Of All Things, I Became a Crow: Chapter #124

 

Of All Things, I Became a Crow: Chapter #124

Translators: Nyx and Ririi Rain

 

 

*Rainelle’s POV

After a while, Aria was able to calm herself. Aria took a deep breath while wiping the tears from her eyes, then she said quietly,

"...thank you for your consolation, Rainelle."

I couldn't think of any words to respond to Aria's act of smiling and thanking me.

Like she did not expect an answer either, the next second, Aria patted hard her own cheeks a few times and stood up from her seat.

She said,

"I can't be this depressed!"

"Huh? Do you have any good way?"

"I can’t think of anything right now, but... acting like a tragic heroine won’t change anything, right?"

That's right.

When I thought so and nodded my head, Aria laughed,

"If I could, I'd like to chase him right away and slap him hard, but it's hard to find an excuse for going. What should I do? Is there any good way?"

"No, even if you ask me---"

When I said it up to that part, I stopped talking.

Ah? Wait. Maybe I can do something?

"---Rainelle?"

"Hey, I don't know if this is a good idea, but... I think we can figure out how Namuel's current situation is."

"Huh, really?! How?! Rainelle flying there yourself? Oh, but I don't think Karmeut will ever allow that."

“No, there is another way.”

The reason why I thought of this now was because I heard Eileen-nim's whispering voice:

"My child, don't forget that you are the Queen of crows and all flying beasts."

---I don't know what the concept of 'Queen' would be like for animals.

What is it? From my knowledge as a zookeeper… maybe it’s like the head of the pack?

"I can ask the crows."

"...Crows? No, the idea is understandable, but the place that Namuel was dispatched to was the west of the Empire, right? Adjacent to the mountain range that crosses the continent."

"Because it's a mountain range, it's a good place for crows to live in. Well, it's a common bird that can be found everywhere, right?"

Even though they were pushed by magpies in Korea, it was different here. And even if it was not as many as pigeons, crows can be seen a lot too.

In other words, there were enough eyes to see and enough ears to hear. They can’t speak well like a human, but they have the advantage of being able to fly.

However, Aria seemed skeptical.

"Rainelle, I appreciate your kindness, but... wouldn’t it be difficult? Even if Rainelle asks the crows to do it, the time it takes to reach Milburn territory is..."

"Why are you worrying about that?"

"...Eh?”

“You don't need to worry about that, you know?"

Aria looked at me with a puzzled expression and tilted her head.

"Rainelle, I'm sorry, but please explain a little more..."

"Do you remember that not long ago, I turned into a huge black bird and flew to the Capital?"

"Of course. How can I forget that?"

“At the same time, somehow, I became the queen of the crows.”

She didn't say a word, but at the gaze that seemed to say “---Huh? Hm? What?”, a smile formed on my lips. So I said with a mischievous laugh,

"I, am the queen of the crows and all flying beasts."

"Wait a minute? You haven't said that before!!"

"I haven’t?"

"You haven't!!"

"Oh, I seem to forget. I'm sorry?"

"...Now that's what you're going to say?! That you're sorry?!"

"Hey, hey. It’s all good, isn’t it?"

"Ahhhhhhh! What is this?! Ahhh!!"

Aria, who was unable to accept the sudden change, quickly composed herself as she also realized that it wasn't a bad thing at all.

"...The fact that you’ve forgotten to tell me makes me kinda sad, but I'll move on."

"---I said I'm sorry. And there’s no problem."

"Yes, yes, yes. Haa… so, since you’re the queen of crows, you can just give them orders or something like that?"

"Hmm... maybe?"

"Maybe?!"

"Because I've never actually done it. Of course I won’t know for sure, right?"

At that, Aria gaped her mouth, then she barely uttered her next words,

"No, it's true... but, well... aren’t you too calm and casual in this situation?!"

"Anything has a first time."

"Don't say things like that so calmly and casually!! I'm really feeling the difference between you from before!"
"But right now, this is the only solution. That's why I suggested it... If you don't like it, should I not do it?"

