem like you can just stick a note up whenever you want.


    Oh, there¡¯s a request with a rmended level for adventurers.


    Defeat tiger nts growing in the ins


    Rmended: four or more party members; basic job lv 20 or higher


    There are a few posts like that printed on the board.


    However, for a lv 1 novice like me, it¡¯s not a job that I can handle.


    ¡®About thatmission you are currently reading, it seems like the reason why no one has epted it is because the reward is not befitting the work.¡¯


    Half of this stuff is pretty simple to understand, but it¡¯s mixed in with requests that seem closer to scams


    It¡¯s not too much different than back home, huh?


    Hell, this town hall is less of an adventurers¡¯ guild and more of a public employment service center.


    Like, this is all daybor work postings.


    Guildhalls in tabletop RPGs and videogames are always so grand and full of adventurous spirit, but right now, the romance is withering away in front of me.


    Is it really like this in reality?


    Or is it only because this vige is so dead that this ce looks shabby?


    ... I feel like this¡¯ll have do since I¡¯m pressed for time.


    But usually I¡¯ll need to present a license or something for this.


    ¡®Are you perhaps speaking of adventurer registration? That is performed at the church. You will also need to be put through something called a baptism.¡¯


    At the church?


    ¡®If possible, I suggest you to avoid using the church. They pose quite a danger.¡¯


    Yeah, I hear religions can be dangerous sometimes.


    Is it because the guys who tried to kill you were from the church?


    ¡®They were crusaders of a chivalric order sent by the kingdom. They¡¯re rted to the church, I suppose.¡¯


    I see. That¡¯s what he means by dangerous.


    ¡®About the jobs on the bulletin board... I suggest the request that is by your right-hand.¡¯


    I read the writing on the request that Veno suggested.


    Harvest marphina


    Rmended: poison-curing magic; lv 25 or higher


    It seems like I would be rewarded for each gram of marphina collected.


    The requester is this vige¡¯s tool dealer and apothecary.


    It says harvest, so it¡¯s a nt, right?


    But since I¡¯m not at the rmended level yet, wouldn¡¯t this be really tough for me?


    ¡®What are you saying? If my memory serves me right, this nt grows in the poisonous swamp that¡ªas if falling in were not enough already¡ªyou were swimming in? You are able to absorb poison, correct?¡¯


    Ah. I just have to go back the way Arleaf showed me, eh?


    What¡¯s more, I don¡¯t even need any purification magic, thanks to my Poison Absorption (Weak).


    Normally one would need an antidote, but it might not be worth it to use one just to do this request.


    This request would only be worth it for those who can cast magic that cures poison¡ªthat way, it would cost nothing.


    The rmended level of 25 might indicate how difficult it is.


    Maybe you can only cure the poison at that level.


    In any case, Poison Absorption (Weak) can likely handle it somehow.


    This might just turn out to be an easy job.


    I wonder if Arleaf harvests like this too.

 Chapter 5

    <h4>Chapter 5</h4>


    See, I¡¯ve decided on the request already, but I just can¡¯t shake the fact that I¡¯ll be battling monsters off my mind.


    Can I really fight in a battle out of the blue?


    All I can do is use Poison Release and throw swamp toxin. I don¡¯t have any weapons beside that.


    ¡®Is it a weapon you desire? If so, move somewhere you will not be seen.¡¯


    What are you trying to do?


    As per Veno¡¯s instruction, I walked behind the town hall and made sure that no one was watching.


    ¡®Good. I shall take it out now.¡¯


    As soon as I saw the gleaming in front of me, a sword and armor simply appeared with a thud.


    ¡°Wh-what the hell?!¡±


    I blurted out loud before I even realised.


    No, I understand that it¡¯s something Veno did, but how it suddenly happened is astonishing.


    ¡°...¡±


    It was some Western-looking sword and armor.


    Though I haven¡¯t seen the real deal before, I¡¯m well-acquainted with ones from videogames and manga.


    I gently pick it up.


    I imagined it to be rather heavy, but it was a light as a stick.


    Flyiron Sword +4


    Quality: Superior


    Required level: None


    Bonus effects: Flyweight


    An alloy sword made with outstanding metal ores. Light as a feather so that it can even be wielded by aplete novice.


    However, the weight is inconsistent.


    Smoke Armor +3


    Quality: Fine


    Required level: None


    Bonus effects: Smoke


    Magic armor crafted by solidifying smoke. Though it is smoke, it is solid and light.


    However, beware that it is not impervious to water.


    Robe of Concealment +3


    Quality: Fine


    Required level: None


    Bonus effects: Cloaking; Reveal Resistance (Low)


    A robe able to camouge its wearer. Woven to disguise ordinary users.


    Made from the skin of monsters with high concealing abilities. Resistant to revealing magic and grants disguising capabilities.


    You can tell this is equipment with a focus on being lightweight. Even I can equip this no problem.


    The armor, though... feels weird to the touch.


    Kinda like a beanbag chair? It¡¯s a very odd texture.


    However... everything is nicely decorated and you can tell it is quality.


    ¡®Equip this and you shall be fine.¡¯


    ... exactly as I was thinking. Won¡¯t deny that.


    But there¡¯s a few things I want to point out, if that¡¯s alright.


    ¡®What is it?¡¯


    Where did you take this out from?


    ¡®Ah. I have employed Compression Storage Magic on those items. I can rather easily retrieve anything stored. The lot who casted Forced Possession Summoning are unlikely to be able to detect this amount of magic.¡¯


    Judging by his words, these items that Veno had held on to from the beginning must be good stuff.


    ¡®I, too, am a dragon. It is more or less in our nature to maintain a collection. If we could return to myir, I would show you my hoard. Unfortunately, I am uneasy about that.¡¯


    So, I get that he¡¯s telling me to equip the sword and shield, but who did ite from?


    ¡®Before I had Forced Possession Summoning casted on me, challengers recklesslye for to fight, get defeated, and I plunder their goods. Is that not obvious? They were carrying fairly good equipment, so I applied storage magic and forgotten about it.¡¯


    In short, then, the estate of nameless heroes?


    ¡®I had not killed them. Merely stripped them of their property.¡¯


    Sure, this stuff is quite helpful, but shouldn¡¯t I just sell it all off for the money?


    ¡®Think carefully, you fool. You would be a man who cannot be mistaken as anyone strong, selling expensive-looking equipment and goods, and turning it all into money. What do you think barbarians¡ªthese fools who are devoted to only their desires¡ªwould do to you?¡¯


    Well, yeah. It¡¯s not umon to hear of robbers that specifically target people who are travelling abroad.


    It would be rather dangerous if I simply sell off Veno¡¯s possessions.


    ¡®In any case, I have nothing of the sort at hand. You should not only rely on what I have either. Anything better than what you currently hold has level requirements. If not, it is mass-produced swords and spears at best. Furthermore, I do not have that much of stock since it is rubbish, aye?¡¯


    So, to a dragon, normal swords and spears and other weapons are trash?


    He only takes what¡¯s rare, eh?


    Well, I¡¯ll just use what I¡¯m given.


    I first put on my armor and then draped the robe on top... it seems like it should¡¯ve been a nice fluffy robe, but it feels more like linen. The surface of the robe is also changing colors.


    It¡¯s light and helpful too.


    I tie the sword and belt given to me to my hip.


    ¡®Then I will store the clothes you have worn until now.¡¯


    The suit, shirt, and trousers I had been wearing suddenly disappeared, as if they had warped space-time.


    Only the armor and robe was left.


    ... but why did you store my clothes?


    ¡®So that you can freely go intobat. I also want to give you a bow and arrows. However, I have judged that it is too early for you to use what I have in stock.¡¯


    Ah, yeah... for someone like me with nobat experience, a bow or crossbow would be better.


    I¡¯m not certain if I can hit anything at distance, but rangedbat is powerful.


    I could even smear poison on the arrowheads.


    ... well, not much I can do about it since I can¡¯t equip it anyway.


    Honestly, having never fought before, there¡¯s a limit to what Veno can do for me.


    There¡¯s a limit to how I can use Poison Release too, right? I mean, all I can do is chuck it at a target.


    Since I¡¯m weak, I¡¯ll have to somehow connect my strikes...


    ¡®It seems like I can somehow use Compression Storage Magic on your items too. You need not carry so much of your belongings.¡¯


    That skill is really convenient, huh?


    Well, no reason not to use it.


    ¡®Humans, too, can use magic like this if they are a high-ranking magician. It seems like it does not exist in your world though... was it not inconvenient?¡¯


    So sorry, but the Japan I lived in doesn¡¯t have any magic that handy.


    Or rather, nothing so extremely expedient.


    Where do the items go if the owner dies?


    ¡®Obvious it gets scattered by the corpse.¡¯


    ... what? It feels like I¡¯ve caught a glimpse of an RPG or something where monsters drop weapons or items.


    ¡®By the way, this spell does have a few peculiarities to it. Of course, there is a limit to how many one can store at a time, but as well, items will continue to deteriorate, and can be interfered with while in holding. A skilled user, though, would be able to indefinitely keep ice without it melting. Well, one could always use magic to create more ice, but still...¡¯


    How good are you then, Veno?


    ¡®Do not look down on me, aye? I could swallow up this entire vige and still have space left over. But, well, there are limitations, so it would be impossible for me to store away the whole vige right now.¡¯


    He did say his mana has been strained. It otherwise wouldn¡¯t be much of a hardship for him.


    Still, having that much capacity is a boon.


    ¡®Aye. Anything that you can carry on your back would be easy, but beyond that would be, for the time being at least, a spot of bother. On the other hand, I promise I shall keep your items from deteriorating to the best of my abilities.¡¯


    Don¡¯t mind if I take this convenient item box magic.


    Well, now... I¡¯ve finished my preparations and I said I¡¯ll try my hand at adventuring, so let¡¯s go try picking some flowers.


    I take the request off the bulletin board and, as Veno instructed, headed back the way Arleaf and I came from.


    I¡¯m simply going back the same way, but... there¡¯s an ominous, maybe uneasy feeling in the air?


    I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if a monster were to pop out any time.


    When Arleaf was here, it wasn¡¯t like this at all. Maybe it¡¯s because I¡¯m all alone?


    ¡®I am here, no?¡¯


    Veno, huh? A self-proimed dragon who is talking in my head doesn¡¯t really soothe this feeling of istion.


    He did prove his existence by giving me weapons though.


    ¡®If you are feeling lonely even with me... does not that mean that you are a lonely person?¡¯


    ... I¡¯m going to pick my battles. I ignore him and put my feelers out.


    If this were a game, then I¡¯d probably be worse than a lv 1 viger.


    There are only simple fields around this area so there might be a small fry or two roaming about.


    Random encounters would be scaled to the level of the character in a videogame, but this is real life. Enemies lv 30 or 40 might pop out all of a sudden.


    Suppose the vigers around here are all at least lv 35. It would be an instant checkmate for me.


    It might be better for my chances of survival if I target easy monsters and strike swiftly.


    ¡®Calm yourself. You have my support. I will use my knowledge to tell you whether a monster you face is dangerous or not.¡¯


    That¡¯s convenient, but a fight safe for a dragon wouldn¡¯t necessarily be safe for a human.


    Again, I have nobat experience.


    ¡®You are certainly helpful to me by focusing on your surviving. However, how you do not ce trust in me is aggravating. I would like for you to not to get carried away with ridiculing me.¡¯


    As I was walking with vignce...


    A monster¡¯s name appeared with a blip in my field of vision.


    Chrome Yellow Poisonwhip


    It¡¯s a monster that looked like nothing more than a vine growing in a nook on the path.


    The vine itself is reasonably thick.


    This thing wasn¡¯t here when I was with Arleaf.


    But it¡¯s got a damn long name.


    The name is so hard to remember that I¡¯d even forget if this were a videogame.


    ¡®Ah, that is an easy one. Part of the ecology, but the tip of the vine will first try to spray venom to weaken its opponents, wrap itself around them, and turn them into fertilizer.¡¯


    That right?


    So? Is it something a lv 1 can beat?


    ¡®Even I cannot determine any and every human¡¯s fighting capabilities. But, it would be wise for you to tryunching a surprise attack on it and cutting it down with your sword.¡¯


    Will I be alright?


    Even with the advice, I¡¯m not fully sure about my own specs or the performance of my weapon.


    ¡®Fortunately, if you conceal yourself to the best of your abilities, I believe your disguise will not be seen through. Pretend like you have not noticed it and calmly walk up to it. Before you are engaged by it, swing your sword while you run past from behind.¡¯


    Gotcha.


    Perhaps due to the effects of my Robe of Concealment +3, the Chrome Yellow Poisonwhip doesn¡¯t fully notice me. I pretend to be calm and walk up to the tree that the Chrome Yellow Poisonwhip is entwined to.


    It senses my approach and waits for its chance to take me by surprise. Before I let the Chrome Yellow Poisonwhip get the drop on me, I dash out without pausing and pass behind it. Like a kid swinging a stick at the air, I brandish my sword.


    The tendril of the Chrome Yellow Poisonwhip was extremely easy to sever. A clean cut. The part still entwined to the tree turned limp and frail and rolled onto the ground.


    The Chrome Yellow Poisonwhip¡¯s tendril screeches out as I make contact with it.


    ¡°Seems like you cut all right,¡±


    I mutter to the Flyiron Sword +4 while looking at the de.


    Maybe because it¡¯s amazingly light and cuts well, it¡¯s rather easy to wield.


    It cuts as well as a fresh boxcutter on a piece of paper.


    I was merely pretending to be a samurai or something but it went so well.


    As its final act of resistance, the Chrome Yellow Poisonwhip crooks its neck like a snake and sprays its toxin at me.


    While I quickly dodge its attack, the Chrome Yellow Poisonwhip flops limp and became still.


    And then it says here that I earned 12 EXP.


    My experience of RPGs tells me that anything more than 1 or 2 is wicked.


    By MMORPG standards, that was a higher-level monster.


    ¡®It seems like you have emerged victorious for your first battle.¡¯


    It doesn¡¯t feel like I¡¯ve fought a lot though...


    There would¡¯ve been some kind of victory fanfare when a battle ends in a game, but in reality, it¡¯s like this.


    Still, winning is winning.


    At the very least, I¡¯ve still defeated a living monster.


    ¡®For your first battle, fighting an easy monster like this is best. Experience outweighs anything else. Plus, I get a better understanding of your skills.¡¯


    Since I¡¯ve experienced my first battle, I¡¯ll go check my status.


    How much ¡®til I reach the next level?


    Looks like I¡¯m 80% of the way there already.


    ¡®Oi. Do not lose focus. Are you listening?¡¯


    To level up from lv 1 to 2, I need 14 EXP in total, huh?


    I wonder if I can level up from fighting one more? I sumb to an impulse to search for another monster.

 Chapter 6

    <h4>Chapter 6</h4>


    ¡®Hey! Snap out of it! Watch out!¡¯


    As if it were mocking my carelessness, something agilely rushed towards me. With a thud, it stabbed me in the arm.


    ¡°Ow!¡±


    I look at the ce that suddenly became painful.


    There was a fist-sized mosquito monster stuck into my arm.


    It pierced right between the gap in my Smoke Armor.


    Spray Green Mosquito


    ¡°What the?!¡±


    Before I fully grasped its name, I swat it off by reflex.


    The Spray Green Mosquito nimbly dodges my swatting hand, hovers, and sways in the air beforeing towards me again.


    My arm throbs. I look down at the scar where his stinger pierced and realize that pain is actually streaking through my arm.


    The mosquito monster stung me and sucked my blood, huh?


    Ugh, there are monsters like this? Am I gonna be alright having been stung?


    ¡®Did I not tell you to pay attention?!¡¯


    ... gotta focus on the battle.


    This one¡¯s definitely more of a nuisance than the whatever Poisonwhip I fought just now.


    As I aim my sword... the Spray Green Mosquito twitches then wavers. It¡¯s in to see that his movements are bing sluggish.


    It¡¯s almost like it¡¯s telling me to aim carefully, please. But... that movement reminds me of something.


    It reminds me of when I was a kid and a mosquito had flown inside the house.


    Because it was a particrly quick mosquito, killing it was very difficult.


    It was easier to exterminate it with a can of insect killer. The Spray Green Mosquito is behaving exactly like how a mosquito would after being sprayed by pesticide. It fluttered and then fell face-up on the ground.


    ¡°... but why?¡±


    After stinging me once, it was trying to sting me a second time. But all of a sudden it just falls over? What is that?


    Speaking of which, it really hurts where I got stung... damn it.


    Some words popped up, saying I¡¯ve earned 6 EXP.


    I level up to lv 2.


    As expected, leveling up doesn¡¯t also give me a full recovery... if it did, the pain in my arm would¡¯ve faded immediately.


    ¡®What in the world was the reason for its death...? It might be possible that it died to the vaporized toxin the poisonwhip had released. Or perhaps because of your Poison Absorption (Weak), the swamp toxin is still in your system, and it died from sucking your blood. To put it in other words, pesticide is poison, correct?¡¯


    Yeah... I¡¯m happy that I won without having to do anything, but it¡¯s kinda disagreeable of an experience.


    Maybe it wasn¡¯t so bad to space out after all.


    But this wound... how should I heal it? Will it heal with some rest?


    ¡®I shall teach you how to concoct potions afterwards. You could harvest some medicinal herbs along the way too.¡¯


    Do you not have any potions, Veno?


    ¡®Unfortunately, I have none on hand. Though not potions, if you wish to quickly cure your wounds, then you can pay a practitioner of healing magic with the money you will earn from this request.¡¯


    It¡¯ll probably cost all the money I¡¯ll earn though.


    Gah... that just seems like a total waste.


    ¡®However... the part stung by a Spray Green Mosquito should not only itch, but also be apanied by paralysis... yet you have none of those symptoms.¡¯


    Itchiness and numbness... seems like it¡¯s the same in this world.


    I think the pain is already starting to fade.


    ¡®It is nerve palsy, you know? For humans, the affected area should swell up and, within moments, cease to be able to move. Does your world have the same type mosquitos?¡¯


    Not to that extent.


    But actually, it just hurts normally.


    ... is this, too, the effect of Poison Absorption?


    ¡®Perhaps. If it is simply painful, it should subside soon. We should prioritize dealing with the monster¡¯s carcass first.¡¯


    Deal with the carcasses?


    In front of me is the face-up corpse of a Spray Green Mosquito.


    What should I do with it?


    ¡®The monster is already dead. I shall store it up with my Compression Storage Magic. If you do not need it, then it shall be food for me.¡¯


    Dude, you eat fuckin¡¯ insects?


    ¡®Does it seem to you like I have a choice in these circumstances of mine?! Though even that I had Forced Possession Summoning cast upon me, it is not as if my body has disappeared. Well, truthfully speaking, I cannot move my body, so it does not need much fuel either.¡¯


    He¡¯ll eat anything and everything to survive, huh?


    Well, at least he¡¯s not storing the bugs in my belly.


    So, because of that and with his storage magic, Veno took care of the monster defeated this time.


    Without encountering any more monsters, I safely arrived at the poisonous swamp where I regained consciousness.


    I wonder if it¡¯s due to the Robe of Concealment +3.


    If you think about it carefully, aren¡¯t the monsters more dangerous than the poison?


    I have no choice but to hope my armor does its job well.


    ¡°I was soaking in this...?¡±


    Back again at the poisonous swamp... and it¡¯s purple.


    It¡¯s almost as if the it¡¯s saying I¡¯m poisonous! out loud.


    Bubbles rise up from the water, with a light haze covering the surface.


    The air doesn¡¯t seem too awful, but I¡¯m not out here to enjoy a lovely walk in the woods.


    ¡°Alright then... so I¡¯ve arrived here at the destination. Whereabouts does marphina grow?¡±


    It may seem like I¡¯m speaking to myself, but I¡¯m speaking directly to Veno.


    ¡®Over there. I shall indicate it¡ªalong with the herbs with which I am familiar¡ªwith a marker for you.¡¯


    As he said that, I looked out over and saw a big round sign, symbolling what I should harvest.


    It¡¯s nice and easy to have things so simple to understand.


    It feels like a game all of a sudden, but simple is best.


    Since I¡¯m here already, might as well pick some of that fuzz-like herb.


    Pogneuk


    A poisonous nt whose pollen will inducebored breathing once breathed in. The stems, too, are poisonous and will cause a burn-like inmmation on contact.


    ¡°Hey, this stuff is poisonous!¡±


    ¡®It is an ingredient in thepound. Even with medicinal herbs, they may be beneficial to humans, but often poisonous to monsters.¡¯


    They do say that you can¡¯t feed animals stuff like chocte and onions.


    Stuff like alcohol too.


    Wait... if you can¡¯t even breathe the pollen in, should I really have just normally picked this...?


    I check my hand that touched it.


    ... nothing out of the ordinary. No burns or nothing.


    Is this thanks to Poison Absorption as well? Damn useful.


    Well, I don¡¯t have to worry about it. I can let Veno handle it with his storage magic.


    ¡®I am deeply interested in how far the extent of your Poison Absorption reaches. Do not worry. I am not looking for you toe in contact with any poison that would be excessively dangerous. You can simply harvest at ease.¡¯


    Sure, whatever.


    Since he said that, I picked poisonous nts and toxic mushrooms along the way.


    ... there are less monsters here than I thought.


    I tell Veno through my mind, after stabbing a monster that looked like argeish rhinoceros beetle¡ªa Buff Poison Beetle.


    All there were here was that and the Spray Green Mosquito. Kinda a letdown, to be honest.


    Nothing but small fry, you could say.


    Oh, I leveled up to lv 3.


    Things are going fairly well. But I can¡¯t say I¡¯m moved by it either.


    ¡®More amazing monsters are¡ªif I had to guess¡ªeither hiding or that we havee right after another adventurer had passed through here.¡¯


    Arleaf should be roughly around here.


    Perhaps she came and killed them all?


    ¡®Ah, that female human? She had been burning monster-repelling incense; perhaps monsters are concerned about the smell and left. That was quite the offensive smell, you know?¡¯


    The ecosystem here... it¡¯s not exactly some backwoods where dangerous monsters live.


    After all, a grown man with no survival skills can make it here by foot in 30 minutes.


    ¡®In any case, you have no choice but to use the situation at hand. Quickly harvest the nt you havee for.¡¯


    Thus, I followed Veno¡¯s guidance towards the farther end... to a highlighted point in the middle of the swamp facing a cliff.


    It¡¯s a ce where bubbles strongly rise up from the water.


    Is it a geothermically-heated spring? I put my hand over the surface of the water but get no sense of heat.


    By the way, though called a swamp, it¡¯s not as if it¡¯s so thick and muddy that you can¡¯t see in.


    It¡¯s purplish, reddish, greenish pond; very colorful.


    The rity, though, is limited, making it an ominous yet beautiful and wonderful scene.


    ¡®Look, do you see the moss growing at the bottom on the bottom of the swamp? That is the poisonous moss, marphina.¡¯


    I feel like I¡¯m gonna be attacked by piranhas or something if I swim in there.


    ¡®There are fish, but they only feed on things that weak to poison and die in there. Does it seem like there arerge fish in there in the first ce?¡¯


    Just in case, I try observing from above the water.


    It isn¡¯t that deep of a swamp but it¡¯s still hard to tell if anything¡¯s lurking on the bottom.


    But since it¡¯s a poisonous swamp, if anything is living in such an extreme environment, it¡¯s gotta be really tough, right?


    Well... I¡¯m wary about it, but let¡¯s go anyway.


    If I remember correctly, in water, my Smoke Armor is weak and won¡¯t activate... but in I go.


    Oh? It¡¯s warmer than I thought. It feels just as nice as an onsen.


    Isn¡¯t this poison though? I thought to myself as I checked my status screen to find no signs of either my stamina or health going down.


    Speaking of which... the numbers seem to be greatly increasing, higher than what I thought my health was...


    I found my target, marphina, while thinking about that nonsense.


    It¡¯s stiffer than I expected it to be, so I¡¯ll use my Flyiron Sword +4 to scrape it off.


    I don¡¯t think I can store it with storage magic unless I do so. It¡¯s not just a pain but also time-consuming.


    There¡¯s quite a bit growing though, eh? Would it be alright if I harvested it all?


    ¡®You should do it in a way such that it will not destroy the environment. You might have the chance to harvest here again.¡¯


    Kinda like foraging mushrooms or mountain yams, I guess. Knowledge like that is the same in any world, huh?


    For now, it¡¯s growing strong, so I¡¯ll take as much as an insect might nibble.


    ... for some reason, soaking in this swamp feels real nice.


    It feels so good, I might just fall asleep in here. Not that I will.


    The reason why I was feeling sofortable when Arleaf woke me up was because of this?


    ¡°Hmm? Wait... my wounds...?¡±


    The wound inflicted by the Spray Green Mosquito has now closed up.


    There isn¡¯t even a scar to show for it.


    ¡®Poison can go so far as to heal you? I have learned quite some beneficial information about you. It seems like while you are in the swamp, you are granted natural recovery.¡¯


    Poison Absorption (Weak) is endless in its bounty.


    Furthermore, it feels like my fatigue is fading away too.


    The stress and fatigue I¡¯ve umted from working in that sweatshop isn¡¯t so easily relieved, yet I feel as light as a feather.


    It¡¯s definitely due to the toxins of the swamp. No questions about it.


    For the next two hours, I had harvested while rxing.


    ¡®Aye... harvesting this much shall not be a problem.¡¯


    Ie out of the pond, with a nod at Veno¡¯s words.


    My body feels a little heavy, but it¡¯s just about how I feel normally.


    How I felt in the swamp is probably the abnormal one.


    ¡®You were really absorbed in your harvest.¡¯


    ¡°And it didn¡¯t even tire me at all.¡±


    Or perhaps I could even say my body is perfect now. Even my sleepiness had faded away.


    Healing my wounds was a bonus on top of it. No matter how much I overwork myself, I can still fully recover with this.


    It was a curious sensation, like I was exercising while sleeping.


    ¡°Now then... what should I do?¡±


    I was able to obtain marphina.


    All I have to do is return back, but since I¡¯m all the way out here, I wanna keep harvesting or exploring.


    ¡®Aye... the process has gone well up until this point. It may perhaps be wise to expand your area of exploration too.¡¯


    Maybe because Veno is in a good mood as well, he signaled with an arrow symbol.


    ¡®The miasma over there has grown thick. If it proves to be too dangerous, then you should fall back. However, a little scouting should not pose a problem.¡¯

 Chapter 7

    <h4>Chapter 7</h4>


    I put my armor back on again and walk to wherever my mood takes me.


    nts grow sparsely in the area due to the poisonous swamp, making the view rather nice.


    Monsters like Spray Green Mosquitos approach me but I can easily dispatch of them all.


    My sword also cuts very well. A mere graze would y low-level monsters like Spray Green Mosquitos.


    Even if I were to be attacked, I could always just hop back in the pond to recover. It¡¯s very reassuring.


    It¡¯s very nice knowing that I can safely battle, as long as I avoid any fatal wounds.


    Though I¡¯m not doing much but cutting down vines and insects.


    I feel like I¡¯m ying on easy mode... but is everything really alright?


    Aren¡¯t those bad guys who are trying to kill Veno around here?


    ¡®Aye. I cannot call our progress anything but good so far. However, as with you too, it puts me at unease.¡¯


    They say to not let your guard down after a victory, right?


    Let¡¯s not get careless then.


    Like how I was stung by the mosquito after I finished chopped down the vine.


    But while I was treading lightly forward...


    Awoo!


    I heard a distant howling,ing from somewhere farther away.


    As I inspect my surroundings, Veno highlights with a marker.


    Four Midnight Blue Wolves


    One Midnight Blue Wolf Alpha


    The monsters respectively appeared.


    It appears that the monsters have formed a pack.


    They¡¯re a wolf-type monster, right? Every one of them are all pretty damn big.


    A bit bigger than a golden retriever.


    Not to mention that the alpha is about one and a half times bigger too.


    I¡¯m... in a bit of a pickle, aren¡¯t I? Even though due to instinctual fear, I¡¯m already sprinting at full speed.


    ¡°Hmm. You will have difficulties with this many of them.¡¯


    Veno warned me.


    I¡¯m a guy who barely even wants to fight! Of course I knew that.


    As if the Midnight Blue Wolf Alpha were eyeing me up, it fixates its gaze on me and growls.


    In any case, there are too many of them! Even one of them would be tough enough.


    Woof, woof!


    They were pretty far away, but in a blink of an eye, they¡¯ve formed into a pack, rushing over at me.


    I can tell they¡¯re powerful just by their speed.


    They¡¯re definitely not on the same level of vines and bugs! My instincts tell me that if I were to be surrounded, I¡¯d be done for.


    ¡°Stow my armor!¡±


    ¡®Aye!¡¯


    Before they closed the distance, I requested Veno to store my armor while diving into the rather deep swamp.


    With big sshes, I swim towards the middle of the pond and look back at the bank where the Midnight Blue Wolves continued to growl and bark.


    You thought I was an easy prey, did you?


    Haha! You wouldn¡¯t dare enter this dangerous swamp, would you, mongrels?


    Before long, one of the Midnight Blue Wolves lost its temper and jumped into the poisonous swamp, doggy paddling towards me.


    Shit! It jumped in! I hadn¡¯t thought of the possibility that they might be resistant to poison since here is their habitat.


    Hah... hah...


    Oh? It¡¯s running out of steam.


    When it dived in, I thought it might have resistance against poison but that doesn¡¯t seem to be the case.


    ¡°Moron! This is my territory!¡±


    With my body feeling as light as a feather, I swam towards the Midnight Blue Wolf and thrusted at him in the water with my sword.


    Crap, it doesn¡¯t matter how light I am, I¡¯m still in water.


    I couldn¡¯t stab it as well as I thought I could.


    Roar!


    As it was being stabbed, the Midnight Blue Wolf snapped towards me, aiming at my neck. I guard against its bite with my arm.


    Gah! My arm¡¯s gonna snap off!


    What strength, this monster! And it even has the nerve to go berserk at me!


    Anyway, having just narrowly avoided his bite, if I don¡¯t take out this Midnight Blue Wolf in one more move, the others mighte jumping in.


    With all my determination, I muster all the strength I had. I use my wounded arm to cling onto the wolf from behind and sink the wolf into the water.


    Blub blub blub?!


    The Midnight Blue Wolf having been sunk into the water and unable to breathe, stops its biting and tries to keep his face above the water.


    ¡®Don¡¯t let it breathe!¡¯


    As I interfere with the wolf by leaning on it from above, I haphazardly thrust my sword.


    The blood of the Midnight Blue Wolf dyes the water, turning the swamp into a suspicious shade.


    The wolf whimpers in pain.


    Oh? It¡¯s quickly bing weaker and weaker.


    ¡®It seems like the poison is getting to its system. It might be a higher-level monster for you, but you can fight well with your schemes.¡¯


    As soon as I thought it was starting to convulse, the Midnight Blue Wolf stops moving.


    I¡¯ve in it quicker than I thought I would.


    Awoo!


    The Midnight Blue Wolf Alpha howled in rage as it sees one of its own killed. But there were no signs of any intention toe towards here.


    Maybe it¡¯s obvious. It doesn¡¯t seem like the Midnight Blue Wolves have any sort of resistance to poison.


    Furthermore, where I was bitten was visibly and steadily healing.


    ¡®Now then... the rest of them are watching to see how you will exit, hmm?¡¯


    Wow. I can almost believe that I won¡¯t die as long as I have that toxic swamp.


    So, the Midnight Blue Wolf Alpha¡¯s strategy is to not let me escape by simply circling around the water and trying to intimidate me?


    Perhaps they¡¯re nning to kill me once I leave my safe zone or maybe they¡¯re anticipating that I sumb to the poison.


    ¡®As the monsters¡¯ leader has experience battling here, it would be easier for it to wait for its opponent. Since only the foolish underling died.¡¯


    I see. Only a dumb prey would enter a toxic swamp by his own ord is what they¡¯re thinking.


    Well then, storing the corpse of the Midnight Blue Wolf at once wouldn¡¯t pose any problems, right?


    ¡®Ah. Since you have already dealt with it at great pains, let us not waste its hide either. Would you like the bones?¡¯


    Just in case...


    ¡®In that case, I shall enjoy the meal.¡¯


    For some reason, the thought of Veno tearing up the corpse apart and digging in at its delicious meat just popped up in my head.


    But how is it really?


    Wait, don¡¯t fuckin¡¯ eat in the middle of battle!


    ¡®If you sumb here, so shall I! I will feast! I desire ast meal before I perish!¡¯


    Ah, whatever, you¡¯re nothing but a useless spectator of a dragon!


    ¡°Hmm...¡±


    I might just be loitering right now, I did have a pretty close call. Though I shouldn¡¯t die while in this poisonous pool.


    ... it¡¯s another story if I hit the limits of what Poison Absorption can do however.


    That¡¯s why while I worry about my surroundings, I¡¯m also figuring out a way to attack and execute my ns.


    The picture of Poison Release shes in my mind.


    Swamp toxin


    Spray Green Mosquito toxin


    Hmm? Spray Green Mosquito¡¯s venom has been added to the list too.


    Maybe it¡¯s a learning-type skill.


    When I checked the details, a remaining quantity was shown. That must mean I have a limited supply.


    So... I pretty much have unlimited charges for the swamp toxin, eh?


    ¡®Aye... it seems like you are able to attack them from your safe area. You might be able to achieve something if you execute your ns well.¡¯


    Veno has the nerve to make thesements with his mouth full.


    I grunted out loud as I threw the blob of poison at the Midnight Blue Wolf Alpha.


    Woof!


    As expected, the wolf easily dodged the poison before it connected. But I¡¯m bound to hit one of them if I keep throwing, right?


    Not to mention that I have an inexhaustible supply of this.


    At any rate, I¡¯m safe here in my pool of poison!


    I threw tens of those balls of poison without running out of breath.


    Awoo!


    Woof?!


    Woof, woof! Woof!


    The Midnight Blue Wolf Alpha realized both that it wouldn¡¯t be killed by my poison and that I wouldn¡¯te out of my safe zone. They ran away together at once.


    ¡®Did they escape afterprehending their disadvantage? Perhaps it is in the nature of the leader and not the rest of the pack.¡¯


    Since I¡¯ve killed one of their own, they can¡¯t help but toe back and take revenge, right?


    ¡®If the had such a persistence, it might lead to their own demise. They must be ming their failure on underestimating their opponent.¡¯


    That¡¯s good if that¡¯s the case...


    If I can only survive from my safe zone, my weakness would be obvious.


    I better not get cocky.


    ¡®Aye... we have learned a bit more about ourselves. To have so muchprehension in our first day of existing together is great progress.¡¯


    Yeah, yeah.


    Ie out of the pool and survey my surroundings.


    There... aren¡¯t any other monsters.


    Since it seems safe, I¡¯ll get Veno to get my clothes for me.


    Being able to change in an instant is pretty handy as well.


    In any case, I¡¯ll investigate a bit for now?


    ¡®Hmm? Look yonder.¡¯


    I look to where Veno marks with a highlighted marker.


    I see a cave there.


    ¡®I dare say it is a dungeon.¡¯


    Dungeon?


    A dungeon, like in an RPG where great treasure lies?


    There¡¯s even stuff like this in this world, huh?


    ¡®Aye... although there are various types of dungeons.¡¯


    Types?


    ¡®It would be a long exnation. Would that be fine?¡¯


    It¡¯d be better to know a bit about them, wouldn¡¯t you say?


    ¡®Aye... then to put it simply. First, there is the type where it is created by twisting space. It is a curious reaction to a monster¡¯s Compression Magic. The process collects magical essence and creates many different things. It is a forte of mine to untwist and dismantle these dungeons.¡¯


    Twisting space, huh?


    In a sense, it¡¯s an umtion of magic?


    ¡®The next type is remnants of ruins. Often, relics of the past lie in wait. Well, if there is a high density of magic, it is more than likely to be a monster¡¯s den. I, too, often exploit curiosity to lure others in my nest.¡¯


    A dragon¡¯s treasure hunt... if you think about it, you do see a lot of instances in fiction where dragons hoard treasure.


    It¡¯s easy to imagine humans plundering valuables, but hoarding is also in the nature of dragons too, I see.


    ¡®I am d that this is easy for you to understand. Then next up are dungeons of a monster¡¯s own creation. Nests, like mine, are usually made suitable for notable monsters.¡¯


    Ah, these are dungeons made from something like a dragon¡¯s nest or an ant¡¯s nest.


    So? Which one is this one?


    ¡®Even I do cannot sense something like that at first nce... however, it is likely that this is either naturally-made or a remnant since there are no monsters as sentries.¡¯


    Hmm... then shall we head in?


    ¡®We shall not. Not for now, at least. To enter a dungeon alone would be insufficient.¡¯


    Yeah, I thought so.


    For a guy who had such a difficult fight outside of the dungeon, entering would be reckless.


    As I said that...


    ¡°Hey, that person over there...¡±


    A mysterious person with a gas mask on?


    No, that voice... it¡¯s Arleaf showing her face all of a sudden as she exits the cave, seeing me and calling out for me.


    On her back is a mountain of herbs collected.


    It seems like that Arleaf has been harvesting in that dungeon.

 Chapter 8

    <h4>Chapter 8</h4>


    ¡°Mr. Yukihisa, how amazing of you to be able toe all the way here without a gas mask for the poisonous gas.¡±


    I¡¯m troubled about whether I should tell her about my mystery of a specialty to poison.


    Even Arleaf¡ªa seeming normal person¡ªis wearing a mask.


    ¡®It would be all right to honestly tell her that you have a high resistance to poison, would it not? It is not as if she is doubting you in any way. If you were to act questionable about it, then you would be suspicious.¡¯


    ... well, he¡¯s got a point.


    With Veno¡¯s words of advice, I spoke with a nonchnt look on my face.


    ¡°Well, kinda, yeah. After receiving your help, I rested up in the vige. Regained my senses and got my memory back too. Then I came out here on a job.¡±


    ¡°Oh, is that right? Pardon me if I am prying, but what kind of work are you out here for?¡±


    Arleaf eyes me and my outfit up.


    I look more or less like an adventurer.


    Still, I don¡¯t know the limits of the concealment effect of the armor.


    ¡°Ah, I was fulfilling a request for some moss that grows around here. I¡¯m all done now though.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡±


    ¡°Ms. Arleaf... you¡¯re gathering herbs in a dungeon?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Though it may be a dungeon, the first floor is rtively safe. You just have to be careful about the miasma is all.¡±


    Rtively safe, huh?


    If that¡¯s the case, I¡¯m a little interested.


    ¡°Perhaps you¡¯ve only exited the dungeon because your basket is full? As thanks for helping me out earlier, let me carry it for you. Then you can continue picking herbs no problem.¡±


    ¡°Eh? No, I can¡¯t do that to you. It wouldn¡¯t be right.¡±


    ¡°No, no. You nursed me back to health after all. Please let me thank you. Plus, I¡¯m kinda interested in going in anyway.¡±


    ¡°But... Mr. Yukihisa, how about your own belongings? And your clothes are still wet, right?¡±


    ¡°Ah, I know storage magic, so that¡¯s where all my stuff is. Yeah, I¡¯m still a little damp but I¡¯m fine.¡±


    Sensing this, Veno produced in my hand the fungus picked I had picked just now.


    And right after, made it disappear in an instant.


    And then, maybe because of the poison, soaking in the nice and warm swamp felt great.


    I still feel the lingering recovery effect of Poison Absorption (Weak).


    ¡°You are a strong adventurer, aren¡¯t you, Mr. Yukihisa?¡±


    It feels like I can¡¯t tell her that I¡¯m just some guy from an alternate universe on his first adventure.


    At least I don¡¯t think I¡¯m a lower level than Arleaf.


    And while it kinda makes me feel guilty, but I can¡¯t be too careful. You never know when or where the people after me are going to show up.


    ¡°And with that, exploring a dungeon is an essential part to an adventure. It would really help me out of you could guide me on what¡¯s safe and what¡¯s not.¡±


    ¡°Understood. Well then, let us head into the dungeon once again.¡±


    Mmm. Arleaf is a nice girl, eh?


    She smiles at me with a dazzling smile.


    Though she still has her gas mask on.


    That gas mask... she looks like Nausica? of the Valley of the Wind.


    ¡®Hmm, aye... it is a rather interesting tale of adventure.¡¯


    I ignore Veno as he watches the anime in my head.


    Following her guidance, we headed into the cave... into the dungeon.


    The entrance looks like a natural cave, but once inside, it¡¯s paved with stone.


    ¡°It¡¯s this way.¡±


    ¡°Mm.¡±


    I don¡¯t feel the presence of any monsters.


    Veno, too, feels nothing from his point of view.


    Then, right after we entered the cave a little... what is that? Something like a rundown altar.


    The ceiling is rather tall and there¡¯s light shining in from somewhere.


    Somehow or other, it is quite divine.


    ¡°There was originally a vige here and this dungeon... it seems like they used this as a church at the time. In the end, something happened and led to this vige being deserted. Then an infamous monster of ages past upied a nearby dungeon... and due to an expansion, it seems like one of the entrances became connected.¡±


    ¡°Every dungeon has a history, eh?¡±


    ¡°They say the reason why the first floor of this dungeon is sparsely popted with monsters is thanks to this altar here. The second floor and beyond is connected with another dungeon so it is more typical of what you would find...¡±


    Though the religion has died out, passers-by are still protected from the threat of monsters...


    ¡°Then, let us continue in. In the far end is where herbs flourish.¡±


    ¡°Ah, ahh.¡±


    With Arleaf guiding, we enter deeper into the stone-built dungeon.


    This glowing fungus grows all over the cave, creating a usable light source and making the inside of this dungeon rather bright.


    Then, while Arleaf and I are in the dungeon, Veno calls out.


    ¡®... no choice but to use that altar.¡¯


    Hmm, what¡¯s that?


    ¡®Ah, remember how we conversed about churches and baptism earlier? The truth is that humans¡ªyou, with a high enough level, can change into a higher job but must go to a church.¡¯


    Oh! A way to get stronger, hey?


    ... hmm? So, is something dangerous about that?


    ¡®Churches have many connections. Criminals are obviously forbidden to use their services.¡¯


    Ah, so to be careful is what you¡¯re saying?


    But is it somehow relevant to me?


    ¡®That is to say, some people, like ones who were Forced Possession Summoned and with a bounty on their head, would have a sword hanging over his head. He would reveal their location to his pursuers in an instant.¡±


    Yikes... so I can only survive by this first job of mine.


    Isn¡¯t that going to be pretty tough?


    ¡®Of course, there are many loopholes to pass through, so it would not be quite so difficult. There has always been this sort of under-the-table methods over the ages. It may be deplorable, but no choice but to do it this way.¡¯


    So that means the altar just now is one of those loopholes?


    ¡®Ah, while I feel that that decayed altar has no spiritual connections of any sort, I feel that it does have some residual power. If used well, it should be able to draw power out forth from you. I also know the way to do it, so no reason not to.¡¯


    Gotcha. Then when the timees, we can see if it works.


    Arleaf is here right now anyway.


    ¡®That is fine. However, you are not able to advance in jobs yet.¡¯


    Alright... I¡¯ll keep it in mind.


    Advance jobs by using a church¡¯s altar. But beware that regr altars would be dangerous.


    ¡°Mr. Yukihisa?¡±


    ¡°Hmm? Something the matter?¡±


    ¡°Oh, no, it just seemed like you were staring off into the distance. Is everything alright?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, yeah, all good.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure? Ah, we are just about there.¡±


    With Arleaf leading, we encountered a corner where nts and mold grow, looking much like the Sea of Corruption.


    Ooh, the ce is lit up by Veno¡¯s pinging, indicating which nts can be harvested.


    My field of vision became fairly messy.


    ¡°Quite the spectacr ce, eh?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it? There is so much that flourishes here that it is almost puts me in a bind.¡±


    Mother Nature is amazing.


    ¡°This time, I am trying to bring home some mielleman and ang¡¯eld, as well as hilmasche.¡±


    ¡°Gotcha.¡±


    ¡°Do you know what they are?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, more or less.¡±


    Veno? You know what they are, right?


    ¡®If I have not mistaken their names, it should be these.¡¯


    What now shows up in my field of vision is only what Arleaf designated to get.


    Quite the handy search function.


    ¡°Alrighty then, let¡¯s get picking. We can¡¯t take too much, so I should pick within bounds, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Ah, there are toxic nts and fungi growing that are dangerous even if you touch them, so please be careful about those.¡±


    ¡°I know. Don¡¯t worry.¡±


    As per her instructions, I¡¯ll be harvesting the two medicinal herbs and the fungus, hilmasche¡ªwithout picking them clean.


    Then, I store away Arleaf¡¯s basket.


    It seems like the leaves growing beside me are mielleman and I only want the bark of ang¡¯eld.


    Hilmasche is a bit simpler; it can be plucked as is.


    Veno¡¯s assistance is rather helpful.


    ¡°Oh, you got so much already. Any more than this, I can¡¯t use, and I wouldn¡¯t like to put it to waste either.¡±


    Following Arleaf¡¯s instruction, I stop harvesting.


    ¡°This much good?¡±


    ¡°That will be more than enough. The sun is about to set, so let us return to somewhere safe.¡±


    ¡°¡¯kay.¡±


    With that, we wrap up our exploration of that cave of a dungeon and return to the vige.


    Ah, we also didn¡¯t encounter any dangerous monsters on our way home.


    That¡¯s probably thanks to Arleaf and her monster-warding incense though.


    It works kinda like insect repellent, I think. ording to Veno, it makes quite the awful stench though.


    Hmm?


    ¡°Hey, wouldn¡¯t we get back quicker with this shortcut here?¡±


    It¡¯s my second time on this path so I have a grasp on which direction the vige is.


    From what it shows in the map in my head, Arleaf is deliberately avoiding this path of the fork in the road.


    ¡°Over there is the turf of a fiendish monster... people who are trying to get to the swamp or go back to the vige generally avoid that path.¡±


    ¡°Hmm...¡±


    ¡°But you are definitely correct in that it is a shortcut.¡±


    I guess you could say that Arleaf finds that path too dangerous for herself.


    I think if someone were to routinely defeat that monster, it wouldn¡¯t be a problem.


    It¡¯s rtively closer to the vige, isn¡¯t it?


    ¡®Perhaps it is... the route of seasonally migrating monsters. It is probable that no matter how many you defeat, they stille back.¡¯


    Ah... kinda like how ants have a fixed route.


    As well, there probably are monsters who have a symbiotic rtionship with the system, so we shouldn¡¯t needlessly hunt them all.


    With Veno¡¯s example, there may even be monsters that humans cannot defeat that go through that path.


    Well, in that case, nothing we can do about it.


    It¡¯s a bit a detour, but it¡¯s good that we don¡¯t need to have any unnecessary battles.


    We arrived back at the vige.


    ¡°Umm... where should I bring all of this to? Back to your home?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s this way.¡±


    ¡°Mm... Ah, isn¡¯t this the same ce where my request says to deliver to?¡±


    I confirm with Arleaf on the delivery location.


    It seems like somehow, it¡¯s the same shop so we arrive at the apothecary.


    Inside the store... it feels like innumerable shelves and cabs line the store.


    This is an apothecary?


    There are mortars and pestles lying around, so it seems like it¡¯s the real deal.


    There are even test tubes and sks. If it¡¯s a fantasy setting, you might even say it¡¯s like an alchemist¡¯sb.


    ¡°Ah, is that you, Arleaf? Wee home.¡±


    A man seeming like the shop¡¯s apothecaryes out to greet her.


    From what I can see... he¡¯s a man in histe-30s. Perhaps a bit stately?


    He tilts his head, like he¡¯s asking who I am.


    Possibly, it¡¯s Arleaf¡¯s parent? He gives off an impression that he dresses younger than he is.


    ¡°We¡¯ve gathered quite a lot today, Father.¡±


    ¡°That right? Thanks.¡±


    Ah, as I thought, it¡¯s her father.


    ¡°Having said that...¡±


    Arleaf¡¯s father looks over here mid-sentence.


    She skillfully drops off her basket in front of me, as if she¡¯s done this a thousand times.


    ¡°Mm.¡±


    It seems that way, so I don¡¯t offer to lend a hand.


    Veno reads the mood perfectly and makes the harvested nts appear in the basket.


    ¡°Whoa...!¡±


    After making that surprised sound, I was looked at with What the hell, dude? eyes.


    Well, yeah, it would be suspect if my daughter suddenly came home with a guy who was a total stranger.


    ¡°Ms. Arleaf helped me out a lot, but all I could do was carry her belongings for her.¡±


    ¡°Hmm...¡±


    It feels like her father red at me with a sharp look.


    He¡¯s vignt because Arleaf is all chummy with a questionable adventurer of an acquaintance.


    Hey, Arleaf is beautiful girl after all and she¡¯s probably very popr with the boys.


    I guess I should respond in a way so that I won¡¯t look too weird.

 Chapter 9

    <h4>Chapter 9</h4>


    ¡°That¡¯s just about all I can help...¡±


    ¡°Yes, you really helped me out!¡±


    While acting as that we don¡¯t have anything else to our rtionship, I turn towards and look at Arleaf¡¯s father.


    ¡°I heard that you buy marphina, so I gathered and brought some here...¡±


    ¡°Ah, ahhh. Marphina, huh?¡±


    ¡°Eh? You were out harvesting marphina? Are... are you okay?¡±


    Arleaf asked in a worried tone after hearing us discussing buying and selling marphina.


    ¡°If I weren¡¯t, I wouldn¡¯t be so energetic up ¡®til now.¡±


    ¡°Wow... you really are amazing. You must have a really high tolerance to poison if you were in that toxic swamp where marphina grows.¡±


    ¡°Alrighty then, show me what you¡¯ve got. We¡¯ll be measuring it in grams.¡±


    By the way, while I hear them say ¡°gram,¡± it¡¯s actually tranted by Veno, so it¡¯s probably some other word.


    It¡¯s nice that it¡¯s changed into an easy-to-remember word.


    Concluding that I know how storage magic, Arleaf¡¯s dad brought out a set of scales. I pop out the marphina from thin air and load up the scales.


    ¡°You¡¯ve picked a whole heck of a lot, hey? Even if you could cure poison with magic, it would be awfully tough work too.¡±


    ¡®Just so you know, dried marphina is very much a luxury good. If consumed by humans, it will send them to the grave. It can also relief pain and stop bleeding, amongst other uses, but it is quite the difficult ingredient to use.¡¯


    Veno¡¯s exnation is considerably worrying.


    Is this safe at all? This kind of stuff feels really outdated by modern Japanese standards.


    I see. As expected, I¡¯ll be selling this for a lot of money.


    Well, for now, at least, I¡¯ll just gloss over it. I wonder if it¡¯s okay to be touching it so much.


    ¡°I can somehow deal with it with my magic, but it still makes me uneasy to hold it in my hand.¡±


    I¡¯ll try pretending to be experienced with this.


    ¡°Hmm... well, I don¡¯t know your circumstances. Aye... you¡¯ve wrung it out well. Some people like to water it down to make it heavier, but you¡¯ve done your best to process it, huh?¡±


    Process? I was just scraping it off however I could though.


    ... ah, Veno must¡¯ve done it for me.


    ¡®I had the time to spare. I could also bring out the water wrung out from it too, if you wish. Though it is toxic.¡¯


    I don¡¯t need that right now.


    The apothecary measured out the marphina I¡¯ve brought and then ces a bag of coins on the counter.


    ¡°The marphina this timees out to 36,200g. Go on and count it carefully.¡±


    It seems likeg is the denomination for the currency in this world.


    He then lines up each coin for me, but I don¡¯t know the value of any of them right now.


    ¡°Wow... how incredible, Yukihisa. Even with you helping me out, I only managed to earn 3,000g today...¡±


    What?! With a mountain of herbs in that basket, she only earned that little?


    I made nearly 12 times of what she did.


    ¡°That¡¯s because you¡¯reparing yourself¡ªan inexperienced girl¡ªwith a skilled adventurer who can cure poison well enough to harvest marphina. That¡¯s the difference. Arleaf, we¡¯re also apothecaries; to harvest raw materials isn¡¯t exactly our job either.¡±


    Would it... be a good idea to give Arleaf a cut of my profits?


    I¡¯m getting that kind of feeling, but... I¡¯ll be stuck as a novice for a while.


    Which choice would turn this into easy mode?


    It seems like Arleaf is helping her dad out for the time being.


    ¡®Well, it is toxic moss that grows in a poisonous swamp. You will need to invest in specialized tools in the future to harvest it.¡¯


    Ugh... Poison Absorption (Weak) is pretty great, huh.


    Simply having affinity with poison might not be so bad after all.


    ¡®While it is my intention for us to fulfill high-paying requests, the weapon I supplied is also worth a lot. I would not be so opposed to you doing so.¡¯


    You¡¯re right.


    But, well... it isn¡¯t like we brought back really valuable herbs either.


    ¡®Not only are weapons expensive, but you also cannot underestimate the costs of lodging.¡¯


    That¡¯s true. In RPGs, staying at an inn is fairly cheap, but in reality, inns are quite pricey.


    Then again, I don¡¯t know how much adventurers can earn.


    ¡°Umm...¡±


    I store away the money I received and turned to Arleaf.


    ¡°Shall we split this?¡±


    ¡°No, no! You¡¯ve earned that money all by yourself, Yukihisa! Rather, I should be the one thanking you for bringing all the herbs here and paying you instead.¡±


    Arleaf¡¯s head shakes from side to side, refusing the money.


    ¡°Nah, I was just on the way here anyway. Plus, you¡¯re the one who saved me, so please don¡¯t worry about it.¡±


    After showing off how much more I made, I can¡¯t possibly take any money from her.


    I¡¯m not that shameless, and since I was a corporate ve doing software engineering, I like things to be fair.


    Above all, it¡¯s important to help people in need.


    When I had time to spare, I would always help my coworkers out.


    ¡°I would feel awful taking money from you, so while I really appreciate it, no thank you.¡±


    ¡°Arleaf. Perhaps it¡¯s better for you to. You don¡¯t get many requests, so if you earn some now¡ª¡±


    Her father stepped in and was about to say something, but he dropped it after sensing Arleaf wanting to murder him.


    ¡°... Father?¡±


    ¡°Eek...¡±


    Her father said no more, feeling the pressureing from her.


    What is it? Is there something more?


    ¡®A¡ªAye? She is considerably adept at disying her urge to kill. I am sure that this girl would make for a fine warrior.¡¯


    I ignore Veno¡¯s uncalled-for analysis.


    Maybe Arleaf has secrets she doesn¡¯t want others knowing.


    ¡°Umm... aha ha ha.¡±


    Arleaf forced a smile to hush up any more talk of this topic.


    I haven¡¯t known her for long, but I get that she¡¯s a good person.


    And being able to venture alone to a ce like the swamp, that in itself makes her pretty powerful.


    It wouldn¡¯t be good to make her feel indebted to me.


    ¡°Oh, right. Arleaf, I¡¯m wondering if you have any acquaintances who run inns. It would really help me out if you could introduce me to them to get a good price.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re cunning.¡±


    Arleaf¡¯s father spoke with vignce.


    Dick. I¡¯m the one who was unreasonably summoned to this alternate universe.


    Even if I were to admire your beauty of a daughter, you don¡¯t think you¡¯re being unreasonable to punish me for that?


    ¡°I¡ªIf that¡¯s the case, then let me show you to one in the vige.¡±


    ¡°Mm, thanks a lot.¡±


    ¡°Then, thank you very much for fulfilling the request. I hope you will help us out once again.¡±


    What a canned line, saying it all monotonous like that. He¡¯s basically chasing me out of the store with that.


    It seems like he would even throw salt over his shoulder after I leave.


    ¡°Hmm... I wonder how long you can ogle her for.¡±


    ¡°Father!¡±


    How unnecessary. What was that for?


    I guess she¡¯s having some kind of problem?


    She looks so innocent, but does she have some sort of tendency to y around?


    ¡®She is toxic, just like you.¡¯


    Shut up. Don¡¯t defile her.


    ¡®I thought you were the one to suggest it first?¡¯


    Since I have some money in my wallet, I can get Arleaf to show me an inn in the vige.


    On the way, I verify the vige a second time.


    It really is kinda... yeah, as I thought, deserted and giving off a bad vibe.


    Everybody¡¯s also coughing like they¡¯ve all got a cold.


    At least I can find sce in Arleaf.


    And so, Arleaf brought me to the vige¡¯srgest inn... or rather, one that¡¯s two buildings down and kinda outdated.


    ¡°Wee. Oh, it¡¯s you, Arleaf.¡±


    A slender middle-ageddy, looking like the proprietress, greets Arleaf from the counter.


    She seems like she¡¯s got a cold too. She¡¯s coughing once in a while.


    ¡°My medicine hasn¡¯t run out yet, though?¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not that. I¡¯ve brought you a customer.¡±


    ¡°Oh? Is that right?¡±


    Arleaf gestures her hand towards here to introduce me.


    ¡°This is Mr. Yukihisa Cohgray. Would you please give him a good room?¡±


    ¡°I¡ªIt¡¯s a pleasure. I¡¯m Yukihisa Kogure.¡±


    Damn, I got tricked into introducing myself.


    ¡°Mr. Cohgray, is it?¡±


    Arleaf does it too, but why do they turn Kogure into Cohgray?


    Is it pronunciation? It¡¯s like they¡¯re foreigners, pronouncing Japanese names all weird.


    Do they hear Kogure as Cohgray?


    ¡®Kogure, like Kogure, aye?¡¯


    Veno only calls me by my name when it counts.


    But you say it right though.


    ¡®They are both the same though. I am but using the trantion skill I know.¡¯


    So, you mean you can speak both Japanese and this world¡¯snguage? How convenient. Man, I¡¯m jealous.


    ¡°Umm, my first name¡¯s Yukihisa,st name is Kogure.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s quite the strange name. Do youe from foreignnds?¡±


    ¡°Well, umm... yeah.¡±


    ¡°Is that right... well, how about that far room down the hall on the second floor? Since Arleaf referred you here... with breakfast included, I can do 1,600¡ªno, 1,500g per day.¡±


    That¡¯s half of what Arleaf earned today.


    Is that cheap?


    Should I show how generous I am and pay for Arleaf¡¯s stay as well?


    ¡®Did you see the prices at all? It says it is 2,000g per day with breakfast included. I briefly nced at the big inn two buildings down when we passed by. A good room there will run you 6,000g. This is an extraordinary deal you are getting.¡¯


    I see. She¡¯s giving it to me that much cheaper.


    It really shows how well-connected Arleaf is.


    It¡¯s hard to get my head wrapped around how these prices are, but no choice but to take it.


    ¡°Thank you very much.¡±


    After having Veno checking it over, I put 1,500g down on the counter.


    I received the key from the proprietress-like woman.


    ¡°If you would like hot water or a cloth for bathing, just let me know. I can prepare you bathwater for 30g.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    ¡°Are you nning to set up base in this vige for a while? We do long-term stays here as well.¡±


    Seems like she¡¯s gonna sweeten the deal for me.


    However... will I make this vige my base?


    Veno did say people are after me.


    If I have to avoid those guys, I think it would be dangerous to stay at the same ce.


    Might be better to move on quickly...


    ¡®At this stage, we are still gathering information. We should go by our circumstances in two, three days¡¯ time.¡¯


    Understood.


    ¡°Alright, thank you then.¡±


    ¡°You can pay me day-to-day. Adventurers like you often go away for days. It¡¯d be great if you could tell me when you won¡¯t be staying here.¡±


    ¡°I understand.¡±


    After greetings and introductions, I look towards Arleaf.


    ¡°Then, now is where I¡¯ll take my leave.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. We¡¯ll see each other if we do.¡±


    It would be great if everyone would be nice to me.


    ¡®You, too, are being nice to that girl. For now, let us get to our room.¡¯


    Yeah, yeah.


    With that, Arleaf waves her hand, and I walk up the stairs in front of me. I head to the room at the end of the hall, like the proprietress told me to.


    It¡¯s a rtively simple room, but it¡¯s pretty big.


    The bed is... stiff.


    With that said though, the room seems to have been taken care of.


    Well then... my clothes still feel pretty damp, but if I take them off and hang them by the window, they should dry up.


    I¡¯m alright with jumping in a poisonous swamp but being all wet like this feels gross.


    I hurried to flop down on the bed.


    Ahh... I feel so at ease.


    Up until yesterday, I had been a corporate ve working on a hellish schedule. Inparison, this isfortable.


    ¡®You have been fighting on a difficult fight.¡¯


    Heh, don¡¯t underestimate a corporate warrior.


    Whatever I was thinking about before, I snap back to the present.


    I have about enough money to stay for a month.


    The problem is whether my wanted poster is circting yet.


    Until then, though, something¡¯s gonna happen.

 Chapter 10

    <h4>Chapter 10</h4>


    For some reason, my stomach growls once I rx.


    If I call recall correctly, I haven¡¯t had a bite to eat since I came to this world. My stomach was already growling when I headed back out to the swamp.


    ¡®What is it? Are you hungry? If so, would you like to have some of the fungus you and that girl picked together? However, There is actually not too much left.¡¯


    Why do I have to eat mushrooms?


    Never mind that, why didn¡¯t you give it all to Arleaf?


    ¡®It is obvious, is it not? Handling fees, you could call it. Well, even if you call it theft, it is a tiny amount that I had taken, I believe. If you were wanting to return it, she would refuse. That is how little I have embezzled.¡¯


    Oh, whatever. So, why the hell mushrooms?


    ¡®If you were to use Poison Absorption on them, the fungus would not pose any danger to you. Furthermore, assuming you are able to remove the poison, they are very nutritious, so I kept some at hand.¡¯


    No, that¡¯s not it. I¡¯m saying why would you assume I would eat raw mushrooms when I¡¯m in town already.


    If I have cash to spare¡ªand I do¡ªwhy wouldn¡¯t I go get a decent meal somewhere?


    Like a pub or something. No, especially at a pub or something.


    ¡®Gathering intelligence is of utmost importance. We must be vignt and head forth there! Now, let us make haste to investigate!¡¯


    Yeah, yeah.


    Thus, after a bit of rest, I left my room and locked the door in search of a meal.


    ¡°I¡¯m just heading out for a little while.¡±


    ¡°Alrighty. Oh, heading out for some grub?¡±


    ¡°Yes. And to gather some information as well.¡±


    ¡°In that case, you might want to head to the tavern over yonder. It¡¯s might a lil¡¯ early, but there¡¯s gonna be the usuals havin¡¯ a good time over there.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    I hand over my key to the proprietress to safeguard and head out of the inn.


    ¡®Hmm? What do you think is that there?¡¯


    Once outside the inn, Veno highlights and pings a store that looks like it sells gear and equipment.


    I see it! Cut it out! We¡¯re not heading out just because we¡¯re bored, are we?


    I enter the tavern she introduced to me.


    Mm... it feels exactly like a tavern out of a Western.


    Wanted posters are posted on the wall.


    I guess there really are bounty hunters.


    Not wanting to stare too much, I instead look over the menu on the wall.


    Even if I can read a menu of a parallel world, there are many ingredients that I haven¡¯t heard of.


    Oh, seems there are daily specials as well.


    That makes it easy.


    ¡°Wee!¡±


    ¡°One of your specials, please.¡±


    I raised my hand at the shopkeep who walked over here, beckoning her.


    ¡°You got it!¡±


    She nods warmly and nimbly makes her way into the kitchen. She brings out the food and drink rtively quickly and ces it down at my table with a thud.


    It feels a bit more casual than it would be in Japan.


    The people and culture are different, hey?


    Alcohol from a parallel world... looks like an ale. I try a sip.


    Mm. There¡¯s a bit of sweetness to it, but... this is crap.


    ¡®As should be expected of cheap liquor. If you want a good drink so much, I could share a little of the nice ones I have.¡¯


    In tales, dragons are quite the heavy drinkers, but you, too, Veno?


    ¡®You could say I am a connoisseur. In either case, I am fonder of sweets, however.¡¯


    He¡¯s got a sweet tooth, huh?


    Anyway, back to the daily special... a massive hunk of meat that looks super tough, paired with stewed vegetables.


    I stab it with my fork and try a bite.


    Eugh... as tough as it looks.


    I¡¯m only familiar with Japanese food, but the seasonings for this... Rather than to say it¡¯s not to my tastes, it might be more appropriate to call it crap.


    The stewed veggies are soft, but they¡¯re not that good either.


    ¡®You must have had many delicacies back in yournd.¡¯


    Well, yeah. They say there¡¯s lots of good food in Japan now, so I guess it¡¯s not really by choice.


    I¡¯ve just started living in this world, so maybe there would be menus that I do like.


    I eat some of the meat and then call over the server again.


    ¡°Can I get some dessert? Just one of whatever¡¯s not too expensive will do.¡±


    ¡°Right away!¡±


    She heads back into the kitchen at a brisk pace and returns with a fruit tter.


    That¡¯s dessert, alright.


    I figured she wouldn¡¯t bring me ice cream or anything like that.


    ¡®Oh? A dessert made by chilling milk, beating air, and adding sugar into it? I would like to have some of that too.¡¯


    Don¡¯t beg for food that doesn¡¯t exist, you dolt.


    I eat my food and, while no one is looking, have Veno store away the fruit, treating him to something sweet.


    In the tavern are other people looking like adventurers making merry and drinking a bit now and then.


    I don¡¯t have much of a chance to interject and giving off an odd impression would be dangerous for me. I¡¯ll just have to observe today.


    Though not particrly satisfied, I fill my belly and finish my meal.


    ¡°Thanks much.¡±


    I walk out of the store after hollering that, but not before cing down the money for my meal on the table, just like what an adventurer would do.


    Whew... I somehow filled myself up on that.


    However, I haven¡¯t been particrly hungry until just before my meal. I wonder why that is.


    The immense fatigue from the death march made me not hungry.


    My link with Veno also connects our sense of hunger.


    ¡®Or three: The poison from the marsh eased your hunger due to your Poison Absorbtion (Weak).¡¯


    Don¡¯t just go around adding another option in my head!


    ¡®I cannot help but do so, as I see it as my responsibility to help you out.¡¯


    Yeah, sure. Whatever you say.


    You know... I¡¯ve always thought dragons were supposed to be majestic creatures. But this guy just does whatever he wants, whenever he wants, and he makes smart-assments from time to time. Veno¡¯s attitude reminds me of a kid brimming with curiosity more than anything.


    ¡®You dare to make a fool out of me?! I am not a child!¡¯


    Yeah, and if you weren¡¯t one, you¡¯d pipe down already.


    ¡®It is to be expected, is it not? I have seen very little of the world of man. I am not able to sate my curiosity.¡¯


    Hey, don¡¯t go shifting the me on me.


    ¡®Heh heh, do not underestimate my desire for knowledge.¡¯


    Is it really something to brag about?


    Though taken aback by his attitude, I nonchntly look up to the sky.


    ... the setting sun shines brightly.


    Now then, let¡¯s get back to the room, I¡¯ll brush my teeth, and hit the sack. Either that, or we can keep wandering the town. Not much else to do otherwise.


    Maybe I¡¯ll get to see Arleaf again.


    Oh, that¡¯s right. I need to get toiletries too. You know what I¡¯m talking about, Veno?


    ¡®I do have a toothbrush, you know? That store ahead should have some for sale.¡¯


    Is that so? No harm in buying one there then.


    We head in that direction to do some shopping.


    I should take the opportunity to check my status too. I had leveled up while fulfilling the request.


    Kogure Yukihisa


    Poison Earth


    Level 5


    Acquired skills: Spirit Link, Poison Absorption, Poison Release, Poison Condensation


    ... Poison Absorption lost the (Weak) part. I wonder where it disappeared to.


    It should be better now though.


    My level is up to five now, too, so that¡¯s proof of my growth.


    ¡®Once you reach level 10, you can advance from your Earth-ss.¡¯


    In that case, I should set my goal to levelling to 10.


    Incidentally, how about dragons?


    ¡®I am fundamentally different than the framework of monsters. In the beginning, I started off as a Dragon Baby, then to Dragon Pup, and I climb through the ranks as such. It is equivalent to your growth, so I do not change sses like humans do. Eventually, I may alter forms, simr to how humans advance jobs. However, it is up to me what derivation I choose to change into.¡¯


    Hmm, wow... It seems like you evolve quicker than beings on Earth do.


    ¡®Rather than that, do you not wish to investigate about your new skill, Poison Condensation? It is important to have a grasp of your abilities.¡¯


    That¡¯s right. Do you know anything about it, Veno?


    ¡®I possess a skill of the same name. It is a skill that concentrates the poison within my body.¡¯


    Ooh... As expected of a mighty poison dragon.


    I focus on activating the skill.


    Swamp toxin


    Miasma toxin


    Marphina toxin


    I guess I don¡¯t have enough Spray Green Mosquito poison to do anything with it, so that option¡¯s greyed out.


    The spores of the poisonous mushroom is also an option, but it seems like I don¡¯t have enough of that either.


    I¡¯ll just choose one for now.


    I select swamp toxin.


    How much would you like to reduce it by?


    The text suddenly pops into my vision.


    It seems like I get to select the percentage to do this by.


    I¡¯ll try maximizing it. I feel as if I suddenly lost a lot of energy.


    Checking my status, I see that my mana has reduced.


    Seems like using the skill will expend mana.


    I raise the gauge up to two-times reduction.


    As I confirm my selection, an hourss icon pops up in my vision.


    ¡®Concentrating poison requires time. We have plenty at the time being, so it shall be fine.¡¯


    So, this is something that needs to be prepared ahead of time, huh?


    However, since I chose swamp toxin, I think it takes less time than the other options.


    One hour, eh?


    Well then, in that hour¡¯s time, let¡¯s finish all the shopping I have to do.


    ¡®It is important to try it out when it ispleted as well.¡¯


    ... the problem is what to try the poison out on.


    The monsters around the swamp would naturally be resistant to poison... However, Arleaf took her gas mask off along the way, so maybe the swamp¡¯s noxious gas doesn¡¯t reach all the way here.


    In that case, the monsters closer to the vige may have less resistance to poison.


    I arrive at the two-in-one second-hand shop/pharmacy to get my toothbrush and other toiletries.


    I¡¯ll pretend like I¡¯m here because Arleaf¡¯s dad has what I¡¯m looking for.


    Unfortunately, Arleaf isn¡¯t around.


    I really can¡¯t hold the products here to Japanese standards. At least it¡¯s better than nothing.


    So, I buy all my daily necessities.


    They also straight razors, but they¡¯re a little scary to use.


    ¡®If you are afraid of cutting your face, you could always cast Poison Release and use that on your cuts. It should heal up your wounds quite rapidly.¡¯


    There¡¯s something sad with what Veno pointed out.


    It just doesn¡¯t feel good how I can smear poison on my face to heal my cuts.


    But it¡¯s not like I have any other choice...


    If not, I could always go shave at the swamp.


    ... it would totally suck if it grows back immediately after I shave it though.


    How is it normally with regards to that?


    ¡®That is an interesting point of view. It should work the same as healing magic. It is a question of how much you can cure.¡¯


    It seems like Veno knows, but he¡¯s not telling me.


    Do dragons shave too?


    Are you guys like snakes? You shed your scales like a snake sheds skin?


    Like when an attractive member of the opposite sexes along, do you rip off your scales on your face to pretty it up?


    ¡®It would be extremely painful to do the same to scales as you do to your beard. The attractiveness of scale takes things like luster and shape into consideration, but we do not remove scales on purpose. But that is the topic at hand. Were we not talking about the extent of healing magic?¡¯


    Ah, right.


    I was hoping you¡¯d tell me if skin and hair would grow back where I heal.


    ¡®There is much research and study conducted on that area, but there are not many conclusive results. However, even with different thoughts between the healer and the patient, the wound will heal to the image in the patient¡¯s thoughts.¡¯


    So, what¡¯s gonna happen if I heal my wound after I cut myself with the razor?


    ¡®Parts that could not grow hair would not be able to grow hair after healing. For the parts that you have identally shaved, the part can grow hair again.¡¯


    Hmm... so if I don¡¯t want it to grow back, it wouldn¡¯t?


    ¡®More or less. If you do not have a concrete image in your head, hair might grow too. Therefore, it is not certain.¡¯


    How vague.


    Well, if I¡¯m not familiar enough with the effects of healing magic on my body, so I guess whatever happens, happens.


    Anyway, Iplete my purchase while discussing about shaving.


    I¡¯m d that I can pick up razors pretty much in Japan and I¡¯m d I can do so here too.


    Ah, and also toilet¡ª... noment.


    Well, for stuff like that, you kinda just have to get used to it.

 Chapter 11

    <h4>Chapter 11</h4>


    We stepped out of the store to wander around this deserted vige after finishing up our shopping. As soon as we do so, the countdown on Poison Condensation ends.


    I could put it to the test when we head out for the day tomorrow, but I¡¯m itching to experiment with it now.


    ¡®Whichever would be would be fine. You could say that we are wasting no time, but also, it would be good to have an understanding of your abilities.¡¯


    Hmm, either way would do, huh?


    Well, if I don¡¯t do it today, I¡¯ll do it tomorrow. I don¡¯t think it makes that much of a difference.


    But, it¡¯s piqued my curiosity is all.


    It seems like there are many types of poison... stuff like miasma too.


    What¡¯s the difference between miasma and toxin anyway?


    ¡®¡±Miasma¡± is air that fragile humans cannot withstand. ¡°Toxin¡± is simply poison. Incidentally, monsters born in miasma are not necessarily immune to poison.¡¯


    That doesn¡¯t sound quite right, but if that¡¯s what the poison pro is saying, then I guess it must be true.


    So that means that though I can use poison, I may not necessarily be able to produce miasma?


    ¡®I know not of the future, but that is true for now.¡¯


    Then, why don¡¯t we go out and find a monster close by to test my skills?


    That way, even if something dangerouses up, I can just run back to the vige.


    With that said, Veno widens his field of perception.


    Plus, being stung by that mosquito was my fault for not paying attention.


    ¡®Count on me.¡¯


    I look for a ce near the vige that would likely be inhabited by monsters and end up returning to the path Arleaf deliberately detoured around. I walk slightly down that path.


    Branching from the paved main road, this supposedly dangerous path had been paved at some point. However, running across was a bumpy trail made of packed dirt.


    That seems to be the trail left behind by monsters.


    If you wanted to fight something strong, you should probably head down that way.


    I look left and right to check for anything.


    ¡®Hmm?¡¯


    Seemingly with a blip, Veno senses a monster.


    Ultramarine Blue Giant Rat


    I came across an intensely blue rodent the size of a capybara.


    Maybe it¡¯s because I had experience fighting the wolves, but I feel pretty calm right now.


    It might also be because that guy just looks like a mouse.


    Squeak!


    Perceiving a threat, ites over here to threaten me.


    Is something that small really going to attack me?


    Do monsters try to kill every living being they see?


    I wonder if this guy¡¯s dangerous.


    ¡®Unfortunately, this one pales inparison to the Midnight Blue Wolf you have fought. This is not the monster of which the girl warned you. Their footprints differ as well.¡¯


    Veno then highlights the set of more dangerous footprints.


    At a nce, they seem to be in the shape of a deer¡¯s hooves.


    They seem just like the ones I saw as a kid at the zoo.


    Anyway, back to the rat in front of us.


    Well, it seems like it¡¯s just the right target to try my poison against.


    ¡®A mischief of rats would be quite the bother, even to me. Heh heh... just like human scum.¡¯


    This guy... From time to time, Veno really despises humans.


    Dragons really think they¡¯re above all else, eh?


    Squeak!


    With nimble footwork, the Ultramarine Blue Giant Rat closes in on me. But before it gets too close, I bring out my condensed swamp toxin.


    A fist-sized ball of poison appears in my hand.


    Just in case, triple tap! The first shot was fist-sized, but I produced as much as I could for the other two.


    Squeeeak?!


    Perhaps I was unprepared, but the rat evaded my first throw. I hit my second and third shot.


    Ooh, the second ball of poison I flung was nearly the size of a watermelon.


    The speed of the projectile wasn¡¯t all too impressive. But, with such a big blob of highly condensed swamp toxin, the Ultramarine Blue Giant Rat had been thoroughly drenched.


    The big ssh created a big puddle along with it too.


    Squeak... squeeeak!


    The Ultramarine Blue Giant Rat trembles after being covered from head to tail with poison.


    Then, with an angry cry, it charges towards me again.


    It seems like it¡¯s still more than energetic.


    My attack did less than I thought it would...


    ¡®The immediate effects are present, but it does not seem like it is a devastating blow.¡¯


    Its movement did be slightly sluggish, but it¡¯s irritating how I couldn¡¯t kill it in one shot.


    It won¡¯t just die like that Spray Green Mosquito did, I guess.


    It would be easy to tell whether my poison worked if the rat started running around, trying to escape, like a cockroach after being sprayed with pesticide.


    Though how the Ultramarine Blue Giant Rat¡¯s face is turning purple is an obvious sign.


    Squeak! Squeak... squeak... wheeze... wheeze


    If I left it like this, it would probably die, but it would take quite a while.


    The rat sees me drawing my sword and quickly squirms over to get the first strike. However, it makes contact with nought but my de.


    Squeeeak?!


    The Ultramarine Blue Giant Rat was easily in with the slightest swing of the sword.


    It leaves me with an unpleasant feeling though.


    It¡¯s the same feeling fromst time with the wolf, as if I¡¯ve murdered a living being... A lot of first experiences since I¡¯vee to this world.


    ¡°Now then...¡±


    It¡¯s not pity in the slightest, but we shouldn¡¯t put the carcass to waste. We should store it away with magic.


    I¡¯m not too sure what I can do with a corpse showered with poison, but at least I can feed Veno with it.


    We should quickly leave this animal trail so that we don¡¯t encounter anything more dangerous.


    Right after I do so, I see why they said dangerous monsters roam here.


    ¡®Aye... it¡¯s true. It would be too much for you at this time.¡¯


    Rose Grey Swordhorn


    As its name suggests, this giant deer-like beast has got a pair of sword for antlers.


    Just by its sheer size, you can tell it¡¯s the master of its domain.


    Even without measuring itsrge antlers, the body itself is about three meters long. It seems like it can move pretty quickly, too...


    I¡¯d definitely be one-shotted if I were to be stabbed by those sword-like antlers.


    ¡®Judging from what we have learned about you today... you would need to be at least level 30 to challenge this one. And like the Midnight Blue Wolves, it would take much sacrifice for you to go toe to toe with it.¡¯


    Getting rushed by those wolves would¡¯ve been rough, huh?


    I bet they¡¯re strong together as a pack.


    ¡®Furthermore, there are more than just one. There are quite a few that have passed through here. It is likely that it would be a difficult endeavor, even if you are strong.¡¯


    Oof... the existence of something that dangerous isn¡¯t a surprise to you at all.


    So, if you were fully recovered, how much of a fight would that be for you?


    ¡®Are you spheming against me? It is obvious that I can defeat it in a single blow. I wouldn¡¯t even need to get serious.¡¯


    I¡¯m not sure how much of that is truth, but the magic casted on him really had bound him.


    Still... will the time to hunt that monstere?


    ¡®I am sure there are people looking for its horn and other materials.¡¯


    I¡¯d like to think that the materials from that swordhorn would sell for quite a bit of money.


    But speaking of which, I¡¯m not nning on doing anything reckless.


    Fortunately, it¡¯s walking away from us, down a path I¡¯ve never seen before.


    It¡¯s clearly above my level and I don¡¯t want to go picking a fight I know I can¡¯t win.


    Well, since the concept of levels exist in this world, if I keep on steadily getting stronger, I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll be able to be able to take him down before too long.


    ¡®A wise decision.¡¯


    With that, we leave the swordhorn for another day.


    The sun hadpletely set by the time we reached the vige, so we go back to our inn to rest.


    A scene of people working farming equipment, medicine, and magic on a barren patch ofnd lies before my eyes.


    A man brimming with blinding light is ahead of me... or at least he seems to be full of positive energy. With a smile, he walks over to speak with me.


    Curiously, a conspicuous sword is strapped to his back.


    ¡°This is our dream¡ªto create a nation of our own onnd we canfortably live on.¡±


    ¡°Is that right? It¡¯s a worthy goal.¡±


    ¡°We, who have been prosecuted and chased away from our homes, are trying to cultivate thisnd to something livable. With this test case, we are aiming to live in a world without struggles.¡±


    They chase such a noble dream.


    That¡¯s right... this is just something I¡¯ve heard but carrying out your ns requires you to be resolute and manyrades as well.


    ¡°I aim to build that future so that everyone can live in happiness. But you... I would like for you to remember what I¡¯ve just told you. And whenever you feel like it, please tell whoever you see of my silly dream.¡±


    ¡°How do I put it... you really can tell your foolish life story to anyone. However, they say that even fools can sometimes aplish great feats and change the world. You should try your hardest. But, however silly this all may be, making sacrifices and giving generously towards a grand dream isn¡¯t.¡±


    For real, though... this setting sun really is something else...


    With a sudden snap, a peculiar energy fills my body and I awaken.


    ¡®Hmm? What is wrong?¡¯


    Hmm. There¡¯s some weird energy is flowing into me and my legs hurts as if it¡¯s cramping up...


    Maybe because it¡¯s from all the vigorous exercise I did sinceing to this world.


    I get out of bed, hoping that my muscles don¡¯t ache.


    You don¡¯t sleep, Veno?


    ¡®My circadian rhythm differs to one of humans. I believe you could simply say I am not used to this kind of lifestyle yet.¡¯


    I can¡¯t tell you exactly how a dragon¡¯s cycle is, but I¡¯d like to think that not doing anything and simply staying put all the time would be tough.


    ¡®Not in the slightest. I can peek through your memories and not moving my body would mean I expend less energy. Foodes from what you hunt, so I am not starving either. Your worries are unnecessary.¡¯


    That right?


    Well, there are some parts I¡¯d like to point out, but since you said you¡¯re fine, I¡¯ll drop it.


    ¡®As well... you should take a gander at this.¡¯


    After being told that, I check out what Veno highlighted.


    This time, it¡¯s my status screen.


    Kogure Yukihisa


    Poison Earth


    Level 14


    Acquired skills: Spirit Link, Poison Absorption, Poison Release, Poison Condensation, ss change avable, Detect Poison


    What is this?


    All of a sudden, I¡¯ve levelled up to 14?!


    ¡®I had noticed it whilst checking your vitals when you jolted awake. We ought to think about how this happened. Oh, and I wish they would pipe down already outside.¡¯


    He¡¯s right.


    Still... all of this is happening and I don¡¯t have spare time for research why.


    I¡¯m starting to get slightly annoyed at it, but it beats having people after your head, so it¡¯s not that bad inparison.


    It really is loud outside though, hey? Is it because we¡¯re so close to the tavern?


    Ugh... this brings up bad memories of how idiots caused a huge ruckus when I stayed at a cheap hotel for a business trip, making me get no sleep at all.


    This isn¡¯t so badpared to that, I guess. But now, thinking back on thatpany, it wasn¡¯t that bad either.


    Loud noises and cheap hotels just go hand in hand.


    Anyway, we should think of how this happened.


    One: this was due to Forced Possession Summoning. Day by day, Veno¡¯s power flows into me.


    ¡®That is not impossible. Though it would be rather sudden.¡¯


    That¡¯s true. I need to be on standby to measure the change for this to be my control case.


    But I can keep this as one of the hypotheses.


    ¡®Two: perhaps the quintessence of monsters we hunted in the afternoon¡ªthe experience points we have earned¡ªhave to be stored in you in order to reach me.¡¯


    Well, to put it in gaming terms, it would be that I¡¯ve formed a party with Veno.


    But Veno is bound to me by Forced Possession Summoning.


    And so, with him in that state, Veno can¡¯t receive all the experience points he should be earning. Instead, the remainder goes to me. That is usible too.


    But I haven¡¯t really fought anything that would give me so much experience either.


    I mean, normally in a game, novices wouldn¡¯t be spawned around monsters that are too strong. So, then, where did all my levelse from?

