Chapter 144 (1/2)

Volume 2

Chapter 123

＝＝

Although there are many similarities between living creatures, the species・ bloodsuckers and the monster vampires are completely different creatures.

Both of them are humanoid and perform blood-sucking actions on living creatures, but vampires are a type of undead, they cannot be exposed to sunlight, and they have weak points such as being weak to holy water.

Also, vampires cannot maintain their body without regular bloodsucking, and in the end they to turn to ashes, but that is not the case for bloodsuckers.

Their ability is restricted if they don’t suck sufficient blood, but they still retain the ability of an average person.

Having been classified as monsters due to their blood sucking acts, and subjected to persecution, they came to conceal their existence.

It is difficult to confirm their existence, because they’re also proficient in hiding their status.

It is quite an easy task for them to blend in with people.

In other legends, it is said that they increase their numbers by the act of sucking blood, but it is wrong.

Bloodsuckers can temporarily place their opponents under control with the act of bloodsucking.

It seems that the story of 『If your blood is sucked by a bloodsucker, you become a companion of the bloodsucker』 spread by seeing how they failed to resist and also got manipulated.

Since the means of breeding bloodsuckers are no different from ordinary humans, it is unlikely that there will be a sharp increase in bloodsuckers.

There is a rumor that some among the forbidden arts called Black Arts ・ Incantations leads to a bloodsucking race, but no reliable record of it was left.

＝＝

「Gosh, I finally found a book with decent information, turns out to be nothing much」

I go through the books that are gathering dust in a corner of the great library.

It’s been a week since I started going to the library.

In this world where books are expensive, there is no doubt that this library, with its busy clamor echoing within, which boasts a vast collection of books is the best in the world.

In my original world, it is a common courtesy to be quiet in a library but that same courtesy is non-existent here, so there are many people who are doing research while discussing as a party as part of information gathering for a quest.

Under such circumstances, I had been hunting books related to bloodsuckers to investigate the incident that occurred to Minnalis, but most of them were only bland records and were not of much help.

As of now, I have only found books with contents that I already knew without having to investigate, which criticizes bloodsuckers and vampires from a religious point of view.

I wanted to know about 『Vampirization Poisoning』, but there was no mention of it in vampirism-related books nor in toxicology-related books.

I can’t find any more records that might have something to do with Kuu..

「Well, I guess it’s not going to be that easy to find uh」

I sighed while scratching my head.

That being said, if it turns out that I can’t find it in this library, it would be faster to just ask around.

It may be necessary to go see that pompous bastard sometime.

「But I would rather not see him if I can help it, I am bad at dealing with him」

I sighed one more time as my face frowned in displeasure.

That much power, there is no point in not using it, but I would like to know the details at the very least.

I intend to try out a lot of things to see what it can do, but it won’t hurt to be careful.

「Since, I’m almost done with my research anyway, I guess I will be diving into the dungeon from tomorrow. ……Hmm?」

Thus, as I attempted to close the last book that I was checking, I noticed that there was still one page left.

「Mm, geez, come on……」

＝＝

A true bloodsucker is the most ancient creature in the world.

Written By – Towako Crowey (or Towako Kuroi)

＝＝

A suggestive word that is written on a full page extravagantly.

「Good grief, is everyone in this world a Chuunibyou*? No, actually there’s a fantasy world Chuunibyou though」 TLN: A specific type of behavior mostly exhibited by teenagers, like teens going through puberty (Those who watch anime/ manga would have a better understanding).

Each and everyone of these guys, won’t they feel satisfied unless they insert a thing or two in the book they’ve written?

The front cover has something that looks like a bag on it, with what seems to be a treasure map drawn inside, and when light reflects on it, a mysterious pattern emerges from within.

Here comes something elaborate, when magic power is applied to it, the letters in the book are replaced, and after the light dims, 『Oh thou who seeketh power, satisfy thy thirst……』, and even also heard such a creepy voice.

I really want to stop because my old scar was beginning to ache.

As I sighed and closed the book, I realized the day had already gone by today too.

Holding the several books that I had brought down together, I went around the column of the bookshelf and returned the books.

「Found ya! 」

「Hmm?」

When I turned around to the direction of the voice, it was Leone who was there.

「What? What can I do for you?」

I had heard from Minnalis, but it’s the first time meeting again in person since the entrance examination.

