Author - Thank you guys for reading (Broken record)
Last chapter was just a generalization of what the mc is doing when he takes over the cities. He originally tends to plan out his actions. Things just never go the way he intends.
Prologue - Gods released his rage making him frenzy.
Labrindel - Intended to merely use it’s facilities to get stronger and gather information.
Tarthus - Everything disintegrated into a mana irradiated area.
I just wanted people to see he isn’t just a walking disaster. Though with his disposition for mayhem, there will be a lot more things not going as intended.
I was surprised about the Brocon flags I’ve seen in the comments (Brocon’s are funny to me as a concept). So Layla’s fate will be directed by the readers decision.
‘Truth’ your comments are as interesting as ever. I made a reply to it so check it out if you haven’t already.
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As my group was more than used to traveling, with the exception of my sister, it didn’t take long to reach the village. Layla used this time to practice her new skills while we joined her seeing as it would help to pass the time. We still remained vigilant to make sure we had plenty of energy to deal with any would be attackers.
Like cows to a slaughter, a few bandit groups would show up making them perfect practise targets along with a bunch of various monster packs to prove our decision sound. The gorcs we encountered were immediately hunted as well. I wouldn’t want them suddenly attacking my village or the farm lands that are finally being used again.
Other than that, the trip back to the village was relatively peaceful and filled with endless chatter. Since Layla doesn’t have much experience with the outside, various topics peaked her interest.
As we grew close to the now sturdy gate to the village, the new guards halted us to inspect whether we are ok to be allowed entrance. Even if it's due to the slave collars, I was happy to see such a large difference from before.
Entering wasn’t much trouble compared to before since all I needed to do was command them to move aside and continue their assignments. Walking the roads of the village was a lot more pleasant as it was laden with various vegetation and clear of obstructions. As Shiro’s nose was sensitive, it was far more satisfying to breathe the air here rather than in the city.
The villagers also greeted us as we passed them, none showing the apprehension the citizens in the city had. Though that doesn’t mean they were not careful not to offend.
As it was around evening at this time, the tailor shop seemed to have already closed. Abra and Neil are most likely enjoying themselves at the inn.
I didn’t want to waste time, so my group went straight for the inn and was greeted by Belle when we drew close. The moment she laid eyes on me, she revealed a scowl and walked away. My intuition felt her chaotic thoughts and showed that nothing has changed with her mood toward me. Though she had the desire to confront me, the hesitation she felt won out making her walk away without resolving her feelings.
As this is something to due with her own personal issues, I refuse to be the one to settle things and continue to simply ignore her.
Layla on the other hand seemed highly offended by this and didn’t hide the scorn slowly adorning her face. I simply dissuaded her anger by mentioning that Belle has some issues to work out, and to not mind it. Even if dissatisfied, Layla took no action on the matter and ignored her just the same. The possibility of these two starting conflicts between them is a possibility I will have to keep in mind.
Walking into the building I greeted the few travelers that have taken temporary residence before they head to Birgen. Tammy who was working the counter was overjoyed to see us and finally meet my sister. Beth hearing her cries entered the area to investigate and immediately left to get the others.
Very quickly I was greeted by everyone and brought to the back to see Shirley who still felt uncomfortable around strangers.
Illis seemingly grew far more clingy than before, while the others asked for the details about what happened. The discussion went well as I went on to ask about the ones I sent here. The group brought along two horses, as I hoped to make a faster messaging service between here and the city.
Without wasting time, Tammy told me that the instructions were being followed and a stable was being built for the horses after the materials were gathered.
Even if I say they are horses. They are far more robust than the ones on earth and far more powerful. The only problem is that their abilities focus on speed and endurance. Though their kicks are rather strong, they have low accuracy as they turn their backs to their enemies.
Horses were a rare commodity in this area along with other domestic animals due to a lack of defensive strength. So I set up plans for a facility to be made in the city specifically to breed domestic animals to compensate the losses so far. Far too many have already been hunted by monsters in the area. The ones I managed to salvage were mostly found among the wealthy and my family's estate.
