Chapter 215

Setelah diselamatkan oleh Vandalieu dan Simon, Natania berada di rumah Vandalieu.

Darcia membisikkan sesuatu pada Juliana di samping tempat tidurnya, dan Vandalieu menyentuh perutnya yang membesar dan hamil dan memberikan semacam sihir. Dua saudara perempuan pembantu aneh di baju besi juga hadir.

“Saya sudah selesai memeriksa dan merawat Juliana. Bagaimana kabar Mata Setan, Bu? ” Vandalieu bertanya.

“Maaf, aku tidak bisa membuat kembali anggota tubuh mereka dengan Demon Eyes of Regeneration. Jika setidaknya ada tulang atau potongan daging mereka yang tersisa … Tapi tidak apa-apa. Saya tahu Anda akan melakukan apa saja untuk membuat segalanya lebih baik, Vandalieu, “kata Darcia.

“Kami akan mengurus persiapan besok, Bocchan,” kata Rita.

“Hal utama yang harus dilakukan adalah memotong daging dan memasukkan tusuk daging ke dalamnya,” kata Saria. “Kami sudah selesai mempersiapkan untuk mendistribusikan daging Gobu-gobu dan Kobold ke toko rantai kami.”

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Ada juga seseorang bernama Tarea. Dia adalah wanita Ghoul, meskipun Ghoul dianggap sebagai ras Zombies tingkat lanjut. Dia telah dibawa ke sini oleh sihir atribut-ruang yang dilemparkan oleh seorang gadis Elf bernama Gufadgarn, yang telah berada di sini sampai beberapa saat yang lalu.

“Nah, saat Anda memberi tahu saya detailnya, saya akan melakukan pengukuran … atau lebih tepatnya, merasakan struktur otot Anda,” kata Tarea.

Rumah itu penuh kejutan; Natania berada di tempat yang hanya bisa digambarkan sebagai lingkungan yang sangat misterius. Tetapi dia tidak merasa takut atau gelisah; dia merasakan kenyamanan yang aneh dari Darcia, dan yang terpenting, dari Vandalieu. Pada saat yang sama, dia menelan ludahnya dengan gugup ketika dia menyadari bahwa tidak ada jalan untuk kembali.

“Y-ya, silakan lakukan,” katanya kepada Tarea.

Kembali ke ketika Natania dan yang lainnya memasuki kota Morksi …

Mungkin saja bawahan Duke Alcrem hadir bahkan di sini, untuk menyelidiki apakah Juliana benar-benar mati.

Itulah yang secara diam-diam dikhawatirkan oleh Natania, tetapi mereka dapat melewati gerbang tanpa penjaga berusaha melihat latar belakang mereka.

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Para penjaga terkejut oleh fakta bahwa Fang telah menjadi Hellhound dengan meningkatkan peringkatnya, tetapi mereka dengan cepat menyadari bahwa ada hal-hal yang lebih penting untuk dikhawatirkan ketika mereka melihat kondisi Natania dan Juliana. Secara alami, mereka telah meminta penjelasan tentang mengapa anggota tubuh mereka dipenggal, tetapi itu tidak memakan banyak waktu.

“Minotaur ?! … Kami akan mendengar penjelasan dari Adventurer ‘Guild nanti, jadi cepatlah lanjutkan. Saya minta maaf, tetapi cobalah untuk tidak membiarkan orang melihat mereka, “kata salah satu penjaga.

Minotaurs adalah monster yang berada di peringkat 5 minimum. Mereka biasanya ditemukan di Dungeons and Devil’s Nests; itu akan menjadi masalah besar jika korban telah menjadi mangsa mereka di luar daerah tersebut.

Jika ada Minotaur yang membentuk gerombolan, mereka akan menimbulkan ancaman bahkan terhadap kota sebesar Morksi. Dengan demikian, para penjaga bahkan tidak menanyakan nama Natania dan Juliana. Dengan kain menutupi mereka agar tidak menimbulkan kekhawatiran di antara orang-orang kota, mereka dibawa ke Adventurer ‘Guild sebagai orang biasa, yang terluka.

Mungkin saja keadaan berjalan begitu lancar karena Maroru, Urumi dan Suruga’s Rank meningkat tidak diperhatikan karena bulu mereka dalam keadaan biasa, dan karena Aggar dan penjahatnya tidak ada di sekitar.