 Chapter 12

    <h4>Chapter 12</h4>


    ¡®That might be likely...¡¯


    Veno pings and highlights outside, then mutters.


    ¡®You were experimenting with your new skill, did you not?¡¯


    Ah, right. How I slew that rat.


    ¡®You had released all that poison on the monster trail. It is possible that something or someone walked into it and sumbed to it.¡¯


    That¡¯s ridiculous... How do people even earn experience points in this world?


    ¡®With some exceptions, the quintessence of the defeated cannot be earned if one is too far away...¡¯


    As our discussion goes on, the rowdiness outside dies down.


    I stand stealthily by the window side and peer out.


    On disy outside of the inn was the corpse of the Rose Grey Swordhorn I saw before I went to bed.


    It¡¯s be a spectacle and there are quite some people surrounding it. Some adventurers are tipping and throwing money in.


    Moreover, there seems to be merchants discussing some kind of trade.


    ¡°It seemed like it¡¯s been weakened, so we decided to capture it alive. We¡¯ve done alright, hey?¡±


    ¡°Thank you so much for tonight!¡±


    ¡°Casualties were minimal too.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯d be rich if this happened all the time!¡±


    The adventurer who captured the Rose Grey Swordhorn brought it to the merchant who seems to be the requester.


    No way, don¡¯t tell me...


    ¡®... that is what it seems like. It would be a safe to believe that the Rose Grey Swordhorn was weakened by the poison you threw down.¡¯


    It¡¯d make sense that I leveled up so much.


    But even then, is the concentrated swamp toxin really that powerful?


    ¡®Do not make light of poison. Furthermore, Rose Grey Swordhorns are not monsters from the swamp and they have not resistance against it. The poison must have circted in its system, weakening it, and then the adventurers captured it.¡¯


    I don¡¯t know whether to consider myself lucky or not.


    Well, seeing how I doused the monster¡¯s path with poison, it¡¯s quite likely that it was afflicted by an abnormal status.


    How does everything seem to work out for me? That, in turn, makes me even more anxious.


    ¡®Consider it an unexpected godsend. By the way, shall we snatch the corpse of the Rose Grey Swordhorn before they cut it up?¡¯


    Give me a break. They¡¯re obviously going to go crazy looking for whoever stole it!


    ¡®Aye... In my prime, I would not bat an eye, but it is dangerous to do so now. Not only are we in hiding, it is also not something with which we should get involved. Forgive my mistake.¡¯


    Why did you even suggest doing it?


    ¡®Aye. It seemed like as if they were to dress the monster and sell the meat. Since it was poisoned by you, I was merely wondering if it would be fit for weaker humans to feed upon.¡¯


    Gah! Wouldn¡¯t that be disastrous?


    It¡¯d be no joke if I were to wipe out the entire vige in a night.


    ¡®Hence that is why I suggested to snatch the corpse... Oh, the vige apothecary noticed the meat has been tainted and is preparing some sort of agent to neutralize it. That girl ising over here.¡¯


    Arleaf is? Maybe I should y it cool and go say hi to her.


    What should I do?


    ... I¡¯d look pretty suspicious if I did that.


    Like, she found me unfazed by both the poisonous swamp and the miasma.


    If I appeared in front of a powerful monster that had been poisoned, it¡¯d stand out way too much.


    It would probably be better if I said I was fast asleep and didn¡¯t know a thing about it. Just to be safe.


    ¡®After all, we are being hunted. That girl had been so kind to us. We should not get her involved in this and bring her any more trouble. You should understand better than anyone.¡¯


    I can¡¯t say I really feel the same too, but I know you¡¯re right.


    Well, we gotta do every little bit to raise our chances of survival...


    That¡¯s how we get to live another day.


    With that, I stole some of the adventurers¡¯ experience points and went back to sleep.


    The next morning, after a good amount of sleep, I wake up feeling ready to take on the world.


    ... I¡¯d like to believe that it isn¡¯t because I soaked in so much poison yesterday.


    I set off from the inn for breakfast... is it going to be tough steak and vegetable scraps soup again?


    I don¡¯t know if I even have a choice. Can¡¯t my meals rank up just a little bit?


    ¡°You gon¡¯ be stayin¡¯ here today too?¡±


    ¡°Uhh, yes, tonight too, please.¡±


    ¡°You got it.¡±


    I hand over the money to stay another night.


    It really helps me that it¡¯s cheap, but how much longer will I have the money to stay here?


    ¡°Oh, there¡¯s a cold spreadin¡¯ around these partstely, so you best take care of yourself, Cohgray.¡±


    ¡°Understood, ma¡¯am.¡±


    A cold, eh? ... don¡¯t wanna catch one of those. I¡¯ll be extra careful.


    ¡®I could make you a vine. Though I am interested in whether you will catch a cold or not.¡¯


    How dare you treat me like a guinea pig?!


    Ah, whatever... the n today is to advance my ss at the dungeon.


    When I was a student, I gamed quite a bit. I had even yed quite a few tabletop RPGs and MMOs. So, to find out that I can actually change and advance jobs, it really widens my horizons.


    ¡®Aye... it is like recreation of your parallel world. Tabletop... hmm. After this ordeal is over, it might not be so bad to try my hand at it too.¡¯


    Veno mutters to himself after peering into my memories.


    I¡¯d love for him to stop spying on my memories so much.


    ¡®I am just bored.¡¯


    Yeah, sure.


    ¡®Speaking of which, I have almost finished processing the pelt of the Midnight Blue Wolf that you had defeated yesterday. I have yet to properly tan it, but after that, you should have a product to sell. It might also be a good idea to fashion it into a bag for you to use.¡¯


    He¡¯s sure aplished lots in the meantime.


    You¡¯re bored even after such a challenging activity?


    ¡®It is hard living as a dragon without knowing a few ways to kill time.¡¯


    He said that with what seems to be smugness.


    That¡¯s fine.


    However... Veno, you ate all of the meat from the Midnight Blue Wolf, right?


    You didn¡¯t gnaw on the leather too because of your oral fixation, did you?


    ¡®Would you not stop treating me with such disdain!¡¯


    Seems like I hit the bull¡¯s-eye on that one. Is the Midnight Blue Wolf pelt really alright being soaked in your spit?


    ¡®You... perchance, you know not of the procedures of processing pelt? No, judging by your knowledge, it seems like you believe that pelt is instantly transformed into fur or leather just by stripping it off the flesh.¡¯


    Huh, you mean it isn¡¯t?


    Well, all the experience I¡¯ve had of processing pelt is anything that was in a game, so there would be quite a high chance that I¡¯m wrong.


    ¡®Is it not obvious that you are incorrect? First, strip the skin off the flesh and thoroughly clean it. Since poison has a sterilization effect, I mixed some water from the swamp with marphina and applied it to the skin. I then consume the meat left on the skin and dry the skin out.¡¯


    I can only imagine Veno sucking the moisture out from the skin with his mouth.


    ¡®Then, after moderately drying it out, I apply a mixture of swamp toxin and rock salt to the skin. It is imperative to take some time so that the ingredients get familiar with the pelt. Currently, I am at this stage.¡¯


    I feel as if he¡¯s a pro at thisplicated process, but even then, it seems like it is a lot of work to make some fur or hide.


    Even though it¡¯spletely automated for me, it¡¯s quite the bother for Veno.


    ¡®If we supply ourselves with some tools or drugs, I shall be able to create an even finer final product. It would not hurt to keep it in mind.¡¯


    Even if you put it that way...


    But anyway, if you use all that poison to treat the skin, won¡¯t there be any ill effects on the person equipping it?


    ¡®It shall be fine as long as we store some well water with storage magic so that we can clean the skin.¡¯


    Is that true?


    Veno¡¯s lecture of hide tanning distracted us from our original train of thought.


    After all that, we arrive at the town hall to find adventurers sporadically gathering here.


    As I thought, the request postings refresh everyday in the morning.


    Now then, is there nothing that I can do to earn some money while avoiding the lot from the who are chasing us?


    It would make sense to look at requests I can fulfill while I¡¯m on my way to or at the swamp.


    Does Arleaf take requests from here too?


    While that thought is in my head, I looked for Arleaf... but she is nowhere to be seen.


    Well, that¡¯s okay... I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll get to see her somewhere or other.


    I ept a request for poisonous herbs.


    Not medicinal herbs, mind you, but poisonous ones. That¡¯s kinda sad somehow.


    Since in a game, they¡¯d start you off with a gathering quest for the safer herbs.


    Nevertheless, if I know what I¡¯m looking for, I¡¯m sure I¡¯llplete it in no time. That, and they specified an amount this time...


    ¡®I am still able to hold a lot more with my storage magic. We should gather all that we can, so it would be easier for us in the future.¡¯


    Well, as long as we can use them all before they go bad, it wouldn¡¯t hurt to do so.


    Our objective for the day is to advance my ss... I¡¯m at the stage where I should learn more about my surroundings and somemon knowledge of this world.


    Since I have a clear picture of my goal, I walked towards the swamp of poison, just as I did yesterday.


    It was easier getting here today than yesterday.


    Not only do I already have three times the experience I had, just as importantly, I¡¯ve also familiarized myself with the way there.


    I encountered the same vines, mosquitos, and beetles, but they are no match for me anymore.


    My sword feels lighter and the enemies seem weaker. Maybe it¡¯s because I¡¯ve simply levelled up.


    That¡¯s what they call experience, huh?


    I quickly arrived at the swamp of poison, and Midnight Blue Wolves... are not around?


    If there were, though, I could always show them how I fight¡ªescaping to the swamp.


    And moreover, I¡¯ll st them with poison stronger than what I could makest time.


    It¡¯s just that, well... thanks to my Poison Absorption, the swamp is asfortable as flowing hot springs.


    I¡¯ll just pop in for a quick bath before I go home today too.


    I¡¯m self-aware that I¡¯m really testing my luck with this parallel world, but it¡¯s not like I¡¯m doing anything immoral.


    ¡®Indeed... you can replenish your reserves of swamp toxin as well. You are not doing anything unscrupulous.¡¯


    While picking anything that might be useful, I make my way to the dungeon, the one that I went to with Arleaf yesterday.


    I find the dank, musty room I was looking for.


    I check out the dpidated stone altar in here.


    Hmm? There¡¯s some kind of symbol or statue made of stone that¡¯s been smashed. Is it just me or does it kinda look like a dragon?


    ¡®Either way it may be, I am not sure.¡¯


    I thought it¡¯d be a statue of Mother Mary or something like that.


    ¡®There are those who ce religious symbols like that as well. Such is the difference between different sects of the church.¡¯


    Incidentally, which denomination do the guys who are chasing you belong to?


    ¡®They are of the Teachings of the Sacred Yggdrasil... it is a faith that originates from a tree that a gang of elves worshipped. It was a joint task force between that and the Church of Saint Oevarl. That country has two concurrent religions in y.¡¯


    The Teachings of the Sacred Yggdrasil, huh?


    Hmm... there too are world trees in the world? How fantastical.


    ¡®Heh... there is naught left but pitiable remains of what the elves have exploited.¡¯


    Is it just my imagination or does it seem like Veno is ridiculing them?


    ¡®It might seem that way because I am. Elves are the picture of haughtiness. They hogged the blessings of the forest while they ostracized the other races.¡¯


    From what I¡¯ve read in the ssics, that¡¯s certainly how they¡¯re portrayed as.


    Moreover, it¡¯s the trantion of ¡°elves¡± that Veno is talking about, so they¡¯re not even the elves of fiction from Earth.


    So that¡¯s how the elves of this world are.


    ¡®Aye. While they sing their songs with the forest, they monopolized the blessings of the world tree. As they anticipated the end of the world tree, they shifted the responsibility to the future generation and wrested power from the sapling. In the end, the world tree withered, and they lost their home. For that, they med other races and instigated wars. That is how things ended up how they are currently. They truly are a foolish people.¡¯


    What the hell?


    A religion like that survives ¡®til today?


    ¡®A small fraction of them took tender care of the sapling that narrowly survived. The remnants of that tribe live amongst humans. They grandly spread their religion so that they may survive another day.¡¯


    Ah, so the righteous bunch healed the tree, and this is where we are now.


    I¡¯d d that there are people who aren¡¯tplete garbage in this universe.


    ¡®... it would have been fine to just wipe out this world.¡¯


    Since they¡¯re the guys who are after us, Veno doesn¡¯t hold back.


    But because they¡¯re alsoing after my head as if it¡¯s fair, they can¡¯t be a good bunch either.


    I¡¯m sure there¡¯s all kinds of people though.


    ¡®It matters not whichever it may be. What matters now is having them let us use their religious symbol.¡¯


    Well, you¡¯ve got a point.


    It¡¯s not like I care much about their personal history.

 Chapter 13

    <h4>Chapter 13</h4>


    ¡®Let us proceed then. I am certain that you know not of it, so let me instruct you on ss changes.¡¯


    Veno begins to thoroughly exin everything.


    ¡®All humans are born with the powers of a profession. It is said one¡¯s gifts are determined by this ss or job. Religion also has power and it is stored in the form of religious symbols. These symbols distribute their stored power and even unlockstent strength residing in people. This is but a chapter in the story of the beginnings of professions. Humans pray and muster strength, sometimes that even turns to might.¡¯


    This kinda differs to the religion I know of.


    Well... the religions back home are nothing but a bunch of feel-good words, providing a pir of strength for those who believe in destiny and fate. Sometimes, religion is the part of the local custom and gives a sense of peace for those who are headed to the afterlife.


    Compared to that, the religion of this world seems to be more substantial.


    ¡®At least this is what religion means to adventurers. Miracles and all other unreasonable ideas are best left to heroes.¡¯


    It might bepletely realistic for the people of this world, but the powers of a ss or job really is quite the blessing.


    Who knows? Maybe I¡¯ll belong to a religion here now.


    I¡¯m familiar with all of this job change stuff since I¡¯ve seen them in games, but everything seems to be rooted in some kind of history or lore.


    ¡®Even the religion of your world is quite interesting. It has quenched my thirst for knowledge.¡¯


    Veno replies in a merry tone, but weren¡¯t you real ticked off just a moment ago?


    You in a better mood now?


    ¡®Well, let us leave it at that. What is important is that this symbol is not connected with the outside world... We should try interacting with it.¡¯


    By Veno¡¯s instruction, I touch the broken stone statue.


    A pale green light ripples out from where I touched.


    Still... it¡¯s my second day in this parallel universe and I¡¯m already level 14. Aren¡¯t things going a little too quick?


    ¡®I wonder why that is as well. I know at least that your growth is definitely a blessing.¡¯


    It sure is.


    I levelled up real easy too.


    Well, I mean, the fight with the wolves actually hurt quite a bit.


    ¡®Aye... it was all simpler than expected. And your protector did not ck off either...¡¯


    Veno follows up his muttering by pinging an icon in my field of vision.


    > ss change prerequisites fulfilled!


    > Do you wish to change your ss?


    > Poison Earth ¡ú Poison-Wielder


    I get the choice of yes and no.


    Hey, weren¡¯t there a bunch of different jobs that were shown?


    The hell¡¯s a Poison-Wielder? Is that the promoted version of Poison Earth?


    ¡®Hmm? That is quite interesting. After the novice Earth-sses would be a basic ss. I have heard that you could choose professions like Warrior, Mage, Priest, or Ranger. Was that but a bunch of falsehoods?¡¯


    Is this another guessing game?


    If this were a game, our location would make a difference.


    I mean, it would make sense since we¡¯re at a crumbling altar in the middle of a poisonous swamp.


    ¡®I have heard of nothing like such. Is it not because of my influence that you are a Poison Earth?¡¯


    That¡¯s definitely usible.


    When I was trying out my powers yesterday, I¡¯ve always felt like it was something special.


    It is more than likely that it really is the advanced form of Poison Earth.


    What can a Poison-Wielder do anyway? And can I go back after I make my selection?


    ¡®I have heard you can be any ss you wish as long as you have fulfilled the requirements. That is fundamentally different than how monsters evolve.¡¯


    So, you¡¯re saying a warrior can sidegrade to a Mage?


    ¡®Aye. And furthermore, to advance in a profession, one would need extensive experience in other sses as well.¡¯


    I see. If you want to be a Swordmage, you¡¯ll need levels in both Warrior and Mage.


    Well, it doesn¡¯t seem like there¡¯s any harm in bing a Poison-Wielder.


    ¡®Even I cannot promise you that. However, your strength and powers should increase from what you have by staying as a Poison Earth.¡¯


    Staying as I am now would be strangling myself, kinda like saving all your potions but ending up not using them. Advancing is always better than stagnating. And that would increase our chances of survival too.


    ¡®Sidegrading sses would also grant bonuses, so that not all progress would be erased.¡¯


    Oh, so, if a level 40 Warrior were to sidegrade to a level 1 Mage, the experience from being a Warrior would buff the Mage¡¯s stats to something like level 20?


    ¡®Aye.¡¯


    Is that right... Seems like there¡¯s only one choice then. I¡¯ll upgrade to a Poison-Wielder and start getting stronger.


    I choose yes.


    As soon as I do that, the pale green light fills my surroundings.


    > You have be a Poison-Wielder!


    > Yukihisa Kogure


    > Poison-Wielder


    > Level 1


    > Acquired skills: Spirit Link, Poison Absorption, Poison Release, Synthesize Poison, Detect Poison, Poison Enchantment, Hunting Sense


    Whoa... a lot of stuff appeared.


    Detect Poison has caught my eye, but it seems like Poison Condensation has changed to Synthesize Poison.


    Poison Enchantment¡¯s kinda interesting as well.


    ¡®I too have those skills. Detect Poison is exactly as it says on the tin. It is a skill in which you use your sensitivity to poison to determine whether or not something is poisonous. Poison Condensation advances into Synthesize Poison. Poison Enchantment is a skill you use on a weapon to enchant it with a temporary poison effect.¡¯


    And Hunting Sense... that¡¯s just talent with hunting?


    ¡®It is the same as how magic is, but Sense skills are ones that lead to personal growth. If you earn enough experience, Sense develops into Mastery. With that, you get new magic and attacks. Simply levelling up does not earn you new skills, you know.¡¯


    Ah, as I thought then, they¡¯re untapped talents.


    Then, say if I wanted to do something that I don¡¯t have a knack for, it¡¯d be impossible without the Sense?


    ¡®That is not the case. It might take a lot of time, but if one works hard enough, it is possible to gain Mastery in something. But, if so, it might be a better idea to switch sses into something more appropriate to your wants. And furthermore, there are differences in talent between people. There are some things at which one is simply good or bad.¡¯


    Ah, so personal growth is just something thates with time, while talent that you¡¯re born with is a separate matter.


    That kinda blows.


    It¡¯s not like how in game where everybody has something they¡¯re uniquely good at.


    ¡®That unique trait matter you speak of is very interesting, but s, that is but wishful thinking.¡¯


    Too bad, hey?


    ¡®Worry not. The thing about development in one¡¯s attributes is that it is hard to cast magic without the appropriate Sense.¡¯


    Is magic an exception?


    Well, I guess when you think of magic, you think of talent as well.


    ¡®Then what if someone who knows naught but how to work themselves physically? What do you think will happen if they try their utmost? If I were to say that, take for example, if a user of fire magic works very hard, even without a Sense, they too will eventually be able to learn water magic... does that help at all?¡¯


    It¡¯s not really clicking. But I guess I kinda get it.


    What you¡¯re saying is it would be a step in the wrong direction to practice sleight of hand in order to learn supernatural powers.


    Well, never mind that for a moment. What kind of skill is Hunting Sense anyway?


    ¡®As it says, it is a talent for hunting... talent necessary for hunting. For me, it eliminates my footsteps. Everything from my form to my surprise attacks are relevant to the skill. It is amonce yet convenient skills for monsters.¡¯


    Veno can only exin from a monster¡¯s point of view.


    From my experience in games, part of hunting involves bows and arrows. So, I guess weapon use would fall under it too.


    ¡®I see. Certainly, bows and arrows are tools of this trade. Well, at least bows are more prevalent than swords.¡¯


    And silent footsteps... I guess it¡¯s easier to understand if I think of it like how the robe gave me camouge and made me stealthier.


    If you think about it, there¡¯s lots of different things that this skill could help with.


    ¡®Aye... This is but my personal understanding, but it seems like a Poison-Wielder is a ss like Ranger but with more hidden potential.¡¯


    That might be true. There¡¯s a lot of importance on hunting for both jobs.


    I check my status... I feel like my stats are kinda high.


    I¡¯m still at a low level though, so I¡¯m not too sure.


    But I still don¡¯t quite get the whole Sense and Mastery thing, considering my Poison Condensation and Poison Release.


    I don¡¯t get whates easily and what needs hard work.


    ¡®Take a snake for example. No matter how hard a snake works, a venomous bite is not something that could be learned.¡¯


    Ah, I see, I see. That¡¯s something rooted at the very property of a creature.


    ... I don¡¯t like that one bit. What does that mean about me? I was able to use poison from the get-go. That¡¯s not human at all.


    ¡®Being worked up over it still would not change your abilities. Train and work hard for the sake of survival.¡¯


    Alright, alright.


    I¡¯m not the type to give up on living either.


    ¡®Going back to the matter at hand, let me offer my congrattions on your profession change.¡¯


    As soon as Veno uttered those words, a crossbow and quiver appeared before my eyes.


    What¡¯s with this crossbow? It looks like you can load three shots at the same time.


    And it¡¯s super light too.


    > Rapid Feather Crossbow +4


    > Quality: Superior


    > Required level: 15


    > Bonus effects: Rapid Fire, Semi-Auto Reload


    > Ease of use and rate of fire are the focus of this crossbow. It is made so that evenplete novices can effectively wield it.


    > However, the trade off is rtively reduced damage and range.


    > Flyiron Bolt


    > Bonus effects: Increased Range


    > Crossbow-exclusive ammunition. A bolt made of an alloy of outstanding metals. Made with emphasis on projectile speed and distance.


    ¡®It should be very easy to use, so do be careful about how many bolts you have remaining. Try to not run out of them.¡¯


    Well... I know I should master the weapon as soon as possible.


    I¡¯ll do some target shooting so I can get a good feel of it.


    But... I¡¯m not high enough level for it. Is that okay?


    ¡®The required level is simply a rough rmendation. What is important is your status. With which location do you have an affinity bonus?¡¯


    ording to what I found out yesterday, my Poison Absorption works really well in the swamp of poison. I can even regenerate my health there.


    Plus, it seems like my stats are pretty good even with the crossbow equipped.


    So that means even though it¡¯s a little out of my level range, I can still do pretty okay with it.


    For whatever reason.


    In any case, I grip the crossbow with both hands and have it at the ready.


    ... it feels nice in my hands, like an airsoft gun does.


    But since it¡¯s pretty big, I gotta wield with both hands. But even then, it feels rather strange.


    Maybe because it¡¯s oddly light.


    Veno, why the hell do you have so many weapons on hand?


    ¡®As I said, they are no more than a few pieces of rare and interesting items I confiscated from the ones I have defeated. It¡¯s just a coincidence that it proved to be beneficial to our situation.¡¯


    It worries me to think of what kind of guys would get their equipment seized by Veno.


    What kind of people were they?


    ¡®They were nobles. They got cocky since they had easy to wield equipment and challenged me.¡¯


    Ah, guys who want all of the fun but none of the work. They thought they could defeat a dragon good gear, so they made of bunch of lightweight weapons and armor and picked a fight with Veno.


    ¡®That is it. They rashly challenged me, thus I had to dispel them. I even went easy on them too. Then, I wiped their memories, plucked their gear, and left them in a safe ce.¡¯


    As if stealing is right.


    ¡®They were intriguing goods, so I put them in my collection. What is wrong with that?¡¯


    Oh, that¡¯s right. Dragons have got a tendency to hoard.


    So, you collect everything thinking that they mighte in handy someday, and you¡¯re letting me use your stuff. Is that right?


    ¡®To save our skin. If you perish, then so will I. After things are through and through, I shall have all the time to fulfill my hoarding tendencies.¡¯


    That¡¯s certainly true... I get what you¡¯re saying. I guess Veno can satisfy his needs.


    I mean, with me and my anime figures and nerdy collector goods, till death do us part.


    ¡®These things are not bigger than life. They might be worth more as decoration. Against our ss of monsters, equipping these can only be summarized with the word ¡°reckless.¡±¡¯


    That right...?


    ¡®There¡¯s an interesting gimmick to it. Go give it a shake up and down.¡¯


    Just as he told me to, I swing the crossbow up and down.¡¯


    As I do that, the limbs pull back to full-draw with a ka-chak!.


    It seems like it¡¯s gotta have some bolts in the magazine... but it loads itself all on its own.


    Just to test it out, I point the crossbow at a farther away wall and then squeeze the trigger.


    The bolt zoomed away and stuck the wall about a meter away from where I was aiming at.


    On one hand, it¡¯s super light. On the other, mastering it seems like a difficult task.


    ¡®Anything and everything takes practice. Not only is it already easier to wield than a bow, it shall not be a problem for you at all after learning the appropriate skill.¡¯


    Maybe it¡¯s because I suddenly have an easy to use weapon and my skills have been raised, but I feel slightly anxious. Well, maybe it¡¯s better than poorly wielding a sword and going into battle.


    It¡¯s easy to imagine me losing a fight to someone who actually knows how to swing a sword.


    But because of that, it might be better to have a crossbow, since I can fire it while running away.

 Chapter 14

    <h4>Chapter 14</h4>


    Okay, let¡¯s see... Something else I can try out is Synthesize Poison, so I activate it.


    The same menu from Poison Condensation pops up, and upon further inspection, the same options I remember are there too.


    It looks like there isn¡¯t any sort of change.


    ¡®Hold... There is an optionbeled ¡°Create.¡±¡¯


    What? I double-check my options after hearing about it.


    I only then noticed that there was a ¡°Create¡± option inside the ¡°Synthesize¡± submenu.


    Well, let¡¯s select it and see what¡¯s there.


    > Weak Poison


    > Weak Anesthesia


    Seems like I can only make the make the two right now.


    Surprisingly few too.


    It doesn¡¯t even look like I can make swamp toxin.


    I hope I¡¯ll be able to perform when ites to the crunch.


    I guess you could say I anticipate seeing myself grow.


    Since I¡¯ve just changed my ss, if I keep on trying new things, I should be able to do more and more.


    ¡®For the rest of the day, let us go hunting to raise your level. After all, we have nearly finished fulfilling the request we have taken.¡¯


    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s right... Even though I¡¯ve gained as much strength as I did headaches today... No way to go but forward.¡±


    After replying to Veno¡ªthough it might have seemed like I was talking to myself¡ªI exited the dungeon. I walked around the pool of poison¡ªmy lifesaver in case of emergency.


    However, it seems like the monsters seem to have an upper edge.


    I didn¡¯t see any of these yesterday, but there are quite a variety of monsters that inhabit this swamp.


    I even encountered a pack of Terracotta Poison Zombie Dogs and a two-meter long venomous snake called a Khaki Snake.


    While camping in the water, I sniped the Zombie Dogs with my Rapid Feather Crossbow. Shooting them down turned out to be unexpectedly easy.


    But, were they here yesterday? These monsters? Perhaps I had note across them.


    And then the Khaki Snake, maybe they¡¯re fine with poison, so it slithered over here. But with my sword, I pierced through its head and defeated it too.


    With all its might, it chomped down on me. It only hurt a little, but it was no big deal.


    It probably didn¡¯t have any deadly venom. But it¡¯s also usible that thanks to my Poison Absorption, I healed everything but a wee bit of pain.


    I stopped to collect the venom of the Khaki Snake.


    Perhaps what it might be is that being poisoned gave me a temporary buff.


    Poison Absorption, my clutch skill, is nearly frighteningly all-powerful.


    After the fight, I went to retrieve my bolts. A pain, but I¡¯ve got to do my best to reuse them.


    After that, I got some herbs from Veno. He taught me to grind it down to a paste and mix in some water to create medicine.


    Just in case I need to heal someone else than me, I¡¯ve got it covered.


    And like that after my job change, I continue to unexpectedly level up without any problems.


    ¡°st it! You bastards! After finally making thesends livable, you havee to demand the sapling of the world tree from us?!¡±


    Compatriots of the man from my previous dream stand before me, angrily shouting and mming fists down on the desk in this assembly room.


    ¡°You are going to say that you need the strength of the sapling to power your weapons against the monsters, are you not? I bet you have concluded that it would be easier to steal from us than to defeat the King of Monsters.¡±


    ¡°How you¡¯re honestly under the impression that just by defeating that monster, you can somehow miraculously save the world... I can call it nothing but foolish.¡±


    ¡°To minimalize your losses, you spread rumours all around the world ande stomping in our nation.¡±


    ¡°What are you nning to do?¡±


    They all focus their sights on the man who spoke of his dreams of reiming the wastnds.


    ¡°In order to protect our nation, we have no choice but to fight. Tounch the first strike at the elves would incur many casualties, but it should be possible. However... with a conflict like that, the ruler of monsters would be called into action.¡±


    ¡°... deplorable. Then we would be fighting a foolish battle.¡±


    That voice filled with disdain was from a first-person point of view.


    ¡°I know. That¡¯s why we have to get over this difficult hurdle with minimal sacrifices. In order to live a life without war... I know it will be a beautiful thing. And because of that, I don¡¯t want to abandon these dreams of mine.¡±


    The man with dreams of remation sympathized and hisrades nod in agreement.


    ¡°Their unreasonably demands of us proves that they¡¯ve been driven into a corner too. Their sapling of the world tree is withering and the energy from it is dwindling, hence the excessive orders. If we hold out for a bit more, we should be able to then drag out the negotiations.¡±


    As well, any method we choose to do things, we have to weaken trump card.


    The man with dreams of remation brandishes his sword and deres.


    ¡°From here on, no matter how unreasonable things may be or if an unnecessary war breaks out, just as long as we proceed forward with care for the people in the world, we will find a means of survival.¡±


    He raises his sword to symbolize his determination to end the fighting, consolidating everyone to the cause.


    ¡°We have to do our best.¡±


    ¡°Ah, you just keep doing what you¡¯re doing. Just defend this area.¡±


    ¡°Hmph. If you invade my territory, you will break this alliance. And if that happens, I¡¯ll do my worst to you.¡±


    ¡°I know. Now, so that we don¡¯t have to lose anymore than we have already... onwards!¡±


    The world is aplicated ce. And because of that, senseless battles are fought over and over again.


    In that short amount of time, the mind that I have connected with understood the dizzying change of circumstances.


    Having strength alone won¡¯t resolve the situation, and wars start even if you have wisdom.


    I might have heard a sigh ofment on how things aren¡¯t going the way he wanted.


    It¡¯s now the third afternoon since I¡¯vee to this world, just after I advanced my job.


    I turn up at the vige¡¯s part-curio shop, part-apothecary... Arleaf¡¯s father¡¯s ce.


    ¡°Oh, that you, Cohgray?¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes.¡±


    Correcting him would be a pain, so I let it slide.


    After taking a few requests from Arleaf¡¯s dad, I¡¯ve almost be a regr here.


    But, I mean, it¡¯s only been three days.


    ¡°Didya go to the swamp again today? Remember to take care of your body.¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m good at neutralizing poison...¡±


    I brought in crystallized swamp poison that I created while I was in the swamp water today.


    Veno said that I could create poison with water from the swamp, so while I was out trying that out, I went gathering a few herbs.


    ¡°By the way, where is Arleaf?¡±


    I haven¡¯t seen her in the past three days.


    ¡°Ah, Arleaf¡¯s gone to other viges nearby to sell medicine. She¡¯ll be back in about... three days or so.¡±


    ¡°Oh, is that right?¡±


    She even goes around peddling... what a hard worker.


    I haven¡¯t seen a single bad thing about her yet.


    ¡°What¡¯s up? You interested in Arleaf? Well, she¡¯s real friendly and she can take care of others, so she¡¯s popr with adventurers. I¡¯m right proud of my daughter.¡±


    That¡¯s for sure. She¡¯s pretty and nice.


    It¡¯d be weird if she weren¡¯t popr.


    Also, quit bragging about your own daughter!


    There¡¯s something annoying about that.


    ¡°That other time, you had a spat with her. Was there something wrong between the two of you?¡±


    ¡°If I said anything, I¡¯d be revealing her secrets and we¡¯ll end up fighting again. Shouldn¡¯t you ask her about it directly?¡±


    ¡°Certainly...¡±


    ¡°Actually, Cohgray. Youe here everyday bringing those items I request. Aren¡¯t those all pretty difficult to get for you, eh?¡±


    For me, it¡¯s the opposite. My suspicions on what he actually deals in this apothecary grow.


    From poisonous moss that will send you to the afterlife to highly addictive ingredients to be used in tobo, all his requests are strange and worrisome.


    As well, my level has gone up and so has the number of poisons I am able to create. The stuff I made during my experiment with Synthesize Poison would mesh well with all the poisonous stuff in this shop, so I brought it along.


    It¡¯s an instantly-effective slow poison... Once hit by this poison, it slows down the target¡¯s neurotransmission, causing temporary sluggishness and dyed reflexes.


    I could use Poison Enchantment on my crossbow arrows¡ªerr, bolts... stick them with a few of those and I¡¯ll have an easier fight with fast-moving monsters.


    For some reason, this apothecary seems to deal in poisons, so I sold it to him.


    And, about money... well, I¡¯ve saved up quite a bit, I thought... but when I went to the equipment store, my eyes popped out of their sockets.


    An iron sword is still affordable.


    But anything else is in a totally different league.


    And furthermore, the oil for maintaining my sword is kinda pricey too.


    Jumping into the swamp really makes my sword rust up quick, putting me in quite the unfortunate plight of having to constantly polish it.


    ¡°And more than that, you¡¯ve even brought some mid-grade potions. There¡¯s no way I wouldn¡¯t be interested.¡±


    ¡°Well, you know, I¡¯m learning from an acquaintance how to make them.¡±


    After switching jobs, Veno rmended me to buy a pot, a mortar, and a pestle so that I can learn how to make potions.


    Though I can heal myself with poisons, I could fulfill any requests for medicines.


    Maybe it¡¯s because Veno himself is a dragon poison or perhaps it¡¯s his never-ending curiosity, but medicine is something he¡¯s familiar with.


    Veno stored a whole lot of roughly-prepared potions for me, but he told me that I should refine and finalize them. With his support, I keep on producing more.


    Poison and potion begin the same anyway.


    ¡°Cohgray. What about the mana potions that I¡¯ve personally requested you to get me?¡±


    ¡°Oh, that stuff. I¡¯ve already made some yesterday.¡±


    I made some of the exact medicine¡ªerr, potions¡ªthat speeds up magic recovery appear right on his counter.


    I made it from poisonous herbs in the swamp that Arleaf didn¡¯t pick.


    It was rtively easy to make for how much money it sells for.


    Two days ago, Arleaf¡¯s dad showed me a way that I must make it, but it was quite the pain in the ass way to do so.


    When I probed into it, all I knew I had to do was to make a different concoction with the same effects.


    With me stuck between that and the pain in the ass method, Veno called out to me.


    ¡®Though it is an easy process, I am a fool for not having realized sooner...¡¯


    Veno tells me that this process isn¡¯t something that he found out by himself.


    I didn¡¯t ask further, but does that mean it¡¯s the method of someone hiding somewhere out there in the world?


    Or maybe it¡¯s something like a recipe book written by an old witch who¡¯s now in retirement.


    Whatever the origins may be, aplete novice like I was able to make a decent potion using the techniques I learned from back in home-ec ss in school with this method.


    All I had to do was to grind poisonous herbs down to a paste with a mortar and pestle, boil it, reduce it, stir it, and strain it through some cloth.


    Well... if you were to handle it with bare hands, you¡¯re likely to develop a rash. But since I had Poison Absorption, I was perfectly fine.


    ¡°Alrighty, then, I¡¯ll buy it from you. Lookin¡¯ forward to the next time too... I know you said you¡¯re good with poison, but don¡¯t get cocky, eh? There is stuff out there that no one can handle.¡±


    ¡°That is something I have got see then.¡±


    I¡¯d also want to test out the capabilities of my Poison Absorption too.


    It¡¯s important to know your limits and to stay within it, right?


    ¡°Seeing you bein¡¯ soposed, no wonder you don¡¯t need no buddies.¡±


    ¡°Was that sarcastic?¡±


    The adventurers in the za and the tavern all seem to be looking for more party members, but it¡¯s hard to join an already established group. So that¡¯s why I can¡¯t help but to do these quests all on my own. It¡¯s not by choice!


    ¡°You don¡¯t have a Warrior above level 30, do ya? We¡¯re recruiting people to defeat a Tiger Ohm.¡±


    It feels like he¡¯s saying that just to see if I have a party I adventure with.


    It¡¯s just that... most people are higher level than me. And the ones who are low-levelled all im to be a great ss.


    Moreover, we¡¯re in such a deserted vige; there aren¡¯t many people here.


    From what I can tell from the three days I¡¯ve been here, all the parties seem to have a fixed lineup already.


    I¡¯ve been asking here and there to join a group... but I¡¯m a Poison-Wielder! I can¡¯t say tell people that.


    Maybe I should lie about my job. I¡¯d be such a chicken though.


    ¡°Poison-Wielder¡± just doesn¡¯t sound good and plus, I¡¯m being pursued... Because of that, I¡¯ve been going for quests that I canplete alone, such as ones in the heart of the poisonous swamp.


    Besides, the swamp feels like an onsen; soaking in it takes away my fatigue.


    By the way, I¡¯m level 17 right now.


    I feel like I¡¯m levelling up quite quickly.


    It seems like the monsters in the swamp aren¡¯t exactly weak either.


    It¡¯s a dangerous ce for monsters who can¡¯t do a thing to counteract the poison.


    And partly because of the miasma, adventurers in this empty vige don¡¯t go out that way much. The rare ones that do go, I haven¡¯t met yet.


    That¡¯s why there are so many nts to harvest over there with lots of monsters still alive too.


    Because of that... there have been rumours saying that I might be some high-level, high-rank mage or something like that.

 Chapter 15

    <h4>Chapter 15</h4>


    ¡°I¡¯m actually more worried about you and your store, seeing how you buy poisonous herbs at such a high price.¡±


    I answered Arleaf¡¯s dad while changing the topic.


    ¡°Well, obviously, it¡¯s ¡®cause this sorta medicine is a local specialty of our vige. Oh, yeah, and don¡¯t you go entering our fields either. I won¡¯t forgive you if you do that.¡±


    This vige grows some questionable herbs...


    ording to Arleaf, it¡¯s some sort of ingredient for anesthesia, but let¡¯s not get too deep into that subject.


    ¡®Hmm? That field? The herbs I saw growing there were not poisonous ones but a kind that is very effective as an antidote.¡¯


    Doubts of Veno¡¯s knowledge on medicinal herbs pass through my mind, but it¡¯s likely to be some other field.


    ¡°... is that right?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just that I post requests for adventurers for the stuff that grows in ces a li¡¯l dangerous.¡±


    I don¡¯t really want to know too much about this topic.


    Well, with three days and the help of a map, I¡¯ve got a pretty good grasp of the viges and the area around here.


    I wonder if I¡¯m running around a little too carelessly.


    Actually, I wonder if why Arleaf¡¯s dad is being so hospitable to me is because I¡¯m a regr customer.


    Or maybe it¡¯s because I seem like I¡¯m also fond of dangerous meds.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you actually here to stock up? I know some guys who can help you out.¡±


    Ugh. Totally suspicious.


    I don¡¯t wanna delve into anything too shady.


    I hope Arleaf¡¯s alright.


    It sucks how she has to go peddle such dangerous medicine when she¡¯s got such a cute face.


    ¡®They do say that every rose has its thorn.¡¯


    Veno, if you could, I¡¯d like you to disagree.


    ¡®Is it not quite the clich¨¦ for a hero to fall into such trickery? Humans are but foolish beings after all.¡¯


    It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t get you, but I¡¯d like for you to think of Arleaf as just beautiful.


    Anyway, I¡¯ll reject her dad¡¯s proposition.


    ¡°I don¡¯t really need to, no. I¡¯m just here toplete whatever quest that¡¯s convenient for me.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re downright cold. You know, if you get wrapped up in our business a little more, you can learn what¡¯s behind that beautiful face of hers.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you treating your daughter like some kind of public hazard? What¡¯s really going on with her?¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t tell secrets. Heh heh heh heh.¡±


    With that, I take my pay as is routine by now, and leave the apothecary.


    From this point... I head to the tavern to enjoy ate lunch.


    As I entered the ce, the owner of the tavern was just cing a new bounty list on the wall.


    I¡¯d like to go bounty hunting too.


    It¡¯s pretty good money if you have proof of the work you did.


    It really gets your blood pumping, like fighting a boss. But right now, my priority is to get stronger. It would be foolish for me to plunge myself into something that dangerous.


    But like Veno says, even sighting a wanted person is important information, so I should keep an eye out.


    With a tankard in one hand, I scan over the bounty list.


    ¡°Hmm? Ah, aren¡¯t you... Cohgray of the Swamps?¡±


    What, am I famous already?


    Did the proprietress of the inn talk about me?


    But rather, Cohgray of the Swamps...


    ¡°What is Cohgray of the Swamps?¡±


    ¡°Ah, you¡¯ve been going to the swamp ever since you¡¯ve arrived here, haven¡¯t you? Because you¡¯re Cohray and you go to the swamp every day, you¡¯re Cohgray of the Swamps.¡±


    That¡¯s an awful nickname.


    You couldn¡¯t have picked anything cooler for me?


    I mean, in fantasy or superhero settings, the characters always have some sort of nickname. So maybe it¡¯s normal for a nickname toe from something so simple.


    ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Hey, don¡¯t worry about it. Being famous is good. Work gets easier too. Since you¡¯re so familiar with the ins and outs of the swamp, you might get invited by other people to guide them.¡±


    Huh? You mean it might be possible for me to make friends with other adventurers and to be invited for things?


    That gets me kinda excited.


    I guess it¡¯s fine, but I¡¯m also interested in what the owner of the tavern posted just now.


    ¡°Is that a new bounty list?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. They¡¯ve sent this one as a special delivery even to a vige like this. Probably means that their country is desperate.¡±


    I had to restrain myself from yelling out after reading what it said.


    > Human metamorphosed from a dragon, 30,000,000g reward


    > Engaged in battle with the joint forces of crusaders from Saint Yggdra and a dragonyer on the ¡÷th day of the ¡ðth month.


    > Be wary of its ability to breathe mes like hellfire and to call down thunder.


    > It is believed to be a Fire Dragon or Thunder Dragon.


    > The dragonyer weakened the dragon by cing a curse on the dragon to transform it into human.


    > Right as the dragonyer was about to finish it off, the dragon used cunning magics to flee.


    > This dragon is hiding in the form of a human, aiming to recover strength, and extremely dangerous.


    > We request neighboring nations to aid in the suppression of this dragon.


    > The dragonyer is in hot pursuit. We wish for any helpful information regarding this matter!


    There¡¯s no facialposite or description about appearance on the wanted poster.


    But judging by the traits and skills, that¡¯s got to be Veno.


    Funnily enough, they called their own Forced Possession Summoning a curse.


    ¡®It is natural for humans to falsify things so that it sounds better, is it not?¡¯


    ¡°A dragon that dangerous is hiding in one of the countries next door, eh? Even then... that reward would really strain the coffers. An eager adventurer looking to get rich quick would go searching for this, eh? Too bad he¡¯s not here.¡±


    For some reason, the owner exasperatedly grumbled.


    ¡®I cannot believe they released a wanted bulletin in a mere three days. You ought to be real careful of this, aye?¡¯


    With the reward being a whole 30 milliong, isn¡¯t that actually a monumental amount?


    Arms and armor are expensive, but even then, it doesn¡¯t cost that much.


    Killing a dragon weakened and in the form a human pays 30 million... any adventurer blinded by greed will definitely get wind of this ande looking.


    ... yikes.


    They still don¡¯t know what kind of dragon Veno is exactly, but if they knew that he¡¯s a Poison Dragon, they might suspect me, a Poison-Wielder.


    We¡¯ve got to try our best to peacefully and quietly release this spell.


    ¡®It is possible that they could have magic that can detect our whereabouts. You ought to tread forward carefully.¡¯


    Whose fault do you think it is that I¡¯m in this predicament? is what I wanted to say, but I guess it¡¯s not entirely Veno¡¯s fault.


    We¡¯re the victims here, having been forcefully brought together by those bastards.


    Because of all that, I was feeling pretty anxious. I yed it cool, finished my meal, and headed back to the inn.


    Back at the inn, I look around in my room.


    It¡¯s my fourth day in this alternate world... for some reason,ing back to this room already calms me down. It¡¯s beginning to feel like my home.


    Do people usually get this attached just by staying for a few nights?


    When I look over at my mixing machine in the corner, I really do mistake this room as my own.


    Even though I keep telling myself to be ready to escape at any given moment... well, no point in kicking myself over it.


    I check my status to see what I¡¯ve aplished with the past three days.


    > Kogure Yukihisa


    > Poison-Wielder


    > Level 17


    > Acquired skills: Spirit Link, Poison Absorption, Poison Release, Synthesize Poison, Detect Poison, Poison Enchantment, Hunting Sense, Hunting Mastery I, Aiming Shot, Trap Mastery I, Call Fungus


    No other skills were added from what I remember.


    However, there are more poisons I can make by Synthesize Poison.


    Like Moderate Paralysis and Moderate Anesthesia.


    That, and also Weak Acid, Weak Silencing Poison, and Weak Hallucinogen.


    By applying the poison to my bolts with Poison Enchantment, I know that Paralysis and Hallucinogen have an effect.


    Paralysis is as the name suggests, it numbs my target.


    It makes them sluggish, numb, and prevents them from moving.


    It takes some time for the poison to kick in and it doesn¡¯t change with condensed poison either.


    The other one is the hallucinogen. It kicks in almost immediately, making the target dizzy and hallucinate. The hallucination scares them and¡ªdepending on the monster¡ªcauses them to run away or go berserk.


    Veno thinks it¡¯s stupid ¡®cause you can¡¯t tailor it to do anything specifically.


    Besides balls of poison, I can also make poisonous mist with Poison Release now.


    If I release it upwind, it should spread pretty far, but I have yet to test it out.


    It¡¯d be dangerous if I carelessly use it though; it might even spread to the vige.


    Right now, I¡¯ve been meaning to try out my Weak Mollifying Poison. It softens up the hide or scales of a monster¡¯s protectiveyer.


    Unfortunately, as it is, it doesn¡¯t do anything even if you dump it right on them.


    Furthermore, it doesn¡¯t cope well with heat. One of its weak points is that it disappears once it heats up.


    I don¡¯t have enough levels to condense it either, so it seems like it¡¯s out of my reach at the moment.


    While it doesn¡¯t take all that much time to create, I made quite a bit of it, so I gathered it in a bucket. I took some of the inedibly tough meat that they sell here in this vige and marinated it for a bit in this mollifying poison.


    I n to borrow the inn¡¯s kitchen tonight for this experiment in poisoned steak grilling.


    Putting all this poison talk behind us, I¡¯ve gained the skill Hunting Mastery.


    Thanks to Veno and his advice, I earned this skill by practicing with my crossbow.


    Well, I¡¯m pretty familiar with how the crossbow works now as well.


    Maybe because of that, I also have Aiming Shot... I focus on aiming and the bolt strikes with a little more power.


    This definitely seems like an active skill.


    This skill uses a bit of mana.


    I thought a good way to fight a monster would be to dig a hole in the swamp, trap it, and kill. When I tried that out, I gained Trap Mastery.


    Did I try that out today? Once the poison kicks in, they quickly die.


    The condensed poison made with Poison Release seems to work well enough.


    Ah, obviously, I haven¡¯t poisoned any human beings yet.


    Actually, I¡¯ve been fighting monsters deep in the swamp upfront and it was kinda tough.


    I retreated many times thanks to Veno warning me.


    Some monsters don¡¯t care about the pools of poison and they charge straight in for me. I don¡¯t think I¡¯d be able to fight ones that can shoot me with magic.


    I still don¡¯t feel like I¡¯ve fully mastered the crossbow.


    That¡¯s why I use traps to fight.


    Just in case I need them, I tend to store up my spoils with storage magic... but Veno almost always deliciously feasts on them.


    I¡¯ve still got a lot to work on, but it¡¯s going pretty well, eh?


    As well, I tried theorizing the difference between Masteries and poison creation.


    You can practice your Masteries but I can create poisons without practice.


    This is the difference between something gained from training and something that¡¯s inborn.


    Veno had said before: no matter how hard a snake works, a venomous bite is not something that can be learned.


    Since it¡¯s something I¡¯m inherently capable of, it has nothing to do with hard work.


    It¡¯s likely something to do with me being a Poison-Wielder that I can wield poison.


    Not only is it convenient, it¡¯s nothing to scoff at either.


    ¡®Surprisingly, you have grown ustomed to it.¡¯


    Well, yeah. I was originally a basic code monkey. I thought I¡¯d hate a job as physically demanding as an adventurer.


    I didn¡¯t think I¡¯d be as good as I am.


    With that said though, there are still many monsters that are above me and levelling in the dungeon and fighting monsters there seems tough.


    Not only because of that, I also have people hunting me down, so I want to get stronger... I realize that it¡¯s considerably difficult fighting alone.


    Veno¡¯s protection has helped me out a lot, but when I encounter a bunch of monsters together, I still have to withdraw.


    A real-life example would be the pack of Zombie Dogs. My poison ineffective against them, so I had no hope of beating them head-on.


    I¡¯m not strong; there are limits to what I can do alone.


    Even with me power levelling, it¡¯s rough to fight in the pools of poison.


    Hmm... it might be dangerous, but should I be a little braver and join a party?


    They even call me Cohgray of the Swamps. It shouldn¡¯t be weird for me to find some adventuring buddies, fight monsters in the area, and to take a tiny share of the experience.


    It¡¯s just that I¡¯m 26 years old and I somehow feel like I should be an experienced adventure already. I worry that others will refuse to join me because of that.


    Arleaf¡¯s dad is probably... I dare say, in his thirties.


    And he¡¯s got a daughter that old already.


    I¡¯m afraid marriageable age here is different than the one in Japan.


    I don¡¯t think I look that old, but... well, whatever.


    I think I¡¯ll head to the swamp after a quick rest.


    Since I¡¯m going to the swamp again today, I suddenly I realized that I have to dry my robe in the shade.


    ¡°There¡¯s mold on it... what¡¯s worse, there¡¯s even mushrooms growing...¡±


    I didn¡¯t realize that there were mushrooms with red caps growing on the lining of my robe!


    It¡¯s only been three days since I got it from Veno!


    I didn¡¯t think it¡¯d grow mold that quickly.


    It¡¯s a huge shock to me, but... that can only mean that I¡¯m filthy.


    ¡®It is because you do not often air it out, is it not?¡¯


    I know.


    It¡¯s because I jump into swamp water so much and hanging it out to dry is a pain.


    I¡¯m also often in a damp ce. It doesn¡¯t matter how much of a Poison-Wielder I am, my clothes won¡¯t be resistant to poison too, eh?

 Chapter 16

    <h4>Chapter 16</h4>


    What should I do about this?


    Should I wash it first? And then disinfect it... with poison? Veno? Do you know how to makeundry detergent?


    I know how to make soap, but will that do?


    I¡¯m not gonna destroy it if I don¡¯t wash it a certain way, will I?


    ¡®Calm down. After doing that, check your status. Another option has appeared.¡¯


    Huh? Being told to, I check my status.


    ... oh? There¡¯s a skill named Call Fungus. Was it there before I got back to the inn?


    ¡®It was there when you finished hunting and were returning home this afternoon.¡¯


    I don¡¯t want to dig deeper and ask when he checked my status, but it was already there then?


    Call Fungus... to take it literally, I would summon a mushroom?


    ... hmm? There¡¯s anotheryer to that menu.


    The second option is Call.


    As soon as I activate it, it blips, and yet another option pops up.


    At the same time, my moldy robe starts... squirming around. One of the mushrooms growing on it starts to expand.


    ¡°Whoa?!¡±


    I shrieked out unconsciously and I back away from my robe.


    Come on, that¡¯s scary.


    What¡¯s seemingly like just a shiitake is plumping up.


    A monster? Did I just find a parasitic monster on my robe? And now that it¡¯s been found, the mushroom is showing its true form and gonna attack me?


    Before long, the mushroom that was on my robe grew to the height of where my hip is. Its cap is at an angle and its stem is slightly bent backwards.


    Blinking in surprise, I feel like our eyes met.


    ¡°Muu!¡±


    It raises one of the slight protrusions from its stem¡ªits hands?¡ªto greet me.


    I gotta take a closer look at this thing.


    It¡¯s got two big round eyes attached to its stem portion with a cartoonish mouth underneath them.


    And below that are its hands, one from either side... at the base of it are two feet-like protuberances.


    It has another mouth on its cap and from it a tongue sticks out.


    Its outward experience is both cute and gross at the same time...


    ¡®Myconid or fungus is what one would call this monster.¡¯


    Veno exins it to me.


    Hmm...? Fungus?


    Its name is ¨C... it¡¯s nk.


    ¡®It is because it is a servant you have summoned, is it not? Look, it shows on your status screen.¡¯


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°Muu?¡±


    ¨C


    Mutated Myconid


    Fungus


    Level 1


    Acquired skills: Spore Scatter, Self-Regeneration, Stamina Recovery Rate Increase (Weak)


    I can thoroughly check its status, but the part where the name should be is just a dash. Is it alright that no name¡¯s been registered?


    ¡°Jump.¡±


    ¡°Muu.¡±


    Imanded it to jump and it did.


    ¡°Spin around three times and make a sound.¡±


    ¡°Mu... mu!¡±


    The mushroom splendidly twirled around and called out.


    Yup... there¡¯s no doubt about whether or not he¡¯s following my orders.


    ¡°Why is this mushroom getting tamed by me?¡±


    In an MMORPG, you¡¯d have to tame a monster for them to be your pet.


    Others might use a different word, but I like ¡°taming.¡± It¡¯s affectionate.


    ¡®It is likely due to the influences of Hunting Sense. Or perhaps it one of the fruits of yourbor, your training as a Poison-Wielder.¡¯


    You¡¯re saying it¡¯s not due to our Spirit Link?


    ¡®It is not so that I am unable to create subordinates of my own, but it would be difficult for me to do so in my current state. I do not even have the mana to do so.¡¯


    ¡°Muu!¡±


    The mushroom points at the robe of which where he grew from, at me, thepounding machine, and at the direction of the swamp.


    Then after that, he points vaguely behind me... hey, cut that shit out.


    Are you trying to saying there are spirits here?


    ¡®Is it not so that he is pointing at me?¡¯


    ¡°Muu.¡±


    It nodded in agreement and bowed to Veno.


    It can hear him?!


    ¡°Muu muu.¡±


    ¡®Aye, indeed... somehow, the spores drifting in the air in the swamp clung on to the robe... thebination of the poison you release, the toxin of the swamp, and the miasma, along with the mixing of pharmaceuticals, and my powers all got mixed together, giving life to this mutated being. And now, it wishes you to be its master as you are the one who had sublimated it. That is my guess at what it wishes to say.¡¯


    ¡°Muu!¡±


    The mushroom nods in agreement at what Veno had said.


    Still, this is a lot to take in.


    ¡°So, what you¡¯re saying... umm, the spores that were stuck onto the robe interacted with stuff like my poison and suddenly mutated... and the result is that it wants to follow me?¡±


    ¡°Muu muu!¡±


    If you keep nodding that hard, your head mighte off loose.


    More importantly... I don¡¯t get what the mushroom saying at all.


    ¡®Even with my Seal of Solomon, it is not tranting its words. It was no more than from its bodynguage that I got my understanding.¡¯


    ¡°Muu.¡±


    Aren¡¯t you a little too good at guessing?


    It¡¯s probably because you¡¯re both monsters, right?


    ¡®Were you not wishing forrades? Here is your chance, is it not? This solves at least one of our problems.¡¯


    You¡¯re not wrong... but is it really okay? To take a monster into our group so casually?


    And not only that, how do people treat monsters working under them in this world?


    ¡°Am I to simply summon it when no one¡¯s around?¡±


    ¡®There exists a tool for this. A cor is used on low-ranking monsters or ves by their masters. To imitate that, we could use a belt instead to signify that it is no threat to others. We can always buy the proper cor and have it wear it at ater date.¡¯


    You don¡¯t have one on hand, Veno?


    ¡®I do have one back at myir. Unfortunately, I have none with me at the moment.¡¯


    Mm...


    ¡®How about trying to craft a belt out of tanned hide? Aye, do it yourself.¡¯


    Alright, alright.


    Because of that, I cut the leather with my sword and shaped it into a belt. I tie it around the mushroom¡¯s... waist? The part between its hand-like protrusions and its feet.


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    The mushroom seems happy. But some timeter, I should switch it out for a master-servant rtionship-signifying cor, right?


    ¡®For the mean time... that would be right. You should im it to be a homunculus made through magic and pharmaceutics. Cohgray of the Swamps.¡¯


    Was it better to use my nickname there?


    What sort of position am I in right now?


    ¡®Well, now... we must face the situation at hand. What shall you do about this creature¡¯s name? It is necessary part of the process.¡¯


    ¡°Hmm...¡±


    While gazing at the mushroom hopping around for joy, I ponder on a name for it.


    ¡°Since it¡¯s always crying out ¡®Muu muu,¡¯ how¡¯s Muu?¡±


    Honestly, it¡¯s a total chore to think of a name.


    At least it¡¯s better than names like Kinoko, or Matango, or Eringi.


    ¡®That is considerably an awful list of names... and to say that it is the best of all of them...¡¯


    ¡°Muu!¡±


    It seems happy to be named Muu.


    There¡¯s a certain charm to it, don¡¯tcha think?


    Anyway, it¡¯s not good to only telepathically speak to Veno.


    ¡°We¡¯ll treat Muu like a fellow party member, but Veno, do you know what its growth is like?


    ¡°Mu?¡±


    ¡®I was just checking on that. It seems like it possesses both monster and human traits.¡¯


    ¡°Ah, between Mutated Myconid and Fungus?¡±


    ¡®That is correct. Normally, the former should be its race, but it is now its profession. As well, contradicting that, Fungus is also its profession. I have yet toe to aplete understanding.¡¯


    Two sses... or maybe not?


    Would it be right to call him a mushroom person?


    It¡¯d probably be easier to confirm that just by levelling it up.


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    Muu¡¯s showing me his fighting spirit by shadowboxing.


    Oh, maybe it¡¯s like that. It¡¯s instinctual for him to battle.


    ¡®Perhaps it is trying to say that it wishes to be the vanguard.¡¯


    ¡°Is that right... well, that¡¯d definitely help me out a lot, but will you be okay?¡±


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    Well, for now, we should go hunt to try and see.


    What kind of weapon would be good for it?


    ¡®As it is still level 1, it would be fine for him to use your old sword, like a hand-me-down.¡¯


    Although I still carry it around, I only use it in case of emergency as a personal defense weapon.


    Since I have my crossbow now.


    If I¡¯m in a pickle, I can use Poison Release and throw venom at the enemy.


    I give Muu the Flyiron sword.


    I don¡¯t really understand how Muu holds a sword, but he does, and he swings it around a little.


    ¡°Mu...¡±


    He doesn¡¯t seem too satisfied with it.


    Maybe swords aren¡¯t appropriate for mushrooms?


    ¡®It is uneasy due to the sword being so light. However, the sword is rather sharp. If you wish for a heavy weapon, gain a few levels and prove your might.¡¯


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    Its right hand swished in the air andnded at his head to salute me. I wonder where he learned that.


    He¡¯s less thanplete happy about it... but oh, well.


    With that, I head to the swamp again.


    I leave my room and the inn, but not before passing by the front desk.


    ¡°Oh?¡±


    Unsurprisingly, the proprietress fixates her sight on Muu who¡¯s behind me.


    ¡°Ahh, that¡¯s my underling who I created with medicine and magic. I believe you¡¯ll be seeing it more from now on. If it¡¯s better for you, I can borrow a shed to put it in.¡±


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    Muu bows to the proprietress.


    ¡°Wow, how well-behaved. You¡¯re well-versed in alchemy too, hey, Cohgray of the Swamps?¡±


    The proprietress who gave me that nickname speaks with admiration.


    Ahh, she thinks I¡¯m remarkable with only that much.


    ¡°No wonder you don¡¯t need any adventuring allies with you. I see, I see.¡±


    No, actually, I really would like some buddies. People to share the good times and the bad.


    You know, all I have right now are a my way or the highway dragon who can¡¯t read the mood but yet I talk to in my head and, as well, a mystery of a mushroom.


    It¡¯s hollow and I get real sad over it, okay?


    ¡®The truthes out. Nay, ites pouring out. How terrible of you. It is not that I wish to be involved with you. Anyway, regardless of that you are a spineless coward, you are still awful.¡¯


    Gah... I have noebacks for that.


    ¡°I¡¯mma head out to try this new underling out!¡±


    ¡°Alrighty. Take care out there. When you get back, I¡¯d like for him to stay in the shed.¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡±


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    Muu innocently gets close up to the proprietress and gives her the ol¡¯ puppy eyes.


    ¡°U-Umm...?¡±


    He tilts over to her to be patted on the cap.


    The proprietress timidly touches and pets it on the cap.


    ¡°Muu... muuuu... muuuuu.¡±


    ¡°Oh, what a cutie. You¡¯re a good boy, aren¡¯t you? If you don¡¯t get the room dirty... oh, what should we do about you?¡±


    It¡¯s nice to be cute.


    Muu¡¯s acting cute enough for her to question her decision to have it stay in the shed.


    ¡°Just to try it out, I¡¯ll... give permission for him to stay in your room. But be tidy, okay?!¡±


    ¡°Muu!¡±


    Muu bows to thank her.


    Oh, you¡¯re good. This is what you call a pet, huh?


    ¡°O-Okay, we¡¯ll head out now.¡±


    ¡°Get home safe. Be careful out there... if anythinges up, call for me with this here bell and I¡¯lle help you.¡±


    You, uhh, don¡¯t look so good, you know?


    You¡¯ve got a stubborn cold.


    With her permission, we set out for the swamp.


    By the way, this happens some timeter, but Muu begins to help out the proprietress with stuff like wood-splitting and cleaning. It seems like she¡¯s taken quite a liking to Muu. Thanks to that, Muu¡¯s boarding fee is only 500g, making the grand total 2,000g per day.


    She¡¯s clever to charge per head and so our expenses increase too.


    I¡¯ve got some qualms about that, but since she¡¯s letting us stay for so cheap, I can¡¯t reallyin.

 Chapter 17

    <h4>Chapter 17</h4>


    It feels like we¡¯ve caught the attention of quite a few people, but we easily reached the swamp.


    I feel calm whenever Ie here, like I¡¯m back in my hometown.


    ¡°Mu?!¡±


    Not long after our arrival, Veno and Muu are working together to detect enemies.


    A scourge of Spray Green Mosquitos¡ªmore than 10 of them¡ªare flying about.


    asionally, they appear in a scourge, like a mosquito swarm.


    Their sting is insanely painful, but they die after being in contacting with my own toxin.


    Their numbers might be few and it would be easier to wipe them out, but, maybe to nobody¡¯s surprise, I don¡¯t really feel like charging in there.


    I¡¯ll use Poison Release and scatter a poisonous mist to y them all.


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    ¡°Ah, hey! You¡¯re gonna get hurt; you¡¯re only level 1!¡±


    Muu charges into the scourge of Spray Green Mosquitos with his sword held high.


    I thought that it would be fine. The Spray Green Mosquitos seem like they were unsure how to deal with us¡ªrather, they seem like they¡¯re confused about whether we¡¯re a threat. They go to surround and swarm Muu.


    ¡°Muu! Muuuu!¡±


    It swings its sword randomly and haphazardly. It really makes me wonder if he¡¯d hit anything or not.


    But no, with even a graze, the mosquitos fall dead. Still, there¡¯s too many of them.


    Just as soon as that thought passes through my mind, Muu wildly bounces up and down and, with a poof, spread its spores.


    Right after, the Spray Green Mosquitos fall down face-up on the ground, defeated.


    ¡®It seems like they have been done in by the spores.¡¯


    Veno calmly analyzes the situation.


    Next, I look over at Muu who has been stung many times over by the Spray Green Mosquitos.


    ... in an instant, his wounds close up.


    Since it¡¯s originally a mushroom, maybe that¡¯s why it has that Self-Regeneration skill.


    However it maybe, it seems like a tough one.


    Incidentally, he was excited the whole way here and bouncing around.


    What are you, a stamina monster?


    ¡°Muu muu!¡±


    With audible snaps, Muu crushes the recently deceased Spray Green Mosquitos underneath his feet.


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    Muu shows off with a little victory fist pump.


    The joke of a battle was over in a sh.


    Ahh, there was a Spray Green Mosquito fortunate enough to not have breathed in the spores yet. It targets me and draws close, but I kill it with a poisonous mist.


    The next thing thates up are three Terracotta Poison Zombie Dogs... I don¡¯t get to see the wolves I encountered the first day.


    I¡¯m curious of the dogs¡¯ rtionship.


    ¡®That smarter one of them is the alpha of the pack. If you wish to defeat them, you ought to search for its leader and to not let them know your intentions.¡¯


    Ahh, if they know I¡¯m hard to pin down, they won¡¯te attacking.


    As expected of wolves, how clever.


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    Naturally, Muu takes point and charges into the pack of zombie dogs with his sword in the air.


    ¡°Woof!¡±


    ¡°Ga!¡±


    ¡°Woof woof!¡±


    ¡°Mu?!¡±


    Ah, the one leading the pack rushes and bites down on Muu; the other two surround them.


    Muu counterattacks by shaking his spores again. Unlike against the Spray Green Mosquitos, it clearly has no effect on the opponents this time.


    I help out too by aiming at one of them with my crossbow and bolt.


    It strikes hard with a good sounding thunk.


    But since they¡¯re undead, they¡¯re a little tough.


    Poison doesn¡¯t really work well either.


    ¡®If you are able to procure holy water, they should be easy opponents. If not that, then salt.¡¯


    That salt purifies evil is true even here too, huh?


    But why is that salt is always so expensive in parallel worlds?


    ¡°Mu! Mu!¡±


    Ah, for some reason, Muu¡¯s angry. With a shlunk, Muu stabs with all its might one of the zombie dogs in the throat. After, he dispatches the second one with a body blow.


    Then, the one with the bolt stuck in it, Muu charges with his cap forward.


    It ms all three zombie dogs into the pool of poison.


    Sshes of water jump out.


    By the way, zombie dogs don¡¯t breathe, so you can¡¯t drown them.


    But since they hate the water, they panic and swim away from Muu in a hurry... however, Muu swims like its gliding through water, chasing the zombie dog with sword in hand.


    This guy¡¯s fighting style is straight offence.


    It doesn¡¯t even consider damage to itself one bit. Is it really gonna be okay?


    ¡®Though it does have Self-Regeneration, it does cost a bit. Of course, if it does not control its stamina usage, it will have no choice but to suddenly stop.¡¯


    Oof...


    Since it¡¯s trying to escape, I shoot the zombie dog right in between its eyes.


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    Once again, Muu strikes a victory pose.


    Seems like Muu took... one down by himself.


    ¡®Perhaps you still do not fully understand how to fight or perhaps that you feel as if this pace is fine... whichever it may be, you ought to be careful.¡¯


    ¡°Umm. I¡¯d like to say that you¡¯ve done a good job, but you do know that you¡¯ve taken a lot of damage, right?¡±


    ¡°Muu?¡±


    ¡°You should have a better grasp of your opponents before you engage them. If you don¡¯t, you might not make it out alive like you did just now. That, and you gotta beware that you don¡¯t deplete your stamina.¡±


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    Whether it heeded my warning or not, Muu looks downwards, nods, and shows me his fighting spirit.


    Mm, if I had to say, I¡¯d say my words got through to him.


    ¡°Alrighty then, be careful next time. Try your best to not get hurt, okay?¡±


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    With that said, we looked for our next opponent. A wild Khaki Snake appeared.


    Muu obediently followed what I had said and distanced himself just out of reach of the Khaki Snake. He looks back at me and makes eye contact.


    Good going!


    I carefully aim and thenunch a bolt at the Khaki Snake.


    While the Khaki Snake recoils in pain from a clean hit with the bolt, Muu seizes the opportunity to lop its head clean off.


    ¡°Muu!¡±


    ¡°Ahh, now that¡¯s what I¡¯d call a total victory.¡±


    ¡®Aye. I am d that it possesses high learning capabilities.¡¯


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    Being praised by us, Muu strikes a victory pose and jumps around.


    If we keep this up, we¡¯d be invincible against these small fry.


    ¡°Alrighty... what to do next.¡±


    It¡¯s certainly gone well, but I¡¯ve gotta mind Muu¡¯s condition.


    ¡°Muu, you alright? If you¡¯re tired or anything, speak up, okay?¡±


    ¡°Mu...¡±


    I hear a grumbling noiseing from Muu.


    ¡°You¡¯re hungry, eh? What kind of stuff do you eat anyway?¡±


    Since mushrooms eat mold, was there something nutritious about my moldy robe?


    Or perhaps you can siphon nutrients from the poisonous waters in the swamp?


    ¡®Indeed... it is a Mutated Myconid after all. This is stimting my desire for research. You, what do you eat?¡¯


    ¡°Muu muu.¡±


    Uhh, it looks like a cat munching on food.


    Then, it waves both hands, seemingly trying to tell me something.


    After that, he makes a roar... at first, I thought he was trying to signal water, but I think I was wrong.


    ¡®Aye, it¡¯s that.¡¯


    Veno made the corpse of the Khaki Snake reappear after storing it away with storage magic earlier.


    As soon as I was thinking Muu would grab it, it opens its mouth on its cap and starts chomping down on it.


    Whoa... that¡¯s kinda gross.


    It waving its arms was the snake slithering, I assume.


    ¡°Mu! Burp.¡±


    As if to signify it finished its meal, Muu licks its lips and belches.


    ¡®It seems like it can eat from both its mouths.¡¯


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    That¡¯s a gesture I can understand.


    ¡®His first gesture meant that it could eat with that mouth too. For some reason, it got through to me.¡¯


    Is that right? That was a toughie.


    ¡®After all, I do have an understanding of the ecology of myconids. It is to what extent it had mutated that I must measure. It is likely that... it must be standing on something rotten for it to eat. Otherwise, its mycelium¡ªwhat can be considered the roots of fungi¡ªcannot spread.¡¯


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    Muu nods in agreement. Though I didn¡¯t ask for such an in-depth biology lesson.


    I mostly get how Muu works and it seems like it doesn¡¯t have any special dietary needs, so things should be simple enough.


    It¡¯s tough anyway.


    ¡°Now then... what should we do now?¡±


    That¡¯s the second time I¡¯ve said that today.


    Things are going well, but I want to raise my level to get stronger.


    ¡°Shall we go deeper into the swamp? Or maybe go explore the dungeon?¡±


    ¡®My suggestion would be to good to venture into the dungeon since you have Muu with you.¡¯


    ¡°Why is that?¡±


    ¡®When you return home, Muu may be able to change sses. When monsters be a property of a human, they must need their master to change or evolve. A human¡¯s assistance is another story, however.¡¯


    Ah, I see.


    It¡¯s just that... I only got to that point on my second day. All my thunder would be stolen by Muu...


    Should I allow Muu to do that, so it could fight better?


    ¡®You have a strange sense of pride... to grow and develop quickly is a good thing.¡¯


    I mean, I get that.


    Well, I guess I can be proud that I was able to get a newbie to advance sses in a day.


    ¡®Good grief... let us head to the dungeon.¡¯


    ¡°Alright, alright. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    Muu nods... and then he sticks his little hand out and looks straight at me, as if he wants to walk together.


    ¡°... hah. If you insist.¡±


    It¡¯s just like a little kid. But while it was created from many different elements, in the end, you could say it was because of the poison I made... so I guess you could call Muu my child?


    I gave birth to a mushroom. That¡¯s a very loaded sentence with reallyplicated meanings.


    I head onwards with the thoughts going through my mind.


    ¡°Which reminds me, when I came here with Arleaf, I hade in contact of mushrooms.¡±


    In the dungeon, there¡¯s these mushrooms growing that give off light. The stuff Muu¡¯s from that touched my robe was probably around here too.


    ¡°Muu?¡±


    ¡°So that means this is your hometown in a sense?¡±


    ¡®It seems likely that is true. But, again, mutation. It is no longer the same.¡¯


    ¡°Mu.¡±


    Hmm, indeed... oh, by the way, Veno.


    ¡®What is it?¡¯


    I was just worried whether if I should pick mushrooms in front of Muu.


    ¡®You worry about the strangest things. With that said, though, I am slightly curious too.¡¯


    ¡°Muu?¡±


    Ah, Muu stepped on a shining mushroom beside me without so much a thought.


    ¡°Muu, are mushrooms not brothers to you?¡±


    ¡°Mu? Muu?¡±


    Muu then plucks the mushroom it stepped on... and sticks it out to me.


    ¡°No, I didn¡¯t mean I wanted it.¡±


    ¡°Mu...¡±


    It¡¯d be wasteful otherwise, so I take it.


    ¡®Perhaps it was transformed from another species, so it doesn¡¯t seem to feel intimate with these ones. I think you need not think about it too much.¡¯


    Oh, is that right?


    ¡®In your world, humans share amon ancestor of apes. I have scanned that from your knowledge. However, let me confirm the following with you. Are apes humans? Do you feel oneness with them? Would you feel safe with them together?¡¯


    After having that said to me, I feel like I think slightly differently now.


    Indeed, I wouldn¡¯t feel cautious around apes or feel like I¡¯m allies with them if I see them at a zoo or safari.


    I don¡¯t really feel pity for the monkeys who are solitarily confined in a zoo.


    I see. Whatever our origins may be, we are different now.


    ¡®Certainly, there exists some connection. However, nts and monsters think very little about that. You need not ponder on it so hard.¡¯


    But maybe Muu feels like it¡¯s one of the mushrooms. There¡¯s a chance of that, isn¡¯t there?


    ¡®Hey! If you stress about it so much, you shall lose all your hair! Human males worry about that, correct?!¡¯


    Don¡¯t you snap back at me! That, and I¡¯m not going bald.


    ¡®Muu itself is not worrying so much, so it is safe for you to ignore it. As well, Muu is growing and can make unlimited copies of itself.¡¯


    I¡¯m just imagining Muu shaking his spores everywhere and mass-cloning itself.


    I don¡¯t like that sight either.


    Rather, it¡¯s good for our fighting strength. And might makes right.

 Chapter 18

    <h4>Chapter 18</h4>


    As we self-manage and discuss of how to apply ourselves the best, we reach the second floor of the dungeon.


    The ambiance feels different.


    It feels like my surroundings changed from stone-built to a natural cave.


    Moreover, the miasma is definitely denser down here.


    This air is clean and fresh, straight from Mother Nature! is what I¡¯d say. But for your average Joe, it¡¯s more than likely to be suffocating.


    It doesn¡¯t seem like many peoplee here to this dungeon. Knowing they¡¯d be forced to fight in an environment like this, adventurers wouldn¡¯te here either.


    It also looks like there¡¯s many ces you could get ambushed from too.


    As well, there are monsters standing guard at the entrance to the second floor.


    Monsters named ret Sunflower are wriggling its roots and moving about.


    With their leaves, they hold spears that looks like they¡¯re made from stems of a nt.


    ¡®Aye... it is a well-known monster. It might have only recently made this dungeon home.¡¯


    Are we gonna be okay?


    ¡®If you pay attention to the movement of the minions, you should have control over most of the situation. Itsmand and management seem to becking. They cooperate better when closer to their stronghold, but on the upper floors, the small fry do not pay much attention.¡¯


    Oh, that right?


    Now I¡¯m kinda curious to how Veno¡¯sir is.


    Actually, if worsees to worst, could I take refuge there?


    ¡®You... you foolish humans too have a culture of locking doors when leaving home, do you not?¡¯


    Why are you asking me so nicely?


    Wait, don¡¯t tell me... you locked your ce up?


    ¡®Aye. In my current state, I cannot unlock my ownir. I employ no underlings either, so expecting assistance there would be unwise.¡¯


    What, so I can¡¯t take refuge there?


    Well, I don¡¯t exactly wish to hole up and fight to my death in a dragon¡¯sir...


    ¡®We shall advance whilst retreating! To battle!¡¯


    ¡°Sure, sure. Muu, you ready?¡±


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    Muu voices his determination, so let¡¯s go.


    We were investigating the second floor, but...


    ¡°Muu muu!¡±


    Muu snapped at me over the present situation.


    We enter a battle with three ret Sunflowers. Muu deftly pulls aggro away from me, but we devolved into a messy situation. I¡¯m unable to fire my crossbow in fear of identally hitting Muu.


    Fortunately, by deploying poisonous mist with Poison Release, I was able to create some distance from the enemies. That also enabled me to take a few rapid-fire shots, taking them down. However, Muu angrily scowled at me.


    ¡®I realized that you were trying to avoid hitting Muu and I am sure it also understood that. However, the difference is slight between that and Muu fighting alone.¡¯


    ¡°Muu!¡±


    ¡°I know, but¡ª¡±


    ¡®Sometimes, your best offense can be your best defense. And as Muu has Self-Regeneration, even striking him with your bolt would mean little to it.¡¯


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    I gotta say that I am afraid of hitting my allies.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it kinda cruel to say that it doesn¡¯t matter if I hit Muu just because it¡¯s tough?¡±


    ¡®Think of it as training for you. Being sure in your aim to assist your vanguard should be your attitude. Even if your battle were to fall into disarray, there will be opponents that distance themselves away from Muu, correct? If you target said opponents first and then ones who are to attack Muu, you shall naturally be assisting.¡¯


    I understand that Veno¡¯s criticism is fair.


    Still, I can¡¯t capably make calls like that in the heat of the moment.


    ¡®In your case, you are overly fixating on the enemy¡¯s weak points. What is your profession? It is Poison-Wielder, is it not? Your job is to use poison to weaken your enemies.¡¯


    ¡°That means I should use some kind of slow poison... but if I hit Muu with that, it wouldn¡¯t be just nothing...¡±


    ¡®I can understand your concern. Muu, we shall train afterwards so that you develop a resistance to his slow poison.¡¯


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    Comprehending and agreeing to Veno¡¯s proposal, Muu nods.


    I want to rely on it... but is that a good direction to head to? Towards Muu being fine even with me hitting it?


    I¡¯m not so sure about to what extent the power of my poison is.


    Filing that feeling away, we continue our capture of the second floor.


    ¡®Aye... it is a shame we have not found a treasure chest or the likes, but for harvestable nts, we have much we can pick.¡¯


    ¡°You¡¯re talking about poisonous herbs and poisonous mushrooms?¡±


    There¡¯s even poisonous pollen.


    There are several pools of poison here and there for me to heal up in, so I canfortably fight in this dungeon.


    I dare say this dungeon might even be one that fits me the best.


    If it was fire or water¡ªno, even if this were a non-elemental dungeon, we wouldn¡¯t have done so well so far.


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    ¡°Muu, you¡¯re almost messed up in the head how happy you are charging in and killing your own kind.¡±


    At first, Muu was excited to get into fisticuffs with a Chartreuse Green Poison Shroom.


    In the end, Muu¡¯s opponent received too many heavy blows and was literally torn to shreds.


    The number of spores scattered in the air during that fight was just awful.


    ¡°Muu?¡±


    On our way, Veno highlights and pings what he calls treasure, telling me to collect it. But all it is and what¡¯s it all is just poisonous stuff.


    Dietetrodake


    A mushroom with toxin so strong, simply touching its spores will cause numbness.


    Upon human consumption, it induces whole-body paralysis and death within minutes. It is a poor choice for assassination as its vor and odor are terrible.


    I am extremely concerned about thatst part, but I ignore it.


    Red Deathfire


    A red me-like grass. Its toxicity is powerful butpounding it other nts will increase efficacy.


    Take caution when handling as direct contact with the nt leads to inmmation.


    I guess this one¡¯s slightly better in a sense.


    Is this a pile of treasure or a pile of trash...?


    Well, the number of poisons I can use goes up, so that can only mean our fighting strength goes up too.


    It seems like these poisonous herbs are considerably valuable as well.


    More than anything, though, is that these nts are difficult for normal people to bring back home.


    Yet... if I weren¡¯t a Poison-Wielder, I couldn¡¯t have gone this deep into the dungeon.


    I totally understand why Arleaf only stays on the first floor.


    Well, I wouldn¡¯t really want to see her having to fight all these monsters either.


    But... with a knife in one hand and a smile on her face, I¡¯m sure she¡¯d be gorgeous sneaking around and assassinating monsters too.


    It¡¯d be like a horror flick though.


    ¡®So, do you wish to see her doing so or not? Have you decided yet?¡¯


    I ignore Veno¡¯s quip.


    Those are tropes that usuallye up in stories. The ol¡¯ damsel in distress versus action heroine.


    It¡¯s not so much which is right and which is wrong though.


    ¡°Muu. Muu muu.¡±


    Hmm? Muu is telling us about something.


    It¡¯s going up and down, kinda like it¡¯s riding on something. Please stop that. That¡¯s indecent.


    ¡®Are you not the one in the wrong here? You are the one imagining this as anything lewd.¡¯


    Quit picking on me!


    Anyway, what¡¯s it trying to say?


    It¡¯s flexing its biceps now.


    ¡®Aye... it is able to advance sses now.¡¯


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    ¡°Oh, really?¡±


    I check his status.


    Muu


    Mutated Myconid


    Fungus


    Level 10


    Acquired skills: Spore Scatter, Self-Regeneration, Stamina Recovery Rate Increase (Weak), Subordinate of Poison-Wielder, ss change avable


    Subordinate of Poison-Wielder? What¡¯s that?


    I don¡¯t really get what kind of effect it has.


    Is there some sort of buff by being my subordinate?


    Ideally, it¡¯d give Muu some sort of resistance to poison.


    ¡®If it were so, it would indeed be ideal. I have heard that when people gain Subordinate of Dragon, the effects they may gain are fire resistance and toughness.¡¯


    Poison resistance isn¡¯t that far-fetched then.


    But having that said... in Muu¡¯s case, it¡¯s originally a myconid. It would be likely for it to have racial bonus to poison resistance.


    On the other hand, I can imagine it being weak to fire and stuff.


    ¡®Due to its race... aye. You can alleviate some of your worries if you were to raise its fire resistance with essories.¡¯


    That¡¯s our best guess on what Subordinate of Poison-Wielder does. In any case, Muu is ready for a job change.


    We¡¯re at a good ce to wrap things up, so we should just head home.


    Not like we want to stay here overnight anyway. Plus, it¡¯s not like we¡¯re here to grind levels for either of us. It was just good timing for us both.


    ¡®Indeed, it is so.¡¯


    ¡°Alright, shall we get Muu its job change and go home?¡±


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    We go back the way we came from and end up on the rtively safer first floor.


    We fought some monsters along the way, but none of them would be what we¡¯d call difficult opponents.


    And so, we end up back at the run-down altar to perform the job change.


    It¡¯s the same as how I did it a while ago.


    ¡®Good... now then, Muu. Pray in front of the altar. Wish to be stronger, pray for it, and have a clear picture and determination of how you shall use that power.¡¯


    ¡°Mu-Muu.¡±


    Muu is visibly nervous. Still, it goes in front of the altar, sps its hands together, closes its eyes, and then touches the symbol.


    Just as how it was for me, a soft light envelops our surroundings.


    ¡®Muu, you have chosen to be his subordinate by your own will. It means that you must gain his permission before you proceed with your ss advancement.¡¯


    ¡°Muu? Muu muu.¡±


    Is it under my care then?


    I tilt my head over at Muu.


    Muu has fulfilled all prerequisites for a ss change.


