That's it. After this dungeon, I'm never walking in a confined or narrow passage again. I hereby declare myself a claustrophobic, thank you.
But.... anyhow.... this is kinda the only way.
Besides this path, the only way in is through a teleportation circle. When we were strolling through this vast city, Kai had already located a few teleportation circles but figuring it out where these circles lead to is an entirely different matter.
Just from the descend down the thousand steps, it has taken me roughly half an hour. Plus, it has not been maintained for who knows how long. From Kai's analysis, it would probably took at least another half an hour to reach the secret hideout at this pace. If I sprint, it would probably take me less than an hour to reach the goblins' secret hideout in total but I can't be sure that they wouldn't have any emergency exits for surprise assaults. So, I am now approaching the hideout slowly and quietly through a dark passage but I see everything just fine thanks to Night Vision, one of the perks gained from my evolution.
I hope Tom's doing okay. He seems kinda different now but that's a given but he also looks bothered by something.
Ha~. What to do~?
[Thomas is probably just acclimatizing himself to his newfound powers.]
Yeah, probably but not just his powers. I practically gave him a new life.
Tom was dead. His heart had stopped beating. Through the use of magic and a little bit of this world's science, I brought Tom back to life. I have resurrected Tom from the dead.
Hey, do you think it was the right thing to do?
[You think it's wrong?]
It feels wrong. You know, the dead should stay dead, that kind of saying. Tempering with death is never a good idea. Fictions have proved it countless times.
[Fiction. You said it yourself, it's just fiction. This ain't fiction.]
Still, what if what I have done is unethical?
[Do you think it is unethical for saving a friend?]
No?
[And who is here to tell you otherwise?]
Ah. Touche
[You are worry about the backlash and side effects. I understand.]
Damn straight, I'm worry.
Gosh.... what was I thinking?
[You were thinking how you gave no fucks about anything else except saving your friend?]
I did now, didn't I?
Fucking hypocritical of me.
[Crimson Lord]. That's the Arcane Art of a cannibal. I gained this cannibal's memories from eating him. Thanks to my evolution, I have control over the change in my appearance but the memories of the eaten is another level of problem. Sorting out the memories is a delicate and tedious procedure. Tom has realized my unrest but I think I have convinced him I am actually fine, I think.
A normal bunch of memories was already a very tedious problem. Not to mention the memories this time are of a lunatic who was further mind fucked by a Void Demon.
When Kai was synthesizing [Abyss Magic] and [Crimson Lord] into a single and new Arcane Art before giving it to Tom, he has did all he can to prevent the any memories or imprint attach to the Arcane Art. Otherwise, I would not just be giving Tom power but also memories. Truly a delicate procedure.
Although, it doesn't matter how thorough Kai is in combing through the synthesis process, the imprinted is bound to remain, no matter how little. In the end, it's all up to Tom on how will he deal with it.
[We're here.] Kai informed me.
In the place of a door, an illusory wall stood proudly. Without Mana Vision, I would not have second-guess the credibility of the wall's presence. Behind this wall, it's a group of goblins. Supplementary troops for the Red Ogre, back-ups. The pompous Hobgoblin has escaped to this place with a teleportation crystal. Or was it a gem?
You ready?
[I'm always ready. That is something I should be asking you.]
Is it, now?
Anyways, how to proceed? Subtle or a cat-walk?
[Suggestion, Overload with Arcane Orb.]
I raised an eyebrow.
Wouldn't that bring this whole place down?
[No. The ground we trotted on, the walls that surrounds us, the ceiling that covers us, it's all Azunmite.]
The metal used to made that tough weird-ass door?
[Yes.]
Well then, that is just perfect. Remind me to collect some on the way back.
[If the situation favors, of course.]
The moment I conjure up [Arcane Orb], I hear the goblins on the other side begin scurrying. They know I'm here. Probably because I'm putting [Daunt] into full gear.
With my left hand, I dispel the illusory wall with [Mana Burn]. It wasn't necessary since it's not even tangible but I did it for the dramatic flair.
Ah? I seem to have interrupted something. The Hobgoblin is standing on top of a boulder, giving a speech? The unrest of the goblins was already written on their face long before I interrupted. Now, their unrest only expanded.
With my right hand which I hold the violently vibrating [Arcane Orb],
"Surprise, motherfuckers!" I greeted and threw the shuddering dark purple sphere at them.
A second big-bang albeit absolutely inferior happened in the depths of a city ruin.
Using another one of his deus ex-machina tricks, the Hobgoblin escaped with three goblins but I'm not concern because Kai have analyzed the maze down here. Judging from the escape path they took, they would end up at the temple in an hour time. Maybe less if the Hobgoblin has a few more tricks up his sleeves.