"Hey, I didn't say not to do it!!"

---This was an urgent situation for both me and Aria. She knew that better than anyone else, so Aria squatted down and sighed.

"Hey, this is the first time I've been treated like this..."

"Well, that was funny."

"Ah, really!! Give me back the cute Rainelle of the past!!"

"Then it would make it difficult to understand Namuel's current situation, wouldn't it?"

"Ugh damn it!! But Rainelle isn't even sure, are you?!"

"You don't know without trying it, okay? But I think the possibility is high?"

"Oh my---!!"

It wasn't intentional, but Aria was still not that calm anyway. In order to pacify Aria, who still seemed likely to spit fire from her mouth if she was to be left alone, I transformed into a crow once again and hugged her.

I thought it was quite nice when Aria started stroking my feathers.

"Anyway, shall I try now?"

"Huh? Is that okay?"

"Since I went out after I told Karmeut that I had something to do, it'll be all right ---probably."

I can't be sure.

Is it just me? I can picture Karmeut looking surprised and questioning about what's happening when I get back…

Trying to ignore that feeling, I looked at Aria. She had a frown on her face. I wonder if Aria had the same thoughts as me.

"---How are you going to appease Karmeut later?"

"...Well, it’ll work out somehow. Can't I just hug him and act cute?"

"Wow, what a simple yet effective solution."

"Right?"

She said yes while nodding her head. But then Aria let out a short sigh.

Huh? What is it?

Aria seemed unwilling to answer, therefore, I shrugged off the thought of getting an answer.

"Then shall I try to do it?"

"Okay, Rainelle."

Nodding her head, Aria removed her hands from my back. I spread my wings and soared into the sky. I then drew out the power which I received from Eileen-nim.

 

*3^rd person POV

A huge bird suddenly appeared in the sky of the Capital. It was a very large black bird. It had happened once before, but that doesn’t mean it didn't surprise people.

Through the notice from the Emperor, the people of the Capital knew that the black bird was Rainelle, the descendant of the Black Bird that protects the Empire. However, it was only the second time when she had appeared like this, so the hubbub did not subside easily.

The black bird circled the sky. The beak of the black bird then opened.

She let out a strange sound. It wasn't a cawing sound like a crow's, nor was it a pleasant melody like a canary's.

The cry was like burning heat. It sounded like some call, announcing that she was here. It was too powerful to be called a melody, but there was a beauty for it not to be said as one.

As if responding to the cry of the black bird, cawing sounds were heard.

It was crows.

The crows, which did not leave their territory in winter as it was a difficult time, started cawing from here and there.

When the crows at one area stopped crying, the crows elsewhere began cawing in turn. It was like a medley. This behavior instilled fear in the people for no reason.

With the sound of flapping wings, the crows flew away. It was as if the crows inside the Capital flew up all at once. There was such a huge number of crows.

Countless crows flew towards the black bird, which made the sky half-obscured and looked gray. Then, as if escorting, they began to hover around the black bird.

 

*Rainelle’s POV

"Yes, you are the queen of the crows and the queen of all flying animals with wings and feathers."

Eileen-nim whispered in my ear in a smiling voice. Of course, I had heard these from Eileen-nim before. In fact, I've heard it a few times so far...

I-I didn’t expect that there would be this many?

It was said that seeing is believing. This was a perfect example.

I didn’t expect it will actually work… no, more than that...

Aren't all the crows in the Capital gathered here?

I haven’t seen every single crow in the Capital. However, it felt that way.

I felt that all the crows in the Capital were flying around me, with not a single one on the ground.

The crows hadn't made a sound since they took flight in response to my cry earlier. They were quietly hovering around me. It was as if they were waiting for me to speak.

Realizing that, I turned my head and looked at the crows. The crows who received my gaze fluttered their feathers as if they were thrilled.