    Please select from the following options:


    Fungus¡ú


    Warrior


    Ranger


    Mage


    Priest


    Hey, whoa. There¡¯s so many for it to choose from.


    I envy how they¡¯re all standard RPG jobs.


    And it looks like he can sidegrade too, but he hasn¡¯t fulfilled the right conditions to do so yet.


    ¡®I have heard that it takes time and experience in other sses to cross profession branches. Take for example apothecaries. It requires set amount of time in gathering. The simplest methods include belonging to a guild and having someone with an advanced ss to witness your profession change.¡¯


    Huh... so you¡¯re saying it may be possible for Muu to spec into Poison-Wielder due to me being its senior?


    ¡®That is correct. However, I wonder if it is possible for someone with such an odd job as you have. In your case, you may very well have a specialist ss.¡¯


    Well, I don¡¯t know how stuff like that in this world works.


    But I¡¯ve gotta say, Poison-Wielder does sound like quite the specialist ss.


    It¡¯s what they call a debuffer, I think.


    ¡°Mu? Mu mu.¡±


    ¡°Ahh, alright, alright.¡±


    Muu calls to us deep in talk, hurrying us.


    Maybe it doesn¡¯t like so much chatter before its big moment.


    If it were me, I¡¯d like to get on with it and change my job.

 Chapter 19

    <h4>Chapter 19</h4>


    ¡°What ss do you wanna be, Muu?¡±


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    Ah, Muu marked the ss he wants with an arrow.


    How convenient.


    It almost goes without saying that Muu wants to be a Warrior.


    Well, if you¡¯ve seen how Muu has fought up until now, you¡¯d know right away.


    It likes to be in the front line like a tank.


    ¡°Gotcha. Then I¡¯ll have you be my Warrior, Muu.¡±


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    ¡®As you are now, it would be safer for you to have a vanguard. It is not a poor choice.¡¯


    There¡¯s no good reason to object to our lineup then.


    Since I¡¯m already fighting at range, I¡¯d be chuffed to have someone to tank for me.


    It¡¯d be great if that¡¯s the reason why Muu chose Warrior.


    Speaking of the lineup, now I want to get a magical in our party to bnce things out.


    ¡®I am here, am I not?¡¯


    What you do is storage magic, corpse disposal, and gathering andpounding assistance. Not to mention, you¡¯re a dragon who¡¯s in my brain. What exactly are you talking about?


    ¡®You dare make a fool out of me?! I am not a mere essory of yours!¡¯


    Yeah, yeah. I know.


    If it weren¡¯t for you, Veno, we¡¯d be in big trouble. I thank you.


    But you can¡¯t exactly fight as a mage, can you? is all I wanted to say.


    ¡®Hmph...¡¯


    So, I select Warrior.


    Our surroundings fill with a soft glow as soon as I do and Muu¡¯s job change ispleted.


    Muu


    Mutated Myconid


    Warrior


    Level 1


    Acquired skills: Spore Scatter, Self-Regeneration, Stamina Recovery Rate Increase (Medium), Subordinate of Poison-Wielder, ss change avable, Warrior Sense, War Cry


    It¡¯s back to level 1, as expected, and he gained a Sense.


    Stamina Recovery Rate Increase changed from Weak to Medium... mm.


    Checking its stats in the status menu, they have also gone up from before the job change.


    Honestly, I¡¯m kinda envious of how he¡¯s ready for another ss change. Mine went away after I advanced jobs.


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    Muu flexes both of its big biceps, acting like its real tough. It¡¯s still more so cute than anything though.


    ¡®Then, let me offer you my congrattions.¡¯


    Veno makes his celebratory gift appear without a sound.


    It¡¯s an axe. A in old iron axe.


    Soldier¡¯s Axe


    Quality: Average


    Required level: 20


    Bonus effects: Rustproof


    An ironbat axe made for soldiers.


    It¡¯s a rtively simple description.


    This definitely isn¡¯t something Veno would seize from his enemies and put into his private collection.


    At the very least, it¡¯s out of cepared to Veno¡¯s tastes, I think.


    ¡®How bright of you.¡¯


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    Muu happily raises its axe in the air.


    How does its little nubs even hold anything?


    Maybe it¡¯s like an anime character or something and it¡¯s got suction pads on its hands.


    ¡®I have just analyzed that. On Muu¡¯s hands are countless tiny suckers growing so that anything grabbed shall not fall off.¡¯


    Just as I thought.


    ¡°Muu muu!¡±


    Muu shows its enthusiasm by nimbly swinging its axe around.


    Its weight seems just right.


    And since it¡¯s got a bit of heft to it, cleaving with it can do quite a bit of damage.


    Now it¡¯s all up to Muu and its skills, eh?


    But, given Muu¡¯s unique body, finding armor for it should prove challenging...


    ¡®Muu could use a helmet... no, rather, a shield tied around its cap. Its torso can be wrapped in stiff cloth or leather. But whether it needs it or not is another matter.¡¯


    We¡¯ll leave that forter then.


    Equipping so much at once might slow him down too.


    It¡¯s important to be bnced.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go home then.¡±


    And just like that, Muu¡¯s job change is over. On our way home, we encountered both zombie dogs and mosquitoes once each.


    Turns out that Muu is good with the axe.


    It was able to y a zombie dog in a single strike.


    And Muu¡¯s axe swings do more damage every time it shouted Mu! out loud.


    I think that¡¯s it activating War Cry.


    I was thinking just how damn strong I was after my job change, but Muu isn¡¯t letting it get to its head.


    That¡¯s monsters for ya.


    I check my level and skills.


    Kogure Yukihisa


    Poison-Wielder


    Level 19


    Acquired skills: Spirit Link, Poison Absorption, Poison Release, Synthesize Poison, Detect Poison, Poison Enchantment, Hunting Sense, Hunting Mastery II, Aiming Shot, Trap Mastery II, Call Fungus


    My skills didn¡¯t change much.


    What did change was that I¡¯m now able to make a new poison with Synthesize Poison.


    Piercing Poison


    I don¡¯t get how to use this.


    Piercing? What does it pierce?


    Not to mention, the toxicity of this poison is next to nothing.


    Detect Poison is pretty useful after all.


    By analyzing it, I learned that when used by its own, Piercing Poison simply lowers the target¡¯s defense.


    It lowers the target¡¯s defense so it¡¯s easier to pierce through? Something like that, I guess.


    If that¡¯s the case, then it¡¯s not too much different than Mollifying Poison. Gotta do some more research on it.


    I wonder why the tooltip doesn¡¯t even exin much.


    Even with Detect Poison, all it tells me is that it¡¯s poison.


    And Veno too, despite being a former Poison Dragon, he doesn¡¯t know much about it either.


    That dragon said something along the lines of him not knowing unusual poisons.


    In any case, I¡¯ll keep it just in case. But I don¡¯t know if or when I¡¯m gonna be able to use it.


    With that, I return to my room and check on my meat that¡¯s been marinating.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯ve got permission to use the inn¡¯s kitchen tonight, so that¡¯s something fun to look forward to.¡±


    I¡¯ve already bathed in the swamp.


    I mean, I washed up in basically what is a hot spring, so I¡¯m not dirty anymore.


    What¡¯s important now is food! All I¡¯ve hadtely is tough meat and crappy vegetables.


    I¡¯ve gotten a little used to this parallel world, but that¡¯s something that I can¡¯t.


    I¡¯ve gotta find a way to have a chance at a decent meal.


    Even with peopleing after me, this is still important.


    ¡®Could you not just roast some mushrooms?¡¯


    Did I ask you for your opinion?!


    I¡¯ve got the whole kitchen to myself!


    Plus, I don¡¯t exactly want to die from poisonous mushrooms.


    That, and I don¡¯t have the courage to eat mushrooms in front of Muu.


    ¡°Mu.¡±


    ¡®Muu was just eating mushrooms growing by the road earlier.¡¯


    ¡°You can¡¯t eat stuff that¡¯s fallen on the ground, kiddo!¡±


    Sure, you probably can eat mushrooms, but at the same time, I can¡¯t rmend cannibalism.


    Well, it¡¯s not like Muu really feels like it belongs with random fungus.


    More importantly, though, most of the mushrooms around here are poisonous.


    I don¡¯t know what would happen if you were to eat one of them.


    Wait, what? Muu was eating a mushroom?


    ¡°Mu?¡±


    Muu eating with the mouth on its torso looks really indecent.


    With that... cat-like mouth. I¡¯m overthinking this.


    ¡®Are those vulgar thoughts what interests you?¡¯


    I feel like Veno is trying to say I¡¯m dirty for thinking it¡¯s dirty.


    Hey, I¡¯m still a young man. What can I do?


    I just got freed from ving it in thatpany. But replenishing myself with enough sleep, food, and exercise, my body is working like it should.


    Ah, life in this world is easy.


    ¡®What a trooper you are to find this situation we are in rxing...¡¯


    Heh heh, if you know how hard it is for us, then you¡¯d know that it¡¯d even knock you dragons out.


    ¡®All I know is that you are making fun of me. It is not a battle where your lives are at stake.¡¯


    If we fail, we get fired and we¡¯ll be out in the cold. What¡¯s the difference between that and dying?


    Don¡¯t underestimate us humans.


    ¡®All I learned from your memories are how rotten humans are.¡¯


    I¡¯ll let Veno off the hook for now.


    I take the piece of meat out of the poison.


    Oh? You can tell that it¡¯s not tough anymore, even when raw. It¡¯s even close to the meat I had back home.


    Even the tough bits turned to something like fat, like it¡¯s got good marbling on it.


    I gotta make sure by grilling it and burning off the poison.


    ¡®This soft deteriorated meat is something that you wished for? To me, meat is best enjoyed dripping with blood or just normally roasted. Next best are the organs and brains.¡¯


    There too are humans who love offal. Heck, I can even understand why people like liver.


    But brain? I don¡¯t think I feel the same.


    Well, after all, dragons are wild creatures.


    I¡¯ll show you how to prepare meat that¡¯s better than the sum its parts.


    But more so than tired of tough steak, I never liked it in the first ce.


    If this fails, then next time, I¡¯ll try my hand at Hamburg steaks.


    ¡®A pursuit in the culinary arts? That reminds me of an acquaintance of mine, a monster who had the same hobby.¡¯


    That right? I think I¡¯d get along with him just fine.


    ¡®I would advise against that. That acquaintance asked me for the best way to prepare human.¡¯


    For the record, I am against cannibalism!


    That doesn¡¯t matter anyway.


    I put the meat back in the barrel and head towards to the kitchen.


    I take out the skillet I bought earlier and ce it on the fire at the hearth.


    By the way, the proprietress is simply letting me use the kitchen after she¡¯s done with it.


    She¡¯s charging me for the firewood, but it¡¯s not a lot of money.


    Cooking in the campsite at the swamp was fine, but there¡¯s always the danger of being attacked by monsters. It¡¯s definitely better here.


    The real danger here is how the handle gets pretty hot too since the frying pans are all cast iron here.


    Gotta find a piece of cloth of leather to wrap the handle with. But even then, it still gets damn hot.


    It seems like there are nicer ones where the handles don¡¯t heat up as much, but in a dying vige like this one, no such luck.


    I cut off some of the fat and render it out onto the pan to get it nice and greased up. I then mix some salt with culinary herbs that Veno taught me about. I fry the tenderized b of meat with some of that herb-salt mixture.


    The meat sears with a nice sizzle.


    Oh? That smells real good.


    ¡°Mu?¡±


    It seems like the scent piqued Muu¡¯s interest and ites to watch me cook.


    I did marinate a few pieces of meat, so I have enough for Muu. But since this is just a trial, I don¡¯t know how it¡¯ll turn out.


    I¡¯d feel bad for Muu if it tastes like crap, so I¡¯ll be the guinea pig.


    Juices leak out from the meat and sizzle onto the pan. I flip the piece of meat over.


    Ooh, that¡¯s a nicely seared crust.


    I te up the meat before it overcooks.


    I was originally going to saut¨¦ some mushrooms for a side, but I¡¯d rather not in front of Muu. Instead, I¡¯ll do a vegetable stir fry with some herbs and the fat in the pan. Can¡¯t waste that meaty goodness.


    I¡¯ll make a soup with the herbs I found on the first floor of the dungeon.


    The ingredients are pretty much the same as the stir fry. I just hope it turns out edible.


    Mimosa Wild Boar Steak


    Quality: Superior


    Steak of wild boar that has been prepared in a unique method.


    This results in an extra sulent steak.


    Herb Stir Fry


    Quality: Superior


    A healthy stir fry loaded with lots of nutritious herbs.


    The effects vary from the herbs used.


    Herb Soup


    Quality: Average


    A soup made from herbs.


    Et vo!


    I arrange it nicely and sit down at the table with it.


    Ah, the proprietress is sneaking nces at me. Looks like she¡¯s interested too.


    Sorry, but I¡¯m already paying you for the use of this kitchen. There¡¯s no way I¡¯m letting you have my steak too.


    Not to mention, despite that the Mollifying Poison is weak to fire, I still have to test it out with Detect Poison. And my taste buds.

 Chapter 20

    <h4>Chapter 20</h4>


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s dig in.¡±


    ¡°Mu.¡±


    It¡¯s not like you¡¯re getting any, Muu.


    You¡¯ve had dinner already. You can wait ¡®til I¡¯m done.


    It feels like I¡¯m enticing it, but I cut the steak with my fork and knife.


    Oh? It¡¯s super tender. I mean, I knew that before, but still.


    Like a hot knife through butter.


    It¡¯s as if there isn¡¯t any gristle at all.


    You can see the nicely charred exterior and the beautiful pink center in the cross-section.


    The juices flow out, showing that it¡¯s not been overcooked. Actually, isn¡¯t there too much juice leaking out?


    I wonder if it¡¯s not actually Mollifying Poison seeping out. I¡¯ve gotta check carefully to be sure.


    ... mm. It¡¯s definitely not poison.


    But I can¡¯t be sure with just sight and smell. I¡¯ve gotta make sure by tasting it.


    I skewer a big bite of the steak with the fork and just as I was about to bite into it... it starts melting in my mouth. It¡¯s way softer than expected.


    When I was a corporate ve, I figured I had to treat myself once in a while, so I went and got the best steak I could... this is just like that A5 Kobe beef steak I had.


    The marbling would melt in your mouth and then perform a symphony of vors on your tongue. By the gods, this is heavenly.


    ¡®Hmm? I am not sure if I would feel the same as you if I were to eat it like that. Meat is best enjoyed by ripping bites off with your teeth, is it not?¡¯


    You could say we enjoy our steaks differently.


    ¡®Aye, indeed... I am sharing your experience right now. The meat dissolves in the mouth... not unlike a high-quality White Buff roasted alive. How great it is to be able to relive that with an inexpensive cut of meat.¡¯


    I don¡¯t exactly know the monster he¡¯s talking about, but Veno¡¯s demonstrating it to me.


    He¡¯s sharing the vor with me.


    I¡¯d rather you cut that out. I don¡¯t wanna taste the raw flesh of a monster just killed.


    ¡®I understand. But, is this what you would call ¡°well-marbled¡± in your world?¡¯


    Yeah, that¡¯s it.


    I take bite after bite of my meat, trying to dissect its deliciousness.


    The Mollifying Poison had dissolved the cogen and fat... or something like that.


    If it made this cheap b of meat so juicy and tender, imagine how delicious it would be doing this to a quality monster steak.


    Discovering new ways to enjoy the food around me might just be fun.


    There¡¯s still the stir fry and soup waiting for my taste test.


    Hmm... the vor and spice from the herbs are strong, but different than something like a curry.


    Unfortunately, the soup is the exact same.


    It¡¯s got the texture of that ang¡¯eld stuff I picked with Arleaf. It¡¯s pretty alright.


    I might be on them soon, but before that, at least I can enjoy a few more good meals.


    ¡°Muu muu.¡±


    ¡°Oh, alright, I¡¯ll make you some too since it tastes fine.¡±


    ¡°Mu.¡±


    ¡°But once you try some of this, you¡¯ll never want to have meat raw ever again.¡±


    ¡®You should not feed it such delicious food. Monster will never go back once they have a taste for the good things in life.¡¯


    What are you monsters? Cats?


    ¡®cause once you feed cats the good stuff, they¡¯ll never want the normal crap again.


    I remember back in the day, the cat my parents had was like that.


    Well, it¡¯s not like Muu¡¯s a cat. And since he¡¯s only had raw meat and mushrooms, it¡¯d be nice for him to try something else.


    Plus, he worked so hard today.


    Feeling kinda generous, I cook up another Wild Boar Steak with Mimosa for Muu.


    I even cut it up into bite-sized cubes so it¡¯s easier for it to eat.


    Muu wolfs the meat down and its eyes glimmer at me as if to say, ¡°Is there more?¡± It happily tippy taps with its feet while the mouth on its cap drools like a waterfall. Muu really can¡¯t contain its delight.


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    It joyfully calls out to me after inhaling the meat.


    Seeing how happy he is means more than anything to me.


    With the word ¡°poison¡± in its name, it¡¯d bemon sense to think that eating Mollifying Poison-marinated meat would be dangerous to you... but all that matters is that it¡¯s tasty!


    I used Detect Poison on the steak inside and out and it came out negative.


    Yeah, it¡¯s super weak against fire and heat.


    Not only that, but it even breaks down the protein and transforms the fat. This stuff is great for cooking.


    The only problem now is what to do with the monsters we y.


    It¡¯s a pain to dress the carcasses, but not only is Veno able to consume them, I too am able to eat them now.


    ¡®Good on you. Our survival is essential, but you must not neglect your meals.¡¯


    Ah, but Veno can have the rotting flesh of zombie dogs.


    It doesn¡¯t matter how much it¡¯s been soaking in Mollifying Poison, I still don¡¯t want to anything spoiled.


    Even if I can¡¯t get food poisoning with Poison Absorption.


    ¡®How dare you! Do not think that I would eat rubbish! I may be able to digest spoiled meat, but I will not overlook your attitude!¡¯


    Yeah, yeah.


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    Ah, Muu didn¡¯t touch the stir fry and the soup.


    Maybe it thought the anti-bacterial effects of the herbs would be bad for its tummy.


    We sure had fun with our food today.


    The man who spoke of dreams of remation brandishes his sword, retreating nary a step in the face of fiendish monsters.


    Behind him lies the remnants of decimated elvish forces.


    He has but little strength left to fight on.


    The men had fought to protect the elves.


    ¡°Keh...¡±


    The man, riddled with wounds, props himself up with his sword and doggedly trudges towards the general of the monsters, showing his fighting spirit with each step he takes.


    ¡°I cannot stop here. But you and your selfish ideals to destroy humanity must be stopped!¡±


    ¡°I will brutally ughter you for being such a pain!¡±


    ¡°Haaaaaaaaaaaaa!¡±


    After an arduous battle, the man who spoke of dreams of remationnds a fatal blow against the monster general.


    Like a sh of lightning, he dashes forwards and runs his sword through the enemy¡¯s torso.


    ¡°Say your prayers!¡±


    ¡°Guh... I don¡¯t believe it¡ªme, being the one driven into a corner... however, I shall not die here!¡±


    With a loud scream, the general creates a ck sphere that all his minions get sucked into.


    The leader of the monsters visibly heals with every minion that gets sucked in.


    ¡°Despicable! You would do this to your own kind?!¡±


    ¡°They be my strength! It is their honor to! Now that I am more powerful than ever and you on the verge of dying, let¡¯s see if I can¡¯t win!¡±


    The general, after absorbing all his minions, shows off... only to have Bless casted upon him.


    It was casted from the being whose point of view I¡¯m looking through.


    ¡°Gaaaaaaaaaaaaah! B-sts! Damn you! How dare you betray us?!¡±


    ¡°Do not lump me in with you. I am a dragon. I will not stand for you treating me as your equal. Furthermore, you have gone overboard. To sacrifice your own subordinates for your victory? You are even more of a fool than the foolish humans. You have vowed to make a world for monsters, yet you act like such?¡±


    ¡°What are you saying?! If I die, we lose everything. They can be replenished, so what is sacrificing a few pawns for the world? For the world, for the end of this war, for the extermination of the human race¡ªat any cost. Yes, I shall be the one to found a new monster empire.¡±


    ¡°How foolish to absorb all monsters and their powers into your own body and then to use it as the framework of the world. It would be a stagnant world. Even as a neutral party, I must do what I can to oppose that.¡±


    ¡°Heh. You have lost to that man. What makes you think you are a match for me?¡±


    ¡°I wonder. I do have this in my hand though.¡±


    A sapling appears in a sh of bright light.


    ¡°Th-The sapling! What do you think you¡¯re going to do with it?!¡±


    ¡°Stop feigning ignorance. You must know. After all, if there are two things to which you are weak to, it is barriers and the power of the world tree. All I must do right now is to use that power. Once I call upon the powers of the world tree sapling, you shall be annihted.¡±


    ¡°H-Hmph. And then what?! What will happen by defeating me? You will end up in another foolish war against the humans. What do you stand to gain from this?!¡±


    The dragon amiably fixes his eyes at the man who spoke of dreams of remation.


    There is nothing greater than for such remarkable humans to rediscover normalcy and their everyday lives amidst times of turmoil.


    ¡°Silence. At the very least, my influence on the world tree will change its power. It will not function in the same manner as before.¡±


    ¡°Wh-What are you going to do?! Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re going to something that dangerous! I¡¯ll never allow it!¡±


    The man who spoke of dreams of remation bluntly shouted at the dragon.


    It is certain true that he is stronger than the being through whose point of view I¡¯m looking. It is a sore spot, but the dragon would not deny it.


    ¡°It is nothing particrly dangerous. I am merely changing forms in order to change the world tree and awaken its powers. Aye... I know not when, but I shall surely arouse. There are no guarantees that you shall still be alive when I do so but let us make a promise. A man with foolish dreams goes on to create his own nation, and that nation¡ª¡±


    ¡°Stop joking! That will bring happiness to no one!¡±


    ¡°I know. But I no longer have any other options. The future of this nation and my domains... I leave it all up to you.¡±


    The sapling coils around the dragon¡¯s chest in a blinding light, absorbing all the strength and mana he has.


    Finally, the dragon unleashes the power of the world tree, something universally hated by all monsters.


    ¡°Ridiculous! You bastard! You¡¯re nipping the future of all monsters in the bud! Mark my words! May it take centuries or millennia, we shalle for you! Consider that a prophecy! Prepare yourself! Gaaaaaaaaaaaah!¡±


    The being whose point of view I¡¯m looking through savors the monster¡¯s death throes before finally losing all consciousness.


    What remains are hopes for the future and memories with the people. The dragon drifts into a peaceful slumber, into calmness.


    A dream within a dream... or at least so thinks the dragon. It is world in which nothing happens.


    The man who spoke of dreams of remation¡ªstill devoted to helping all problems around him¡ªjoyfully enjoys his meal, engaging in friendly conversation.


    Seeing how things went better than expected, the smiles on people¡¯s faces, and how they lead happy lives, the dragon is satisfied with his modest aplishment.


    Though slightly sad that he is not able to join them, he is able to see this blissful dream unfold... unfolding in his deep slumber.


    It¡¯s been three days since Muu¡¯s joined the party.


    I realize that our fights have gotten much easier thanks to Muu,


    We can even venture deep into the swamp now.


    However, leveling up has proven to be difficult.


    Though we¡¯ve prioritized hunting in the swamp, we¡¯ve encountered noticeably fewer monsters in these past few days.


    We should consider heading deeper into the dungeon too.


    Or perhaps we could take on a few ying requests...


    But then thates with its own problems too.


    I may be able to recover in the swamp water, but Muu¡¯s doesn¡¯t have that luxury.


    What we can fight in a day is limited to however much stamina Muu can regenerate.


    If we engage in a battle for too long, I can visibly tell when it runs out of stamina. And that¡¯s a tough fight if it does.


    Muu may be tough, but it still needs some way to recover.


    With the fertilizer Veno gave us, Muu can keep on fighting for a little longer, but what if he tires out in a critical moment?


    I worry about Muu and his recovery.

 Chapter 21

    <h4>Chapter 21</h4>


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    The bulletin board area in the town square feels too calm today.


    It seems like there are far fewer adventurers taking up quests.


    For some reason, the weather¡¯s been getting more oppressive day by day. You could say it¡¯s even driving people out of this vige.


    The inn¡¯s proprietress is in a poorer state than ever and her cough getting worse.


    ¡®Aye, certainly... there is a remarkably smaller presence of adventurers.¡¯


    Veno agrees with me.


    So it wasn¡¯t just me then.


    ¡®Moreover, there are more people coughing too.¡¯


    Hmm... maybe they¡¯ve all gone to a faraway dungeon or something.


    I go check the bulletin board, but there¡¯s still quite a few requests up.


    There really are fewer adventurers out and about...


    The apothecary hasn¡¯t posted anything on the board for the past few days either.


    When I went over to be nosy, I found Arleaf¡¯s dad in the back of the store, making some kind of potion.


    Perhaps he got all the ingredients he needed from me.


    I know Arleaf just got back too. Maybe her dad sent her away again to harvest herbs.


    If not, I would¡¯ve liked to invite her toe adventuring with me.


    I wonder what she¡¯d think of Muu.


    ¡®I am not impressed with you showing off Muu.¡¯


    I didn¡¯t say I was gonna show it off.


    I just wanted them to get along is all.


    I mean, I came to this fantasy world and was told that I had people after my head. Arleaf¡¯s just a breath of fresh air.


    But I¡¯ll admit, it¡¯s every guy¡¯s dream to see a cute girl y with their pets.


    ¡®Honestly... I am appalled and speechless.¡¯


    ¡°I could be worse!¡±


    ¡°Muu?¡±


    Well... this vige wasn¡¯t really lively and there weren¡¯t that many quests to begin with.


    Guess there are off days too, eh? Since I had the time, I replenished my poison stock and made more varieties. I even hunted for a bit before I went home and chilled.


    Night fell.


    Muu and I were tending to our weapons when there was a knock at the door.


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    Is that the proprietress?


    I answer the door.


    There Arleaf stands with a troubled expression on her face.


    ¡°Arleaf? What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Sorry for visiting sote, Yukihisa.¡±


    I invite her in.


    ¡°Something you need to talk to me about? My room¡¯s a bit barebones bute in if you¡¯d like.¡±


    ¡°Oh. Thanks.¡±


    ¡°Mu?¡±


    Upon seeing Arleaf, Muu nods to greet her.


    ¡°Good evening.¡±


    ¡°Mu.¡±


    ¡°I have heard from my father. This must be the homunculus that you have created, Yukihisa.¡±


    ¡°Oh, uhh, yeah. Its name is Muu.¡±


    News of Muu spread quick.


    Arleaf looks at Muu in the eyes, sits down in front of it, and holds her hand out.


    ¡°My name is Arleaf. I¡¯m an acquaintance of Yukihisa¡¯s.¡±


    Oof. Hearing ¡°acquaintance¡± hurts a little.


    Yeah. We¡¯re just acquaintances. I get it.


    Well... it¡¯s not like we got to know each other well.


    We¡¯ve only chatted for a bit on my first day here, so we¡¯re only at this stage.


    ¡°Arleaf, you were out trading with nearby viges, right?¡±


    ¡°That is right. I was out delivering medicines my father had made... and I was also purchasing ingredients needed to make them too.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s up then?¡±


    Objectively, her and I are just acquaintances.


    I¡¯m quite a bit older than her too. She doesn¡¯t really have much of a reason to visit me in my room.


    If she had a request for me, she could tell the proprietress to pass on the message. But to visit me in person? I can¡¯t think of any reason for her to.


    ¡°Right... the truth is that I have something I need to ask.¡±


    Something you need to ask? What¡¯s that?


    ¡®Perhaps she has found out our true identities. We must take care of her and escape at once.¡¯


    You¡¯re jumping to conclusions.


    Veno begins detecting presence of anyone possibly nearby.


    As he does that, he pings and highlights every single person close to us. Cut that out already.


    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t happen to have a poisonous herb called Red Deathfire on you, would you? An urgent need for it arose... I have heard from my father that you venture deep into the swamnds and so I dropped by unannounced.¡±


    Arleaf has a sullen expression on her face.


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    Red Deathfire? Do I have any of that?


    ¡®Aye, you do have Red Deathfire. It is the herb that you found in the dungeon, is it not?¡¯


    ¡°I do have some, but...¡±


    ¡°I-In that case, please sell it to me! However much money you ask for!¡±


    ¡°Uhh... it¡¯s a pretty dangerous nt, you know? Could you at least tell me how you¡¯ll use it?¡±


    In any case, it¡¯s always the apothecary buying up and using these shady herbs.


    No matter how much of a good person Arleaf may seem to be, I can¡¯t just hand over these toxic herbs over so easily.


    If it¡¯s my fault that anything bad happens, we¡¯ll be in a world of hurt.


    ¡°As you adventurers know already, the viges around here are afflicted by an epidemic and the disease is only growing.¡±


    ¡°Huh?!¡±


    Now that you mention it, the proprietress has been hacking her lungs up for a couple of days now.


    I thought it was a cold, but...


    I guess even the adventurers are trying to run away from it.


    That¡¯s why it was so quiet today.


    ¡°We have been trying our best to make enough medicine, but we have run out of the necessary materials... and... my mother, she¡¯s...¡±


    Arleaf¡¯s hands are clenched tight, trembling. She was merely putting on a brave face earlier.


    It sounds like her mom came down with the epidemic.


    Her dad is franticallypounding more medicine, but I guess he doesn¡¯t have enough ingredients.


    Is that why she went out to buy and sell with the other viges?


    Perhaps she needed to urgently buy medicine to fight this disease.


    ¡°Even though she looked fine three days ago...¡±


    ¡°She suddenly got worse...¡±


    ¡°I assume the proprietress of this inn caught the same disease?¡±


    ... the proprietress did get sicker recently.


    It was so bad for her, she even needed Muu to help out around the inn.


    ¡°... yes. This area is usually often gued by illnesses, but rarely is it this bad.¡±


    Hmm...


    ¡°I understand. I¡¯ll provide you with some Red Deathfire, but is that going to save everyone?¡±


    Her expression doesn¡¯t get any better after hearing my question.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid that wouldn¡¯t be possible. My father says people will get better when they do. The most they can do is to leave it up to the gods.¡±


    She answers worriedly.


    Veno, Red Deathfire really can be made into medicine, right?


    ¡®Ahh, it may be a dangerous herb, but if properly handled, it can be turned into potions. Nothing the girl said is wrong.¡¯


    That¡¯s a relief.


    Then I have no good reason to say no to her.


    ¡°I might have other herbs you may need as well. Can I lend a hand?¡±


    Even with everything I said about being ready to leave, I¡¯ve made this vige my base of operations for a while now.


    Not that I have a particr attachment to it or anything, but everybody so far has been nice to me. I hope that none of them sumb to this disease.


    Arleaf¡¯s dad is able to make the medicine as long as he¡¯s got the ingredients, so I¡¯ll just hang around in case he needs anything else from me.


    Or maybe I should go out and harvest some more.


    ¡°But...¡±


    ¡°Besides getting me a good rate for this room, you¡¯ve helped me out lots already. Can¡¯t I?¡±


    ¡°... okay.¡±


    I get up from my seat and get ready to head out.


    ¡°Right now¡¯s a good time, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Then pleasee with me. I¡¯ll try asking my father.¡±


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    We made our way to Arleaf¡¯s home posthaste.


    It¡¯s the same store as usual, but... it¡¯s eerily quiet.


    I don¡¯t hear the sounds of Arleaf¡¯s dad making medicine.


    Taking a break maybe?


    Arleaf puts a frown on her face and hurries to the back of the store.


    ¡°Father?!¡±


    I follow behind Arleaf to find her dad copsed on the ground face-up.


    Various ingredients lie scattered, including the marphina I¡¯ve brought over.


    ¡®He was saying he would prepare himself for the sickness... I see. Certainly, marphina would serve well in thispound. It should soothe even particrly bad symptoms.¡¯


    ¡°Father! Are you alright?!¡±


    Arleaf rushes over to carry him up.


    ¡°Ah, ahh... that you, Arleaf? Cough, cough. I d-didn¡¯t expect the illness to get to me. Sorry, but could you get me up? I¡¯ve gotta hurry and mix more medicine.¡±


    ¡°B-But...¡±


    ¡°If the doctor goes down first, there¡¯ll be no one to save the vige. Cough...¡±


    His wheezy breathing seems to aggravate his cough, but he returns to work with a determined look on his face.


    He finally notices me and looks up.


    ¡°Ahh, Cohgray.¡±


    ¡°I might have some ingredients that would be of use to you, so I invited myself along.¡±


    ¡°That right? Thanks for that. Arleaf¡¯s still fine, so I¡¯ll get her to pay you afterwards, if that¡¯s fine with you.¡±


    ¡°Th-That¡¯s fine. Here, I heard you needed this.¡±


    I brought out the Red Deathfire wrapped in cloth and handed it over to Arleaf¡¯s dad.


    ¡°Ahh... with this, I can make the medicine. It... should be effective... on Bloodflower.¡±


    ¡®... Bloodflower?¡¯


    Hearing the name, Veno responded.


    You know something about it?


    ¡®All humans are susceptible to this infamous contagious disease. Once acquired, the patient will develop a flower-like bruise on their chest. The petals on the flower will disappear one by one. And when all petals go, so too shall the patient. This Blossomfall, as some may call it, has a high-mortality rate.¡¯


    Whoa, hey. Contagious? This ain¡¯t a joke!


    Having been born and raised in Japan, I¡¯ve never faced any major infectious diseases, but I know I¡¯m in a real dangerous situation right now.


    ¡®Aye, its infection rate is high, although it takes quite some time to sumb to Bloodflower. Only until one develop any visible symptoms is it painful and hard to treat. Some say it is a flower of blood that tells your death.¡¯


    So, it doesn¡¯t visibly appear until the disease really gets to you.


    ¡®This is, after all, a vige near a swamp where miasma often hazes over. It is not unusual to have a few infected. With the right medicine, one can recover surprisingly quickly from it. You need not worry.¡¯


    How about dragons?


    ¡®So what if I catch this?¡¯


    Guess you¡¯ll be fine.


    Well, since you¡¯re a Poison Dragon, this kinda stuff can¡¯t really affect you, right?


    ¡®It is not out of the realm of possibility for me to fall ill, but I do not acquire diseases. Truth be told, I am quite interested whether you will or not. It is a question of life or death, after all.¡¯


    Luckily, I don¡¯t show any signs of having Bloodflower yet.


    Maybe I haven¡¯t even caught it yet.


    Even if I do have it, I have no choice but to hope Poison Absorption to work.


    ¡®In that case, it would not be possible for you to acquire this disease.¡¯


    ...? How do you know?


    ¡®That is because¡ª¡¯


    As Veno was just about to exin it to me, Muu calls out in a worried tone.


    ¡°Muuu...¡±


    This must be an urgent matter.


    Muu looks up towards me.

 Chapter 22

    <h4>Chapter 22</h4>


    ¡°Father, is there anything else that you need?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m alright for this here now. But the next batch will be a bit tricky, so I¡¯ve got to get started on it soon.¡±


    The trembling apothecary replies with a cough interspersed.


    That¡¯s a little worrying.


    ¡°I¡¯ll help out too.¡±


    I begin tidying the messed-up room.


    Arleaf watches her dad so that she can make his work easier, even if only a bit.


    A coughing fit interrupts his work, but he soldiers on.


    He blends herbs both poisonous and not, along with some dried monster organs all together with his mortar and pestle.


    He then distills and boils the mixture, but the lengthy andplicated process still isn¡¯t finished.


    During a break in their work, I meet Arleaf¡¯s mother for the first time. She walked out to the shop from her bedroom.


    ¡°Haa... haa...¡±


    ¡°Mother. Hold on, okay?¡±


    Arleaf wipes the cold sweat off her mom¡¯s face, wrings out the towel, and ces it on her forehead to cool her down.


    I take a peek at Arleaf¡¯s mom.


    I can see where Arleaf gets her good looks from.


    There¡¯s a red spot around her corbone... I see a petal.


    A single petal... and ording to Veno, she dies if the petal disappears.


    It¡¯s noughing matter anymore.


    There¡¯s no way they didn¡¯t notice her condition until now.


    While we wait for the medicine to be finished, I can only hope both Arleaf¡¯s parents get better after taking it.


    I¡¯m not here to watch them work; I help out with thepounding.


    Seems like they¡¯ve gotta turn a bunch of different ingredients into medicine.


    And after helping out at Arleaf¡¯s home for a few hours...


    ¡°Almost done.¡±


    Arleaf¡¯s dad mutters out while holding back his coughs.


    ¡®How baffling... that would only halt its progression but notpletely cure the person of the disease. Does he want to test the vitality of the patients?¡¯


    What?!


    Why would they make something like that?


    Didn¡¯t you say that they can easily recover if they take their meds?


    ¡®Judging by that man¡¯s work, it looks as though he knows not how to make medicine to treat Bloodflower... aye, it seems not all humans have found a cure.¡¯


    Hold on, Veno.


    You¡¯re saying the cure isn¡¯tmon knowledge?


    ¡®If that is the finished product, then indeed, I think he knows not.¡¯


    ... that reminds me, Veno even knows how to make stamina recovery potions.


    ¡®Perhaps, that is how the apothecary makes his money. By selling his symptomatic treatment and not curing the cause, he will have an unending source of ie.¡¯


    No way he¡¯d do that.


    Never mind himself, that¡¯s his wife who¡¯s been infected.


    That kind of profiteering just doesn¡¯t make sense.


    ¡®I wonder. Humans are greedy animals. There are humans that can simply abandon the sick, even if they are blood-rted. For example, if a man wants another woman, his first wife bes a nuisance.¡¯


    You¡¯re cold. Why are humans such despicable creatures to you, Veno?


    You¡¯re normally brimming with curiosity, and so I even go out of my way to tell you about things...


    ¡®...¡¯


    He stays silent after hearing me out.


    However it may be, Veno, do you know how to make a proper cure?


    If you do, tell me and I¡¯ll advise them.


    ¡®By doing so, thou art beckoning misfortune upon thyself. Even I would avoid doing so. Dost thou recognize the risk of this action?¡¯


    ... what do you mean by that?


    ¡®Thou wilt not be recognized for thine efforts if thou should fail. We shall be driven out of this vige.¡¯


    How awful for you to speak like that.


    I¡¯m trying to do what I can to save these people. How can I do nothing and watch them suffer?


    ¡®That medicine depends on the fortitude of the patient. There is a chance of survival; there is no need to be pessimistic.¡¯


    I can¡¯t stand such a cold-hearted idea of prioritizing my own survival.


    ¡®Thou... I do not disagree with thine feelings. In fact, I find it very noble. However... I have experienced how foolish humans can be, thus the reason for my advice.¡¯


    But I haven¡¯t heard a single damn reason from you! How the hell am I supposed to understand anything?


    ¡®Hah... listen then. Hear my advice then extend thine hand. I fear the burden of the repercussions will be too heavy for thee. I ask thee to refrain from making a hasty decision.¡¯


    A hasty decision?


    ¡®Aye. Saving others will incur an appropriate liability. Should thou fail, they will hesitate not to turn upon thee. It matters not whether our intentions are good or not, they wille for thine head.¡¯


    Veno begins to exin.


    Once, there was a person trying to find a cure to the epidemic. By chance, he concocted a potion that was effective and shared it with the people closest to him.


    The ones who received help were thankful to him. Unfortunately, the cure he created was by ident.


    He was not able to eradicate the disease.


    Once the story of how he found a cure spread out, others surrounded him desperately demanded him to recreate the cure.


    Of course, he had no more cure to offer. He tried reasoning that he had only unexpectedly stumbled upon a working form.


    Those who clung to that small glimmer of hope found nothing in return. Anything else they did was rash and thoughtless, Venomented.


    This is the guy that spread the disease around, isn¡¯t he?


    I bet that bunch bought their cure for an unimaginable amount of money!


    That¡¯s right, they¡¯re his aplices. That makes them no better than him.


    They¡¯re witches¡ªno, demons!


    Let¡¯s get them! We¡¯ll hunt them witches!


    Try them all!


    The family of the dead arm themselves and lynch the ones who were saved.


    The ones who were saved were branded as witches...


    ¡®... a long time ago, I was given a record of pharmaceutical insight. I spoke with this person and learned that he was repenting for living. Repenting, as the others who were not so lucky had shifted their me on him, making him a scapegoat.¡¯


    ... Veno must have a point in telling me all this.


    Man is bound tomit acts of foolishness.


    I can deduce that he¡¯s trying to tell me that I could possibly hurt the innocent.


    ¡®Thus, if I teach thee how to create a cure, thou ought to take responsibility. Ascertain whether thou can and should.¡¯


    ... I can¡¯t half-ass this.


    I really have to do this well and follow through with it.


    ¡®I havee to be fond of thee. Hence I wish not to see thee needlessly hurt.¡¯


    I believe him.


    Really, that kind of thing isn¡¯t out of the realm of possibility.


    What if I give people a hope but can¡¯t follow through with it? That¡¯s scary to think of.


    Not to mention, I¡¯m a nobody.


    They¡¯re just some vige people from a strange and unknown parallel world.


    ¡°...¡±


    Suddenly, I had a shback of everything that had happened since I came here.


    Arleaf saved me, helped meplete quests, and got me a good rate at the inn.


    And though this vige may be rather quiet, people took me in.


    Everyone¡¯s been warm and cordial to me.


    To think that I could emotionally wall them off and think about my survival first...


    I was only staying here to train and develop myself before the pursuers get to me.


    The swamp was simply convenient for me. I can make all these excuses, but I can¡¯t excuse the fact that everyone treated me well.


    I chuckle a little at Veno.


    ¡®What is it? Is something funny?¡¯


    I¡¯m a wanted criminal because of you.


    If I do good, then they¡¯ll have less of a reason to pursue us.


    That means I should help them out to fulfill my childish sense of justice.


    Even if Veno¡¯s medicine doesn¡¯t work, it doesn¡¯t change a thing.


    I¡¯d rather regret doing something than regret not doing anything at all.


    ¡®Good grief... well, we have be stronger. Thou need only to do thine best. However, if others seem to do anything foolish, thou must follow my orders. Thou must protect thyself against any possible dangers.¡¯


    Suppose the vigers do anything foolish like Veno said, I have to listen to what Veno tells me to do to survive.


    I pray for that day never toe.


    ¡®Then, I shall teach thee how to create a remedy for Bloodflower. Listen closely.¡¯


    Gotcha.


    As Arleaf¡¯s fatherpletes the finishing touches on his medicine, I grab the bowl he was nning to use.


    ¡°That won¡¯t heal this disease.¡±


    ¡°Hah? What are you sayin¡¯, Cohgray?¡±


    ¡°Yukihisa?¡±


    Arleaf¡¯s father res at me with doubtful eyes while Arleaf worriedly watches us.


    ¡°You know that too, don¡¯t you? This will only alleviate the symptoms of Bloodflower and nothing more. It depends on the patient¡¯s system to fight the disease.¡±


    ¡°... ah. But as everyone knows, this is the only thing that works against Bloodflower.¡±


    ¡°I know of a cure for Bloodflower. I didn¡¯t think it had spread this far, so I was a bit shocked is all.¡±


    ¡°The hell you sayin¡¯? If you¡¯re going to screw around, then get the hell out of¡ªcough cough cough.¡±


    The instant the man looked at me when I interrupted him, his face flushed red with anger, only to be cut off by his violent coughing.


    I took the opportunity to bare his chest.


    Only one petal of blood remains.


    His condition is as bad as his wife¡¯s, who has been confined to her bed for a while.


    Impressive. Normally at this stage, people can¡¯t get up.


    That¡¯s what Veno¡¯s said in his analysis of the disease.


    ¡°Father!¡±


    Arleaf calls out while rubbing her father¡¯s back, trying to soothe his cough.


    ¡°Cough cough. Ar-Arlea¡ªcough.¡±


    Arleaf¡¯s father points at me, trying to get me out of his way.


    ¡°Mu...¡±


    ¡°Father, I didn¡¯t know your condition worsened this much...¡±


    Flustered at the state her dad is in, Arleaf avoids looking him in the eyes.


    It doesn¡¯t seem like Arleaf¡¯s dad has the strength to force me out of his way either.


    ¡°Are you saying¡ªthere¡¯s such a mi-miraculous drug...?¡±


    ¡°Watch me. All I need to do is add a little more to what you¡¯ve just made.¡±


    I repeated what Veno had just said to me and continue Arleaf¡¯s dad¡¯s work.


    The poisonous herb pogneuk magically appears in front of my eyes.


    Consumption of it causes shortness of breath.


    ¡®Mash the pogneuk with the mortar and pestle then add the neutralizer, making a potion. Add in a pinch of dietetrodake spores.¡¯


    I add the ingredients exactly as Veno instructs me to.


    ¡®Then, take five milliliters of water squeezed out of marphina and mix that in. We do not have enough from the previous time we made it.¡¯


    I just wanted to double-check whether I¡¯m making this right.


    Most of what I added in is toxic.


    This only looks real deadly to me. You sure this is okay?


    ¡®Worry not and just do as I say. Upes the hardest part. So that it ounts for five percent of the potion the apothecary has made, add in our concoction. Any less and it shall not be effective. Any more and it shall spell death.¡¯


    Gah... you couldn¡¯t have made this any harder, could you?


    I can probably use Detect Poison on the final product, but I can¡¯t stand to see myself fail now.


    I try to stop my hand from shaking so much and hope that this is five percent.

 Chapter 23

    <h4>Chapter 23</h4>


    Arleaf¡¯s father stands up to stop me, but only to have the air choked out of him by his cough.


    ¡°Muu! Hold him back!¡±


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    Following my order, Muu leaps at Arleaf¡¯s dad.


    I don¡¯t think he¡¯s exactly a match for Muu right now, but hopefully that¡¯ll buy me some time.


    Muu tackles the apothecary and pins him down face-up.


    Just to be sure, I hit him with a bit of Mild Paralysis Poison.


    ¡°Gah!¡ªcough...¡±


    That should buy me some time.


    ¡°Yukihisa?!¡±


    Arleaf scoldingly calls my name out in, worried for her dad.


    ¡°It¡¯ll be alright. I¡¯m gonna save your parents... though I¡¯m doubtful whether they¡¯d drink this.¡±


    I probably look like I¡¯m being pretty stubborn right now.


    But this medicine is really tricky to make, and I don¡¯t want to be liable for identally killing anyone. Of course, I don¡¯t want anybody butting in.


    It might have been a little heavy-handed of me, but it¡¯s because I don¡¯t trust myself doing this.


    ¡°No... I think Father will drink it once he understands what it is. He mentioned that the potions you previously made were quite good.¡±


    Is that right... rather, will he really understand?


    ¡®Then exin it to them. Medicines with Marphina as the main active ingredient are effective against Bloodflower.¡¯


    I exin on Veno¡¯s behalf.


    ¡°The disease manifests itself in the shape of a flower on the chest. That¡¯s because Bloodflower is borne out of these tiny parasitic mold-type monsters that live on the patient¡¯s chest.¡±


    I didn¡¯t think there¡¯d be monsters like that.


    I guess not all monsters are visible to the naked eye.


    It really makes me feel as if being a Poison-Wielder is ying on easy-mode in this world. Everybody else has it rough.


    ¡°Marphina by itself has the same poisonous effect on the body as it does on the monster. But when mixed with Red Deathfire, it bes more effective against the mold yet neutralizes the poison for the host. It even gains some antidotal effect.¡±


    I get it now. That¡¯s why you said it¡¯s instantly curable.


    You just have to kill the monsters.


    ¡®It is said that these mold-type monsters were the spawn of an infamous monster. The infamous monster has already been in, but its creation lives on.¡¯


    The toxic mold monsters are instantly killed by the antidote. That¡¯s why the symptoms go away immediately too.


    ... does that mean the viruses and bacteria in this world are all monsters?


    ¡®The only answer I can give thee is that it depends on the situation. There exist illnesses not caused by monsters. Bloodflower, though, is one caused by a mold-type monster.¡¯


    Whatever it may be, it¡¯s a troublesome one.


    I don¡¯t even know if I understand itpletely myself.


    I¡¯m not an apothecary. I¡¯m just a Poison-Wielder and an inexperienced one at that.


    But if I can¡¯t get them to understand it, they won¡¯t take the medicine.


    ¡°That¡¯s why Bloodflower doesn¡¯t do much to people with high levels. The monsters¡¯ attack is ineffective, so they just give up.¡±


    I see. Because poison kills the parasites, I¡¯m practically immune to this disease.


    The poison coursing through my body is deadly enough to immediately kill them.


    ¡°Your medicinecks enough poison to kill off the Bloodflower. That¡¯s why I¡¯ve added in the nt that causes suffocation, Pogneuk, and deadly Dietetrodake spores; five percent by volume, to be exact. With that ratio, it should be harmless to the user but deadly enough to wipe out the monsters. Do you get it?¡±


    The Mild Paralysis Poison subsides. Arleaf¡¯s dad stays quiet and remains restrained by Muu.


    He doesn¡¯t look too happy about it.


    I signal Muu to get off him.


    ¡®What else is there... aye. Thou ought to prove to them that thine medicine is safe, so consume some in front of them. Well, even if the medicine were to be a failure and turns out to be lethally poisonous, thou shall be fine testing for poison with thine Poison Absorption.¡¯


    That n¡¯s just downright dirty... with that said though, I have no choice but to do it like this.


    ¡°I¡¯ll prove it to you guys by drinking some first. I probably have been infected just by being here, but if not, it¡¯ll work as a vine for me. With this, may I have your trust?¡±


    Arleaf rushes to her dad¡¯s side and nods at me.


    ¡°... I don¡¯t think Yukihisa is mistaken about this. Father, won¡¯t you give this a try?¡±


    ¡°Cough cough... how boorish of you to get handsy on me, but I get what you¡¯re trying to say. But I won¡¯t trust you unless I see you drink some of what you¡¯ve just made, seeing how it almost all poison. Don¡¯t you fail now.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    With his consent, I add five percent of what seems like pure poison... and mix thoroughly with the medicine Arleaf¡¯s dad has made.


    I check if I had made this right.


    Specialized Medicine


    Quality: Superior


    A fairly dangerous medicine made from toxic substances. Can heal certain illnesses.


    Extremely dangerous when ingested inrge amounts.


    ¡®A spoonful should be enough for it to work.¡¯


    It looks just like a regr potion and nothing more. I let it cool down to room temperature and drink a spoonful of it.


    It¡¯s got... a particr vor. A strong nose of osmanthus.


    Detect Poison didn¡¯t activate, so I should be fine.


    ¡°Is this good enough?¡±


    ¡°Cough... hold your horses. What if you go ¡®Urgh!¡¯ and fall over dead as I take a sip?¡±


    Well, fair.


    Not much I can do but wait about ten minutes.


    As fine and unperturbed as I seem, Arleaf¡¯s father looks at me with dubious eyes. His suspicion leads him to retrieving an expensive-looking bottle of antidote from a cupboard.


    He¡¯s a cautious one.


    ¡°Father, wouldn¡¯t it be less effective if you take both the medicine and antidote together?¡±


    ¡°Arleaf! You were watchin¡¯, weren¡¯t ya? If he screwed up at all, I¡¯m drinking nothing but poison. I¡¯ve got to be prepared.¡±


    ¡°Goodness... Yukihisa tested it for poison already! You¡¯re being rude! Now, hurry up and take some of the medicine.¡±


    Arleaf helps her father drink some of the medicine I had prepared.


    ¡°Ugh...¡±


    It works promptly.


    ¡°Cou¡ªhuh?!¡±


    Shocked, Arleaf¡¯s father stops mid-cough and pats his chest.


    The petals on his chest disappear, as does the paleness on his face. He truly has fully recovered in an instant.


    ¡°What in the gods¡¯ names?! I¡¯ve been cured that easily?!¡±


    That¡¯s quick for sure. It took almost a whole second.


    The reason why it¡¯s so easily curable is because monsters were the cause of it.


    Well... I might be cherry-picking, but the medicine in this world is amazing. It¡¯s just like in a game, where your ailments heal at once.


    ¡®Bloodflower may be dangerous, but the monsters are weak. Take the appropriate steps and they are easily defeated.¡¯


    They may be resistant to all sorts of potions and antidotes, so they do have some kind of fortitude.


    Not to mention, they¡¯re microscopic, just like a virus.


    They¡¯re bound to quickly die if you pump your body full of poison.


    ¡°Bloodflower isn¡¯t really a disease and this isn¡¯t really a cure... it¡¯s monster hunting.¡±


    ¡°Monsters, huh? No wonder medicine doesn¡¯t really work...¡±


    Seems like he believes me now.


    Well, he should naturally, seeing how effective the medicine was.


    ¡°How amazing... it worked this quickly.¡±


    Arleaf chimes in, her voice filled with joy.


    ¡°The antidotal properties of the medicine you mixed up is enough to neutralize it. Well, make it safe enough to consume in small amounts at least. You should hurry and give some to Arleaf¡¯s mom as well. We can eradicate this vige of Bloodflower.¡±


    ¡°By the by, thou shall gain a fair amount of experience just by being near someone who is cured by thy medicine. Furthermore, the medicine is effective against simr diseases.¡±


    I ignore Veno¡¯s good-for-nothingments.


    Luckily, only Muu and I can hear him.


    Let¡¯s see... we¡¯ve also got to eradicate this epidemic.


    Else Veno¡¯s worst case scenario might be a reality.


    I had Arleaf¡¯s mom take some of the medicine her husband and I made, and she quickly recovers too.


    It took some potions and healing magic topensate for her depleted stamina, but she¡¯s fit to be out and about by tomorrow morning.


    The next morning, the medicine made with Veno¡¯s instructions was distributed amongst the vigers. And as expected, Bloodflower no longer gues the vige.


    For the next few days, I took on the role of apothecary and supervised the production of this cure.


    It goes without saying, but everyone in this vige and the next vige over knows my name.


    They¡¯ve all been impacted by the epidemic and all have gone through rough times.


    Desperate for a cure, people from nearby vigese to purchase medicine.


    Well, the ones afflicted by Bloodflower hoping to find an easy cure do so.


    Adventurers have returned as well, bringing their liveliness back to this vige.


    ¡°Oh, Cohgray. You goin¡¯ out?¡±


    The proprietress was previously bound to her bed but now seems to feel much better. She suddenly calls out to me as I walk past the reception desk.


    Her bag-of-bones figure is a thing of the past. In a mere few days, she¡¯s back to a healthy look for her size.


    Apparently, her other illnesses hadplicated, but after a few trips to the apothecary, it seems like she¡¯s fully recovered.


    As a result of her vitality returning... all the fat she¡¯s lost had resurfaced. Or something like that.


    However it may be, that sickly appearance is no more. I¡¯ve even seen her borrows Muu¡¯s axe to split firewood.


    They say she was a pretty famous adventurer back in the day.


    ¡°Yeah, the apothecary has just called me over.¡±


    ¡°That right? Yer givin¡¯ it all every day, aren¡¯tcha? Well, this is all thanks to you anyway. Ain¡¯t that right, Muu-Muu?¡±


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    I¡¯m d she¡¯s so bright and energetic now, but I wish she¡¯d stop grinning at me all the time.


    ¡°Hey, why don¡¯t I introduce ya to my niece? She¡¯s a sweetheart.¡±


    ¡®She is attempting to coerce thee into a marriage. Avoid it.¡¯


    ¡°Oh, uhh, I¡¯m ttered. Really. But I haven¡¯t really haven¡¯t given that kind of thing much thought yet.¡±


    ¡°That right? Cohgray, yer about that age, aren¡¯tcha? Might be a good time for you to settle down.¡±


    Ah, jeez. She¡¯s changed sses from Invalid to Nosy Auntie.


    She may be letting me stay for cheap, but damn.


    Time to bust out a secret ancient Japanese technique¡ªthe ol¡¯ vague non-answer.


    ¡°I-I¡¯ll think about it.¡±


    It¡¯s a roundabout way to reject her offer, but I wonder if it works in this world.


    ¡°Heh heh.¡±


    Ah, crap. Sheughed.


    Gah... what should I do?


    ¡®¡±I do not have the time of day for your niece!¡± would have been eptable, I believe.¡¯


    Yeah, eptable for picking a fight!


    ¡°Sorry for holdin¡¯ you up. Take care out there. You too, Muu-Muu.¡±


    The proprietress thoughtfully sends us off.


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    ¡°Right. I¡¯ll be back.¡±


    With that, we leave the inn for the apothecary.


    ¡°Oh, Yukihisa!¡±


    Arleaf greets me in front of her family¡¯s shop.


    ¡°You¡¯ve made it, eh, Cohgray?¡±


    The doctor calls my name with an annoyed look on his face.


    ¡°How is progress, doctor? Not just with the vige... the whole thing.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s tapering off. Surely you know too.¡±


    ¡°Well, yeah...¡±


    He lets out a heavy sigh.


    ¡°Now then... it¡¯s time we discuss payment.¡±

 Chapter 24

    <h4>Chapter 24</h4>


    ¡°Payment? It¡¯s not like that was a quest or anything.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve gotta draw a line in the sand. You try tellin¡¯ others that you did all this for free and you¡¯re gonna find yourself in a heap of trouble.¡±


    Oh, okay.


    I had no choice but to follow along.


    Arleaf¡¯s father also understands the concerns Veno had.


    ¡°At any rate, this vige ain¡¯t exactly wealthy... we don¡¯t even have the lump sum for the knowledge you¡¯ve given us. Even if I were to use my store as coteral.¡±


    ¡°Umm, you can pay me with whatever you¡¯refortable with.¡±


    ¡°And as I¡¯ve said already, if I take advantage of you here, you¡¯ll be in deep.¡±


    ¡°But...¡±


    That¡¯s true. If we stick out too much, it¡¯d be dangerous for us.


    We can¡¯t forget that there are still people after us.


    There are even wanted posters posted in the tavern.


    ¡°Father, don¡¯t shout at Yukihisa.¡±


    Arleaf stands up for me.


    Nice. You¡¯re my breath of fresh air.


    And she¡¯s been looking up to me ever since the whole Bloodflower thing too. Damn, that feels good.


    Mm.


    Whoops. I¡¯ve been subconsciously ogling her.


    Gotta stay cool and collected.


    ¡°... ugh. The whole vige¡ªand of course our family¡ªis grateful to you. That¡¯s why we can¡¯t have you work for free. To take advantage of people is the beginning of corruption. So be considerate of us and make your demands. Don¡¯t take us merchants lightly either.¡±


    Arleaf¡¯s dad annoyedly grumbles.


    ¡°So... what should I ask for?¡±


    ¡°Ah. There¡¯s nothing we can give you that could ever make up for the knowledge you¡¯ve given us. But what we can do is...¡±


    He brings out a sack of coins and puts it on the counter.


    ¡°This is the money we¡¯ve collected from selling the cure, plus donations from the vigers. That and you¡¯ll have my Arleaf to make up for the rest that we owe you. Don¡¯t go too crazy on her now. Think of it as a favor for me.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    What did Arleaf¡¯s father say just now?¡±


    I got the money part. But I¡¯m not too sure about the next bit.


    What about Arleaf now?


    ¡®He shall use Arleaf to cover the rest of thy remuneration is what he said. Thou can use her to satisfy thy lust to thy heart¡¯s content. How fortunate for thee.¡¯


    Oh, no, no, no, no.


    Dumbfounded, I look over to Arleaf, who then blushes and casts her gaze downwards.


    What the hell? You can¡¯t just sell your daughter!


    ¡®Think carefully. Thou may seem like a simpleton, but thou have the knowledge to cure Bloodflower. They must know they can milk thee for other secrets. Hence why he is entrapping thee with his own daughter. It is a dirty trick often used by humans.¡¯


    Maybe, but still...


    What happened to drawing a line?!


    ¡®Perhaps these are separate matters. They likely have the money they owe you. How cunning of them.¡¯


    I¡¯ve just refused the proprietress¡¯ offer for her niece. What am I going to do about this?


    ¡°sts...¡±


    Arleaf¡¯s father frustratedly curses under his breath, while Arleaf¡¯s mother... peeps on us from the door.


    What is this, some kind of movie? Was Arleaf¡¯s dad ordered by his wife to sell their daughter and so he reluctantly offers her to me?


    ¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong, boy! What I meant was don¡¯t go crazy and working her to the bone! Don¡¯t youy a hand on her!¡±


    ¡°Father!¡±


    ¡°Uhh, working, like have her help me out to pay off the debt kind of thing?¡±


    Oh, I get it. Yeah. That¡¯s totally what he meant.


    Man, was I surprised.


    But it seems like her mom is still pushing for marriage.


    Still, that could be convenient for me.


    What am I saying though? I¡¯m a wanted man.


    If she¡¯s affiliated with me, she¡¯ll probably be wanted for being an essory. I can¡¯t marry her.


    Plus, what¡¯ll happen when Veno learns how to undo the spell?


    Do I return back to Japan? Or do I stay here in this world forever?


    I can¡¯t say so for sure right now.


    So it wouldn¡¯t be fair to Arleaf.


    ¡®That is surprisingly virtuous of thee. Especially knowing thy... fantasies and delusions of her.¡¯


    Shut up, Veno.


    That¡¯s a whole different thing. Yes, I¡¯ve thought of us adventuring together, but that¡¯s not even close to what you¡¯re suggesting.


    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡±


    Arleaf¡¯s dad agrees with an exmation. It¡¯s convenient for us both, I see.


    I¡¯ll take the negotiation tactics I¡¯ve learned from working in a ckpany and use it on him.


    ¡°That said, though... I¡¯m an adventurer and I don¡¯t stay anywhere for too long. I wouldn¡¯t want to impose upon Arleaf.¡±


    ¡°I-I know you¡¯re an impressive adventurer, Yukihisa! I¡¯m prepared to follow you to the ends of the world. So, please, take me in.¡±


    ¡°Mu?¡±


    New party member? Hey, are we getting a new party member?


    ... is what the gleam in Muu¡¯s eyes seems to mean, but I want to say no.


    ¡°Uhh... well, while I¡¯m still here in this vige, you¡¯d really help me out...¡±


    ¡°Only for the time being,¡± is what I implicitly said. Arleaf looks gutted while her dad has a beaming smile on his face.


    Talk about jealous. Sheesh.


    ¡°I¡¯ll follow you wherever you go, Yukihisa, and I¡¯ll prove it to you.¡±


    Arleaf shows how obstinate and zealous she is.


    I¡¯m not even that strong or anything!


    ¡°Well, uhh... for the time being then, let¡¯s do our best together.¡±


    ¡°For sure!¡±


    While it¡¯s true that I¡¯m trying to make a living in this vige, more often than not, the quests I do are from you guys anyway...


    The payment I¡¯ve received for the cure did thicken my wallet quite a bit, so I¡¯ve still got money to stay for a while.


    The problem is the cost of maintaining our weapons.


    The crossbow and armor I have equipped are quite the specialty items, so I¡¯d like to think the maintenance on it is on the expensive side.


    If worsees to worst, then we¡¯ve gotta find out where we can get new equipment that¡¯s easy to use.


    And the biggest problem is when I really have to escape, I¡¯ve got to part from Arleaf so that she¡¯s safe too.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you even think ofying your hand on my daughter, y¡¯hear?¡±


    Calm down, old man! I never said that I would!


    ¡°Hmph. Should be alright then. You¡¯ll find out how scary she can be too, Cohgray.¡±


    Arleaf¡¯s dad muttered smugly, but what does that even mean?


    Arleaf herself trembles with anger, showing her bloodlust for her father again.


    ¡°By the way, Cohgray, you feelin¡¯ peckish at all? Why don¡¯t you stay for dinner?¡±


    ¡°... Father, you¡¯re just¡ª¡±


    ¡°What? You can¡¯t hide it from him forever. You might as well show him now.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the worst.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t back out of this one. This ain¡¯t only for Cohgray, but for you too, Arleaf.¡±


    Umm... I haven¡¯t had a say in this at all. Aren¡¯t you guys getting carried away?


    I look over to the back of the shop and see Arleaf¡¯s mother visibly sigh.


    What? I don¡¯t understand at all what¡¯s happening.


    ¡°A showcase of our daughter¡¯s finest home cooking. You¡¯re excited too, eh?¡±


    He presses me with a threatening look.


    ¡°Oh. Yes.¡±


    For whatever mysterious reason, I guess Arleaf¡¯s family is treating me to dinner tonight.


    ¡°Thank you very much for saving my life. I apologize for not having an earlier moment to thank you directly.¡±


    Arleaf¡¯s mother politely bows and greets me before showing me to the back of their store.


    ¡°Oh, not at all. I¡¯ve only done what I ought to. How have you been feeling since then?¡±


    ¡°I would even say better than before.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s really good to hear. I¡¯m d the proprietress is feeling better too.¡±


    I break the ice with the proprietress and her huge change.


    ¡°I am doing no worse than her for sure, haha.¡±


    Hmm... I don¡¯t think Arleaf¡¯s mom changed nearly as much as the proprietress did.


    I think she¡¯d be better off not to, actually.


    She¡¯s swelling up like a balloon... any more would be bad.


    ¡°Mu.¡±


    ¡°But Mr. Cohgray, it seems you are quite adept at alchemy as well. What a clever boy you have.¡±


    Arleaf¡¯s mom pets Muu as she speaks.


    With Muu around, I seem so much more skilled at medicine than I actually am.


    In reality, Muu¡¯s just a weird chemical reaction that I¡¯m using as my adventuring buddy.


    ¡°Good grief... my husband and him barking orders sure brings us trouble though. Arleaf, too, for my husband¡¯s sake...¡±


    For your husband¡¯s sake... what?


    Could you perhaps give me a proper answer?


    ¡°Like I said! Keepin¡¯ it a secret won¡¯t do nobody no good. You get it, don¡¯tcha?¡±


    Ah. Arleaf¡¯s mom stares daggers at her husband.


    What is happening?


    I thought Arleaf was just cooking for us.


    ¡®They must be scheming to poison thee. Well, not that it would be effective.¡¯


    Surely that can¡¯t be it, Veno.


    Their expressions don¡¯t match up. And Arleaf herself seems to be bothered too.


    It just seems like her dad¡¯s going nowhere with that.


    ¡®Aye... but something is up. Consider my curiosity piqued.¡¯


    Seems like Arleaf¡¯s in the kitchen and caught up in cooking.


    ¡°Cohgray,e check over these ingredients here!¡±


    ¡°Father!¡±


    While Arleaf is distracted by her dad, I look over the ingredients.


    Veno¡¯s knowledge kicks in.


    I¡¯ve been to various taverns and inns for meals since I¡¯vee to this world.


    There¡¯s nothing that I wouldn¡¯t know of about.


    There¡¯s meat that I¡¯ve cooked with, veggies that I¡¯ve had at the tavern, some regr-looking ingredients, and a loaf of crusty bread.


    Nothing¡¯s unfamiliar.


    Yep. Nothing special about this at all.


    Seeing that I¡¯ve finished looking, Arleaf¡¯s dad nods at me, clueing me to look at her cooking.


    While displeased at this situation, she starts cooking as she¡¯s been told.


    She looks like she knows what she¡¯s doing.


    ¡°Goodness... it¡¯s embarrassing how you cling onto your daughter.¡±


    Arleaf¡¯s mom begins to chastise her husband.


    ¡°It¡¯s the truth. But don¡¯t go pokin¡¯ the bear.¡±


    Arleaf¡¯s mom lets out a big sigh, seemingly like this is a long-standing problem.


    ¡°Let¡¯s do thister instead. So, Mr. Cohgray, where did you learn medicine? Perhaps... youe from a prestigious family?¡±


    As expected, they keep inquisitively prying.


    They¡¯re essentially handing their daughter off to me, so it¡¯s only fair they¡¯re concerned.


    ¡°Umm... I had someone who knows lots about this subject. He taught me everything. I¡¯m just from an average family.¡±


    Not a single word of that was a lie.


    That¡¯s a life pro-tip I¡¯ve learned from working in that sweatshop. Hide your secrets amongst truths.


    Like how a job opening would advertise how cozy and spirited the workce is, you¡¯ve got to make your shorings look like your strengths.


    While it¡¯s true how the veterans would be all friendly with each other, the newbies often get ostracized and get forced with more work.


    Create a fa?ade of truths while glossing over what you want hidden.


    You¡¯ll have more people believe you than you¡¯d think.


    As long as there are suckers, there will be people tricking suckers.


    In this case, the someone who knows lots about this subject is Veno, but I don¡¯t have to say whether or not he¡¯s human. I¡¯ll mislead them to think that I¡¯ve learned all this beforehand, while the truth is that Veno had just been teaching me each step of the process one by one.


    They don¡¯t need to learn the whole truth.


    At any rate, I can talk my way out of this.


    Plus, they¡¯re normal people so this whole thing is a piece of cake.


    ¡®One would say thou possess quite the silver tongue. Thou seem quite excited to cheat them too.¡±


    I want to refute him.


    Is Japan really better than this world? I can¡¯t say...


    There might be a sword hanging above my head, but I¡¯m starting to think this isn¡¯t all bad.


    At any rate, it¡¯s great that I don¡¯t have to work overtime and that I sleep well.


    ¡°Is that right? You must have had a great mentor then.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all thanks to him that we could eradicate this illness...¡±


    ¡®I would love to give him our thanks then.¡±


    For some reason, I sense Veno all puffed up with pride.


    ¡®How dost thou like mine knowledge now?¡¯


    Yeah, yeah. You saved the day, but don¡¯t forget I¡¯ve been dragged into this by you. So, please, be quiet.


    If they pry any more than this, it¡¯s gonna get a little dicey.

 Chapter 25

    <h4>Chapter 25</h4>


    ¡°Well, you certainly got what it takes. You¡¯ve really shown yer skills with that monstrous medicine ya made.¡±


    ¡°Dear, perhaps Mr. Cohgray is better than you at your own trade.¡±


    ¡°What d¡¯you just say?¡±


    Ah, jeez... Arleaf¡¯s parents are ring at each other again.


    Are they on bad terms with each other?


    ¡°Oh, no, not at all. I¡¯m just all talk; I don¡¯t have much practical experience.¡±


    Actually, Veno was giving me step-by-step instructions. Let alone it being made well, it was riddled with clumsy little mistakes.


    I simply don¡¯t have much experience doing this stuff. But at least being a Poison-Wielder, I have my Senses and Masteries to fill in some of the gaps in my experience.


    Not like I want to be a White Mage anyway, so I think I¡¯m fine like this.


    I was thinking maybe I should dabble some more poison creation.


    I¡¯ve never needed potions or anything since I have my Poison Absorption.


    But from this point on, I might need to run away to ces other than the swamp.


    In that case, poison creation mighte in handy.


    ¡°I¡¯m just a wandering adventurer... I¡¯m not an apothecary.¡±


    ¡°Hmm... should we discuss this some more today?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. Cohgray, do tell us what kind of positions you¡¯ll be putting Arleaf through.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    Putting aside the matter that Arleaf is definitely going to work for me, what do you mean ¡°positions¡±?


    ¡°Umm... I¡¯ll pick the herbs, get her to make them into potions, and to sell them too?¡±


    ¡°That ain¡¯t what we¡¯re talkin¡¯ about.¡±


    That¡¯s not it either? I was told not toy a hand on her either. What else can a man do to a girl?


    ¡°You are an adventurer, Mr. Cohgray, so we were wondering kind of role you would be putting her in.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s what you¡¯re talking about!¡±


    ¡°While our Arleaf is undergoing Chemist training in order to be an apothecary, she has also been practicing magic as well. I¡¯m sure she can be useful to you.¡±


    ¡°But seein¡¯ how you can use magic too and you¡¯ve got yer homunculus to take the front, we were just wondering what you¡¯re thinkin¡¯ to do with Arleaf is all.¡±


    Oh, what?


    Does Arleaf¡¯s parents know lots about battles?


    ¡®They have suffered from Bloodflower for so long and yet were able to survive it. Perhaps they may be quite powerful.¡¯


    Well, maybe before they established their own store, they travelled around peddling their medicines.


    It seems like they get Arleaf to do it too.


    Plus, she frequently travels to the hills and dungeons.


    It¡¯s only natural if they know a thing or two.


    ¡°Arleaf was nning to head to the church to change jobs, y¡¯know? She can return to her Chemist training after she¡¯s done serving you.¡±


    ¡°If she follows you around, Mr. Cohgray, I¡¯m sure she will learn a lot. Think of it as a shortcut by postponing bing a Chemist.¡±


    Her parents are saying she should spec into another ss but would Arleaf be okay with that?


    Let alonemon knowledge, I don¡¯t even know the family values of this world.


    ¡°No, no. If Arleaf wishes to be a Chemist, I think she¡¯s fine as is.¡±


    ¡°Whatcha talkin¡¯ about? She¡¯s got lots more hidden talents, y¡¯know?¡±


    Hey, whoa. What are you hiding from me again?


    Oh, I can smell Arleaf¡¯s cooking.


    ... smells good.


    ¡°Mu?!¡±


    Simultaneously... Muu begins twitching.


    It staggers into the wall and... huddles in the corner, almost as if it¡¯s trying to say, ¡°I¡¯m just a normal mushroom.¡± Muu looks as if it¡¯s about to nt itself down and then his eyes turn white.


    What¡¯s wrong, Muu?!


    ¡®... Muu has fainted. What happened?¡¯


    Veno, too, seems puzzled by Muu¡¯s behavior.


    I look back at Arleaf¡¯s parents and almost had a heart attack.


    All of a sudden, they both have gas masks on, seemingly retrieved from thin air.


    So it¡¯s not just Muu. You lot, too.


    ¡°Mr. Cohgray, you are proficient at making antidotes, yes? I¡¯m afraid it is now or never.¡±


    ¡°If not, then... here.¡±


    They plop down a gas mask in front of me... what the hell¡¯s happening?!


    What do I need this gas mask for?


    ¡°... dinner¡¯s ready.¡±


    With a slight sullen look on her face, Arleaf throws... a te of her cooking down onto the dining table.


    I have no words.


    ¡®How... how did she turn those ingredients into this? How unfathomable! Surely this has to be a work of magic.¡¯


    The colorful dish gives off the impression of being food. Somehow, the ingredients still wriggle around even after being prepared.


    What the hell is this? It feels like I¡¯ve failed a sanity check, resulting in a physical manifestation of my nightmares.


    ??? of Mimosa Wild Boar


    Quality: Inexplicable


    ??? of wild boar that has been prepared in a unique method.


    Paired with a side of ??? sd, this is a well-bnced meal.


    Hey, the text has corrupted.


    What the hell is ???, Veno?


    Not to mention, what does ¡°inexplicable¡± quality mean?


    I mean, that¡¯s pretty special on its own, but to call it mysterious?


    Still bbergasted, I point at the substance that is presented as cooking. Arleaf¡¯s father nods.


    ¡°This is why our daughter still isn¡¯t married yet! When nobles ask her hand for marriage, they turn tail and run away. Even the men of the vige back off.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re cruel, Father.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right. We shouldn¡¯t have forced our daughter¡¯s shameful disy upon Mr. Cohgray.¡±


    ¡°But if we don¡¯t say nothin¡¯ about it, someone¡¯s bound to get hurt. Cohgray¡¯s saved our lives after all.¡±


    Her father says awful things while having a greatugh.


    Umm, what¡¯s going on?


    ¡°Now then, won¡¯t you have a bite? Just as an aside, we¡¯ve buried this stuff in our yard once and not a single livin¡¯ thing has been growin¡¯ since. From time to time, we nt this stuff by the roads every so often to kill off the weeds. We even hang it from each corner of the vige to ward off evil.¡±


    ¡°Then can I eat this?¡± is what I wanted to say, but I bit my tongue.


    I mean, Arleaf made it herself and everything.


    ¡°If you throw it in the swamp, the toxins actually get stronger. And you know how Arleaf has that monster-repelling incense that she burns? Yeah, that¡¯s just this stuff watered down.¡±


    I don¡¯t think that¡¯s anything to be proud about.


    This is the source of that smell, eh?


    So that means Arleaf possesses the skills of dark culinary arts... Poison Cooking, if you will.


    With no more than the most ordinary of ingredients and preparation methods, she created this work of art.


    No, this isn¡¯t some light novel I read when I was still a student.


    This is a parallel world after all. It actually exists.


    ¡®I am extremely curious about the principles behind this. I have never seen this phenomenon before.¡¯


    Veno seems to be brimming with excitement for this still-squirming te of food. I am not.


    And Muu¡¯s passed out just by the stench.


    I¡¯m afraid if I breathe this stuff in for too long, the poison will get to me and I¡¯ll fall unconscious too.


    Arleaf flings open the kitchen window for venttion.


    ¡°Arleaf is cooking again!¡±


    After some viger shouted that out loud, the town turned calm and quiet.


    Perhaps her cooking is infamous already.


    How horrifying.


    ¡°Umm...¡±


    I look over at Arleaf. Whether it¡¯s because she¡¯s ufortable with the situation or that she¡¯s embarrassed by it, she blushes and hangs her head downwards.


    I think she¡¯s self-conscious about it.


    She doesn¡¯t want to have anyone eat her cooking. More than that, she doesn¡¯t seem like she even likes cooking in the first ce.


    If this were a fictional story, the main character would be oblivious and force others to eat it. But since Arleaf¡¯s aware and didn¡¯t want to cook anyway, I should forgive her.


    ¡°Perhaps she should marry into a household where they have servants to do the cooking.¡±


    I mean, she had aristocrats eyeing her. If they knew beforehand, they should¡¯ve been okay.


    Plus, she knows how her cooking is.


    ¡°Surely, they would be suspicious of her, seeing how it is...¡±


    Ohh, if anything does happen, they¡¯d suspect Arleaf of poisoning people to death.


    It¡¯s not as simple as it seems, I guess.


    ¡°Not to mention that the viges around here like a girl who can cook well. Arleaf has it rough, y¡¯know?¡±


    Even though she¡¯s such a cutie and she¡¯s got such an honest character, her one weak point is keeping her from marriage, huh?


    Men usually want to see how a girl¡¯s domestic skills are, but now I understand why Arleaf¡¯s father has done this.


    He¡¯s basically saying, ¡°If ya want my daughter, you¡¯ll have to ept this part of her too.¡±


    You can see how happy he is, being a father that doesn¡¯t want to give his daughter away.


    ¡°She¡¯s great as a Chemist though... I wonder why her cooking is like this.¡±


    ¡°So, if ya want to get all chummy with our daughter, you¡¯d best eat up. If not, we¡¯ll just treat you normally, like her employer.¡±


    What, you¡¯re still going to threaten me after all this?


    No wonder Arleaf and her mom¡¯s been giving him the cold shoulder.


    ¡°Father, you¡¯re going to give it away to Yukihisa? But I made this all for you.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, dear. Arleaf worked so hard, just for you. Now, open wide.¡±


    ¡°Y¡¯all tryin¡¯ to kill me?!¡±


    He went so far as to say he¡¯s being killed.


    What a terrible father.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. Dig in.¡±


    ¡°N-No way I¡¯m touchin¡¯ that! Last time, I was stuck in bed for a week!¡±


    This sure is some powerful stuff.


    If a bite is a week, then all of it... and you keel over and die.


    ¡°Come now, Father! I have kept you waiting for too long.¡±


    Arleaf stabs a mouthful with a metallic fork to feed it to her dad.


    Though it¡¯s made of metal, it sizzles as if it were being burning hot.


    Is this a new form of torture?


    ¡°Guh... I won¡¯t die here today!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve made your bed, now lie in it.¡±


    ¡°You can leave the store to me, Father.¡±


    A matter of life and death is unfolding right in front of my eyes.


    But... it smells really good.


    Why, I wonder.


    I mean, it might disgust them, but that sweet scent is quite alluring to me.


    It¡¯s familiar.


    Kinda like a good curry, just the aroma is enough to be mouthwatering.


    ¡®You may be affected by the poison already. Perhaps she added something to lure you to try it... how interesting.¡¯


    ¡°Uhh... is it alright if I take a bite?¡±


    I don¡¯t know whether it¡¯s curiosity of instincts, but something¡¯s urging me to try it.


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    Not believing what she has just heard, Arleaf¡¯s mother doubtfully looks at me.


    Her husband, who was looking for a way out of this, suddenly looks very happy andughs out loud.


    Something doesn¡¯t feel right, and I think I can take back what I just said, but my desire to try Arleaf¡¯s cooking doesn¡¯t go away.


    Oh, I know why.


    It¡¯s definitely Poison Absorption that¡¯s giving me this urge.


    ¡°Umm...¡±


    I ignore their confused looks and go for it with my fork. I take a bite of what seems to be a wriggling piece of meat.


    ¡°Ah?!¡±


    Arleaf and her family, frozen in ce, watch me chew my food.


    Gah... the meat is moving in my mouth!


    It¡¯s even coiling around my tongue with all its might and I can taste all of it.


    I¡¯m not sure if it¡¯s the meat disgusting by itself or how it was cooked, but I try to swallow it all.


    Perhaps this might be parasitic too, like Bloodflower Part 2.


    And now for the critical review. It is not food for the living. It rejects all five of the known basic tastes¡ªsweetness, sourness, saltiness, bitterness, and savoriness.


    It¡¯s not about how bad it is. It tastes like death.


    However, what I would call a taste of toxicity¡ªand this may be unique to me¡ªitpletely overwhelms me in that regards.


    The meat secrets a thick toxic vor which surpasses all perfectly marbled meats. It dances on my pte, triggering my taste buds as it courses through my mouth, and it develops all sorts of vors.


    It tastes like a beef-pork-chicken hybrid.


    Somewhat like tenderloin, somewhat like dark meat, and somewhat like liver... it¡¯s an unending and ever-changing curious harmony of vors.


    ... why am I describing this like as if I were in some sort of food manga?


    ¡®Hmm, is it really that delicious? I can sense what thou art sensi¡ªhurk!¡¯


    Veno remains silent and I hear nothing else from him.


    I hear some sort of bubbling noise though.


    Veno? What¡¯s wrong?


    ¡®...¡¯


    Veno, you alright?!


    As much as I care for him, I care more for the food in front of me and continue gobbling down.


    My hand is moving on its own.

 Chapter 26

    <h4>Chapter 26</h4>


    ¡°Uh, umm... Yukihisa?¡±


    ¡°Hmm? What?¡±


    I stop in between bites and look up at Arleaf and her parents.


    ¡°Are you okay... eating that much? Please don¡¯t force yourself.¡±


    Arleaf¡¯s momes to her senses and brings me countless bottles of antidotes from the shop.


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m fine. In fact, I can¡¯t get enough of this incredible vor. Heck, I feel stronger than ever before.¡±


    Let me check my status.


    Whoa... that¡¯s crazy!


    All my stats have gone up, along with my health and mana regeneration. I even earn experience and skills quicker too.


    Oh, and my poison attacks do more damage... I can¡¯t believe how many bonuses I¡¯m getting.


    Just out of curiosity, I open up the menu and see what kind of poisons I can create.


    Toxin of Arleaf¡¯s Poison Cooking


    The text is flickering a little, but I got a new option.


    Kinda cruel for a name.


    But it seems quite powerful, so I¡¯d better not mess with it.


    I finished my te while checking my status.


    ¡°Thanks for the meal.¡±


    Mm. My body feels light and nimble.


    The fatigue that had built up seems to have disappeared as well.


    I feel so ready to go hunt in the swamp right now.


    ¡°Let me take a look at you, alright?¡±


    Arleaf¡¯s mom holds her hand to my forehead.


    I was told this afterwards, but apparently her ss is Physician.


    ¡°Clean bill of health for you. No adverse effects or anything at all.¡±


    ¡°C-Cohgray knows how to use storage magic. I bet he was just pretendin¡¯ he was eatin¡¯ it.¡±


    ¡°Dear? Have you forgotten that our daughter¡¯s cooking has Resist? He would be quite the monster if he were able to do that.¡±


    Resist, huh? I didn¡¯t know that was a thing.


    Does that mean I can¡¯t store it? But what¡¯s the reasoning behind it?


