Vol 1 Chapter 16 (1/2)
Chapter 16
Chapter 16 (Epilogue)
Hollow in the Rocks [A Contract, or Something More?]
Suddenly, the feeling of consciousness, like emerging from the deep sea, enveloped my body.
Go up, go up. Towards the beautiful s.h.i.+ning light of the sun. Continue, continue. At that moment I thought I had come to the surface of the water.
My eyes opened.
Where on earth am I?
The ceiling was made of rough rocks. The gathered sunset was a bit dazzling. However, I didn’t hate it and instead I wondered at the orange sunlight.
“…Here is?” (Shuten)
When I tried to raise my body I felt an awful pain. However, I feel that my body is much lighter than before.
What had I been doing until now?
…Oh yeah. During the battle with Grendel, the pearl piece was pushed into my chest, so that dangerous pain…did I rashly fight Grendel while in a haze?
I am relieved that I didn’t kill Grendel, but more than that, I had come to realize the full horror of the Divine Phenomenon Phase skills through first-hand experience.
What is it?
It’s supposed to be the cheat only the Empire manages. And he is supposedly the weakest or the fool of the magical librarians.
No, it is thanks to the second pearl piece that I managed to defeat him. However, I do not want to absorb any more if possible. I’m scared of the pieces. It’s probably become a slight trauma.
“…After that, I collapsed…” (Shuten)
So why am I in this rocky place?
As I thought about it, I noticed that among the rocks I was surrounded by fluffy bedding.
With a glance I looked to the side, and there was the Nine-tails, who saw me looking and her face turned red. The fox demon was even more tattered than I am. So then, was I asleep? Is this her tail?
Uwa I’m very sorry. What a good shampoo you are using?
“…Please get up if you are awake.” (Nine-tails)
“I’m still asleep.” (Shuten)
“Go.” (Nine-tails)
“Uissu.” (Shuten) (sfx for soft compalaint)
Since it still hurt to move my body, I got off her tail slowly. Lightly touching my right shoulder to check the condition of my wound, it seemed like it had been wrapped in cloth.
“Ah, I bothered you for this.” (Shuten) (あ、わざわざ手当なんてしてくれたの)
“W, what? Is it a nuisance?” (Nine-tails)
“No, thank you. I didn’t think you would take me here.” (Shuten)
“It’s a natural response from someone who has been helped.” (Nine-tails)
Has been helped, hey. I happened to pa.s.s by and saw Grendel, so I simply faced him to add tension to the story of the game, though that cannot be said out loud. (たまたま通りかかって、物見遊山テンションでグリンドルと相対しただけ、なんていえない空気だわなこりゃ)
I guess on the surface it seemed like I helped her…No, even if it wasn’t coincidence, would you please accept my grat.i.tude? There certainly would be no harm.
“…Hm?” (Shuten)
“!!?” (Nine-tails)
Somehow, my body felt strange.
However, what is even stranger is the Nine-tails.
She reacted loudly to a little of my voice, and when I tried to make eye contact a little while ago she kept averting her gaze.
What. Ah, when I fainted…Did I do something bad? I was on her huge tail a moment ago. But even thinking about I don’t think that’s the reason.
“Hey, Nine-tails.” (Shuten)
“What?” (Nine-tails)
“Look me in the eye.” (Shuten)
“……Well, there is no reason to look anywhere else.” (Nine-tails)
“What are you
hiding?” (Shuten)
Falter, falter, her gaze faltered.
That kind of response is too obvious.
Well, I’m just looking for ident.i.ty of the mysterious thing I felt earlier.
……
……
…Something like, that’s it. A magical power. But what is wrong with this magical power?
…Hm, what is this.
……Hm? Hmmm?
“It’s not my magic, but mixed with someone else!!” (Shuten)
*Biku~!* (Nine-tails) (sfx for a flinch, or frightened surprise)
“Hey, what do you mean by flinching! I thought I had felt this magic somewhere before, but this is the magical power I felt from the fox-fire!”
I don’t understand, there are other strange sensations from outside my body, and apparently there is a path connecting to something else. I wonder where it is connected to, no…
“Oi, is it yours?”
“No.” (Nine-tails)
“No, that doesn’t explain anything you useless tails.” (Shuten)
“Useless tails?!” (Nine-tails)
I turned around vigorously at the outburst and drew near to her face.
I thought I had some pretty strong intimidation, as she blushed and averted her eyes.
Hey, what did you do?!
“…K, Kindred” (Nine-tails)
“Huh?” (Shuten)
The Nine-tails murmured as she looked away.
Kindred?
“So that’s why I signed a contract with you! Because your magical power seemed exhausted like you were going to die, so I decided to supply magic from myself!” (Nine-tails)
“Ah, what? You were trying to help? You should have said so from the beginning…Hm? I think?” (Shuten)
I am now satisfied with what the path is that connects to the outside of my body. But then, once my magical power returns, you should just cut the line.
Looking at her with such a thought, something made my face turn red. This isn’t the big brother I know. I feel shameful.