When everything comes together after a while, these animals will be gifted to the farmers with the condition to adequately manage them. The slaves used for construction will help establish their housing for when they arrive as well.
This is a long process, as their numbers are still very low. Every single one capable of breeding was used for their future growth in population. The ones here are no different as they are both young male and female animals. With a bit of [Energy Tonic] I discovered in the high end stores of Birgen, it shouldn’t be hard to get things going between the two.
“Wahh--Brother do you have to leave…*Sniffle*...” (Illis)
“*Sigh* I know you want me to stay, but it is necessary for me to venture out when I finish my plans.” (Kuro)
“Nooo--” (Illis)
I was never good with these situations. Thankfully, I found something in my family's estate that can help this situation when I’m done analyzing it. Before I leave I also need to settle things with the others, but, hopefully this will help Illis.
“Illis, look at this.” (Kuro)
“...*Sniffle*...what is that?” (Illis)
“This is an item I found in my family’s estate that can view the status of the person it is bound to. With it, you will know I’m fine. It even has the function to communicate for a short time every 3 months.” (Kuro)
Indeed, this item was an amazing find among a few other items. If it’s possible, I want to make an enhanced version that can communicate for longer periods of time as this one can only last for 10 minutes at most. After that it needs to recharge for 3 months before using it again.
Heart Beacon
Item
Rare
Description:
This special stone has been imprinted with the mystical ability to show the condition of it's bound host. Once the host dies, it will become inactive.
Effects:
Connects to a host and reveals his current condition.
10 minute communication toward the bound recipient. 3 month cooldown.
This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.
It is a very interesting item, but the runes that make it up are extremely complicated. I can only hope to memorize the structure for now with my mind trait and try to make replicas of this item with suitable materials. As I can transmute what I need, it would just take however long I need to complete the whole thing. Though, as I’m unfamiliar with this device and its materials, it will take a bit of time.
“After I’m done analyzing it, I will go about making replicas. But this one will be yours and it will be bound to me. That way, you will know I’m fine and can talk to me when you can.” (Kuro)
“Wah--” (Illis)
After I said this, Illis just held onto me and cried. Her feelings were all over the place, but she was happy I thought of her when I left to get my sister. The others just looked on warmly, making me feel conflicted. I never imagined such a thing happening to me in my past life, and a lot of this one as well. Yet, here I am. The emotions I feel seem so...foreign. I don't hate it, but it’s hard to accept most of the time.
Killing people is far more simple.
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“Brother, everyone in the inn is so nice. *Sigh* if only everything else was so pleasant.” (Layla)
As two weeks passed since Layla first arrived. She has fit in well enough with everyone in the village...well, except for the ones who tried to woo her. Without fail, she would reject them harshly and without remorse.
This makes Layla the latest resident of the inn to reject the men in town. Everyone had already rejected the would be suitors without exception, even Illis to her dismay, as they didn’t like the idea of becoming romantically involved with anyone.
Layla would often confront the people of the village with an expressionless face. But the ones who tried to get close to her were met with ice cold indifference as their attempt resulted in heart wrenching slander to their ability as a man.
I already knew of everyone's thoughts on the subject of relationships, so it wasn’t surprising when it started long before. The way Layla reacted to the idea of it was even more normal in my opinion. As someone who was kept simply to breed a lineage of fighters for the sect. The idea of becoming romantically involved was a taboo subject for her.
Simply put, Layla doesn’t have any plans to be involved with such things at this point of her life. As she now has freedom to explore many types of new experiences. Tying herself down is not something she wishes to do.
Plus, if someone tried to act forcibly...well, they don't after the first time.
Other than that, Layla felt odd about Illis being so attached to me and referring to me as her brother. She ultimately got over it as she found the idea of a little sister pleasing, which Illis didn’t object to. Everyone else also became close with her as well, resulting in her expressions being far different for them than toward the villagers. Her main issue however was with Belle.