I would like to chase them down now and exact my vengeance but my interest is shifted to the unknown energy source in front of me. I am not being fickle here. It's just that what the goblin is hiding down here warrants my attention. Besides, the goblins have no where to run. Kai has marked them. No matter where they went, Kai can track them down.
The immense energy I'm feeling from the thing ahead seems to be the core that resulted the goblins' surface of intelligence and evolution. And it is also affecting the soils in the city above. Which explains how the plants are growing in abundant despite not having sunlight and water.
The way to the core is blocked by another illusory wall but I just walk through it this time.
[Okay. This is unexpected.] Kai said.
I agree with him.
Right in front of me, is a person bound and chained like Jesus on a cross.
Except, it ain't Jesus but a girl.
And there was no cross and she is on her knees. She's just dangling there like a lifeless puppet with strings attached.
She has pale skin that exudes an aura of tranquility but also unrest.
Her hair is long, silky, and of black and white.
And most of all, she is extremely beautiful. I don't think I have ever meet anyone of such level of beauty before. I am entranced the moment I laid my eyes on her.
[Master?]
Huh? Oh. Sorry about that. It has been so long since I rub one off, I guess.
[.... TPO, Hyx. TPO.]
Yeah, sorry. She's just too.... beautiful. Too good to be true.
[A seductress is a very high possibility of being her identity.]
If I hadn't met Muo Li, I doubt I would have manage to find reason within me. I'm not a good person after all.
And what I'm seeing made me appall of what people are capable of.
Multiple rods with the size of a regular human being are impaled through her. Although impaled, she wasn't hurt. There were no wounds. I realized the rods are ethereal. She wasn't impaled physically but spiritually. There are a total of five rods. Just from Mana Vision, I can guess the rods are absorbing her powers and dispersing it into the air.
They locked up a beauty and use her as a power core that supplements the city. Just.... what the fuck?
Okay. Okay. Calm down. One thing at a time, Hyx.
Kai?
[Analysis is impossible. Something is blocking appraisal from doing its job. Mostly likely an innate ability of this girl.]
How about direct analysis?
[Hmm.... That could work but it's risky. It would be like sticking a flash drive into a computer without checking for virus prior but we wouldn't now if there is any virus if we don't stick it in.]
Heh. That sucks.
[Although I don't recommend it, I am willing to give it a try.]
Okay then.
I place my right hand on top of her head. Anywhere else would only stimulate a part of me that I thought were rendered impotent. I was wrong.
[Begin analysis.]
Okay, here comes.
I feel like I'm lifted of my feet and thrown into an abyss. No. It's more like diving into a pool from fifty feet high up.
Now, let's see what I can find.
She's a.....
Nephilim. A Nephilim?
An offspring of an angel and a demon.
Demon? Majin or beast?
No. There wasn't such difference back then. Demons are demons.
An angel for mother and a father for demon.
The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
Mutual? I can't tell.
Nephilim. Long-living race. A forbidden race.
Forbidden. But why?
Ah... That's why.
Her potential, her power..... at least twice the amount of mine. Maybe even more than that.
The title of being the absurd one has been taken from me.
[She is possibly of a rank higher than Vira. Maybe even stronger than Aedrox.]
Stronger than Aedrox.... She could be a great insurance if that is truly the case.
.... wait.
There's something else.
What is this?
I'm sensing anguish..... pain.... It's cold....
[Master? Don't.]
Can it. Just keep any harm away. I want to dive deeper.
[That is ill-advised.]
I said can it. I'm going.
I dove, I plunged, and I drowned, in a pool of darkness.
So much pain..... So much sorrow....
Is she.... Was she betrayed?
Ha. Cliche.
Betrayed by the ones she trust the most.
Such cliche but sad nonetheless.
.....
She's having a nightmare.
Even if I can't perceive the nightmare, her distress is fully transmitted to me since we're linking minds now.
Oh damn. This is one unpleasant nightmare.
It is a nightmare of the time she was betrayed. It is going in circles in her slumber.
Poor lass. How tragic.
Of the ones that you never think would ever betray you, they went against your expectations and betrayed you.
Sorrow became fury.
But with such fury, despair followed. When acceptance was seek, you sought to destroy the deceivers. But the decisive blow, you can't land. You are unable to. You don't want to because.... you still care for them.
I'm sorry. Sorry for your loss.
Who are you?
Huh? She spoke?
[Damn it, Hyx. You probe too far.]
I'm asking, who are you?
Uh.... oops.