    ¡°Oh, uhh, that reminds me...¡±


    Arleaf¡¯s dad looks like he¡¯s in deep thought as folds his arms together, muttering.


    ¡°It¡¯s just some rumor I¡¯ve heard from other adventurers, but they say you bathe in the swamp, Cohgray... I justughed it off, but...¡±


    Gah?!


    Don¡¯t tell me I was being watched? It¡¯s so unrealistic, it could be passed off as a joke. But now it might seem credible after all.


    Maybe I can brush it off with one of the ck Company Secret Techniques, Poker Face?


    ¡°You were floating face up when I found you too. Could it be...¡±


    Arleaf follows up with a snipe, dealing critical damage!


    What should I do?! How do I brush them off now?


    Does magic solve everything? Help me, Veno!


    ¡®... blub blub blub.¡¯


    Damn it! You useless dragon! I bet you¡¯re just blowing bubbles right now, aren¡¯t you?!


    I have no choice! Time to get serious!


    ¡°Uh, yeah... the truth is that I¡¯m a Poison-Wielder, an umon specialty ss. Not only does poison not hurt me, it even makes me stronger. And I¡¯m here in this vige because of the proximity to the swamp. So that¡¯s why I was able to eat all of that...¡±


    That was a little harsh, but it¡¯s the truth.


    I¡¯m sure it¡¯s okay telling them.


    In fact, they might suspect me more if I were to hide it from them.


    And since Bloodflower is a disease from a long time ago, they won¡¯t be able to me me for it either!


    ¡°What¡¯d you just say?!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s... but... hmm...¡±


    Arleaf¡¯s dad sinks into deeper thought.


    At least he understood why I was able to eat Arleaf¡¯s cooking.


    ¡°I¡¯m an expert with poison, so I know what¡¯s safe and what¡¯s not for human consumption. That¡¯s also why that acquaintance of mine was so willing to train me.¡±


    Finally, the father pats his daughter on the shoulder.


    ¡°Arleaf, this may just be fate. Cohgray... I¡¯m sure he will ept all of you. Don¡¯t let this slip by.¡±


    ¡°What are you saying?¡±


    Wasn¡¯t he fine with his daughter marryingte?


    ¡°Cohgray. Don¡¯t be a stranger anymore. From now on, call me your father-inw.¡±


    Well, it¡¯s refreshing that he¡¯s changed his attitude about me.


    But who was it that threatened me with poison again?


    ¡°I am very grateful, but Arleaf herself has not said agreed to this, so I¡¯m afraid that I cannot ept your offer.¡±


    We¡¯ve already agreed to have Arleaf only assist me, not to mention that she¡¯s only helping me while I¡¯m here.


    ¡°Yukihisa... umm, my father has already given you his blessing... so please treat me well from now on.¡±


    No, wait, time out. Sure, your father has given me permission, but this ain¡¯t quite right.


    Plus, the one they call Cohgray of the Swamps just finished a te of Arleaf¡¯s Poison Cooking... they¡¯ll start calling me Cohgray, the Poison Eater.


    ¡°Oh, who¡¯da guessed?! Haha! I didn¡¯t think there¡¯d be anyone in this world to have such a talent to not only eat, but to finish all of Arleaf¡¯s cooking! Ah-haha!¡±


    I join them for a meal again; this time lunch. Arleaf¡¯s mom is cooking for us all.


    Yeah, I feel fine. I can eat.


    In the midst of lunch, Arleaf¡¯s father takes out a bottle of liquor from somewhere and starts knocking back drink after drink.


    He sure is happy.


    Why would he¡ªa man who dotes on his daughter so much, he¡¯s willing to chase away all his likely sons-inw¡ªbe so happy to have found a potential groom for his daughter?


    I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll ever understand how he thinks.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you being a little too honest, dear?¡±


    ¡°No way I can stop! We¡¯ve found someone to ept Arleafpletely! She¡¯ll no longer be used of poisoning people anymore. She didn¡¯t even have to sacrifice anything either. How can I not be happy?!¡±


    He was probably against marrying his daughter off to protect her, but maybe also to protect her husband.


    So that she doesn¡¯te to any harm with her ability of Poison Cooking...


    ¡°One of these days, Father, I shall mix my cooking into yours.¡±


    ¡°If you think yer up to it, bring it on! Haha!¡±


    Don¡¯t egg your daughter on.


    The murderous rage hiding behind that smile of Arleaf¡¯s is terrifying.


    ¡°Mu.¡±


    ¡®Unbelievable... the vor was revolting. To be able to knock out a dragon... from time to time, humans are truly capable of great feats.¡¯


    Muu began to regain consciousness shortly afterwards and Veno did so only slightly sooner.


    Maybe he recovered quickly since he¡¯s a Poison Dragon after all.


    ¡®Just tasting it was enough. If I had eaten it, who knows what would have happened.¡¯


    Veno guessed what had happened while he was knocked out.


    ¡®I would never rmend thee to let others know thy intent, but it could have gone worse, especially considering the bonuses thou had gained from the food.¡¯


    Well...


    If I ever need to go y monsters, I could always go and have some of Arleaf¡¯s cooking first. It¡¯ll buff my abilities and give me a bonus to leveling up my skills too.


    No reason not to use it right up ¡®til the enemyes knocking at the door.


    I could also get Arleaf to pack me a bento. It¡¯d be more effective than any half-assed potion.


    Well, I can gloss the whole umon Poison-Wielder thing over.


    I didn¡¯t say anything about having a dragon inside my mind. And it doesn¡¯t really have anything to do with Veno anyway.


    ¡°Good grief... how shameful, drinking before your meal even started. Dinner¡¯s ready.¡±


    Arleaf¡¯s mother begins to bring course after course out.


    Wow... there¡¯s a soup with a bunch of different ingredients and something that resembles a pizza.


    It smells absolutely delicious.


    ¡°Then, let us pray first. Oh, you don¡¯t need to mind us, Mr. Cohgray.¡±


    ¡°No, please, go ahead.¡±


    Arleaf¡¯s family gets seated, rests their elbows on the dining table, and sps their hand together.


    ¡°The Holy Dragon who slumbers in our world, we are able to join together here today for a meal at your mercy. We vow to do good with your gift, which we are about to receive.¡±


    Arleaf¡¯s whole family mutters the same words and pray together.


    They¡¯re the type to pray before every meal, eh?


    I¡¯m not much of a religious man and I don¡¯t understand much. But I know that prayer important to them religious types, so I remain silent for them.


    And I¡¯m guessing that it¡¯s good that they¡¯re praying to some holy dragon, since it¡¯d have nothing to do with the country that¡¯s after Veno¡¯s head.


    ¡®Aye, indeed. Followers of the Teachings of the Sacred Yggdrasil would dedicate their prayers to something like ¡°Mother Nature, our tree¡± or something like that.¡¯


    ¡°Muu muu muu...¡±


    Muu ys along and mutters something too.


    You¡¯re a sly dog, aren¡¯t you? Acting all cute.


    ¡°Now then, let¡¯s dig in. Mr. Cohgray, you go ahead as well.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha. From now on, Cohgray¡¯s got Arleaf¡¯s cooking to look forward to. Don¡¯t worry about it.¡±


    ¡°Father, if you don¡¯t cut that out, I will be angry at you.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. It¡¯s a big day for Arleaf, so hold back a little, won¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Ah-haha! I can¡¯t help myself!¡±


    I ignore Arleaf¡¯s father being all jolly and start eating.


    Mm. This is indeed really delicious.


    Considering I¡¯ve been eating tough steaks at the tavern and as well as my own cooking, this is miles better.


    It seems like this isn¡¯t the cheap stuff either.


    Must be because I¡¯m over for lunch.


    Oh, yeah.


    I could also give them some steak that¡¯s been marinated in Mollifying Poison.


    I may have used poison, but it tastes great after all. As long as I exin it clearly to them, it should be alright.


    ¡°Oh, I had almost forgotten. Sorry for interrupting the conversation, but Arleaf, you¡¯re going to have to exin to Mr. Cohgray what you can do.¡±


    Having been instructed by her mom, Arleaf goes all embarrassed and nods without making eye contact.


    ¡°Umm, right. Before I was a Chemist, I had been a unique first job. I¡¯ve changed back to that job to aid you as a party member.¡±


    ¡°Oh? You were sped into a weird ss like I was, Arleaf?¡±


    ¡°It would be more urately described as unique to our lineage.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. We have quite the weird n! We¡¯ve even got rtives who are clergymen, y¡¯know?¡±


    Arleaf¡¯s father, that drunkard, says boastfully.


    ¡°This part is the one that is a little different. I¡¯ve changed into a more magic-focused ss called D-Psy Earth. I am level 13 with my D-Psy Earth and level 18 for my Chemist. Hopefully, I will be useful to you in battle.¡±


    Hmm, I see... seems like Arleaf not only knows Poison Cooking but has foundations in magic as well.


    That initial D doesn¡¯t stand for anything weird, like ¡°Deadly,¡± does it?


    She does know Poison Cooking after all.


    ¡°And since I¡¯ve learned Magic Sense before I was a Chemist, I am able to attack and heal with magic. If I didn¡¯t, I wouldn¡¯t be of any use to you...¡±


    ¡°And that D...?¡±


    ¡°...¡±


    Ah, Arleaf looked away.


    ¡°I... I was born with a skill called ¡®Death-Beckoning Cooking¡¯...¡±

 Chapter 27

    <h4>Chapter 27</h4>


    Death-Beckoning Cooking... ah, it got awkward all of a sudden.


    The name is so straightforward.


    It¡¯s almost as if the creators of the world were warning Arleaf, saying, ¡°Stay away from cooking.¡±


    But at least she¡¯s aware of how bad she is at it, so we should forgive her.


    Well... I get a power-up from her cooking, so I can¡¯t really say anything.


    ¡°The reverend from the church told us that there must be bnce. For the beneficial talents she is granted, she must also be blessed with these negative traits.¡±


    Arleaf, much like me, lives with a heavy burden.


    She¡¯s an angel to everyone around her so she doesn¡¯t show it...


    ¡°Cohgray! Come on, now! Cheer her up and tell her that you¡¯ll take care of it all. Tell her that you want to eat her cooking everyday!¡±


    Shut the hell up, Pops! If you want to eat it that bad, then eat it yourself.


    Arleaf¡¯s mom grins at us while petting Muu on the head.


    Can you, like, please stop your husband?


    ¡°Uhh, umm... you can remain as a Chemist if you¡¯d like?¡±


    To be honest, even with Arleaf as a party member, we¡¯re not gonna do anything that much different.


    Well, I mean, Arleaf is proficient in magic...


    ¡°But...¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re not nning to go anywhere that dangerous anyway. How about you try it out then think of what ss you want to be?¡±


    There¡¯s an advanced version of Chemist, right, Veno?


    ¡®I have only heard talk of it, but I believe that Schr and Alchemist are possibilities. Perhaps the girl¡¯s father has chosen the Alchemist path.¡¯


    ¡°You could also set your sights on advancing from a Chemist while you¡¯re with me.¡±


    ¡°... I understand. Then while I adventure with you, I shall give thought into what I want to be.¡±


    After hearing me out, Arleaf changes her mind and agrees with me.


    I finished the pleasant lunch and got ready to leave the apothecary they call home.


    ¡°Alrighty, Cohgray, I¡¯m leaving Arleaf in your hands.¡±


    Arleaf¡¯s dad, the happy drunk he is, sends me off from the counter of the apothecary and waves goodbye.


    You bastard. I¡¯ll get you back.


    ¡°Do you have any ns for afterwards, Yukihisa? If you are going to go out, please let me know.¡±


    ¡°I think I¡¯m gonna go hunt in the swamp, though I didn¡¯t take any quests.¡±


    ¡°In that case, I shall apany you. I would love to see you in battle and I could also point out anything we could purchase off you.¡±


    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s go afterwards then.¡±


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    With that, we decided to head to the swamp to hunt.


    ¡°If you¡¯d like, why don¡¯t you live with us?¡±


    Arleaf¡¯s parents suggest with a smirk on their faces.


    ¡°Pardon me, but may I ask you to consider how Arleaf feels?¡±


    Not only would I be a bother to them, I¡¯d feel like they¡¯d bother me too. They¡¯d probably do something like bringing me to a double bed with ¡°LOVE¡± stitched across the pillows.


    I mean, as much as I¡¯d love to go out with a cutie like Arleaf, I should respect how she feels.


    We¡¯ve only known each other for a few days as well.


    We should at least start with a date, and progress from there.


    ¡®Thou art prone to be bothered by the littlest things. Instead, why not just take her in one fell swoop?¡¯


    What the hell? Veno, you¡¯re really pissing me off.


    Rather, when everybody around Arleaf are pushing her so hard to get hitched, it might be even harder for her to do anything.


    Think about it.


    She¡¯s always getting teased by her parents, so Arleaf gets embarrassed about stuff like this.


    ¡°... let us level up so that we may be independent one day.¡±


    ¡°... right.¡±


    We leave the vige early to get away from the awkwardness.


    As we get close the swamp, Arleaf puts on her gas mask for safety.


    ¡°Come to think of it, we haven¡¯t fought any monsters together before, have we, Yukihisa?¡±


    ¡°Now that you mention it, yeah, you¡¯re right.¡±


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    Showing off his enthusiasm, Muu takes a couple of practice-swings with his axe.


    Cut it out. That¡¯s dangerous.


    ¡°First, let¡¯s form a party... how should our formation be?¡±


    ¡®I shall show thee how to send an invitation. First, open thy status screen. Like how thou would check the status of Muu, send the girl a request to form a party.¡¯


    I do as Veno tells me to and send Arleaf the request.


    As soon as I do that, she received the invitation and epted it. It now shows that we¡¯re in a party now.


    Let¡¯s see... I can easily see her health and mana now.


    I think that¡¯s from being in the same party.


    ¡°We¡¯ll just stand in a regr formation, so I can watch over you. What do you think?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right... I can¡¯t be getting in the way of you or Muu either.¡±


    Then Muu will take the front, I¡¯ll get the rear, and Arleaf will be on standby close to me.


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    ¡°Oh? Something¡¯s here? Lucky us.¡±


    A pack of Terracotta Poison Zombie Dogs notices us and rushes on over.


    Poison isn¡¯t very effective against them, so I¡¯d avoid them if I can. But since Arleaf¡¯s here to watch us, we¡¯ve got no choice but to fight.


    Well, we¡¯ve leveled up recently and Muu can handle these dogs on its own anyway.


    ¡°Muuuuuu!¡±


    Muu activates War Cry, buffing his own attack, and takes a sh with his axe.


    ¡°Woof!¡±


    A cloud of dust kicks up in the middle of the pack and a few dogs get mowed down by Muu¡¯s charge.


    I think I can take one of them down with each shot.


    ¡°Alright! Time for me to shine as well!¡±


    I fix my posture, steady my aim, andunch two bolts. They struck the legs of two zombie dogs, pinning both to the ground.


    I feel like I¡¯m more focused than normal, my shots hitting truer than before.


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    Muu takes advantage of the situation and instantly goes for the death blow on the two dogs.


    ¡°Bow wow!¡±


    The remaining zombie dog, taking advantage of moment, charges at me. Before he can close the gap, I shake the crossbow up and down, reloading it, and used Poison Enchantment for Slow Poison¨Ctipped bolts.


    Thud, thud, thud. I fired three times in rapid session with all three bolts finding their target.


    With it slowed right down, Muu storms the zombie dog and finishes it off.


    Wiping them out felt rtively easy.


    Oh? I check the experience points gained to find nearly double what I normally get.


    Arleaf¡¯s Poison Cooking sure is amazing.


    ¡®The bonus experience gain certainly makes thee earn more. When any living creature is in, not all of its quintessence can be absorbed. With the bonus, thou art able to receive more of it.¡¯


    Veno goes into detail.


    In games, you¡¯d find items that boost your experience gain, so I guess it¡¯s like that in this world as well.


    ¡®There are essories that aid in this way but are very expensive. It is also not a permanent bonus but instead a consumable. To recreate the same effect so simply is quite shocking.¡¯


    That¡¯s Arleaf¡¯s cooking for you.


    I check how long the food buffsts.


    ¡°Just about done, I think.¡±


    As soon as I say that, Arleaf seems to have noticed something.


    ¡°Oh, I hear the wings of Spray Green Mosquitos beating. Be careful.¡±


    ¡°Ah, we¡¯ll be fine. Cover your mouth so that you don¡¯t breathe this stuff in.¡±


    Spray Green Mosquitos either wait for their enemies to drop their guards then fly in, or they like to swarm their opponents. But whatever they want to do, they¡¯re just small fry to us now.


    As soon as the Spray Green Mosquitos buzz close, Muu scatters his spores.


    Immediately after the Spray Green Mosquitos breathe in the spores, they weakly flutter around and drop dread.


    We¡¯ve gotten stronger, eh? At least that¡¯s how I feel.


    ¡°That¡¯s how we roll. What do you think?¡±


    We¡¯ve always fought in this formation.


    If either of us get injured, we wait for the other person to heal up then continue fighting.


    I¡¯ll jump in a pool; Muu uses Self-Regeneration.


    That¡¯s one of our strong points¡ªwe can always fight at peak conditions.


    ¡°Just as I have been told, Muu is the vanguard and Yukihisa is the rearguard... but less so of a mage and more of a ranger.¡±


    ¡°The truth is that I don¡¯t actually know how to cure poison with magic...¡±


    Not that Veno didn¡¯t exin it to me before, but bluntly speaking, if I don¡¯t have the Sense, I should just give up on learning magic.


    And it¡¯s also not that I enjoy not knowing magic. I think it¡¯d be helpful to our survival.


    Veno did say with a specialty ss like mine, I might have a chanceter.


    ¡°With this formation...¡±


    Arleaf starts to think hard and mumbles to herself.


    She¡¯s really serious about trying to be helpful to me.


    ¡°I had been thinking that I could heal you and Muu in battle, but since you two are both skilled in self-recovery... on the other hand, if I learn some offensive magic spells...¡±


    ¡®Well, with such a small party, it would be rather dangerous if anything serious happened to thee or Muu. I understand the problem the girl has.¡¯


    ¡°If you could fend off the enemy so that they do not draw too close, another option is for me to join Muu in the frontlines.¡±


    I start imagining how Arleaf would fight with a knife.


    Assassin style, perhaps.


    ¡°Ah, you don¡¯t have to think so hard over it. You could just stay in the back with me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not too sure.¡±


    ¡°You could take care of harvesting,pounding, and selling if you¡¯d like.¡±


    I mean, since you¡¯re a Chemist and all. It wouldn¡¯t be right to force yourself to serve me.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like it. It¡¯s not as if that would be a bad idea just to advance my job... but to be a Physician like my mother...¡±


    ¡®By the way, Physician is advanced from Chemist or Priest.¡¯


    That¡¯s useful to know, but right now Arleaf¡¯s troubled by what role she should y in our party.


    ¡®Here are some more options to think about. Though Chemists do not have muchbat prowess, they can learn Rod Sense for fighting with staff-type weapons, though that is close-quarters again. With her Medical Sense, a possibility is to throw concocted potions and poisons from the rear.¡¯


    If I were to try to exin that to Arleaf, she¡¯d be even more bothered.


    What, is her ss a master of none?


    ¡®Thou cannotpare a nonbative ss to a specialist one.¡¯

 Chapter 28

    <h4>Chapter 28</h4>


    ¡°Hmm...¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about bnce.¡±


    I¡¯ve had my fair share of MMORPGs.


    I yed when my friends needed someone to fill a role.


    But I couldn¡¯t always y with my friends.


    Right now, our problem is filling whatever gap we have in our party, but we¡¯ve got our assumptions wrong.


    Certainly, specialized sses are ultimately stronger than regr sses and it may be good for teamp too.


    However, if we lose any party members, we stand to lose a lot.


    It might be easier to exin this way. Imagine a party of three: a Warrior, Priest, and Mage.


    The party definitely looks well-bnced. Everybody has their own role.


    But what if you take out the Priest? Would they lose the ability to make battle?


    The team¡¯s ability to heal is now very limited and that would make fighting difficult.


    If you split everyone up to specific roles, you create a dependence on your teammates. It¡¯s got its pros and cons.


    It might be good to be able to help out when needed.


    Perhaps instead of a Warrior, you can have a Pdin who can do some light healing as well. Or maybe have a Red Mage, who can use both ck and white magic.


    When your Warrior is wounded and out of the fight, your Priest might fare well if they have proficiency in close-quarterbat.


    There¡¯s no rule about how you absolutely have to specialize in your role.


    No one said you can¡¯t be a jack of all trades.


    Well... it would be nice if a single person can do everything, but realistically, that¡¯s a little na?ve. And if you could, you wouldn¡¯t needrades.


    ¡°You also don¡¯t need to try to merely support how Muu and I already are. It might be easier to think of how you can add yourself in.¡±


    Of course, this party is only until they figure out and prove that I¡¯m the guy on the wanted poster.


    It wouldn¡¯t be bad for us to experiment with different formations for experience¡¯s sake.


    ¡°I¡¯ve only been the rearguard up ¡®til now, but I can leave the back to you and take the middle. It doesn¡¯t really matter either, since I can be effective at both the front or the back.¡±


    ¡°Muu, muu.¡±


    Muu agrees with me as well.


    ¡°If we have Muu fight in the front the whole time, he¡¯d probably get worn out and we¡¯d have to head back home. So, it¡¯s not that we don¡¯t need a healer either.¡±


    ¡°... alright. Then I¡¯ll be the rearguard and support you and Muu with magic.¡±


    ¡°Great. Then let¡¯s head back to town and change jobs... no, then we¡¯d have to double back. I¡¯ll just have you remain as a Chemist for now and we can y and harvest here in the swamp.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    With that, we walk into the toxic swamp.


    Normally, we only go until the entrance of the dungeon. But the swamp is pretty big after all, so there¡¯s still more to the back.


    I was thinking it¡¯d be nice to y and gather in the dungeon, but a warning came from Veno.


    Arleaf¡¯s equipment won¡¯t protect her from the toxic gas around the second floor.


    Even though her gas mask seems pretty heavy-duty...


    Though it wouldn¡¯t be impossible for her to head in the dungeon, she¡¯ll have a hard time fighting down there. So instead, wepromised and headed deeper into the swamp.


    The monsters in the back of the swamp only differs a little than the ones we¡¯ve already seen.


    A floating cell-like monsters called Burnt Umber Volvox appeared, and along with it, a Reed Grey Roach... manhole-sized nightmarish monstrosities.


    The former is a ball that moves by jumping around and was easily pierced through by shots from my crossbow.


    Poison was somewhat effective against it as well.


    The Reed Grey Roach... hmm, it moves around quickly, making it hard to deal with.


    It¡¯s good at dodging too.


    It doesn¡¯t seem too aggressive though, so as long as we don¡¯t get too close to them, we should be fine.


    Muu cleaves with his axe and misses. Seemingly as retaliation, he sprayed his spores as an area of effect attack and then gave the roach an uppercut with its right fist. This turned out to be such a fierce fight.


    ¡°Fire Bullet!¡±


    From behind mees a fireballunched by Arleaf, heading towards the Reed Grey Roach.


    It missed... but the fire seems to be chasing the Reed Grey Roach. The fire zed a trail on the ground and burnt the roach to death.


    ¡®Reed Grey Roaches secrete arge volume of oil on their surface, making fire attacks more effective physical attacks. It matters not how quickly the roach moves; it still secretes oil while doing so. Hence, it is easy to ignite and burn. Thou must think it to be an insect, however, it is a viscous fluid... a type of slime.¡¯


    That¡¯s quite the strange list of attributes.


    Where does the oile from, where does it go?


    ¡®The oil is a part of its body. It does not disappear. The core simply bears an uncanny resemnce to an insect.¡¯


    Whatever it is, it gives me the creeps and I don¡¯t really want to fight another one.


    But more importantly, I got to see Arleaf use magic. Pretty impressive stuff.


    ¡®Fire Bullet. It is beginner¡¯s fire magic and not a particrly difficult spell to use.¡¯


    Veno pulls up a bunch of information regarding the spell Arleaf had casted and begins to exin.


    I¡¯ve said it before, but I need to sit down and process it, so show meter.


    ¡®And this is me of Megiddo.¡¯


    As he says that, Veno shows me the difference between Fire Bullet and me of Megiddo in a zoomed-out point of view.


    A hundred Fire Bullets couldn¡¯t evenpare to a single me of Megiddo.


    I know it¡¯s amazing and all but show it to me afterwards.


    Veno acts like he¡¯s been alone for too long. Finally, he¡¯s made a friend and so he¡¯s always trying to get more attention.


    ¡®Hmph... I am not needy! I desire not attention from thee!¡¯


    That totally doesn¡¯t prove my point.


    ¡®It seems like no matter what I say, thine opinion of me shall change not. Thou shall see! Do not make light of a dragon!¡¯


    Yeah, yeah.


    You¡¯re helpful at exining stuff to me and I¡¯m grateful for you, so please, save your lecture on magic forter.


    But... how and what should I say to Arleaf?


    If I show that I was moved because it¡¯s my first-time seeing magic, she¡¯ll definitely suspect something.


    ¡®Thou may not have seen it much, but magic is not that umon. Avoid showing how thou truly feel.¡¯


    As I thought.


    In that case...


    ¡°Mm. Good teamwork there. Just be absolutely sure to not hit Muu with it please.¡±


    I assume Muu is weak to fire since he¡¯s a mushroom.


    If he gets roasted to death, it¡¯d be a sad situation.


    In more ways than one.


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine!¡± is what I can only assume Muu is meaning by his shadowboxing.


    ¡°Okay! You¡¯re really something as a Poison-Wielder too, Yukihisa.¡±


    Arleaf is probably talking about how I can condense the swamp¡¯s toxins and release it as a poisonous mist, right?


    It¡¯s not like I was sniping my targets from far away. I was standing somewhat close with my crossbow and hitting them with poison, but that¡¯s only easy ¡®cause of the distance.


    Maybe it¡¯s thanks to Arleaf¡¯s cooking, but I can nimbly move around.


    I get quite a bit of experience too. Not bad at all.


    ¡°I¡¯m just alright. There¡¯s a lot I had to figure out on my own. I¡¯m learning as I go along.¡±


    ¡°Besides firing your crossbow, it seems it¡¯s all magic for you... but that¡¯s probably not the case, right?¡±


    ¡°Mm.¡±


    I create a sphere of toxin with Poison Release to show her. The blob floats on my hand.


    I think Veno said that it¡¯s not magic, but I don¡¯t exactly understand the reasoning behind using it either.


    Maybe it¡¯s due to Spirit Link or perhaps, as Veno theorized, it¡¯s something I was born with.


    Which reminds me, some time in the future, we¡¯re probably gonna encounter monsters capable of magic too. But how about those guys? Are they learners of magic too?


    ¡®I can only say that it depends on each circumstance. Of course, there are beings who are born knowing magic.¡¯


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s just powers of my ss. Now then, let¡¯s continue exploring.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Let¡¯s store away the defeated monsters before we move on.


    We¡¯re obviously not taking the ashes of the burnt Reed Grey Roach.


    ¡®Did Muu not y a monster? The oil extracted from it would be useful.¡¯


    ... not for cooking, right?


    Something likemp oil, I hope.


    ¡®Though it is edible?¡¯


    No way in hell that¡¯s happening. I don¡¯t want to eat anything fried in that grease, for my sanity¡¯s sake.


    ¡®Understandably difficult. But if thou cook it well, it turns out nice and crunchy.¡¯


    Those are chips that I absolutely do no want to eat.


    Don¡¯t you dare share the vor with me. No, actually, I¡¯ll just stuff my cheeks with Arleaf¡¯s cooking at the same time.


    ¡®Darest thou threaten me?! Good grief...¡¯


    I¡¯m not that picky of an eater, but I hate stuff like stewed grasshoppers.


    Just thinking about the salty-sweet soy sauce vor makes me want to gag.


    ¡®Again with the pickiness... I am not demanding anything that absurd from you. I do have an interest in delicacies, but this is not much of an acquired taste, aye? By the way, is sweet soy sauce delicious?¡¯


    Veno is a dragon with a sweet tooth. No surprise he¡¯s interested in sweet soy sauce.


    Unfortunately for you, the soy sauce-side is a bit strong, so you can¡¯t call it a dessert.


    But people dip mochi in sweet soy sauce too. Which side would you put that on?


    And then there¡¯s mitarashi dango, which should be a dessert.


    It¡¯s hard to draw the line... but let¡¯s save the sweet soy sauce talk forter.


    Not to mention that I don¡¯t even know if there¡¯s soy sauce in this world.


    ¡®Going by thy memories... I remember seeing a simr condiment.¡¯


    And as I¡¯ve said, we¡¯re not talking about this anymore!


    While we were talking, Arleaf and I were picking herbs as we progressed deeper into the swamnds.


    And then...


    ¡°We should soon be able to see the main entrance to the dungeon,¡± said Arleaf after going fairly far into the swamp.


    ¡°Oh, was this side the proper entrance?¡±


    The entrance with the altar that Muu and I changed jobs with was originally just a separate cave. Now its remains are connected to the dungeon.


    So it makes sense that this should be considered the proper entrance.


    ¡°Yep. It would be easier to go to deeper levels through this way too.¡±


    ¡°Is that right?¡±


    The altar connects to the second floor, but to get to the third floor, you¡¯ve gotta use this entrance, I think.


    ¡°Do you tend to explore dungeons, Yukihisa?¡±


    ¡°Hmm... to tell you the truth, I don¡¯t really think of it like that. I onlye here because it¡¯s easy to fight.¡±


    I can¡¯t forget the real reason why I¡¯m here.


    We¡¯ve got to find a way to free me from this Forced Possession Summoning while escaping the people chasing me.


    That¡¯s also the reason why I¡¯m trying to level up.


    It¡¯s not like my goal is to explore dungeons.


    I mean, not that I¡¯m totally uninterested though.


    ¡°I see. It would hard for me the way I am right now... and I would only drag you down.¡±


    ¡°Then consider us to be on a stroll until the sun goes down.¡±


    I can¡¯t push her too hard either.


    Sure, she¡¯s arade to us, but only for a limited time.


    ¡°Do you wanna fight a few more monsters before we go home?¡±


    ¡°Yes. And before we return... are you nning to go for a soak?¡±


    She¡¯s still hung up on that, eh?


    ¡°Umm... I wouldn¡¯t do so since you¡¯re here with me, Arleaf.¡±


    Since it turns out there are people watching me and I don¡¯t know what they¡¯re scheming...


    But I can¡¯t deny that soaking in the toxic water feels as fantastic as soaking in an onsen.


    I was considering to maybe just dip my toes in, or maybe I¡¯ll get a little cheeky and have Muu stand guard for me, when all of a sudden...


    ¡°Let¡¯s get the hell out of here.¡±


    ¡°Yeah!¡±


    ¡°H-Heal...¡±


    ¡°I know!¡±


    Oh? There are a few adventurers over by the entrance of the dungeon that ran past us.


    ¡®Beware. It is possible that they are in midst of fleeing from a monster.¡¯


    Ah... that¡¯s certainly a possibility. Maybe it¡¯s time for me to bust out some poison again.


    Seems like Arleaf immediately noticed them run behind us.


    She looks like she¡¯s ready to hightail out of here too.


    Maybe I can let out a toxic mist to cover our back.


    But... I can¡¯t sense any monsters around here.


    ¡°Muu?¡±


    In the end, the adventurers left, and peace returned.

 Chapter 29

    <h4>Chapter 29</h4>


    ¡°I wonder if they had been swarmed by monsters...¡±


    That was anticlimactic.


    It¡¯s even a little too quiet.


    ¡°Perhaps they barely made it out of the dungeon with their lives, escaping a monster they couldn¡¯t win against.¡±


    ¡®That is reasonable.¡¯


    ¡°Are there monsters that strong in the dungeon?¡±


    ¡°Umm... as far as I know, no. Then again... the miasma is quite thick, so you would have to be quite skilled to adventure be here.¡±


    Sounds about right.


    Since I have Poison Absorption, I never really paid it much attention.


    But judging from Arleaf, it seems like the deeper you go, the more toxic it gets.


    It¡¯d probably be hard for us get any farther.


    Though it may be convenient for me since I get constantly healed, it would probably be more efficient for us to consider fighting somewhere else since we have Arleaf with us.


    ¡°Then before we get swept up by anything unnecessary, let¡¯s head back.¡±


    ¡°Muu?¡±


    ¡°I think so too. It would probably be evening by the time we return. I could drop by the church as well.¡±


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s get going then.¡±


    With that, we trace our path and return from the entrance of the dungeon and go back to the vige.


    As soon as we stepped foot into the vige, Arleaf calls out to me.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go to the church.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, alright.¡±


    Would it be alright though, Veno?


    ¡®It should pose no problem if thou art simply going to spectate. If anything suspicious happens, I shall warn thee.¡¯


    Gotcha.


    And so, to the church we went.


    It¡¯s quite like what I expected out of a game.


    As expected, their symbol isn¡¯t a cross.


    What is that? It¡¯s like a heart wrapped in thorns.


    And having seen how Arleaf¡¯s family prayed, it doesn¡¯t seem like this vige is affiliated with my enemy¡¯s religion...


    ¡®Do not drop thy guard. I, too, shall be vignt.¡¯


    Arleaf leads me inside.


    Hmm... it feels very holy in here.


    It¡¯s not unlike the feeling you get when visiting Shinto shrines.


    The evening sun peeks through the stained-ss windows, like something out of a fairy-tale.


    ¡°Good evening, Father.¡±


    ¡°Good evening, Arleaf.¡±


    The man dressed like a priest looks up from his book as Arleaf greets him.


    ¡°This is... I have heard of you, Cohgray, the Poison Eater. I give you my sincere thanks for saving our vige.¡±


    ¡°Uhh, umm, that nickname...¡±


    ¡°Yes, the rumors say that you are quite the monster to not only put your life on the line to try, but to finish everything on your te. Of course, the rumorse from...¡±


    You can see the veins bulging from Arleaf¡¯s forehead.


    She has a smile on her face, and likely, it would be the same smile she¡¯ll give to her father once she gets home.


    Didn¡¯t my nickname change rather quickly?


    ¡®It must be the case that the young girl¡¯s cooking is infamous.¡¯


    How awful.


    ¡°Now that introductions are out of the way, is there something you needed from the church?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I was hoping to change jobs.¡±


    ¡°I have heard talk of it. You wish to be stronger to help the adventurer Cohgray.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Yukihisa and I were out hunting earlier today, and I believe I know what to expect in the future. Father, would you help me with the job change ceremony?¡±


    ¡°... is that right? I understand. Since Mr. Cohgray is the savior of our vige, I would like to lend all my powers to him too. Normally, I would ask for a donation, but I shall waive it this time.¡±


    Oh? How nice that she gets to change jobs for free.


    Huh... didn¡¯t know it costed anything though.


    ¡®It seems so. Well... in thy case, we used the altar in the dungeon, thus it was free of charge.¡¯


    I guess what we should¡¯ve done wase here, but we borrowed the altar without permission.


    It might be dangerous for Muu and I to do so, but Arleaf¡¯s an outsider... so I¡¯m sure she¡¯s fine.


    ¡°Then let us proceed with the ceremony. This way, Arleaf.¡±


    Arleaf goes before the church¡¯s altar... oh, there¡¯s a stone statue of a dragon on it.


    It looks kinda simr to the one at the dungeon, doesn¡¯t it?


    ¡®The apothecaries had prayed to the Holy Dragon before their meal as well. It seems like this is that dragon. If it is rted to dragons, it may be easy for me to interfere.¡¯


    ¡°sp your hands together in front of the statue and pray. Then, with a calm mind...¡±


    Just like how we did, Arleaf stands in front of the altar and... oh, she¡¯s not touching it.


    She¡¯s praying.


    As she does so, a magic circle lights up at her feet.


    Hmm? The light is slowly extending towards me?!


    ¡®Hmm?¡¯


    Is this fine? Being detected would be dangerous, wouldn¡¯t it be?


    ¡®Let us see... hmm, I think you need not worry. I believe it is because she has a mentor nearby and thus affecting her ss change.¡¯


    Huh? Uhh, so does that mean... Arleaf gets to be a Poison-Wielder too?


    Unlike with Muu, I can¡¯t see her options or choose for her, so this is a little worrying.


    As soon as I thought so, Arleaf turns around with a puzzled look on her face.


    ¡°Umm... there¡¯s a new ss called Thaumaturge avable...¡±


    She calls out with a ¡®What should I do?¡¯ kind of tone.


    I quizzically look over to the priest.


    ¡°It is not a ss that I would rmend... but at your current level, Arleaf, you should not be able to choose it though. I am sure that this ss exists, but...¡±


    The priest brings out a book that was tucked away near the altar and begins flipping through the pages.


    I nonchntly get closer to Arleaf to speak to her in secret.


    ¡°Maybe this is happening because I¡¯m nearby?¡±


    ¡°Perhaps so...¡±


    I¡¯ve told Arleaf that if possible, I¡¯d like her to keep my profession a secret.


    I can¡¯t tell the priest about being a Poison-Wielder.


    But, Thaumaturge... it certainly sounds like it¡¯s rted to Chemists.


    I wonder what kind of spells she would get.


    Hmm. I do have recollections of seeing Thaumaturge in games.


    They¡¯re also known as Shamans or Witch Doctors.


    You usually see them in Western RPGs.


    They¡¯re close enough to Shamans that you can lump them together. They¡¯re like Chemists, but with more of an inclination to sorcery.


    I guess you could say they¡¯re in the same discipline?


    ¡®I have heard about them quite a long time ago...¡¯


    Oh, you know about Thaumaturges, Veno?


    ¡®I believe it is a ss originating from somewhere far from civilization. However, I do not get involved with human sses, so I know not of the details.¡¯


    The priest stops flipping while Veno and I were speaking.


    ¡°... I have found it. Thaumaturges... a ss from before Chemists were an established ss. It seems to be rted to Chemists, but with more of a focus on the magical arts.¡±


    Ooh, an ancient ss then.


    ¡°It may sound dangerous, but it is nothing wicked. It doesn¡¯t seem to have anything to do with dark magic.¡±


    ¡°Is that right?¡±


    ¡°Yes. However, it is also said that you can progress to advanced sses that deal with evil, so proceed with caution.¡±


    Evil sses? What are those?


    Well, probably evil as in everyone will hate you for it, eh?


    ¡®sses like Necromancers that involve the dead are likely to be ssified as evil in a ce like this.¡¯


    Necromancy certainly sounds bad.


    Then... what are Poison-Wielders?


    ¡®Thou can use thy own judgement.¡¯


    ... Poison-Wielders certainly sound bad.


    Anything that has ¡°poison¡± front and center probably doesn¡¯t give off the best of impressions.


    ¡®Is that ament directed towards me, a Poison Dragon?¡¯


    That¡¯s something to do with human nature, I think.


    When we say poison, stuff like assassinations and other bad thingse to mind.


    Of course, like you¡¯ve said before, medicine is also a poison of sorts, so I can¡¯t make a nket statement and say all poison is bad. It¡¯s just hard to ept.


    If it¡¯s bad, it¡¯s a poison. If it¡¯s good, it¡¯s medicine. It¡¯s like word-association.


    And so, Poison-Wielder.


    ¡®Then thou could also say Medicine-Wielder... there would be no difference between that and Chemist then.¡¯


    That sounds a lot better.


    ¡°A profession of evil...¡±


    Arleaf seems rather troubled by this.


    ¡°You could also advance into other sses. Since it popped up anyway, there would be no harm in trying it out.¡±


    ¡°Would it be alright?¡±


    ¡°I think we are all sympathetic on not wanting to choose a ss of wickedness... but a base profession like Warrior can have paths that lead to evil as well. So too Priests, so too Mages.¡±


    What would an evil Warrior be? Berserker?


    ¡®That is a particr fierce advancement of Warrior. ¡®Tis not a ss of wickedness.¡¯


    It¡¯s kinda hard to exin what I mean. What is a wicked form of Warrior then?


    ¡®For Warriors... something like a Dark Warrior.¡¯


    Well, that¡¯s a straightforward name.


    So I guess anything with ¡°Dark¡± in the name is evil?


    ¡®I am not too familiar. However, Dark Knights are also an evil ss, I have heard.¡¯


    Oh, yeah, that makes sense.


    But they¡¯re considered good in games.


    I guess it must be different in this world.


    ¡®I know of the conditions to be one. Once someone wields a cursed sword, they are automatically forced into being a Dark Knight.¡¯


    That¡¯s certainly evil then. Do they turn out okay?


    ¡®Cursed swords leech the blood of their users and eventually turning them into mere puppets. The price of power is their lives, leading to a deplorable fate. By the way, I have a few of them at myir as decoration.¡¯


    If you have one now, don¡¯t give it to me. If Muu bes a Dark Knight, we¡¯d be in danger.


    ¡°Muu?¡±


    ¡®If I had one on hand, I would consider giving it to thee. Unfortunately, such is not the case.¡¯


    I¡¯m fine without.


    Wait, why would want to do that anyway?!


    ¡°Yukihisa? Were you listening?¡±


    ¡°Huh? Oh, what?¡±


    I just noticed Arleaf was speaking while I was chatting with Veno.


    ¡°What should we do? I would have to wait a few days between changing jobs, that is if I were to have second thoughts. Should I y it safe with Priest or Mage? Or perhaps try out Thaumaturge?


    ¡°Hmm...¡±


    Like a Chemist, but more proficient in magic.


    I can¡¯t say I don¡¯t like the sound of that.

 Chapter 30

    <h4>Chapter 30</h4>


    ¡°What sort of advancements are there for this ss?¡±


    I¡¯ll try asking the priest, but since this is such an umon ss, I doubt he¡¯d know much about it either.


    ¡°Hmm... there are not many details in this tome. However, Alchemist and Physician... might be possible options, as they would be avable to Chemists. Another deviation seems to be Elementalist.¡±


    ¡°There seems to be quite a bit of potential.¡±


    ¡°Indeed... normally, Chemists are simr to Swordsman, a deviation of Warrior. The possibilities should be plenty. However, finding out all possibilities would be difficult, I believe.¡±


    To make it simple, why don¡¯t we try the predecessor of Chemist, the Thaumaturge?


    ¡°Since we have the option to, why don¡¯t we try it out? I think it¡¯d be good to experience everything.¡±


    I think this is possible only because of me.


    But I mean, it¡¯s not like it¡¯s a bad choice, since we can capitalize her talent with magic.


    ¡°If you say so, Yukihisa... then let¡¯s try it out.¡±


    Arleaf decides on Thaumaturge.


    Mm. This way, if she finds out that I¡¯m a wanted man and hates me for it, she could always go back and be a Chemist.


    A soft light radiates from Arleaf.


    It seems like there¡¯s no problems on her end.


    Arleaf checks her new Senses and other changes.


    ¡°Umm... my Magic Sense evolved to nt Magic Sense. And... Medical Sense became Doctor Sense.¡±


    ¡°Kinda the same as Chemist, then?¡±


    ¡°Not quite... I have also gained Enhanced Lung Capacity. I believe it¡¯s usually a skill that Anglers have for better underwaterbat...¡±


    Arleaf nods at the priest, asking for confirmation.


    ¡°That is correct. And it would be quite useful against the miasma around here as well. It seems like quite the handy ss you have found.¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    ¡°Then let us conclude the ceremony.¡±


    The priest rings a bell, signaling the end of Arleaf¡¯s job change.


    ¡°And now... do you also need a job change as well, Cohgray?¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m good.¡±


    I check my status and ¡°Job change avable¡± doesn¡¯t appear.


    I can¡¯t go up or back down to a Poison Earth either.


    No choice but to keep going.


    How about you, Muu?


    I turn over to look at him.


    ¡°Muu, muu.¡±


    He waves his hand. Guess that he doesn¡¯t need it either.


    ¡°Thank you for using our services today. Pleasee back anytime you wish. I look forward to seeing you two flourish.¡±


    Nothing about the gods, eh?


    That¡¯s kinda different than what I would expect from a game.


    ¡°Thank you very much.¡±


    Arleaf expresses her gratitude towards the priest.


    She goes back to her status screen and seems to be lost in thought.


    Since it¡¯s an ancient and rare ss, she¡¯s probably thinking about what to do with it.


    ¡®Let me bestow upon thee a present to celebrate the job change. Perhaps this is bing a tradition of ours.¡¯


    You sure?


    If I hand her anything out of ce, she might get suspicious of me.


    ¡®Thou could im that it is equipment you possess. Well, we know not of what will happen if thou give the young girl something valuable. Perhaps the gift of knowledge is more suitable.¡¯


    Veno starts muttering to himself.


    ¡®Give this to her.¡¯


    A piece of parchment appears before me... this is parchment made from skin.


    There¡¯s a bunch of stuff written on it.


    ¡°Yukihisa?¡±


    ¡®nt magic. It is likely a type of magic that controls flora. This spell should be useful then.¡¯


    Hey... did you forget that Poison-Wielder isn¡¯t a magic-based ss?


    Why would I have something like this? This pretty much screams that I know everything about magic. She¡¯s definitely going to suspect something.


    ¡®Use me again then. im it is something thy mentor passed down to you.¡¯


    Damn it... I wouldn¡¯t be able to answer anything if she were to ask me questions.


    If that happens, read me the script.


    ¡®Fine. All I have to do is to make it easy for thee to pronounce the words.¡¯


    I inadvertently let out a sigh and brace myself. I hand over the parchment to Arleaf.


    ¡°What is this...?¡±


    ¡°Since you deal with nt-based magic now, this mighte in handy, I thought. It¡¯s something my mentor wrote for me.¡±


    ¡°I-I see.¡±


    Arleaf takes a look at the words written on the parchment.


    ¡°This is amazing. Not only are these skills very easy to understand, but practical and easy for beginners to use as well!¡±


    I can tell that Arleaf is devouringly and thoroughly reading the parchment.


    Is this really that amazing?


    ¡°Yukihisa, you are a disciple of such an impressive person!¡±


    Well, not exactly person, but... ehh, whatever.


    ¡®By the way, what is written down is Binding Whip, Leaf Shot, and Aroma Heal which are beginner spells that use nts as a medium.¡¯


    Veno exins the details.


    Binding Whip, a spell that uses vines to restrain enemies.


    Leaf Shot, an offensive spell that hurls razor-like leaves to cut through opponents.


    And Aroma Heal uses the power of nts to invigorate and revitalize.


    ¡®I would rmend Aroma Heal. If used in conjunction with the fertilizer, Muu should be able to be healed for quite a bit. It would also benefit us as well.¡¯


    ¡°Muu?¡±


    Oh, right.


    I¡¯m not sure if I can remember all of that right now though.


    ¡°Please hold on. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be able to use these skills any time soon.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. We¡¯ve finished hunting already anyway. Maybe we should split up for the day then.¡±


    ¡°Won¡¯t you check on the adventurers that passed by us in front of the dungeon?¡±


    ¡°Oh, yeah. In that case, I¡¯ll head to the tavern on the way to take a look, so don¡¯t worry about that either. I¡¯m sure you have lots to speak to your dad about as well.¡±


    It really seems like he¡¯s fixed on marrying his daughter to me.


    They should really talk about it some more.


    Like, seriously.


    ¡°... okay. Then I¡¯ll go sell what we¡¯ve collected today.¡±


    After sensing my intentions, she leaves to battle the one who can be considered her archenemy¡ªher father.


    I head to the tavern right away and speak to the barkeep. He recalls seeing those adventurers but heard nothing in particr about them.


    Perhaps they went and stayed under the radar after retreating to the vige to heal.


    After that, I finished up a good day of hunting and partying with Arleaf.


    Under a deepyer of dirt, the being whose point of view I am looking through begins to awaken.


    It slowly eases its stiffened body and takes a breath, as if to replenish all the mana it has lost.


    Though unable to fully rid of the sluggishness, the being whose point of view I am looking through starts to dig with its ws, like swimming towards the surface.


    It knows not of how many years or decades have passed since that incident.


    Even then, the fighting should already be over.


    The being whose point of view I am looking through remembers the dream it had before waking up, painting in his mind a picture of the future that is now.


    It keeps digging until its face peeks above the ground.


    Only to find... ruins and what seems to be the epicenter of an explosion.


    ¡°...¡±


    Not a piece of the kingdom he imagined remains.


    It breathes in.


    There is a faint odor in the air.


    Its lungs will with ash. It quickly realizes why as he sees the hideously burnt creatures.


    The world tree that it grew with care is nowhere to be seen.


    Only corpses remain.


    The dragon unleashes a thundering roar.


    He stares into the distance and the polluted air condenses, taking form as a monster.


    ¡°... what happened...?¡±


    Troubled, the being whose point of view I am looking through extends his wings to look from above.


    The remains and ruins of human civilization lie scattered.


    The hill still stands, the one from the dream where the man who spoke of dreams of remation and hisrades shared a drink together.


    The dragon conspicuouslynds in a town square. It looks around to find ruined statues.


    The statues of dragon-like beings and the men who were worshipped as heroes are in pieces.


    ¡°How long... had I been asleep for?¡±


    There was no way the dragon had been asleep for that long. It loiters in a daze.


    Though they discussed for so long and vowed to aim for an evesting peace, what remains Is so little...


    It spreads its wings again to fly elsewhere.


    The dragon needed time toprehend the situation.


    It flies towards clearer air and draws near a human settlement.


    ¡°Ahhhh!¡±


    ¡°I-It¡¯s a dragon! The evil dragon who sullied the world tree has appeared!¡±


    Suddenly, countless soldiers and adventurers circle the dragon for a preemptive strike.


    ¡°H-Hold your swords! Hey. I am not here to fight thee. Listen to me!¡±


    ¡°Be careful! Don¡¯t listen to its trickery!¡±


    ¡°The dragon took the world tree, wrested for power, and then the world tree vanished! What are you scheming this time?¡±


    Et cetera.


    The humans, wielding weapons and magic, begin their assault.


    ¡°Will thou not listen?! What happened to him... and the kingdom?!¡±


    His question fell on deaf ears, forcing it to retreat.


    After, he heard from humans and monsters that the man who spoke of dreams of remation had perished decades ago.


    They were using magic and science to build a better world, along with strengthening the world tree. However, the world tree was stolen by an evil, parasitic dragon, destroying the system and connection between the kingdom and the tree.


    It polluted the air as it left.


    This was all while that dragon feigned to be an ally to the humans.


    There was yet more story to be told.


    The dragon, shouldering the burden of sins it did notmit, was left with naught but despair.


    The humans, without the world tree, lost their magic and technology... with the current state further behind than before.


    ¡°Hah... I suppose I expected too much of humans after all.¡±


    me thy decline, strength, and failure on me. On me, who was not present.


    I shall make for a good scapegoat.


    The humans learned not from the foolish mistakes of the elves who had destroyed themselves by abusing the world tree. The humans are likely to be guilty of the same foolishness.


    ¡°My dreams were foolish too. There is no chance for this world to be any better.¡±


    Betrayed by his own expectations, the being whose point of view I am looking through flies again towards the skies.


    Nothing changed. Nothing will.


    The creatures of this world heads only towards more foolishness. The being whose point of view I am looking through bes a spectator in this world where the miasma chokes harder and harder.


    Ah, what a bore.


    Falling into the delusion of a promising future may perhaps even be better.


    But... if that is what I think, then perhaps I should have been a spectator that time as well.


    The being whose point of view I am looking through heaves a heavy sigh.


    Perhaps it is carelessness. Perhaps the gods who they worshipped had forsaken them. Perhaps not even their ownrades can be trusted. But even their methods of ying monsters had changed.


    Hearing the humans chant their spell of Forced Possession Summoning disgusts me.


    It seems they are unable of proper, legitimate fighting and must rely on sphemous techniques.


    There is little I can do about them abusing ancient magics to summon a being from another world...


    Well... the humans will be engulfed in the ever-growing miasma and disappear from the face of this world.


    How foolish it is to be destroyed by the polluted air that they created themselves.


    They are no different than elves.


    After the humans are wiped out, I wonder what creatures will be next to strut around as if they owned the world.


    I shall not lend my strength next time.


    I vow...


    Three days have gone by since then.


    We¡¯ve been training by ying monsters and it¡¯s been going smoothly.


    You wouldn¡¯t believe how easy it is for me to fight them one by one in swamp water.


    Arleaf was able to use the magic the day after she received the parchment.


    We¡¯ve only be more efficient and effective since then.


    Vines crawl out of the ground to trap our enemies, then a flurry of leaves shoot out like shuriken to slice the monsters to pieces.


    Aroma Heal refills the stamina used by Muu¡¯s Self-Regeneration.


    Plus, when she level¡¯s up, Arleaf¡¯s Extended Lung Capacity also gets stronger, enabling us to fight in heavy miasma without so much a hitch.


    They say you have to be a pretty experienced adventurer to fight in areas with thick miasma, so you could say Thaumaturges are good against the toxic gas.


    She seems to be have mastered the spells already... it might not be so bad for us to try our luck in the underground dungeon.


    Oh, by the way, after leveling a bit in the swamp, we went to a rocky mountain on the opposite side where the air wasn¡¯t toxic.


    I¡¯ve always wanted to try fighting out of the swamp too.


    And as I thought, fighting in clean air certainly makes me weaker.


    I really can¡¯t take where I fight too lightly.


    Not to mention that I was fighting with the buffs from Arleaf¡¯s cooking.


    ¡°We fought with ease today, hey?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Couldn¡¯t have done it without you, Arleaf. I feel bad, but I¡¯d like to see if you can cook up something even stronger.¡±


    ¡°O-Okay. I don¡¯t know how to feel about that, but I¡¯ll do my best.¡±


    Well, it¡¯s alright, since we both know how your food tastes. So, never mind that and make me something even more impressive.


    Though it certainly wouldn¡¯t make her feel any better if I told her that.


    But it¡¯s true, isn¡¯t it?


    Since I can stomach it all, why not experiment and try to make something even more effective?


    Plus, I¡¯ve gotta learn the limits of my Poison Absorption and y within it.


    I have to find the line where it¡¯s too toxic for me to eat. That way, I know what I¡¯m able to withstand.


    I think I can use Arleaf¡¯s Poison Cooking to get a rough estimate. But I¡¯ll keep that fact to myself.


    I see great potential in her Poison Cooking.


    ¡°Mu...¡±


    Muu looks over here with a very troubled face.


    It¡¯s baring his teeth, much like a cat.


    You hate her cooking that much?


    Now then, it¡¯s not just Arleaf who grew in the past three days.


    Muu seems like it did too.


    Let me check our statuses just in case.


    Yukihisa Kogure


    Poison-Wielder


    Level 31


    Acquired skills: Spirit Link, Poison Absorption, Poison Release, Synthesize Poison, Detect Poison, Poison Enchantment, Hunting Sense, Hunting Mastery IV, Aiming Shot, Trap Mastery II, Call Fungus, Critical Eye, Footwork


    Muu


    Mutated Myconid


    Warrior


    Level 23


    Acquired Skills: Spore Scatter, Self-Regeneration, Stamina Recovery Rate Increase (Medium), Toughness, Subordinate of Poison-Wielder, ss change avable, Warrior Sense, War Cry, Axe Mastery III, Hatchet Crash III, Tornado Strike II


    Not only did our stats go up, so did the number of acquired skills.


    Though there are many of them that you don¡¯t get just by leveling up, but by training.


    In my case, it¡¯s the poisons that I can create. Stuff like Mild Paralysis Poison and Moderate Paralysis Poison.


    With Trap Mastery and Poison Release, I can make better pitfall traps and fill it with poison more potent.


    Recently, I¡¯ve learned how to make Charm Poison. It¡¯s like a mixture of hallucinogen and narcotic. It naturally draws monsters, making it easy to lead them to traps.


    Charm Poison... it¡¯s great when used with a pitfall, but it¡¯s got a tricky side to it as well.


    It stimtes the target and increases their strength.


    So, if you mess up using it, it won¡¯t turn out too great.


    Muu got pretty badly hurt because of me.


    Parts of his cap got torn off. It looked extremely painful.


    ... though a few hourster after using Self-Regeneration, it¡¯s as if nothing ever happened.


    Critical Eye gets used pretty often when I¡¯m in close-quarterbat. I feel like it increases my ability to dodge enemy monsters¡¯ attacks.


    Well... I also have Veno¡¯s knowledge on how to dodge the enemy attacks as well. He¡¯s saved my skin quite a bit.


    When I activate Footwork while dodging enemy attacks, it makes me feel a little nimbler.


    It¡¯s surprising how different it is to properly learn a skill.


    That¡¯s it for me... next up is Muu. It¡¯s still a Warrior focused on the frontline.


    Axe Mastery makes him more familiar with his weapon.


    And... the other two weren¡¯t naturally learned.


    The proprietress of the inn taught Muu them.


    ¡°Muu.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s it... now bring your axe down, just like splitting wood!¡±


    The ground tremors with a loud thunk!


    ¡°Wh-What the?!¡±


    I ran off to see what had happened...


    ¡°Oh, what¡¯s up, Cohgray?¡±


    ¡°Nothing... I heard a loud noise to I came over to check...¡±


    The ground at the back of the inn had been cleaved open.


    Splinters were strewn about everywhere.


    What kind of herculean strength did you swing your axe with?


    ¡®Aye... that would even hurt me if aimed well.¡¯


    I feel it too.


    How did you turn from small frail thing to an Amazon warrior?


    ¡°Lil¡¯ Muu-Muu here is quick at learnin¡¯.¡±


    ¡°Mu.¡±


    Muu swings its arms, copying the proprietress¡¯ actions.


    That¡¯s how he learned Hatchet Crash.


    ording to Veno, it¡¯s especially effective against nt monsters.


    And turn that vicious axe swing sideways, you¡¯ve got a skill called Tornado Swing that sends its axe flying.


    It¡¯s handy... but I haven¡¯t the faintest idea about the person who taught Muu those skills.


    Exactly what kind of person is the proprietress?


    ¡®Calm down and carefully think about it. She has the guts to deal with hot-blooded adventurers. It would not be unreasonable to expect her to have her fair share of experience.¡¯


    Veno¡¯s got a point.


    I don¡¯t think I¡¯d wanna piss her off then.

 Chapter 31

    <h4>Chapter 31</h4>


    More importantly, though, is Arleaf.


    ¡°What level are you again, Arleaf?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m already at level 19. I feel having experience in D-Psy Earth and Chemist makes me quite strong.¡±


    Oh, yeah, that¡¯s right. People in this world not only tell others what their current job level is, but also use theirbined level as some sort of standard as well.


    That¡¯s what you¡¯re supposed to tell others when you introduce yourself, or so Arleaf said to me.


    Anyway, we¡¯re pretty ready to skip town... or so I thought.


    The next few days turned out to be rather turbulent in the vige.


    Arleaf¡¯s father said it started with only one viger.


    They weren¡¯t feeling quite well, so they visited the apothecary for a medical check-up.


    Within hours, though, more and more vigers came by saying that they didn¡¯t feel well.


    We returned after ying some monsters to find Arleaf¡¯s parents in this hectic situation.


    ¡°Ah, that you, Cohgray? Sorry to trouble you, but could you help out a little?¡±


    ¡°Did something happen?¡±


    ¡°Well... for some reason, a bunch of the people in the vigeined about not feeling well; some even bedridden.¡±


    ¡®What? It has only been days since we have cured Bloodflower, yet another epidemic?¡¯


    No, hold on, you don¡¯t think there are other possibilities?


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me Bloodflower is back again.¡±


    ¡®Hast thou no faith in my form?!¡¯


    Veno voices his displeasure at my words, but if someone were to be med, it¡¯d have to be you, right?


    Since we said we¡¯re going to cure it, we¡¯ll have to get to the bottom of this.


    ¡®T-That is impossible!¡¯


    ¡°Naw, it ain¡¯t Bloodflower again, so don¡¯t worry.¡±


    ¡°O-Oh, good.¡±


    ¡°Umm... then what is it, Father?¡±


    ¡°I still can¡¯t tell exactly yet; gotta further monitor their development. But I¡¯ve given them some medicine to soothe their symptoms.¡±


    I hope they¡¯re okay.


    ¡®Aye... we should deal with it as soon as possible so that there is not unnecessary attention.¡¯


    If it¡¯s just a bad case of the flu, then it¡¯s not so bad, but... I hope it¡¯s not a contagious disease that my world would find serious either.


    ¡°Well, if it¡¯s you, Cohgray, then you might be able to deduce what it is. Wanna give it a shot?¡±


    ¡®It is not such a poor idea as thou hast meddled once already. Just... be sure of the responsibilities thou must bear.¡¯


    ... I know, I know.


    But need I remind you that I wasn¡¯t a doctor before I came to this world?


    Well, Veno, you¡¯d probably know a thing or two. Let¡¯s take a look.


    I go check on the vigers who have flocked to the apothecary.


    ¡®First, take their temperature with your hand. Aye... his breathing may be erratic, but with no odd noises. Nor does he seem to have abnormalities in his magical energy.¡¯


    You can tell whether his mana is normal or not?


    ¡®It is easy to tell from one¡¯s eyes. A change in magical energy shall affect their consciousness as well. Check for pupil dtion and mental stability; even avoiding eye contact can be a sign.¡¯


    Hmm... but what if making eye contact turns me into stone? You sure about that?


    ¡®Without a doubt.¡¯


    Oh, wait. This is unusual.


    ¡°What¡¯s this...?¡±


    On his upper arm is a scab-like crystal growing.


    What do you think? Something translucent and purple like that obviously has no businessing out of a human, right?


    ¡®Obviously. I believe that surface growth of crystallized quintessence is a symptom of a disease called Dorimsvoyta.¡¯


    Talk about quick.


    That¡¯s a Poison Dragon for ya, eh?


    ¡®Nay, ¡®tis but knowledge learned because I was curious.¡¯


    Oh, is that right?


    ¡°I think these are initial symptoms of Dorimsvoyta.¡±


    ¡°Huh? Dorimsvoyta? But you never see it around here.¡±


    Arleaf¡¯s father takes a look at where I pointed out and brings out a book from somewhere.


    ¡°Sure looks like it though...¡±


    ¡®Apound of a herb named Y¡¯led and a flower named Sol shall be effective.¡¯


    I parrot the words to Arleaf¡¯s father.


    ¡°How impressive of you to so easily diagnose the problem, Yukihisa...¡±


    ¡°I just happened to know of it.¡±


    ¡°But... you know of any medicines that the vigers can afford?¡±


    ¡®Sprinkling holy water shall dy the progression of the disease; and prioritize the ones who are in worse condition.¡¯


    I exined it to their whole family and had the vigers to get some rest for the day.


    This might be easier to deal with than I thought...


    The following day.


    More be infected.


    They needed the help and so we went over to the apothecary to help out making medicine.


    ¡°Thanks to you, Cohgray, we¡¯re able to deal with this problem quite quickly. Still, this thing spreads fast.¡±


    Arleaf¡¯s father mutters while prescribing drugs to the vigers.


    Oh, and of course, he has a gas mask on to prevent catching the disease.


    I think we¡¯re likely able to contain the disease.


    ¡°It seems so. Rather, we¡¯re lucky to be able to treat the problem so quickly.¡±


    I¡¯ve gotta treat these folks as per Veno¡¯s instructions or else he¡¯ll warn me of repercussions and all that.


    I keep at it on making medicine and the situation seemed to be improving.


    But in the evening...


    ¡°My grandmother has fainted! Can I get some help please?!¡±


    The voice reverberates inside the apothecary.


    The same crystals we saw yesterday are on this olddy¡¯s face.


    ¡°This...¡±


    I¡¯m frozen with fear.


    Hey, Veno... I thought you said this is curable.


    ¡®... aye. It seems to be quite the stubborn disease.¡¯


    ¡°This is different.¡±


    Arleaf¡¯s father mutters as picks out the crystals with a pair of tweezers.


    Right... this time it¡¯s not purple, but green.


    By the way, it doesn¡¯t seem like the crystal is caused by the quintessence in the body.


    The crystals are a surface concentration of the pathogen and a symptom of the disease.


    Rather, the disease is forcing the body¡¯s quintessence to crystallize.


    In other words, the disease will leech the infected of levels and experience.


    The more experience you have, the less likely you¡¯ll die.


    ¡®This is a mutation. Dorimsvoyta type III. This type causes quintessence crystallization. I know not why it mutated... aye, ¡®tis quite the headache.¡¯


    It mutates that easily?


    ¡®It seems quick, but it would not be impossible for both types to ur simultaneously... however... hmm.¡¯


    ¡°Whatever it may be, we apothecaries have but one job. We must keeppounding for the sake of our vige!¡±


    Arleaf¡¯s father, full of energy, blurted out.


    Deep down, he¡¯s a good person. Except for sabotaging his daughter¡¯s future by disying her cooking, I¡¯m sure he¡¯s a good guy.


    But what does he grow again? Narcotics?


    Maybe he¡¯s a bad guy after all.


    ¡°Cohgray, I¡¯ll have my girl to fetch some medicines from the next vige over. Can I get you to stay put and keep making medicine?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, let me help out.¡±


    ¡°Yukihisa...¡±


    ¡°With his knowledge, I¡¯m sure Cohgray can be counted on to help me make meds, but...¡±


    He¡¯s praising me, but all my knowledge is from Veno.


    Anyway, I¡¯m sure he can let Arleaf handle procuring medicine while I keep working with her parents.


    ¡®I believe he wants to find more medicine to supplement the current one.¡¯


    Oh, right. Kinda reminds me of Japan then.


    When you get tuberculosis or pneumonia, the doctors prescribe you with, like, three different type of drugs.


    It probably wouldn¡¯t be enough without that cocktail.


    Something about drug-resistant bacteria too.


    ¡®It is no different here. Indeed, when one intends to get rid of harmful creatures, it is important to kill them all before they get a chance to multiply.¡¯


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure if it¡¯s quick to mutate or if it¡¯s a subspecies to happen at the same time, but I¡¯ll try to find medicine that will work well together with what we have already.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s right. I know a recipe for something that¡¯ll work even if it¡¯s a subspecies. Arleaf, I¡¯ll write you a note for what to buy. Honey, I¡¯ll get you to post a quest at the town hall if there are any adventurers.¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡±


    ¡°Muu, I¡¯ll get you to shuttle people around and help out too.¡±


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    And so, Arleaf¡¯s father keeps prescribing his medicines while looking for a way to eradicate this infectious disease.


    The situation seems to have stabilized... but after two days, it took a turn for the worse again.


    ¡®How curious... no matter what it may be, it is mutating far too quick. I have seen nothing that mutates in mere days.¡¯


    My knowledge of the diseases in Japan isn¡¯t useful, but I recall that other countries had more aggressive diseases.


    From what I know, though, is that if you don¡¯t have an effective medicine, things will get moreplicated. At least we have something that kinda helps right now.


    But even then, our meds are effective until the Dorimsvoyta pathogens mutate again. Why is this happening?


    Even when we predict the mutations to happen andbat it with a cocktail of drugs.


    This shouldn¡¯t be a breeding ground for superbugs.


    ¡®Aye...¡¯


    ¡°I¡¯m back!¡±


    Arleaf rushed back from her trip.


    ¡°Umm, Yukihisa, Father, I have... news to report.¡±


    ¡°What is it, Arleaf?¡±


    ¡°The neighboring towns and viges all have symptoms of Dorimsvoyta as well and it seems rather serious too. The nation has decreed a quarantine zone and has shut down all passage through the bridge near the town.¡±


    ¡°What?!¡±


    Arleaf¡¯s father folds up his arms, steaming mad.


    ¡°Crap. Cohgray and I could dy their conditions from worsening, but I guess other ces weren¡¯t so lucky.¡±


    ¡°It seems so. Not only that, but Bloodflower might have devastated nearby towns and viges already.¡±


    Whoa, hey. Aren¡¯t they a little screwed then?


    ¡°Fortunately, there ain¡¯t any dead so far... but if they dere it to be an epidemic outbreak, they government will form a squad to purge this whole area from existence.¡±


    ¡®Unbelievable... they are rather pragmatic about it. Oh, and what he meant by ¡°purge¡± is that the viges, towns, and everybody here shall be burnt to ashes. After that, it shall be a quarantine zone for the next ten years or so.¡¯


    We¡¯re fucked!


    ¡°For better or worse, at least we don¡¯t show any signs of the disease... but they ain¡¯t exactly gonna let us live either. What¡¯ll we do?¡±


    ¡®Indeed... the two of us can still survive. All thou hast to do is escape via the swamp where the miasma is thick. Pursuit would be futile. We are fugitives anyway, so this may be a good chance to leave the vige.¡¯


    Aren¡¯t you being a little too fuckin¡¯ rash to just ditch these guys?!


    ¡®I expected thou wouldst answer this way. Do understand that if we have no better n, then that would be our only choice. I am not almighty after all.¡¯


    ... you¡¯re right. If I need anything, I can always rely on you. You also know the right medicines to make.


    But that won¡¯t solve the problem at hand.


    Still, we need to think of our future ns.


    ¡°Let¡¯s focus on what we should do before those purge troops arrive.¡±


    ¡°Ah... but even Cohgray¡ªwho¡¯s as good as I am with medicine¡ªcan¡¯t stop this disease.¡±


    I have a few qualms with that, but now¡¯s not the time to argue.


    It¡¯s just that it¡¯s not me... it¡¯s all thanks to Veno.


    ¡°We¡¯ve got an important question to figure out first. What exactly is the cause?¡±


    It¡¯s weird for a disease to gue us all of a sudden.


    There must be a cause to this effect.


    Like with Bloodflower, they¡¯re tiny little monsters created by a big monster long ago, ording to Veno.


    If we don¡¯t get to the root of this, it¡¯ll haunt us for a long time.


    ¡°It¡¯s due to the toxic gas from the swamp. Not exactly unusual for any disease to just pop up.¡±


    Don¡¯t give up on figuring it out already.


    Of course it¡¯s weird for anything to ¡°just pop up¡±!


    ¡°Why is there a vige here in the first ce? To buy and sell expensive herbs?¡±


    ¡°No... that¡¯s ain¡¯t it...¡±


    Arleaf¡¯s father avoids answering my question.


    ¡°Call it a pretense or a dream, but the founder of the vige wanted to clear the miasma and the poisonous swamp.¡±


    ¡®How lofty of a goal.¡¯


    It¡¯s a noble goal, but that doesn¡¯t answer anything we need to know.


    As I look at Arleaf¡¯s dad with a dubious look, Arleaf speaks up.


    ¡°Father, Yukihisa is trying his best to figure out what it might be. Could you give it a shot too?¡±


    ¡°... don¡¯t tell nobody about this, alright? Bloodflower spread from a guy in the vige who went to the swamp to pick herbs.¡±


    He hesitantly answers.


    From this exchange, I learned that he just wants to protect his fellow vigers.


    Arleaf¡¯s dad has a grave look on his face, aware of the consequences if anyone were to startying me on anyone.


    I understand that at the very least, he wants to avoid the possible situation of the vigers pointing fingers at each other.


    ¡°The viger who went to the swamp to pick herbs...¡±


    Everything clicked for me.


    I seem to have all the pieces... yet I don¡¯t understand a lot of it.


    When did Dorimsvoyta first appear?


    It was the third noon after Arleaf became a Thaumaturge.


    And then two days after, it mutated. Taking a bunch of medicines didn¡¯t help either.


    Plus, it wasn¡¯t just this vige either; the surrounding viges too...


    It was the same for Bloodflower.


    I know that Arleaf went out to trade with other viges, but did other vigers go out too?


    Even though they¡¯re so sick?


    ¡°Umm, do the vigers go back and forth between towns, even when they¡¯re like this?¡±


    ¡°Like Arleaf, they¡¯ve got to go trade too, but probably not as frequent as she does. And we told the ones who showed symptoms not to leave the vige.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    There are too many factors to consider and we¡¯re not managing the vigers well enough.


    Well, we are in the countryside after all.


    But are the ones infected by Dorimsvoyta the vigers as well?


    I take a look at their lesions with Detect Poison.


    First, the monster-created Bloodflower and now Dorimsvoyta...


    ... that¡¯s right. What about those adventurers? We haven¡¯t seen them aroundtely.


    Right, Veno? My instincts tell me it¡¯s those adventurers we saw right before Arleaf changed to Thaumaturge. Should I say something about them?


    I¡¯m curious about how quickly the disease spreads too.


    If they didn¡¯t stay for long, they must have went to other viges.


    We haven¡¯t seen them ever since that day.


    An adventurer¡¯s job is to hunt for treasure in dungeons.


    There are many stories where explorers dig up old ruins, get infected by some weird disease, and unnaturally die off one by one.


    I thought those were just interesting stories, but there might be some truth behind it. Anyway, that¡¯s not the issue at hand.


    What I¡¯m trying to say is that it wouldn¡¯t be inconceivable that there are adventurers who were infected by a dungeon.


    No harm in asking about it, I think.


    ¡®It may seem as if thou art passing the buck with such a wild leap to conclusion, but there is merit in talking about it. Do not assume that others will be so benevolent. Besides, I may have an idea too.¡¯


    What do you know, Veno?


    ¡®I have told thee of the story of Bloodflower and its creator, aye? Since Dorimsvoyta is mutating so quick... there may be a being deliberately spreading this disease.¡¯


    You really think so? Then we¡¯ve gotta find proof of this.


    ¡°Do you know where the injured adventurers may be?¡±


    ¡°Hmm? Oh, if they¡¯re not at the church, then they¡¯re probably at the town square or at some inn.¡±


    ¡°I have something I¡¯d like to ask an infected adventurer, so I¡¯m going to look for them.¡±


    ¡°Yukihisa, you¡¯re saying that...¡±


    ¡°Yeah. It¡¯s not the vigers who were the first to be infected by Dorimsvoyta, but it may be those adventurers that time.¡±


    Since adventurers tend to be tougher than your average viger, their symptoms may show upter too.


    But it doesn¡¯t change the fact that they¡¯re infected.


    If they¡¯ve been in contact with vigers, then they¡¯ve been spreading it around, right?


    That¡¯s my hypothesis at least.


    ¡°Turbulent times areing, huh?¡±


    Arleaf¡¯s father grumbles.


    With that, I set out to search for the adventurers we past by on that day.

 Chapter 32

    <h4>Chapter 32</h4>


    ¡°Umm...¡±


    ¡°Mu.¡±


    We arrived at the town hall to find it turned into a temporary sick bay and housing one of the adventurers we saw that day.


    We¡¯re lucky to find one of them so quickly.


    Since I¡¯m pretty well-known in the vige by now, the clerks working in the town hall didn¡¯t bat an eye at me rushing inside.


    That, and Arleaf¡¯s whole family is with Muu and me, so I think I have quite a lot of leeway.


    His buddies... aren¡¯t around.


    Did they run away?


    The adventurer groans in his sleep. He¡¯s covered from head to toe with crystals, the sign of being infected with Dorimsvoyta.


    A serious case, too... I wonder if he can talk.


    ¡®First, use Poison Enchantment on a de and apply the medicine to inhibit further crystal growth on his body. Use a liberal amount, almost as if to poison him. Thrust the de into him then revive him with smelling salts.¡¯


    Will he be alright?


    ¡®Adventurers can take that much. Frankly, Dorimsvoyta has mutated too far for the medicine to be effective. But your goal is only to speak with him, aye?¡¯


    ¡°This¡¯ll only sting a little.¡±


    I¡¯m nervous as to whether it¡¯ll really be alright, but I gently stick the poisoned knife into the adventurer¡¯s arm as I was instructed.


    ¡°Gah!¡±


    He looks like he has a weird cramp but seems to be fine.


    Finally, the poison circtes inside his system and his breathing steadies.


    ¡°Am I saved?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve only numbed your senses. You¡¯re still in a bad state.¡±


    It would be unthinkable to do something so barbaric in Japan, but I guess it was nothing for a world that has healing magic.


    Then, I stuck some smelling salts under his nose.


    ¡°Ugh... whoa. Wh-Where am I?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a temporary hospital room.¡±


    ¡°A-Am I going to die?! I¡¯ll pay you anything! Just save me...¡±


    ¡®He is more of a savage than he is an adventurer. Once thou show his life in thy hands, he shall tell thee all there is to know. If thou does not, he shall treat thee with contempt.¡¯


    And kick him while he¡¯s down? I¡¯d be a real dirtbag.


    ¡®He is only human... a living creature known as an adventurer. Someday, thou wille to understand.¡¯


    Aw, jeez... here Veno goes with his distaste for people.


    Well, I can¡¯t have him excuse his way out of this either.


    As far as we¡¯re concerned, he¡¯s the main culprit behind the spread of this disease.


    ¡°Whether you¡¯ll be saved really depends on your next few answers. First of all, you ran past us in front of the dungeon. Sure seemed like you guys were running away from something. Exin.¡±


    ¡°Th-That was...¡±


    The adventurer looks around with his eyes; his face giving off the impression of wondering what him and his crew had done.


    He remains silent as if to avoid responsibility.


    If things go south for him, he might just get lynched by the vigers.


    But we¡¯ve got to find out whether this disease and its variants are lethal and originates from the dungeon, or it¡¯s rted to monsters somehow.


    If it¡¯s the former, we may as well give up now.


    ¡°What¡¯s more important to you as an adventurer? Your loyalty or your life? If you remain silent, you, along with the vige¡ªnay, this whole region¡ªshall be erased forever.¡±


    Arleaf¡¯s father, seething in rage, threateningly grabs the adventurer by his cor.


    Oh, hey... you¡¯re pretty good at this menacing thing.


    That¡¯s an apothecary who deals in narcotics for ya. Maybe he¡¯s got quite a bit of experience doing this.


    Even though he himself gets threatened at home by his wife and daughter with poisonous cooking.


    ¡°Hmph. I don¡¯t need you to talk. I¡¯ve got yer buddies in my hands anyway.¡±


    Hmm? That¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve heard of that.


    ¡®Put on thy poker face for ¡®tis a bluff!¡¯


    I remain expressionless and look on.


    Oh, I get it. We do actually need him.


    I thought his conscience would make him spill the beans.


    He truly is a ruffian after all...


    ¡®However this situation may y out, the adventurers¡¯ names are mud if the apothecaries report the circumstantial evidence to the town hall. With no trustworthiness, the adventurers will never find work again.¡¯


    It¡¯ll be rough if he had any dreams for the future.


    Well, call it just deserts for staying silent and thus leading to the spread of this disease, just so he could save his own skin.


    ¡°B-But... damn it! I get it. I¡¯ll tell you everything, so just save me!¡±


    As unwilling as he is, the adventurer starts to speak.


    That day, the adventurers went to the dungeon to put their bravery to the test.


    They are middling adventurers... but if they couldplete a quest in the dungeon, they thought they¡¯d gain a foothold in the high-ranks.


    They¡¯ve heard recent rumors of a certain Cohgray of the Swamps and his homunculus myconid frequenting the dungeon.


    If he can do it, why can¡¯t we? or so they thought.


    But their hubris led to misfortune.


    On the first floor, they encountered a great smander of a monster and challenged it as if it were just any normal monster.


    However, the monster nimbly danced around the adventurers, weakening one after another with its tail and bite, then chased them away with a magic breath.


    After judging that it was far too strong, the adventurers immediately began to evacuate out of the dungeon.


    It was at that time the monster took a deep breath and sprayed down the adventurers.


    Choking, they promptly left retreated from the dungeon.


    The adventurers thought the monster did was giving chase and hightailed it back to the vige.


    It was then they passed by us.


    ¡®... I see. Rather than escaped, they had been released by the monster.¡¯


    Sure seems like it.


    Still, like I thought so with Bloodflower, but monsters sure are surprisingly crafty.


    How freakin¡¯ smart of it to infect them first before setting them free.


    ¡°S-See? It¡¯s not my fau¡ª¡±


    Arleaf¡¯s father suddenly let go of his cor.


    ¡°Tch... I had my suspicions of whether a new monster settled in the dungeon. But never would I have guessed something so outrageous as to spread a disease...¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve dispatched an investigation quest, but it seems we were toote.¡±


    Arleaf¡¯s parents click their tongue and grumble.


    ¡°But... since we know what the enemy is, we can fight it. That intuition of yours is real sharp too, Cohgray.¡±


    He¡¯s praising me, but isn¡¯t it too early to call it a victory?


    Will it help everybody if the smander is defeated, Veno?


    ¡®At the very least it shall lower the chances of Dorimsvoyta further mutating. However... the problem is that our enemy is very evasive. It would be more than difficult to y the beast.¡¯


    So, he¡¯s no longer in the dungeon?


    ¡®That is a possibility. It is likely that this monster was behind Bloodflower as well. It is perhaps nning to use bacteria as its familiars by killing the humans and stealing their quintessence to be stronger.¡¯


    Oof... how ruthless.


    ¡®If the purge squades, they will be the ones absorbing the quintessence of the dead... they would be able to reap experience at arge scale. If that happens, then they, too, shall be monsters in their own rights.¡¯


    ¡°We should notify the town hall or the adventurer¡¯s guild, or even the national government.¡±


    ¡°... this country is too stubborn to do anything. Or if they send the troops, they might make some kind of excuse to purge us all.¡±


    ¡°Then what should we do?¡±


    ¡°We still have onest option. Assemble all in the area who can still fight andunch a campaign against the monster.¡±


    He sure is full of spirit, but even if defeating the monster will solve everything, are we strong enough?


    I know we¡¯ve got to do something soon, but I can¡¯t help but be anxious.


    ¡°Go call the priest. We¡¯ll bring those guilty sons of bitches into the light. They¡¯re likely quick to run away too! Let¡¯s go!¡±


    ¡°Yeah! Time to shine!¡±


    Arleaf¡¯s parents holler out and made a dash out of the town hall.


    ... what¡¯s with their excitement?


    I speechlessly point at them. Arleaf, making a very shocked face, lets out a forcedugh.


    ¡°Umm... Father and Mother had been adventurers in the past, if only for a little bit. I know they can get a little hot-blooded.¡±


    Oh, I see.


    I don¡¯t know exactly how strong they are, but I can imagine that they¡¯re pretty capable.


    Capable enough to live so close to these powerful monsters at least.


    Not that there aren¡¯t any weaker monsters around, but pretty much all of them are damn strong.


    It¡¯s definitely no ce to spawn a newbie if this were an MMORPG.


    You¡¯ve got to be pretty strong to survive in a ce like this.


    Even Arleaf is pretty high-leveled as well.


    ¡®Aye... powerful monsters tend to live where miasma is thick. It is unusual for humans to live so close to monsters they cannot defeat.¡¯


    I spent the rest of the day traveling to nearby viges to spread word of the assault on the dungeon to attack the root of this disease.


    However, not all of them were strong enough or well-equipped enough for the dungeon. I only took the ones in the vige who could fight.


    As someone who¡¯s good with poison, it¡¯s a given that I¡¯m in as well.


    Veno made some doubting remarks, but as I was with Bloodflower, I¡¯m prepared to shoulder the burdens of volunteering for this job.


    ¡°Alright! Let us all head to the swamp to y the source of this disease!¡±


    ¡°Yeah!¡±


    Though we¡¯re just in the vige, all the tough men and women assembled here with gas masks on called out.


    ¡°Muu-Muu! Let¡¯s go get ¡®em! I¡¯mma put the life I have left on the line!¡±


    The inn¡¯s proprietress carrying her axe looks like she has muchbat experience and is joined by Arleaf¡¯s parents.


    ... the proprietress too, huh?


    Well, seeing as how she¡¯s Muu¡¯s master, she¡¯ll most likely be very helpful.


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    Muu hollers out, showing his eagerness, but... those Dorimsvoyta crystals are starting to grow on the proprietress¡¯ arm.


    Sure are many infected.


    Not to mention Arleaf too, but it¡¯s scary not knowing when her parents are going to suddenly going to be attacked by the disease.


    ... we should y the beast as quickly as possible.


    Some adventurers have also requested to join us, but it seems like they¡¯ve departed already.