Like I expected, there was more than one occasion where the two began arguing. While my sister was aggravated over Belle’s behavior even though I liberated her from her brother. Belle refused to acknowledge her conflicted jumble of emotions and continued to berate me, causing my sisters dissatisfaction to increase.
Without a doubt, I need to resolve this before this gets out of hand.
If Belle doesn’t decide to face whatever is bothering her, than I will have to step in before things get too serious.
Right now, I’m focusing on a problem I find more important. Beth.
Her constant paranoia and fears have piled up far too much for me to simply leave without resolving it. I had everyone practice the techniques from the sect and incorporate them to their affinities to make them more comfortable to use. It wasn’t hard as it was only altering the concepts from the fire element to a different one. Out of everyone, Shirley seemed surprisingly talented in regards to adapting these new skills. Followed closely by her daughter. You can't deny they have talent with controlling mana.
However, the feeling of progress was short lived as the latest conflict between Layla and Belle disrupted my thoughts. As I was nearby, their argument was heard by me.
“I can't stand your disrespect any longer!” (Layla)
“Back off! What does it matter what I do to you.” (Belle)
“Everything. Your constant slander toward my brother is uncalled for. If you don't stop now, I will make you.” (Layla)
“What makes you think you can.” (Belle)
“Hmph, I have plenty of confidence in my ability. Whether you can keep up is the question.” (Layla)
“Oh really, I hardly think you can back up those words.” (Belle)
“I will prove so with action.” (Layla)
Saying up to this point, I felt I waited too long to resolve this issue. Layla glanced at me and smiled as I felt she had an idea.
“Let’s make things a bit more interesting. If I win our match, you have to confront my brother without hiding anything. If I lose, you get to order me around for one week.” (Layla)
Belle cocked her head to the side at the sudden proposal. I myself didn’t like the idea of my sister following someone's orders. But this is something she did on her own and I decided to support her decisions as she needs experience to grow. At the very least, it's only for a week.
“...How do I know you won't just back out of the deal?” (Belle)
“Such trust issues...oh, no need for the scowl. I have a spell that can insure our deal goes smoothly. All we need to do is grab each other’s hand with a light cut in each, while I chant the spell. We also need to flesh out the details of the terms. Other than that, nothing else. It's merely a spell to insure fairness towards two parties. Plus it is only temporary so their is no risk of being bound to the caster.” (Layla)
I was perplexed by these sudden events. Among the things my sister explained she learned from our lineage. [Blood Contracts] was one of them. As she said, it is only temporary, and is mainly used to settle disputes. Whether Belle would agree is still in question.
“Fine, be prepared for a lot of work when you lose. We will settle this at dawn tomorrow.” (Belle)
With these words, Belle left to attend to her business. My sister turned away and walked towards me, seemingly ignoring Belle’s claim to already being the victor.
“Are you sure this is fine?” (Kuro)
“Yes, Belle is becoming very tiresome to be around. So it’s better to settle things now. Since you were conflicted on how to do it yourself since this isn’t an area you are good at, I took the liberty of settling the matter.” (Layla)
“*Sigh* Seeing as you seem determined to do this. Be careful to not underestimate her. You may have learned a few things during your time here. But Belle has trained a lot longer than you have, the level between you two is pretty large.” (Kuro)
“Don't worry brother, I already took this into account. Just watch, the things left behind by my legacy aren’t to be underestimated.” (Layla)
“Hmph, watch out not to get a big ego now.” (Kuro)
“D-Don't tease me! I won't be like one of those idiot nobles.” (Layla)
With a pouting face Layla walked away to prepare herself for tomorrow. As she only focus on strengthening her body and acclimating herself to using the techniques recovered from our family. This will be the first time I see the abilities she inherited in action.
Tomorrow should be quite interesting.
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A/N: Next chapter will show Layla’s capabilities in a nice cat fight. After that I will resolve everything and move onto finish this transition arc. The next one, is a doozy.