Meanwhile, a single crow flew close to me. The dull, gray feathers were somehow familiar to my eyes.

"Ah, Hempel-nim."

When I called out to him with joy, the old crow nodded his head.

"Rainelle-nim, our Queen, do you have any wishes?"

...I still couldn't get used to Hempel-nim's polite tone. But since I’m running out of time, I decided to just talk straight to business.

"The west from here. If you fly in that direction, there is a place where humans live near the mountains which divide the land."

For some reason, I felt like I had to speak solemnly because I was the queen.

"There is a human male named Namuel, with silver hair and green eyes. I want to know what he's doing and how he's doing."

The crows started cawing a little. I thought they might misunderstand something, so I hurriedly added,

"You don't have to go there yourself. Tell the story. Spread the story. It's winter now, so there's no need to risk your lives. The most important thing is to survive."

After I say, “So tell others the story, listen and get the news, then let me know,” the crows began to cry loudly.

I understood the sound: “We will, our Queen!”

The crows then dispersed. It was a spectacle to see the enormous flock going to the west. While I was admiring the black waves rolling in the sky for a bit, Hempel-nim circled my head.

"What's the matter, Hempel-nim?"

"I'm telling you because I think the Queen should know."

Hempel-nim, who had carefully spoken up to that point, looked at me for a moment and then clenched his beak.

"Doing this in winter is too much for the crows in many ways."

"I know. That's why I asked to relay the message. If they go directly, it will be even more difficult. Maybe there will be dead crows."

At that, Hempel-nim nodded his head. Then he went on to say,

"So... why don't you reward them after the job is done?"

I was intrigued by that remark. There was only one reward for the crows. Since they did not need gold coins like people, food was the only thing to give.

Besides, it isn't too bad. This is the season when it is difficult to find food. As it was such a season, receiving food may be more important to the crows than gold coins.

"Thank you for letting me know, Hempel-nim. When the crows return, can you tell them to come to the Imperial Palace, to where I am? I will prepare food so that they can eat their fill."

“I would like to thank the benevolent Rainelle-nim.”

He politely lowered his head and smiled with his eyes bent.

Thank you. I’m the more grateful one. Because this is my first time, you give me some advice.

As a token of gratitude, I lightly rubbed his beak with mine. The old crow's eyes widened. Then the crow made a short cry as if it was in a good mood and flew away to the west.

For a w while, I looked in the direction where the crows left. I began pondering.

---Should I go to Aria's manor or go back to the Imperial Palace?

I had to tell Aria that it seemed to be okay, but Karmeut's reaction was also worrying.

...I should go back to the Imperial Palace, right?

Aria would have watched the crows fly west in droves from the manor. So even if I don't go back there, won't she notice what happened?

On the other hand, Karmeut's side... I left by saying that I had something to do, but when he saw a group of crows flying westward...

---Yeah, I have to go to Karmeut.

To deal with the aftermath, it would be better to go to Karmeut and make an explanation. I think it would be nice to make him not worry about it.

When I thought about it that far, I flew toward the Imperial Palace without hesitation.

---As if my prediction was correct, Karmeut was looking up at the sky from the largest garden in the Imperial Palace.

The gleaming golden eyes seemed to emit an unspoken pressure that told me to quickly transform into a human, so I gulped inwardly.

...Am, am I in trouble?

***

 

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[Teaser] DCO Chapter 8 Part 42

TEASER CHAPTER 8 PART 42

The fight between Mars and Rugato, which began in the Central Park, was instantly escalated into an a commotion with shouts and screams by the citizens who saw the two men on a rampage on the roofs.

Fortunately, the two were fighting on the roofs of the buildings.

Because they were fighting at a high altitude, the gaps between the standing buildings acted like trenches, preventing the shockwaves caused by slashes and magic from striking the citizens directly.

The two clashed blades and magic amidst the clamor of fleeing citizens.

 

"Oooooo!"

 

Mars shouted as he deflected the rain of magic bullets released by Rugato with his great sword clad in wind.