Di Adventurers ‘Guild, mereka bisa menjelaskan situasinya bukan di meja resepsionis, tapi ke Guild Master Berard di ruang pertemuan di lantai dua.

“Singkatnya … kamu ditangkap oleh gerombolan Minotaur, tetapi mereka dihancurkan oleh petualang bernama Ralph, dan kamu diselamatkan?” Berard berkata, wajahnya yang tegang rileks ketika dia mengetahui bahwa gerombolan Minotaur telah dihancurkan.

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Itu wajar bagi Berard untuk lebih peduli tentang ancaman gerombolan Minotaur daripada identitas Natania dan Juliana, karena ia bertanggung jawab atas Persekutuan Adventurer di kota ini.

“Apakah kamu tidak tahu apa-apa tentang petualang bernama Ralph ini? Mungkin kelas petualang di Persekutuan, atau di mana dia biasanya berbasis? ” tanya Berard. “Jika dia cukup terampil untuk menghapus segerombolan Minotaur sendirian, setidaknya aku harus tahu namanya.”

Ada banyak kandidat pahlawan dengan perlindungan ilahi dari para dewa yang telah muncul beberapa tahun yang lalu, tetapi tidak ada terlalu banyak dari mereka jika seseorang hanya melihat-lihat di sekitar kota Morksi. Bahkan, Berard merasa bahwa kegiatan mereka baru-baru ini semakin jauh dari kota.

Tentu saja, itu akan menjadi hal yang baik jika itu berarti bahwa tidak ada ancaman di sekitar kota yang membutuhkan kegiatan kandidat pahlawan dengan perlindungan ilahi para dewa untuk berurusan dengan, tetapi … akankah gerombolan Minotaur tidak dianggap sebagai ancaman terhadap kandidat pahlawan? Berard tidak bisa menahan diri untuk bertanya pada dirinya sendiri.

“Saya tidak tahu; dia tidak memberi tahu saya apa pun secara detail. Dia adalah seorang manusia, dan saya pikir dia berusia tiga puluhan, ”kata Natania, meskipun dia sebenarnya gugup karena dia menyembunyikan fakta bahwa itu bukan hanya gerombolan Minotaur, tetapi satu yang dipimpin oleh Raja Minotaur.

Dia sama sekali tidak percaya diri bahwa dia akan bisa menipu Berard, yang mungkin seorang petualang veteran sendiri.

“Aku juga tidak melihat karakteristik pengidentifikasian apa pun. Tetapi dari cara dia berbicara, saya pikir dia cukup ahli, ”kata Simon.

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Perhatian Berard difokuskan bukan pada Natania, tetapi pada pikirannya sendiri.

“Hmm … Pengguna sihir spiritual dengan perlengkapan ringan bernama Ralph … huh,” gumamnya.

Dia mulai curiga bahwa identitas sebenarnya dari petualang misterius bernama Ralph adalah Randolf True Benar. ’

Nama ‘Ralph’ kemungkinan besar nama palsu, sebagai bentuk singkat dari ‘Randolf.’ Dia adalah manusia menurut Natania, tetapi mudah untuk menyembunyikan fakta bahwa seseorang adalah Elf dengan Item Sihir yang menyamar.

Dan jika Berard mencoba memikirkan seseorang yang akan mencapai sesuatu yang hebat seperti menghancurkan gerombolan Minotaur sendiri dan kemudian diam tentang hal itu … dia hanya bisa memikirkan satu orang.

Tetap saja, meskipun itu adalah kebenaran, tidak ada gunanya menyelidikinya. Saya yakin Ketua Persekutuan markas besar Duchy Alcrem akan tahu sesuatu tentang itu, tetapi bahkan jika saya memintanya, dia hanya memberitahu saya untuk melupakan kejadian ini, pikir Berard. Dan jika Randolf telah melakukan beberapa pekerjaan, kemungkinan ada seorang duke atau marquis yang terlibat … Kalau dipikir-pikir, nama gadis itu rupanya Julia, tapi … Aku merasa bahwa adik perempuan adipati itu adalah seorang ksatria dengan nama Juliana .

Otak Berard memproses semua ini dengan sangat cepat, tetapi ia kemudian memutuskan untuk tidak membayar masalah ini lagi.