I don't suppose a "new phone who this?" would work?
[Hyx! Stop joking around. I'm severing the link now.]
Okay.
NO! WHO ARE YOU!?
Crap. Kai?
[She's holding on to us. She's not letting go.]
Fuck. A yandere or yangire or something?
WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT FROM ME!? I GAVE YOU ALL EVERYTHING! WHAT ELSE DO YOU WANT TO TAKE FROM ME!?
She's pissed! She's misunderstanding. She has a "Yan" trait, and you know how much anime I have watched to know where this will lead to.
[Well, at least her hair ain't pink. That's something.]
Kai!!! Do something!
[Already on it! Just hang on.]
You.... you're not leaving..... who are you.... and what do you want....
Is she corrupted by Aedrox?
[As far as I can tell, no. This is just her acting on her anguish]
Ah.... crap.
Who are you? Why can't you all just leave me alone? Why....? Why? WHY!!!?
Bitch chill. I want to leave but you're not letting go. Make up your mind, woman.
Why....? Why....? What have I done wrong? Why did you all betrayed me?
[There! Cut!]
And I'm suddenly ejected out from her consciousness. It felt like I was being flushed out of a drainage system, not that I have a first hand experience of course.
My hand let go of her head and her body stop trembling.
[It seems like she retains her awareness but not always.]
Her body is completely asleep but not her mind?
[Yes.]
Ah.... That was.... fun?
[What do you want to do?]
You already know what I'm going to do.
I smirked.
[*sigh* Well, it's not like I can persuade you otherwise.]
Damn straight.
[Well, if it's another Gasai Yuno, your ass is the one on the line.]
Touche.
I have decided to release her despite her hostile reception.
Her being a beauty is one of many reasons but the main reason is..... some where in my heart, I can't abandon her. I just can't abandon someone in the same situation as me. Not to say I was betrayed by the ones I cared for but.... we both suffered a lot. Even if she turns out be twisted and distorted by the betrayal, I still can't just let her rot in this place.
Is it closure I'm seeking?
Don't know.
Do I desire her?
Yes. Absolutely. No straight functioning male wouldn't. I harbor feelings for her the moment I saw her but it was nothing like what I felt for Muo Li. I guess it is carnal desire that I have towards this girl but I'm not releasing her for such reason.
The simplest way to put my reason is that, I pity her therefore I want to free her and give her a second chance. A simple reason. Well, her beauty and my carnal desire did play a large part in concocting that reason but I'm not going to ponder too much about it.
Plus, she has lived a long life and not to mention, she is from a dead civilization. The amount of knowledge I can get from her.
So, how do I release her from her bonds?
[The rods and chains. They are spells not tools. May I suggest the azure flames?]
Ignoring the fact that Kai nicknamed one of my spells, I tried burning the rods and chains with [Mana Burn] but for the first time, I saw the blue flames being extinguished instead. It was usually the other way around. I then tried using [Psychokinesis] but to no effect either. Needless to say, [Mana Transmission] didn't work either.
What can I do.....?
[They are ethereal. They are basically an object comprise purely of Mana..... Hm.... Is that possible?]
What? You got something?
[Our methods have been too mild. We need step it up a notch.]
Mild? If those are mild, I can't imagine what is the higher notch.
[Actually, you can. You use it a few times already.]
What? I did? What are you.....
Oh.
It works that way?
[Only one way to find out.]
You right.*
I said and invoke one of my strongest Arcane Art, as far as potential goes.
[Soul Harvest].
Although I haven't know of the extend of [Soul Harvest]'s capability, I somehow knew I can't directly eat a person's soul unless I weakened them first. I guess it is my nerd brain at work here. It is a common gimmick in video games that an enemy needs to be weakened or incapacitated first before a special action be performed. I guess that knowledge just somehow naturally integrate into my understanding of [Soul Harvest].
Although it allows me to eat souls, I'm not sure if it works on just Mana. I have never done it before as [Mana Transmission] always worked until now.
Well, time to find out.
I am afraid that I would eat the girl's soul too while I'm at it but I don't think that's likely considering she still retains her awareness.
Black ethereal tendrils emerge from my back. They are bigger than I remember.
They then proceed to gobble the chains and rods up. Even though I don't think her soul can be eaten, I still did my best to prevent an "accident" from happening.
And it was a success.
[Soul Harvest] have devoured the rods and chains.
In the process,
[Soul Harvest (Unique): Lv. 2 increased to Lv. 3]
[Sealing Magic: Lv. 2 - Acquired]
[Sealing Magic: Warden's Chain - Acquired]
[Sealing Magic: Imprison Rod - Acquired]
[Title:
Oh wow. I didn't expect a reward for saving a beauty and a fast one at that.