Magic and Qi Combination Technique [Wind Blade of Rupture]

Similar to the Qi-technique [Dust Blade], this technique involves enveloping the weapon in a blade of wind, but its scale and power far exceeded that of the [Dust Blade].

The turbulence caused by the wind was like a tornado. The wind blades that shattered the ten magic bullets attacked Rugato, shattering the flying shingles and mortar.

 

"Kuh..."

 

Rugato quickly deployed four layers of magic barriers, but Mars' [Wind Blade of Rupture] quickly broke through Rugato's barriers.

 

"The sheer force is ... frighteningly powerful."

 

When the third magic barrier was shattered, Rugato immediately leapt backward. He moved more than ten meters in a single step, jumping off the roof and trying to escape from the tremendously powerful wind blades.

 

"I won't let you escape!"

 

However, Mars, too, was determined not to let him escape, and he gave chase. The roof shingles were smashed by the sheer force of his legs, and a roaring sound echoed through the air.

The magic and Qi combination technique strengthened not only the great sword, but also Mars' body.

Jumping down into the already deserted central park, Mars instantly created a whirlwind that once again caught Rugato in the blade's radius.

Rugato quickly moved the fingers of both hands and activated his magic. He produced a blood-colored magic sword, and then cast a physical strengthening spell on his own body to intercept Mars' great sword that had been swept at him.

 

"Guuuu!"

 

Intense pressure fell on both of Rugato's arms.

Mars' physical ability, now that he had complete control over the magic-Qi combination technique, was comparable to that of Nozomu, who had released the [Soul-Sealing Chains].

Rugato, therefore, tried to resist the pressure on both arms by increasing his magic power to prevent himself from being pushed away.

 

"I got you."

"~!"

 

The next moment, however, the wind around the great sword expanded and tried to swallow Rugato's arms along with the entire sword of blood.

Rugato quickly let go of the sword and flew backward.

A single slash of the great sword ran through the air, and a fierce wind blew the old man's monocle off his eyes.

Rugato managed to avoid Mars' slash. However, he was unable to avoid it completely.　

 

"Guh~...!"

 

A cry of anguish escaped from the old man's mouth. Looking closely, he saw that the fingers of both his hands had been chopped and ripped off by the wind blade.

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Dragon Chain Ori : Ch 8 Part 41

Chapter 8 Part 41

Translator : PolterGlast

The passage to Arcazam opened right after the mirror was shattered.

Nozomu jumped into the white light and saw hundreds of rooftops spread out below him. He also saw the huge southern gate and two roads leading to the city of Arcazam.

He had popped up a few dozen meters above the south gate of Arcazam.

 

"This, I will die if I miss my landing..."

 

He timed his movements and swung his katana in rapid succession.

Qi technique [Fan Shaped Sail]

Using the Qi film produced as a foothold to kill the impact, Nozomu landed on the ground.

Where he landed, Mars and Feo were staring at Nozomu in surprise.

 

"What the hell happened to you, suddenly appearing out of thin air?"

"Well, a few things happened. Sorry, right now I..."

"You have no time, right? Can you do something about it?"

 

Nozomu frowned at Mars' seemingly serious words, but he continued to move his feet forward.

The destination, of course, was Shina, who did not respond at all when her best friend called out to her.

 

"Nozomu, Shina is ..."

"Leave the rest to me"

 

Nozomu gently entrusted the weeping Mimuru to Tima, and stood in front of Shina.

Shina was staring blankly into the void, and Nozomu felt anger welling up from within his chest.

 

"Stay away, you scourge! Don't touch my great-granddaughter!"

 

Triforium, the person who sealed Shina's mind, raised his voice at the appearance of the source of the problem.

The old elf, whose spirit magic has been sealed by Rauls, has been separated from Shina, but his feelings for his great-granddaughter have not wavered.

At the same time, he expressed his anger toward the source of his great-granddaughter's change.