Dia bukan bangsawan; dia adalah Ketua Master yang bertanggung jawab atas cabang Adventurer’s cabang Morksi. Tidak lebih, tidak kurang. Dia membuang rasa penasarannya yang bahkan mungkin membunuh harimau, apalagi kucing, dan memutuskan untuk fokus pada pekerjaannya.

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“Yah, tidak peduli seberapa cakap orang Ralph ini, ada kemungkinan beberapa Minotaurs lolos. Kami perlu melaporkan hal ini kepada penguasa wilayah dan meminta petualang waspada, ”kata Berard. “Terima kasih atas informasi penting.”

“Ya, aku senang bisa membantu,” kata Natania. “Dan tentang orang-orang yang menggunakan aku sebagai umpan -“

“Pesta yang disebut ‘Pisau Api.’ Yakinlah. Saya pasti akan menyelidiki mereka dan menanganinya dengan tepat. “

Berard tidak tahu apa-apa tentang Flame Blades, yang mungkin hanyalah pesta petualang kelas D di antara banyak. Satu-satunya hal yang dia pikirkan ketika mendengar nama pesta itu adalah bahwa mereka mungkin terinspirasi oleh Pisau Lima Warna yang terkenal, yang tidak ada di kota Morksi.

Dia ingat diganggu oleh tren nama-nama pesta petualang yang berakhir dengan ‘Blades’ beberapa tahun yang lalu.

Tetapi dia berpikir bahwa jika apa yang Natania nyatakan telah mereka lakukan adalah benar, mereka adalah iblis yang tidak pantas menamai diri mereka sendiri dengan Blades Lima Warna.

Jika mereka hanya meninggalkan teman yang telah ditangkap oleh gerombolan Minotaur, maka mereka tidak bisa disalahkan. Pesta petualang kelas D mungkin hampir tidak bisa mengalahkan monster Peringkat 5 tunggal; mereka tidak akan berdaya jika banyak dari mereka muncul sekaligus. Tidak ada salahnya untuk mencoba menyelamatkan teman mereka dalam situasi seperti itu.

Tetapi untuk dengan sengaja menyerang kaki teman petualang wanita untuk menggunakannya sebagai umpan, bahkan jika dia sudah lama tidak bersama mereka, itu terlalu berlebihan. Meskipun benar bahwa mungkin akan ada lebih banyak korban jika mereka terus mencoba dan melarikan diri, itu adalah tindakan yang terlalu jahat untuk menganggapnya sebagai keharusan.

“Petualang bukan alat. Mereka menyediakan layanan yang didasarkan pada kepercayaan. Itu karena mereka mematuhi aturan yang kami izinkan mereka berjalan di sekitar kota sementara para pedagang dan bersenjata dapat meminta perlindungan mereka. Kami akan mengajarkan para bajingan ini bahwa, meskipun akan memakan waktu beberapa jam untuk menghubungi Persekutuan di kota tempat Anda aktif dan menyelidiki apakah ada pesta yang disebut Flame Blades, “kata Berard. “Tapi mengeksekusi mereka atau menjadikan mereka budak kriminal tidak mungkin. Anda harus puas dengan hukuman untuk promosi mereka dan mereka membayar reparasi. “

“… Aku tahu itu,” kata Natania dengan anggukan yang sedikit marah.

“Mengapa?” Vandalieu bertanya, yang telah membisikkan sesuatu ke telinga Juliana sepanjang waktu.

Dia dan Simon, yang tampak tidak nyaman berada di sana, juga telah diizinkan masuk ke ruang pertemuan.

“M-Tuan, Persekutuan memiliki keadaannya sendiri …!” kata Simon.

“Sudah jelas nasib apa yang akan Natania derita jika dia ditangkap, dan mereka masih dengan sengaja melukai kakinya dan menggunakannya sebagai umpan. Saya pikir hukumannya terlalu ringan. Selain itu, dia adalah Beast-kin tipe liar kucing gesit, dan dia adalah pejuang bersenjata tidak lengkap. Saya tidak tahu anggota seperti apa yang dimiliki oleh Flame Blades, tetapi saya merasa sulit untuk percaya bahwa ada orang yang lebih cepat dari dia, “lanjut Vandalieu, mengabaikan upaya Simon untuk menghentikannya.