The instance I feel the Mana density in the atmosphere drops harshly, my instincts and Kai alerted me.
[Master!]
I know.
A wing of shadow and a wing of light, spread before me as if flaunting a twilight pride. The wings are in a form between ethereal and corporeal.
To accentuate her appearance of awe, she opened her eyes and simultaneously unleashed an aura similar to [Daunt] as she stood up.
Any sane person would cower in fear but I'm only left further entranced by her alluring grandeur. Her bloody red eyes only enhance my perception of her.
She is just drop-dead gorgeous. And her breast gracefully danced a little when she stood up. The pair of dreams are probably within D.
Speaking of that, one thing I must point out though.
Since the chains were in the way, I couldn't really tell if she wore something underneath.
Where are her clothes? Her body is all bare for me to see. In this situation, I'm impressed that anyone can resist the overflowing temptations.
[Finally. Isekai rules.]
Totally agree, Kai Ming.
I won't be hiding the fact that I explored and admire every nook and cranny of her. I even worship the pair of miracles in its purest form.
But before I could point it out, she just gave a mild shrug, a dress materialized that covers all the way from her neck to her feet. I don't think I recognize the fabric used for the dress. Is it silk?
[Seems to be silk but I doubt it's actually silk.]
Without any word, she approaches me. As she does so, a light green vest materialized over her white dress. Woah. What kind of magic is that?
[No data available.] said Kai, sounding as monotonous as he could. I think he's trying to be funny.
She stops a few feet before me. Her gaze never left me.
"Who are you?" she asked, in Common.
"Hyx Atlas." I'll play it safe for now. Since I know how strong she is, incurring her wrath would just be plain foolish.
[Hmm?]
What is it Kai?
Before Kai's answer came, the angel asked "For what purpose do you sought me out and liberated me?"
"I have the short answer and the long answer, which would be your preference?"
"The truth."
Okay.... I'm sensing another slight "Vira" case here.
"Well.... to keep it brief, I'm just passing by and I got curious when I sense an incredible amount of energy. So I decided to come and inspect."
"Are you saying you just waltz right into this place?"
I tilted my head. "Yeah."
"No one stopped you?"
"No? Well, there were those goblins who had made themselves comfortable here but they are no longer with us. Well, most of them."
"Goblins."
"Uh huh."
Her eyes spell disbelief but it shift immediately after. "Your clothes.... They look strange. Language is Common but your way of speech, unrefined, tasteless." She looks troubled. Then she blinked a few times. "What year is it?"
Oh wow. Never thought I would ever hear that line. "I don't know."
"You don't know?"
"Truth to be told, I don't exactly know where I am and how I ended up here. And I have no prior recollection of my memories before this dungeon and ruins."
"Dungeon and ruins....?"
She went silent, staring at the ground. Her wings flopped down with her gaze.
I waited for a reply.
"You say dungeon and ruins.... Are you referring to the city above?"
"Yes. The city above is now a ruin and is buried deep in a dungeon."
"So that how it is." She said to herself. "Quite a long time must have passed then."
"Indeed?"
"Anyways, that doesn't explain why you were intruding my mind."
Ah.... Right. "About that.... well..... I can't appraise you so I went for the alternatives."
"Appraisal? Arcane Arts live on?"
"Yes. I have a few of them myself."
A hint of sorrow and relief flashed fleetingly by her face. "That's good. At least the world wasn't completely destroyed but a shame."
"Shame?"
"It's nothing." She looked away when she answered.
Well, I'll ignore it for now. "So... what's your name?"
"Sorry but I can't trust you just like that. You better off not knowing my name."
I sighed. "Well, whatever you say, Angie."
Her eyebrows twitched. "What did you just call me?"
"Angie?" What? Does she not like it? If she doesn't, she should have told me her name.
"Don't." She sternly said.
"Then how do you expect me to address you?"
"Milady."
"Haha. No."
Ignoring my words, she asks "You have encroached my mind. How could you not already know my name?"
"Well, I didn't dug that deep. Or rather, I wasn't looking for who you are in your mind."
"Then what were you looking for? Pray tell."
"Just trying to get a firm understanding of your circumstances. Trust me. I mean you no harm."
"Let's say I believe your honey coated words, why did you release me?"
"Sympathy, I guess?"
"Are you saying that you took pity on me? Is that it?"
"Pretty much. Though, your lady charm played a role in it."
"I see. Then I'm grateful --"
"You're welcome."
"-- of my natural beautiful charm. I always thought my beauty brings more problems than it's worth."