    Still, since it¡¯s such a quiet vige, the town hall people wereining to Arleaf¡¯s parents how there aren¡¯t many famous adventurers around and that it may be tough.


    Our impromptu echelon was about to head off for the swamp, but...


    ¡°Arleaf, you ain¡¯t as strong as Cohgray, so take the family heirloom. With the sacred sword, the toxic gas would be but a fart in a windstorm to ya. And, if the need arises, it¡¯ll quite easily defeat the monsters you need to.¡±


    Arleaf¡¯s dad brings out a single sword from somewhere in the apothecary and hands it to Arleaf.


    A sacred sword? Why would an apothecary have something like that?


    ¡°This sword... you should be the one wielding it, Father.¡±


    Arleaf holds the sword in her hands with a troubled expression.


    ¡°At best, it¡¯s just be a lucky charm. We¡¯ll be fine. You should get our ancestors¡¯ blessings since you¡¯re inexperienced. Just in case anything happens.¡±


    ¡°... I understand.¡±


    Arleaf carries the sword on her back.


    I can¡¯t help but wonder about that sword.


    ¡®Hmm? That sword... it cannot be. The apothecaries...¡¯


    I remember it from my dreams.


    ¡®What? Dreams, you say?¡¯


    Yeah, I¡¯ve been having this recurring dream ever since I came here. It looks exactly like the sword some guy carried in it.


    ¡®... I see. It certainly is not unusual for such a thing to ur to thee, seeing how my spirit is possessing thee. Not only can I read thy memories, but apparently some of mine had streamed into your mind too. I believe they are recollections of my past.¡¯


    Then, that dream... I can tell that they¡¯re your memories, yeah.


    ¡®Going back to that sword; it is the fruit of the prayers of all of mankind. It may also be called a hero¡¯s sword or by its name, Karma ze. The sword manifests its power only towards sinners.¡¯


    That¡¯s a real treasure of a sword they have! Will it be okay?


    ¡®Honestly, thou should be wary of it, but it requires the wielder to meet certain conditions. Not many are able to draw the sword and even when drawn, it is normally dull. But... given that the monster is spreading disease to annihte these humans, it would not be surprising if the sword actually activates.¡¯


    ... I get that I should be vignt around it.


    Though I may be human, I do have an extremely powerful monster that is bound to me by Forced Possession Summoning, so I¡¯m sure it¡¯ll probably slice me in half.


    Are you something that can be killed by that sword, Veno?


    ¡®Hmph... I have told thee that I have done no such thing so that others resent me. There is no chance that it can currently kill me, even if it activates.¡¯


    Isn¡¯t that kinda pathetic though?


    I thought you prioritized your survival above all else...


    ¡®Nothing goodes from fighting with humans so I try to avoid it. Furthermore, the sword has rather strict judgement. Even killing greedy humans that would assault a dragon shall not incur any wrath. Plus, I always leave them within inches of their lives and never fully killing them.¡¯


    Oh, is that right?


    Wait... doesn¡¯t that mean Arleaf¡¯s a descendent of the guy in the dream?


    ¡®Perhaps... let us put aside that matter.¡¯


    Veno seemed rather distant and cold when he said that.


    ... assuming those dreams are Veno¡¯s memories, he sacrificed so much only to have the people squandering away his grace. And Arleaf¡¯s the descendent of one of them.


    He doesn¡¯t have a grudge directly against Arleaf and her family, but surely, all sorts of thoughts are coursing through his mind right now.


    ¡°Alrighty, then, let¡¯s go! You too, Cohgray! Don¡¯t fall behind now!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, yeah.¡±


    The crowd of vigers and warriors follow suit.


    Everyone¡¯s heavily equipped, including Arleaf¡¯s parents.


    This time, they have something like oxygen tanks attached to their gas masks.


    ¡°Cohgray, you can walk just dandy in this miasma?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Wow... I¡¯ve heard the rumors, but that really is somethin¡¯.¡±


    The proprietress muttered while looking at me.


    ¡°Hey, Arleaf. Weren¡¯t you gonna get Cohgray to eat that specially-made bento that you packed for him? He won¡¯t be fully prepared if you don¡¯t feed him.¡±


    ¡°... right. It¡¯s really dissatisfying when Father says it, but...¡±


    Arleaf hands me a lunchbox made especially for me and our adventures.


    I check what¡¯s inside. In the lunchbox are these bipedal sandwiches seemingly engaged in a sprintingpetition.


    What can I say? Every time is as amazing as thest.


    I¡¯ve even told her to make it more effective than normal too, so I¡¯ve got to eat it.


    I grab the sandwich¡ªrather, I grab a sprinter and stuff my cheeks with it.


    Just like the meat fromst time, it¡¯s as if the food is trying to demonstrate what deliciousness is not. Yet, the organs unique to me can¡¯t get enough of this entrancing toxic vor.


    Mmm. Delicious, as usual.


    ¡°Umm, err, uhh... a-ha-ha. You really are Cohgray, the Poison-Eater. This miasma really is nothing to you.¡±


    I avoid telling the truth as to why I eat her cooking.


    Anyway, weren¡¯t you finished talking about the miasma already?


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Cohgray eats our daughter¡¯s murderous cooking every day. That¡¯s why he ain¡¯t affected none by this infection disease.¡±


    ¡°I can see that.¡±


    Please, do not agree with what he is saying... though I can¡¯t deny it either.


    Won¡¯t the extreme poison coursing through my body destroy the all cells in my body?


    Will I really be okay with the good bacteria in my body killed off as well?


    ¡®Is it not toote for these thoughts?¡¯


    Don¡¯t say that. I might just cry.

 Chapter 33

    <h4>Chapter 33</h4>


    Eventually, we reached the backdoor of the dungeon¡ªthe entrance with the altar¡ªand all those who arebat ready assembled together.


    ¡°Alright! Listen up! We¡¯re tacklin¡¯ this dungeon today to exterminate the monster behind the disease. Get into parties and don¡¯t break formation!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    Arleaf¡¯s parents take up leadership roles and instruct the team.


    I wonder if they¡¯re like the heads of the vige or something.


    ¡°Our goal is to go as low as we can... however, we don¡¯t know where the monster is lurkin¡¯. It seems like the adventurers initially encountered it on the first floor. We¡¯ll search high and low.¡±


    Wow... this is totally gonna a pain in the ass.


    But wait, what will we do?


    Hmm... I¡¯m worried that if I were to fight with the others, I¡¯ll identally hurt them by friendly fire.


    To a certain degree, Muu would be fine if it gets hit by my poison, since it¡¯s a mushroom.


    Oh, and how about sealing the dungeon¡¯s entrance and I just release all of my poison?


    ¡®I cannot rmend doing so. We know not whether there are venttion holes. Furthermore, you have neither enough toxin nor mana to fill the dungeon.¡¯


    I thought so...


    ¡°Group up by the entrance of each floor before proceeding together. If any of you spot the monster, don¡¯t let it out of your sight. But do not engage until all members are ready. If it knows it is being hunted, it may go into hiding and vanish. And if that happens, that¡¯s a mission failure.¡±


    We really are going monster hunting.


    When so many vigers and adventurers go out for a hunt together, they¡¯re usually depicted as the bad guys. Maybe it¡¯s different in reality.


    ¡®The problem is how powerful our enemy is this time. No matter how big a group of humans may be, it does not change the fact that they are feeble creatures.¡¯


    Well... that¡¯s why humans have developed spells like Forced Possession Summoning to defeat powerful monsters.


    By the way, what kind of monsters do you expect there¡¯ll be?


    ¡®From what I can tell, there should not be anything too frightful. If all the people here today were to give their best, who knows? Perhaps it may turn out fine.¡¯


    You don¡¯t sound too optimistic.


    ¡®If we knew everything there is to know about the enemy, this would not be such a hardship. But what often happens in the world is that misfortune befalls those who underestimate their opponents.¡¯


    True that... I¡¯m only here because Veno underestimated his opponents too.


    So that¡¯s what it means to speak from experience.


    ¡®Hmph.¡¯


    Veno grumbles with an annoyed voice while we review our tactics.


    ¡°Since we¡¯re merely a ragtag group, we don¡¯t know how exactly what to expect. Cohgray, you and Arleaf take the rear entrance and head towards the second floor. We¡¯ll rendezvous at the entrance of the third floor.¡±


    It seems like Arleaf¡¯s father heard from his daughter that I¡¯ve been delved into the dungeon before.


    I guess he wants me to check through the ces I¡¯m familiar with.


    ¡°Understood.¡±


    ¡°Alright, that¡¯s all I¡¯ve got to say. Next... let us pray at the altar.¡±


    Huh?


    Arleaf¡¯s parents sp their hands at the altar, followed by the proprietress and other vigers.


    That¡¯s where I changed jobs.


    Hmm? What? I thought that was a religion long forgotten or something.


    They all p their hands together. What is this, a Shinto shrine?


    What a devout bunch.


    Right after I thought that, the walls streak with what seems to be waves of static electricity and coils around us.


    Wh-What was that?


    Can they not see it?


    For a split second, a magic circle appeared by my feet.


    ¡®Hmm... what is this...¡¯


    Veno, what¡¯s wrong?


    ¡®The mana that consumed by Forced Possession Summoning has lessened.¡¯


    Veno¡¯s mana gets forcibly drained by Forced Possession Summoning.


    But for it to lessen obviously has something to do with what just happened.


    Still, reducing the amount of mana that gets drained is a good thing, right?


    ¡®Aye... it seems like all the power within that statue had flowed into me. There is a possibility that you may no longer be able to change jobs with that the altar.¡¯


    It¡¯s out of juice, then?


    At what cost though? That was only a wee bit of mana for you.


    Was it really worth it?


    ¡®That you were able to use the altar was merely fortunate of thee. Thou canst find some other object to change jobs.¡¯


    You have a point... but why did it happen when the vigers prayed?


    Arleaf¡¯s father interrupts our conversation.


    ¡°Alright, move out! Cohgray! Arleaf! And the fungus too. I¡¯m leaving this area to you lot.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Umm... my homunculus has a name, you know? Please, call him Muu.¡±


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t sweat the small stuff!¡±


    That¡¯s not something small.


    It¡¯s not like it¡¯s a ridiculously long name or anything.


    It feels like it¡¯d be yet another long conversation if I had spoken up, so I let it slide.


    And so, we head through the backdoor of the dungeon and retrace our steps to search the second floor.


    We entered the dungeon with more vignce than normal.


    Perhaps a bunch of adventurers came by after hearing the rumors, but we haven¡¯t encountered many animals.


    Plus, we¡¯ve been here before Arleaf joined us, so I somewhat know the area.


    However, it seems like the fog is denser than before.


    ¡°The miasma is thicker than normal, but perhaps because I¡¯m a Thaumaturge now, I can still breathe fine.¡±


    ¡°Is that right?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I can tell even through the gas mask. I don¡¯t feel a thing.¡±


    ss really does make a huge difference, eh?


    As we progress down to the second floor...


    I hear a familiar howl and the creature the voice belongs to appeared.


    A Midnight Blue Wolf Alpha and two others from his pack...?


    So you¡¯ve finally showed up again!


    ¡°Muu!¡±


    Sensing an enemy nearby, Muu draws his axe, charging into battle.


    I ready my crossbow and Arleaf begins to chant a spell.


    But... Muu stops in front of the Midnight Blue Wolf Alpha.


    ¡°Muu?¡±


    The Midnight Blue Wolf Alpha sits like a good doggo and looks towards me.


    ¡°Umm...¡±


    What? What¡¯s happening?


    The pack gathers before Arleaf and me.


    ¡°Woof!¡±


    ¡®Hmm... I sense no hostility. Take a look at it.¡¯


    Veno highlights the skin of the Midnight Blue Wolf Alpha in my vision.


    Dorimsvoyta crystals grow on its skin, much like the people in the vige.


    They¡¯re infected too?


    I take a look around to find all the other Midnight Blue Wolves to have crystals growing from their bodies.


    Seeing how they¡¯re showing no hostility, I inch forward a little closer to them.


    Then, the alpha points to the path with its muzzle and turns his back to me.


    ¡®Hmm... he certainly earned the right to be leader. Very clever.¡¯


    What do you mean?


    ¡®They, too, are infected. They must be fed up with the mastermind behind this disease as well.¡¯


    Well,st time we fought together, they retreated quickly. They¡¯ve gotta be rather smart.


    But isn¡¯t there a chance that this could be a trap?


    Maybe they¡¯re involved with this as well.


    ¡®Though I cannot guarantee it to be an impossibility, it must be obvious if thou look at their condition. The corpses of theirrades must be piled high by now. They have no choice but to turn to us for help.¡¯


    The enemy of my enemy, huh?


    ¡®So, it seems that they are trying to assist us... perhaps the smander is hiding in a considerably difficult ce to find and the wolves are trying to lead us there.¡¯


    They have no choice but toe to us.


    Arge group of vigers and adventurers are out hunting after all.


    If they really are as smart as Veno seems to think, why don¡¯t they just stay low and have us humans y the beast?


    They could have kept on being spectators without lifting a finger.


    ¡°It seems like they¡¯re gonna show us the way. They seem to be victims too.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s... no, that¡¯s quite possible.¡±


    She¡¯s a quick thinker.


    ¡°I¡¯ve fought with them before. I killed one of theirrades and literally tanned its hide though...¡±


    The Midnight Blue Wolf Alpha casts a sidelong nce, almost as if it wereughing at me.


    ¡°Seems like he doesn¡¯t mind though.¡±


    ¡®The present situation is more important than old grudges. After this all blows over, I may just make them my retainers because of how very clever they are.¡¯


    What, didn¡¯t you just say all of their friends have died already?


    ¡°We should probably tell my father about this.¡±


    ¡°The thing is that there¡¯s still some time before we rendezvous though. I think it¡¯s more important that we follow them and make sure where the target monster is hiding first.¡±


    We don¡¯t even know yet if they¡¯re really showing us the way.


    Plus, we don¡¯t know where the enemy is hiding. And if it is, how would we even tell?


    If we mess up, we¡¯ll be dead. It might be better if we just stuck to the n.


    But... it¡¯s important to know where the monster is hiding.


    ¡°... you have a point. We may be searching in the wrong ce after all. This is more important than rendezvousing.¡±


    We follow the guidance of the Midnight Blue Wolf Alpha.


    Along the way, we see the ret Sunflowers standing guard, but the Midnight Blue Wolf Alpha takes a detour to avoid being detected by them. It¡¯s shocking how well they know theyout of this ce.


    ¡®Perhaps they have the skill Vision Perception. It is a skill that allows one to see how much their target can see.¡¯


    Does a nt like ret Sunflower have eyes? Maybe it¡¯s like Muu with eyes growing out of nowhere?


    However it may be, we reach a corner in the second floor without much difficulty.


    ¡°Woof, woof.¡±


    The Midnight Blue Wolf Alpha starts scratching the wall.


    The wall of the cave breaks off in small bits.


    Hmm? Those bits are kinda weird. They¡¯re like wooden splinters.


    ¡°Yukihisa, maybe it¡¯s...¡±


    Yeah. Even I know what it¡¯s trying to do.


    ¡®This must be a secret path. It is not surprising for one to be here. Aye... this wall is one of nt. Surely thou know what is next.¡¯


    Yeah, of course.


    I use Poison Release to stter the wall with concentrated swamp toxin.


    The poison soaks into what I thought was the wall and it turns purple.


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    Taking advantage of it, Muu swings his axe and cleaves the wall.


    That¡¯s his Hatchet Crash.


    It¡¯s super effective against nts. Though I¡¯m not exactly sure how that would ever be useful.


    The wall turns into a flurry of wood chips and reveal a path behind where it once stood.


    What¡¯s that?


    It¡¯s a dungeon, a cave-like one, with an abundance of nts and moss into a strange purplish hue.


    ¡°We wouldn¡¯t have found this hidden passage even if we were to search every nook and cranny.¡±


    ¡°I agree.¡±


    Well, now let¡¯s go get Arleaf¡¯s parents and the others... or so I wanted to.


    But the airing from the hidden passage begins to oscite and vibrates through us.


    The Midnight Blue Wolf then begins to whimper.


    His underlings, too, are crying out, seemingly in pain.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?!¡±


    I called out to the wolves and then I saw it.


    The crystalsing out of the Midnight Blue Wolf Alpha visibly getsrger andrger.


    ¡°Perhaps... it knows that we have discovered its hiding ce.¡±


    ¡®The girl is likely right. It knows that we have exposed it and so it is showing us its determination. It is tightening the grasp of Dorimsvoyta.¡¯


    Hold on a minute!


    Arleaf¡¯s parents and some others are able to fight, but they have infected in their ranks too.


    ¡®If we wait to rendezvous with the others, not only will they suffer, but on top of that, we know not of what will happen to the people in the area. If we send out a signal out, we can tell the others where we are. But if we do not hurry and deal with it, the casualties will only increase. I rmend thee to first begin battle.¡¯


    ¡°If we don¡¯t hurry to engage and stall the monster, there¡¯ll only be more victims. Let¡¯s diverge from the n and engage the monster first.¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡±


    The Midnight Blue Wolf Alpha whines at us.


    What is it?


    ¡®It is saying that it its subordinates shall guide reinforcements here and so it wishes for something that easily shows that they are allies.¡¯


    ¡°Arleaf, it¡¯s saying that they¡¯ll guide your parents and the other adventurers here.¡±


    I raise my hand up and Veno deduces that I wanted a pen and paper.


    ¡°Thank you for everything you have done.¡±


    I briefly jot down that I determined where the monster was hiding and that the Midnight Blue Wolves are our allies. Then, I tied a copy around each of their necks with cloth.


    ¡°Awoo!¡±


    The alpha of the Midnight Blue Wolves howls, sending his subordinates out.


    Even though they¡¯re supposedly weakened by Dorimsvoyta, it really doesn¡¯t show.


    ¡°Woof!¡±


    Then, one of them barks at us, seemingly as if to say that our destination is just up ahead and telling us to keep following them.


    ... for some reason, they just look so smart even when I¡¯m just looking at their backsides.


    ¡°Alright! Let¡¯s go!¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    We run out, following the secret route.


    The path was full of traps¡ªones full of bacteria and mold.


    Our enemy monster really seems to like to prey on the weak spots of its opponent.


    Veno detects the traps for me and I absorb it all with my Poison Absorption and sometimes even, the Midnight Blue Wolf Alpha had us ride on its back to break through.


    Veno also makes a map of this dungeon and ces a bird¡¯s-eye view minimap in my vision.


    It¡¯s quite a ways away from the original dungeon we were searching.


    Even though we knew the monster exists, we were searching in the wrong ce.


    This is all thanks to the Midnight Blue Wolves.


    ¡®Since it vibrates the air to stimte Dorimsvoyta, a perceptive adventurer may have been able to find this ce.¡¯


    Only if it were to turn out well.


    ¡®However... this construction of this dungeon seems to have been quite hurried. Perhaps our target monster made it by dissolving the walls.¡¯


    Maybe that¡¯s why it¡¯s purple too.


    It¡¯s quite the eerie monster.


    This dungeon is abination of three different parts, hey?


    The underground altar was originally a cave of an ancient vige, then a famous monster made the dungeon, and now the monster this time made this tunnel.


    I wonder if it took a long time to make all this.


    ¡®The monster constructed it themselves. That mea¡ª it is reacting! Watch out!¡¯


    I froze as soon as I heard Veno¡¯s warning, holding my arms out so that neither Arleaf nor Muu steps out in front of me.


    ¡®Shoot the wall to your right!¡¯


    Veno marks the target and I pull the trigger.


    What I thought was the wall suddenly rises and appears while it swats my bolt out of the air.


    The bolt went thunk on the ground, some smoke rising from it.


    I take a good look at my opponent.


    To describe it in a sentence, it¡¯s... a monster that looks like a humongous smander.


    Its body is purple with a red belly, looking quite toxic.


    It stands on two feet and looks at us. A seemingly intelligent being.


    It¡¯s about three meters long and rather wide as well, making it much bigger than it looks.


    The monster looks like it has a scarf on its neck and that it¡¯s smirking at us.


    ¡°Grr...¡±


    The Midnight Blue Wolf Alpha intimidatingly growls at the monster in front of it¡ªElbatoxin, as it is named.


    Elbatoxinughs.


    It opens its mouth while continuously flicking its tongue at us.


    ¡®I say... I had thought the humans were searching the other dungeon after realizing I was operating in the shadows. But to think that a meddling monster was in their ranks... an absolute disgrace to all monsters.¡¯


    You understand what it¡¯s saying?


    Even though you don¡¯t understand the Midnight Blue Wolf Alpha?


    Though I know for whatever reason that it¡¯s not humannguage.


    I don¡¯t get your criteria.


    I look over to Arleaf but she doesn¡¯t look shocked at all.

 Chapter 34

    <h4>Chapter 34</h4>


    ¡°You don¡¯t...¡±


    ¡°Hmm? Is something the matter, Yukihisa?¡±


    ¡°Oh, no. It¡¯s nothing.¡±


    ... you can¡¯t hear the monster at all?


    ¡°That¡¯s our target, isn¡¯t it? It looks really tough...¡±


    Must be Veno¡¯s trantion skill that enables me to understand then.


    ¡°Muuuu...¡±


    ¡°Woof, woof!¡±


    ¡®Deny it as you may, but it doesn¡¯t change the fact that this is my territory now.¡¯


    Is this some sort of turf war?


    No... the alpha Midnight Blue Wolf must be angry that Elbatoxin¡¯s indiscriminately spreading diseases.


    ¡®Well... I shan¡¯t bother with such trivial matters. See how generous I am to you? After all, you have done such a splendid job for me. I shall return the favor and circte in the swamp the disease I have made. My magnum opus, that is.¡¯


    The thought of those zombie dogs suddenly crossed my mind.


    Maybe they¡¯re created by this guy.


    And then Elbatoxin gives me a contemptuous look.


    ¡®Well, well, well. Look who¡¯s back. To think that I¡¯d ever see you again... consider your fortune mine now, Veno Yveval, the Defiant Dragon.¡¯


    What?! It can sense our Spirit Link?


    Surely that was just a wild guess.


    Actually, that¡¯s quite the curious name that you go by, Veno.


    ¡®Hmph. If anything would conspire with humans in some underhanded tactic... it would be none other than a puny, cowardly newt that is begging for its life. I had forgotten thine existence until now.¡¯


    Elbatoxin¡¯s face stiffens and his anger simmers.


    ¡®Heh heh heh... it may have been a while since I¡¯ve heard you speak, but you really are as stuck up as ever, almost as if you don¡¯t know your ce. Don¡¯t you know you are no longer the absolute might you think you still are?¡¯


    It¡¯s being strangely smug, but it¡¯s acting like a little kid.


    ¡®I thought the dark magic from foolish humans¡ªForced Possession Summoning¡ªwould be rather annoying, but it turns out that it¡¯s providing me with this great opportunity. I should be grateful for the chance to y you in such a weakened state. Think of the prestige I¡¯ll get!¡¯


    ¡®Hah... thou art but small fry undeserving and unnecessary of Forced Possession Summoning. Even as I am now, thou art still leagues behind me.¡¯


    Hey, I mean, we all know that I¡¯m about to fight the guy, so couldn¡¯t you perhaps cut out the dick-measuring contest?


    Veno lights up an arrow indicator in my vision, as if telling me to shut up.


    I look at where he highlighted and I see Elbatoxin¡¯s veins bulging out.


    I get it. He¡¯s ying it all cool but he¡¯s beyond fuming.


    ¡®You sure are still acting all mighty... but that¡¯s fine. I shall now blow you to pieces!¡¯


    ¡®Hmph. I would like to see thee try.¡¯


    Without missing a beat, Elbatoxin looks at us, takes a deep breath, and sprays a purplish gas.


    ¡°Woof!¡±


    ¡°Mu?!¡±


    The Midnight Blue Wolf Alphatches his fangs onto Muu, pulls it away from the frontline, and duck behinds me.


    ¡°Kya!¡±


    The wolf is even carrying Arleaf with its tail and totally using me as a shield!


    ¡°Hey!¡±


    Immediately after, Elbatoxin¡¯s breath engulfs me.


    It felt like... simply a breeze from the wind.


    Wait, is this the breath heces with bacteria and virus?!


    Shit, I¡¯m screwed! Oh, and don¡¯t just use me as a shield so casually!


    ¡®What art thou doing? Are you not going to counterattack?!¡¯


    Oh, right, right.


    His breath obscures my vision like ayer of smoke, but while it¡¯s still not sure about the results of its attack, I shake my crossbow to load it.


    I use Poison Enchantment and select Moderate Paralysis Poison to freeze it in ce.


    Thud! It sounds like I got it good.


    ¡®Gah! Wh-What?!¡¯


    Elbatoxin sounds surprised.


    The smoke clears, and I see that the bolt had merely pierced Elbatoxin¡¯s arm a little.


    ¡°Awoo!¡±


    The Midnight Blue Wolf Alpha throws Muu on its back and rushes over to Elbatoxin.


    ¡°Mu... muuuu!¡±


    In that split second, Muu gets a grasp on the situation, sticks his axe up, and ms a Hatchet Crash down onto Elbatoxin.


    ¡®Fools! Such an obvious move will n¡ªwhat?!¡¯


    Well, sure, if it were just Muu, you¡¯d likely to have avoided it.


    But, it¡¯s not alone.


    Muu is strikes from the back of his noble steed, the Midnight Blue Wolf Alpha.


    It probably wasn¡¯t too steady on the wolf¡¯s back, so it might not have struck as hard as it should¡¯ve. Then, the Midnight Blue Wolf Alpha quickly circles behind Elbatoxin and leaps up for Muu to cleave it.


    ¡°Muu! Mr. Midnight Blue Wolf Alpha! I¡¯ll support you!¡±


    Just to be doubly sure, Arleaf casts Binding Whip and vines tangle up Elbatoxin¡¯s feet, ensnaring it in ce.


    It immediately rips off the vines, but that second was more than enough.


    With a hard strike to its back, Elbatoxin almost topples over.


    ¡®Guh... don¡¯t get cocky, you twerps! Haaaaa!¡¯


    A purple liquid spews out from Elbatoxin.


    It¡¯s like an area of effect version of Poison Release.


    I might be able to copy that.


    ¡°Woof!¡±


    The Midnight Blue Wolf Alpha sees the liquid and takes a great leap backwards with Muu still on its back.


    Some sort of bodily fluid oozes out from where Muu struck with its axe.


    The liquid quickly seals the wound on its back, turning it into a scab.


    Elbatoxin then pulls the bolt out of its arm while ring at me.


    ¡®You shouldn¡¯t get cocky just because you hit me once or twice. You are already infected by the disease I have released. Take this! Rapid Infection Propagation!¡¯


    As he says that, Elbatoxin oscites the air with his whole body, just like when we were at the entrance of the hidden path.


    ¡°Arf...¡±


    The Midnight Blue Wolf Alpha receives the blow of the attack; the crystals on his body swellrger andrger, leaving him down on the ground.


    ¡°Muu! Muuuu!¡±


    This time, it¡¯s Muu who carries the Midnight Blue Wolf Alpha on its back and returns to my side.


    ¡°You guys! Are you alright?! Here, let me heal you.¡±


    Arleaf casts Aroma Heal while taking out some medicine. Seems like she¡¯s gonna try using it on the Midnight Blue Wolf Alpha.


    ¡°It¡¯s a medicine specially made by Yukihisa and his father-inw... I sure hope it works.¡±


    She removes the swelling crystals and spreads medicine on the wounds. But since the disease has evolved so much, we don¡¯t know whether it works or not.


    ¡°Boof...¡±


    Damn it... I can tell what kind of attack that is just by looking at the wolf¡¯s condition.


    It¡¯s a skill that elerates diseases.


    How far is its area of effect?


    If it covers the whole dungeon, not only will we get infected, but Arleaf¡¯s parents and the other adventurers too.


    But while I worry about all that, Elbatoxin stares at me with eyes wide in shock.


    ¡®Wh-What?!¡¯


    ¡®Heh... if thou art thinking what has happened... thou art under the sorely mistaken impression that thy disease is almighty. Did thou think that level of attack would affect beings like us?¡¯


    ¡®Heh heh heh heh... please stop being so pretentious. Any disease and poison I possess should even conquer a dragon.¡¯


    ¡®Perhaps if I were to be fairly weakened first, there may be a chance of infection. But how canst thou be so boastful of something with such questionable efficacy? Absolutely perplexing.¡¯


    Hey, uhh, Veno? Could you maybe stop egging it on? Just a little?


    ¡®...¡¯


    Elbatoxin furrows his brows at me with a doubtful look.


    ¡®Certainly, he is not infected... yet. Have at you!¡¯


    With a snap of its fingers, Elbatoxin takes... something simr to swamp toxin from the walls and hurls it at me.


    I would have tried dodging it, but since it might hit Arleaf instead, I stand my ground with all my might.


    A-Am I alright?


    Bleh... it went in my eyes and nose.


    It doesn¡¯t hurt, but now I¡¯m all damp!


    I hear a sizzling sound and that can¡¯t be anything good.


    My Smoke Armor is melting!


    Am I really okay? It doesn¡¯t do anything to my skin at least.


    I¡¯ll check my Create Poison menu just in case.


    Deadly Poison of Feebleness


    Strong Acid


    Bloodflower Toxin


    Dorimsvoyta-¦Á Toxin


    Dorimsvoyta-¦Â Toxin


    Dorimsvoyta-¦¡ Toxin


    Dorimsvoyta-¦¢ Toxin


    Troy Brain Toxin


    Troy Magic Toxin


    Looks like he tried to infect me with a bunch of different viruses. Like, I¡¯m being serious when I ask this, but you sure I¡¯ll be fine?


    I¡¯m scared that I¡¯ll keel over once this fight ends.


    ¡®What?! All that and only your equipment failed? I-Inconceivable!¡¯


    Elbatoxin looks very flustered, but he immediately regainsposure and leaps at me.


    ¡°Whoo!¡±


    He¡¯s pretty quick, but with Arleaf¡¯s poison and the toxic gas in my system, I¡¯m quicker.


    And maybe due to the effects of Poison Absorption, I¡¯m more capable than ever before.


    Elbatoxin may be a tough one, but his speed ain¡¯t nothin¡¯ I can¡¯t handle right now.


    ¡®Thine efforts are futile. Why not simple give up and admit defeat? Not only do we have the strength of thine attack, but we have also the power of the miasma... thou who makest light of my weakened state shall have nary a chance of victory.¡¯


    ¡®Nnngah!¡¯


    I¡¯m sure Veno only said that because he¡¯s confident, but my bolts don¡¯t seem to do a lot of damage to it.


    ¡®You pretend to be strong, but the poison you used earlier is far from it.¡¯


    ¡®Is that right? ¡®Twas but a feint.¡¯


    ¡®...¡¯


    Elbatoxin res at me and measures the distance between us.


    I¡¯ve got Arleaf and the others behind me, so I can¡¯t dodge as easily as I¡¯d like.


    Gotta keep that in mind.


    But still, can I y the guy just by chipping away at it?


    It doesn¡¯t look like my Poison Enchantment does much.


    No, maybe I should wait for Arleaf¡¯s parents to arrive.


    I don¡¯t mean to just chill here, but I can¡¯t seem tond a decisive blow...


    For a monster like Elbatoxin that uses bacteria and toxins as his strength, a Poison-Wielder like me should work well due to my poison resistance. But I don¡¯t have any attacks tond a decisive blow.


    Our element is the same... which means that, in a game, my attacks won¡¯t do jack.


    Like water off a duck¡¯s back.


    What can I do in a situation like this, man?


    ¡®Oi. Why art thou losing hope already? Thou canstunch strong toxins of thine own.¡¯


    Veno gives me advice while Elbatoxin and I stare each other down.


    But...


    ¡®Just hurry and do it! Put it to the test... with this!¡¯


    Veno highlights Moderate Paralysis Poison and Deadly Poison of Feebleness.


    But I got that second one from it...


    ¡®Hmph!¡¯


    Elbatoxin aimed squarely at me. It tries to mow me down with its hands, which are d in a purplish aura-like substance.


    ¡°Whoa!¡±


    I duck down and dodge it by a hair¡¯s breadth and enchant my bolts with poison.


    I don¡¯t have to time to stop and think. I¡¯ll just take Veno¡¯s word for it.


    ¡°Yukihisa!¡±


    Arleaf, finished with healing Muu and the wolf, supports me by casting Binding Whip.


    ¡®How vexing!¡¯


    Though her attack hits for no damage, that light tug by Binding Whip made enough time for me to pull the trigger on my crossbow.


    With a fwip, I stick Elbatoxin with a few rapidly fired bolts.


    ¡®Guuuuh...¡¯


    I roll towards it while loading my crossbow and keep firing.


    ¡®Gwaaaa... w-what?! M-my strength...¡¯


    ¡®Surely, thou art the most familiar with this? It is an altered form of the toxins thou released earlier.¡¯


    ¡®You used my own toxin against me? That¡¯s¡ªkuhhh.¡¯


    Hmm? It¡¯s getting real sluggish.


    Here¡¯s my chance!

 Chapter 35

    <h4>Chapter 35</h4>


    ¡°Woof!¡±


    ¡°Muuuuu!¡±


    Though the Midnight Blue Wolf Alpha had only recovered slightly from Dorimsvoyta, it gives Muu another ride and approaches Elbatoxin.


    Muunds his axe on its nose and I follow up with a bolt striking the same ce.


    ¡®I have told thee to enchant it with poison.¡¯


    Oh, right, right.


    Veno highlights Swamp Toxin and Spray Green Mosquito Venom.


    I follow his instructions and apply the poisons.


    ¡®Don¡¯t you underestimate me!¡¯


    Elbatoxin releases poison in all directions.


    ¡°Awooooooooooooo!¡±


    The Midnight Blue Wolf Alpha uses me as a human shield then jumps up in the air. At the same time, Muu swings its axe in the air and throws it.


    ¡®W-What?!¡¯


    While Elbatoxin is busy with releasing his poison, Muu seizes the moment to use Tornado Axe andunches it right between its Elbatoxin¡¯s eyes.


    Oof... bet that hurts.


    ¡®Aughhhhhhhhhhhhh!¡¯


    Its scream echoes throughout the chamber.


    Elbatoxin¡¯s whole body begins to swell up.


    ¡®W-What is happening?! The pain! The itch! Why did your poison circte so quickly in me? What is it...¡¯


    ¡®How unsightly. Dost thou not recall this poison? ¡®Tis merely gushes out from the earth and the venom of Spray Green Mosquitoes.¡¯


    ¡®Swamp toxin and the venom of some lowly insect?! How dare you use such weak poisons against me?!¡¯


    Hmm. It looks like it¡¯s pretty effective.


    Maybe Elbatoxin is actually kinda weak. It uses really weird attacks after all.


    Plus, no boss that I¡¯ve fought was ever weak against poison, no matter which game it was.


    ¡®Cast away thy misconceptions. Thy knowledge iscking, so take heed to what I have to say.¡¯


    Veno starts exining with an exasperated tone.


    ¡®Listen. Poisones in many shapes and forms. Those who use poison are not necessarily immune to all forms of it. In fact, to be able to absorb and contain all types of poison makes thee the peculiar one!¡¯


    He trailed off into a whisper for thatst sentence.


    What, so that Elbatoxin doesn¡¯t hear?


    Anyway, I¡¯ll keep what Veno said in mind.


    It¡¯s kinda like how when venomous snakes fight each other, both of them die because none of them are resistant to venom... I guess?


    Maybe it¡¯s more urate to describe it as aputer virus.


    No matter what kind of antivirus programs you have installed, you can¡¯t protect yourself against them all.


    There¡¯s a limit to what antibodies can do.


    Hmm... there¡¯s still a lot more to learn about poisons.


    Even though antidote magic cures all poisons, just like a video game.


    ¡®Well... aye. With the right herbs, there indeed are all-powerful antidotes... there are even ones that can do what magic cannot.¡¯


    Isn¡¯t that kinda sad?


    ¡®It depends on the variety, aye? There are poisons that can cause instant death as well! The power of poison is infinite!¡¯


    I get what he¡¯s trying to say.


    Even in my world, there are poisons that are extremely lethal, like fugu toxin.


    Amidst our conversation, Elbatoxin causes a wave of green light.


    That¡¯s gotta be some sort of antidotal magic, eh?


    He quickly detes, getting smaller and smaller.


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    ¡°Awoo~!¡±


    Getting it while its guard its down again, the wolf performs a very dextrous leap forward and scratches with its ws, but to little effect.


    And Muu, even though it has the power, hasn¡¯t enough range to do too much.


    Not to mention, riding the Midnight Blue Wolf Alpha makes it harder for him to strike hard.


    The Midnight Blue Wolf Alpha has quite a lot agility but not the strength to do much damage.


    It¡¯s in a weakened state. Being able to move is no more than it using all its determination.


    ¡®Haa... haa... you¡¯d best stop looking down on me!¡±


    Ah, his expression kinda changed.


    Elbatoxin swings his tail at the two.


    They barely managed to dodge the attack.


    Maybe I should try enchanting my bolts with Slow Poison to slow it down?


    ¡®Thou should try this one next.¡¯


    Toxin of Arleaf¡¯s Poison Cooking I


    ... hey. Isn¡¯t that a little too cruel?


    And since there¡¯s a ¡°I¡± at the end, that means there should be a level II version too.


    Enchant with Slow Poison and... Toxin of Arleaf¡¯s Poison Cooking I. Guh, I feel like I¡¯ve lost a lot of strength.


    I check my status and indeed, my mana has dropped quite a bit.


    What the hell? I can¡¯t use it without it costing so much mana?


    Just in case, I¡¯ll take a deep breath of this miasma to recover some mana and to stay focused.


    Alright... prep my crossbow and... the bolt is melting! I gotta shoot it soon or else I¡¯m in danger!


    ¡®That is so weak; you can hit me with it as much as you like!¡¯


    ¡°Hey, now... just because you can use poisons and bacteria doesn¡¯t mean that I can¡¯t either.¡±


    Iunch a poisonous mist with Poison Release for concealment and I advance on its position.


    Elbatoxin swipes the foggy area with his ws and tail.


    Gah... a small scratch.


    ¡°Muu?!¡±


    ¡®Ah-hahaha! You may be immune to poison and germs, but you cannot best physics! I¡¯ll have you regret turning into feeble human!¡¯


    Even a single strike would be bad. That¡¯s for sure.


    I¡¯m only strong because of Arleaf¡¯s Poison Cooking and the thick miasma here.


    ¡®I wonder. Keep thy contempt in check.¡¯


    I hurry to pull the trigger on my crossbow while using Aiming Shot.


    The bolt makes its way towards Elbatoxin who has its arm raised up overhead.


    ¡®What?!¡¯


    Whoa! He dodged crazy fast and my bolt hit the wall.


    But watch out for Arleaf¡¯s Poison Cooking.


    The dissolving bolt ricochets off the wall and flies towards Elbatoxin again, who¡¯s now focusing on me.


    ¡®W-What?! Gwaaaaah! What kind of poison is this?! It hurts so bad! My body feels all weird! A mystery of a poison!¡¯


    Elbatoxin groans out after being hit by the bolt enchanted with the toxin of Arleaf¡¯s Poison Cooking and begins to fade out in agony.


    That, and I also applied Slow Poison, so he¡¯s bing more and more sluggish.


    ¡°Amazing, Yukihisa! Let¡¯s press our advantage!¡±


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    Muu gets dismounts the Midnight Blue Wolf Alpha to retrieve his axe stuck in Elbatoxin¡¯s head and performs another Hatchet Crash.


    The wolf wheezes, struggling in his condition.


    ¡°Take it easy, okay?¡±


    Arleaf heals the Midnight Blue Wolf Alpha while casting Leaf Shot to strike Elbatoxin.


    ¡°How amazing, Yukihisa. The monster is growing weaker and weaker! What kind of attack was that?¡±


    ¡°Uhh, hmm...¡±


    Guessing from my hesitation to reply, Arleaf makes a painful expression.


    ¡°It looked awfully familiar, actually... exactly like those who eat my cooking.¡±


    ¡°S-Sorry...¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m d I could be useful... it¡¯s almost over! Let¡¯s do this!¡±


    ¡°Yeah!¡±


    Mm. There¡¯s a lot of things that I¡¯m anxious about, but surprisingly, we¡¯re doing alright.


    ¡®Gah... damn you to hell!¡¯


    ¡°Mu?!¡±


    Elbatoxin unleashes his wrath, gets up, and swings his arm at Muu with great force.


    Muu is hurled towards the wall at a frightening speed, causing his cap to tear.


    ¡°Muu?!¡±


    ¡°Are you alright, Muu?!¡±


    ¡®Did you think you can win with how weak you are?!¡¯


    Damn it! Muu! Should I circle back to protect Muu?


    I rush out, but I doubt I¡¯ll reach it in time.


    ¡®Wahahaha. Finally showing thine true strength? Dost thou think thee can win? Howical!¡¯


    Veno is still provoking Elbatoxin at a time like this.


    But Elbatoxin, in a huff, stops mid-attack to turn towards me.


    ¡°Mu... muu...¡±


    Muu staggers a bit before rolling back, creating distance between it and the monster.


    Yes! Muu¡¯s safe thanks to Veno stirring it up!


    ¡®If thou wish not to perish, then surrender and undo Dorimsvoyta. Consider it my benevolence.¡¯


    Ah, Veno¡¯s gonna show some mercy to Elbatoxin, eh?


    He always thinks killing someone or something is a huge pain, so I can see why he¡¯s doing this.


    This guy doesn¡¯t y fair though. You think he¡¯ll just give up?


    Veno nonchntly whispers back to me.


    ¡®It is no mercy, but merely more provocation. Do not look away from him. If it sees through the ploy, then it will regainposure. If it regainsposure, then it shall escape. And if it escapes, then we shall have to give chase and ying it shall prove to be difficult.¡¯


    Gotcha.


    I unwaveringly advance towards Elbatoxin while ring at it, but I also make sure to have my crossbow ready.


    ¡®Hmph... I do not y games when the odds do not favor me. What I have to do, then, is to simply worsen it for you!¡¯


    Elbatoxin raises both arms up and oscites the air stronger than ever before.


    ¡°Mu?! Muuuu...¡±


    ¡°Arf...¡±


    As soon as it does that, crystals swell out of Muu and the Midnight Blue Wolf Leader and the Bloodflower pattern appear on them too.


    ¡°Muu?! Mr. Wolf?!¡±


    Is Arleaf unscathed?


    I look over to her to see the gemstones on the sword on her back glowing, covering her in a pale glow.


    Maybe it¡¯s protecting her, but it also seems like it¡¯s about to fade.


    ¡°W-What are you doing?!¡±


    ¡®Bastard...¡¯


    ¡®Were you surprised? I had this ace up my sleeve the whole time. Honestly, I wanted the area to be a little bigger, but s, I can only absorb this much mana.¡¯


    Elbatoxin¡¯s whole body trembles to vibrate the air. It growsrger and its color also changes.


    W-What is it doing?


    ¡®Bastard... it has not only reactivated their Bloodflower and Dorimsvoyta, but are also absorbing all their mana, cultivating its own power. I doubt any infected¡ªhuman or monster¡ªare able to move anymore.¡¯


    That¡¯s nothing to sneeze at.


    ¡®It is approaching territories of infamy. If Elbatoxin gets to that point, it would be difficult for any human to win. Consider us fortunate to be able to fight it now.¡¯


    Veno focuses at Arleaf¡¯s holy sword.


    If it activates for us, can we win?


    ¡®Perhaps. However, that light...¡¯

 Chapter 36

    <h4>Chapter 36</h4>


    Cold sweat drips from my brow as I apply more poison to my bolts¡ªthe kind that can take Elbatoxin down. But as soon as I break eye contact with it...


    ¡°Yukihisa!¡±


    Arleaf dives and crashes into me.


    ¡°Whoa!¡±


    ¡°Kya!¡±


    As we collide in a thud, I look beside me at the girl who just ran into me, only to find no one there.


    Arleaf had been sent flying against the wall by Elbatoxin.


    ¡°Arle¡ª¡±


    I was just calling out to her only to have Elbatoxin swipe its tail at me.


    ¡°Argh¡ª¡±


    I get thrown to the ground, rolling round and round.


    Ow... I hadn¡¯t been injured in a fighttely; I¡¯ve forgotten what it felt like to hurt from head to toe.


    Somehow, I stand back up. I clutch my arm and focus on Elbatoxin.


    ¡®You mustn¡¯t look away from me, boy. But this is wonderful, just wonderful! A little more... and I can erase every living being from this region. First, though, I must create more followers.¡¯


    I suddenly recall Veno¡¯s reminiscence of that decisive battle with the man who dreamed of remation.


    A creature fiendish enough to selfishly sacrifice underlings for their own power... and that feeling of disdain for that vile creaturee to mind.


    If I don¡¯t do anything against Elbatoxin now, then not only will I die, but Arleaf and Muu as well. So will Arleaf¡¯s parents and the others in the dungeon. And everybody in this whole area.


    Of course, also the Midnight Blue Wolf Alpha.


    I¡¯m afraid Elbatoxin will¡ªsave for its own minions¡ªmassacre everyst being.


    ¡®Now then, shall we get back to your ¡°mercy¡± and ¡°benevolence¡±? Oh, that¡¯s right. I¡¯m the one who should be the one saying all that. I¡¯ll tell you what. I¡¯ll let you live for a little longer if you just turn around and start running. I¡¯d just love to see Veno Yveval with his little tail tucked between his legs!¡¯


    Is it giving us a chance to escape?


    ¡®Ding ding! Round two!¡¯


    No. Elbatoxin just wants to y with its prey it thinks we are.


    With that little bit of time, though, and if we could escape...


    I can¡¯te to terms with that. More importantly, I don¡¯t want to give up.


    But can I turn this around?


    ¡®... aye. We have onest option.¡¯


    Veno mutters in a low voice.


    ¡®The toxins of the girl¡¯s cooking still do the bastard much pain. Look at itsbored breathing. And, it is absorbing as much mana as it can from nearby.¡¯


    I re at Elbatoxin.


    Veno¡¯s right. It¡¯s breathing heavily, and probably not because it¡¯s angry.


    ¡®Elbatoxin may seem like it has the upper hand on us, but it, too, is cornered. It must be very desperate to kill us here and now, while we still seem weak.¡¯


    But all I can do is weaken Elbatoxin. My attacks don¡¯t seem to be able to be lethal to it.


    I¡¯ve thought of using Arleaf¡¯s poison as well, and if all goes well... I might be able to knock it out.


    But it¡¯s really all or nothing. Much too risky forfort.


    ¡®Perhaps not. Perhaps...¡¯


    Veno continues on after the slightest hesitation.


    ¡®If all goes well, thou art not only able to weaken the monster, but to y it for good. But there is a price: essentially, we are to tell our pursuers where we are.¡¯


    ... what do you mean?


    ¡®Doth thou remember how before we entered the dungeon, the altar¡¯s strength flowed into me? That trifling amount I have recovered then is enough for me to bury Elbatoxin. The price to pay is that our pursuers will be alerted to this discharge of power.¡¯


    So, in other words, even if I kill Elbatoxin, we still have to flee the vige and escape the guys chasing us.


    ¡®Aye. Not only can I not guarantee this peace we had until now to remain, but the vigers will also learn of thy fugitive status. They will likely curse thy name. But even then... shalt thou find the conditions eptable?¡¯


    I look over to the girl who took a bullet for me, as well as Muu and the Midnight Blue Wolf Alpha.


    It¡¯s almost as if it wouldn¡¯t be surprising if you told me they¡¯ve died already.


    Man, I¡¯m really in a pickle here.


    But I think of the vigers.


    Even a stranger of an adventurer like me was weed with open arms and treated like a friend.


    Would I rather have them treat me with scorn? Or would I rather just run away...?


    ... heh. Did you even give me a choice?


    You¡¯re a real jerk, Veno. ¡°Take responsibility,¡± right? This is nothing more than a continuation of taking responsibility.


    If it means saving these guys, I¡¯ll tread on the thinnest of ice! No time to waver now.


    Veno replies with... what seems to be a soft chuckle.


    ¡®Thou hast but one shot. Try not to miss.¡¯


    An icon disying the name of a skill pops up in my vision.


    Even the details and the knowhow to activate ites to my mind.


    ¡®It¡¯s time for your choice! Are you going to shamelessly run away or are you going to take me on, even when I¡¯m so big and powerful now?¡¯


    Elbatoxin looks calm and cool.


    I noticed a small piece of Arleaf¡¯s Poison Cooking rolling on the ground, seemingly to havee out of nowhere. I stuff it in my mouth.


    Arleaf must¡¯ve dropped it when she was mmed against the wall.


    It may be improper to eat food off the ground. It may even give me the runs.


    But I¡¯m a Poison-Wielder. The poison coursing through my system is sure to kill off the germs.


    Arleaf¡¯s toxin immediately begins to circte in my system, making me stronger and replenishing the health and mana I¡¯ve lost.


    Veno only has the power to give me one chance at this.


    Elbatoxin¡¯s going down.


    Veno hands me a bolt and I grip it in my hand.


    I apply Slow Poison to it with Poison Enchantment... then stick it deep into my arm.


    ¡®Hahahaha! Has the pain gone to your head and made you a masochist?¡¯


    bber all you want. This is my own way of Self-Recovery.


    Just like Arleaf¡¯s Poison Cooking, my own poison gives me buffs too.


    The pain ebbs as the poison circtes and Slow Poison gives me a buff to agility.


    ¡°Get a taste of this!¡±


    I stoop down low and rush Elbatoxin as quickly as I can.


    I don¡¯t have the time to pick up my weapon it smacked away.


    But this is fine.


    My crossbow may be light, but it¡¯ll only weigh me down now.


    I use Poison Release to build up the thickest mist I can with swamp toxin. Then, I run straight at Elbatoxin.


    It swipes and swipes with its ws spread out.


    ¡®What¡¯s this? You still don¡¯t know the huge difference between our strength? Fine by me. Now perish!¡¯


    Elbatoxin, still taking us lightly, tries to sh me with its ws.


    The sword that was on Arleaf¡¯s back shed, almost as if it were synchronized to the beat of my heart.


    ¡®W-What the?!¡¯


    The light had not only surprised Elbatoxin but momentarily caught its attention.


    ¡ªgotcha!


    I deflected its foreleg with my hand and sent it flying.


    It gets chopped up exactly how I move my hand.


    ¡®Gaah?!¡¯


    Elbatoxin falls back after losing a limb.


    This chance that Veno¡¯s given me is using that small amount of power he recovered to resist against Forced Possession Summoning.


    The skill goes by the name of Dragon w, befitting a dragon like Veno.


    Not a single normal monster would live it through.


    ¡®Augh... is that all you have? I¡¯ll show you true stre¡ª¡¯


    In a literal split second, Veno struck Elbatoxin through a crack in dimensions.


    I don¡¯t think it saw that oneing.


    ¡®Nay, let me show thee.¡¯


    Veno clutched the one functioning foreleg and pulls Elbatoxin through the gap in space.


    Into the dimension inside me, caused by Forced Possession Summoning...


    ¡®W-What are you trying to do?!¡¯


    ¡®Dost thou understand not? Surely ¡®twas thee who wanted ¡°round two.¡± I shall be thy opponent in this dimension where I am trapped!¡¯


    Using Spatial Compression Magic, Veno drags Elbatoxin into the tiny dimension that he is trapped in.


    I bet it¡¯s an all-you-can-Dragon w in there.


    ¡®N-No! Stop! Let me go! Let me goooooooo!¡¯


    ¡®Thou hast treated me with such disdain and contempt, almost as if thou hast forgotten my power. Come now, let me help thee remember.¡¯


    Try and try as Elbatoxin did to resist, it could not best Veno¡¯s strength.


    After all, the force is trying to keep Veno locked up in there.


    No doubt it¡¯s strong.


    ¡®Aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh!¡¯


    It ended up being pulledpletely in by Veno.


    ¡®Hahaha... I have been waiting. Time to jog thy memory.¡¯


    ¡®Eeeeeeeeek!¡¯


    I could hear blows after blows before what sounded like Elbatoxin being ripped to shreds.


    And then... tranquility.


    ¡°... muu?¡±


    ¡°Awoo?¡±


    Almost immediately afterwards, the crystals and the Bloodflower pattern on Muu and the Midnight Blue Wolf Alpha disappears. The duo get up as if nothing ever happened.


    ¡°U... ugh.¡±


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    Realizing Arleaf had been bashed into the wall, the two rush to assist her. They even get medicines and ointments out of her pack to apply on her wounds.


    ¡°Y-Yukihisa, what happened to the monster?¡±


    ¡°I defeated it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so d. But...¡±


    Arleaf, who¡¯s just starting to regain consciousness, unwedges herself out of the wall of the cave and stares at me.


    ¡°Ah... right. Well... you know. Stuff happened. Umm... promise not to tell anyone?¡±


    ¡°No... see, I¡¯m a...¡±


    That¡¯s all I could tell her before she passed out again.


    I look over to see her gas mask has cracked open!


    Shit! How do I fix it?


    ¡®Simply use thy hands to seal the gas mask. Do not underestimate thy Poison Absorption.¡¯


    Veno¡¯s totally speaking with his mouth full of food.


    Hey, what the hell are you eating?


    ¡®Hmm? What, thou ask¡ª¡¯


    You know what? Don¡¯t tell me. I already know.


    I¡¯m just astounded by how you can eat at a time like this.


    ¡®Is that right?¡¯


    More importantly, though, is that everyone seems to have gotten better right after Elbatoxin died.


    How convenient; it¡¯s just like a game. But so inconsistent!


    ¡®No, actually, it is not so. After dragging the bastard in and analyzing its magic, I have used a counteracting skill to cause Bloodflower and Dorimsvoyta to self-destruct.¡¯


    So, you stole its login and password to remotely destroy its handicraft?


    Or maybe it¡¯s more urate to say that you analyzed its code and wrote an uninstaller.


    ¡®By andrge, thou art correct. I used the mana I acquired from the scum to do so, but before Forced Possession Summoning drained it.¡¯


    You really saved my skin, but you¡¯re still in a bad spot.


    ¡®After ying the originator, Bloodflower and Dorimsvoyta had calmed down as well. The infection should have massively slowed down. But even then, I am worried that the rapid propagation caused unexpected effects.¡¯


    As soon as I plug up Arleaf¡¯s gas mask with my finger...


    ¡°Cohgray! So, here¡¯s where the monster is!¡±


    A littlete, but Arleaf¡¯s parents along with the vigers and the Midnight Blue Wolf pack rushes on over.


    ¡°But it seems like that you¡¯re all finished here, eh?¡±


    Arleaf¡¯s father looks for traces of Elbatoxin... and suspiciously stares at the track made by Veno¡¯s w.


    I¡¯ll try to change the subject.


    ¡°Is everybody alright?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. I really thought that we were all goners, but everyone who was down and out sprang back up all of a sudden.¡±


    It¡¯d be foolish if I were to chastise them for being no help.


    I mean, I¡¯ve made a mess of this whole Elbatoxin fight too.


    But if I didn¡¯t do anything, then these guys would¡¯ve been toast.


    ¡°Anyway, is Arleaf okay?¡±


    ¡°She protected me from the monster¡¯s attack and now she¡¯s... it¡¯d be great if a healer could take a look at her.¡±


    ¡°Ah, leave it to me.¡±


    I entrust Arleaf to her parents.


    Arleaf¡¯s mother casts restorative magic to treat her daughter.


    Luckily, it doesn¡¯t seem like it¡¯s anything too bad. She¡¯ll probably be back up on her feet soon.


    ¡°In any case, the miasma¡¯s awfully thick here, so let¡¯s head on back.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    Speaking of which, killing Elbatoxin didn¡¯t stop the miasma.


    ¡®It had little to do with the miasma. Of course, it had spawned a few of its own monsters, but they are fundamentally different from the monsters of the area.¡¯


    Hmm...


    ¡°Mu.¡±


    ¡°Woof!¡±


    The Midnight Blue Wolf Alpha, who had quite valiantly fought for me, runs over to his two subordinates, barking about something.


    They must be happy about how their boss is back to normal.


    And then look at Muu, with its axe on its back, riding the wolf like it¡¯s a horse.


    We hurry and find out exit out of the dungeon.


    It¡¯s still covered in a nket of toxic gas, but it seems to be a little brighter than before.


    ¡°Awoo!¡±


    As soon as we reach the outdoors again, the Midnight Blue Wolf Alpha howls out and lets Muu down.


    ¡°Muu muu.¡±


    Muu shakes the alpha¡¯s hand before the pack runs off into the distance.


    ¡®All is well that ends well.¡¯


    ¡°Thanks for everything.¡°


    I shake hands with Muu too.


    The Midnight Blue Wolf Alpha nces over at me before disappearing in a sh.


    The parting ofrades in a battle hard-fought. I can but pray that they live peacefully ever after.


    We arrive back at the vige and see that everyone has been freed from the grasp of Dorimsvoyta. What a relief.


    And so, tired from a long and arduous battle, I hurry back to my room and flop on my bed.


    The poison may be able to recover the body, but it certainly can¡¯t rejuvenate the mind.


    However... I look out from the window of my room to see Arleaf¡¯s parents with grave faces discussing about something in the town square... and curiously branding the image onto my mind.

 Chapter 37

    <h4>Chapter 37</h4>


    The next day.


    The Dorimsvoyta-infected patients have been quickly recovering due to the defeat of Elbatoxin and things seem to be calmed down for now.


    I wonder if Arleaf is holding up okay.


    I drop by the apothecary to check up on her but instead I find Arleaf¡¯s father greeting me.


    By the way, Muu¡¯s helping the proprietress with some work around the inn.


    Perhaps because we¡¯ve eradicated the source of the disease, she¡¯s been getting healthier and healthier as well.


    ¡°Oh, Cohgray. Your party¡¯s yed the monster that was spreadin¡¯ the disease, right? You should go to the town hall and show them a part of the monster to im the bounty on it.¡±


    ¡°I see...¡±


    Wait, is it safe doing so again?


    ¡®It should be. Proof that we have defeated Elbatoxin... shall its eyeball do?¡¯


    Why eyeball?


    ¡®I saved the rest of its parts. Perhaps they shall be useful as crafting materials in the future. It shall not prove to be much work if I simply gouge them out with a sword.¡¯


    But an eyeball? That¡¯s kinda gross.


    Still, I do as instructed by both Arleaf¡¯s father and Veno and reported to the town hall with one of Elbatoxin¡¯s eyeball in hand.


    I also handed over other parts that could be easily identified though, like the tip of its tail.


    It seems like they can identify which monster I fought with just that much.


    In the end, they determined that it indeed belonged to the monster who was behind the diseases and granted me the appropriate bounty.


    The bounty consisted of not only money raised by nearby viges, but as well as money from the guild to which those adventurers who spread the diseases belong. This totalled to 400,000g.


    And it seems like I can sell Elbatoxin¡¯s parts for a pretty high price too.


    That¡¯s pretty awesome... it costs me 2,000g for a stay with a meal at the inn. With this much money, that would mean I could afford to stay for 200 days.


    But that¡¯s not what¡¯s gonna happen... consider this money as funds for my life as a fugitive from now on.


    ¡°Hi, Yukihisa!¡±


    Just as I¡¯m being paid out by the clerk, Arleaf, full of energy, calls out to me.


    Hmm. Karma ze is strapped to her back.


    Though I was gonna set off without telling anyone...


    Suddenly, I hear the clinks and nks of a squad d in full suits of armor walking into the town hall.


    ¡°Yukihisa, this way.¡±


    ¡°Cohgray, right this way.¡±


    I follow Arleaf and the clerk to the far end of the town hall, though not fully understanding the situation.


    Isn¡¯t this the back door?


    The clerk calmly and smoothly disappears from our sight.


    ¡°We are knights of Saint Yggdra. We have detected the presence of an evil dragon disguised as a human. We request any relevant information!¡±


    Their voice echoes throughout the hall.


    Yikes... they¡¯ve sniffed me out already? That didn¡¯t take ¡®em long at all.


    ¡®They may have already somehow detected our presence already.¡¯


    ¡°Now that you mention it, there has been some kind of dangerous monster that¡¯s been inflicting all sorts of diseases around here. That¡¯s gotta be the evil dragon, right?¡±


    The clerk responded to the knights with a question.


    I looked to Arleaf and she assured me everything¡¯s fine with a nod of her head.


    From the town hall, we booked it straight to the apothecary.


    Huh? The proprietress and Muu are here. And even the priest.


    ¡°You¡¯ve made it, eh, Cohgray?¡±


    ¡°Umm... exactly what is happening here?¡±


    I ask the vigers while pretending to be calm and collected.


    ¡°Well... I don¡¯t even know the full details. But those guys from far away barged in as if they owned the ce, something about here to y a dragon, stickin¡¯ their noses into our vige.¡±


    ¡°Oh... and what about it?¡±


    For some reason, Arleaf¡¯s father ignores my question, but then goes on to talk to his daughter.


    ¡°Yesterday, Arleaf, you were shown ardor from yesterday¡¯s battle. If you want to withdraw now, we¡¯ll send someone else.¡±


    ¡°I understand.¡±


    ¡°Sister Arleaf, you mustplete your mission.¡±


    Even the priest is like sending her off.


    Can¡¯t I just go alone?


    ¡®Humans act in mysterious ways sometimes. If thou sincerely ask, shall thou not receive an answer?¡¯


    Didn¡¯t they just ignore me?


    Arleaf¡¯s father looks over to me in the middle of my conversation with Veno.


    ¡°Cohgray, I know full well you¡¯re surprised with all this. But you were nnin¡¯ to just ditch us without sayin¡¯ a word, weren¡¯t you?¡±


    Gulp... he read me like a book.


    How does he know though?


    He should have no idea that Veno lives inside me.


    ¡°But you can¡¯t just pull somethin¡¯ like that on us. Well, I didn¡¯t think they¡¯d find us out this uick either, but here we are.¡±


    Arleaf¡¯s parents nce over at the town hall.


    ¡°Anyway, Cohgray, our daughter will follow you from now on. You can rely on her. No matter where you run to, you¡¯ll find people to help you too.¡±


    ¡°No, I couldn¡¯t... I mean, my personal feelings of having Arleafe with me aside... though true that I was nning to embark from this vige, I can¡¯t have Arleafe risk her life with me.¡±


    I try to be as polite as I can to leave Arleaf behind, just as I had nned from the beginning.


    As soon as the thought came to my mind, she looks at me with these heartrending puppy eyes.


    Stop it. You¡¯re hurting me with those eyes.


    ¡°Mu...¡±


    It hurts when Muu does it too, but I wasn¡¯t nning to leave you behind.


    What would happen to you anyway if I were to just leave you?


    ... what, is Arleaf¡¯s family going to keep you as their pet?


    ¡°I will follow you to the ends of the world, Yukihisa. After all, it isn¡¯t like you have done anything wrong...¡±


    ¡°No, I...¡±


    ¡°No matter how much they sully your name, I will be by your side. I know you are trying to escape them.¡±


    ¡®It seems like she has made up her mind already... it would be quite the bother to reject her, aye?¡¯


    A bother, sure, but that¡¯s my only choice, right?


    I can¡¯t just drag these innocent people into this.


    ¡®The fellow¡¯s daughter was also the same, always by his side... I suppose it runs in the blood.¡¯


    I get it, this is nostalgic for you, but we¡¯re trying to run away here, and she won¡¯t take a no for an answer.


    ... how am I gonna change her mind?


    I mean, why does she even want to stick with me so bad anyway?


    I don¡¯t even get that part to begin with.


    ¡°It¡¯s gonna be... dangerous, you know?¡±


    ¡°Hmm? Are you trying to say that it¡¯s dangerous because they¡¯ll torture the information out of me once they find out that I worked with you?¡±


    Oof, if you¡¯re gonna put it like that...


    It seems like those guys back there really would torture Arleaf for information about me.


    Sigh... with the way things are, it seems like she¡¯sing with me no matter what.


    ¡°Are you alright with this? She¡¯s your precious daughter after all.¡±


    I ask Arleaf¡¯s father and he nods without a hint of hesitation.


    ¡°Cohgray, you¡¯re the only man in the world who can finish a te of my daughter¡¯s poisonous cooking. If anything, I ain¡¯t about let go my daughter¡¯s chance at getting married.


    ¡°Oh, no, do let it go! Don¡¯t rub salt into her wounds!¡±


    Oops. I didn¡¯t mean to yell at the guy.


    I just couldn¡¯t hold back.


    Ignoring my quip, Arleaf¡¯s father takes out an old, worn-out book and hands it to me.


    ¡°This book contains the story of how our family¡¯s principles came to be. This vige is destined to befriend the dragon.¡±


    That¡¯s pretty incredible... now that you mention it, when you guys pray, you say something about a dragon.


    Is that something rted?


    ¡°And what is this story about?¡±


    ¡°... long ago, thends were a poisoned patch of waste. The dragon who lived in thosends entrusted our ancestors with it to reim it and then to found a nation.¡±


    Arleaf sps her hands together, as if she were praying, and begins telling the story.


    ¡°Thends were rehabilitated, and people began living on it. They were invaded by greedy men and terrible monsters, but our ancestors worked together to defend their home. The dragon witnessed it all and wished to end the meaningless conflict. He sacrificed himself, offered his body to the world tree, and fell into a deep slumber.¡±


    I¡¯ve seen all that through Veno¡¯s memories.


    I know too well what had happened.


    ¡°The world was at peace. The newly-founded nation with its new world tree was in harmony with its people. They would keep the peace until the dragon would arise from his slumber... or so they thought.¡±


    What goes up muste down, or so they say... but it¡¯s rather unsettling.


    ¡°However, the humans were foolish. They began evil research in order to hoard the blessing of the world tree, all behind the back of the nation¡¯s representatives.¡±


    ¡®Wh¡ª?!¡¯


    Veno lets out a surprised noise.


    ¡°The research failed, and the world tree disappeared. As a result of the failure, the world was filled with miasma. At the time of failure... the people saw a dragon in the explosion and pinned the me on him. The representatives who knew nothing about the matter found themselves bearing the burden of responsibility and were banished as punishment.¡±


    Huh... so that¡¯s what happened.


    They totally bit the hand that fed them.


    ¡°An¡¯ here we are, the descendants of those who were exiled. We want to get rid of the miasma, just like how our ancestors woulda wanted.¡±


    I see.


    It seems like that Arleaf might have seen Veno¡¯s Dragon w.


    That¡¯s why they think I¡¯m rted to the dragon of the stories of yore.


    ¡°Our ancestors who settled down here in this remote area harbored a sense of impending disaster because of the evil research into skills that could instantly defeat the strongest of monsters.¡±


    ¡°This book here is a record of all those skills and spells. You¡¯ll find strategies, solutions, and other fragments of their findings in it as well. It ain¡¯t such a bad give it a look through some time.¡±


    Well, it sure wouldn¡¯t hurt to have this book on hand.


    It seems like your faith wasn¡¯t misced after all, Veno.


    ¡°ording to what they wrote, it seems like they predicted that the bad guys were determined to crush the nation and all those in charge, and so, our ancestors sent their offsprings to every corner of the world.¡±


    ¡®Those must be clues for undoing Forced Possession Summoning, but I did not expect it to be so scattered.¡¯


    You may be onto something, but this whole thing is got soplicated.


    I¡¯m d that they don¡¯t hold anything against me for wielding your powers, but I¡¯m afraid they might get unnecessarily involved with this whole mess.


    ¡°And if it proves anything, the vige that used to be in the swamp was one that had been destroyed by the bad guys. The pollution all stems from those exploding bombs we mentioned earlier.¡±


    ¡°Father.¡±


    ¡°Ah, sorry to interrupt you with these ancient tales. Go ahead.¡±


    Sounds like there¡¯s more to it.


    Arleaf nods and beings to speak again.


    ¡°Our ancestors left their testaments, wishing for their descendants to atone for their sins and to seek forgiveness from their very important friend. The ancestors had devised a n for when the timees that their friend requires assistance. When a dangerous situation arises, he would cast magic to escape his perils and shall end up here in this vige so that the newly awaken dragon will live to see another day. And so it is written.¡±


    ¡®What? That is the reason why I fell with you into the swamp? sts...¡¯


    I¡¯m sure you actually did have to resist their magic and to escape from it.


    But maybe there¡¯s a reason why we¡¯vended in such a convenient ce.


    It¡¯s because they must know that you¡¯re a Poison Dragon.


    We could chalk it up to just coincidence, but everything adds up.


    That statue with its protective blessings at that rundown altar... it all felt natural for us because everything here is set up just for you, Veno.


    ¡°I know not all dragons in the world are good; there are dangerous and terrible ones. But I know there are good ones too. We owe that dragon one. If we don¡¯t pay him back, I¡¯d feel downright ashamed.¡±


    ¡°Yukihisa, please allow me to lend assist you in your travels. The whole vige is grateful, and so, if it¡¯s not me... everyone else shall apany you.¡±


    Gah... I don¡¯t think I can say no.


    ¡®I see... so I had not been betrayed.¡¯


    I can feel Veno trembling and staring off into the distance.


    Is he crying?


    I hear the voices from the town hall. It¡¯s not exactly a racket, but I can hear people gathering inside.


    It¡¯s only a matter of time they detect us.


    ... I¡¯ve got no choice then.


    I can¡¯t see either Arleaf or the vigers willing to budge on this matter.


    Gotta make apromise, I guess.


    ¡°... I understand. This journey will be very dangerous. We might not make it back alive, you know?¡±


    ¡°I fully understand. Father, Mother, thank you for being such great parents.¡±


    ¡°Come back home in one piece, y¡¯hear? Experience the world ande back to us with the Holy Dragon¡ªwith Cohgray, alright?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll be praying for the safe return of both of you.¡±


    As Arleaf embraces her parents, the priest hands me a religious symbol of their church.


    ¡°Cohgray, this statue shall protect you.¡±


    ¡°C-Can I touch it?¡±


    ¡°Of course, go ahead.¡±


    I¡¯m kinda scared and I gingerly hold the statue.


    Like the zap of static electricity, its power flows into me.


    It¡¯s just like that time.


    Veno must¡¯ve recovered a little mana from that.


    ¡°Muu-Muu, I¡¯ll be lonely without¡¯cha. Remember what I¡¯ve taught you and put it to good use, alrighty?¡±


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    The proprietress, too, hugs Muu goodbye.


    She looks really broken up over it.


    And Muu¡¯s holding pretty much everything I left in the room.


    I¡¯ve gotta get Veno store it upter.


    ¡°We¡¯ve prepared a cart for you two. Hop on and drive it like ya stole it.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for everything you have done for me.¡±


    ¡°What are ya talking about, Cohgray? Err... Lord Holy Dragon?¡±


    I guess I don¡¯t need to hide it from them anymore.


    They¡¯ve helped me up until the end. It should be fine telling them a little, right?


    ¡°I¡¯m not a dragon, but him and I are almost always chattering though.¡±


    ¡°That right? If you make it back, tell me more about the Holy Dragon next time.¡±


    Hey, he believes me.


    The power of ancestors. Amazing, huh?


    ¡°Ah-haha, there is something else that may surprise you, Yukihisa.¡±


    Arleaf replies while pointing at her ear.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been able to hear someone¡¯s voiceing from behind Yukihisa since not too long ago.¡±


    ¡®What? Thou canst hear me?¡¯


    ¡°Yes. I checked my status and found a new skill called Oracle, so that may be the reason why.¡±


    Yikes... Arleaf can hear Veno too now. Guess we can¡¯t chat in secret anymore, eh?


    ¡®Rest assured. I can always speak in a low voice so that no one else hears.¡¯


    Oh, isn¡¯t that right?


    You¡¯ve gotten good at this, Veno.


    ¡°Lord Holy Dragon, please let me redeem my ancestors.¡±


    ¡®... very well. Lass, serving in your ancestors¡¯ stead, thou shall follow me as well.¡¯


    ¡°Thank you very much!¡±


    Hey, now, you¡¯re just gonna so casually make these decisions?


    Don¡¯t you always say that all humans bound to betray you one day or something edgy like that?


    ¡®Things have changed.¡¯


    You¡¯re hot and you¡¯re cold... sure are a simple dragon.


    ¡®Hmph... I thought I would be so generous to grant a second chance.¡¯


    Well, it¡¯s not like I don¡¯t get how you feel either.


    You thought you had been betrayed, but we found out otherwise today.


    ¡°Alright, then. See you soon!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll be waitin¡¯.¡±


    ¡°Give it your all!¡±


    That¡¯s all for goodbyes.


    Then Arleaf¡¯s father spoke up.


    ¡°Cohgray, leave everything else to us. We¡¯ll stall them as long as we can.¡±


    ¡°I got it. Thank you so much for everything.¡±


    Honestly, you¡¯ve all done so much for me.


    I¡¯ve been grateful even when you were simply buying herbs from me.


    But from now on too with Arleaf¡¯s cooking and everything else, thank you for all your support in advance.


    But... Saint Yggdra, right?


    I¡¯m not sure if they were the traitors to Arleaf¡¯s ancestors, but they disgust me.


    The more you hear about it, the less it seems like Veno¡¯s the bad guy.


    I¡¯ve gotta find out more.


    ¡°Alright. Shall we?¡±


    The vigers send me off, waving their hands goodbye.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±


    Arleaf follows up with a nod.


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    ¡®Hmm. At first after having the spell cast on me, I had many worries. But surprisingly, I have gained much as well. There sure was much to be anxious about, but it seems like a very valuable experience lies ahead of us.¡¯


    I spur the horses on driving them hard while listening to Veno speak... as I leave the warm-hearted vige behind.


    I hope no harm befalls them.


    And with that, we headed into the true beginning of our journey.

 Chapter 38

    <h4>Chapter 38</h4>


    ¡°Look! We¡¯ve finally arrived!¡±


    As soon as the coach crests over the hill, I saw a bird¡¯s-eye view of arge town.


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    ¡°Argh, I¡¯m beat.¡±


    We¡¯ve departed Nisua and started this road trip about two weeks ago.


    We originally rode the cart the guys back at the vige had prepared for us, but we boarded a stagecoach about two viges before where we are now.


    It was easier to get to Arleaf¡¯s rtives this way and we¡¯re going to look for clues to undo the Forced Possession Summoning.


    I¡¯m not familiar at all with this world, so I¡¯ve really got to thank Arleaf for guiding me here.


    On the way here, Veno had read and analyzed the tome that Arleaf¡¯s ancestors wrote.


    Veno said that he learned something about a spell that can reverse the Forced Possession Summoning.


    It apparently appeared before a hero who wished for aid when danger had befallen him.


    But now, we¡¯ve got to head to Arleaf¡¯s rtives. We¡¯ll be taking refuge there so that we can gather more information.


    I was shown arge map of the surrounding area which included the neighboring country. It seems like many areas are polluted by miasma.


    There are surprisingly few ces in this world that humans can live in.


    Well... we¡¯ve gone through few rough spots along the way that they had to put on gas masks for.


    ¡®A new town... it would be nice if the truth about us has not been circted yet.¡¯


    ¡°I think we should be fine. Remember how that none of the viges that we passed along the way had heard anything about us?¡±


    Arleaf tries to dispel Veno¡¯s worries.


    We heard that everyone had been questioned, but we must¡¯ve left Nisua by then.


    Arleaf¡¯s rtives had spread false rumors about us as well. That had to y a big part in why we hadn¡¯t been caught.


    She must have lots of rtives or something.


    I thought adventurers were the type to say anything for money, but I guess those are unfair assumptions.


    ¡®After all, thou hadst gone to battle alongside thess¡¯ family. I doubt that they can say anything that would only harm thee. But they would perhaps me me for the epidemic.¡¯


    Ah... I guess so.


    Rather thanbelling me as a humanized dragon who killed a monster with a big bounty, it would be more persuasive to say that we were behind all of it.


    And Elbatoxin was simply Veno¡¯s minion, that¡¯s why they had yed it... it¡¯s usible that¡¯s what they said.


    ¡®Moreover, the Elbatoxin incident had caused quite a bit of an uproar. Those adventurers took the chance to escape and tracking them would be rather difficult.¡¯


    I see... so it¡¯d be hard to pin any me on me just because I took down the bounty.


    Well, if you think about it, it was weird for them to escape.


    ¡®In any case, we shall be fine if we act natural.¡¯


    ¡°I think our Lord the Holy Dragon is exactly right. And plus... my father and the others are prepared for anything that might happen.¡±


    Even if our pursuers were to do anything terrible, it doesn¡¯t seem like she¡¯ll run back home.


    ¡°We¡¯ll do anything to get them off your scent, Yukihisa, and to help the Holy Dragon as well.¡±


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    I¡¯m d that at least someone¡¯s there for me.


    I was worried that I¡¯d be forever stuck traveling with the mushroom and this dragon in my head.


    ¡®... thou changest nary a bit.¡¯


    Veno heaves a sigh, but he doesn¡¯t seem to care much.


    In any case, we have to head to our hideout.


    And so, under Arleaf¡¯s guidance, we head into the town ahead of us.


    I get off the stagecoach and look around me.


    ¡°A new town, eh?¡±


    ¡°Yes, this is the town of Lif¡¯el. It¡¯s famous for itsmerce and many industries.¡±


    The trading town of Lif¡¯el. If this were a game, it¡¯d probably get its own cutscene.


    It feels like just as I had got used to the decaying old European-like vige of Nisua, I finally reach this bustling city.


    The buildings are all made of stone and brick... andmps light up the streets.


    It¡¯s a fantasy world, so it probably isn¡¯t fueled by natural gas but by magic or something, right?


    This even feels a bit steampunkish.


    This ce feels like it¡¯s taken straight out of an anime.


    ... but looking more closely, it¡¯s probably closer to a city out of an MMORPG.


    In any case, it¡¯s a pretty big town.


    I bet they have running water and a sewer system in ce here.


    I heard that back in medieval times, people would just dump their chamberpots out their windows.


    That¡¯s unthinkable for someone like me from modern day Japan.


    ¡®Calm down. Thou seem like some bumpkin straight out of the boondocks.¡¯


    What? You think me a country bumpkin?!


    ¡®After all, the first thing of which thou thinkest the moment thou art in a new town is the toilet situation. Even I am astonished by that.¡¯


    ¡°The toilet situation?¡±


    ¡°Mu?¡±


    Ugh... Arleaf heard you!


    Veno, can¡¯t you have said it a little quieter?! What the hell do you do anyway?


    ¡®Me?¡¯


    Actually, I don¡¯t want to know.


    You¡¯re locked up in that tiny space... inside me. That¡¯s just gross.


    ¡®After I excrete, I send it out to another dimension. Sometimes, I incinerate it. Sometimes, I throw it off the side of the street while thou are unaware.¡¯


    ¡°I told you not to tell me!¡±


    Oops, I didn¡¯t mean to yell that out loud.


    ¡°Huh?!¡±


    ¡°Muu?!¡±


    I scared the wits out of Arleaf and Muu.


    ¡°Umm, guessing by what the Holy Dragon had said, you are talking about night soil? If it is the excrement of the Holy Dragon, we can even use it to craft some potent potions. It would be a waste to just throw it away, right?¡±


    I didn¡¯t expect Arleaf to respond with such insight.


    What a deadpan answer too. She¡¯s so pragmatic, it almost turns me off.


    ¡®... indeed. I simply thought it was something that needn¡¯t mentioning. But speaking of which,ss, your ancestors, too, had used my excrement as well.¡¯


    What, is this a job you inherit?!

 Chapter 39

    <h4>Chapter 39</h4>


    ¡°But I have heard that they do have a sewer system in ce, so please do not worry about it.¡±


    ... how can I not?


    I doubt their pipes are any good.


    And I wished that Arleaf would be a little more embarrassed when talking about stuff like powdering her nose.


    ¡®It appears that this brute wanted to embarrass thee with talk of this coarse subject matter.¡¯


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure how to respond...¡±


    Don¡¯t expose me like that, you bastard!


    ¡®There are many advanced technologies from thy world... such as what you would call ¡°washlets¡±? Thou may possibly be able to recreate it with high enough proficiency in alchemy.¡¯


    ¡°Hey... you think we could move on from this topic?¡±


    We just got to a new town; don¡¯t ruin my mood like this. We can talk about toiletster.


    I don¡¯t think I can get away from talking about it anyway.


    ¡°Alright. Do you think you could refrain from talking about Yukihisa¡¯s private matters as well, Lord Holy Dragon?¡±


    ¡®I could not help myself. Now I understand that different things are taboo for people of his world.¡¯


    Why does it seem like he¡¯s looking down on me?


    ¡°Muu?¡±


    Muu tilts his head, not understanding much about our conversation.


    You¡¯re still the best for being here for me, Muu.


    Arleaf sometimes hurts me with how frank she is.


    ¡°This way. Try not to get separated, okay?¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    We walk through the lively town.


    ¡°Come on, take a look!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve caught some fresh fish today!¡±


    ¡°How ¡®bout some jerky?¡±


    Wow... sure is bustling here.


    They even have food stalls nearby. It smells so good.


    It feels like we¡¯re walking right through downtown.


    We end up right in front of the town hall.


    ¡°This is the town hall, or the guild, as some may call it. It¡¯s thergest one around the area, so I think it would be our best bet.¡±


    The town hall in Nisua can¡¯t evenpare to this.


    It¡¯s quite simr to back home if I had topare the two worlds. Lots of clerks at lots of reception desks.


    This ce would be called an adventurers¡¯ guildhall in a tabletop RPG.


    Well... the one back in Nisua felt more like a vige that would give you lots of quests in a game where you hunt monsters.


    Mm, even the bulletin board is correspondingly huge.


    Rows and rows of quests are lined up and posted on the board.


    A totally different story than the friendly requests in the vige.


    ¡®Canst thou not be so condescending to the vige of Nisua?¡¯


    Hey, don¡¯t let Arleaf hear you.


    ¡®I have adjusted it so that she cannot. Thou wishest not to be vilified, aye?¡¯


    Normally, yeah.


    Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯ve forgotten our toilet discourse and how you ratted me out.


    ¡°It looks like there are all sorts of jobs posted here. Even maps of where monsters are, training halls, taverns, and inns are all listed, so if we ever need something, we can try starting here.¡±


    How convenient.


    I look over to find that wanted posters are posted here too.


    Needless to say, Veno¡¯s delighted about it.


    Lots of monsters are wanted too... oh, it seems like there are really old bounties too.


    ¡®Ah, has he been killed already? Oh, I have already in that one. Hmm... so that is where this one lives...¡¯


    ... I don¡¯t think I actually need to respond to any of that.


    Thinking back on Elbatoxin though, we should probably avoid any unnecessary use of your mana.


    ¡®Shame. It would have been easy to fill our coffers.¡¯


    Oh, and Elbatoxin¡¯s bounty has been stamped over.


    ¡°So, what shall we do today?¡±


    ¡°Is there anything right for us?¡±


    ¡°Oh, Yukihisa, look at this one. The location is very close to here.¡±


    I look at the quest Arleaf is pointing to.


    Defeat monsters in the sewers


    Recently, the number of monsters that live in the sewer system have been increasing.


    Exterminate them posthaste.


    Paid per monster defeated


    Looks like it¡¯s piece work.


    The clients are the Merchants¡¯ Guild and the town mayor.


    Arleaf carefully studies the information.


    ¡°Monsters have been appearing in the sewerstely. It doesn¡¯t seem to be that dangerous, but it has been a spot of bother for the townsfolk.¡±


    ¡®It looks to be a task for novices.¡¯


    ¡°Indeed, and so there must be many people down there fulfilling this quest. But even then, venturing deep in would require precautions against poison.¡±


    Sewer poison? Are the monsters down there pretty venomous?


    Well, sewers are filthy, so I get why you wouldn¡¯t want to go.


    ¡°Yukihisa, this might be a good chance for us.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Because sewage produces toxic gases, exploration may prove to be difficult. Even when equipped with wind magic, one can only do so much about the gases.¡±


    Oh, right. I¡¯ve heard about that in Japan too.