The old elf said that his great-granddaughter was very important to him, and yet he tried to force her to go home by blocking her mind. The anger expressed by the old elf even after taking such an action was more than enough to arouse Nozomu's indignation.

 

"Phew..."

 

He took a deep breath to calm his anger, which was trying to push away his reason.

The priority now was not to vent his anger on the old man. It was to release Shina's cage that sealed her mind. And to help Irisdina, who was on the verge of becoming a ghoul.

Once again, Nozomu looked into Shina's eyes. The depths of her eyes, which were blank and reflected nothing, seemed to shake slightly.

He concentrated his attention on the spirits surrounding Shina.

The connection between the spirits that have attached themselves to her and sealed her mind was so strong that Nozomu felt as if stiff vines were wrapping around her whole body and wrapping her in them.

 

(To rip off the spirits who have made such a strong contract, I need to ...)

 

Nozomu could perceive the spirits, but he could not communicate with them. This was because he was lacking in the necessary understanding of the spirits.

Then, there would be only one thing he could do. Nozomu, with determination, put his hand on the chains that bind him.

Tiamat's element. The spirits were terrified of this foreign and heretical power that was tainted with hatred. With this power, it might be possible to scatter the spirits that sealed Shina's mind.

But at the same time, it was an act that would completely expose Nozomu's true identity, which he had kept hidden until now.

There were still uninvolved civilians and clueless guards around him.

But he could think of no other way to help this girl than to break the [Soul-Sealing Chains].

Shina might not have wanted Nozomu to commit such an act. Even so, Nozomu did not hesitate.

 

"You have helped me many times before. So this time ... it's my turn to help you."

 

With all his might, he ripped off the [Soul-Sealing Chains].

*Bang*

Along with the sound of the chain shattering, at the same time, a huge amount of elements began to gush out of Nozomu's body.

 

(~ !?)

 

Tiamat's elements suddenly began to gush forth, whirling and soaring into the sky.

The spirits that had enveloped Shina fell into a panic due to the outburst of such mighty power, and they all fled at once.

 

"Aa..."

 

Light returned to Shina's eyes, which had been empty. The cage that had been confining her was broken, and along with it, her mind, which had been sealed up, was also released.

As light returned to her eyes, her cheeks also turned vermilion.

 

"Thank goodness..."

"You fool..."

"Yeah, I guess so. But you know how I am, don't you?"

 

Even though she was saying that he was a fool, her heart was pounding and her face was burning up.

He's back, the one she's been longing for. The face of the person she had longed to meet, the face of the person she loved.

Although she had been so determined to meet him, just by seeing him like this, her resolve and determination disappeared from her mind.

And she thought he is a cunning person after all.

 

"... -I need your help."

"It's okay, I know. Let's go."

 

He needs her help. While interrupting his words in mid-sentence, Shina smiled.

Now that the Soul-Sealing Chains] have been broken, words were not necessary to know his heart, which was connected by the blood-covenant ritual.

No, even without such a thing, she knew what he would do after this.

 

"Mars, I'll leave the rest here to you."

"Wait-, oi!"

 

Before Mars could reply, Nozomu took Shina in his arms and started running with all his might.

The impact blasted off the ground as they sped down the road leading from the south gate to the commercial district.

Then, as soon as they reached the center of the city, they leapt. Using the roofs of the lined up houses as footholds, he headed straight for the Francilt mansion.

The people of the city look up at the sky in surprise as Nozomu accelerated with a shockwave and a roaring sound.

And then, seeing Nozomu sprinting at full speed while scattering an enormous amount of elements, they were immensely surprised.

With this, Nozomu's true identity was completely exposed, but he didn't care one bit about that.

 

"... Did you notice?"

 

Shina, who was being held in Nozomu's arms, murmured in a whisper. It was obvious that the words were referring to the meaning of the blood covenant ritual.

 

"Well, umm..."

"It's okay. I'm the one who wanted to do it..."