Setelah membahas berbagai hal, Vandalieu mulai curiga bahwa Flame Blades telah membiarkan Natania masuk ke dalam pesta dengan maksud untuk mengorbankannya jika mereka menemukan diri mereka dalam bahaya.

“B-bagaimana kamu tahu bahwa aku seorang pejuang yang tidak bersenjata ?!” Natania berkata dengan terkejut.

Vandalieu telah melakukan sebagian besar pembicaraannya dengan orang-orang Natania yang tidak bisa melihat – para Hantu seperti Orbia dan Putri Levia, dan roh-roh terdekat.

“Aku juga memiliki Skill ‘Teknik Bertempur Senjata’, jadi aku menebak sebanyak dari struktur ototmu. Lihat, bahkan cakar saya bisa memanjang seperti ini, ”kata Vandalieu, menunjukkan padanya cakar tajam dan menakutkan yang membentang dari ujung jarinya.

“Wow, kamu benar … Tunggu, kamu seorang Dhampir ?! Ini pertama kalinya saya melihatnya. Anda benar-benar memiliki cakar, ”kata Natania heran.

“Wow, mereka lebih tajam dari kebanyakan pisau. Bisakah saya melihat lebih dekat pada mereka, untuk referensi di masa mendatang? ” kata Berard, membungkuk untuk melihat mereka juga.

“Kami sudah jauh dari topik, Guild Master,” Simon menunjukkan.

Berard buru-buru duduk tegak lagi. “Alasan kami tidak bisa menghukum mereka dengan lebih keras adalah karena Adventurer ‘Guild bukan badan peradilan. Kami tidak memiliki wewenang untuk menghukum orang atau mengubahnya menjadi budak kriminal kecuali mereka memiliki hadiah di kepala mereka, atau mereka adalah bandit atau perampok. Dan secara umum diterima bahwa apa pun yang terjadi pada seorang petualang adalah tanggung jawab mereka sendiri. ”

Hal-hal yang menjadi tanggung jawab para petualang berarti bahwa Natania juga memikul tanggung jawab karena dia tidak dapat memilih teman yang lebih baik.

“Tapi hukuman untuk kemajuan mereka dan denda bukanlah hukuman ringan. Denda akan menjadi jumlah yang tidak bisa dibayar oleh petualang kelas D, dan jumlah yang kurang mereka miliki akan diambil sebagai pinjaman dari Persekutuan. Denda yang kami dapatkan dari mereka akan dibayarkan melalui Persekutuan kepada Anda sebagai perbaikan, Natania-kun, ”lanjut Berard. “Dan begitu desas-desus menyebar bahwa mereka mengorbankan teman wanita untuk gerombolan Minotaur, tidak ada yang akan mendekati mereka. Tidak akan ada lagi korban. “

Menurut penjelasan Berard, Pisau Api akan menjadi sangat berhutang budi kepada Persekutuan, memaksa mereka ke dalam situasi di mana mereka akan bekerja hanya untuk tetap hidup.

“Aku mengerti … aku minta maaf karena mengganggu,” kata Vandalieu.

“Tidak, tidak apa-apa,” kata Berard. “Pokoknya, pindah ke topik lain … Natania-kun, apa yang akan kamu lakukan mulai sekarang? Jumlah yang akan Anda dapatkan dari menjual Batu Ajaib yang Anda bawa dan reparasi dari Flame Blades tidak cukup dekat bagi Anda untuk menjalani sisa hidup Anda. Biarpun kamu membeli anggota tubuh tiruan yang merupakan Item Ajaib, bisa menggunakannya dalam pertarungan adalah … ”

Berard berbicara tentang masa depan Natania dan Juliana. Memberikan perawatan bagi para petualang yang tidak bisa lagi terus bekerja adalah salah satu tugas Adventurer ‘Guild.

Tapi ini tidak bisa digambarkan sebagai sempurna; itu hanya bantuan kecil, seperti membantu Simon yang berlengan satu menemukan pekerjaan harian.

“Itu … Bisakah saya meminta Anda untuk memperkenalkan saya kepada seseorang untuk bekerja? Anda harus mengenal seseorang yang bisa Anda perkenalkan dengan seseorang seperti saya, bukan? ” kata Natania dengan napas putus asa.