    Hollywood movies always portray sewer adventures to be rather dangerous because of the toxic fumes down there.


    Sometimes people die in mines too because of toxic gases.


    Anyway, I don¡¯t really want to use sewage like I did with swamp water...


    Yeah, that¡¯s a no from me. I¡¯m not about to dive head first into sewage.


    The mental damage I¡¯d get would be incurable.


    No matter how much it might heal me, I won¡¯t be soaking in it either. That¡¯s just messed up!


    ¡°Uhh, hmm...¡±


    ¡°The problem would be how difficult the monsters are. If there are powerful monsters there, lots of adventurers would be farming them for the experience...¡±


    Lots of reasons not to go there.


    It¡¯s totally a quest for newbies to earn some pocket money.


    ¡°Let¡¯s put that aside for now then. There are lots of other good ones to choose from.¡±


    There are all sorts of quests.


    For real, though. The magnitude of the number of jobs is totally different in a big town like this.


    There are quite a few good ones, even quests that have you harvest like Arleaf does. Simply browsing is lots of fun.


    ¡°So, which one shall we do?¡±

 Chapter 40

    <h4>Chapter 40</h4>


    ¡°Hmm... these two seem like good quests. This one involves us gathering and harvesting monster parts in the forest we passed through a few days ago. This other one would have us y these monsters that appear in the ins...¡±


    ¡°Muuuu...¡±


    We¡¯re only strong enough to be effective at these kinds of quests.


    While there are groups looking for members to go bounty hunting, I have a hard time fulfilling their requirements because of my oddball ss.


    They might let me in if I talk to them beforehand, but I¡¯d like to avoid having my identity revealed if I can help it.


    And naturally, it¡¯d be great if to adventure with just Arleaf and Muu, as we¡¯re in the same boat.


    I can always try consulting the clerks in the guildhall.


    They seem to be very helpful and supportive to all the neers in town.


    ¡®... I may just have a brilliant n.¡¯


    Veno speaks out, almost as if he were raising his hand to participate in the discussion.


    ¡°A brilliant n?¡±


    ¡®Thess pointed out the quest in the sewer, aye?¡¯


    ¡°That¡¯s right. It seems rather tough. There are some details appended to the bottom of the listing saying how there is quite therge number of monsters underground. It may be difficult even for mid-ranked adventurers if a mob of monsters were to show up.¡±


    ¡®In that case, we can employ poison. You humans have this thing called ¡°rat poison,¡± do you not?¡¯


    Oh, I see where he¡¯s getting at. That really doesn¡¯t sound like a bad n.


    ¡°Umm... it seems like some adventurer or some guild clerk has tried that before in the past. The monsters quickly developed resistance against the poison and, in the end, turned out benefit the monsters. Ever since then, the city did not directly deal with the problem.¡±


    ¡®Hah... how na?ve. For what doest thou taketh me for? I have already ounted for that possibility to happen.¡¯


    ¡°... then what are you thinking of, Lord Holy Dragon?¡±


    Pfft. I¡¯ve got a feeling that Veno¡¯s got a good-for-nothing idea brewing.


    I bet his ¡°brilliant n¡± is going to be a waste of time.


    ¡®Aye... my strategy is simr to how we eradicated Bloodflower in that¡ª¡¯


    As soon as he started to speak, Arleaf was at a loss for words.


    Turns out it¡¯s not as crappy of a n as I thought it¡¯d be. In that case, we¡¯ll need to make preparations, so off to our hideout we go.


    ¡°I think this is the ce.¡±


    Arleaf brings us to her friend¡¯s home that we¡¯ll be using as a hideout.


    It¡¯s quite therge estate in the middle of town.


    ¡°Who lives here?¡±


    ¡°This is Grandpa Wayne¡¯s house. He¡¯s a rtive that I call my grandpa. He¡¯s looked after me ever since I was a young girl. They say he¡¯s an unparalleled craftsman. I¡¯m sure he will help us out once he learns of our situation.¡±


    ¡°A craftsman, huh? I wonder if he can help me out with something.¡±


    I take out and show Arleaf my crossbow.


    It still shoots, but it makes a weird creaking noise when I fire it.


    Sometimes, though, it gets a little jammed up.


    I¡¯ve been keeping up with maintenance, but it needs proper repairs.


    The crossbow is prettyplicated, so I¡¯m not exactly sure what exactly is wrong with it.


    It¡¯s a very capable weapon, but thinking about what lies ahead of us, I¡¯m a bit hesitant to rely on it now.


    I¡¯ve been reusing my bolts as much as I can, but I don¡¯t have too many left. They tend to melt when enchanted with poisons. Well, they¡¯re a consumable item anyway.


    ¡°I have noticed too that, for some reason, it is not performing as welltely.¡±


    I really need to find an expert to work on it.


    I¡¯ve mended my Smoke Armor as best as I can, but it¡¯s nowhere nearly as good as what a professional can do.


    The axe that Muu¡¯s using is holding up fine, though the Flyiron Sword has rusted once.


    It¡¯d be nice if we could just swap for better equipment with Veno.


    ¡®It is not as if I own anything and everything. The only hurdle to using better equipment lies within thine own proficiency.¡¯


    To be fair, this is all just stuff Veno has lying around. Most of it is just regr service equipment for soldiers, or at best, knights.


    ¡®I do have a full set of armor on hand. However, as far as weapons go, what I have is more of the decorative kind... if only we can use the sword strapped to thess¡¯ back. That would mitigate our worries for weaponry.¡¯


    Oh, the holy sword of Arleaf¡¯s ancestors?


    What¡¯s it called again? Karma ze?


    It hasn¡¯t activated once after that sh of light that one time. It seems like it¡¯s less of a weapon and more of a protective charm.


    ¡°As my father would say, adventurers can either save money on their equipment or save their lives. If we peddle medicines for a while, we may be able to save up some money...¡±


    That¡¯s right. It¡¯s not like we don¡¯t have options to make money.


    But the problem is that we¡¯ve gotta escape our pursuers while looking for a way to undo the Forced Possession Summoning.


    That means we don¡¯t have the luxury of taking our sweet time.


    In any case, we should spend some of they money we¡¯ve saved up to upgrade our equipment.


    The shop back in Nisua was rather expensive.


    We didn¡¯t have enough money for proper weapons and armor.


    ¡°Well, for now, let¡¯s meet my friends.¡±


    Arleaf pushes a button close to the door.


    A sharp ring of a bell rang out as soon as she did so.


    It¡¯s a very peculiar sound.


    ¡°Coming.¡±


    Ady with a nice figure opened the door after calling out to us.


    Her hair was split into two long bunches, tied into ce with stics.


    Her chest stands out from her sleeveless shirt.


    Hey, I can see your midriff. Her pants... are made with some kind of denim-like leather, I think.


    She¡¯s got quite the wild look.


    ¡°Uhh... is that you, Arleaf?¡±


    ¡°Oh, yes, that¡¯s right. Long time no see, Rurika.¡±


    ¡°Good to see you again! What brings you all the way out here?¡±


    ¡°Umm, lots of things happened and so... we¡¯re on a trip. I heard Grandpa Wayne lives around here, so I thought to drop by to say hello.¡±


    As Arleaf exins the situation, thedy named Rurika looked over at Muu and I.


    ¡°This is Yukihisa. He and I are traveling together. Umm, this might be out of the blue, but he has my father¡¯s approval.¡±


    ¡°Huh? Your dad? The one who¡¯s super protective of you?¡±


    ¡°Yes. For some reason, Yukihisa... is able to eat my cooking.¡±


    ¡°Wha¡ª?!... that¡¯s incredible!¡±


    Arleaf¡¯s notoriety knows no borders.


    I want to ask her all about it.


    ¡°Yukihisa, this is Rurika. She¡¯s Grandpa Wayne¡¯s granddaughter.¡±


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    ¡°And this little one is Muu, Yukihisa¡¯s myconid.¡¯


    Muu cordially bows.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure. But... is there something you came to see Gramps for?¡±


    ¡°Oh, no... I don¡¯t mean to be a bother, but I remember Grandpa Wayne has got quite the name for his smithing skills, so I thought tomission a few items from him.¡±


    Rurika looks down and her face darkens, struggling to find words.


    What? Did something happen to Mr. Wayne?

 Chapter 41

    <h4>Chapter 41</h4>


    ¡°Oh, sorry. We bothering you or something?¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s nothing like that... it¡¯s just that due to the circumstances, my granddad can no longer smith.¡±


    ¡°... a visitor, Rurika?¡±


    While we were in the middle of our conversation, someone that seems to be an attendant pushes an older, refined gentleman in a wheelchair out from the estate.


    Didn¡¯t expect there to be wheelchairs here in this world.


    ¡®It is but a miniature cart. It is not the marvel that thou thinkest it to be.¡¯


    Well, if you put it that way, I guess so.


    But back to this senior citizen, you can¡¯t see anything aside from his face ¡®cause he¡¯s covered up by a throw.


    ¡°Arleaf, along with her fianc¨¦, hase all the way here to pay you a visit. He has her parent¡¯s blessing too.¡±


    Wha¡ª?! You¡¯re gonna introduce me like that?!


    ¡°Oh, pull the other one. That stubborn mule thinks the sun shines out of his daughter¡¯s backside. His blessings? How preposterous, I do dere!¡±


    Ah, are we a big joke to you?


    But, jeez... even their rtives know about how he is?


    I¡¯m all the more interested in the legend of Arleaf¡¯s cooking.


    ¡®It is a pitiful one.¡¯


    ¡°Grandpa Wayne!¡±


    ¡°Oh, that really you, Arleaf? ... hold on. Are y¡¯all elopin¡¯?¡±


    Ah, we¡¯re totally being suspected.


    At least he doesn¡¯t seem all bad. He¡¯s quite an entric one though.


    ¡°My goodness! No, we¡¯re not! We really do have my father¡¯s blessing!¡±


    ¡°Hmph. Castin¡¯ that aside for now, I overheard you said there¡¯s somethin¡¯ you needed from me.¡±


    ¡°Right... did something happen, Grandpa?¡±


    ¡°...¡±


    After Arleaf asked her question, Wayne falls silent.


    Finally, he breaks the silence with a nod at his attendant. Following the order, she begins to push Wayne back inside.


    ¡°Come in... I¡¯ll exin inside.¡±


    Timidly, Arleaf and I step inside the mansion.


    ¡°Umm, should I excuse myself?¡±


    ¡°...¡±


    Ah, he¡¯s not responding.


    I feel like I¡¯m a total outsider.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t hold back. If I¡¯m troubling you at all being here, just tell me to hit the trail.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? Then I¡¯ll do as I please.¡±


    ¡°Mu.¡±


    ¡®Quite the entric old man.¡¯


    As if you¡¯re one to speak, you entric dragon.


    He¡¯s definitely not as bad as theye.


    When I worked in that sweatshop, there was this old fart who was always incessantlyining. He¡¯d always take his stress out on us and yell at us all day!


    Compared to that guy, Wayne ain¡¯t that bad.


    ¡®Leave thy personal history where it belongs!¡¯


    Though I¡¯m bickering with Veno inside my head, we remain silent until we were taken to a dimly lit room.


    ¡°Arleaf. I¡¯m no longer able to work the forge because I¡¯m no longer able to move my body.¡±


    ¡°Umm... did you get badly hurt or something?¡±


    ¡°No, that ain¡¯t it. Even a professional said that it there¡¯s no helpin¡¯ in for this... you take a single look and you¡¯ll abandon all hope too. Rurika?¡±


    Rurika removes the throw from Wayne and uncovers his body.


    Arleaf covers her mouth in shock.


    I¡¯m rendered speechless too.


    ¡®Hmm...¡¯


    From his neck down, almost all of Wayne¡¯s body was d in grey and seemingly tough skin.


    ¡®It is an abnormal status called petrification. It could be from a curse, magic, or even monsters such as basilisks and cockatrices.¡¯


    Oh, there really are monsters like that here.


    ¡°Uhh... umm, is there no treatment for it?¡±


    It doesn¡¯t seem like it¡¯s incurable.


    ¡®If it is caused by magic, then it can be cured with magic. Though it would certainly be difficult. There may be medicines and specialized tools to remove this affliction too. It certainly can be lethal, but I believe there are also many ways to help it.¡¯


    I fixate my gaze at Wayne.


    By the way he speaks, it sounds like this didn¡¯t happen overnight. The disease must¡¯ve slowly consumed him from his feet up.


    ¡°... I have tried. Expensive medicines were effective all the way up ¡®til they didn¡¯t...¡±


    Looking at him like that, it¡¯s no wonder that he can¡¯t walk. I¡¯d be afraid of smashing my legs into literal pieces if I were him.


    ¡°ording to the expert, it¡¯s a rare disease known as petrification... but I¡¯ve yet to find out why it happened. I don¡¯t even know when I will die. I¡¯m very pleased that you havee all the way to see me, but please, don¡¯t expect me to be able to forge anythin¡¯.¡±


    ¡°But...¡±


    ¡°Now, I will introduce you to a good cksmith in town. So, please, leave it at that. For me.¡±


    It feels like he¡¯s perhaps trying to live hisst years at home.


    Arleaf looks towards me as if she¡¯s asking for me to save him.


    She then sps her hands together as if she¡¯s getting ready to pray.


    ¡°Yukihisa, Lord Holy Dragon... isn¡¯t there anything you can do?¡±


    ¡°Mu...¡±


    Even Muu looks at me with some kind of expectation after seeing Wayne and his state.


    I¡¯m happy that you guys think I¡¯m so dependable and I really want to help, but... Veno? Can you do anything?


    ¡®Unfortunately, it is my first time experiencing an ailment like this.¡¯


    That means you don¡¯t know how to cure him, eh?


    Still... I want to help him all I can.


    After all, Arleaf¡¯s helped me out a lot.


    ¡®It is important to first diagnose the patient, aye?¡¯


    That¡¯s true, but you think he¡¯ll let me? I don¡¯t think he trusts me much.


    I guess I can only try.


    I slowly raise my hand.


    ¡°Umm, excuse me. I¡¯m wondering if I can take a closer look.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Boy, the hell you sayin¡¯? You think you can do something about it?¡±


    Ah, Wayne¡¯s totally on his guard against me.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright! Yukihisa has taught my vige how to make a cure for Bloodflower, the disease that had always been guing us. And in his body resides the Holy Dragon too. Perhaps they can help you, Grandpa Wayne.¡±


    I feel you, Arleaf, but he doesn¡¯t trust me enough.


    Plus, all that stuff about the Holy Dragon? No way he¡¯d believe you.


    Wayne now looks at me with suspicious eyes.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know how the hell you deceived Arleaf and the rest¡¯a them, but you ain¡¯t gon¡¯ trick me.¡±


    Well, of course you¡¯d react like this. You¡¯re distinguishing at the very least, if not entric.

 Chapter 42

    <h4>Chapter 42</h4>


    ¡°I¡¯m not deceiving anyone or anything, but I can¡¯t help but feel you¡¯re being rude to Arleaf by responding to her exnation like that.¡±


    I know what you must be thinking though.


    You¡¯re here just trying to live out your days and some suspicious dude that your rtive¡¯s kid brought along wants to take a look your incurable disease.


    It wouldn¡¯t be such a leap to conclusion to think that I¡¯m here to butter you up then to cheat you of something.


    ¡°How dare you use Arleaf as an excuse?!¡±


    ¡°Surely, I wouldn¡¯t be unreasonable to want you to believe her? And plus... she wasn¡¯t lying. I really can eat her cooking.¡±


    ¡°Hmph. Let¡¯s see you try then.¡±


    ¡°Sure, if that¡¯s what it takes. Hey, Arleaf? I¡¯m sorry, but could I ask you for that favor?¡±


    ¡°A-Alright.¡±


    Upon hearing our exchange, the color fades from Rurika¡¯s face as she shows Arleaf to the kitchen.


    That leaves Wayne and I staring at each other.


    He may be petrified and in a sorry state, but the daggers of his gaze are still sharp.


    ¡®... long ago, thess¡¯ ancestor had arade that looked much like him. If I remember correctly, he was a dwarf.¡¯


    A dwarf... I think that¡¯s been tranted.


    Anyway, dwarves are supposedly a race famous for their cksmithing.


    A descendant of one, eh?


    It¡¯d make sense why Wayne¡¯s good at it then.


    After staring at each other for a bit, Arleafes out of the kitchen with a gas mask on her face and a te in her hands.


    Ah, Rurika has her hand over her nose and mouth. She¡¯s keeping her distance too.


    It reeks that bad, huh?


    Though it smells good to me.


    Let¡¯s see what we have today... the general shape is like a slice of bread that¡¯s been toasted... and a fried egg on top?


    ... for whatever reason, it¡¯s holding the fork in its mouth like someone would do with a rose. It¡¯s even striking a sexy pose.


    Hey, what the hell? You¡¯re just food. Cut that out.


    £Æ£ò£Å£Ù¥¤£ä¡¡£å£ç£ç¡¡£ï£î¡¡£ô£ï©`£ó¥È¡¡?£ó¡¡£ä


    A simp¥ë dish consisting of toa??ed bread ??th a su£î£î¥¤ s£éd e¡¡£å99 ¥ª¥ó top.


    The text is corrupted even worse than before.


    I don¡¯t know what that happens, but however it may be, I know that it definitely powers me up.


    ¡®Ugh... I have not activated our shared senses, but yet the stench is going right through to my head. Thou oughtest bring fresh air in lest it bes dangerous.¡¯


    ¡°Muuuu?!¡±


    Even Muu runs as far away as possible into the corner of the room, reaching its little hand out to open the window.


    Wayne leans as far backwards away from the dish as possible as his face wrinkles.


    That¡¯s the face of realizing things have gone too far¡ªthe face of regret.


    ¡°Thanks for preparing this for me.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wee.¡±


    I take the te from Arleaf and grab the slice of toa¡ªwhoa! Don¡¯t just jump into my mouth like that!


    The vor of pure poison fills my mouth... it¡¯s not something you can describe with the five tastes.


    If I had to put it into words though, it¡¯s moreplex than just the vor... it feels like I¡¯m conquering beast and nature with merely my taste buds.


    It¡¯s as if the essence of ¡°undeliciousness¡± distilled into a sense. Then, that sense coils itself around my tongue and tickling my olfactory system.


    And then there¡¯s the yolk of the sunny-side up egg. It¡¯s super rich and delectable.


    But anyway, I¡¯m not in the position to slowly savor my meal. I stuff my cheeks and finish the food in front of me.


    It feels like my body is trying to reject the food, but I ignore every signal that says the undeliciousness is bad for my system.


    Damn. That was good.


    ¡®Yeugh... surely thou hast not shared thy senses with me, yet I am starting to feel nauseous.¡¯


    Poison Absorption activates almost instantly and my stats skyrocket.


    They¡¯ve been raised multiple times higher than before. Even my recovery rate has been raised.


    That means I can auto recover health even while I¡¯m not in the swamp, right?


    Arleaf sure is good at Poison Cooking.


    Though I don¡¯t think she ever wanted that.


    In any case, Wayne checks that I¡¯ve indeed finished my food and then bewilderedly looks at me.


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m not going to pass out or anything.¡±


    ¡°... you truly can stomach it?¡±


    ¡°If that weren¡¯t the case, would Arleaf¡¯s dad be so eager to marry her to me?¡±


    ¡°...¡±


    Yo, now¡¯s the time for you to say no, my guy.


    It may have been me who said that, but at least give me the satisfaction of aeback.


    ¡°Let me spoil it for you. I have an attribute that lets me absorb poison. That¡¯s why I know quite a bit about that kind of stuff. Even if you don¡¯t believe me, can I at least have your permission to take a look at you?¡±


    Wayne has a disagreeable look on his face and quite rudely ignores me...


    ¡°Fine. But... make that stench go away. I think I might just keel over before the petrification gets to me.¡±


    And almost as if on cue, he begins to froth at the mouth.


    ... just by the smell?


    ¡®He used all his energy to resist the foul toxins in the air... and even as he is being attacked by his disease, he still looks so strong. This one deserves my high praise.¡¯


    ¡°Gramps?!¡±


    ¡°Grandpa Wayne?!¡±


    We hurried to vent the room. While he recovers, I take the chance to check his physical state.


    I look closely at his hardened skin.


    Up close, it really looks like stone... or rather, perhaps more like concrete.


    Maybe close to ster. And that¡¯s his skin we¡¯re talking about.


    ¡®It has eroded his flesh too... that must surely be painful.¡¯


    Yikes... it¡¯s that bad, huh?


    Well, that just makes me less want to give up on him.


    He¡¯s been so strong all the way up to now. I empathize for him.


    ¡®Check for me what medication was effective on him.¡¯


    ¡°He¡¯s mentioned that his condition got a little better, but what kind of medication was that?¡±


    ¡°At first, a Gordonede ointment had worked. But now, we use Sagephoenix and it only barely works to soften his skin anymore.¡±


    ¡®I have heard of that before. ¡®Tis quite the rare medicine he is using.¡¯


    Well, he used to be an amazing smith, right? He probably has quite a bit saved up in the bank.


    Anyway, is it curable?


    ¡®Shall I speak frankly?¡¯


    Please.


    ¡®As far as I can tell, ¡®tis a wart. Quite a unique one at that.¡¯


    Huh? Like, corns on his feet type deal?


    But all the way up his body?


    ¡®Warts are but a cause of bacteria, aye? In that case, what he needs is disinfectant.¡¯


    W-Well, yeah...


    ¡®However, the truth is that it is too stubborn of a wart. Likely to be caused by monsters, much like Bloodflower. If even a salve made of Sagephoenix is but effective, then he will need to be administered drugs for a lengthy amount of time. Perhaps then, he can be cured... but that is only conjecture based on my knowledge of avable medicines.¡¯

 Chapter 43

    <h4>Chapter 43</h4>


    So, there¡¯s no saving for him?


    ¡®Nay? It honestly is quite simple. Thou needest not to overthink the situation. It is but a matter of time and money.¡¯


    Right, then, what¡¯s the n?


    Honestly, I¡¯m not too sure about the whole sewer thing, but tell me your thoughts.


    ¡®Thou canst work thy poison but call it a medicine. Remember the seemingly ineffective poison thy possesses?¡¯


    Hmm...?


    ¡®Hast thou forgotten of the poison thou hadst been using to create culinary delights?¡¯


    You mean the Mollifying Poison? It worked on steak, but would it cure Wayne?


    ¡®A wart is only the manifestation of bacteria. Kill the bacteria and thou curest the man. The problem currently faced is how the wart is removed from one part of his body. However, the bacteria reim it soon after, bringing the him to square one. Thus, have him soak his whole body. Thou shalt produce the most condensed Mollifying Poison possible.¡¯


    ... let¡¯s try that then.


    ¡°Could you please get me a snorkel... something to breathe through while underwater? And if you could prepare me a bathtub please.¡±


    ¡°A-Alright!¡±


    Rurika obliges and leaves the room.


    ¡°If it¡¯s curable, then we shall try.¡±


    ¡°Then, for the next few days, please soak in the medicine I¡¯ll prepare for you. If it doesn¡¯t work, then I won¡¯t ask for anything, so don¡¯t worry.¡±


    ¡°I am no miser. I simply will not forgive anyone who cheats me.¡±


    ¡®As well, he shall receive no healing or restorative magic. The warts and the bacteria would recover too.¡¯


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. If everything goes well, all I¡¯ll ask from you is your thanks. Oh, and don¡¯t use any healing magic on yourself either.¡±


    I¡¯m only using the strengths I¡¯ve received from leveling up.


    It¡¯s not like I worked hard to earn anything.


    I¡¯m only doing what I can, so I don¡¯t feel like I¡¯m working for free.


    I really hope it¡¯ll work though.


    Then, the attendant and Rurika shows me the bathtub and I fill it with concentrated Mollifying Poison.


    ¡°I do say, it really ain¡¯t no trouble if all I have to do is to soak in the bath. Gah... it stings! Augh...¡±


    ¡°Sorry about that but hang in there.¡±


    After a few hours of soaking, we stuck poultices drenched with Mollifying Poison all over his body.


    I got him to repeat that routine four times per day while we stayed in their home.


    While we watch over Wayne¡¯s condition, we also began with some guild work.


    But still... I can shake off my anxiety.


    Everything I do goes well... too well.


    Even then, I¡¯d like to refuse this job. But since Veno says it¡¯ll me a whole lot of experience, I¡¯ve got no choice but to see it through.


    ¡°So, this is the entrance to the sewers.¡±


    I mutter in front of the stonework entrance to the underground located a distance away from the city.


    Just in case anything unexpected happens, I have a hotline to the guildhall.


    And because the poison would be a little too tough for them, I had Arleaf and Rurika be on standby and wait for me in town.


    It seems like Wayne is quite famous in Lif¡¯el and Rurika holds considerable sway over people.


    ¡°Muu!¡±


    Of course, we could¡¯ve hopped on down from the town, but the easiest way to navigate is from here.


    They say before the town was founded, there used to be a cave. This sewer system was dug out of that cave and it seems to snake around like abyrinth inside.


    And because of maic fields, there was a time when it was a dungeon. Not so anymore though.


    I can¡¯t believe they would live above something like this, but that¡¯s how it is.


    ¡°Alright then, shall we?¡±


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    I light up Arleaf¡¯s special monster-repelling incense and enter the sewers.


    ¡°Hey, this incense really works... the monsters aren¡¯t getting close to me at all.¡±


    Right after going in, I see a pair of eyes light up ahead of me and Veno investigates.


    Poison ck Leather Rat


    No surprise to find rats living in a dark ce like this. There were rat monsters back in Nisua too... but seems like they¡¯re different species.


    I hear a quiet little squeak, squeak.


    ¡°Gotta light up a torch to get any farther down here, eh?¡±


    It goes without saying that it¡¯d be dark in the sewer. No choice but to guide my way through with a torch.


    ¡°Muu! Muu, muu!¡±


    Muu suddenly jumps out in front of me, thumping its puffed-out chest.


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    Then somehow... a soft light radiates from his cap.


    It¡¯s pretty bright. I¡¯d say it¡¯s just as bright as a torch.


    ¡°Muu?¡±


    It tilts its cap looking at me, almost as if saying ¡°How¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°Hey, good going. Thanks. I didn¡¯t know you could do that.¡±


    I check Muu¡¯s status to make sure.


    Muu


    Mutated Myconid


    Warrior


    Level 27


    Acquired Skills: Spore Scatter, Self-Regeneration, Stamina Recovery Rate Increase (Medium), Toughness, Mushroom Analysis, Mushroom Light, Subordinate of Poison-Wielder, ss change avable, Warrior Sense, War Cry, Axe Mastery VI, Hatchet Crash V, Tornado Strike III, Bash III


    I haven¡¯t reviewed his status in a while, but it seems like he¡¯s been quietly growing without me knowing.


    ¡®Muu might have gained it by analyzing the grow in the dark mushrooms with its Mushroom Analysis¡¯


    I see... how convenient. Does it consume any mana or anything?


    ¡®The wild mushrooms were simply bioluminescent. I doubt it expends much energy doing so.¡¯


    That really is convenient.


    By the way, it seems like Muu is pinching its nose as hard as it can while shutting his cap-mouth tight.


    It seems like Arleaf¡¯s monster repellent works well on Muu too.


    Not to mention that it shrieks when Arleaf cooks.


    ¡°Then, since I don¡¯t need to wave a torch around... I¡¯ll wear the pack on my back.¡±


    I bought a backpack to store all the gear needed for today¡¯s fight.


    It¡¯s not so much hard to lug around, but since it swings around quite a bit, it¡¯s quite the hassle.


    ¡°I hope we don¡¯t need to fight too much.¡±


    ¡°Muu!¡±


    With that and a map in my hand, we began heading deeper and deeper into the depths of the sewers.

 Chapter 44

    <h4>Chapter 44</h4>


    Along the way, we encountered all sorts of new monsters.


    Poison ck Rat


    Poison Assassin ck Rat


    Paralyzing Poison ck Rat


    Venom Lotus Pink Spider


    Seems like there are ck rats without the ¡°leather¡± qualifier.


    Besides that, rats capable of inflicting abnormal statuses and assassination, apparently.


    And, as its name suggests, the Venom Lotus Pink Spider is a spider, one the size of about Muu.


    It¡¯s more than just a creepy crawly. It¡¯s absolutely frightening.


    I shoot them with my crossbow from afar. If they get close, I hit them with Slow Poison¨Cenchanted bolts and Muu finishes them off with its axe.


    It really isn¡¯t so bad fighting them one by one. Plus, the poison not only regenerates my health but buffs me up.


    The toxins down here give the swamp toxin a run for its money and it seems like it courses through the whole sewer.


    With my poison senses, the air down here has a very strong floral scent to it and is actually quite rxing.


    You¡¯d think I¡¯m being sarcastic, but I¡¯m really not.


    Still, I¡¯m not sure which smells better. It¡¯s a tossup between that and this monster-repelling incense.


    ¡®Hmm... this area might be suitable.¡¯


    I look at the part of the map Veno highlighted and it seems like it¡¯s farthest corner of the sewer system.


    But to get there, I had to dive into the sewage from time to time to open up doors.


    And ording to an urban legend, a great big reptile lives down here.


    We got around the sewer without encountering the monster. But, ording to Veno, it might even be stronger than Elbatoxin minus his poison.


    They call it... the White Lily Crocogator.


    ¡°Muuuu!¡±


    Muu¡¯s not happy about the sewage covering him either as it tries to shake it off.


    Now then, lemme just set my backpack down...


    As I do that, I see a pack of rats down father... a pack of rats the size of bears are running over to me.


    ¡°Squeeeeeeeeeak!¡±


    gue Poison ck King Boss Rat


    What a fiendish name.


    ¡®Hmm... seems like it is the leader of the rats.¡¯


    Hey... I just finished fighting Elbatoxin. Now I¡¯m gonna have to fight this guy?


    Can¡¯t we, like, talk things out with him?


    ¡°Squeeeeeak! Squeeeak!¡±


    ¡®Nay. It seems not to have such intelligence. While it controls all the other rats and that it may have the strength to spread diseases around, I believe it has not had the time to do so yet.¡¯


    In other words, it poses a threat.


    To find monsters like this living down here astonishes me, really.


    If it can survive here, it¡¯s gotta be real strong, eh?


    ¡°Squeeeak!¡±


    ¡®... by its words, it seems like it intends to toy with thee first, before making you its prey.¡¯


    That right? Anyway, what should I do?


    Should I just retreat quietly? We¡¯ve just about aplished our mission anyhow.


    ¡®Aye, indeed. It may be their nest here and it seems to be unable ofmitting underhanded tactics the likes of Elbatoxin could.¡¯


    Understood. Let¡¯s withdraw then.


    ¡°Muu, keep your mouth shut tight, alright? Then climb on my back and whatever you do, don¡¯t let go.¡±


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    With that, I ignore the Boss Rat and his minions and unload my pack... and open the lid.


    ¡°Squeak!¡±


    At the same time, the Boss Rat gives hismand to attack me and his minions rush over.


    But... none of their attacks would get through. Not with this.


    It¡¯s time to turn the tables.


    I open up the boxes, ying my trump card. Not only do the cronies sumb to my attack, even the Boss Rat is fended off.


    ¡°Squeak?! Squeeeeak! Squeeeeeeeeak! Squee-squeeeeak?!¡±


    By the time they tasted my attack, it was already toote. They try to limp away as their body convulses, but their efforts were futile. They keel over andnd on their backs, ws reaching for the sky... and remain still.


    ¡°Squeak?! Squeeeeak!¡±


    With that, I overrun their colony.


    The other rats run for their lives witnessing their boss¡¯ death, but it was in vain. My secret weapon has already assaulted every corner of the sewer, defeating all in its path.


    And as for me? Right after that lid popped off, I stabbed myself with Slow Poison and sprinted as fast as I could.


    I wouldn¡¯t know what would happen to me if I hadn¡¯t escaped it.


    ¡®What a feat.¡¯


    ¡°I knew you told me to poison them all, but killing a monster like that? What a godsend.¡±


    ¡®The only regret is that the rat king was yet to be on a wanted poster.¡¯


    ¡°Well, I could always try negotiating with the guildhall.¡±


    ¡°Muu!¡±


    ¡®Aye. That may turn out to be a fine idea. Well, we should at least be more than happy with all the quintessence you gained here.¡¯


    I noticed something peculiar about the town of Lif¡¯el that day.


    I heard the echoes of every monster in the sewer crying out for their lives.


    As well, I heard talk of people ying monsters as they jumped out.


    Well, ording to Veno¡¯s prediction, the strongest monsters were at the farthest corners of the sewer. The ones who managed to temporarily escape were nothing but small fry.


    Now... as for what Muu and I lugged down there...


    It¡¯s almost too obvious, but of course it was Arleaf¡¯s cooking.


    It¡¯s no exaggeration when I say the food stuffed inside the boxes were all track and field runners.


    After witnessing, deliberating, and researching Arleaf¡¯s cooking, Veno masterminded today¡¯s operation.


    I remember when he suggested it, Arleaf sulked harder than I¡¯ve ever seen.


    We were sitting down in the guildhall when Veno presented his strategy.


    ¡®We shall use thess¡¯ cooking. Make it as lethal as can be with the deadliest poison and the mightiest lust for blood. Then, we shall release it in the bowels of the sewer, attacking all those who dare dwell inside. A tactic most brilliant, is it not?¡¯


    ¡°But... I mean...¡±


    ¡®The monsters have be a nuisance to the citizens of this fine town, aye? As living creatures, we must stand our ground and defend our homes. And so, I believe this to be a fair course of action.¡¯


    ¡°It¡¯s that effective, huh? Well, wouldn¡¯t it be faster if I just dumped a whole bunch of condensed poison down the drain?¡±


    ¡®That will require quite some effort. Unfortunately, even thou canst produce not the amount to flood the sewers. Furthermore, consider if the ones resistant or immune to poison.¡¯


    Hmm... I can¡¯t help but you¡¯re being really cruel though.


    ¡®It is of utmost importance to be lethal and have the poison attack a wide area. The poison should be stronger than any resistance. I believe that you have not the ability to do so at the moment.¡¯


    I guess that says a lot about Arleaf being able to cook up such a terrible poison.


    ¡®Why not give it a try? Of course, consult the guildhall beforehand. Remember, this is for the good of the town,ss.¡¯


    ¡°... I understand. L-Let¡¯s do this.¡±

 Chapter 45

    <h4>Chapter 45</h4>


    Wouldn¡¯t it have been... pretty easy to take down Elbatoxin like this?


    ¡®Dwell not of such pointless spections. And as well, I can guarantee not that this method will work. After all, this being food, it would be quite something if we can y monsters without having them to ingest it.¡¯


    Gaining permission from the guildhall to proceed with our n, we then assisted Arleaf in perfecting her cooking.


    As I said earlier, we wanted Arleaf to cook something as noxious as possible. But however, it just came out looking like it does normally.


    I guess it¡¯s hard for her to deliberately fine-tune that aspect.


    After some time, Arleaf¡¯s cooking became a deadly poison.


    I aided her in her many experiments in the kitchen.


    The result of our experimentation was, of course, the secret weapon.


    This is what we made by the way.


    Oran?e Mea?ba??s


    Qua?ity: Heavenly


    Easy-?o-ea? bi?e-sized mea?balls.


    Filled wi?h Arleaf¡¯s ?ove for monsters.


    BLT S?¥ódwich


    ?uality: Terri???


    The ssicbination of ?, ?, and ? sandwiched between two slices of bread?


    A taste so aw?, you could eat it for the rest of your life.


    Fi£Ì£Ìed with £Ò£Ìeaf¡¯s £Ìo?? for monste£Òs.


    It¡¯s at least easier to read than the egg on toastst time. Maybe it¡¯s thanks to our supervision.


    They¡¯re supposed to be meatballs and cut-up pieces of BLT sandwiches.


    But with arms and legs growing out of it.


    Arleaf made lots for me. I packed them in the bento¡ªor rather, these might be better called Pandora¡¯s boxes¡ªand brought them down into the sewer.


    And, needless to say, it worked.


    Muu almost sumbed to the Poison Cooking while we were developing it though.


    Luckily, I was vignt and stopped the experiment in time, but it seems like the food is quite aggressive.


    ¡®I have put thee in this situation, one which is dangerous even for me.¡¯


    Don¡¯t get cold feet now, dragon.


    If we screw up, it¡¯s totally on you though.


    ¡®Hold your horses there. But, there is no chance that this is good for my karma... hah.¡¯


    Well, that sure doesn¡¯t reassure me.


    In any case, as soon as they jump out, the food-like creatures will attack anything in sight.


    I¡¯m getting d¨¦j¨¤ vu of some horror flick.


    ¡®This one, aye?¡¯


    Veno rifles through my memories and finds the film.


    It¡¯s about something like a bunch of kids getting attacked by parasitic fish from the depths of the sea.


    They ate the fish and it attacked them from the inside.


    ... this isn¡¯t exactly important right now.


    ¡°Muuuuu!¡±


    I look back at Muu shrieking out to find pieces of meatball and sandwichtching on, trying to stealthily attack Muu.


    I flick off the deadly food and continue our escape.


    ¡°Whew... we made it somehow.¡±


    I muttered while bathing in the sunlight after breaking out of the sewers.


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    If you perk your ears, you can hear the death rattles of monsters dying in the sewer.


    In any case, we should head to the guildhall and warn them about the chance of a containment breach.


    Before that though, we gotta wash ourselves off a little with someparatively cleaner sewage.


    We headed towards Arleaf and rendezvoused in the town square.


    ¡°Hey, Yukihisa.¡±


    ¡°How did it go for you? Was everything alright up here?¡±


    ¡°Yes... nothing in particr happened, oddly enough. Just in case though, I asked the guildhall to not permit adventurers down in the sewers. But there are not many people taking up the quest in the first ce. It just isn¡¯t quite worth the effort.¡±


    We¡¯re not quite sure how the monsters are like.


    But ording to Arleaf, the food is crippled as soon as they start to rot. In any case, it was a good idea for her to seal up the entrance for now.¡±


    ¡°However... I have been gaining a monumental amount of experience ever since. My level is rapidly increasing.¡±


    ¡°What? For real?¡±


    I check my own status too.


    Yukihisa Kogure


    Poison-Wielder


    Level 31


    Acquired skills: Spirit Link, Poison Absorption, Poison Release, Synthesize Poison, Detect Poison, Poison Enchantment, Hunting Sense, Hunting Mastery IV, Aiming Shot III, Trap Mastery III, Call Fungus, Critical Eye, Footwork


    I¡¯m not getting much, even though I had an experience gain buff from eating Arleaf¡¯s cooking...


    ¡°Oh? What¡¯s that on Muu¡¯s back?¡±


    ¡°Mu? Muuuuu?!¡±


    There¡¯s a meatball still stubbornly clinging onto Muu¡¯s back, trying to find its way through Muu¡¯s armor.


    As soon as it sensed it was detected, it crawled as quickly as possible to lodge itself in Muu¡¯s mouth.


    How horrifying.


    ¡°Whoops.¡±


    I grabbed it before it found a way inside Muu.


    Damn, it¡¯s still squirming in my hand. What a dastardly foodstuff.


    ¡®I can neither deny nor confirm that thou hast created a new type of creature.¡¯


    These guys might just lead to destruction and chaos.


    The sewer is swarming with these poisonous meatballs after all. But what done is done.


    I toss the poisonous meatball into my mouth and begin biting into it.


    Perhaps it knows it¡¯s disgusting or deadly, the meatball is unsurprisingly trying to attack me from inside my mouth.


    And when I chew it, the bits squirm around, trying to escape out of my mouth or down my throat.


    No way I¡¯m letting you escape!


    I keep chewing and swallowed it all.


    ¡°Mmm...¡±


    The toxicity is tastier than ever. Arleaf is really getting better and better at it.


    That was extraordinarily delicious.


    ¡®I did not think there was room for her to improve.¡¯


    ¡°Muu!¡±


    Muu gratefully thanks me and begins to hop around.


    ¡°Going back to what we were talking about, neither Muu nor I gained any levels. How about you, Arleaf?¡±


    ¡°I am currently at level 44. However, I think there¡¯s still more experience for me to gain...¡±


    Wow... and to think she was just a level 19 Thaumaturge when we fought Elbatoxin.


    After that fight, she was level 21 while on the wagon ride here, I think.


    She jumped 23 levels at once.


    Awesome. And she¡¯s not even done leveling up yet... seems like the food monsters are still in the middle of their search and destroy mission.


    Thank goodness they¡¯ll decay soon since they don¡¯t have any sort of self-regeneration ability. At least, I think that¡¯s the case.

 Chapter 46

    <h4>Chapter 46</h4>


    ¡®Perhaps because thess is their creator, the food monsters are offering all the quintessence to her. And thus, thou gainest not.¡¯


    Aww... I don¡¯t get anything because Arleaf cooked them up?


    Well... it was a shot in the dark and I had nothing to lose anyway, so I can¡¯tin too much.


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna go down to the sewers to check out what the situation is like.¡±


    ¡°Alright... for some reason, I feel like we have done something horrible. Perhaps Elbatoxin felt the same way too.¡±


    ¡°Hey, who knows?¡±


    I don¡¯t think you shouldpare yourself to that monster.


    But still, a lot of people live in this town and we were just trying to help them with their problem. We didn¡¯t do anything wrong... right?


    In any case, Arleaf leveled up to level 63 in about two days.


    It seems like she¡¯s ready to change into an advanced job too, seeing the skill she got.


    ¡°Umm... one more thing. My Death-Beckoning Cooking has been upgraded to Terrifying Cooking that Laughs in the Face of Death...¡±


    ¡°Oh, uhh, I see. Sorry. I¡¯ll tell Veno off for you.¡±


    ¡®What does thou mean by that?! Thou thinkest capable of such a thing?! I am untouchable by the likes of you!¡¯


    I think he gets where Arleaf ising from though.


    And to think I was able to stomach her cooking too. That¡¯s the part that really freaks me out.


    I think it¡¯s been about three days since we¡¯ve released Arleaf¡¯s cooking upon the sewers.


    I¡¯m in the middle of checking up on Wayne¡¯s condition.


    ¡°Mu?¡±


    Wayne feels his petrifying body throughyers of bandage.


    ¡°I must say, though my skin feels soft now... for whatever reason, it quickly hardens back up.¡±


    He doesn¡¯t seem too positive, but at least now he¡¯s able to move his body around better.


    It seems to me like it¡¯s working.


    ¡°Just a bit more to go.¡±


    Veno¡¯s diagnosis and prescription of my Mollifying Poison seems like it¡¯ll cure Wayne.


    ¡°I wonder...¡±


    Wayne seems as pessimistic about his situation as ever. I don¡¯t think he thinks he¡¯s getting better.


    ¡°Well, then, we¡¯re going to head out now.¡±


    ¡°... hmph. What was it that y¡¯all were up to? Killing the monsters in the sewer? Did it work?¡±


    ¡°Yes, all thanks to Arleaf¡¯s cooking.¡±


    ¡°I see... no surprise there then.¡±


    Please, do be surprised. For Arleaf¡¯s sake, if anything...


    ¡°We¡¯ll be cleaning up today, so we shall be homete.¡±


    ¡°Ah. I¡¯ll be here.¡±


    I headed down to the sewer after informing everybody first.


    But before that, I checked on Arleaf to see if she had finished gaining experience.


    And, almost a given, it was dead silent in the sewers but with a... stench of death lingering in the air.


    ... how horrifying.


    Though it¡¯s an idiom, it literally was dead silent. I could hear nothing but the sound of flowing water.


    And even two days ago when I checked on the situation down here, theck of noise from rats and critters was eerie.


    What remained was only the limitless corpses strewn about.


    All had remnants of foam at their mouths¡ªa clear sign of very unnatural deaths.


    I borrowed Veno¡¯s powers to store up their remains.


    As he has resistance to Arleaf¡¯s cooking, what was left were the carcasses of the food monsters who all hadpleted their given task.


    Naturally, the Poison Cooking were still as death as well.


    It would be terrifying otherwise.


    ¡®Hmph... a staggering amount of toxins coursed through the monsters¡¯ veins until their death. Even I am hesitant to consume them. So, I shall dissect them instead.¡¯


    Well, of course. We need their body parts as proof ofpletion for the guildhall.


    We could use their tails or something.


    But... just what are you nning to do after dissecting them?


    ¡®Theserge pieces of pelt shall prove to be practical. The problem is rigor mortis, which makes blood-draining impossible... but their corpses are as pliable as when they would be alive, making it possible to beautifully y them. Thess¡¯ cooking sure is formidable.¡¯


    I didn¡¯t know skinning would be that easy. That¡¯s kinda gross.


    ¡®Hmm? There is still quintessence flowing through them, almost as if they are zombies?¡¯


    Whoa, hey. That¡¯s a very ominous word I¡¯m hearing.


    Zombies? That can¡¯t be good.


    ¡®I know not of how thess¡¯ cooking would be after death. It would likely be wise for us to quickly store them up. We shall go hunt for everyst one.¡¯


    Okay, okay.


    asionally, we found food monsters that were still kicking. But after two days, moving around was nigh impossible for them.


    I really didn¡¯t have the appetite, so I dealt with them with the sole of my shoes.


    Ah, of course, I had already been given permission by Arleaf.


    In fact, she seemed quite happy telling me to do so.


    Oh, and by the way, Veno, I was wondering... wouldn¡¯t this cause an unthinkable problem for the viges downstream?


    ¡®Even with thess¡¯ prowess in cooking, the toxins are practically all destroyed by the time the water flows to the viges. If there were anything, it would be evident simply by looking at the fish swimming in the river.¡¯


    Oh, that¡¯s right. We did go down to the streams on the second day.


    I thought we were looking for escaped food monsters, but you were actually detecting for toxins, eh?


    ¡®They are food after all. The only reason they would escape is if there were no prey for them. Their priority would likely be on the monsters inside the sewers.¡¯


    We actuallymitted genocide. I really hope the ecosystem will be okay after this.


    Anyway... the White Lily Crocogator we encountered along the way was dead too.


    It was gently floating with its belly-side up, but I didn¡¯t even bat an eye at it.


    It¡¯s quite the biggun. Crocodilian leather has got to sell for lots, right?


    ¡®Hmm... it has been more than two days since its passing. It is in better condition than I expected. Though a little sodden right now, it should turn out well after drying.¡¯


    It doesn¡¯t sit well with me getting something that good without earning it. But the money we would have even after shopping for new equipment? Now that ain¡¯t bad at all.

 Chapter 47

    <h4>Chapter 47</h4>


    I then inspect the corpse of the gue Poison ck King Boss Rat¡ªthe chief of the sewers I met right before opening the lunchbox.


    It died with a shocked and anguished expression on its face along with residual foam on its mouth.


    Its belly is a little bloated as well.


    Did a lot of Arleaf¡¯s cooking crawl inside or something...?


    Or maybe her cooking causes some kind of weird effect.


    ... in any case, take care of it, Veno.


    ¡®Understood. Damn, it is resisting me. Hmpf!¡¯


    Some way or another, Veno sessfully manages to store up the Boss Rat.


    The content of the Boss Rat¡¯s stomach remains on the ground.


    Arleaf¡¯s cooking, along with whatever else was inside, gives off quite the stench...


    ... it¡¯s pulsing. Maybe that¡¯s what was swelling up.


    I stick a sword in it and it bes still.


    ¡®That is the first time I have seen it happen. I would like to believe that it is a one-time matter.¡¯


    I just hope nothing weirdes jumping out of the sewers to attack the people topside.


    ¡®That sounds like a work of fiction from thy world. In any case, is that not simr to how Muu was born?¡¯


    Hey, I¡¯ll be mad if you upset Muu.


    But that¡¯s undeniably a scary thought.


    We continue our search in the sewers for a second day.


    It¡¯s awfully eerie how silent it is down here, save for the sound of running water. If I were alone, I might have gone crazy by now.


    Luckily, I have Veno with me. With his mapping skill, we¡¯re able to explore every nook and cranny.


    What had urred here was truly unexpected.


    ¡®Thess has be quite formidable, aye?¡¯


    Yeah. Speaking of which, for the past two days, Arleaf has broken two doors in Wayne¡¯s home already.


    I guess she isn¡¯t used to her sudden surge in strength.


    Muu¡¯s got fired up seeing how it has a rival now.


    Anyway, our exploration brought us to the nest of the rats. I¡¯m sure this was where the Boss Rat called home.


    That¡¯s fine, but...


    ¡®Them lowly rats collected treasure, likely pilfered from the likes of adventurers.¡¯


    Besides junk, there are gold and silver pieces inside the nest.


    As well as equipment and booze... everything is in rough shape, so I¡¯m not too interested.


    There are even human skeletons. Judging by their light armor, they might have been adventurers.


    Everything¡¯s quite rusty, but there¡¯s a nice-looking short sword and a broken staff that caught Veno¡¯s attention.


    Oh, it has the same design as my old moldy Robe of Concealment.


    ¡®This one might have been a Ranger... considering its close-quarters weapons.¡¯


    Hmm... what¡¯s this?


    It feels morally wrong, but I shift the bones around and examine the robe.


    Assassin¡¯s Robe +5


    Quality: Damaged


    Assassins only


    Required level: 50


    Bonus effects: Cloaking, Analysis Resistance (High), Presence Obfuscation, Silent Steps, Sneak Attack Bonus


    A camouging robe for assassins. Woven to look unassuming.


    Made from the hide of a monster notorious for its concealment abilities. Resists analysis, enabling the user to blend into their environment.


    Looks like it¡¯s even better than what Veno gave me.


    ¡®Specialized equipment. It would be difficult for one to realize its full potential if they are not the right ss.¡¯


    Hmm, that¡¯s new to me, but I get it. If you¡¯re the wrong ss, you¡¯ll never master how to use it.


    I wonder what kind of person they were, seeing how they have such good equipment and all.


    ¡®Obviously, an assassin. They might have dwelled in the sewers but was ambushed and killed by rats.¡¯


    It¡¯s a dog eat dog world out there. And it seems like there¡¯s quite a few sets of remains too.


    What, was this some kind of secret assassin base of operations?


    I inspect the broken staff.


    Dark Acolyte¡¯s Ceremonial Staff +3


    Quality: Damaged


    Heretics only


    Required level: 45


    Bonus effects: Dark Magic Proficiency Increase, Enhanced Ritual Magic, Power of Sacrifice


    A wooden staff that absorbs the heretic¡¯s blood to enhance their powers.


    The more blood sacrificed, the more power gained.


    Wow, that¡¯s a sinister description.


    ¡®Perhaps not an assassins¡¯ base, but a hideout for heretics. It is rather powerful; shame that it is broken.¡¯


    I¡¯m not sure whether to feel lucky, but that¡¯s the treasure I¡¯ve found.


    How long ago was this anyway?


    Going by the skeletal remains and the deterioration of the junk, it can¡¯t be anything recent. That much I know.


    ¡®It may be a dark history of this world.¡¯


    As I was rummaging through the pile, I found one of Arleaf¡¯s sandwiches tucked between some bones.


    ¡°Gotcha.¡±


    I crush it with my fist.


    Even in its weakened state, it¡¯s still quite difficult to put it down.


    It¡¯s quite the nuisance. It wriggles about even after being killed.


    If I had failed, it¡¯d probably aim its attack at my mouth.


    That¡¯s probably an instant death for anyone but me.


    ¡®Thess¡¯ cooking is the ultimate assassin, eh?¡¯


    I can¡¯t refute that.


    A-Anyway, what should we do with the equipment?


    We could fix them up and sell it for a pretty penny, but do we have to notify the guildhall about it first?


    ¡®Thou couldst equip it as well. Dost thou wish to be an Assassin? It may synergize well with Poison-Wielder.¡¯


    Nah... if I needed to do so to survive, then maybe. But it¡¯s unnecessary right now.


    I wouldn¡¯t be able to make the most of it anyway. Not to mention that in the condition they¡¯re in now, I¡¯d be better off with my current equipment.


    ¡®In any case, thou shouldst report back to the guildhall first.¡¯


    Yeah, probably. Then let¡¯s collect anything out of the ordinary.


    With that, I check my map to make sure I¡¯ve looked everywhere in the sewer.


    It seems like it¡¯s connected to some cave as well.


    ording to Rurika, they used the underground cave system to make their sewers, so it¡¯s not a surprising find.


    Since it¡¯s stands out so obviously, Veno marked down the entrance to the cave.


    The pile of monster corpses we collected today seems a lot for Veno, even with his storage magic.


    Every little monster counts, and it stacks up quick.


    Though after skinning them, Veno¡¯s probably gonna burn the flesh in a big pile.


    We can always take out the trashter.

 Chapter 48

    <h4>Chapter 48</h4>


    ¡°Whew... what happened to staying low-key as fugitives? That was all sorts of wack.¡±


    Veno and I have finally finished clearing the sewers of corpses.


    Now I¡¯m resting up in Wayne¡¯s living room.


    ¡°... oh, hey, how you doin¡¯? How are things?¡±


    ¡°The workers and merchants in town are saying how things are noticeably better already and that they haven¡¯t seen a single rat.¡±


    Sounds like Rurika has been keeping up with the situation.


    And I¡¯m d things are turning out fine.


    ¡®Those rats carried diseases as well. I am sure the town is now more sanitary than ever before.¡¯


    I sure hope so.


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    Muu hops onto a chair to give me a shoulder rub.


    Aww, thanks, buddy.


    ¡°You¡¯ll want to report to the guildhall next. Before you guys went down, they also asked ¡®til when they should close off the sewers or something like that.¡±


    ¡®Thess¡¯ cooking is still moving around... we should give it about two weeks and see how thend lies.¡¯


    By the way, does Arleaf¡¯s cooking... spoil? Deteriorate?


    I¡¯m imagining the monsters be like rocks exposed to the element¡ªimmobile but yet still holding their shape.


    Though they¡¯re food, but technically, they¡¯re monsters. So, I guess it¡¯s not so much spoge, but ¡°lifespan¡±?


    ¡°We should monitor it for another two weeks, lest any casualties arise.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡±


    ¡°Oh, and Arleaf, you¡¯ve leveled up quite a bit. Are you going to change into an advanced job?¡±


    I remember she said something about going to the church to find out what sses she could advance into.


    ¡°I wanted to do so very much... but however, I found out at the church that all my possible ones are banned.¡±


    ¡°Huh... what kind of jobs were there?¡±


    ¡°Dark Alchemist, Dark Witch, Evil Shaman, Genocider, Evil Druid, and Dark Mariter. Apparently, they are so notorious that if I were to choose any of them, sirens will sound.¡±


    Their names all sound pretty wicked.


    She¡¯s really getting screwed over.


    ¡°It¡¯s all Veno¡¯s fault, huh?¡±


    ¡®I have merely suggested an efficient way toplete the quest!¡¯


    ¡°Well... it¡¯s probably because we exterminated them by the roots, right?¡±


    Rurika exins to us why those sses are all considered evil.


    ¡®It might be just that other people had been punching above their weight, so to say. If thou trainst thyself well, perhaps thou may find good results.¡¯


    ¡°That would be nice, but...¡±


    ¡°Well, you could temporarily spec into another base job and pile on the experience.¡±


    ¡®Hold your thoughts. I believe that would be quite wasteful. Thou should utilize the fact thess is more than twice your level. I rmend thee to borrow her strength and train thyself before she changes to another ss.¡¯


    ¡°I thought you don¡¯t get that much weaker after a sidegrade though.¡±


    Though you don¡¯t lose everything, you¡¯re back at level 1 and have half of your stats. That means Arleaf would be as strong as someone who¡¯s level 30. That¡¯s what either Veno or Arleaf told me anyway.


    ¡®However, as it stands, she is level 60. Though thy statistics may increase by consuming her cooking, it is no recement for actual experience. It would not be a bad idea to rely on her.¡¯


    ¡°Umm... I would be more than happy to give it my all to help you get stronger, Yukihisa. It¡¯s not like I stop leveling either.¡±


    I guess that¡¯s fine then.


    Normally, I¡¯d get some quintessence or exp from being in the same party, but this time seemed to be unusual.


    ¡°Not only have I gained many Senses from leveling up, I am strong enough to use some pretty difficult magic too.¡±


    ¡®Has any skill caught your attention in particr?¡¯


    ¡°I have a few I am interested in¡ªKnife Sense, Staff Sense, Dart Sense, Medicine¡¯s Blessing, Magic Handling Assist. There is also Undead Summoner Sense... but it seems to be a sense for rituals that would summon questionable entities.¡±


    I suppose that, like Shamans, it¡¯d be normal for Thaumaturges to be capable of ¡°evil¡± magic as well.


    But I was thinking it¡¯d be more like curses.


    ¡°I also now have a skill called Mask Master, but I wonder how one could be more proficient with a mask.¡±


    Arleaf always has a gas mask on when she¡¯s in the miasma.


    Maybe that¡¯s why.


    But for some reason, after seeing all her skills, she reminds me of some kind of tribal warrior.


    ¡®It is likely the same as Armor Mastery in that thine equipment would be more effective than normal. Perhaps thou art more resistant to the miasma when equipped with a gas mask.¡¯


    But she¡¯s a Thaumaturge, not ¡°Tribal Warrior¡±.


    ¡°That would be quite practical, wouldn¡¯t it be?¡±


    ¡®I have seen cursed masks before. Thou may be able to gain ss-specific magics with one of those. However... they all seem to be considered evil.¡¯


    ¡°What kind of magic is it?¡±


    ¡®There is Fetish Enchantment¡ªbreathing life into dolls and figures to do thy bidding. As well, Create Undead for granting a temporary soul to the dea¡ª¡¯


    ¡°Okay, I see your point...¡±


    That¡¯s totally dark magic, without a doubt.


    I can¡¯t imagine anything good if we were to use magic like that.


    ¡®Being so self-conscious would only bring us trouble. After all, living the fugitive life is not easy.¡¯


    ¡°Surely you see how those skills would be catastrophic though?¡±


    ¡®Magic Handling Assist brings to mind an offensive spell that creates a living creature to attack thine enemies. Bats made of me, predatory fish made of water, or perhaps a swarm of spiders made of air would be possible.¡¯


    That sounds a little better.


    ¡°Maybe that¡¯s not a bad choice then.¡±


    ¡®Aye... it may be a little difficult, but why not challenge thyself with it? And of course, as thy ability in magic has increased, even Fire Bullet is rather strong now.¡¯


    Maybe Arleaf would be good as a support magic specialist.


    ¡®Dart Sense, as the name suggests, grants proficiency in weapons such as a blowgun. As it is not quite a difficult weapon to handle, thou canst learn it along the way.¡¯


    There¡¯s a lot to do, eh?


    ¡®Hmm? It is not as if I have ordered to learn it all right away. Start with the easy ones. A blowgun would be quite effective in a pinch whenbined with thine poison.¡¯


    Well, it sounds easy enough.

 Chapter 49

    <h4>Chapter 49</h4>


    And so, we decided axe the job change n. Instead we¡¯ll focus on leveling up.


    The thing is that Arleaf leveled up a lot in just a few days.


    Though she¡¯s still in her base ss, Veno said she¡¯s already as strong as the average Joe in an advanced one.


    Oh, and ording to Arleaf, it would normally take years of grinding high-leveled enemies to reach level 60 in a base ss or something like that.


    To do that in just a few days must be some kind of miracle.


    That¡¯s less EXP than I thought she¡¯d get though... well, after all, the monsters down there were all just small fry. Maybe that¡¯s why.


    Still, fighting that many enemies at once would be difficult, no matter how tough they are.


    It adds up quick... I think.


    They¡¯ve got a whole bunch of annoying abilities too, like causing abnormal status.


    ¡°Alright, should I hurry on over to the guildhall to make the report then?¡±


    Veno prepped all the corpses so that I can prove we killed them.


    All I have to do is to hand the proof over to them. Plus, it¡¯s not like I want it to take longer than it should.


    ¡°Right. Will everything be... fine? We have exterminated all the monsters in the sewers, correct?¡±


    ¡°Gee, I dunno. Even if we did wipe them all out, there¡¯s always the chance of them hiding somewhere and survived the ordeal.¡±


    I haven¡¯t ventured into the dungeon or cave inside the sewer either.


    I¡¯m sure I¡¯ve weakened the monsters as a group though.


    It¡¯s probably a good thing that their ecosystem got reset, right?


    I worriedly headed towards the guildhall.


    It¡¯s hard to say that things ended well at the guild either.


    I thought it¡¯d be too much of a shock to the guild clerk if I were to just plop down all of the evidence of kills, so I pulled out a seemingly unending amount of rat tails from my pack, one handful at a time. It wasn¡¯t long before the clerk went to get his supervisor and I was led to a private room.


    But, y¡¯know, the first things I showed him were the valuable bounties¡ªparts from the Boss Rat and the Crocogator.


    He was all amazed, saying something like he didn¡¯t think the legends were true, and then began calcting my pay.


    It wasn¡¯t until I had begun to take out the tails of the minion rats that his face turned pale.


    We ended up bringing our business to an empty room. That¡¯s where I somehow managed toid everything out.


    ¡°Y-You managed to y all these rats and monsters in the sewers?!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I had an efficient way to do it. I used my girlfriend¡¯s cooking to lure them out and then killed them all in one blow.¡±


    ¡®Thou art telling naught but the truth, though the order of events is backwards.¡¯


    The guild employees couldn¡¯t hear Veno¡¯s quip.


    And it¡¯s true that I used Arleaf¡¯s cooking at an effective location to kill them all.


    ¡°I see... I have heard talk of it, but to hear it in person is quite astonishing.¡±


    ¡°The Rat Boss was quite tough, so I flooded the sewers with a toxic gas. It would be a good idea that no one goes down there for the meantime.¡±


    ¡°The noise from underground has be rather quiet, so I think we can arrange that.¡±


    ¡®And this, too. I am sure thou understandest that we have information that is better left untold.¡¯


    Veno makes the map of the sewers appear. I grab it and hand it over.


    ¡°T-This is...¡±


    ¡°Yes, I made this map while I was down there on my quest. Though I may not have been able to map out secret chambers or anything of the like, still, I hope this can be of use to you.¡±


    ¡°Thank you very much! This is wonderful. I would love to properly pay you for this, but... well, you have in such arge amount of, uhh...¡±


    Oh, you¡¯re really gonna be like this, huh?


    ¡°It really wasn¡¯t all that much trouble. I will be more than happy with whatever you are able to give me. It¡¯s just that the guild wouldn¡¯t want to be known for taking advantage of its adventurers, right?¡±


    I¡¯ll be extra polite in intimidating you bastards to see just how sincere you are.


    This is a necessary skill to survive in a sweatshop. I still remember how to negotiate so that these guys don¡¯t walk all over me.


    It¡¯s a powerful technique, but if you overdo it, you¡¯ll end up with squat.


    ¡°As it stands right now, the map hasn¡¯t been marked for where there¡¯s dangerous toxic gas. That, and I¡¯ve also discovered other things as well.¡±


    No way I¡¯m about to work for free.


    Confidence is key, so why don¡¯t we go all in?


    Plus, this map isn¡¯t much more than a rough sketch.


    There¡¯s nothing like where toxic gas is or even the direction which water flows.


    If I don¡¯t do this, they might just try to change the uses or make absurd demands.


    ¡°I¡¯ve also discovered many other things... you understand, don¡¯t you?¡±


    I¡¯m not telling you unless you pay me.


    I¡¯d like you to show me your sincerity, even more so than money.


    I then looked at the people from the guild.


    ¡°W-Why, of course. However... the amount of monsters you have in for us is a bit out of our expectations. Do you think we could negotiate a little?¡±


    I know you guys have more than enough money to pay me.


    But it¡¯s true that I¡¯ve killed more monsters than what would normally be expected.


    Well... no one would normally bring so many tails, even if they were a big group of adventurers.


    ¡°For sure. I¡¯m not asking you to pay me in full. I¡¯m just hoping that it¡¯ll make life a little easier for me, even when I live in such a great town.¡±


    ¡°Right... the maximum I can pay you right now is... 450,000g.¡±


    That¡¯s quite a bit of money, eh?


    That¡¯s a few Elbatoxins¡¯ worth of bounty.


    ¡°And... as for the greater monsters, we shall prepare a separate bounty for them. May we have your contact information, please?¡±


    ¡°Please can contact Wayne¡¯s household then. Then... after I get the money, I¡¯ll tell you all the important information that you should know.¡±


    Rurika has been in contact with the guild, so I¡¯m sure it¡¯ll be fine.


    ¡°Understood. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for helping us solve this problem that has been guing us for years.¡±


    After sounding each other out, we¡¯ve finallye to an agreement and finished this quest.


    As an aside, the other adventurers have given us another weird nickname after our achievement. We¡¯re now ¡°The Ratbusters¡±. Well, it is what it is.

 Chapter 50

    <h4>Chapter 50</h4>


    Things have fortunately been going well. Our life in the town of Lif¡¯el goes on without a hitch.


    But as for Wayne though... well, right now, he¡¯s about to get out of the bathtub. I go over to him and slowly rip his skin off.


    ¡°Hngh...?! That didn¡¯t hurt?¡±


    Ripping off the tough skin revealed a patch of fair, untainted skin underneath.


    The day after, I helped peel his skin like aiding a snake shed its skin.


    Townsfolk peered through windows, rmed at what I¡¯m doing to Wayne. Word soon spread that Old Man Wayne came out of his pupa and spread his wings.


    To call it like is kinda... well, it¡¯s not too far off. But after helping him shed, Wayne shakily stood up and looked at his own body in amazement.


    ¡°I can stand! My body feels fantastic! Am I really cured?! I ain¡¯t never felt better than this! Never mind if I turn to stone again, this is invigorating!¡±


    His pessimism didn¡¯te off with his skin, eh? Is he going to be alright?


    ¡®...? I see it now. After eradicating the disease that had taken control of his skin, the well-concealed curse is now revealed.¡¯


    A curse? What do you know about it?


    Veno materialized a sheet of paper.


    ¡®Lass, go prepare this ritual and magic circle. And fetch a high-leveled Priest. ¡®Tis time to lift a curse. I know not who, but someone ced a distasteful curse on the man.¡¯


    ¡°Y-Yes?! Umm, it seems like we shall be performing a ritual to break your curse, so I shall be off to find a priest!¡±


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    Under Veno¡¯s orders, Arleaf, along with Rurika and the helper, brought home a priest.


    Then Arleaf took charge in drawing the magic circle and started the ritual... I think?


    With focus on the now-flexible Wayne, they began chanting and thus, the ceremony.


    Though it looks like it¡¯s for summoning a demon, the magic circle glows with a beautiful light. And atst, the ceremony concludes.


    ¡°Cohgray! You really are quite somethin¡¯. I¡¯d better fire up the forge while I am still able to freely move about. I will smith until I can¡¯t.¡±


    ¡®Consider Wayne cured of petrification. Though I cannot say that there are zero chances that it shall return...¡¯


    ¡°T-Thank you for your kind words.¡±


    It makes me uneasy that you¡¯re not confident that he¡¯s cured... but it should be fine if we keep an eye on him, right?


    ¡°So? Arleaf? What was it that y¡¯all wanted from me? Did you mention you were looking for your ancestor¡¯s journals or something like that?¡±


    Since we¡¯ve stayed at Wayne¡¯s household for nearly a week now, I think we can tell him our story.


    It doesn¡¯t seem like he believes all of it, but I can tell he¡¯s thinking.


    ¡°I¡¯ll pay people a visit and collect all records of your ancestor. And... wasn¡¯t there talk of wanting me to forge somethin¡¯?¡±


    ¡°Umm, Yukihisa?¡±


    ¡°With a budget of about 1,000,000g, I was hoping I couldmission you could repair, improve, replenish, or even make us some new equipment.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, a whole million? I don¡¯t want to know where you got that money... but fine. You mentioned repairs. Could you show me what you need fixin¡¯?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    I take out the crossbow and sword I got from Veno.


    ¡®Let me take out some materials as well.¡¯


    Elbatoxin parts and a small amount of rat felts instantly appeared.


    ¡°I see you¡¯ve got a stockpile goin¡¯ on. Well, I think I can make somethin¡¯ suitable for you two with this. Now, let¡¯s see that crossbow...¡±


    Hmm? Do you have an idea of what needs fixing?


    ¡°This looks exactly like somethin¡¯ a student of mine sent me. After finishing the apprenticeship, some blue blood without two brain cells to rub togethermissioned a bespoke crossbow from him. Said somethin¡¯ about makin¡¯ lots of money, too.¡±


    He sent you a spare one? What, was he really proud of it or something?


    ¡°Maybe I¡¯m wrong about that this is somethin¡¯ my student made. Or perhaps that idiot noble gave this to you as a present. Or maybe even that he lost it in a funny turn of events, and itnded in your hands... hmpf.¡±


    Yikes... he¡¯s totally suspicious of me.


    What do I do? Just wave it off?


    ¡®It would be fine to tell the man the truth, aye? That thou received it from me!¡¯


    What¡¯s the point of that?


    More importantly, do you really think he¡¯d believe that?


    ¡®Thess has exined everything already!¡¯


    He probably doesn¡¯t believe half of the things we said!


    Augh, whatever! I¡¯ll channel a sweatshop survival skill: The Smiling Poker Face!


    ¡°Yes, you could say fate brought it to me.¡±


    ¡®It truly is about how and not what thou sayest... but do mention how it was obtained. From the apprentice? From the noble? From me? Or even that thou borrowed it after finding it on the ground.¡¯


    I can¡¯t stand that abrasive way Veno speaks. I ignore him.


    ¡®Canst thou not survive in thy world without spewing ambiguous half-truths?¡¯


    Oh, just shut up already. I¡¯m trying to focus on tricking him here!


    ¡°... would you believe that the idiot noble picked a fight with a dragon, got defeated, and had his crossbow relinquished from him? And then somehow, it ended up in my hands? Kinda romantic, don¡¯tcha think?¡±


    ¡°Hmm...¡±


    Wayne taps at the stock of the crossbow, pointing out something to me.


    Gah?! Was there a proof mark or a serial number?!


    ¡®And the truthes spilling out!¡¯


    ¡°So, the noble challenged the Lord Dragon, had his weapon taken away, and was left alive? If it were the same Holy Dragon of our ancestors¡¯, then that isn¡¯t exactly a far-fetched story. They said He was a merciful one.¡±


    ¡®Heh.¡¯


    I can picture a smug, shit-eating grin on his face right now.


    You¡¯re just too chicken to kill those warriors and heroes! Because you¡¯re afraid of bad karma!


    ¡®How nit-picking of thee! It is because of my mercy that thy talk is so smoothly progressing!¡¯


    Oh, and humble, too!


    ¡°It is true. The Lord Holy Dragon slumbers within Yukihisa!¡±


    Arleaf takes the chance andes to my defense.


    But that would smell real fishy to strangers if they were told that.


    ¡°I get it, I get it. But Arleaf, no matter how close you are to your rtives, you should not speak so freely of this matter. There are heathens who do not believe in our ancestor¡¯s words.¡±


    Wayne warns Arleaf.


    ¡°Though it may be credible to me, seeing how I have been cured and how I have seen the crossbow, this isn¡¯t something you should tell everyone.¡±


    ¡°I-I understand...¡±


    After all, we are fugitives looking for a way to free this bond to Veno.


    Not that I don¡¯t trust Arleaf¡¯s rtives, but this certainly isn¡¯t something I¡¯d like everyone knowing.

 Chapter 51

    <h4>Chapter 51</h4>


    ¡°Let us get back on topic. Yes, your crossbow certainly needs repairs. It is aplicated and expensive design, but I can help you with it.¡±


    Since it¡¯s made for a noble?


    Assuming that I kept up with maintenance... it still seems like it¡¯d be expensive to fix.


    If he can make it so it¡¯s easier for me to fix the crossbow¡¯s gimmick, that¡¯d be nice too.


    ¡°The rest of your stuff seems expensive too. I¡¯ll repair all of it. Of course, Arleaf¡¯s and the mushroom¡¯s too. I¡¯ll throw you a bone and give you a little somethin¡¯ extra.¡±


    ¡°Thank you so much!¡±


    ¡°However! While I tinker with your equipment, bring me the materials. If you have anything you don¡¯t need, give it to me too and I¡¯ll trade with you.¡±


    ¡®Unwanted materials? How opportune. Have at my mountain of refuse!¡¯


    For some reason, Veno is being unnecessarily belligerent by spawning the mountain of rat pelts collected from the sewer.


    He really is literally just instantly making it all appear.


    ¡°The hell, boy? You some sort of hoarder?¡±


    ¡°Uhh... they¡¯re all from the monsters in the sewers.¡±


    ¡°... y¡¯know they call you the Ratbusters, right?¡±


    It seems like the whole town has heard of our name already.


    ¡°You¡¯ve properly treated then pelts though... I was about to buy some training pelts that apprentices use, but it would be pricey... with this, I can give you more than a little extra.¡±


    Ah, I¡¯m d he has a use for them.


    I think I can get a bit more out of him too if I gave him more materials.


    ¡°The giant rat and crocodile skins seem usable too. By the way, would you like your equipment to cause abnormal statuses, Mr. Poison?¡±


    ¡®Aye... that would not be such a poor idea.¡¯


    Hey, at least make a jab about how he called me Mr. Poison. Don¡¯t just ignore it.


    ¡°Umm... who is this Mr. Poison?¡±


    ¡°Well, ain¡¯t it a lot easier to say than ¡°guy who can stomach Arleaf¡¯s cooking¡±?¡±


    ... ah, right. Even all her rtives know about it.


    Too bad I don¡¯t have a weird nickname for him.


    ¡°About your equipment though, I¡¯ll make it so that it won¡¯t break on you like this. It¡¯ll be quick and simple.¡±


    That might not be such a bad idea.


    I¡¯m thinking there¡¯s no way to make my equipment grant me the same buff as being in the swamp water would, is there?


    ¡°Perhaps I¡¯ll use this piece of skin to make it into armor,¡± Wayne points at Elbatoxin¡¯s hide.


    Oh, Elbatoxin?


    I thought it was all about using bacteria, but it used poison too?


    ¡®The bastard was able to replenish its toxins, so thou mayst be able to abuse it. Nothing wrong with doing so.¡¯


    I can do that too, huh?


    I¡¯m not sure how we can utilize it though.


    ¡®Hmm? Is it not obvious? With magic, we can meddle with its skin and have it produce toxins.¡¯


    So, we can meddle with its toxin nds and have it produce toxins as if it were still alive? Dang, magic is almighty, eh?


    ¡®It may not have existed in thy world, but magic is prevalent in this one. Thou must get used to it.¡¯


    Yeah, alright.


    But the problem is that we still don¡¯t know how much poison my system can take.


    ¡°Please bear in mind that I¡¯m only good with and against poison.¡±


    ¡°Ah. Well, I can only do so much with my skills anyway, so bear with that too.¡±


    In the middle of our conversation, the doorbell rings with a nk.


    Every time I hear it, I think of how weird that bell sounds.


    ¡°Coming!¡±


    Rurika, who was quietly watching over us, goes to answer the door.


    They¡¯re not nobility, hey? The helper could¡¯ve gone and got the door, but the granddaughter went instead.


    Their family is surprisingly well-mannered too.


    ¡°Grandpaaa! It¡¯s Celes!¡± Rurika calls out as soon as I was about to continue our discussion.


    ¡°... hmpf.¡±


    Wayne nces over to the entrance and then back over to me with a puzzled look on his face.


    It seems to be quite an important guest, so we can leave our talk ¡®tilter.


    But even then, his hesitance showed that I¡¯m pretty important too.


    I smile at the gloomy Wayne to reassure him.


    ¡°But...¡±


    I know he¡¯s got a strong sense of duty, but if he¡¯s so troubled, there must be something special about Celes¡¯ visit.


    I wouldn¡¯t feel right making them wait.


    When I was still working in that sweatshop, we gave clients three days to respond to contact. After that, we¡¯d give our attention to another client. This isn¡¯t quite as bad as that.


    ¡°You pretty much know everything I want anyway, so we can leave it until your guest leaves.¡±


    ¡°... can we? Sorry.¡±


    Wayne gives me a curt reply before standing up and walking out of the room.


    Even the helper is happy to see him so much better than a week ago.


    ¡°We¡¯ll get lots of new equipment. How wonderful!¡±


    ¡°Right you are. We can leave the rest to Wayne, so why don¡¯t we go out and kill a few monsters now?¡±


    The problem is that I don¡¯t have my crossbow anymore. I¡¯ll be forced to use weapons I¡¯m not as good with... maybe I can just rely on Arleaf and Muu.


    Veno, do you have anything good on you?


    ¡®I have a few swords that thee couldst use for the time being. Perhaps it would be good for thee to gain some experience in close-quarterbat.¡¯


    ¡°You have a point.¡±


    There¡¯s lots going on right now, but it¡¯s not exactly bad timing either.


    We can make some money while we get Wayne to fix our equipment.


    I¡¯d like to get a good few levels too.


    ¡°Muu!¡±


    Muu seems to have been a little cooped uptely, so it¡¯d be nice to give him the chance to let loose.


    ¡°¡ªwhat?! Please introduce me to this person who cured you!¡±


    I hear them chatting towards the entrance.


    And now, I hear footsteps drawing near.


    Maybe he¡¯sing back.


    Before I could even finish that thought, Wayne opens the door to reveal ady knight with him.


    Her hair is tied up in a ponytail.


    She¡¯s quite the beauty. If Arleaf is a cute-type, then she¡¯s a cool-type of girl.


    She gives off an aura of a warrior, but also very proper.


    And as for her age... if not the same as me, maybe a little younger?


    ¡°Are you Master Wayne¡¯s rtive¡¯s fianc¨¦ who cured him?¡±


    Who¡¯s a fianc¨¦ now?


    I look over to Wayne and see his shit-eating grin.


    ¡°My name is Celes Arnold, a warrior graced with Master Wayne¡¯s friendship.¡±

 Chapter 52

    <h4>Chapter 52</h4>


    ¡°My name is Kogure. It¡¯s a pleasure.¡±


    It feels dangerous to give out my first name to someone I know nothing about, so myst name will do.


    ¡°Cohgray... ah, I have heard of your name recently in Lif¡¯el and Nisua.¡±


    It seems like everybody has heard about me already.


    In that case, I probably won¡¯t seem too suspicious to her.


    ¡°Celes was the one who gifted me the expensive medicine when I was sick. You treat her kindly now, you hear?¡±


    ¡®She seems to be well-established.¡¯


    ¡°Wayne is a master cksmith who has not only forged quality equipment for me, but even lent out apprentices to me. It is natural for me to repay him.¡±


    Jeez... she¡¯s some sort of saint.


    Repay favors with favors, huh? She¡¯s probably a good person.


    It seems like Wayne survived thanks to her help.


    ¡°To be frank, this is the first time I have seen his condition improve. Quite the wonderous treatment you have done.¡±


    ¡°Well, I was blessed with the chance to learn... still, I am very d it went well for Wayne too.¡±


    The truth is that Veno did the diagnosis. All I did was pump out some Mollifying Poison.


    ¡°You needn¡¯t be so humble. After all, you have aplished it to great effect. Please ept my gratitude for curing Wayne.¡±


    ¡°Who knows if I¡¯m actually cured.¡±


    Wayne coldly interjects.


    ¡°You are so much better already. I believe it would be better for your body if you were not to worry so much.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d say so too. It seems like to me like you¡¯re all better too.¡±


    ¡°So he says, Master Wayne.¡±


    ¡°... hmpf.¡±


    Wayne seemed satisfied with what we had to say.


    After that, Celes looks towards Arleaf and Muu.


    ¡°My name is Arleaf.¡±


    ¡°Muu!¡±


    ¡°Ah, you must be the rtive of Master Wayne. You are a very adorable girl. Cohgray¡¯s wife, I assume?¡±


    ¡°W-Wife...¡±


    Arleaf turns bright red.


    That¡¯s cute, but at least correct her.


    ¡°Oh, no... Arleaf¡¯s father merely volunteered me to be her fianc¨¦ is all. We¡¯re not officially anything of the sort.¡±


    ¡°Is that right? A wholesome rtionship then.¡±


    ¡°Right. And this here is Muu, a Myconid I created. Muu¡¯s an indispensable part of our party.¡±


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    Muu strikes a very charming pose whenever he meets someone new.


    ¡°I would be delighted to have such a lively party. By the way, I don¡¯t believe that Master Wayne haspensated you for curing him?¡±


    Oh, what¡¯s this? You¡¯re feel that grateful for me?


    ¡®Tit for tat? How petty. Her kindness is overwhelming.¡¯


    What are you talking about? You¡¯re a pathetic dragon who can¡¯t even bear to take a human¡¯s life.


    Arleaf and the rest might address you as some holy dragon, but you¡¯re just a timid little guy inside.


    ¡®Thou dost little else but try to make a fool of me.¡¯


    At any rate, I¡¯d feel bad if she tried to thank me any more than this. I¡¯ll have to turn her down.


    ¡°Oh, Wayne had been more than generous in his thanks. Please don¡¯t worry about that.¡±


    ¡°But... hmm.¡±


    Ah, she¡¯s not pushing the issue any further.


    It seems like she just brought up how she really felt.


    ¡°Perfect timing. Since you¡¯re here, Celes, you all should go procure me some materials. I¡¯d like to keep smithing for as long as my body can move. Could I count on you all to bring me back some quality materials?¡±


    Wayne breaks the tension with his n.


    ¡°Is that all?¡±


    ¡°You can train them up for me too. It¡¯d be nice for them to experience what a powerful adventurer is like.¡±


    ¡°Understood. Let me be of aid.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    Celes nods in response to Arleaf¡¯s question.


    ¡°Yes. Originally, I had some ce to hurry to, but they haven¡¯t verified the intel yet, so I am currently waiting for orders.¡±


    ¡°Then when your orderse, you¡¯ll have to move out, right?¡±


    ¡°Correct. I may not be of too much help, but I¡¯d like to try my best.¡±


    Guess we got ourselves a high-leveled adventurer to join us...


    Mm, not a bad thing, I think.


    I should be able to get stronger with her power levelling me.


    I take the chance to practise with my crossbow.


    Muu runs with the target and I take shots.


    I¡¯m able to run and shoot at the same time, so I think I got quite a bit better than before.


    It¡¯s all thanks to Arleaf¡¯s cooking that I¡¯m able to learn so quickly.


    And my Aiming Shot got upgraded as well. It turned into Power Shot and I also learned Meteor Shot.


    Power Shot is as its name suggests; my bolts do roughly about twice the damage.


    Meteor Shot enables me tounch a magical bolt that calls down a storm of meteorite-like rocks.


    After using the bolts, I make sure to retrieve all of them if I can. The problem is that they only can only withstand so much abuse before breaking.


    To be honest, I¡¯m kinda worried about the number of bolts I have left.


    It doesn¡¯t have to be from Wayne, but I gotta get some more from a cksmith. For now, I¡¯ll just get Wayne to finish what he has nned for me.


    ¡°Alright then. Do you want to go out soon?¡±


    Celes might not have a lot of time on her hands, so we best get hurrying.


    ¡°It ain¡¯t as good as what you normally use, but I¡¯ll lend you a crossbow for the meantime as well as an axe and a staff. I¡¯ll be waitin¡¯ here for y¡¯all.¡±


    Ooh, how magnanimous of you, Wayne.


    On his orders, Rurika handed over some weapons to us.


    Magic Iron Crossbow +5


    Quality: Superior


    Required level: 30


    Bonus effects: Increased Mana, Faster Projectile Speed, Bonus Damage, Quickened Recharge


    A crossbow made of magical iron. Capable of firing many types of bolts and even certain arrows.


    Slow Bolt


    Quality: Superior


    Bonus effects: Dyed, Homing (Weak)


    Crossbow bolts enchanted with retarding magic. Imbued with mild homing capabilities.


    Saint Battle Axe


    Quality: Superior


    Required level: 40


    Bonus effects: Bonus Damage, Faster Throwing Speed, Critical (Medium), uracy Compensation (Weak), Cleaving Bonus (Weak)


    Abat axe made with metals blessed by holy men. Slightly challenging to wield.