Self conscious, I see.
"There is another thing I need to know."
Sure you do. Ask away, Milady.
I sighed.
Geez, maybe I shouldn't have release her.
"What are you?"
"A human-turned magic beast." I give her a brief answer.
Although her expression didn't change, I can tell she's surprised. "How did that happened?"
"That's one of the things I can't remember."
"Another question. Would I be correct in assuming you are able to perceive the flows of Mana?"
"Yes."
"And you are able to encroach my mind with such ease. You have the ability to interact directly with Mana flows, don't you?"
"I do. What of it? What point are you trying to make?"
"Last question." She said as she raises her wings, creating a shade over me. "This special gift of yours, does it tires you?"
"Yes?"
She raised an eyebrow. "Liar." She said with a visible grin which immediately turned upside down. "You can't lie to me." For a moment there, I felt a chill down my spine.
[Careful, master. There isn't any change in her Mana flow when she said that. She's probably reading you through your subtle movements and tone.]
"No."
The corner of her lips curled slightly. "Impressive." She said.
"Why? Is it that hard?"
"It is."
Her gaze stays on me for a while before finally dropping me from her sight. "Could he be....? No. That would be too much of a coincidence."She mutters in a very low voice but my enhanced hearing senses picked it up.
[Master.]
What is it?
[Something's wrong with Tom. I'm sensing irregularities in his Mana flow.]
Something to do with the Arcane Art?
[A high possibility. And it seems Tom has accidentally intercepted the goblins' escape route. You saw the Hobgoblin's status just now, it's odd.]
Yeah, I notice. It reads; Enthralled. Where are they?
[We are grace with good fortune for the moment. Tom and the Hobgoblin is directly above us.]
How long will it take for us to reach?
[The absurd route, ten minutes at most.]
Absurd route, eh. Then we better get moving.
"Well, I hope that answer what you need to know. I'm sure you still have tons of question for me and so do I. But for now, my friends are in danger."
Angie neither nod nor shrug. She just calmly walk past me with these words "Let's go then."
But I stop her by grabbing her wrist.
She yelped and jumped a little. It was cute. But I'll be prudent and write it off as my imagination.
"Can you fly?" I asked with my finger pointing up.
She gives her wings a little flap. "I can but my speed won't be anything amazing since I have just awoken from a long slumber."
"Well actually, it doesn't matter if you can fly. You need not worry about that." I said and brought her close to me. Our shoulders touch. Guhehehe~ I'll be abusing the current circumstances as much as I could. "And forgive me for what I'm about to do."
She blinks at me. "What?"
Since I felt the tremendous amount of Mana she has, I'm sure she won't mind me borrowing some from her. She let out a yelp when I use [Mana Transmission] on her.
Instead of a simple [Plane Displacement], I created a spatial magic barrier that covers us in a form of a sphere.
[Spatial Magic: Dimension Fort - Acquired]
Neat.
"Hold on to your nickers."
"Hold on to my what?" Angie asked.
I didn't answer as all my concentration is already poured into the ascend.
The transparent ball we are in launched upwards like a canon, tunneling through the rocks at an incredible speed. I was surprised that Angie wasn't screaming but I retract my statement when I saw her shutting her eyes tightly while gripping tightly to her dress. Cute.
In just five minutes, we have reached the surface.
"Whew. We made it, Angie." I said as we emerged from the ground. While still in the air, I invoke [Plane Displacement] and use it as a foothold.
"Don't call me that."
"Well, you refused to give me your name. What do you expect?"
"Tsk. Do whatever you like."
"Great." I rolled my eyes. "Another himedere." Possibly. A Yan-himedere? Is that even possible?
Putting that aside, I was actually so nervous of the [Dimension Fort] breaking apart mid way but with Kai around, nothing like that would happen. Will it?
[No promises.]
Ah. Touche.
Well, back to the main problem..... um.....
.... What the fuck is that?
Hobgoblin
Status: Enthralled (Aedrox)
Overall Power Ranking: C
HP: 3421/4000
MP: 1845/2000
Wow. That's a lot of HP for a mere C rank beast.
[And it's only going to get worse.]
Great.
"What in the heavens is that?" Angie asked.
Don't ask.
Fuck.... Should have killed him when I had the chance.
[Tell me about it.]
Sorry.
[Don't tell me you're sorry, tell them you're sorry.]
"HaRBinGeR!" The transformed Hobgoblin shouted. "FoUNd yOU!!"
I sigh in my mind. I am not looking forward to this but for the sake of impressions, smile and wave. No wait, don't wave, just smile.
Well, all in a hard day's work.