Tampaknya dia merasa lega bahwa «Flame Blades» akan dihukum karena mengkhianatinya, pada saat yang sama, dia kehilangan kemauannya.

“Baik. Saya akan menemukan Anda tempat terbaik yang saya bisa, “kata Berard.

Natania tidak akan lagi bisa berpetualang. Tapi dia tidak punya tabungan, dan tidak punya pekerjaan atau pendidikan juga. Ada satu rumah pelacuran yang oleh Guild diarahkan untuk para petualang wanita.

“Tapi bagaimana dengan Julia-kun di sana?” Tanya Berard. “Aku sudah menghubungi Guild Tamers, tapi … sayangnya, Guild Master Bachem telah keluar dari kota untuk bekerja sejak pagi ini, jadi penawaran harga harus dilakukan nanti.”

Juliana, yang Berard kenal sebagai Julia, gadis desa yang telah diserang dan ditangkap oleh Minotaur sebelum Natania, tidak memenuhi persyaratan untuk menerima perawatan dari Adventurers ‘Guild.

Namun, Berard telah menghubungi Persatuan Tamers untuk meminta mereka membeli anak-anak monster yang ia hamili.

“Julia tidak punya keluarga, jadi aku berpikir untuk merawatnya. Dia satu-satunya alasan saya masih memiliki kewarasan saya, “kata Natania.

“Baik. Ayo cepat dan minta Bachem membeli monster segera setelah dia kembali, “kata Berard.

“Tidak, tidak perlu untuk itu,” kata suara yang tidak dikenal.

“Saya melihat. Jika Anda tidak membutuhkan saya untuk menghubungi Anda, maka saya tidak perlu … Tunggu, siapa yang baru saja berbicara ?! ” Berard berteriak.

“Juliana-san ?! Kamu bisa bicara sekarang ?! ” Seru Natania.

Saat mereka berdua menatapnya, Juliana mengangguk, dengan cahaya kembali ke matanya.

“Natania, karena kamu dan semua orang, aku menghindari kematian, dan kewarasanku telah kembali. Terima kasih karena tidak meninggalkan saya, ”katanya.

“Itu tidak benar! Kaulah yang mendorong saya … Ah, saya sangat senang! Ini benar-benar Anda, Juliana! ” Natania menangis, air mata kegembiraan karena melihat pemulihan Juliana mengalir di wajahnya.

Dia sepertinya tidak memperhatikan bahwa perilaku Juliana sedikit aneh.

“Luar biasa bahwa kamu telah pulih, tetapi apa maksudmu ketika kamu mengatakan bahwa kamu tidak membutuhkan aku untuk menghubungi Persekutuan Tamers? … Saya pikir aborsi akan berbahaya jika mereka sudah tumbuh sebesar itu, “kata Berard, pura-pura tidak memperhatikan bahwa Natania telah menggunakan nama‘ Juliana. ’

“Maksudku apa yang aku katakan. Setelah mendiskusikan hal-hal dengan semua orang, saya telah memutuskan untuk menyerahkan segalanya kepada dewi … dengan kata lain, percayakan diri saya kepada orang ini, “kata Juliana, menunjuk Vandalieu.

“Aku bukan seorang dewi, tapi aku akan menjaganya,” kata Vandalieu.

Tampaknya Juliana akan datang ke perawatan seorang bocah Dhampir.

“Kapan kamu melakukan itu ?! Tidak tunggu, apa tidak apa-apa untuk melakukan itu ?! Anda akan melahirkan anak-anak Minotaur, Anda tahu! ” Berard berseru.

“Aku anggota resmi Persekutuan Tamers,” kata Vandalieu.

“Aku-memang benar bahwa kamu memiliki kualifikasi untuk menanganinya …” gumam Berard.

Persekutuan Tamers membeli monster-monster muda, tetapi tidak ada aturan yang melarang anggota untuk membeli mereka secara pribadi.

“Dan aku sudah menjinakkan monster peringkat 4,” Vandalieu menunjukkan.

“Kau bahkan sudah membuktikan dirimu … Selain itu, kau punya pekerjaan dan rumah, dan dia sendiri ingin mempercayaimu. Dia bukan penjahat atau budak; dia hanya korban tanpa keluarga … saya tidak punya hak atau alasan untuk menghentikan Anda, “kata Berard, tertawa kering. “Baiklah, lakukan sesukamu.”