 

Indeed, it was for Nozomu's sake that the ritual was performed, but at the same time, it was what Shina wanted.

It was a one-sided contract. Even so, the heat and feelings within her wished to be connected with him through the blood-covenant ritual.

However, this one-sided situation had become a source of frustration for her.

 

"Still, let me say this. Thank you..."

"… Un."

 

Nozomu's words gently wiped away the last of the lingering frustration.

The elf girl who finally let out all her feelings, smiled broadly and laid her body on Nozomu's chest, as if she had entrusted her entire self to him.

 

"Phew~!"

 

Nozomu, blasting through Arcazam, quickly ran through the commercial district and reached the central park. It was only take a few dozen seconds of time.

However, the power of Tiamat, which was released, surely accumulated damage deep inside Nozomu's body.

He had to reach the Francilt mansion as soon as possible.

At that moment, countless magic bullets attacked Nozomu from in front of his sprinting body.

 

"~ !"

 

Immediately, he leaped to the side and moved away from the trajectory of the storm of magic bullets.

The magic bullets came down like a shower, crushing the stone floor and scattering debris.

 

"W-, what!?"

"This is probably..."

"It's been a while, Nozomu-dono."

"It is you after all, Rugato-san."

 

The person who appeared was an old butler with a monocle. It was Rugato, Vitora's trusted confidant who had once tried to recover Somia's soul and the furnace.

The vampire butler, dressed in his crisp butler's uniform, was waiting for them on the roof of a building just as they were about to enter the administrative district from the central park.

Perhaps he had been ordered by Vitora to stop Nozomu in his tracks.

Nozomu frowned at Rugato, who stood looking down from the top of the building.

 

There is no time to waste. Even amidst all this, Irisdina's time for life is surely running out, and Nozomu's body is also being eroded by Tiamat's power.

But it will be extremely difficult to break through this old man.

He is a powerful enemy who boasts of his mighty magic power as a vampire and his ability to manipulate ten magics with the fingers of both hands at the same time.

Having fought him in the past, Nozomu is someone who has Rugato's prowess literally etched onto his body.

 

Rugato raised both of his hands and intensified his magical power.

His outstretched fingers move with the subtle precision of a skilled pianist, forming multiple magic circles in the air in the blink of an eye.

 

It's coming!

 

The moment Nozomu prepared himself, and the magic circle that Rugato had formed lit up, ... a powerful wind rushed towards the old butler's side.

 

"Hmm~!"

 

The spiraling winds expanded their jaws and swallowed Rugato as they gouged out the top of the building.

The debris that was swallowed and blown away by the fangs of the torrential wind was crushed to pieces in the blink of an eye.

It was a technique that Nozomu had seen before.

 

"Good grief, don't go away without listening to me. It took me quite the effort to catch up with you."

"Mars, you, how..."

 

When Nozomu heard a voice along with a sigh, he turned around to see Mars, who was supposed to have been left behind at the south gate.

That's impossible. To begin with, Nozomu is now in the state of releasing the [Soul-Sealing Chains].

The abnormality of his physical ability is exceptional even among S-ranks.

 

"Well, I've got a little secret. But you see, you're running out of time. So leave the old man to me, and get going."

 

Mars waved his hand and urged Nozomu to go ahead.

There were so many questions he wanted to ask, but it was also true that he didn't have a second to spare right now. While swallowing down the questions that were rising in his throat, Nozomu rushed toward the Francilt mansion.

 

"I won't let you."

"That's my line."

 

Rugato fired five magic bullets to intercept Nozomu, who was trying to go on ahead, but Mars intervened in the line of fire of those magic bullets.

The great sword wielded with a single left hand was enveloped in a blade of wind, and with a roar, it shattered all of Rugato's magic bullets with a single stroke.

 

"~ !"

 

Rugato's normally nonchalant expression suddenly turned serious when he saw Mars manifesting physical abilities equivalent to that of the boy who had once one-sidedly cornered him.　