    Ruby Burst Scepter


    Quality: Superior


    Required level: 30


    Bonus effects: Increased Mana, Bonus to Fire (Medium), Casting Time Reduction (Weak)


    A magic staff slotted with a ruby. Increases proficiency to fire spells.


    They all seem pretty good.

 Chapter 53

    <h4>Chapter 53</h4>


    ¡®Actually, all of those weapons are quitemon. However, the fact remains that there are many bonus effects. It certainly says a lot of the cksmith¡¯s skills.¡¯


    Huh... so that¡¯s the difference skill makes.


    ¡®They are twice, perhaps three times as powerful as their average counterparts. Even the normal ones cost quite a lot.¡¯


    These weapons are nothing to sneeze at then.


    I¡¯m not exactly sure how this world works regarding quality and equipment, but I do know that we were lent some good stuff.


    I try out the crossbow.


    It¡¯s got some heft to it, heavier than the Rapid Feather Crossbow I¡¯ve been using.


    I know how good the equipment Veno gave me is just by this.


    And this crossbow doesn¡¯t have Auto Reload, which means I¡¯ll have to do it myself after every shot.


    Well, this is how they normally are anyway, so I¡¯ve got to get used to it.


    Uhh... do I crank this bit here?


    As I turn the winch, the whole thing creaks and the string moves back.


    Oh, it¡¯s not as stiff as I thought it¡¯d be.


    A ka-chik tells me that the crossbow is now cocked.


    I ce a bolt in the groove.


    Sure seems hard to shoot this thing quickly.


    Not that it actually takes a lot of time to cock and load the crossbow, but it¡¯spletely different than what I¡¯ve been doing up to now.


    ¡®And because of that, its power is also different than your previous crossbow.¡¯


    That¡¯s right... you did mention that it¡¯s like three times stronger than my Rapid Feather Crossbow.


    I¡¯m looking forward to seeing how it¡¯ll turn out to be after Wayne fixes it up.


    ¡°Let us depart at once. Follow me,¡± said Celes as she led us out the door.


    We¡¯ve set our destination to a mine a little ways away town. They say adventurers like to go after the ores there.


    Not only are the ores of good quality, it¡¯s also peculiar in that there¡¯s a bit of magic in them. Because of that, monsters gathered around the area, distorted the space, and created a dungeon.


    Miasma alsoes spewing out of it, so it¡¯s not quite inhabitable. But it seems like both adventurers and the people find the mine indispensable.


    And so, that¡¯s the dungeon we¡¯re headed to.


    The day after we departed, we encountered trouble on our journey.


    We were riding in the wagon when suddenly, we were told that highwaymen were upon us.


    It seems like they were after the merchant¡¯s cargo ahead of us. For better or worse, they found us instead.


    We hopped off the wagon and entered battle.


    ¡°Move out! Be alert!¡±


    Celes leaps out of the carriage and with her sword, she rapidly shes at her opponent.


    Geez, the way she moves makes her look like she¡¯s straight out of Dynasty Warriors or something.


    The bandits are all but two-bit chumps.


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    Muu takes the lead and rushes in with his axe. I didn¡¯t want to take any chances, so I loaded up my crossbow with a bolt enchanted with Paralyzing Poison. I take careful aim... but Arleaf shoots out Fire Bullet.


    ¡°Fire Bullet!¡±


    I think you could say it was immediately after she finished casting her spell.


    A mass of fire appears in front of Arleaf, travels towards the bandits, but merely grazes their shoulders.


    That¡¯s some impressive firepower.


    ¡°Augh, gaaaaaah!¡±


    ¡°Th-They¡¯re traveling with some crazy powerful adventurers. Skedaddle!¡±


    ¡°Aah! Get me outta here!¡±


    The highwaymen turn tail and escape at full speed.


    Other adventurers and merchants with us had a dumbfounded look on their faces.


    Then they all started pping.


    ¡°All bark and no bite. I hope they learned their lessons.¡±


    Celes spat out her words as she watched the bandits run away.


    ¡°How formidable you are for such a girl at your age... now we needn¡¯t worry on our travels!¡±


    ¡°Aye. I witnessed it.¡±


    ¡°I was nervous a-and so I exerted a little too much mana...¡±


    ¡®Hmph... thess has indeed be much stronger in her magics. Thou needst not be afraid of small fry like them.¡¯


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    At any rate, we got the bandits to leave us without incident.


    In this moment, though, you can see that Arleaf realized that she became stronger.


    ¡®Thess is quite capable now. And especially with her weapon, her fire magic is very powerful.¡¯


    And that¡¯s to Veno¡¯s standards too.


    But to me, it seems like I¡¯m getting left behind.


    ¡°Such power especially for an elementary fire spell like that... you are so strong that I would like to scout you for my agency.¡±


    ¡°It is simply that my level is high. I apologize for not being able to control my powers.¡±


    ¡°Is that right? But I think you have a lot of talent...¡±


    ¡°Yes. I am level 63 right now.¡±


    Oh, right.


    It¡¯s Veno¡¯s fault that Arleaf is now double our level.


    She¡¯s so strong that she even caught the attention of a top-tier warrior like Celes.


    Which reminds me, I was nning to get Arleaf to level us up.


    ¡°That is actually quite high... but you seem like you are still in your base ss. Are you not nning to advance sses?¡±


    ¡°Uhh... umm, I got to where I am in a less than ideal way and so all my avable jobs are prohibited ones.¡±


    ¡°What did you¡ªno, that¡¯s why you didn¡¯t advance. I am sorry for bringing it up.¡±


    Their conversation got a little awkward.


    There¡¯s nothing that special about me, though I¡¯m not exactly aiming for the top.


    ¡°Then, Ms. Arleaf, are you focusing on helping others and gaining experience for now?¡±


    ¡°My n is to help Yukihisa level up.¡±


    ¡°I see. Then let us help Mr. Cohgray be stronger.¡±


    ¡°All right.¡±


    It doesn¡¯t seem like they¡¯re about to let me in their conversation.


    Well, whatever.


    Oh, and by the way, it seems like they sent people to chase after the highwaymen. But since the bastard were too quick, our fighters returned shortly afterwards.


    ¡°We¡¯ll be safe with such powerful mages and warriors. We¡¯re counting on you.¡±


    ¡°Leave it to me.¡±


    ¡°Ah-haha...¡±


    Arleaf forces a smile.


    It seems to be rough for her seeing how her magic is even stronger than she expected.


    And don¡¯t forget how she was even breaking doors. Arleaf is beyond us mere mortals now.


    ¡®Thou must be d thy fantasies have be true. Perhaps I shall allow you to use knives now.¡¯


    Hey, not so loud! What if she hears you?!


    ¡®Fret not.¡¯

 Chapter 54

    <h4>Chapter 54</h4>


    After numerous battles on the way and dropping by viges between those fights, we finally managed to reach a vige close to the mine.


    Though we did encounter quite a few powerful monsters, we managed toe out ahead and quickly defeat them all thanks to Celes¡¯ vanguard and Arleaf¡¯s spells.


    I¡¯ve even gained four levels because of them.


    Those four levels granted me a few powers too. The time needed to condense Mollifying Poison has been shortened and I¡¯m now able to create normal Paralysis Poison without the ¡°Weak¡± modifier.


    I wonder exactly how strong those monsters we fought were.


    By the way, it seems that the mine is rmended level for people with base jobs is 45 or higher.


    Gee, that really is something...


    That would mean you¡¯d need to be even stronger if you wanna head deep into the mine. Sounds rough.


    ¡®I have asked thess about it and she said swamp thou hadst been visiting daily had a rmended level of 35.¡¯


    ... maybe it¡¯s easier than I thought then?


    ¡®Consider abnormal status effects too. Surely, thou seest thy progress as well. The monsters in the area are but dense with quintessence.¡¯


    Oh, so this area isn¡¯t dense with miasma but with quintessence?


    ¡®Aye. Forget not the fact that thanks to thess¡¯ Poison Cooking, thou art able to gain much more experience. It is only natural to easily level up here.¡¯


    I see...


    I might be pushing my limits here, but the monsters here aren¡¯t that strong either.


    ¡°Let¡¯s make haste.¡±


    There¡¯s a vige before the mine, so I¡¯m guessing it¡¯s like a ce for lodging.


    Merchants likelye here to purchase ores from adventurers and so there¡¯s constantly a bustle.


    ¡°We could have made our purchases here and then head home... but we ought to press on and level up.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Maybe we¡¯d be more effective with better equipment, but since we¡¯ve got Celes, it shouldn¡¯t be a problem.


    Not to mention, we have the weapons Wayne lent us too.


    We hurry out of the vige to challenge the dungeon in the mine.


    Since this is a mine, I was wondering if we¡¯re in a volcanic belt. This mountain is mostly covered with rock and barely are there any trees.


    ¡®It is true that there are mines near volcanoes, but we are not in such an area.¡¯


    Well, guess not.


    On our way up the hill, a seemingly unending number of ore-like monsters popped out.


    There are the rock-type Wistaria Rocks and what could only be described as giants made of stone, the Boulder Rock Golems.


    All of them were quickly dispatched by Celes and Arleaf, almost as if they were none of our business.


    Just in case, I have my crossbow trained at the enemies, but they pretty much didn¡¯t need me. It was nice and easy.


    This EXP is totally awesome.


    ¡®Thou art easily excitable.¡¯


    But Veno, you¡¯re originally super high leveled so it might not seem like it¡¯s much to you. To me, though, it really is awesome.


    ¡°Augh...¡±


    An adventurer being carried on a stretcheres into view.


    ¡°What happened to him?¡± Celes quietly walks up and asks.


    ¡°Ah, we were unlucky and got into a pocket of gas. Some managed to get away, but then there¡¯re the ones who were hit bad...¡±


    Gas poisoning, eh?


    That¡¯s rough. I mean, I probably don¡¯t have to worry about it since I have Poison Absorption, but still...


    Plus, Veno can probably sense it before it¡¯s even a problem.


    ¡®Aye.¡¯


    ¡°Umm...¡±


    Lemme check if I can¡¯t help the guy.


    ¡°What is it? I¡¯d like to rush this guy off to the vige to get some help if I could. None of the magic we know could heal him.¡±


    ¡°We know a thing or two about healing magic. Would you mind if I took a look?¡±


    ¡°Not at all! Please do.¡±


    The adventurers carrying the stretcher showed me their ally.


    Veno taught me a bunch of things, so I¡¯ll put my knowledge to good use.


    From what I can see... the guy¡¯s condition seems to be exactly as they imed.


    His breathing is shallow; perhaps a symptom?


    I can tell this could be caused by volcanic gases, but this is just a regr rocky mountain, right?


    Carbon dioxide poisoning would be odd. It¡¯s probably some type of gas unique to this alternate world.


    But since Veno taught me this before already...


    ¡°It¡¯s Basiluta poisoning. Get him some fresh air and heal him with wind elemental restorative magic. If you want something more instant, have him take some Windkasse mixed with Bluelive Aqua. That should heal him quick.¡±


    The poisoning is affecting his bronchial tubes, making it hard to breathe for him.


    Veno was just showing me the dangers of volcanic gases in my vision, so it¡¯s still fresh in my mind.


    ¡®Aye, that is correct. Thou art a quick learner.¡¯


    Well, you know, whenever a peaceful momentes, this annoying dragon always starts grumbling in my head.


    I can¡¯t help but to have learned a thing or two.


    ¡°Windkasse? Do we have any of that?¡±


    ¡°Is it this?¡±


    Arleaf takes out some dried Windkasse and Bluelive Aqua from her pouch.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    I take the herbs from Arleaf andpound the medicine as directed by Veno.


    Meanwhile, Arleaf and the rest are just finishing up a conversation about taking their money.


    I stick some of the medicine I made into the copsed adventurer¡¯s mouth.


    The effects are immediate.


    His face is quickly bing less and less pale.


    ¡°Muu!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Muu-Muu, please lend me a hand. Aroma Heal.¡±


    Arleaf uses Muu as a catalyst to cast Aroma Heal.


    The adventurer begins to rapidly recover and regains his senses.


    ¡°Where...¡±


    ¡°It seems like he¡¯s awake.¡±


    ¡°Wow! That¡¯s amazing! I can¡¯t believe how quickly you fixed him up!¡±


    ¡°Thank you!¡±


    His buddies gather together and shower me with their thanks.


    ¡°I¡¯ve performed some first-aid on him, but it would be best to bring him somewhere safe. Though it doesn¡¯t seem like there are any other symptoms, there¡¯s still an inherent danger to poisoning.¡±


    The adventurers listened and nodded at what I said.


    ¡°Thank you. We¡¯ll do as you say and bring him back to the vige for some proper treatment.¡±


    ¡°Mm, and remember to get him some fresh air. It will help him naturally recover.¡±


    ¡°Gotcha! See you around!¡±


    With that, we finished healing the adventurer.


    ¡°Hmpf... you truly live up to your reputation as a healer, Cohgray. Now then, let us continue. Do be careful to not sumb to the same fate as he.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll be aware.¡±


    ¡°You sure are knowledgeable, sir. Having someone like you around is extremely helpful.¡±


    Hey, if you stroke my ego that much, I¡¯ll start blushing.


    Well, since it¡¯s really Veno¡¯s knowledge, I can¡¯t be boasting. I quicklye back down to Earth.


    I felt like I was useful though.


    But still... there are some problems you can¡¯t fix with antidote magic.


    ¡®I can but say it depends on the circumstance. In his case, the poison was not of magic, but of minerals. It cannot be cured without a lengthy application of some mid-level magic. And if one had that much time, thou mayst as well concoct some medicine.¡¯


    I guess so.


    Anyway, let¡¯s save the banter forter and start trekking.

 Chapter 55

    <h4>Chapter 55</h4>


    The miasma crept in as we ascended the mountain.


    It¡¯s pretty much nothing to us, but I guess miasma gathers just about anywhere.


    ¡®Thou and I suffer not, but it is enough to be suffocating for low-level adventurers.¡¯


    The thicker the miasma gets, the stronger it makes me as well.


    We finally reach a tunnel... or is it a mineshaft?


    ¡°We have reached the dungeon. The miasma gets quite dense, so be alert.¡±


    ¡°Yes, but don¡¯t worry about us; we are quite resilient against miasma,¡± Arleaf responds to Celes.


    ¡°Even better, then.¡±


    As she says that, we hear a growl... from Muu.


    ¡°Muuu...¡±


    Muu ces a hand on its stem and makes a hungry-looking expression.


    Good timing though, since we haven¡¯t gone in the dungeon yet.


    ¡°Shall we stop for lunch?¡±


    ¡°Good idea. Can¡¯t fight on an empty stomach, right?¡±


    ¡°Agreed.¡±


    ¡°Muu!¡±


    With a unanimous decision, we began to prepare lunch.


    Incidentally, in our party, I¡¯m usually the one in charge of cooking.


    It goes without saying it wouldn¡¯t be Arleaf and Muu isn¡¯t capable of something like cooking.


    We pick whatever herbs and wild vegetables we can find and get meat from a market or monsters.


    Veno also stores water for me, so we¡¯re almost always prepared.


    As I take my tools and utensils out, Arleaf lights up some firewood and adjusts the fire.


    Since her magic is a lot more powerful now, she can easily cast mes for a length of time.


    On our way to Lif¡¯el, Veno helped Arleaf with magic practice and training.


    It¡¯s very handy for cooking.


    Oh, and this is our first time cooking outdoors since we¡¯ve been on this trip; we¡¯d always found viges to stop for meals.


    ¡°Hmm, I would like to assist with the cooking, but it seems like you have everything covered...¡±


    Celes looks at Arleaf.


    ¡°Umm... Yukihisa is quite good at cooking, so I tend the fire.¡±


    ¡°Muu!¡±


    It¡¯s a sensitive topic with her food being Poison Cooking and all.


    ¡°You¡¯re a lot stronger than us, Celes, so we¡¯ll be counting on you in battle. Take it easy for now.¡±


    ¡°But...¡±


    ¡°No buts. We all have our roles to y. I¡¯m not nning to make anythingplicated anyway.¡±


    I take out my skillet and preheat it on the fire. The meat looks just about ready. I¡¯ve had it soaking in Mollifying Poison.


    Soak it for too long and it just dissolves, so you have to keep an eye on it.


    Veno?


    ¡®Understood.¡¯


    Veno causes a bucket with Mollifying Poison to appear.


    I take out the meat from the bucket and check it over.


    Mm, perfectly tender.


    It gets boring having perfectly-marbled meat, so I adjust how soft it gets.


    It¡¯s a good medium today.


    They sell all kinds of meats in Lif¡¯el, so it goes without saying that I have to check the meat every single time.


    The results of my research indicate improvement every time, even if soaked for a little while.


    Heat kills off the poison, so there¡¯s no reason not to cook it up.


    ... it reminds me of something though.


    ¡®Speaking of which, forget not thine experiment with fish.¡¯


    Oh, that¡¯s right.


    I got my hands on some oddly tough fish, so I soaked that too.


    Should I cook it too? It might dissolve if I keep it any longer.


    ¡®Understood.¡¯


    Veno pops the fish out.


    ¡°You have all sorts of things stored up by magic, Cohgray.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°But it is not such a simple magic...¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a knack to everything. I¡¯ve actually learned it when I was little.¡±


    I¡¯m used too used to lying.


    There¡¯s a knack to that too, I guess.


    ¡°Hmm...¡±


    Oh? The fillet is all jiggly.


    It seems like it would be good sliced raw... but of course, Arleaf and them wouldn¡¯t be able to eat it.


    But, hmm... this tenderness reminds me of something.


    I¡¯ll slice it thin and try grilling it on a stick.


    Oh, got it. I know what it¡¯s like. It¡¯s like skin-on eel.


    Let¡¯s try preparing it like that then.


    I get some of vegetable soup cooking and ce the grilled eel above the pot to steam it.


    It¡¯ll be hard to make a soy sauce seasoning for it... so I got some ketchup-like condiment and mixed it with some grease from the faux-marbled steak. It doesn¡¯t quite taste like an eel sauce, but I ther some on anyway.


    Oh, and naturally, I have some in ones with just salt.


    ¡°How skilled of you, Cohgray. It smells fantastic.¡±


    ¡°Just the finishing touches now.¡±


    With that, the pseudo-eel grilled by a fire built by Arleaf ispleted.


    We have false well-marbled steak, pseudo-eel, and a vegetable soup for today¡¯s meal.


    We only have some bread from the vige for our carbs though.


    ¡°Alright, dig in, everyone.¡±


    ¡°Thanks for cooking.¡±


    ¡°Muu!¡±


    ¡°Much appreciated.¡±


    I divvied it up for everyone then helped myself.


    And now, time to say grace.


    I¡¯ve heard Arleaf pray ever since I came here, so I have a pretty good grasp on what she says.


    She¡¯s probably doing it now too, but she barely whispers it out loud.


    ¡°O Mother Tree, today we are blessed by this bountiful meal. We shall eat and be nourished, wasting none of Your grace.¡±


    ¡®...¡¯


    That sounds familiar.


    ¡®It is a prayer to the Sacred Yggdrasil.¡¯


    Oh, and Arleaf¡¯s family prays to you, Veno, eh?


    Should we be worried?


    ¡®Thou needn¡¯t be. Our enemies are not necessarily the followers of the Teachings of the Sacred Yggdrasil, but rather, Saint Yggdra.¡¯

 Chapter 56

    <h4>Chapter 56</h4>


    Our enemies aren¡¯t the followers of the Sacred Yggdrasil; it¡¯s Saint Yggdra, the nation with it as its state religion... I mean, I guess so.


    ¡°Muu muu, muuu.¡±


    Muu doesn¡¯t seem like he cares at all.


    ¡°Let us eat.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s!¡±


    It¡¯s not like I have anything against other religions. And even if I did, it wouldn¡¯t do me any good.


    ¡°Alright, give it a try.¡±


    We immediately begin our meal.


    ¡°Hmm... what an odd texture, this fish. But it¡¯s good.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m d you enjoy it.¡±


    ¡°The meat too... it is juicy and tender. I have had something simr at a noble¡¯s feast.


    Celes critiques between bites of food.


    ¡°It¡¯s strange, but good, Yukihisa.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s good, but the texture of the fish is not for me.¡±


    Arleaf criticizes my faux-eel while forcing a smile on her face.


    ¡°Indeed, it has a peculiar vor, but I enjoy it more than the meat. The skin on it is well-charred and I bet it would be great with some ale.¡±


    Well, different strokes for different folks.


    To pair grilled eel with bread is certainly odd. Too bad Arleaf doesn¡¯t like it.


    Let me try it too.


    Mm... it¡¯s not definitely not great whenpared with the in salted version.


    It¡¯s quite a good substitute for eel if you¡¯ve had it before though.


    And even the well-marbled meat is a little strange.


    ¡°Perhaps it is the savoriness, but it is delicious. I am thoroughly enjoying my meal.¡±


    ¡°Mm... maybe it needs more time in the marinade.¡±


    I get that just because the meat feels marbled doesn¡¯t absolutely mean it¡¯d be yummy.


    Not only does everybody have their own taste, but getting rave reviews is a whole different animal.


    It¡¯s understandable. Kinda like how sometimes you might think a dish is good, but you¡¯re not sure if you¡¯d order it again.


    The tenderized meat definitely got more umami and more delicious, but maybe the umami feels almost artificial.


    Well, transforming this ugly duckling into a swan is all I can do.


    ¡°By the way, how much money do you think this meat costed?¡±


    ¡°Hmm? Quite a sum, aye? It is fit for the wealthy and the nobles.¡±


    ¡°The truth is that each piece was only about 10g.¡±


    ¡°Wha¡ª... these are but meat scraps then?¡±


    ¡°Yep, just in ol¡¯ Mimosa Wild Boar. And the toughest cut to boot.¡±


    ¡°What the¡ª?! But, it¡¯s so...¡±


    Celes shifts her bewildered stare between me and the boar steak.


    ¡°Surely, you jest! There is no way this grade of meat would be sold for so little...¡±


    ¡°Ah, I have my secrets. But think about it. Would I so freely serve such expensive meat?¡±


    ¡°Hmpf... you are the Cohgray who cured Master Wayne after all. For you to be able to craft so delicious a steak would not be unthinkable.¡±


    Oh, that¡¯s a good segue.


    ¡°Spoilers alert, but I used a watered-down mixture of Wayne¡¯s medicine to marinate this meat. Ah, but, of course, it¡¯s safe to eat.¡±


    ¡®... I understand thou wishest to brag but do carefully consider thy situation.¡¯


    Veno interjects as to warn me.


    ¡°Umm...¡±


    Arleaf looks kinda disgusted. Oops, I didn¡¯t mean for that to happen.


    ¡°The same medicine, huh? The vigers say Wayne has been molting...¡±


    Celes doesn¡¯t show so much a hint of caring. She, too, must have thick skin.


    That¡¯s a high-rank adventurer for ya; brushing it off like it¡¯s nothing.


    ¡°It¡¯s hrious to think nobles have a taste of something this cheap.¡±


    There¡¯s a way to enjoy the cheapest of ingredients, don¡¯tcha think? That¡¯s some food for thought.


    I pause to think before speaking again.


    ¡°Well, money isn¡¯t everything. Cheap can be good too. Plus, it¡¯ll fill our bellies so that we can go fight afterwards.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s certainly true.¡±


    We continue our lively meal together.


    They might like it, but a Japanese pte might not necessarily be good here.


    ¡®It is a matter of opinion, I believe.¡¯


    When in Rome, they say. But as long as I enjoy it, I¡¯m happy.


    ¡®Thine taste may be important too. When we have the time to rx, perhaps it would be a good idea to showcase thy delicacies.¡¯


    Not a bad idea. Let¡¯s do that when we get the time.


    ¡°Umm, Yukihisa?¡±


    Arleaf takes out a box from her backpack.


    Oh, that¡¯s right. My buff has almost expired and I¡¯m eating already as well.


    ¡°Mm.¡±


    I take the bento from Arleaf and open it up.


    The Hamburg steak from inside waves a hello to me. I stab it with my fork and begin eating., Arleaf¡¯s Poison Cooking makes me instantly stronger.


    ¡°Hmm? What is that? Is there more food?¡±


    Celes noticed our exchange.


    ¡°Ah, you packed lunch for Cohgray? Just for him?¡±


    ¡°No, umm... yes.¡±


    Arleaf answers Celes just as I¡¯m swallowing my food.


    Oh, this is a sticky situation.


    ¡°Hmpf... is that Hamburg steak? May I try some too?¡±


    ¡°No! I understand you may be very powerful, Celes, but you would be risking your life!¡±


    Arleaf replies with nary a pause.


    But of course it would. Wemitted genocide in the sewers with her cooking.


    It¡¯s beyond just poisonous. This is beyond the realm of human consumption. No way she¡¯s getting a bite.


    ¡°Heh heh... a special lunch filled with love for Cohgray, then? I had not expected this.¡±


    Celes pokes fun at Arleaf.


    It¡¯s really no joke though, eh?


    ¡°It simply looked delicious is all. They say sharing meals builds bonds of trust and I would like to berades with you all as well.¡±


    ¡°I feel very guilty for not letting you have any, but...¡±


    Taking advantage of the situation, the remaining bite of Hamburg steak jumps out from the box!


    ¡°Aah!¡±


    Its target is Celes!


    Shit! I immediately reached my hand out, but it was a swing and a miss. Just as Arleaf was persuading Celes, the food jumps into Celes¡¯ mouth.


    ¡°Mughhhhhhh?! Mu! Muuuuu¡ª¡±


    I¡¯m aware that Celes isn¡¯t a myconid, but for some reason, she sounds exactly like Muu right now. She tries desperately to grab the food out from her mouth.


    ¡®Hurry and have her spit it out! She shall perish!¡¯


    ¡°Right!¡±


    ¡°Muuuuuu!¡±


    ¡®Quickly, concoct an antidote! This is a matter of life and death!¡¯


    Under Veno¡¯smand, we began tackling the problem of the flying Hamburg steak.

 Chapter 57

    <h4>Chapter 57</h4>


    ¡°Urgh... that was intense...¡±


    Celes fell unconscious from having Arleaf¡¯s cooking in her mouth for a mere 20 seconds.


    Fortunately, we were able to pull it out before she swallowed.


    Thank goodness that Muu¡¯s hands are so surprisingly stretchy.


    ¡°Muu.¡±


    Well, after we got the food out, I crushed the remaining Hamburg steak in my hand.


    Then, we got Celes to take an antidote and we also healed her, so all in all, she took practically no damage.


    It might¡¯ve been bad if we were any slower.


    If not actually dying, she would¡¯ve beenid up for at least two weeks.


    ¡°Like I told you, you¡¯d be risking your life tasting my food...¡±


    ¡°I apologize... but Cohgray, how in the world do are you able to eat all of it...?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a quirk of mine. Some people call me the Poison-Eater.¡±


    ¡°... I have heard of that name before, but to think that person is you, Sir Cohgray. You truly are astonishing. By the way, what exactly was that?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s my cooking. I was born with a unique skill which causes all of my cooking to be some sort of poison.¡±


    ¡°I¡ªI see... so, that was why you weren¡¯t cooking.¡±


    ¡°Right...¡±


    ¡°Forgive me for being so tactless...¡±


    Celes apologizes before standing up.


    It¡¯s not like I eat Arleaf¡¯s food because I like her for her cooking or anything.


    I mean, she is cute, and I do like her. But there¡¯s a whole slew of different reason why I get her to cook for me.


    It¡¯s a little embarrassing though.


    ¡®Leave the misconception be.¡¯


    I¡¯m super worried about that, but it¡¯s not like I can exin the truth to her either.


    ¡°Feel free to take your time, okay?¡±


    ¡°No, I would like to avoid staying any longer. We mustn¡¯t dally. Let us go.¡±


    Celes then gantly strides forwards and into the mineshaft.


    Along the way, she equipped her gas mask.


    Honestly, I¡¯m kinda uneasy about whether she¡¯s really fine or not, but I guess we can¡¯t help but follow her...


    With that, we headed deeper into the gallery.


    I wondered if it¡¯d be tight inside, but the tunnel stretches five meters across. There¡¯s more than enough room to move around.


    We walked in only a little bit... but it kinda feels like we¡¯ve entered a dungeon.


    ¡°We shall be going deep inside. Brace yourselves. The shape of this dungeon shifts every so often, thus maps are not all that useful. Be careful.¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡±


    It¡¯s a space warping¨Ctype dungeon, eh?


    Like the swamp dungeon, it¡¯s rather well-lit in here, but not blindingly so.


    The path ahead is long... the shaft seems to stretch on forever.


    ¡°There may be toxic gas in the air, so be aware.¡±


    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ve got some Ranger-like skills, so I¡¯ll take the lead.¡±


    ¡°It would be better for me to... but if you wish to, Cohgray, go ahead. Do your best to be careful.¡±


    ¡°Gotcha.¡±


    I¡¯m up front, following behind me are Celes, Muu, and Arleaf.


    Veno senses the monsters for me and I point them out. Celes and Arleaf quickly attacks them with Muu and I assisting.


    The monsters we encounter are much like the ones on the mountain, but in different colors.


    We encountered all sorts of monsters; from Wistaria Rocks and Bordeaux Rock Golems to little golems like Cymen Pink Iron, Plum Bronze Golem, and Ash Grey Silvermen.


    And since I¡¯ve got both Celes and Arleaf killing them for me, it¡¯s hard to get a feel for how strong these monsters are.


    ¡®It would not be too difficult for thee. We are still at the beginning, aye?¡¯


    When there are pockets of toxic gas, Veno shows me how to detour around them or how to vent it out before advancing forward.


    The gas smells rather floral, hey?


    ¡®It is a little questionable to rte poison with flowers, but so far, things are going well. Thou seemst to have be used to this already.¡¯


    I guess so.


    Not to mention, I¡¯m getting a whole lot of experience from this. Every time a monster is defeated, I see my levels tick up.


    Freakin¡¯ sweet. Praise be to power leveling.


    It¡¯s going swimmingly, almost as if it¡¯s easier than the swamp dungeon.


    Veno¡¯s Mapping really helps too.


    The dungeon doesn¡¯t change its shape too often, so it¡¯s actually quite useful.


    Suddenly, we encountered a bunch of rock-type monsters a lot more frequently.


    We¡¯ve got Silver White Lance Mithrilmen and Shadow Blue Hammer Magic Silvermen.


    ... talk about a long name.


    ¡®Thou needn¡¯t worry about their colors; simply regard them as Mithrilmen and Magic Silvermen.¡¯


    Oh, you¡¯ve got a point.


    Anyway, their equipment seems to be a part of their bodies.


    Not only is the experience is good, but the ores in their bodies are what we¡¯re here for.


    ¡°Hmpf! Is that all you¡¯ve got?!¡±


    As Celes sweeps wide with her sword, the monsters swing their weapons. The sh makes a shrill noise.


    ¡°Aqua Shot!¡±


    Arleaf said it¡¯s dangerous to use fire in a mineshaft, so she switched to attacking with water magic.


    It¡¯s pretty dang strong, so even if she doesn¡¯t kill them outright, her magic still helps obstruct the enemies¡¯ movement.


    ¡°Muuuuu!¡±


    Muu puts up a good fight with its axe, but nowhere near the level of the twodies.


    ¡°Swing your hip out more!¡±


    ¡°Muu!¡±


    Muu¡¯s attacks get stronger with pointers from Celes.


    And me? Well, I¡¯ve got a crossbow lent to me by Wayne and it does a good job too.


    But it¡¯s kinda in and it doesn¡¯t really kill.


    I could let out a poisonous mist, but I¡¯ll likely hit Celes and Arleaf with it too.


    The only other poison that would be good would be my new Mollifying Poison, I guess.


    They¡¯re rocks, so they¡¯re bound to be hard. I get the feeling that Paralysis Poison wouldn¡¯t do a heck of a lot on them.


    ¡®It is not the case that it is ineffective, but unfortunately, thy poison is more akin to living creatures. Thou must increase your poison vocabry.¡¯


    Then what¡¯s a good poison on these rock-types?


    ¡®There are silencing-type poisons which lowers defense. Silencing refers to the obstruction of their magical abilities, reducing the amount of mana in their system. It would be fairly effective against these monsters. Of course, anything to lower their hardness would be another option. Other than that, perhaps something to induce confusion would be good. However, it would not work unless the poison gets circted in their systems.¡¯


    That¡¯s hard to picture in my head.


    I mean, for an ex-software engineer from modern Japan like me, I¡¯m basically told to imagine a whole new concept.


    ¡®Nay, they are but stones and ores after all. That means they have a body. If you inject poison into their bodies, then it would circte in their system.¡¯


    What about monsters without a physical body then? Like spirits or something?


    ¡®Then mists would be effective against them, much like the same reason why holy water is effective.¡¯


    Hmm... there¡¯s a myriad of different ways to use poison, huh?


    ¡°Wha¡ª?!¡±


    Celes squats down low in preparation of something.


    What the heck is happening?


    Then suddenly... the walls deep inside get wider and wider.


    What? Is the shaft shapeshifting right before my eyes?


    As the thought crosses my mind, something draws closer with a loud ka-thunk, ka-thunk.


    They sound like the footsteps of something heavy.


    ¡°Seems like we¡¯re lucky today.¡±


    Celes shes a fearless grin and readies her sword.


    For some reason though, I don¡¯t think there¡¯s anybody that would agree with her statement...

 Chapter 58

    <h4>Chapter 58</h4>


    ¡°Is somethinging?¡±


    I have a really bad feeling about this...


    ¡°Rumors say that something big lives in this mine. If all goes well, not only will we be able to upgrade your weapons, but mine as well.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s if we win, right?¡±


    ¡°If it is a monster that man cannot win against, then we shall retreat. It is not like I wish to die here either.¡±


    Oh, is it an infamous boss monster then?


    Something even bigger and badder than Elbatoxin.


    Like, if it¡¯s something on Veno¡¯s level, then we should evacuate at one, right?


    ¡®That is a given. And there are monsters that are rarely defeated by humans, no matter how strong they may be... like wyverns. Manticores, too, are only challenged and beaten by the bravest heroes.¡¯


    Veno begins to speak in a hushed tone.


    Us humans are weaker than I thought.


    That¡¯s why they came up with magic like Forced Possession Summoning, I guess.


    ¡®But if one were to wield a sacred sword, such as the Karma ze, it would be a different story. Even I would be no match against it. And, if wielding weapons made from dragon parts or other high-rank monsters, thou standest a considerable chance too. These ¡°boss monsters¡± are not undefeatable after all.¡¯


    Man, that¡¯s an inconvenient truth. I guess that¡¯s why they targeted you too, huh?


    ¡®Aye, that is likely.¡¯


    It might sting a little, but... can¡¯t you pluck off a few scales for us? We can give them to Wayne to make us some new equipment. It¡¯s the ultimate crafting material, right?


    ¡®¡¯Tis a shame, but due to the effects of Forced Possession Summoning, no parts of my body can pass through this dimension.¡¯


    What, despite your number one and number two being able to pass through?


    ¡®Even I am unsure of the details of how it works. If thou truly desirest, I could force through the spell and potentially alert our pursuers.¡¯


    Ugh... you really like to put me in my ce, don¡¯tcha?


    ¡®It would not be such a bad idea if the situation calls for it. However, I cannot ascertain how near they are as of now.¡¯


    While Veno speaks, the source of the thumping footsteps widens the shaft and it finally shows itself.


    It¡¯s a giant, about five and a half meters tall, fully d in armor.


    Its proportions aren¡¯t like a human¡¯s, but rather much wider and heavier.


    Oh? I thought it was armor, but it looks more like a mineral. A very pure mineral perhaps?


    Safkrym


    Its name pops up in my field of vision.


    Safkrym then grabs the hammer it has strapped to its back to have it at the ready.


    Behind their boss are his minions wielding bows and arrows.


    Following its lead, we ready our weapons too. Celes looks at me and shoots me a look with her eyes saying, ¡°We should be fine.¡±


    Is that right? But... are you including me in the fight too?


    I know that you¡¯re super strong, Celes, and Arleaf isn¡¯t far behind you either.


    But will I be fine with me and just my Poison Cooking buff? I¡¯m worried for Muu, too.


    ¡®... I came to check out this unusual presence and who do I find? Lil¡¯ Veno Yveval, the Defiant, trapped in this vessel. Perhaps this is a good opportunity to make myself better known.¡¯


    ¡°Hmpf... if you knew your ce, thou wouldst turn tail and run. To overestimate yourself is... rather foolish. So, this is the den of an upstart? A ce where humans roam freely and a hideout for thee when stronger monsterse along. Absolutely repulsive.¡¯


    Just like with Elbatoxin, Veno gets into a quarrel this time around too.


    In the middle of it, Veno exins how Safkrym gained fame. Originally, its name was Pure Orichalcum Magic Armor King.


    But over time, it gained Mana and strength, bing the Safkrym today.


    ¡®You don¡¯t need to act brave. The weak human you call your vessel cannot possibly be as strong as I am.¡¯


    ¡®What can I say? Thou hast yet to understand thine own self. Monsters who live alongside with humans tend to be overweening. How distasteful.¡¯


    ¡®Dragons like you are all talk. I can never understand why you lot are so full of yourselves.¡¯


    ¡®Proud, I may be, but because I know full well of my standing, I still breathe. Dost thou not understand, fool?¡¯


    ¡®Have you forgotten that you¡¯re branded as a backstabber?!¡¯


    ¡®He wanted to create a world for no one but himself. There was no way I could ept that cold-blooded tyrant. I consider the title a badge of honor than a mark of shame!¡¯


    ¡®Enough! I will shut you up then use your parts to build myself even stronger!¡¯


    ¡®Thou shouldst have said so from the beginning! I shall have thee understand thou art smaller and weaker than any human!¡¯


    And, as always, Veno struts like he¡¯s better than everyone.


    You know, that¡¯s just gonnae to bite us in the ass, right?


    ¡°Umm...¡±


    Arleaf looks over, confused as to how she should make of the situation.


    Yep, he was like this with Elbatoxin too.


    ¡°¡ª!¡±


    Safkrym bellows with a mighty noise and swings his hammer. Pretty quick for a heavyweight.


    But Arleaf easily dodges it and, it goes without saying, Celes does too.


    ¡°Muu?!¡±


    Muu couldn¡¯t react in time. It holds on to its cap tightly while being sent flying and I sidestep out of its trajectory.


    Muu tries its best to stay away from Safkrym while gunning for the minions who were trying to snipe us.


    ¡°Take care of them!¡±


    ¡°Muuuuu!¡±


    Muu rushes over with his axe held high.


    Them minions are nothing that Muu can¡¯t handle.


    ¡°It may have seemed sluggish, but it is agile... we may be in for a tough battle.¡±


    With a single hammer blow, Safkrym created a crater in the ground and shakes the mineshaft.


    It¡¯s hard to keep my bnce in this earthquake.


    ¡®You may have avoided my feint, but you¡¯re in a world of hurt if you think that¡¯s all I have.¡¯


    It raises its hammer and begins to close the distance between us.


    That¡¯s just nasty how it can move so quickly with that lumbering body.


    Safkrym has raw strength; it doesn¡¯t need to rely on dirty tricks like Elbatoxin did.


    But Celes remains calm even while we have a lot on our tes.


    ¡°Aqua... Shot!¡±


    Instead of casting out a single ball of water with Aqua Bullet, Arleaf shoots out many at once, much like buckshot from a shotgun.


    ¡®It is the advanced version of Aqua Bullet. Though it requires about the same amount of time to cast, it is weaker if the user is inurate with it. Of course, if all shots do connect, it is quite powerful although not easily aplished.¡¯


    As Veno finishes his sentence, all of Arleaf¡¯s Aqua Shot manages to find its target.


    ¡®The more Mana invested, the more urate the homing is. Well done, Arleaf.¡¯


    The shots strike with a satisfying clunk, causing Safkrym to re at her. Though, Safkrym is still charging forward targeting me.


    ¡°Let me handle it! Haaaah!¡±


    Celes lets out a powerful shout and brandishes her sword... whoa! She¡¯s lightning fast! Never have I seen someone move that quickly before.


    ¡®Wha¡ª?! How cocky of you!¡¯


    Safkrym sweeps with his hammer in a full circle, sending out a strong gust and shockwave.


    But, not only is Celes unaffected, she seemingly rides the wind and waves to cut the monster.


    ¡°Haaaaah! Luminous de!¡±


    The de glows as Celes holds it aloft.


    Ites down with such strength that it sunk into Safkrym¡¯s armor.


    ¡°Tch... harder than I thought.¡±


    ¡®What?! A lowly human managed to cut me?!¡¯


    Hurting the monster seemed to anger it and, in its fury, Safkrym swings its hammer at Celes again.


    But Celes avoids the strike by the skin of her teeth, using the centrifugal of her movement to strike back at Safkrym.


    Awesome... I¡¯ve never seen such gracefulbat before.

 Chapter 59

    <h4>Chapter 59</h4>


    ¡®Stop spacing out! Let her do the attacking. Thou shouldst focus on halting Safkrym¡¯s movement and be quick about it!¡¯


    ... gotcha!


    This is the best option I have right now.


    I use Poison Enchantment on the bolt and load it into my crossbow.


    I don¡¯t think Celes wouldugh if I hit her, so I gotta be extra careful with my aiming.


    Before I fire, though, I¡¯ll let her know.


    ¡°Celes! Make sure you don¡¯t get hit by this bolt. I used that thing from earlier!¡±


    ¡°What?!¡±


    Celes, who was just up in Safkrym¡¯s face, now has a confident smirk on her face as she leaps away from the enemy.


    Damn, she¡¯s quick on her feet!


    ¡®Well, I cannot suggest being an adventurer if one cannot quickly escape from harm...¡¯


    You can almost hear Veno roll his eyes. I almost feel bad for Celes after seeing her run away at full speed.


    ¡®You can¡¯t get away!¡¯


    Whoo, I better hit the bastard.


    ¡°Let me support you! Binding Whip!¡±


    Arleaf summons vines to ensnare Safkrym in order to back me up.


    Oh? Maybe because Arleaf¡¯s more proficient in magic now, but they look more like roots than vines now.


    I guess the more Mana you have, the stronger your magic gets too.


    ¡®Don¡¯t think that can stop me!¡¯


    Safkrym breaks free of the roots like child¡¯s y.


    But, hey, that brief moment is plenty enough time for me.


    ¡°Suck on this!¡±


    I focus and activate Power Shot as I pull the trigger on the crossbow.


    The sizzling bolt whizzes through the air and sticks into Safkrym.


    ¡®Wh-What is this?! Gwaaaaaaah?! Poison?! It¡¯s nearly melting my skin off! Gaaaaaah!¡¯


    Just as Safkrym was about to give chase, I strike it with Arleaf¡¯s poison.


    ¡°... it¡¯s good that it¡¯s working so well, but am I supposed to be happy about it?¡±


    Arleaf has a strained expression on her face. It¡¯s almost as if she can¡¯t decide on whether to be happy to be useful or to be embarrassed that her cooking is causing it.


    ¡°Muuuu!¡±


    Meanwhile, Muu takes on the minions head-on.


    Muu looks like it¡¯s holding up. Go kick some ass for me, boy.


    ¡®Gah... don¡¯t go thinking you had me with that!¡¯


    Whoa! I can¡¯t believe he¡¯s still able to fight after getting hit with Arleaf¡¯s Poison Cooking!


    Even Elbatoxin got wrecked by it, but Safkrym¡¯s still standing?


    Then, from a distance away, Celes begins to charge up her power for something.


    What, is she unleashing her ultimate?


    ¡°Well done! It is more than weak enough now! Splendid how your power is way beyond than your level suggests! Leave the rest to me now!¡±


    Celes quickly closes the distance.


    ¡°You¡¯re done for!¡±


    Putting all her strength into that swing, Celes cuts Safkrym¡¯s arm clean off and sends it flying.


    ¡®Wha¡ª?! Gyaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!¡¯


    Safkrym cries out in pain.


    To figuratively kick it while it¡¯s down, Celes rushes in close again and slices Safkrym down again.


    ¡®God damn! To lose to the Defiant is one thing, but to be defeated by a human?!¡¯


    Still writhing in pain from losing an arm, Safkrym begins to swing its hammer with the remaining arm. What¡¯s it gonna do?!


    The hammer turns red hot.


    ¡®Take this! Meggido Qu¡ª¡¯


    However, as if it means nothing to her, Celes follows up with another attack.


    ¡°Taste my de! Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!¡±


    ¡°¡ªake... wha¡ª?! I-Impossible! Oof!¡±


    She slices Safkrym through its arm and neck in one clean arc.


    ¡®Incredible... for a human to be able to cut through Safkrym. Truly, the cksmith told no lies¡ªI can believe that she can take on a wyvern alone.¡¯


    As Veno announces his thoughts out loud, Safkrym¡¯s gigantic corpse crashes to the ground.


    ¡°All right! An easy victory. Let us hurry!¡±


    While Celes holds her sword at the corpse, Muu cleaned up the rest of the minions it was holding at bay.


    We followed suit and rejoined them... but isn¡¯t Celes, like, super overpowered?


    ¡®It shows how strong she is. Safkrym is but small fry to me, much like how Elbatoxin was too.¡¯


    Hmm... I¡¯m sure they¡¯re nothing to you, but we wouldn¡¯t stand a chance against our pursuers if they¡¯re as strong as Celes.


    At least I give it my all today. With the buff from Arleaf¡¯s toxins, I managed tond a critical supporting shot.


    ¡®There is something about the way she wields that sword... it looks oddly... familiar?¡¯


    I ignore whatever Veno is muttering and bask in our victory instead.


    Jeez, that Celes is strong.


    She¡¯s even stronger than Arleaf, whose level is way higher than ours.


    Yeah, it was definitely the right choice toe ying monsters with her.


    ¡°Now then... it was easy defeating this big thing, but how should we bring it home? It would be easier to cut it into pieces, but...¡±


    Celes mutters while staring at Safkrym¡¯s corpse.


    ¡°Oh, let me use my storage magic on it.¡±


    ¡°Hmm? You will? It is not exactly simple to store away such a humongous body though.¡±


    ¡°My mentor has taught me some... secret trick for storing stuff like this. Let me try my hand on it.¡±


    ¡®What a glib tongue thou hast. Perhaps an excuse would be necessary for something as big as this. We are fortunate to have been able to defeat somethingprised of nothing but useful materials.¡¯


    Veno continues as he stores away the carcass.


    ¡®Oh, and do not forget that it is not a simple thing to use storage magic on something with magic resistance. Safkrym has that property. It would be strange for normal humans to be able to aplish this feat.¡¯


    I get it, I get it. You mentioned resistancest time with Arleaf¡¯s cooking too.


    ¡°Still... as d as I am to be victorious, my de has chipped...¡±


    She looks bothered as she inspects her sword.


    Yeah, there¡¯s a chunk missing on the thing. I feel bad since it looks like it¡¯s a good sword too.


    ¡°Sorry for bringing you so many troubles.¡±


    ¡°Worry not. It was my decision to fight this battle. And, with all of your help, we were able to weaken it and to so quickly defeat it, Normally, I would be stuck fighting for days.¡±


    ¡°... you can fight for that long?¡±


    ¡°I kid you not. We humans are weaker than monsters. Therefore, we must ovee the difference with wisdom, bravery, and sweat.¡±


    ¡®Aye... quite the bother.¡¯


    How can Veno say that as the strongest thing here?


    ¡°And Miss Arleaf too, your powers are boundless. I did not think you could use it offensively at that brute.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I enchanted my bolt with it. It¡¯s our secret weapon.¡±


    ¡°... ah, hmm, yes...¡±


    Arleaf nods in agreement with a pained look on her face.


    Well, it was supposed to be food, so I can¡¯t imagine she¡¯d be very happy to be useful in such an opposite manner.


    ¡°Muu...¡±


    ¡°Hmph... if only I can use it regrly too. As much as I would like to ask you for it, any small mistake would be incredibly dangerous... it is something that only Cohgray can handle.¡±


    I wonder.


    I¡¯m imagining Arleaf giving her cooking to Celes then Celes chucks it at her enemies.


    ¡®Let me create a simtion for thee.¡¯


    Celes throws a container full of Arleaf¡¯s cooking at the enemy. The food escapes from the box and overruns the monster.


    Immediately after, though, I see Celes and her team get mobbed too.


    They try to fight the food, but as they¡¯re resistant to magic, the good guys quickly get overrun as well.


    The food manages to find the smallest gaps to jump into her allies¡¯ mouths and knocks them out.


    Celes andpany may have been victorious, but at what cost?


    ¡®And that was against a monster that can be defeated by humans. Anything my level would render the food to cinder!¡¯

 Chapter 60

    <h4>Chapter 60</h4>


    ¡°I assume your poison would have many applications.¡±


    ¡°Kinda... umm, well, you might actually be using my poison already.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°There is an inexpensive monster repellent on the market... made with a diluted form of my poison. It¡¯s the specialty of our vige.¡±


    Arleaf answers Celes with bitter smile.


    ¡°I never knew. That cheap and effective monster repellent is powered by that? Haha... I see, I see.¡±


    It¡¯s almost as if it was no surprise to her.


    ¡°Miss Arleaf, your cooking is a truly a rare talent. Please keep on developing it for the future of mankind. As a favor to me.¡±


    ¡°Err... maybe ease up and not bully Arleaf too much. It¡¯s not exactly something she¡¯s proud of.¡±


    ¡°If you¡ªsomeone who wields so much power¡ªsay so, then so be it, Sir Cohgray.¡±


    And then, we explored the dungeon and gathered plenty of materials.


    It was my first time using a pickaxe and it was almost an emotional moment for me.


    We¡¯ve also had a few easy fights during our time in there. I even leveled up to Lv 48.


    I¡¯m now able to use many more poisons, with a good portion of them being not weak, but moderate-level. Furthermore, it seems like they require less time to create too.


    Oh, like Arleaf, I got Dart Sense and also Assassin Sense too. But that second one sounds a little disturbing.


    I wish I got something more than just these magic-type Senses though...


    ¡®Thy profession is much like a Ranger, so this much is expected... not to mention, your traps also use magic. I would go so far to say that thou art one half Ranger and the other half like a monster.¡¯


    I don¡¯t know whether to thank Veno or to me Veno for that. I guess that¡¯s what makes me unique though.


    And my Poison Absorption also got upgraded. It¡¯s now Deadly Poison Absorption.


    Maybe I¡¯ll get even better buffs from Arleaf¡¯s cooking from now on.


    ¡®There is no man more fitting for Arleaf than thee. Art thou prepared for that?¡¯


    Perhaps she heard Veno speak, Arleaf bashfully looks over to me and then at the ground.


    Yeah. She¡¯s cute. Just seeing her like that fills me with joy.


    But... yeah. She¡¯s a good girl. I¡¯ve got to treat her right.


    Wait for me until I can at least protect you from anything thates our way.


    ¡°Umm. It won¡¯t be long until I get strong.¡±


    ¡°Of course...¡±


    Gosh, this is a little embarrassing.


    Well, I should be happy that I leveled up so quick from Arleaf¡¯s Poison Cooking. I even kinda want to advance my job too.


    ¡°Muuu!¡±


    ¡°Muu-Muu¡¯s even leveled up a bunch too, all thanks to Celes.¡±


    Muu¡¯s now Lv 41. He¡¯s learned how to use storage magic on small objects. Before the battle, he made his axe appear out of thin air much like Veno can.


    It¡¯s not until long until we all go for our advanced jobs, right?


    On our way back, I noticed a few pools of toxic gas. And with Hunting Sense and Veno¡¯s incredible sensing powers, we even managed to avoid a couple of traps.


    As soon as we got out of the dungeon, Celes stands on her tippy-toes and makes a big stretch.


    ¡°Whew... it is rare that dungeon crawling with such a small team goes well. There is much potential to be unleashed when adventuring with you, Cohgray. Let us work hard together in the future as well.¡±


    ¡°Oh, no, it was all you, Celes.¡±


    ¡°I am very happy to hear you think that. Well, then...shall we head down the mountain and rest up? Or perhaps return to Master Wayne¡¯s to use these materials before returning? It is a difficult decision...¡±


    ¡°What can we expect to find deeper in the dungeon?¡±


    ¡°Hmm... it might be a little tricky for you and your party as it gets a bit tougher. To ensure your safety, you should get new equipment or at least change to an advanced ss.¡±


    It¡¯s that hard, eh?


    ¡®Having sensed the mana in there, I know that the walls deep in the dungeon are warped. In that case, there might be another monster vying for territory. It shall surely be dangerous.¡¯


    ¡°Though we¡¯ve fought a rarerge monster already, taking another one would be pretty rough.¡±


    Maybe it¡¯s better if we go back and get our equipment sorted out...


    It would be irresponsible for us to venture on, thinking that it¡¯d be easy.


    I¡¯ll defer to the veteran and head home.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go back then, shall we?¡±


    ¡°In that case... let us return to Master Wayne.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    With that, we began heading home. Unfortunately, there wasn¡¯t a direct coach that would take us there, so we had to take a little detour.


    Well, it¡¯s not like it¡¯s a big difference anyway, so I¡¯ll enjoy the wagon ride.


    We sure earned lots today too.


    ¡®Aye, quite so. They were very helpful with helping you gain levels. Not only was it a fruitful hunt, thou shalt even catch up to the littless soon.¡¯


    By the way, are we at the level of mid-rank adventurers yet?


    ¡®Good question. Indeed, thou hast a high level in thy base profession. But perhaps not enough to consider another profession yet.¡¯


    Maybe there¡¯s still a long way for me to go. I¡¯d like to just enjoy myself, but it sucks to be stuck in limbo though.


    ¡®I remember thess¡¯ ancestor had once said that he enjoyed the thrill. And no matter what came his way, he had always been moving at his own pace. In that sense, perhaps thou art already a mid-ranking adventurer.¡¯


    There¡¯s so much I want to say, but whatever.


    Then, our coach stopped by at a vige...


    ¡°Hmm? Excuse me. Please hold for a moment.¡±


    Celes calls out to an adventurer-looking person walking down the road.


    It seems like the adventurer knows Celes as well, warmly chatting with her.


    In the end, her acquaintance makes a gloomy face.


    Then, Celes returns to us with a troubled look on her face too.


    ¡°It seems like I will need some more time here. I apologize, but please go on without me.¡±


    ¡°Is something the matter?¡±


    ¡°Muu?¡±


    Celes answers Arleaf¡¯s question with a pained look in her eyes.


    ¡°Yes. This is the hometown of one of myrades. I learned that his family is quite ill... and I offered to pay them a visit.¡±


    Whoa... she really is a saint.


    ¡®Are we but convenient strangers to her then? She has already decided to leave us and visit some friends.¡¯


    Well, we¡¯re nning to head back to Wayne to drop off the materials anyway, right?


    She¡¯ll catch up to us while Wayne is busy at the smithy.


    Maybe she¡¯ll even be in time for the next coach that stops here.


    Is it really something to beining so much about?


    ¡®Nay. But I am sure there are those who would be so narrow-minded.¡¯


    Man, I don¡¯t understand Veno¡¯s view on humans...


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing you should be apologizing for. Right, Yukihisa?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. In fact, couldn¡¯t wee with you? If they¡¯re sick, then maybe I can do something about it.¡±


    I¡¯m sure any friend of Celes can¡¯t be that bad of a person. It might be nice for all of us to check up on them.


    Of course, it¡¯s not like I¡¯m expecting Veno to be able to cure anything. But if it¡¯s nothing too serious, maybe we have a chance.


    ¡°To be precise, it is not exactly an illness... but I shall ept. If you are fine with it, then let me speak to my friend.¡±


    Celes goes to speak to herrade and exins the situation to him.


    He was agreeable and understanding and so, we¡¯re heading off together.

 Chapter 61

    <h4>Chapter 61</h4>


    We arrived at and entered the home of Celes¡¯rade.


    It¡¯s a proper brick house that¡¯s seemingly a little nicer than the others in the neighborhood.


    If an adventure is strong enough to fight beside Celes, they probably earn enough to befortable.


    ¡°Thank you foring all the way here.¡±


    ¡°Thank you very much.¡±


    ¡°Not at all. We just happened to be in the area.¡±


    Celes¡¯rade then introduced us to his father and brother.


    Well, we probably seem like nothing more than Celes¡¯ escort, so I briefly introduce myself too.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure my wife will be very d to see you all.¡±


    The man then leads us to his bedridden wife.


    Just what kind of illness gues her, I wonder.


    ¡®By the looks of her, it seems not to be amon one.¡¯


    Well, their whole family is pretty glum about it. Though, the rest of them seem healthy.


    That says a lot about the disease though.


    Heck, I almost feel like a doctor already. I approach my patient.


    ¡°Wee, and tha¡ªcough, cough¡ªthank you foring.¡±


    Inside was a middle-aged woman with a hand on her chest and a pained look on her face, mbering out of bed to greet us.


    Needless to say, but herplexion is sickly; she¡¯s visibly unwell.


    ¡°Oh, you needn¡¯t get up. Please take it easy. I am Celes, a friend of your son. I have always been relying on his strength. He is alwaysying his life on the line to fulfill his wishes. I would like you to know that his goals are ours, too.¡±


    She¡¯s talking about something we¡¯re not expected to understand.


    Celes speaks while grasping the woman¡¯s hand, showing her earnestness.


    And perhaps it¡¯s getting through. Celes¡¯ reassurance puts a warm smile to her face.


    ¡°And are those more mates behind you? I am so d my son has met so many friends.¡±


    ¡°Umm, well... yeah. That¡¯s right, Mom.¡±


    Celes¡¯rade hesitates for a bit but goes with the flow.


    It wouldn¡¯t be necessary to pick nits and correct her.


    But, judging by their exchange... you just know that the mom is very ill.


    If this were Japan... it¡¯d be close tote-stage cancer.


    Seeing her son and his friends paying her respects moved her to tears.


    It¡¯s oddlyforting.


    Anyway, let¡¯s get to the point and see how her condition is.


    ¡°Would you mind if we took a look at you? We are well-versed in medicines and potions.¡±


    ¡°Cohgray, the madam is not sick per se...¡±


    Not sick? Oh, right, they mentioned it earlier.


    ¡°Still, Cohgray is proficient at creating recovery potions. It might be beneficial for him to take a look. What do you say?¡±


    ¡°Right... well, if he is a friend of yours, then I can trust him.¡±


    The woman gives her approval with a gentle smile.


    With her consent, I get closer and check her situation out. But, of course, it¡¯s Veno who¡¯s doing the diagnosis.


    ¡®Hmph. Leave it to me and I may be able toe up with something.¡¯


    He¡¯s really the kind to help anyone.


    What happened the ol¡¯ ¡°Take responsibility!¡± and half-hearted Veno?


    He¡¯s grown to be a lot more positive since we all left Nisua together.


    ¡®Hold thy tongue. Hurry and examine her!¡¯


    Alright, alright. I think it¡¯d be better if I had a stethoscope for situations like these, but maybe Veno can tell just by looking at her.


    ¡°It stems from here...¡±


    Oh? There¡¯s a particrly afflicted part?


    She rolls up the sleeve on her right arm and pulls down her clothes to her chest.


    ... what is this? A ck welt? It snakes from her arm right up to her chest.


    The tip of it even has a bruise, almost in the shape of a dragon¡¯s head.


    You might even mistake it for a ck dragon tattoo or something.


    ¡®This is... ugh. I cannot believe something like this still exists.¡¯


    Veno disgustedly mutters out.


    It seems like he knows something about it.


    ¡®Certainly, this is no disease. It would be more urate to call it a symptom of a curse. Bloodflower was actually modeled after this. You could even say this is the original. ¡®Tis a hex.¡¯


    That whole diagnosis is a big yikes.


    Just thinking about Bloodflower again makes me nervous.


    ¡®¡¯Tis nostalgic for me. Thess¡¯ ancestor and I only met because he was also afflicted by this curse, seeking me out to y me.¡¯


    Why don¡¯t you exin it everything before you start reminiscing about the past?


    ¡®Aye, that is fair. This curse... this hex is called Dragonfall¡¯s Charge. This abominable curse is created with forbidden magics by man long ago.¡¯


    It¡¯s man-made?


    ¡®Aye. The rulers of yore sought dragon parts and dragon treasures. So, they ced this hex on adventurers and then publicly med dragons for it,pelling the adventurers to take up arms. It is utmost cowardly.¡¯


    ¡°It is an abominable curse ced by dragons to cause humans to suffer. To dispel it, we must y its source...¡±


    Celes chimes up as I examine the patient. It¡¯s exactly as Veno described it.


    ¡®Of course, this spurs the development of the young men in this family. They must grow up to be a hero so that they can one day defeat the dragon lest his precious family sumbs to the curse.¡¯


    I don¡¯t get what Veno¡¯s point is.


    ¡®I have seen many dragons falling because of this. It concludes with the tyrants lifting the curse in exchange of the dragon¡¯s treasure, materials, and even territory. ¡®Tis inevitable. Humans are, quite truthfully, fearsome creatures.¡¯


    But jeez... the culprits are still atrge.


    ¡®To return to the topic of thess¡¯ ancestor and I, the method to lifting the curse was well-known in his time. ¡®Tis strange that the curse still exists.¡¯


    Well, doesn¡¯t it mean that the method has been lost in time?


    ¡®Perhaps. He was always a forgetful one.¡¯


    So, do you still remember it?


    ¡®Hold on. It may be easy to lift... aye, but there is careful handiwork, so the old method would not work. But, for a dragon like me...¡¯


    Veno had already begun to dispel the hex.


    It might sound like a bit of software engineering jargon, but it¡¯s almost like a high-speed, high-bandwidth wireless connection.


    ¡®I have concluded the analysis. I even have some clues as to the source of the curse. ¡®Tis rather despicable how the curse was ced. Back then, they would bury a medium in the home to afflict the household. This, however, is the work of someone who had many dragons in.¡¯


    Veno showed me the results of his analysis and the source of the hex in my vision. Then, he spawned a piece of parchment with instructions on it.


    ¡°Please assemble for me high-ranking Mages and Priests who are capable of performing rituals.¡±

 Chapter 62

    <h4>Chapter 62</h4>


    ¡°... what?¡±


    Celes¡¯ incredulous expression was frozen in ce by shock and surprise.


    ¡°There was once an infamous monster who had propagated a disease named ¡°Bloodflower¡± that was based off of this curse, hence why I am familiar with it.¡±


    ¡°I have heard that you had eradicated a pestilence before, Cohgray, but this is¡ª¡±


    Though Celes was hesitant, her friend was not; he was desperate for anything that could help his mother.


    ¡°Celes! It... might be a good idea just to try it out. No medicine or nothing has ever helped before...¡±


    ¡°But your mother would suffer if this fails. Worst case scenario, it might even lead to her death.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m¡ªcough¡ªI¡¯m fine. It would be better than not trying at all¡ªcough.¡±


    ¡°Yukihisa...¡±


    Arleaf sps her hands together as if she¡¯s praying.


    Veno is actually kinda amazing when ites to times like these. I know he won¡¯t let us down.


    ¡®Yes, recognize mine greatness! I shall have you start worshipping me like the littless does.¡¯


    We coulda ended it there nicely, y¡¯know? Plus, it¡¯s not like it¡¯d be weird for me to be praying to the Lord Holy Dragon anyway... I really did respect you for a bit. But no, now you ruined it.


    ¡®Silence! In any case, you and thess should join in on the ritual too. If all goes well, it should prove to do good. It shall help thess with her ss advancement as well.¡¯


    ¡°Understood.¡±


    ¡°... fine. But if I sense it to go awry, please cease at once.¡±


    ¡°Okay. It¡¯ll likely react when we try to lift the curse, so just get ready to knock us out of it before things get out of hand.¡±


    One by one, high-leveled mages and priests began to arrive by the request of Celes¡¯rade and they soon started the ritual.


    Arleaf joined in as well. On the other hand, Celes was nervously supervising the situation.


    ¡®Hmm... including the cksmith, there seems to be quite a few cases of these queer curses and diseases. I cannot help but feel that there is someone or something behind it all.¡¯


    You mean, there¡¯s another monster like Elbatoxin around?


    That¡¯d be a real pain in the ass...


    ¡®Nay... judging by the source of the hex...¡¯


    The magic circle begins to glow brightly, interrupting Veno¡¯s thoughts.


    ¡°Aughhhhhhh...¡±


    Lying in the middle of the magic circle is the hexeddy, groaning. She ces her hand on her chest as ck smoke rises out. And then, the smoke turns into light and disappears.


    ¡°I-I...¡±


    Thedy leaps to her feet, checking over her chest and right arm.


    Not a single trace was left of the hex.


    ¡°I can feel the strength returning to my body!¡±


    As the color and a smile returned to her face, she runs up to her friends and family and embraces them all.


    ¡°What on... but... she may be feeling better, but the curse is still...¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it the same as ying the dragon?¡±


    ¡°Hmpf... if she is better temporarily...¡±


    What Celes is saying is oddly simr to what Wayne had said before.


    ¡®Hmm... perhaps...¡¯


    ¡°What is the meaning of this, Cohgray?¡±


    Ah, Celes wants the truth out of me. I guess I gotta exin it to her.


    I thought Arleaf was going to tell her, but it¡¯s only natural for her to hesitate telling Celes about Veno.


    Alright, time to dole out excuses.


    ¡°This curse is a form of Dragonfall¡¯s Charge.¡±


    ¡°Dragonfall¡¯s Charge?¡±


    ¡°Do you recall from the tales regarding a curse that can only be lifted from ying a dragon? It is the foundation of this one.¡±


    ¡°Yes, there are quite a few legends like that, usually with the hero training hard and then going to battle.¡±


    I don¡¯t know any of the legends from this world, but let¡¯s go with it since it¡¯s working.


    ¡®This curse also has many other derivatives. Other monsters may also be targets, not just dragons. Such is the work of cowardly humans.¡¯


    ¡°This is something created by mankind a long time ago and actually has little to do with dragons. Rulers of yore wanted the brave and talented to kill monsters and so they employed this curse. After defeating the target, the hex would then be nullified.¡±


    It¡¯s a dirty trick. Almost on the same level as Forced Possession Summoning.


    ¡®Aye. I am disgusted at how humans keeping with such despicable methods.¡¯


    ¡°The method to undo this hex should already be well-known, but it seems to me like this is a new variation.¡±


    ¡°Ah... how can I ever thank you?¡±


    The motheres to thank us with a hug. I return the hug before continuing the exnation.


    ¡®Beware of being cursed again. Ites from¡ª¡¯


    ¡°Oh, please don¡¯t worry about it. Whoever witnessed your son¡¯s talents is to me. It¡¯s not exactly an impossibility, so do be extremely cautious so that you do not get cursed again.¡±


    ¡°Of course. Then... what can I do to prevent it?¡±


    ¡°Hmm... the curse can be traced to a statue at a church used when changing jobs.¡±


    ¡°What?!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not quite sure who or where, but it seems to affect the family members of whoever prays there.¡±


    It¡¯s works just like aputer virus.


    And it¡¯s just evil where they put it.


    ¡®Aye, it is certainly simr to your puter virus¡± how it is made publicly essible.¡¯


    ¡°However...¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not prohibiting you from praying. I¡¯m saying you should be careful is all. The problem is that the perpetrator could even know that we¡¯ve undone the hex on you. In that case, what worked this time may not work a second time...¡±


    ¡®That should not be a problem in the immediate future. I have broken the curse in this area. Whoever created this Dragonfall¡¯s Charge must have spent quite some effort to make it so tricky to lift.¡¯


    Wouldn¡¯t it be a better idea to prevent everybody from being cursed?


    ¡°In any case, this is quite the powerful curse, so defeating the perpetrator might take some time. But, if we quickly spread out, we should be able to stop them.¡±


    I omitted the important bit about Veno.


    ¡®Do not be mistaken that I am all-mighty. If thou wishest to go that far, then we must go to whoever is behind this. It would also be difficult for humans to ce the preventative spell.¡¯


    ¡°Religion is important. If you have to pray, you should use a personal item that you know you can trust. And if you must change jobs, then I rmend using another religion¡¯s church.¡±


    ¡°But...¡±


    Religion is as touchy of a subject as I thought.


    I get that it¡¯s an important part of spiritual support.


    That means I gotta reword it more carefully.


    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t be mistaken. I¡¯m not telling you to switch religions; it¡¯s important what or who you pray to. The fact that we are visiting must mean that your prayers are being answered. Whoever ced the curse onto the religious symbol is to me.¡±


    ¡°Mom, he¡¯s trying to say that it¡¯s important we catch the bad guy behind this... so let¡¯s just be thankful that you¡¯re better now.¡±


    Her son reassures his very worried mother.


    ¡°You¡¯re right. Then let us wholeheartedly wee you all.¡±


    ¡°I appreciate your thoughts, but we have other matters at hand... I¡¯d like to excuse ourselves instead.¡±


    Everybody in the room seems to be dumbfounded at what I had just said.


    ¡°But... you lifted this curse for us. Are you saying you are going to leave just like that?¡±


    I guess I¡¯m being a little too generous.


    Since I¡¯m at the home of someone who¡¯s pretty strong, I¡¯m sure I can ask for a lot of money.


    But we have goals of our own too. This just so happens to help Arleaf out with job changing.


    I¡¯m sure there¡¯s something else we can get out of them other than money.


    The thing is that it¡¯d be pretty distasteful to demand cash from them.


    ¡°Yes, I am. Shall we go?¡±


    I suggest to Arleaf, Muu, and Celes we depart.


    ¡°Sure, why... not? We were simply dropping by on the way home anyway.¡±


    ¡°Muu!¡±


    ¡°B-But...¡±


    Celes is still pale and shocked.


    ¡°Please, ept our gratitude.¡±


    ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll have you all share how to break this curse so that we help out people who are still under this hex. After all, this is just a cowardly ploy meant to send your son to his death by having him kill an innocent dragon.¡±


    This way, they can infer that Dragonfall¡¯s Charge is still an ongoing problem.


    With that, I¡¯m sure the victims and heroes can band up to defeat the perpetrator.


    ¡°O-Okay, I ept.¡±


    Ie and go without even introducing myself.


    Well, I¡¯m sure they caught Celes throwing my name around.


    But still, that¡¯s kinda cool, isn¡¯t it?


    Cool or not, we hop back onto a coach and head home.


    ¡®Definitely thetter. Such thinking is a slow and insidious killer.¡¯


    Man, I don¡¯t want to hear that from you, Veno, seeing how you¡¯re always acting so high and mighty.

 Chapter 63

    <h4>Chapter 63</h4>


    ¡°...¡±


    Celes had been brooding about who knows what the whole trip, but we¡¯ve finally made it back to Lif¡¯el.


    ¡°We¡¯re finally home...¡±


    The haggard knight grumbles after knocking on Wayne¡¯s door.


    Rurika cheerfully answers the door but her expression sours after seeing Celes in her sorry state.


    ¡°She¡¯s been like that ever since stopped by a vige and lifted a curse.¡±


    ¡°Huh... more importantly right now though, go take a look at your grandpa.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?!¡±


    Did his condition worsen?!


    Sensing something amiss, Celes perks up and rushes inside.


    In his room was the scene of Wayne striking a pose at us; his muscles glistening.


    ¡°Oh, wee home! Somethin¡¯ the matter?¡±


    That¡¯s our line! We were worried something happened to you, you old fart!


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    Muu flexes too and begins imitating Wayne.


    ¡°... umm...¡±


    We all turn our eyes toward Rurika.


    ¡°Since he hasn¡¯t been able to work for so long, all of his pent-up energy is being unleashed all at once. Please, do something about him...¡±


    That¡¯s what it was? Jeez...


    ¡°So? What¡¯d y¡¯all bring home? I¡¯vee up with a few ns of my own too. I can work all night!¡±


    ... ugh. I wouldn¡¯t have guessed that Wayne and Arleaf are rted. He¡¯s more like the proprietress¡ªthey¡¯re both monsters brimming with energy.


    ¡°Uhh... in that case...¡±


    We hand over all the minerals we got from ying the ore monsters and from mining.


    ¡°Whoa! That¡¯s quite the biggun you bagged!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, we couldn¡¯t have taken down Safkrym without Celes, so save the best parts for her.¡±


    ¡°You got it. Now, stand back and watch my hammer sing, boy.¡±


    After giving the mats a once-over, Wayne starts the work on our equipment.


    Rurika¡ªthough exhausted from dealing with him¡ªwatches on with a tender smile.


    Still, better to be too full of energy rather than how he had been before.


    We head on over to the forge.


    While Celes already had an idea what she wanted to get made, Wayne nned something good for us.


    Everything¡¯s been paid for already and our armor is finished too.


    Elba Leather Coat (Toxic)


    Quality: Legendary


    Required level: 45


    Bonus effects: Extreme Toxicity, Low Chance of Contracting Bloodflower or Dorimsvoyta, Magic Proficiency Increase (Medium), Water Resistance (Greater), Self-Regeneration, Cloaking, Camouging Skills Increase, Footstep Noise Reduction, Sensing, Curse Resistance (Medium)


    The hides of Elbatoxin¡ªwhose toxins are still imbued within¡ª Crocgator, and King Boss Rat are stitched together to form this formidable piece of armor.


    Drains Mana while toxins poison the user.


    In exchange, all poison damage is maxed when this armor is equipped.


    Tougher than the average metallic armor and grants user Self-Regeneration at the cost of Mana.


    This magnificent work protects the user while granting the user deadly powers.


    It¡¯s called a coat, but it¡¯s more like leather armor. The cor kinda looks like the frill on Elbatoxin¡¯s neck.


    Maybe he chose leather armor for me because my skills are quite Ranger-like.


    It¡¯s a huge leap from what we¡¯ve been using up till now, eh?


    At least it¡¯s leagues ahead of my old Smoke Armor.


    ¡®The toxic nature of the armor would not normally allow any other human equip it. But for thee, ¡®tis nothing but a boon.¡¯


    It¡¯s so toxic, it could transmit deadly diseases. That said though, I haven¡¯t caught either of them yet.


    Plus, I could use the Extreme Toxicity effect with my Poison Absorption to send my stats sky high.


    I tried it on and I could feel the warmth of Self-Regeneration slowly seeping into my body.


    And, it also slowly replenishes my stock of poison.


    The only downside is that my natural recovery rate would be reduced. Still, it¡¯s way better than my previous equipment all in all.


    I feel quicker on my feet than ever before.


    It¡¯s just like the times where I had been in the poisonous swamp.


    Of course, they drilled into me the fact that no one else must put equip this Elba Leather Coat.


    The average joe would no doubt drop dead from putting this on.


    I¡¯m not sure exactly what it¡¯s made of, but Arleaf received a beautiful set of robes. If I were to hazard a guess, it¡¯s probably of abination of Elbatoxin, wolf, and rat hides.


    From a cursory nce, it doesn¡¯t look that much different from what she had been wearing before though.


    Wayne¡¯s a cksmith, right? All this sewing and stitching must be Rurika¡¯s handiwork then.


    Elba King Leather Vestment


    Quality: Superior


    Required level: 55


    Bonus effects: Poison Resistance (Medium), Miasma Resistance (Medium), Magic Proficiency Increase (Greater), Magic Correction, Casting Time Reduction (Lesser), Voice of the Soul (Miniscule)


    The hides of Elbatoxin¡ªwhose toxins have been thoroughly removed¡ªand other monsters have been cut incredibly thin and sewn together for thisbat-ready dress.


    Drains Mana to repel poison and miasma, making gas masks redundant in light miasma.


    However, the voice of the dead would be ever so slightly perceivable to the user. In exchange, it grants the user resistant to dark magics.


    Allows user to slightly drain Mana from the souls of the departing.


    The description is giving me real bad vibes. Will Arleaf really be okay equipping this?


    She said that after trying on the dress, these... triangr things would swarm onto her.


    That¡¯s probably images of the King Boss Rat¡¯sst moments, I¡¯m guessing.


    Completing her set is a new staff.


    It¡¯s a simple staff with a crystalline object affixed to the top of it.


    Elba Lens Rod


    Quality: Superior


    Required level: Base level 50


    Bonus effects: Magic Proficiency Increase (Medium), Dark Magic Proficiency Increase (Medium), Magic Attack Increase (Greater), Magical uracy Increase (Medium), Familiar Proficiency Increase (Medium)


    Low chance of bacterial magic activation under normal attacks.


    This staff uses the lens of Elbatoxin¡¯s eyes as a catalyst.


    Elbatoxin is really making himself useful after his death.


    It was a huge pain in the ass, but I guess the useful mats redeems it.


    ¡®This is proof of the cksmith¡¯s skills... but never had I thought his work would be this splendid. Even in my hoard, I have nothing that can hold a candle to these treasures.¡¯


    Such highpliments from a connoisseur like you, Veno?


    Well... the Smoke Armor you gave me was pretty good too, wasn¡¯t it?


    Not to forget, the stuff you gave me in the beginning was for easy to use for novices; of course, it¡¯s going to be a huge difference.


    Oh, and since Muu is a Warrior, it got a helmet and a cuirass made of metal.


    It must¡¯ve been tough making armor to fit them.


    But it¡¯s not like we haven¡¯t tried stuffing him in regr armor though.


    ¡®Forget not that Muu is a Myconid. In the past, I have seen before a Myconid in the shape of a particrly muscr human.¡¯


    Will Muu evolve into that? Despite sounding selfish, I would much rather Muu stay the way they are now.


    ¡®Thou art being difficult for Muu... ¡®tis not such a bad thing to be muscr, is it?¡¯


    Isn¡¯t it?


    And suppose that Muu will naturally evolve, will it really be like that?


    ¡®Let us worry about it when it happens.¡¯


    Right. He grew out of some mold on my robe.


    I think Muu still has that robe.


    I remember seeing it use it as a mat to sleep on top of.


    In any case, Wayne seemed to have made all of that while we were out on our trip.

 Chapter 64

    <h4>Chapter 64</h4>


    ¡°Men, let us put our back into our work today!¡±


    ¡°Yeah!¡±


    We arrived at a great smithy as Wayne bellows out an order at muscly men.


    These ¡°muscly men¡±¡ªor rather, Wayne¡¯s apprentices¡ªare overjoyed that their mentor has made his return and promptly begin moving the shipment of ores we brought.


    I assume they¡¯ll make ingots out of it and then forge that into our new weapons. I¡¯m excited to see what they can do.


    ¡°So, whose shall we make first? We¡¯ve already crafted up the blueprint and a prototype for you, Cohgray, so be patient, alright?¡±


    ¡°Oh, of course. Thank you very much.¡±


    ¡°Ain¡¯t no thing. Who¡¯s next in line?¡±


    ¡°In that case, could you do Celes¡¯ then? Since her sword suffered from damage in our venture this time.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll get to it, son. That fine with you, Celes?¡±


    Wayne checks with her, but Celes is just standing there spacing out.


    ¡°Girl, what¡¯s the matter?¡±


    ¡°Hmm? Oh, pardon me; I was lost in thought. In that case, I shall take you up on your offer.¡±


    ¡°Then we¡¯ll forge you an even better sword than the one you have. Look forward to it.¡±


    Wayne and his men spend the rest of the day crafting and forging.


    Even though they¡¯ve got machines for smelting and hammering, the process still takes quite some time.


    It takes even more time and effort if they¡¯re to bless the weapons and protect them. Makes sense why they sell for so much more.


    ¡°In the meantime, Arleaf and I will head to the guildhall. We¡¯ve got more business with them regarding the sewers thing.¡±


    ¡°See you soon.¡±


    ¡°I, too, shall be heading out...¡±


    And so, we split from Wayne and Celes and set off for the guild.


    They were able to prepare the rest of our money since ourst visit.


    The clerks seem quite a bit more chipper too; news of Wayne¡¯s recovery must¡¯ve brought life back into town.


    But before I get the full amount of money, I hand over some evidence of the stuff I found underground. There was the dungeon, the boss rat¡¯s nest, the belongings of some shady group.


    The guildhall clerk epts the proof with a serious look on his face.


    Well, we¡¯ve annihted everything underground, so there shouldn¡¯t be any more problems, but...


    ¡°Alright, then will you guys buy this stuff off me?¡±


    ¡°Yes, the guild can definitely purchase them, but perhaps it may not be quite as satisfactory as you might expect? Since you know Mr. Wayne well, I believe that you may be able to get a fairer price for your items from him.¡±


    ¡°Oh... are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Certainly. Thank you very much for showing us everything. We would be more than grateful if we could have you take me to where the remains are in exchange for the items.¡±


    Are you really being all that generous? I mean, the equipment and everything are all damaged... it really depends if I can get them repaired.


    ¡®The smith¡¯s prowess is nothing to underestimate. Mayhaps he could restore and improve the equipment.¡¯


    Well, maybe.


    ¡°Understood. I¡¯ll hang on to these then.¡±


    I had to hand over some of the silver and gold pieces, but I got to keep the rest of it.


    I guess it¡¯s like a service fee for taking care of the monsters.


    Well, no one would get any of it if we couldn¡¯t wipe out the monsters from their nest.


    It might just be enough to cover the cost of our equipment.


    Afterwards, we headed down into the sewers with one of the clerks.


    We traced our steps to show him where the skeletons and other junk was in the King Boss Rat¡¯s nest.


    ording to Veno, the clerk used some sort of magic to assess and take evidence.


    ¡°It really is quiet down here...¡±


    ¡°Oh, if you see any round or triangr bits on the ground, absolutely do not put it in your mouth. You will die.¡±


    It seems like Arleaf¡¯s cooking has finished decaying.


    Piecesy scattered around. Horrifyingly, though, they still maintain their original shape.


    Even if they¡¯re not moving any more, there¡¯s no mold growing either.


    ¡®We can but pray that no incidents shall ur.¡¯


    Haha... please don¡¯t make me clean it all up.


    Anyway, the guild treated us very kindly and we even ended up getting a bonus from them. We really profited quite a bit.


    It seems like they¡¯re going to have a group of adventurers investigate the ce before they open it up to the general public.


    Before the guild officially sealed the ce off, I informed them the locations where Veno used his Mapping skill and detected dangerous levels of toxic gas.


    Feeling good having wrapped everything up, we returned to Wayne¡¯s home.


    Celes, still deep in thought, took us straight to the living area.


    We weren¡¯t sure exactly what was going on until Wayne tossed a thick book my way.


    ¡°That there contains all the information I gathered ¡®bout the ancestor. Everythin¡¯ my family and the people living nearby passed down is in it.¡±


    ¡°Oh, thank you very much.¡±


    I got Veno to use his storage magic and stowed it away.


    ¡®Aye... along with the data we received from thess, I believe I have a gist of how to undo the spell. Hmm? Her ancestor grumbled a great deal in this book... what bother.¡¯


    Wasn¡¯t Arleaf¡¯s ancestor a truly virtuous man? Are you sure it¡¯s him grumbling?


    What are we supposed to do about it? Maybe he wanted you to solve them or something.


    ¡®I cannot say.¡¯


    Well, what happened to him was a tragedy. He might¡¯ve been a saint, but everyone has to have a way to talk about stuff.


    ¡®Oh? He has written down the name of a very interesting person. It is the one who used us as scapegoats.¡¯


    Right. Arleaf mentioned something about that before.


    ¡®My suspicions of the time have now been confirmed. He was a meddlesome one and was demoted within our faction. But he cunningly went with the course of events to gain back power, revealing his true nature.¡¯


    I mean... his descendants may be around, but he¡¯s dead by now, right?


    I wonder if Arleaf¡¯s ancestor asked you to avenge him or anything.


    ¡®The culprit called himself Virage, a high elf.¡¯


    ¡°It looks like the traitor was a high elf by the name of Virage.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡±


    ¡°Hmm... I¡¯ve heard the name before in Saint Yggdra, but ain¡¯t that a figure of the past?¡±


    Wayne chimes in, giving us a clue.


    Something to do with Saint Yggdra again, huh? I guess they struck first... cing Forced Possession Summoning on Veno before he could get his revenge.