“Apakah … benar-benar sesederhana itu?” kata Simon, matanya terbuka lebar pada perkembangan mendadak ini. “Apakah kamu tidak perlu bertanya ibumu dulu?”

“Ah, itu benar. Anda harus membicarakannya dengan ibu Anda terlebih dahulu. Bukan hal yang sederhana untuk bertanggung jawab atas seseorang dan anak-anak Minotaur, “kata Berard.

“Ibuku orang yang pengertian, jadi tidak apa-apa,” kata Vandalieu.

Dia sebenarnya mengirim Chipuras untuk melaporkan situasinya ke Darcia secepat mungkin, tetapi dia tidak mengatakan yang sebenarnya kepada Berard dan yang lainnya.

“A-aku mengerti. Ibumu pasti sangat pengertian, ”kata Berard. “Baiklah, tentang situasimu, Natania-kun -” dia memulai, mencoba mengembalikan topik itu ke masa depan Natania.

“Eh, aku ikut denganmu juga ?!” Seru Natania.

“Ya, Natania. Orang ini berjanji bahwa dia akan membantu Anda. Orang ini pasti akan memberi Anda tangan dan kaki baru, ”kata Juliana. “Mari kita pergi ke sisi dewi bersama.”

Juliana membujuk Natania untuk ikut bersamanya, sementara Vandalieu dan Berard saling bertukar pikiran.

“Aku bukan dewi, tetapi apa yang dikatakannya itu benar. Tapi aku bukan dewa, “tambah Vandalieu untuk penekanan.

“Kami saling mendukung ketika kami berada di sarang Minotaur. Apakah Anda ingat apa yang saya katakan saat itu? Tidak peduli betapa sulitnya hal-hal itu, kita tidak boleh melarikan diri menuju kematian. Selama kita tidak meninggalkan harapan, dewi akan menjawab doa-doa kita, ”kata Juliana. “Dan sang dewi … Vida telah menjawab kita.”

Cara persuasi Juliana cukup fanatik. Mungkin disentuh oleh suara Vandalieu, yang tampaknya dia percaya adalah ‘dewi,’ dia bertingkah aneh.

“Umm, maksudku, aku ingat, tapi … aku tidak berpikir anak ini … aku pikir itu laki-laki … akan menjadi dewa,” kata Natania, tampak pucat dengan ekspresi bingung di wajahnya.

“Kamu benar. Tetapi dia tidak mendengarkan, meskipun saya mengulanginya berkali-kali karena itu penting untuk dipahami, “kata Vandalieu.

“Tetapi Guru juga berjanji kepada saya bahwa dia akan memberi saya cara untuk melakukan sesuatu pada lengan saya jika saya percaya kepadanya dan mengikutinya,” kata Simon.

“Baiklah … aku juga akan ikut denganmu. Memang benar anak ini tidak merasa seperti orang biasa, “kata Natania.

Tampaknya kata-kata Simon telah menambah kredibilitas pada Juliana … atau mungkin dia baru saja menyerah.

“Saya melihat. Saya senang semuanya beres. Kalau begitu, saya punya beberapa dokumen yang harus dilakukan, jadi saya akan memaafkan diri sendiri, “kata Berard, tidak dapat menyembunyikan kedutan mulutnya.

Juliana, yang telah mendapatkan kembali ekspresi wajah dan kesadarannya, tampaknya telah mendapatkan kewarasannya kembali pada pandangan pertama. Tapi bukankah dia hanya beralih dari sayuran menjadi orang gila? Melihat matanya, Berard tidak bisa tidak memikirkan ini.

Dan dia yakin alasan untuk ini adalah Vandalieu, yang telah membisikkan sesuatu di telinganya sepanjang waktu.

… Aku berniat mengundangnya untuk setidaknya mendaftar di Guild Adventurers ‘setelah semuanya beres, tapi … mungkin lebih baik menunggu dan melihat sedikit lebih lama. Dia mungkin sebenarnya orang yang cukup berbahaya, pikir Berard pada dirinya sendiri ketika dia meninggalkan ruang rapat untuk mengurus berbagai dokumen.