 

"That power. That's something you didn't have before. How..."

"It's not just Nozomu who is growing, you know."

 

Mars abruptly removed the cloth that held his right hand in place.

What was visible was a tattoo that ran from his shoulder to his upper arm. It is a formation that imitates the wind swirling in the atmosphere, and is used to control the magical energy raging in the air through the magic and Qi combination technique.

It was a more advanced version of the technique that Tom had once carved on Mars' gauntlet. A technique that was developed with Tima's help.

 

"That's... a fusion of magic and Qi techniques..."

"Let's go. I got beaten up pretty badly before. This is a revenge match."

 

With Mars' relentless training and with Tima and Tom's control techniques, a fully controlled magic-Qi combination technique is activated.

The physical strengthening of both magic and Qi techniques is activated, which drastically increases its effectiveness.

Rugato abandoned all restraint and launched his own magic at Mars, who was enveloped in a superior Qi comparable to that of Nozomu Bountis, the man who had once brought him down.

 

 

 

 

===================================

 

 

 

 

 

Irisdina, whose neck was being infused with Vitora's blood, desperately endured the pain running down her neck that felt like an insect crawling around inside her body.

However, the power of Vitora's blood, which eroded inside her body, swept away her resistance like a drifting fallen leaf, and eroded her body.

 

"Ughhhh!"

 

While letting out a cry of anguish, Irisdina bit her lip and tried to keep herself conscious.

The condition for becoming a ghoul is that the person must succumb to the magic power injected by the vampire.

In other words, the moment Irisdina faints is the moment her consciousness is defeated by Vitora's power, and the moment she is reduced to a ghoul.

 

"Ane-sama!"

 

Somia, who was by Irisdina's side, raised her hand and poured her magic power into Irisdina's body. She was probably trying to suppress the effects of Vitora's magic power even if only a little.

However, even the magic power that Somia poured into Irisdina's body was instantly smeared by Vitora's blood.

 

"It's useless. In the first place, there is no way that such insignificant magic power can stop me."

 

(Mother! ...)

 

Somia called her late mother's name in her heart.

She has always been the one who was being protected. That was why this time she wanted to save her sister, who had protected her all her life.

As if in response to her words, a pure white shining light, different from that of magic power, overflowed from her body.

 

"Hou~..."

 

What overflowed from Somia's body was a pure white radiance of elements. Pure soul power.

The power of the magic tool that her mother once used to dedicate her soul to her youngest daughter, who was about to be born stillborn. And it was the root cause of this whole affair.

Somia had begun to use the power of the magic tool that had saved her life in exchange for her mother's life, to save her sister's life.

 

"Come to think of it, you were assimilated with the [Furnace of Spiritual Flame], weren't you? I see, then it makes sense that you can use the elements, which stem from the power of the soul."

 

Vitora stroked her slender chin and watched with amusement as Somia subconsciously began to use the power of the magic tool that she had assimilated with herself.

 

"Though that's still not enough."

 

But even so, that was not enough to push back Vitora's power.

The black vein-like streaks of foliage spreading from Irisdina's neck, though slowing down slightly, still spread from her neck to her face and then to her body.

And, perhaps under the influence of the encroaching magic power, Irisdina's hair, which had been plain white, gradually turned silver. It was as if she was taking on the image of the parent, Vitora.

 

"Ane-sama, hang in there!"

"Ku-, uuuuu!"

 

Irisdina also desperately fought back when she heard Somia's encouragement. But contrary to her desire, her will slowly faded. Her vision faded to black and her hearing grew dim.

And finally, she was left with only a needle-like hole in her vision, and her vision was completely stained black.

Resignation crept into Irisdina's mind.

If she became a complete ghoul, the first victim would be Somia.

Suicide. With this word surfacing in her mind, Irisdina put her hand on the rapier she carried at her waist.

In front of her sister, her father, and her maid, who had been like a mother to her. She tried to pull out the rapier while apologizing to Nozomu in the back of her mind.