However, it feels like her feelings that blames me before has quieted down quite a bit.

When I replied, while wondering what brought on this 180 degree change of attitude, Leone opened her mouth, closed it, and then spoke.

「We need to talk. So let’s change location to the tavern, you’re going to have a drink, right?」

「……Fine. However, I will pass on the food and wine. If I don’t return before the sun sets, I will miss out on Minnalis’s lovely cooking」

「……I see」

She had a complicated look on her face for a second, I turned my back on Leone and then walked out to accompany her.

(I don’t feel that much hostility, but no matter how I look at it, I don’t think it’s going to be a fun chat)

While feeling somewhat melancholic, I left the great library.

☆

The tavern that I visited with Leone was bustling and lively even though it’s still in the middle of the day.

「Sister, another one, give me another one」

「…… Hey, hey, how long are you going to drink for?」

「What’s the harm. With this much, how long do you think I’ve waited in vain just to talk to you? I’ve been waiting for you in front of the dungeon entrance, so why were you at the library」

「Well, even if you say that, it’s not my problem. If you wanted to talk to me, you could have contacted me through Minnalis」

「There’s no way I can do that!! Because I don’t want things to be awkward between me and Minnalis for nothing!! No way mon! 」

「So it’s confirmed to be an awkward topic huh. Or rather, what’s with the 『mon』 at your age, geez you’re too drunk」

「Why not, wine is the charm of life you know, drunkenness is life you know, for serious conversations-, I am not a child as to have one sober nor am I an adult to have one without!! So, here have a drink too!!」

「Like I said, I am good. What’s with you」

Even though I came here all anxious to talk, Leone was draining the bottle saying 『For now bottoms up』, and then got drunk in no time.

I had already gone past getting angry at the situation where nothing was discussed, but instead was getting astounded.

「Forget it. I’m leaving」

I put the citrus fruit juice mixed with water on the table, and then got up.

「Hey, stop running away」

「Haa, you better get your shit together」

Leone grabbed my arm as I tried to leave the tavern and wouldn’t let go.

「You, you really are lacking charm」

「…………」

『You really, are a man who does not possess enough charm. You’re too rigid. It can’t be helped, I guess I’ll tune you up a bit』

I’m sure Leone just uttered it out irresponsibly, but it reminded me of the past a little bit.

「……You see charm is, …….what was I saying, what was」

She kept reciting the words and then, dropped her waist on a chair.

Did I sigh like I was exhausted from watching Leone talk gibberish, because of that was the sentiment?

「It’s about the purpose of your trip that you lied about. And also, regarding the revenge plot you guys are holding on to」

That’s why, those words sounded to me who had been relaxed, like being injected with poison.

「?」

Returning my gaze towards Leone, her face still looked drunk and dyed red.

However, her eyes were clear, and she was staring right at me.

「You see, I can tell. That you guys are full of hatred towards something, and that your hearts are dyed and binded with thoughts of revenge」

「…… Wow」

A low voice leaked out of my mouth.

I didn’t even feel like asking how in the world she knew.

「Minnalis, as usual is still a very good girl. I also think that Shuria is a girl with a pure heart. And I know that you care about those two. Which is why, you should let go of such feelings of revenge, what you’re doing is wrong, Ukei-kun」

「Ooh, I’m wrong uh」

「Yeah. Even if those girls accept it, what you’re doing, is nothing more than brainwashing those poor little things」

「……Brainwashing?, I see, brainwashing right」

She certainly might have a point.

But even so, it’s our oath, one that we don’t want anyone trespassing into.

Which is exactly why, I find this unpleasant.

「Those girls have you, and you have them. Which is why I am certain you can still start over. Since you got that helluva cheat called the Tutorial Mode, which in itself should have ended it・・・ forget about trying out anything. Since we both know what’s going to happen from here on out, we can do things right this time without fail」

「……」

「It would be such a waste to spend time on such meaningless efforts. And you know it, half a year from now, the great barrier of the Law Country covering the entire continent will dissolve. Then this entire continent will turn into a terrible battlefield. But if we start making moves now, the number of people that can be saved is sure to increase. That is what’s best for you, for Minnalis and the others……」

And then, the sound of water pouring on Leone is made.

「Ah, that’s enough」