    ¡®Aye... after our business together concludes, I shall track down what is left of him. If he had been buried with reverence, then I shall blow his grave away!¡¯


    That¡¯s a pretty extreme version of spitting on someone¡¯s grave, Veno. I get how you feel but calm down.


    Still... a high elf, eh? Veno¡¯s said that the elves in this world are a haughty race. I¡¯d avoid getting tangled up in their business if I can help it.


    In any case, the truth is that Veno still doesn¡¯t have enough information on how to undo the Forced Possession Summoning.


    Well, we¡¯ll keep living our fugitive lives and get more info.


    I hand over the mats over to Wayne and officially ce a work order for him.

 Chapter 65

    <h4>Chapter 65</h4>


    It¡¯s the middle of the night.


    Nature calls, so I head out of my room and into the hallway to the washroom. There, I caught a glimpse of someone sitting in the living room.


    Everyone should be asleep by now, so what¡¯s going on?


    Taking a closer look, a candle on the table reveals Celes sitting there.


    ¡°Hmm? Ah, Cohgray. Is something the matter?¡±


    ¡°Right back at you, Celes.¡±


    ¡°Ah, hmm... say, Cohgray...¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    The dimly lit figure calls me over.


    ¡°I am wondering if I could... speak to you for a little.¡±


    ¡°Of course. I¡¯ll listen to whatever you have on your mind if you¡¯re fine with just me.¡±


    ¡°Ah... it is something on which I would like your opinion.¡±


    My opinion, eh?


    I kinda had the feeling that something was bothering her.


    She wasn¡¯t really hiding it either.


    I take a seat and give her my attention.


    Celes looks back at me and begins to softly speak.


    ¡°This is regarding someone who dreamed of living life as an adventurer and then made it their reality...¡±


    That adventurer gradually became more and more powerful and made a name for themselves.


    However... a turning point came upon them.


    The adventurer only became an adventurer for the money¡ªso that their family could livefortably.


    But, their family... the little sister whom the adventurer so cherished had been cursed.


    The one who ced the curse was an abhorrent dragon.


    Learning of that fact, the adventurer joined forces with others who were suffering the same fate and enlisted as knights and sorcerers to y the dragon.


    There, they formed a dragon ying squad with others whose families were affected or killed by that curse.


    The adventurer was more than a knight... a hero, even. They led men and women¡ªthese dragonyers¡ªto wage war against menacing monsters and dreadful dragons.


    Their goal was their family... to destroy the root of the curse that was causing so much misery.


    If not... the adventurer¡¯s beloved sister would perish.


    It mattered not how despicable their tactics, how cowardly they fought¡ªwhat matters was to y the dragon.


    ¡°But... one day...¡±


    ¡°...¡±


    It¡¯s as if Celes were engaged in a monologue; she fixed her gaze to the starry skies and words simply spilled out of her lips.


    ¡°... the adventurer encountered someone else afflicted by that same curse tormenting their sister. That person had their curse lifted. The adventurer even discovered that the curse was not caused by a dragon but a man. This was all in front of the adventurer¡¯s other dragonyer ally as if obvious...¡±


    ¡®She... hath been vague, but however...¡¯


    Yeah, I get you.


    ¡°I am sure you have seen the posters up in taverns and such, but I represent those who transformed the dragon into a human. The adventurer is now too pursuing the dragon to defeat it.¡±


    I feel Veno staring at me.


    So, she¡¯s the dragonyer that was leading the group when they brought me into the world with Forced Possession Summoning.


    I remember the dragonyer was d in armor... but to think it was Celes all along.


    If you think about it, the signs were there.


    Celes is a follower of the Teachings of the Sacred Yggdrasil, an extremely powerful adventurer, and had merely swung by Wayne¡¯s residence while she was on an assignment.


    Wayne¡¯s a well-known cksmith too. He¡¯s someone who Celes is indebted to and was afflicted by a curse much like her sister... Celes couldn¡¯t help but to help those who are suffering.


    ¡°And then... this curse was caused by a greedy man in order to profit from the adventurers putting their lives on the line. Someone had ced a curse on a religious symbol used by many for praying.¡±


    But there¡¯s someone using Celes.


    The viin... he¡¯s the one who ced Dragonfall¡¯s Charge on the job-changing altar.


    Still, we don¡¯t know who the culprit is...


    ¡°What do you think the adventurer should do?¡±


    ... Celes probably has an answer in her heart already.


    Still, she¡¯s asking the person who showed her that the curse can be lifted for support.


    ¡°That¡¯s a no-brainer if you ask me. Never mind whether or not the curse can really be lifted; the adventurer¡¯s priority should be their precious baby sister. Helping their sister is way more important than finding the culprit.¡±


    That¡¯s obvious, right? You¡¯re only risking your neck to save your dear family.


    But the adventurer¡ªno, Celes¡¯ objective is to y the dragon, not to catch the mastermind.


    It¡¯s just to save her sister.


    ¡°I... think so too. It is exactly as you said. Nothing else matters more than the adventurer¡¯s beloved ones. It is true for all of the adventurer¡¯srades too.¡±


    Celes looks at me with her piercing gaze.


    ¡°Cohgray, tell me... are you absolute in that the curse can be lifted? And it... shall not return?¡±


    Yo, Veno, what do I say here?


    ¡®... repeatest after me.¡¯


    Gotcha.


    ¡®¡°There are no absolutes in this world. However, that abhorrent magic has reared its ugly head in the past. If we lift it before it evolves or gets changed, then there is no threat of being cursed again. But, the source of the problem is within the body. The mastermind may very likely to have already prepared another illness or hex. If it seems incurable, then it very may well be an entirely different problem at hand.¡±¡¯


    Celes and that friend of hers fought for their loved ones.


    Their emotions are being controlled like a tool by some bastard.


    If his tools don¡¯t work... then he¡¯ll fix them by subjecting their loved ones with another illness.


    We can¡¯t let the bastard have his way.


    ¡°I... see. It is ironic how the stronger one is, the farther the goal seems to slip away.¡±


    Celes continues to mutter to herself.


    ¡°... that silly adventurer seems to have taken a detour from her destination. Aye, neither the culprit nor the curse matters. The fact of the matter is that the sister is sick, and the adventurer should be helping her.¡±


    Whatever doubts or hesitations she might have had, Celes seems to be free of them now.


    ¡°That is all the sappiness to which I shall subject you. Tomorrow is another day, so we need to rest well.¡±


    ¡°You got that right. You never know when you have to get back to your work too.¡±


    ¡°Ah... that is certainly true.¡±


    With the candle in hand, she begins to head back to her room.


    ¡°You have my gratitude, Cohgray.¡±


    I could but barely hear her faintly mutter out her thanks.


    ¡®I know not who or where, but that being is more repulsive and despicable than any monster.¡¯


    Veno, who had been pretty positive as ofte, spits out his words.


    He did say that the miasma that chokes this world is mankind¡¯s just deserts.


    In a sense, he lost his life so that the world tree may live on, but as if it meant nothing at all, there are people who are determined to make it wither.


    And the one who shifted the me onto Veno and Arleaf¡¯s ancestor is Virage, huh?


    I guess people are more despicable than any king of demons could ever be.


    After that, I finished up my business in the washroom, and headed back to sleep.

 Chapter 66

    <h4>Chapter 66</h4>


    The next day.


    ¡°Pardon me, but I must depart once again.¡±


    We were in the middle of breakfast when Celes announced her departure.


    ¡°That right?¡±


    Wayne curtly responds to Celes.


    ¡°I am wondering about the sword if¡ª¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve finished work on the prototype already. The protection ain¡¯t quite right but take it with you. Not like you can do much with that broken sword of sword of yours.¡±


    ¡°But¡ª¡±


    ¡°Just shut up and take it.¡±


    It may seem like Wayne snapped at her, but he likes to eat breakfast and read his newspaper in silence.


    ¡°... understood. I am in your debt.¡±


    ¡°Cohgray, yours is ready too. The boys were messin¡¯ around and whipped something up for the mushroom too. You can use it until the real deal getspleted.¡±


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    ¡°Oh, thank you very much.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve brought a whole lot of different kinds of materials with you and I¡¯m itchin¡¯ to work on ¡®em. Take your time eatin¡¯.¡±


    With that, Wayne heads to work.


    ... is it just me or is he bulking up and getting bigger every day?


    ¡®Yea, the cksmith looks to be more muscr than yesterday to me as well. This is just like the innkeeper.¡¯


    What on earth is up with that?


    ¡®Dost thou believe that he is so eager to forge because of his fears of contracting another disease? Or perhaps that he is excited to see such quality ores?¡¯


    Man, I hope it¡¯s thetter.


    I think he¡¯s too energetic for his own good.


    Anyway, we finished up our breakfast before heading for the forge.


    We step inside and as soon as his apprentices noticed us, Waynees over with our newly crafted weapons.


    Celes¡¯ gorgeous sword catches Veno¡¯s attention.


    ¡®Hmm... what an exquisite de. Mine dragon senses are tingling!¡¯


    Veno has his attention on her sword, but I focus on my crossbow.


    Rapid Elba Orichalcum Crossbow +6


    Quality: Superior


    Required level: Base level 45


    Bonus effects: Rapid Fire, Auto Reload, Increased Mana, Faster Projectile Speed, Bonus Damage, Improved Poison Arrow Loading and Damage, uracy Compensation, Limiter


    A crossbow with a focus on rapid fire and damage for all purposes.


    Its extraordinary rate of fire more than makes up for its slightly heavier weight.


    Damage output and projectile range have been remedied. The user can choose to automatically enchant projectiles with poison.


    The crossbow can shoot projectiles other than bolts but at a reduced rate of fire.


    The action has also been simplified, granting ease of maintenance.


    However, the crossbow draws the user¡¯s Mana, necessitating a great Mana pool.


    As powerful as it is, the crossbow tends to be picky with its user and so its true might heavily depends on the wielder.


    Wow... talk about overpowered.


    The Magic Iron Crossbow that Wayne lent me feels like a toy bow inparison.


    ¡®Aye, this is quite the fine piece. It should cost more than for what thou hast paid. However... it may be difficult on thine stats.¡¯


    What do you mean? I hold the crossbow in my hands.


    Hmm... it¡¯s got some heft to it.


    But I don¡¯t think it¡¯s so much the physical weight as much as it would overload me mentally.


    ¡®Thou meetest not the required level. With thess¡¯ cooking, thou mayest just narrowly be able to wield it... but the Limiter effect can only be ovee by thine strength. ¡®Tis quite the nuisance. It would be unwieldable without first bypassing the Limiter.¡¯


    There sure is a lot of stuff packed into one weapon.


    I guess only high-rank adventurers can use this thing.


    And to think that even they aren¡¯t a match for you, Veno... it really drives home how weak humans truly are.


    ¡®Deprecate not thyself. Masterest the weapon and thou canst y beasts like Safkrym or Elba with nary so much trouble.¡¯


    Well, you¡¯ve got a point.


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    I look away from my crossbow and see what Muu is up to.


    Looks like he¡¯s bouncing with joy getting a new axe, helmet and armor.


    That armor is like... a stab vest or something. And its helmet looks more like a shield on its head.


    Muu looks like its cosying or something, but it looks good on them.


    Then, Muu goes clink nk.


    ¡°Muuu?¡±


    Muu tilts its cap to one side as if asking Arleaf how she thinks of his new clothes.


    ¡°It looks great on you, Muu. Hopefully it is not too heavy though.¡±


    Arleaf¡¯s approval and doubt makes it seem as if she were Muu¡¯s big sister.


    Well, it¡¯d be troublesome if the armor is too unwieldy.


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    Looks like Muu¡¯s fine.


    ¡°We made sure Muu¡¯s armor would be easy for it to move around in.¡±


    Did Rurika forge this just for Muu?


    It really gives of a Warrior vibe. I wonder if we look like half-decent adventurers now.


    Oh, right, I almost forgot about the weapons we picked up in the sewer. I should show Wayne now.


    It might be a little tough to repair, but he says it would make for good materials for upgrading equipment.


    ¡°Now, then...¡±


    Celes slings the sheathed sword to her hip.


    She doesn¡¯t seem to have the time to check over Wayne¡¯s handiwork.


    But judging by Veno¡¯s reaction, it¡¯s definitely made well.


    ¡°Oh, let me send you off.¡±


    ¡°Hmm? I appreciate it.¡±


    ¡°I do apologize, but I must help Gramps with his work...¡±


    And so Rurika declines.


    ¡°Fret not.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, the rest of us can send Celes off.¡±


    ¡°Yes, we shall. Thank you very much for everything. Grandpa Wayne is only so healthy thanks to your help.¡±


    ¡°The medicine I brought him is but a drop in the bucket.¡±


    ¡°You were instrumental, Celes. Let me pray to the Holy Dragon for you before you leave.¡±


    Rurika bows her head down and starts praying.


    Celes, though, has quite the forced smile on her face.


    ¡°Then, if you will excuse me. I shall try my best to see everyone again.¡±


    ¡°Okay, take care now!¡±


    Celes and Rurika say their goodbyes before headed off together to the stagecoaches.


    Walking through town with our new weapons on our backs really makes me want to go and try them out.


    ¡®I feel the same way when test out new spells. Perhaps we shall take the chance to go out for a hunt.¡¯


    Sounds great. But let¡¯s see Celes off first, alright?


    She¡¯s probably from somewhere in Saint Yggdra. Somewhere we definitely shouldn¡¯t step foot in.


    ¡°I extend my thanks to you all.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s our line, Celes. Really, thank you for everything you¡¯ve done for us.¡±


    ¡°No, let me thank you. The time we had spent together had been very meaningful. You have reminded me of what my original goals were, and I am now able to head towards the right direction. Our adventure together had been utmost splendid.¡±


    It feels good to know she thinks so highly of us.


    ¡°I pray that your wishes to be soon granted.¡±


    ¡°?¡±


    Arleaf looks at us, confused by our exchange.


    Though I think she¡¯s got some clue.


    ¡®Her family has been cursed. That prayer is for it to be lifted and for her to be able to safely and swiftly return by their side.¡¯


    Arleaf¡¯s expression changes after listening to Veno speak.


    It¡¯s at times like these where Venoes in handy.


    ¡°Ah, if you ever run into any troubles, you may rely on me. I shall help you to the best of my abilities.¡±


    Celes holds her hand out.


    I grip her hand and give it a firm shake.


    However, in the middle of this refreshing momentes a squadron with armor-d warriors and robe-wearing mages storm in with battle standards in hand. They rush in and encircle us. We¡¯ve been surrounded.

 Chapter 67

    <h4>Chapter 67</h4>


    ¡®Hmm? When did they...¡¯


    It seems like Veno can only sense and detect a little more, a little farther than me.


    I know it¡¯s because of Forced Possession Summoning, but still...


    ¡°Comrades... what is the matter? Did something happen?¡±


    I was wondering if Celes knew these people surrounding us, but I didn¡¯t have to ask to get the answer.


    They all seem to be ncing at each other, not too certain of what¡¯s going on.


    ¡°What a big weing party.¡±


    ¡°That... is certainly unexpected. This is not normal at all.¡±


    As Celes spoke, their leader¡ªa member of the clergy dressed in all white¡ªsteps up to us. A veil covers their face, so I¡¯m not exactly sure if it¡¯s a priest or a priestess.


    ¡®Their equipment is strong in magic defense... I cannot analyze them either.¡¯


    ¡°What is the meaning of this?¡±


    Celes asks her leader and the clergyman croaks back in an elderly voice.


    ¡°We are here to ask you that exact question, Dragonyer Celes.¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    More so than not being on the same page, they feel a little hostile.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°You know full well. Do not feign ignorance!¡±


    The clergyman points at me while shouting at Celes who seems to be frustrated by the situation.


    ¡°You are standing in front of the dragon, yet you do not y the target!¡±


    ¡°Wha¡ª?!¡±


    The atmosphere here is now tenser than ever.


    ¡°What ridiculousness. Do not get carried away with your jokes,¡± Celes warns the clergyman, ¡°Are you iming Cohgray to be the evil dragon?! You best have proof before making your oundish ims!¡±


    ¡®I enjoy her honest and straightforward character, even if she may be a pawn for the enemies. However...¡¯


    ¡°Here is your proof!¡±


    The clergyman, along with the mage standing behind him, begins to activate a spell while raising their staves.


    Immediately, a strong beam of light covers us.


    ¡°Gah...¡±


    My body goes numb as the light hits us, casting a shadow on the ground... but mine depicts a great dragon.


    ¡®Hmph... Forced Possession Summoning is getting stronger?!¡¯


    I wouldn¡¯t mind you using your powers right about now, even if it means letting the dragon out of the bag!


    ¡°Yukihisa!¡±


    ¡°Muuuu!¡±


    Seeing me in pain, Arleaf and Muu rushed over to support me.


    ¡°Our magic has shown the truth! The dragon is in him! Can you still deny it?!¡±


    ¡°But... that... no...¡±


    Celes staggers back a few steps, the color drained from her face.


    ¡°Cohgray, you are... the dragon? How... but you said... then the priest is telling the truth...¡±


    ¡°Celes...¡±


    The rest of the troops are as bewildered as Celes. gued by doubt and anxiety, they share nces at each other.


    Especially evident is the man whose mother we saved. He looks like he doesn¡¯t or refuses to believe what is going on.


    ¡°Dragonyer Celes, deliver swift punishment unto Cohgray¡ªno, unto the dragon.¡±


    The priest, all smug from his achievement, barks aloud while pointing at me.


    ¡°After escaping our magics, that dragon escaped to around the vige of Nisua. There it propagated the disease Bloodflower while simultaneously showing up as a savior and curing those who were afflicted. In the same vein, he feigned innocence while taking part in the crusade against Elbatoxin. He yed the beast and cured Dorimsvoyta so that he may pige the coffers of the guild for the sake of sustaining his fugitive lifestyle!¡±


    ¡®I am absolutely stunned. His imagination would make for a great plot.¡¯


    You¡¯ve got that right.


    But... this guy is way strong.


    I had some of Arleaf¡¯s cooking this morning but still, under his spell, I¡¯m back to about zero.


    This is bullshit.


    I thought I could get strong enough to turn the tables on them, but I don¡¯t see myself getting out of this alive.


    ¡°Now, this dragon has integrated itself to the town of Lif¡¯el and gained the trust of the guild by destroying the monsters underground! If we do not act at once, the lives of countless innocents will be at stake!¡±


    ¡°Lies and nder! Yukihisa w¡ª¡±


    ¡®Lass! Control thyself! Speak not of me!¡¯


    ¡°¡ªorked this hard for the sake of everybody! Such actions do not deserve such unjust punishment!¡±


    ¡°Hmph... so you are the girl kidnapped from Nisua. However, you are but a foolish heretic deceived by the dragon¡¯s schemes. Why will you not open your eyes to the truth?! Dragonyer Celes! Do not hesitate! The dragon is standing right there!¡±


    While the priest angrily shouts at her, Celes stares at me with distrustful eyes.


    But...


    ¡°Good priest! Please listen! Our cherished families have been struck by a curse and that curse originates from a symbol of worship. There is a greater evil who ced the trap on the altar we use for job-changing! The hunt for the dragon is important, but more so is our beloved family who have been cur¡ª¡±


    ¡°Have you forgotten what I had just said?! Do not buy into the dragon¡¯s charade! Heunched a disease onto Nisua! And you know what happened afterwards!¡±


    ¡°What happened to my father and mother?!¡±


    Arleaf snaps back, worried for her hometown.


    ¡°The vige resisted the dragon and so they have been cursed too! Half of the vige have been murdered! It is the same situation your sister is in, Celes!¡±


    Bastards... they didn¡¯t even spare Nisua from their rampage. They¡¯re the source of it all!


    They must have used Veno as a scapegoat and tried to convert the vigers.


    ¡°Outrageous... then all this was to gain my trust...¡±


    Now feeling like the victim, Celes begins to draw her sword while not looking me in the eyes.


    ¡°That¡¯s not it...¡±


    Arleaf squeezes her eyes shut... then points her staff at the priest.


    ¡°Your words are nothing but convenient deception. I shall never forget what you have done to my ancestors! You would be best to cease your dishonesty!¡±


    Arleaf, and the rest of Nisua, harbors distrust for the followers of the Teachings of the Sacred Yggdrasil¡ªor rather, Saint Yggdrans.


    Given that they cursed the vigers after we departed, there would be no way they could have converted the people.


    ¡°You learn the truth of your people, yet you still side with the dragon?! Imprudent wench!¡±


    The priest spits his venom at Arleaf.


    ¡°I... and the rest of Nisua trust in Yukihisa, Sir Cohgray¡¯s wisdom. You have done nothing wrong.¡±


    ¡®Lass...¡¯


    Arleaf addressed me by myst name to address Veno while deliberately not calling out his name.


    ¡°Yes, I am a follower of my Lord the Holy Dragon, the one who restored the world tree and sacrificed himself for the sake of man. There may be evil dragons lurking in this world, but I have absolute conviction that Yukihisa hasmitted no such foul and despicable acts unlike yourselves!¡±

 Chapter 68

    <h4>Chapter 68</h4>


    Slung onto Arleaf¡¯s back is Karma ze and the core part glowed.


    ¡°We shall never bow to your contemptable usations!¡±


    Muu, agreeing with Arleaf, shows its stance on the matter by bellowing out.


    ¡°Muuuuu!¡±


    Muu cries out with axe in hand.


    ¡°Filthy heretics... dragonyers! What are you doing standing there?! Hurry and finish off the dragon!¡±


    ¡°Damn it!¡±


    My body feels incredibly sluggish... but I ready my crossbow and prepare for battle.


    ¡°Cohgray...¡±


    Even now, Celes doesn¡¯t seem to be convinced one way or another.


    ¡°Celes...¡±


    But as soon as I try to speak with Celes...


    ¡®Beware!¡¯


    Heeding Veno¡¯s warning, I turn around to see a mage taking a preemptive strike, shooting a great ball of fire at me.


    ¡°Giga me Burst!¡±


    It¡¯s as impressive as Arleaf¡¯s Fire Bullet.


    But wait. I can¡¯t intercept that with my bolts!


    ¡°Aqua Shot!¡±


    Arleaf tries to counter the fireball with a magical scattershot of water.


    The fire quickly boils the water into steam and cuts through it, still hurling towards us.


    ¡°Whoa!¡±


    Somehow, we all managed to sidestep and dodge the attack.


    ¡°Cheeky brats!¡±


    ¡°Here is some more. Fire Bat, Aqua Arowana, Wind Spider!¡±


    Arleaf casts her spells to summon forth various animal-shaped magic: a bat of mes, a piranha of water, and a transparent arachnid wrapped in a vortex.


    Hey, she¡¯s already got the hang of the spells she learned from Veno!


    The ming bat dances and releases sparks near Arleaf, creating a fantastical spectacle.


    ¡°I will not hold back.¡±


    ¡°What strange magic...! But say goodbye to your beastly friends!¡±


    Arleaf and the priest stare down each other.


    Then, the priest and his subordinates ready another spell.


    ¡°Good priest!¡±


    The tip of Celes¡¯ de nks against the ground as she directs her rage against the priest.


    ¡°This is a battle between Cohgray and me! You shall not interrupt us!¡±


    ¡°The dragon is right before you! Why do you embrace such sentiment towards him?!¡±


    ¡°As I have said, we will have a duel! Even if Cohgray were to be a dragon, I am... a warrior devoted to the Teachings and we shall have an honorable fight! Now you will cease your folly!¡±


    ¡°Hmpf...¡±


    It seems like there is something in her religion which forbids the priest butting in.


    ¡°The rest of you stand down as well! ... we will have a dignified duel!¡±


    The other dragonyers do as Celes said and quietly stand by, albeit with uncertainty and worry.


    ¡°Arleaf, Muu.¡±


    ¡®Buyest time for there is room for more discussion... then we shall execute our escape n.¡¯


    I look at Celes, hoping that she would calm down and assess the situation.


    ... but she raises her sword at me.


    Wha¡ª?!


    I instinctively take a leap backwards.


    As soon as I move out of the way, I see Celes sword exactly where I was already.


    ¡°Celes!¡±


    ¡°Cohgray! Are you truly a dragon?!¡±


    ¡°... do you think anyone would answer with ¡®yes¡¯?¡±


    Had I said so, I¡¯m sure they would all instantly strike me down.


    Even if I were to bepletely possessed by Veno, I still wouldn¡¯t be answering with a yes.


    ¡°Right you are. Thus, I have a proposition.¡±


    Celes rapidly approaches me to speak with me.


    Damn, I¡¯m not nearly strong enough to get away from her!


    I don¡¯t have the slightest idea what level I would need to be able to fight her head on.


    I take a single bolt out of my crossbow, enchant it with poison, and stab myself on the arm.


    Maybe it¡¯s because we¡¯ve leveled up, the toxins in Arleaf¡¯s Poison Cooking have been more potent than ever. Lately, I¡¯ve been using a blend of that and Slow Poison.


    My diminished abilities bounce back up in an instant.


    With this, at least I should be able to match Celes¡¯ movements.


    ¡°Tell me about it.¡±


    ¡°Cohgray, I shall take responsibility to protect you whilst you are under arrest. Then, we shall properly test with magic whether you truly are a dragon or not.¡±


    Oh, so she doesn¡¯t really believe in that light spell the priest casted.


    Honestly, I would love for Celes to give me a fair trial... well, no, I¡¯d love that I didn¡¯t get tried at all.


    ¡°You know I deeply respect you, Celes, and I cannot express how grateful I am to hear that you would give me the chance to prove my innocence. However, unfortunately, I must decline.¡±


    ¡°Why must you?!¡±


    Celes, though still hesitating, violently and swiftly thrusts her sword at my torso.


    I¡¯m sure she¡¯d KO me instantly if I got hit by that.


    But if she¡¯s only this quick, then not all hope is lost!


    Poison Cooking is stronger than you think! I nimbly jump sideways and out of the trajectory of her sword while firing a few shots with my crossbow.


    The trigger is light and crisp.


    The recoil is a little strong, but fortunately, Celes wasn¡¯t expecting my shots.


    ¡°Do you still not get it?¡±


    I mean, of course I can¡¯t tell her I actually have a dragon within me.


    But I have a great excuse for the situation they¡¯ve thrown me in.


    ¡°Surely, you understand, Celes. Even if you believe me, the others won¡¯t. They think I¡¯m the culprit. They¡¯ve had it in for me since the beginning. Not to mention, they can decide everything behind your back.¡±


    ¡°...¡±


    I know Celes is smart enough to understand that.


    ¡°But I have people I can depend on to ascertain the truth. Hence which is why, Cohgray, that I must capture you!¡±


    I feel that Celes is trying to keep the dialogue up so that she can prove my innocence.


    Yeah. I¡¯m sure she¡¯s able to kill me, but she¡¯s not sure if she wants to. I can tell she¡¯s trying to drag this out as well.


    ¡®... if I am able to protect thee from their interrogative magics, then it would not be so bad to let them take thee.¡¯


    That sounds... really unlikely that it¡¯d end well for me.


    If you think about why they want me, it¡¯s not for any crimes against humanity like what I had supposedly done at Nisua.


    It¡¯s probably because they know that I can undo the modified Dragonfall¡¯s Charge.


    I¡¯ve been incredibly inconvenient to the puppeteer behind the scenes.


    It doesn¡¯t matter whether they find me innocent or not.


    ¡®Aye, certainly. However, thou believest that this dragonyer is trustworthy, no?¡¯


    I did. But they¡¯ll probably find a way to assassinate her too.


    They¡¯ll say that she¡¯s fallen victim to the dragon or something like that.


    It might be better that we find out who¡¯s pulling the strings first.


    It¡¯d be great if we can do something like capture the priest and make him confess the truth... but I don¡¯t think we have a chance with so many Celes-level adventurers around him.


    If only you could make a truth serum to get him to talk.


    ¡®Hahaha... that would not be such a bad idea. It is not something that I would normally enjoy, but I am beginning to feel less guilty to make them suffer.¡¯

 Chapter 69

    <h4>Chapter 69</h4>


    ¡°Hmpf!¡±


    With her sword in hand, Celes uses the same skill on me as the one she used on Safkrym.


    ¡°Luminous de!¡±


    A streak of light trails off from her sword towards me.


    ¡°Whoa!¡±


    Right away, I dropped my crossbow in exchange for the Flyiron Sword tied to my hip.


    I raise it up to block Celes¡¯ blow, but the sword splits into two. Still, at least I was able to avoid being struck.


    ¡°Take this!¡±


    Celes holds up her sword again as I flick up the crossbow on the ground with my foot.


    I catch it then immediately jumped back and fired three shots at her, taking full advantage of the opportunity.


    However, apanied by the sound of metal colliding on metal is Celes chopping down the bolts in mid-air.


    ¡°... impressive.¡±


    ¡°Only because you still hesitate, Celes.¡±


    She may be swinging down at me with tenacity, but her movements are nowhere near as nimble whenpared to the fight against Safkrym. But it¡¯s because she¡¯s still hesitating that I still have a chance.


    Now... what do I do?


    ¡®Thou standest nary a chance against her, unless thou strikest her with poison.¡¯


    That¡¯s assuming I can even hit her.


    Well, it¡¯d be easy if I were to spray poisonous mist, but I¡¯ll end up killing Celes and there¡¯s no way I would get out of that situation alive. I just have to find a way to somehow make an escape.


    ¡°Hey, Celes.¡±


    ¡°Speak.¡±


    ¡°I really don¡¯t want to die, so honestly, I¡¯d prefer to not duel you anymore. You understand, right?¡±


    ¡°...¡±


    Celes remains silent as she rushes up to my face.


    She¡¯s crazy quick. It¡¯s scary how much her stats are better than mine!


    I dodge the swing of her sword by the skin of my teeth, but I get kicked right in the chest.


    ¡°Guh!¡±


    Yeowch! Her kick sent me flying three whole meters.


    I try my best to safely tumble then ready my crossbow.


    ¡°Celes, you don¡¯t have to do this¡ªthis witch hunt you call a dragon extermination.¡±


    ¡°I must. But I must also dispel the baseless suspicions in the hearts of my brethren, even if you resist!¡±


    Jeez, talk about stubborn. But that¡¯s not bad either.


    ¡°You can¡¯t do that. You can¡¯t worry about me while ignoring the most important person. You can¡¯t any doubt. You and I both know that there¡¯s someone waiting to be saved by you!¡±


    ¡°Hmpf... I cannot believe you would say such a thing. Cohgray, they suspect you because you lifted the curse. Let me take you in so you may help yourself!¡±


    You get familiar to just about anyone.


    Even Celes and the lightning quick thrusts of her de are things I can learn. And with my intuition, I can predict her.


    Now, it¡¯s like a game of tag, but using a sword and a crossbow.


    ¡°Yukihisa...¡±


    ¡°Muuuu...¡±


    Arleaf and Muu watch the two of us with full attention.


    Obviously, they can¡¯t let their guards down either, in case the Saint Yggdrans attack any one of us.


    We can¡¯t let them interrupt our duel, even with the priest moring for Celes to hurry and y me.


    ... Veno, I don¡¯t think it¡¯s innocent until proven for us.


    But Celes is still hesitating and I don¡¯t think they have much evidence anyway. Can¡¯t you do anything?


    ¡®Nay. I cannot so much lift a single talon, let alone use any of my magic.¡¯


    I quickly check the buffs from the poison and Arleaf¡¯s cooking.


    Hey Veno, you can¡¯t prate that Forced Possession Summoning barrier at all, right?


    ¡®Obviously. Surely, thou shouldst know by now.¡¯


    But... your fecal matter does.


    ¡®Aye, but... of what art thou thinking? I cannot read thine mind unless thou producest the thought.¡¯


    I didn¡¯t really expect Veno to be able to pick up a passing thought.


    Alright, then I¡¯ll focus on it. Can you pass your own poison through the barrier?


    ¡®I see... I, too, have wondered. My poison can be thought of to be simr to my blood. However... the two are separate. It is much smaller than any talon or scale of mine... so I may be able to open such a hole small enough for them not to notice yetrge enough to pass a drop through to thee. I shall be releasing the strength that had been sealed away thus far... but aye, it may be possible.¡¯


    Then, if I could have just one single drop of the strongest poison you can produce.


    ¡®Thou must absolutely not use it against anyone. Do not drop it either. If it were to vaporize even the slightest, it shall prove to be fatal to bystanders! Gah... even something like this is so obstructed... hmpf!¡¯


    Veno wrings out his seldom used magical energy and exerts his might as a Poison Dragon to create a single drop of his poison, dripping it onto the tip of the bolt in my hand.


    Alright! Once again, I forcefully stab the bolt into my own arm.


    It instantly courses through my entire cardiac system, scorching through as though it were liquid fire in my veins.


    Static and noise fill my vision, leeching all color from my view.


    Light flickers, nauseating me.


    Blood oozes out from every part of my body, but at the same time, all my wounds quickly heal due to my Poison Absorption.


    However, the negative effects of Veno¡¯s poison outweigh the positive ones.


    Deadly Ancient Dragon Poison ¦Á


    The text appears in my vision as the effects kick in. I can definitely see Celes¡¯ movements a lot clearer now.


    Yo, Veno! The toxins from Arleaf¡¯s cooking is nothingpared to yours!


    ¡®¡®twas all I could muster, so knowest that thou art yet at the level of thine opponent!¡¯


    Damn, you totally just wanted to diss me!


    ¡®Not to mention that thou hast both the poisons of thess and mine. ¡®tis no surprise that it had exceeded thine limits.¡¯


    I wonder.


    ... at least Arleaf doesn¡¯t look discontent with her poison this time around.


    Anyway, now it¡¯s a fair fight.


    ¡°C-Cohgray?! Are you okay?!¡±


    ¡°Haha, that was the ace up my sleeve. Looks like I can¡¯t escape without surpassing my own limits.¡±


    My body is screaming at me. I can¡¯t keep this up for too long.


    ¡°... how considerate of you to be holding back until now. No, we have no time. Cohgray,e and end this!¡±


    Ah. She must¡¯ve realized that I haven¡¯t been using my poison against her.


    Really, I can¡¯t thank Celes any more for being so honorable.


    But I really can¡¯t do much but fire my crossbow at her.


    I can¡¯t help but feel like I can¡¯t hit Celes with a bolt, no matter how strong I get.


    In that case...


    ¡°Let¡¯s wrap it up then! Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!¡±


    I scream out loud like Muu using War Cry and I rush over at Celes.


    Of course, I activate the Cloaking on my armor as I rapidly zigzag my way over to her.


    ¡°What is this speed?! There are even afterimages trailing behind him...¡±


    Celes swings her sword at me while I sneak towards her.


    Though she was hesitant at first, now she¡¯s gotten much more precise with her movements.


    She¡¯s taking this one-on-one duel seriously now, eh?


    But... she¡¯s no match with me and my buffs!


    Damn, it hurts though. My head feels like it¡¯s on the verge of splitting. My vision¡¯s still all messed up too.


    But... even so... I can do this!


    I close the distance between us and I jam my crossbow into her chest while unleashing Power Shot at point-nk range.


    The bolt strikes and pierces Celes¡¯ substantial chest te.


    I don¡¯t think anyone would survive this if this were real life Japan.


    But video game logic exists in this world.


    ¡°Ugh...¡±


    The evidence is clear: the bolt left only arge fissure in her armor without prating through.


    I nimbly leapt backwards while my crossbow automatically reloads.


    ¡°V-Very impressive... but¡ª¡±


    Celes raised her voice as puts her hand to her chest.


    She¡¯s tough... but that¡¯s also not good for me.


    ¡®Thou avoided both critically striking her and omitted thine poison.¡¯


    Well, I don¡¯t want to kill her either. I just want her to give up.

 Chapter 70

    <h4>Chapter 70</h4>


    ¡°Do it.¡±


    The priest might have been whispering, but he wasn¡¯t quiet enough.


    He must be up to something since he didn¡¯t angrily shout that out loud.


    Perhaps following his order, the mages that were standing behind the priest suspiciously disappear behind a crowd of people and then unleashed a magic spell at me.


    They totally waited to pounce! But then instantly...


    ¡°Damn you!¡±


    Celes entered a fit of rage as soon as our duel was interrupted. She scowled at the priest before turning to me.


    ¡°Cohgray, watch out!¡±


    I began evading the sudden magical barrage downpour.


    Hmm. It was easy to predict the trajectory.


    I dodge out of the way as the spells caused many explosions.


    However...


    ¡®Stay focused!¡¯


    The hidden mages missed me the first time but following the priest¡¯smand, they continued to fire area of attack spells at me.


    Just as I was contemting how to avoid getting hit this time... Celes rushed in front of me and sliced the magical attack with her sword.


    ¡°Haah!¡±


    Whoa! That was totally amazing.


    ¡®¡®tis a skill by the name of Magic Parry. It is most certainly a difficult one to master, but... fitting for the head of the dragonyers. She is powerful... for a human.¡¯


    Then she pointed her sword at the priest as her anger emanates from every part of her.


    ¡°How dare you insult this sacred duel?! There is no contest whether you or Cohgray is the righteous one and anyone would feel the same!¡±


    She kept her sword up and continued to speak.


    ¡°You have sent so many to their deaths without a single problem. I had wondered what was troubling you. But now, I see very clearly why you are intent on eliminating Cohgray¡ªfor he is able to lift your curse!¡±


    ¡°You are deranged! You wish for a sacred duel with something like him? How absurd!¡±


    ¡°How is that absurd?! Cohgray was originally a Ranger and a powerful one at that. It is only because of our meddling he has needed to master the use of poison! Yet, during our duel, he held back his poison and was still able to match my every move. How else am I to respond to his honor?!¡±


    She lifted her sword above her and pointed it at the priest once again.


    ¡°Sir Elf¨¦, representative of the Teachings of the Sacred Yggdrasil of Saint Yggdra! I, Celes Arnold, leader of the Dragonyer Corps, demand an answer from you! Do you admit to havingmitted the evil deed of cursing the families of fellow followers of the Teachings?! Answer at once!¡±


    ¡°How dare you use me of such preposterousness?! You lowly, despicable human!¡±


    ¡®Hmm... judging by his words, he seems to be of another race.¡¯


    A haughty people? That sounded familiar...


    The poison in my system was very tough on my body.


    Ugh... my body had adjusted to Veno¡¯s poison and it has been recovering, but my heightened abilities were waning.


    My wounds have healed but my fatigue was yet to have fully recovered.


    It was rough, even with the passive recovery granted by my leather armor.


    ¡°This is unforgiveable! With my authority, I strip you, Celes Arnold, of all title! Now... kill the dragon sympathizers!¡±


    The rest of the dragonyers had been confused and wavering from the beginning. Now with how the situation had unfolded, they all stared daggers at the priest.


    ¡°What is the meaning of this?! Do you lot also resent the truth?!¡±


    ¡°Right now and here, which side do you guys think is righteous? It¡¯s a very clear answer, if you ask me.¡±


    Celes¡¯rade, the one whose mother I had helped, spoke to his fellow dragonyers.


    ¡°Ignoring the current situation, who seems more bothered by the truth? I don¡¯t think Cohgray¡¯s party has said anything untrue so far. But more importantly, after watching him and Miss Celes duel, it¡¯s obvious why he fights and what he¡¯s trying to escape!¡±


    ¡°We must protect the one who can save our families.¡±


    ¡°Once he gets captured, there will be no way for us to save him. We must protect Cohgray.¡±


    The whole squad of dragonyers spoke out one by one, unanimously agreeing to defend us and to stand up to the priest.


    ¡°Sir Elf¨¦, if you must arrest Cohgray no matter what, at least first show us proof that he is lying about what you had done to our families.¡±


    ¡°Surely, you can tell that forcing things like this would only grow distrust amongst us.¡±


    ¡°Now is not the time to capture Cohgray and his party.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re not here for a witch hunt.¡±


    At the end of our duel, the dragonyers all felt the same way.


    Their identical desire to save their loved ones was incredible.


    Meanwhile, I considered how to convince them to let me go or how to escape.


    One possible escape route was jumping through the hole caused by their magic and to head into the sewers.


    ¡°That man is the dragon! Dragonyers! Do not be fooled by him!¡±


    ¡°Hmpf... even if Cohgray is the dragon...¡±


    Celes swung her sword around and then held it up high.


    ¡°... I trust his concern for my family! And that... that is human!¡±


    Then, she swings down and releases a shockwave at the priest.


    ¡®Hmm... the dragonyers are not all fools. I would have expected them to double down on their religion. I see them in a new light now.¡¯


    Celes is an upright person.


    ¡®I cannot deny that. But morals can be corrupted too. Well, she is already being used by the enemies.¡¯


    The priest erects a barrier to defend against the force from Celes¡¯ de.


    ¡°You fool! Your foolishness makes my blood boil! Know your ce, you lowly humans!¡±


    I could almost see the smoke rise out of his head as he roars out in rage... but then, his trembling ceased, and he looked away.


    ¡°Enough... you shall get your just deserts for making such a foolish choice. The heavens shall punish every single one of you. The citizens of Lif¡¯el will know that you brought destruction upon them!¡±


    Arge sphere suddenly appeared in the sky, seemingly rolling in ce.


    I wondered what the hell that was. I couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that there¡¯s a countdown ¡®til the thing activated or something...


    ¡°Wha¡ª?!¡±


    Then, a blinding light emitted from the sphere... and body parts start to assemble into some sort of monster.


    It had the heads and tails of snakes, dragons, and wyverns and a body of what seems to be a dinosaur, altogether about 10 meters in length. The indescribable and mysterious monster stood in front of us.


    Bio Corpse Hydra


    Veno¡¯s analysis gave a name to what was in front of me.


    ¡°What on earth?! No way...¡±


    Celes and the dragonyers looked at the beast in fear as it horrifically screeches.


    ¡®Hmpf... ¡®tis an absolutely ludicrous amalgamation of many fearsome monsters. How preposterous.¡¯


    Veno matter-of-factly muttered aloud. His calmness thinly veiled the anger and loathing within him.


    ¡°Perhaps you recognize it! Yes, indeed, these creatures are the very ones you have in, nowbined to form a singr weapon! With this living weapon, I need not dragonyers! How the tables have turned on you lot! Now, perish for me.¡±


    ¡°Talk about letting the cat out of the bag...¡±


    There simply was no way the priest could justify his actions now.


    ¡°No one will remember that this happened. That is to say, nothing had happened here.¡±


    At the same time, the towering Bio Corpse Hydra spat out something.


    What the hell was that? It looked to be the same thing as the sphere from which it came.


    As soon as I could assess what it was, it began to unleash its powers.


    Miasma Bomb.


    ¡®Hmm?! Is this the same thing recorded in the memoir of thess¡¯ ancestor?!¡¯


    The airburst miasma bomb detonated in a great sh of light.


    But when it came in contact with me... it felt rather soothing.


    ¡°Arghhhh...¡±


    ¡°Gaaaaaaah!¡±


    ¡°Hyaaaaa?!¡±


    ¡°Muuuu!¡±


    ¡°Muu-Muu!¡±


    Though I was unaffected, everyone else¡ªincluding Celes and Arleaf¡ªbegan to hurt.


    Muu had even tried to protect Arleaf with hisrge helmet.


    ¡°Arleaf! You alright?!¡±


    The glow from Karma ze was pulsing as it faintly blipped out loud, protecting a small area around Arleaf.


    ¡°I-I¡¯ll be¡ªcough¡ªI¡¯ll be fine...¡±


    Everybody in the immediate area was turning paler by the moment.


    ¡®¡®tis a Miasma Bomb. It will taint Lif¡¯el and turn it into a wastnd, killing all life within the area.¡¯


    ¡°You¡¯re kidding!¡±


    ¡°Elf¨¦, you bastard...¡±


    Celes pierced the priest with her gaze.


    ¡°Do you seriously think Saint Yggdra¡ªlet alone the whole world¡ªwould let you get away with this?!¡±


    ¡°Hmpf. No one will believe whatever you lowly dragonyers have to say. Not that there will be anyone left alive in the first ce...¡±


    ¡°You would wipe out a whole town just to silence them...¡±


    The cool,posed priest scowled in his magic barrier.


    Not only did he intend on killing all witnesses, but the whole town.


    ¡°You lowly humans still have not learned your ce!¡±


    The priest began to exin himself.


    ¡°Our duty to restore the world tree remains unchanged. But the monsters and their king that live in the miasma are obstacles to our goal. If we do not exterminate them, how will we ever be able to restore the world tree?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think that¡¯s a little backwards?¡±


    I worked in at exploitative sweatshop, y¡¯know?


    The bosses were always ipetent ve drivers who thought only of themselves, leaving all the work to us subordinates. They didn¡¯t get the big picture.


    If the restoration of the world tree is their goal, then do that as you fend off attacking monsters.


    Why did they bother going on crusades?


    ¡®Ah. But with that hideous beast, they must be intending to subjugate the world with its might.¡¯


    They pretend to want to save the world, but their true intentions are selfish after all.


    ¡°Humans are weak creatures... which is why these terrible monsters must be controlled and used as weapons of war. It is more efficient than any sort of possession summoning. And, it never misses.¡±


    He¡¯s not wrong in that Forced Possession Summoning is a pain in the ass.


    They barely missed Veno since he is simply too powerful.


    ¡®Utter fools... they know not that their priorities are backwards. How can they im to protect people by hurting them...¡¯


    ¡°cough... even so, we will never give up!¡±


    Celes raised her voice to inspire all those around her.


    ¡°Cohgray, you seem unaffected.¡±


    ¡°Uh, yeah... but yourrades...¡±


    ¡°Worry not. This is the path they chose... though they would have never imagined that it would lead to this. Still, I wish to save the townsfolk. Cohgray, do you know of any way to protect one against the miasma?¡±


    I wondered if Veno had any ideas.


    ¡®It shall take time, but it is not impossible.¡¯


    ¡°It¡¯s extremely difficult, but yes.¡±


    ¡°I see... then we will do our best here. Please, in the meantime, save as many people as you can!¡±


    ¡°But your friends...¡±


    ¡°...¡±


    Celes kept quiet and stared down the priest.


    It seemed as though she never thought of helping them in the first ce.


    ¡°Cohgray, do me another favor. If you are able to escape, head to Niez in Saint Yggdra... see if you cannot save my sister.¡±

 Chapter 71

    <h4>Chapter 71</h4>


    Though the dragonyers all seemed to be afflicted by the miasma, they still wielded their weapons with resolution and took the fight to the Bio Corpse Hydra and the priest behind it.


    The za where everybody was situated was in a state of disrepair, and the homes surrounding the area were destroyed.


    The remaining dragonyers who had not joined the battle were rescuing the townsfolk and carrying them to safety.


    However, the hydra was much nimbler than its looks suggested. I was honestly could not have kept up with Celes and her squad as the buff from Veno¡¯s poison had dissipated.


    Veno probably knew exactly how strong it was. Strong enough to wreck me, that¡¯s for sure.


    ¡°Ugh...¡±


    The Bio Corpse Hydra swung its tail and struck a dragonyer, sending him flying. The dragonyernded some distance away and slumped over motionless.


    Don¡¯t tell me... he¡¯s dead...?!


    Did... did this all happened because I came to this town?


    ¡®Nay. ¡®tis because I resisted their Forced Possession Summoning. Thou oughtest not to worry.¡¯


    ¡°Yukihisa. Lord Holy Dragon.¡±


    ¡°Muuuu.¡±


    Arleaf did her best casting Aroma Heal with Muu as a catalyst on the dragonyers.


    Then, she grabbed me by the shoulders and started shaking.


    ¡°Get ahold of yourself!¡±


    ¡°But... if I weren¡¯t... it¡¯s my fault they...¡±


    ¡®Nay, I am to me...¡¯


    Perhaps it was hubristic of me to think I could save anyone.


    It was because they got involved with me that first Nisua... and now Lif¡¯el...


    Apanied with a loud p, my cheek seared with pain.


    ¡°Yukihisa! Lord Dragon! Have you snapped out of it yet? Please, stop ming yourselves.¡±


    ¡°But...¡±


    ¡°Neither of you have done anything wrong. The one guilty of this all is... well, in the case of my vige, it would be Elbatoxin and the followers of the Holy Yggdrasil. The ones guilty are whoever did this without so much a pang of conscience, the ones who tolerated all of this. They are the ones whomitted these horrible deeds and not you, Yukihisa.¡±


    When Arleaf spoke so bluntly... her expression and the way she spoke seemed identical to her ancestor.


    ¡°After learning of the truth, Celes immediately jumped into battle without even thinking about herself. What we should do is grant her wish and help take the townsfolk to safety. And then... we should defeat that foul creature and its puppeteer.¡±


    Am I right?, Arleaf followed up her pep talk.


    ¡°Muu!¡±


    Muu seems to agree with what Arleaf had to say.


    ¡®... aye. We should do exactly as thess says: ensure safety for the few who are still alive, y the beast, then deal with the priest.¡¯


    ¡°Yeah... you¡¯re right.¡±


    I realized I didn¡¯t have time to waste feeling sorry for myself. We¡¯re a pretty capable party.


    ¡°Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!¡±


    As I was pumping myself up, Celes found a gap through the Bio Corpse Hydra and she unleashed her Luminous de at the priest.


    It shed against his magical barrier and then split through, cutting the priest¡¯s veil.


    She was still following through her swing, but the priest... caught her de with his bare hand?!


    ¡°Wha¡ª!¡±


    Even Celes was shocked.


    I mean, she¡¯s the strongest one around, isn¡¯t she? How can anyone stop her special move with a single hand?


    ¡®Hmm...?¡¯


    The priest¡¯s veil drops onto the ground, revealing a wrinkly old elf looking down at Celes with scorn.


    ¡°You have done well to make it this far, but you shall get no further! You filthy humans foolishly underestimate my power!¡±


    Then, he sent his fist straight onto Celes¡¯ abdomen.


    It might sound like an exaggeration, but he sent her flying for about five meters.


    ¡°Ugh... augh...¡±


    ¡°Your misconception that defeating me would end everything is, unfortunately for you, incorrect. Ahh, it will be such a pleasure to torture Saint Yggdra¡¯s finest warriors, ahahaha...¡±


    The wrinkly old fart was extremely cocky.


    Well, if you¡¯re so strong, you be the leader of the dragonyers then.


    Anyway, the Karma ze strapped to Arleaf¡¯s back started to glow like it never has before.


    ¡°Whoa?!¡±


    ¡°W-What the...?!¡±


    ¡°Hmm?!¡±


    The bright light drew the attention of the priest.


    ¡°I-Is that the light of the sacred sword?! Impossible!¡±


    Just as he was about to torture Celes to death, the priest began to panic.


    ¡°The sword...¡±


    The sacred sword slowly lifted itself away from Arleaf¡¯s back and floated upwards... and in front of me.


    ... is it telling me I should wield it?


    I gingerly extend my hand out.


    ¡°Attack! Kill him now!¡±


    The priest shouted hismand at the Bio Corpse Hydra and it acknowledged the priest with a loud roar before charging over at us.


    ¡°Cohgray!¡±


    I immediately grab Karma ze and then... a scene unfolded in front of my eyes.


    This seemed like someboratory or test facility but by the far wall stands a tree.


    Arleaf¡¯s ancestor and the man who dreamt of remation rushes in... they look older than I remember.


    Standing across from them is an arrogant-looking elf.


    ¡°Virage, don¡¯t do it!¡±


    ¡°Hahaha... I did not expect you to be able to follow my trail.¡±


    ¡°Do you have any idea what the hell you¡¯re doing?!¡±


    ¡°Of course I do. Since we have so painstakingly revived the world tree... we would be halting the progress of civilization if we do not make the best use of its graces. Everyone here understands. Everyone wishes to live with abundance. You, however, take it too easy.¡±


    The prideful elf spits out his words.


    ¡°There is nothing wrong with treasuring the world tree. On the reverse, you are definitely in the wrong! Not only will your machines kill the world tree, it will go out of your control! The world cannot take any more damage! Why do you think Veno sacrificed his life?!¡±


    ¡°Hmpf! Such foolishness... that stupid dragon wanted to see this world prosper? I am doing no more than hurrying that.¡±


    With a snap of his fingers, the elf¡¯s goons surrounded him... as he flicked the switch on, powering the machine.


    Then, the tree in the back started glowing.


    ¡°Hahahahahahaha! Do you understand yet? This marks the beginning of a new era!¡±


    ¡°Stop!¡±


    The man who dreamt of remation rushed over, but Virage showed no signs of stopping.


    It was immediately apparent what the machine did. A ck, evil light began to flicker.


    ¡°What?!¡±


    The earth began to quake as the needles snap out of the gauges.


    ¡°Cease it at once!¡±


    ¡°I-I shall do no such thing! It is going critical!¡±


    The evil glow filled the immediate area and, starting with the man who dreamt of remation, a force knocked them all over.


    In the middle of that light... was the shadow of a dragon much like Veno flying off somewhere.


    The only positive thing was that light seemed to have protected the men at the hypocenter.


    What we now call miasma began infecting the nation, forcing the survivors to take refuge.


    And in the middle of all of that... the shamefaced elf and his men all spout out the same rehearsed lines and med everything onto the man who dreamt of remation.


    ¡°I was forced to go through this inhuman n by him!¡±


    ¡°Lies! This was all you!¡±


    ¡°What are you saying?! We are the victims here! How dare youy the me on us?! You despicable monster! You dreamer! It is your fault that everybody has now lost their homes!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡±


    Of course, there were people who still believed in the man who dreamt of remation... but it would be understatement to call it a tragedy.


    Dispirited, the man who dreamt of remation held his Karma ze and began to speak.


    ¡°We will be fine... no matter how difficult, how terrible the situation we get dragged into, we are simply back to square one. We simply have to once again build a betternd for everyone to live, just as how Veno lent us thisnd before. Let us found a nation that they would envy... let us create the world that Veno envisioned, however...¡±


    He paused before continuing to speak to his sword.


    ¡°The only regret I have is that when Veno reawakens, he would feel utterly betrayed. He... he was a great guy. And even if I can¡¯t do it in this generation, I want him to see how beautiful this world will be.¡±


    I still don¡¯t know whether his dream came true or not.


    I mean, I don¡¯t really know this world and Veno doesn¡¯t have any rtion with the people alive now.


    I¡¯ve been living as a fugitive, but I¡¯m sure there¡¯s a lot of the world I haven¡¯t seen yet.


    There¡¯s not muchnd people can live on because of the miasma. Arleaf¡¯s family, his direct descendent, were forced to live right by the swamp.


    But Karma ze witnessed those days.


    He passed down his world for us to see.


    Oh, by the way, Veno?


    ¡®What is it?¡¯


    What exactly is Karma ze? Is this the only one there is in the world?


    ¡®Must I exin it right here and now? Well, simply put, there are more than this one. I know not the true name of thess¡¯ sword, but there seems to be multiple. It activates only when it judges someone to be heroic and his enemy wicked. It is an inexplicable sword.¡¯


    I understood what Veno meant though.


    To get into more detail, it seems like when heroes visit a certain ancient temple, a sword would appear out of thin air on the altar.


    But if there are these hero¡¯s swords in the first ce, why would theye up with stuff like Forced Possession Summoning and that crazy living creature weapon? If people want heroes, they should at least live on as legend, right?


    Those heroes can just fight for world peace, can¡¯t they?


    ¡®I wonder. Even I til this day know not the location of that temple. However, it is surprising that the dragonyers do not wield such a weapon. ¡®tis as if they have discarded it for Forced Possession Summoning and that patchwork beast.¡¯


    You think so, too? From what I can tell, these sacred swords seem to mean bad business for some people.


    And then, Karma ze finds that one person.


    Without warning, I had been transported back to my body and the priest had justmanded to hydra to attack us.


    That priest... aside from more wrinkles on his face, he looks like a clone of Virage.


    ¡°Hurry and kill him! Do not let the sacred sword activate!¡±


    Oh... I get it.


    ¡®I do too. Uhh... testing, one, two, three.¡¯


    Veno¡¯s voice suddenly became a lot louder.


    ¡°Wh-What?!¡±


    ¡®What a coincidence to see you here, Virage. Everything had truly worked well for thee. Thou hadst sessfully outwitted him and used the rest of us as scapegoats. Thou nearly deceivedest both me and the sword too.¡¯


    ¡°Wh-Who are you?! Veno Yveval?!¡±


    Oh, so Elf¨¦¡¯s real name is Virage then?

 Chapter 72

    <h4>Chapter 72</h4>


    ¡°What? Veno? Never mind that! Hurry and escape, Cohgray!¡±


    Celes looked confused when she saw Virage and I exchange nces.


    Oh, she probably can¡¯t hear Veno.


    ¡®¡®tis quite strenuous make myself heard by elves, but I have so much to say to him.¡¯


    ¡°Hah, hahahahahahaha! I did not expect to guess correctly. You look so differently than back then; I could not recognize you.¡±


    Veno¡¯s enemy from a time long past stood there staring and arrogantlyughing.


    ¡®I could but say the same myself. I expected not to see thee alive. We have both aged so much that we could not recognize each other.¡¯


    Veno speaks calmly, just barely holding back his murderous intent.


    ¡°Still... I did not foresee his phantom appear holding the same sword as he did years ago...¡±


    ¡®Perhaps it would be best for thee to give up. Thine secret weapon would easily be ughtered by the sacred sword. ¡®tis unmistakable the sword glows for it is ready to punish thee for thine sins!¡¯


    So, what? Was I supposed to smack them with the sword?


    Not that it¡¯s unwieldy or anything, but I wasn¡¯t confident with the Karma ze since I¡¯ve never used it before.


    The Bio Corpse Hydra approached us to attack with his miasma breath, but I zipped off to avoid getting hit by it.


    I felt super quick on my feet, almost as if I had wings.


    ¡°D-Did he just teleport?!¡±


    The dragonyers shouted out in astonishment.


    However, not only was the hydra able to, even Virage kept up with me.


    ¡°Hmpf. You think you can turn this around simply with a hero¡¯s sword? My monster is strong enough to even defeat the monster general of yore. You are sorely mistaken to think you could be victorious with that sword.¡±


    Virage, blinded by his greed and grudge, raised his hand.


    ¡°This is all his fault! Despite the world tree originally belonging to us elves, this only happened because he bbered on about sharing the tree¡¯s graces! If only he didn¡¯t get in my way, none of this would have happened! The man who wielded that sword is all to me!¡±


    ¡®Spoken truly like a sore loser who lost all his might. Thou art truly petty, always shifting the me onto others.¡¯


    ¡°You dare ridicule me?!¡±


    ¡®Ridicule thee? I merely speak of the truth. But for trampling over our dreams... do not think thou shall die a good death!¡¯


    ¡°Haha... you talk big for someone trapped in the body of a frail human being. Now, hurry and die already!¡±


    With a smile on his face, Virage was filled with a sense of false confidence as he ordered the monster to attack us. However, right as he did so, Karma ze began to shine again... so did I as I floated up into the air.


    What in the hell...?


    ¡°Ah...¡±


    ¡°Muu.¡±


    Arleaf and Muu sped their hands together as if they were praying to me.


    Finally, Karma ze left my hand and just as soon as I thought it would fly around...¡ª


    A great sh of light burst out from my chest, disorienting me for a moment.


    ¡ªVeno Yveval... ughter the culprit whomitted this unforgivable sin.


    A rageful voice¡ªneither the voice of Veno, me, nor the man who dreamt of remation¡ªresonated with amand.


    The next thing I knew... my body had disappeared. I was viewing the world through Veno¡¯s eyes.


    Veno was not the ckish, purplish dragon I knew, but rather a divine white dragon d in light.


    ¡°Aye... this is... longevity?¡±


    ¡®What the hell is happening? Am I just spectating?¡¯


    I was able to move my body, but Veno¡¯s didn¡¯t move at all.


    And if I was watching from Veno¡¯s point of view, where did I go?


    Veno stretched open his wings, clenched and unclenched his ws, and gave his body a quick check-over.


    ¡®Aye... thou art now in the space where I had been trapped.¡¯


    Hey, don¡¯t just speak to me with telepathy. I almost thought I went by to my world in this state.


    ¡®Hmm... if thou were to suddenly leave, I would be panicking too. In any case, I shall do what I am supposed to do. It seems like Karma ze has a lot of both Mana and frustration pent up inside it.¡¯


    Veno speaks to me as he looks on over to Virage.


    ¡°What thinkest thou, Virage? Thine magics seems to be working against thee.¡±


    ¡°Impossible!¡±


    ¡°However, ¡®tis quite humorous. To have the sword activate like this... means that thou art as evil as the monster general. But perhaps that is why thou hadst engaged in petty tricks to prevent more heroes? Is that why thou hadst also worn such an odd headdress?¡±


    Sounds about right. Virage most likely changed his name, shirked all responsibility, and lived as a fugitive as well.


    ¡°This sacred sword that contains the hopes of the people is granting me¡ªa monster¡ªits power. It spells ill omens for thee. But I shall let the sword and the dragonyers pass their judgement.¡±


    Celes¡¯ jaw dropped.


    ¡°C-Cohgray, you really are a dragon... but this changes nothing. I have already made up my mind.¡±


    ¡°If you think about it, that dragon is only defending itself... it hasn¡¯t even killed any innocents. You could say it was even being nice...¡±


    The dragonyer muttered out as he looked down at his fallen brethren.


    ¡°... we¡¯d best hurry and save the townsfolk. Don¡¯t want any more casualties than this...¡±


    ¡®I had been so restricted with my energy that I was not able to chant many of the spells I had wanted to try. With so much Mana, I could cast any magic I want now.¡¯


    Hey. What, did you think I was going to ignore what you just said?


    ¡®Oh, whatever! I only have this one chance! What great timing too! I have been chosen by the sacred sword... I am the world¡¯s only dragon hero!¡¯


    Will you stop acting like a child, Veno?! What the hell is a dragon hero anyway?!


    ¡°Activate Holy Magic... Ancient Language Interpretation.¡±


    Never have I been bombarded with more visual information... ugh. Just looking at the geometric models and forms that popped up made my head hurt.


    ¡°Your attention please, everyone... I cast the mass curing and purifying defensive barrier... Yggdrasil!¡±


    As Veno activates his spell, our surroundings were smothered by a green light. A giant tree rose from the ground by magic and then its roots spread over the whole town of Lif¡¯el.


    The roots passed through walls and buildings, guarding the whole town.


    Except for Virage and his Bio Corpse Hydra of course.


    The hydra began to w at the roots that extended from Veno¡¯s magic tree, but the tree didn¡¯t budge one bit.


    ¡°Whoa... I feel... so much better. The miasma is getting purified!¡±


    ¡°Ugh...¡±


    The fallen dragonyers began to rise from the ground.


    ¡°Even the seriously wounded are recovering... with this much range, maybe even the dead will be...¡±


    ¡°Oh, that miraculous magic here... is the exact one from the legends...!¡±


    The dragonyers sped their hands together in prayer.


    Lif¡¯el was just gued with miasma, but through Veno, the town was being purified right before my eyes. Lif¡¯el could even be called holy ground.


    ¡°Hmm... let me sustain that healing barrier... and cast another spell.¡±


    ¡®Oh, I wanted to try this one out too!¡¯


    Aw, geez. I can hear exactly how he feels. But to think that Veno was also able to hear me so clearly...


    ¡®Oh, keep quiet. I cannot hold myself back any longer.¡¯


    ¡°And for the target...¡±


    ¡°Wha¡ª¡±


    Veno carved a cross into Virage.


    Not only was it visible to me, but everyone else could too, judging by their shocked expression.


    ¡°Now... face thine punishment for ruining the man¡¯s dream and for causing the families of countless dragonyers to suffer. I have avoided killing people to the best of my ability... however, you shall receive no such mercy.¡±


    Veno started casting again.


    The geometrical patterns of many magic circles surrounded them and began to form a powerful spell.


    ¡°Five minutes. I shall grant ye all five minutes¡¯ time to escape. After that, anyone left in a 20-meter radius of the marked man, Virage, shall be punished along with him!¡±


    How thoughtful of you.

 Chapter 73

    <h4>Chapter 73</h4>


    A handful of people ran away as soon as Veno issued his warning.


    ¡°Stay where you are! It is simply an empty threat to frighten you! The town only appears to be purified, but it is a mere trick on the eyes. And then, he will...¡±


    Virage whistled, summoning the Bio Corpse Hydra to his side.


    And its back... split open? Virage then climbs inside.


    ¡°You cannot possibly touch me if Imand my ultimate weapon from the inside!¡±


    The priest¡¯s voice came through the hydra¡¯s mouth.


    It¡¯s like he¡¯s piloting that amalgamation as if it were a mech.


    ¡®Judging by thine memories... ¡®tis rather interesting.¡¯


    Hey, don¡¯t get distracted by anime robots. Focus on the fight, damn it.


    ¡®¡®tis without a question that I am focused. Casting spells take time, even if I am filled with Mana. I have nothing practical to do in the meantime.¡¯


    Five minutes¡¯ time to escape... you mean you need five minutes to cast this spell.


    Knowing the truth just spoils it for me. And why aren¡¯t you using any poison anyway, Mr. Poison Dragon?


    ¡®Oh, be quiet. ¡®tis the same reason I had mentioned before. If I were to use my poison, no one will survive.¡¯


    ¡°Now, my ultimate weapon, y the dragon who corrupted the dragonyers!¡±


    ¡°Sir Elf¨¦! He is mighty and righteous! Do not waver, men!¡±


    Controlling the hydra from within, Virage repeated spewed noxious gas onto Veno.


    However, Veno¡¯s Yggdrasilpletely countered it.


    Virage¡¯s followers attempted to do the same to the surrounding dragonyers and townsfolk but were ineffective due to the same reasons.


    ¡°Damn you, you evil, deceiving dragon!¡±


    ¡°You deserve nothing but death for your sins! Hurry, Sir Elf¨¦!¡±


    ¡°What makes you think you can tell me what to do?! And I know that much! The dragon cannot maintain this barrier forever!¡±


    Virage and his goons struggled and struggled.


    But, I know.


    I know that their efforts against Veno¡¯s Yggdrasil amounted to nothing.


    ¡°This is a miracle... o Sacred Yggdrasil... we have not misced our faith in you.¡±


    Celes and herrades continued to pray to Veno.


    Absorbing their prayers, the already stable Yggdrasil became stronger and more resistant.


    Five minutes have already passed during this exchange... and the magic was ready.


    ¡°Now... I have given you five minutes¡¯ time. Virage, receive thy punishment for thy sins! I cast the almighty spell of destruction and the divine punishment upon Sodom and Gomorrah, Fire and Brimstone!¡±


    As soon as Veno casted his spell, the skies swirled with grey clouds. A pir of light prated through, striking straight down along with the crackling and rumbling of thunder and lightning.


    ¡°This magic is nothingpared to my¡ª¡±


    Viragemanded the Bio Corpse Hydra to defend itself, but Veno¡¯s spell destroyed its defenses and pierced through the monster in an instant.


    ¡°Aughhhhhhhhhh!¡±


    ¡°Wh¡ª¡±


    ¡°No w¡ª¡±


    ¡°Im¡ª¡°


    Virage and his assants didn¡¯t have enough time to cry out.


    By the powers of Yggdrasil, Celes and the other dragonyers were once again protected from the great fire that raged from the lightning strike.


    Within ten seconds, the monster and men had been reduced to nothing but ashes.


    ¡°Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah...¡±


    The elf¡¯s voice trailed until the fire fully consumed him.


    What was left was but a crater in the ground.


    ¡°Whew.¡±


    Perhaps Veno was feeling generous after casting his spell. He used more Mana to fill in the crater and repaired the nearby buildings which had been destroyed by Bio Corpse Hydra.


    ¡°Ahh... that felt great. ¡®tis very satisfying to finally unleash my powers.¡±


    I could almost imagine Veno lighting up a cigarette after all that.


    It seems to me as if you¡¯ve overdone it a little though, don¡¯tcha think?


    ¡®I am sure things shall be fine. I have restored the town to status quo ante bellum.¡¯


    I mean, I guess...


    Now then, it was time to clean up this mess. Surely, Veno could undo the magic casted on me, right?


    I now totally understood how it feels to be a spectator and I had had enough.


    Whatever it takes for you to return me to my world though.


    ¡®Aye... then I shall... gah. It... seems that I am all out of Mana.¡¯


    You what?!


    ¡®Perhaps we will need to... aaaaaaahhh¡¯


    Kerssh!


    Veno disappeared into a beam of light and I was switched back to the physical world.


    Then, I gently floated to the ground. Maybe it was because I was holding onto Karma ze.


    Luckily, I somehownded safely.


    ¡°Yukihisa!¡±


    ¡°Muuuuuuuuuuuuuu!¡±


    Arleaf and Muu rushed over to my side.


    ¡°You did it! You too, Lord Holy Dragon!¡±


    ¡°Muuuuu!¡±


    The world tree Veno spawned with his magic faded into the light as well.


    ¡®Aye... however, the Mana I had been receiving from Karma ze stopped flowing.¡¯


    ¡°Will Yukihisa turn into the Lord Holy Dragon again?¡±


    ¡°Umm, y¡¯know, me and Veno are totally separate beings, right, Arleaf?¡±


    You don¡¯t seriously think I¡¯m the human form of Veno... right?


    We¡¯ve already talked about this before, so she should understand.


    ¡°Oh... sorry. I didn¡¯t mean it like that. I was wondering that because the Lord Holy Dragon had spoken how he couldn¡¯t undo Forced Possession Summoning.¡±


    ¡®Aye. But...¡¯


    Veno shifted his attention to Celes who had walked up to us.


    ¡°Cohgray, you really were the dragon...¡±


    ¡°Like I said, it¡¯splicated, but I¡¯m not actually the dragon, right?¡±


    ¡°But if you had seen it... no, you are correct.¡±


    ¡°Do you still want to duel? Though we found out how we¡¯ve been had already...¡±


    Celes silently shook her head.


    The rest of the dragonyers followed suit as well.


    Wait... when did all of the people in Lif¡¯el gather around us?


    This... is bad? I mean, we really did cause quite a stir.


    ¡®Shall we escape? Though, thou art surrounded...¡¯


    I sat down and looked around...


    ¡°You need not be on guard, Cohgray. People have not assembled because they hold resentment towards you. Rather... yes, let me offer a prayer first then let me apologize afterwards.¡±


    As the leader of the Dragonyer Corps, Celes led her team and about half of the townsfolk in a prayer.


    ¡°Wh-What the...¡±


    ¡°Umm...¡±


    ¡°Y¡¯all have made a real ruckus here.¡±


    Wayne and Rurika showed up to the za.


    ¡°Uhh... what¡¯s happening here?¡±


    ¡°Well, this because you turned into the Holy Dragon, created a world tree, and saved the town, I s¡¯pose.¡±


    ¡®Hmm? What is the meaning of this?¡¯


    ¡°And so what does this mean?¡±


    Veno and I couldn¡¯t quite make heads and tails of this situation, but Arleaf lightly cleared her throat and stood up along with Celes.


    ¡°Many of these people have found our lord, the Holy Dragon. He had appeared and brought salvation with him, saving the town from the brink of extinction. It is very much like a god had descended from the heavens.¡±


    ¡°The others are us followers of the Teachings of the Sacred Yggdrasil. Our scriptures tell of a miraculous spell called Yggdrasil that will clear miasma, save the fallen, and protect the people. It is said that the one who casts the spell should be worshipped as a saint as well.¡±


    Rurika raised her index finger and quickly added to the conversation.


    ¡°And then, the third religion in town is the Church of Saint Oevarl, a harmony of the other two. The name is a reference to a certain dragon, it seems.¡±


    Saint Oevarl... your name is Veno Yveval, right?


    ¡®Aye... but sayeth thou it to be simr?¡¯


    Well, yeah, it¡¯s kinda simr. It¡¯s not identical, of course, but if it¡¯s a mixture between the two religions... well, it wouldn¡¯t exactly be unreasonable.


    ¡°To sum it up, the magic used and the divine punishment we witnessed today is something of legends... even if it was casted by a dragon. I am sure the people who have observed today¡¯s battle believe that it was the return of the saint.¡±


    Ah... so in other words, Veno¡¯s magic and the miracle of Karma ze roused up a few religions.


    ¡°Let us ry news to our countrymen, telling them that the culprit behind our afflicted family members was Elf¨¦¡ªor rather, it was the ancient elf by the name of Virage!¡±


    ¡°Yeah!¡±


    The dragonyers all cheered while they were in the middle of praying to us.


    ¡°Then, the whole killing me thing...¡±


    ¡°What do you take us for?! If we were to y the dragon after it had called forth the world tree... we should be the ones punished.¡±


    ¡®This proves that I had made the right decision in casting my spells, does it not?¡¯


    Sure, it does, Veno. Whatever makes you happy.


    But you and I both know that you only casted those spells ¡®cause you were aching to try them out.


    ¡°Yeah... well, I¡¯m d that we¡¯re good. Actually, Celes, we should probably hurry to save your sister. There might be more of Virage¡¯s peopleing after us.¡±


    ¡°And even now, you still worry about me... you truly are a man of good character, Cohgray.¡±


    Oops. Celes looked a little shocked.


    ¡°It¡¯s the seconding!¡±


    ¡°Lord Holy Dragon!¡±


    ¡°The legends havee true!¡±


    Everybody seemed to be overjoyed with how things turned out. They gather around me and tossed me in the air.


    ¡°Whoa! Hey, hold on!¡±


    ¡°Eek!¡±


    This is crazy!


    ¡°Please, hold on!¡±


    ¡°Muu?!¡±


    ¡°You two are with the Lord Holy Dragon as well, right? Up you go then!¡±


    With that, people from all religions reveled together with the whole town for today¡¯s monumental victory.


    There was a ceremony in the middle of all that celebration... at least it gave me a moment to speak to Celes and the rest of them.


    Well, the people of the Sacred Teachings have already sealed off the curse-ridden prayer altar yesterday and are now taking care of it.


    Veno told me he¡¯d look further into the issueter.


    Oh, and it seems like Wayne¡¯s issue was most likely rted to the infectious altar too.


    A few days before symptoms started hitting him, his acquaintance showed up to his home with a Teachings symbol in hand.

 Chapter 74

    <h4>Chapter 74</h4>


    ¡°Then, Cohgray, since our mages are present, we should undo the magic that turned you into a human.¡±


    Oh, was it the dragonyers that did this to me?


    Anyway, I should have properly exined this to her.


    ¡°As I mentioned before, the dragon to whom you¡¯ve prayed and I are separate beings.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve mistaken what the spell does. Instead of turning the monster into a human, the spell used a monster¡¯s Mana as a catalyst to summon a human from another world. Then, the spell forces the target monster to possess that human.¡±


    ¡®Aye...¡¯


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°The summoned human would be dropped into thispletely different world. Because they have just been brought to this world, they would be low-leveled and extremely easy to kill. Then, you kill the human and the monster that possess him would die together.¡±


    Celes took in this information very poorly.


    ¡°So, in other words, Veno Yveval and I arepletely separate beings. I¡¯m just a guy who was summoned from another world. I¡¯m sure you guys have some sort of legend of summoning humans from parallel worlds, right?¡±


    I think I recall Veno mentioning a fairytale like that.


    Hearing this exnation, her face turns even paler.


    ¡°Th-That would mean... the spell which we thought would weaken a monster...¡±


    ¡°In Veno¡¯s case, then it would mean you¡¯d kill a tough monster by simply killing some stranger. A pretty good deal for you, I¡¯d say.¡±


    ¡°Damn... I shall report this exactly as you have said to the Kingdom of Saint Yggdra. To y a monster like that is...pletely uneptable. If there is a way for me to atone for my sins...¡±


    ¡°Innocent people from parallel worlds have been forced to sacrifice their lives, so I can¡¯t justify it. But... I¡¯m sure you dragonyers can find atonement.¡±


    The dead cannot simplye back.


    Celes and her squad might have innocent blood on their hands, but that¡¯s just how this world is.


    It¡¯s not fully their fault though. Whoever created a spell like Forced Possession Summoning should be to me. They should forbid people from ever using it again.


    ¡°You... are right. I now realize that you have guided my path time and time again, Cohgray.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry too much about it. I¡¯m d to be able to open up to you as well.¡±


    I reached my hand out.


    With just a tinge of fear, she took my hand and shook it.


    ¡°Thank you...¡±


    It seemed like she could undo Forced Possession Summoning.


    ¡°Yukihisa...¡±


    ¡°Muuu...¡±


    Both Arleaf and Muu turned to me with heartbroken looks on their faces.


    ¡°Yukihisa... are you going to return to your world?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m only here because of Veno¡¯s Mana, so I¡¯m not sure either.¡±


    ¡®Aye. Your presence in this world may perhaps be maintained by my Mana.¡¯


    So, does that mean if the spell gets undone, I¡¯ll return to Japan?


    ¡°But...¡±


    Oof... Arleaf eyes swelled up with tears.


    This hurts, Arleaf... but I really can¡¯t help it since our goal is to lift the spell after all.


    ¡°Are you... going to leave?¡±


    ¡°I still don¡¯t know yet, but, umm... err, Arleaf...¡±


    I took her hands in mine.


    ¡°Veno will still be around even if I¡¯m gone. So, please... please don¡¯t be so sad.¡±


    ¡®Do pardon me for being unable to consume thess¡¯ cooking.¡¯


    Oh, shut up! You¡¯re such a bbermouth.


    ¡®Well,ss... in the even that he returns to his world, I shall try to summon him for thee.¡¯


    What? Veno ns to summon me on his own terms?


    It was unreasonable how they summoned me in the first ce, but wouldn¡¯t it be unreasonable the second time as well?


    ¡®Dost thou wish for otherwise? Even though thou alwaysinest.¡¯


    Hmm... well, you guys are like family now and no way do I want to work in thatpany again.


    Not to mention that Veno has already defeated Virage once and for all, so I wouldn¡¯t mind being here. I¡¯ve enjoyed my days here, y¡¯know?


    ¡°Lord Holy Dragon...¡±


    ¡®Nothing to fearest then.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°It seems like Miss Arleaf can hear the dragon¡¯s voice too. Have youe to a decision?¡±


    ¡°Yes, we have.¡±


    ¡°Thene with me. Our mages are waiting.¡±


    We headed to the courtyard of a church to find an incredible number of mages waiting to begin undoing Forced Possession Summoning.


    Then, they began casting all kinds of spells at me, attempting to lift the spell.


    It seems like the townsfolk are peering in from outside hoping to catch a glimpse of the Holy Dragon.


    ¡°Let us proceed!¡±


    The head mage called out onest time before casting a spell at me.


    Just like before, the energy poured into me... and after a while, I floated back to solid ground.


    ... don¡¯t feel any different though.


    ¡°Umm... so, did it work?¡±


    ¡°Very odd. I tried reversing it, but...¡±


    The mages put in so much research into Forced Possession Summoning, but they now all hang their heads down.


    ... what? You guys figured out how to cast it but not undo it?


    ¡°A-Apologies, Cohgray.¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s uhh... I guess it was easier said than done.¡±


    Man, it would¡¯ve been great if it worked.


    ¡®Tsk... that means we have to continue as is for a little longer.¡¯


    Sounds like it...


    ¡°Though we may have failed... our appreciation does not change. We revere you and the dragon¡ªLord Yveval, I mean¡ªas holy figures. Let us guarantee your safety from now on. We would be honored if you were to ept our feelings.¡±


    ¡°Oh. Yes. It¡¯s my pleasure?¡±


    I guess we¡¯re now saints in three religions. I¡¯m d they put aside their differences to be so courteous.


    We were even warmly weed to the pce too.


    Oh, and Veno¡¯s wide-area spell easily took care of the curse that was ced upon Nisua.


    But talk about a one-eighty from fugitive to saint.


    I barely have to ask and people immediately say yes to my requests. It kinda felt good.


    It was scary and nerve-racking toy low and live as a fugitive.


    In any case, even though civilization is quite a bit behind, life here is stable. I was more than happy to not have to fight anymore.


    ¡®Is that not something to celebrate?! hic! It truly has been too long since I have indulged like this.¡¯


    The town offered their finest liquor to Veno, so he¡¯s back on the bottle.


    Since I¡¯ve got Poison Absorption, I get a light buzz but no hangovers. Pretty handy.


    I thought somebody might try to assassinate me to wrest control over the world, but poisons don¡¯t work at all on me.


    I¡¯m sure any assassin would know that... but I¡¯ve also got quite the entourage of bodyguards. Celes didn¡¯t even return home to cure her sister and instead is protecting me.


    I lived a life of peace... for about two weeks.


    ¡°Are you sure, Cohgray?¡±


    After being relieved of her post in the Dragonyers Corps under the guise to return home, I asked Celes for help to break out of the pce that so cordially received us. In the cover of night, we executed our n.


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Mu.¡±


    ¡°We will be on the run again, Yukihisa.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right. But if I stay there any longer, I¡¯ll be a waste of skin.¡±


    Yeah, after living the high life for two weeks, I felt like an absolute degenerate.


    In the end, Arleaf¡ªwho originally followed me around as a helper¡ªbecame my lover and finally, my wife. Wait... now that I think about it, that sounds really bad.


    Anyway. As we¡¯re trying to break ourselves out, Muu¡¯s in the corner shaking up and down with a dirty look... it feels like Muu is expecting Arleaf and me to get hot and heavy tonight, but that¡¯s not what we¡¯re doing!


    I felt like apletely useless person living like this, so I begged Celes for her help to extract me out of this ce and set off on a journey together.


    It¡¯s not like we could undo Forced Possession Summoning anyway.


    ¡®Good heavens... thou spoke of being a ¡°corporate ve¡± before, but are humans from thy world so unepting of extravagance? Not being able to fully rx is a real shame.¡±


    ¡°My body has been naturally healing itself ever since I came to this world. If I rxed any longer, I¡¯d turn into a blob.¡±


    ¡°You are a very earnest man, Cohgray. I have much to learn from you.¡±


    After leaving pce grounds, we hopped onto a coach that Celes had prepared ahead of time.


    ¡°Cohgray, they will definitely go searching for a missing saint. It is still not toote to return.¡±


    ¡°I know. I¡¯ve left them a message just in case.¡±


    Before we escaped, I left a note on the desk of my room. I exined how there are still many in this world who need our help and my reasons for doing so. Basically, everything that would sound good.


    Of course, I made sure not to incriminate Celes in the letter. I said I¡¯d return in three days too. I think I¡¯ll be alright.


    ¡°They will only hunt you down.¡±


    ¡°Well... I¡¯m used to being on the run.¡±


    ¡°Then, where shall we go? Shall we go searching for my rtives for clues to undo Forced Possession Summoning?¡±


    ¡®¡®tis a good n. And honestly, thess¡¯ ancestor wrote not nearly enough in his journal.¡¯


    ¡°They¡¯ll probably be waiting for us there...¡±


    ¡°If they are expecting us to show up to Miss Arleaf¡¯s rtives, then let us go to somewhere like my hometown where they surely shall not be expecting.¡±


    Not to hide in in sight or anything, but Celes technically took her leave before I escaped, so they shouldn¡¯t connect the dots.


    ¡°Yeah, that sounds like a n.¡±


    ¡°Understood, then let us head to Niez.¡±


    ¡°Okay! I will follow you to the ends of the world, Yukihisa.¡±


    ¡°Mu!¡±


    ¡®Good grief. Thou hast made morerades, but in the end, still a fugitive.¡¯


    I guess so. We gotta start with undoing the spell though.


    I¡¯m still a Poison-Wielder. And I¡¯m still a fugitive.


    ¡®Aye. However, I feel better than ever.¡¯


    ¡°You¡¯re right. Well, everybody, sorry to trouble ya... but let¡¯s do this!¡±


    ¡°Yeah! (Mu!)¡±


    ... seems like I¡¯ll still be a poison-wielding fugitive for the next little while.


    Thank you very much for being with me on this journey to the end of my first novel series! I sincerely hope everyone has enjoyed Poison-Wielding Fugitive as much as I have. As well, I hope everyone will continue supporting me by reading my other novels and uing ones as well. Once again, from the bottom of my heart, thank you very much.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!