 

"Really, it can't be helped."

 

At that moment, a voice sounded, strangely out of place in this tense situation. The storm that had been raging subsided, and a slight breeze of crimson calmed it.

 

"Lisa-kun..."

 

Irisdina's tiny bit of vision caught sight of the red-haired girl.

How long had she been there? Lisa Hounds leaned against the open reception room door, staring at Irisdina.

 

"… Who?"

"Ah, I'm a classmate and a love rival of that big idiot over there."

 

Vitora voiced her suspicion at the sudden intruder. On the other hand, Lisa walked into the reception room with light steps, pointing at Irisdina, who was suffering.

The magic power overflowing from Vitora's body still continued to surge, and its momentum had not diminished at all. The torrent of power that surged through Vitora's body would cause the weak-minded to faint just by being exposed to it.

The fact that Lisa maintained her impudent attitude even in the face of such intimidating power was a source of amusement for Vitora.

 

"Don't mind me. Frankly speaking, I have no interest in getting involved in the affairs of the Francilt and Waziart families."

"Hou~, then why did you come here in the first place?"

 

"As I said earlier. The woman over there is my love rival. But still, it would make me feel bad if she were to die, and if she dies, she will blame herself. That's a little unacceptable..."

 

Lisa walked steadily to the center of the reception room and stood in front of the cowering Irisdina.

Somia, who had been frantically giving her sister magic powers, also looked up at her with a look of amazement.

 

"Lisa-san..."

"You don't have to worry about it. This is just me paying my debt."

 

Saying so, Lisa held up her hand in the same manner as Somia and began to pour her magic power into Irisdina.

The erosion rate of the black veins on Irisdina's body became even slower.

 

"So you think your level of magic power is going to help her?"

"No way. At best, I can only stall for time. To put it bluntly, there is almost no chance."

 

Although Lisa was giving her magic power to Irisdina, she herself didn't think she could stop Vitora's power.

Just by looking at her, she felt fear welling up from within her heart. Although she looked like a human being, Lisa felt as if she was facing a natural disaster, and a sense of oppression was assaulting her mind and body.

Besides, even though she managed to suppress it somewhat, it was only a matter of time before Irisdina turned into a ghoul.

The black veins were already spreading all over her body. Before long, Irisdina would lose all sense of reason and be reduced to a monster that simply attacked anything that moved in its vicinity.

 

"But ... that guy is a man of his word."

 

Even so, she had something to believe in. Even when her heart was broken, her childhood friend was still there to fulfill his promise to her to the end.

 

*Bang!*

 

The next moment, a huge column of light appeared outside the window.

A five-colored light rose up. A manifestation of power of incomparable magnitude that could be clearly perceived even from a distance.

Vitora's eyes widen even more than before, followed by a full smile that was both fascinating and terrifying.

 

"Rugato."

"Ha..."

 

The old vampire butler nodded in response to his Lord's call.

After transforming his entire body into a swarm of bats, he broke through the window and flew away toward the rising five-colored light.

With the squeaks and cries of countless bats at her back, Lisa looked down at Irisdina once more.

 

"Come on, be strong. If you lose to her, I will meddle with you, no questions asked."

 

Lisa directed a provocative smile at Irisdina.

What's wrong? Is this your limit? She taunted her with her upturned mouth and a taunting look.

 

"And then I will say to you, who has turned into a hideous ghoul, Sorry, Nozomu is now mine!"

"Don't screw ... with me ..."

 

With one of the greatest provocations of all time, her vision, which had been painted all black, became clear at once.

Forgetting the intense pain that was coursing through her body, the silver-haired girl howled at the red-haired girl looking down at her.

 

"I won't lose to you!"

"Then be strong, sweetie! If you make Nozomu sad, I'll go to hell and kick your ass!"

 

The next moment, with a roar, the walls of the reception room were cut open, and a shadow clad in rainbow-colored light flew into the room.

 

 

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