Setelah meninggalkan Guild Adventurer dan mengucapkan selamat tinggal kepada Simon di sepanjang jalan, Natania dibawa ke rumah Vandalieu … dan menerima penjelasan kasar tentang apa mereka.

Bagaimana dengan Darcia yang menjadi inkarnasi Vida dan putranya menjadi penerus Zakkart, Natania mengira ia akan menjadi gila, tetapi entah bagaimana ia berhasil melewati penjelasan.

“Natania-san, alasan aku memberitahumu semua rahasia ini adalah karena -” Vandalieu memulai.

“Aku tahu. Anda memastikan bahwa saya tahu tidak ada jalan keluar sekarang karena saya tahu semua ini, kan? ” Natania berkata dengan gugup, ekornya bergerombol.

“Vandalieu-sama, Darcia-sama, gadis ini salah paham,” kata Chipuras.

“Bukan itu. Hanya saja jika kami akan merawat Anda di rumah kami, Anda akan belajar banyak hal, jadi kami pikir akan lebih baik untuk memberi tahu Anda sebelumnya, “Darcia menjelaskan.

“Natania-san, ada beberapa cara aku bisa membantumu … mengembalikan tubuhmu ke keadaan semula, atau lebih baik. Saya akan menjelaskannya kepada Anda sekarang, jadi silakan pilih, “kata Vandalieu. “Pertama, aku bisa mencangkokkan lengan dan kaki Vampir wanita yang telah aku pertahankan, mengubahmu menjadi Vampir setelah kau menanggung beberapa efek samping yang berat.”

Tidak seperti Simon, belum lama berlalu sejak Natania kehilangan anggota tubuhnya; dia belum kehilangan bagian otaknya yang bertanggung jawab mengendalikannya. Jika Vandalieu mentransplantasikan anggota tubuh dari Vecire Ternecia yang mati murni untuk Natania, kemungkinan dia akan segera bisa memindahkannya.

Namun, Natania tidak akan tetap menjadi Beast-kin semata setelah transplantasi bagian tubuh yang begitu besar. Vandalieu akan melakukan operasi sambil menempatkan dia di bawah pengaruh mantra ‘Death Delay’, jadi dia tidak akan mati. Tapi dalam skenario terburuk, dia akan menderita efek samping yang menyakitkan yang akan membuatnya berharap dia mati saat dia berubah menjadi Vampir.

“A-apakah tidak ada metode lain?” tanya Natania. “Jika tidak -“

“Ada metode menggunakan anggota tubuh tiruan yang merupakan Benda Ajaib … Kita mungkin bisa membangunnya jika kita mau,” kata Vandalieu.

Dia memiliki Skill ‘Alkimia’ di Level 10. Selama dia memiliki material, dia mungkin akan dapat membuat lengan dan kaki buatan yang bergerak seperti anggota badan nyata.

“Saya pikir ini adalah pilihan termudah. Tapi saya tidak tahu apakah Anda bisa bertarung, “kata Vandalieu.

“… Itu mungkin benar, tapi itu berarti tetap tinggal dalam perawatanmu selama sisa hidup kita. Saya tidak mendengar detailnya, tetapi Juliana-san akan membayar utangnya kembali kepada Anda, bukan? Saya ingin membayar hutang saya juga, jika Anda akan membantu saya, “kata Natania, perusahaan tekadnya. “Jika memungkinkan, aku ingin kamu membiarkan aku menjalani pelatihan yang sama dengan pria Simon itu.”

“Sangat baik. Kalau begitu mari kita bekerja keras bersama, “kata Vandalieu.

Dia masih tidak menyebutkan Akar Kehidupan. Dia telah memutuskan untuk membantu Natania, tetapi Akar Kehidupan adalah ciptaan Zakkart, lambang atribut kehidupan. Itu adalah bahan berharga yang bahkan Vandalieu tidak bisa menciptakan kembali.

Dia tidak bisa menggunakannya untuk anggota tubuh Natania dan Juliana.

Ada juga metode pseudo-reinkarnasi. Tetapi dalam kasus Natania, itu berarti mati dan dilahirkan kembali di tubuh baru seperti yang dilakukan Quinn, jadi Vandalieu berasumsi bahwa dia tidak akan memilih opsi ini.

Bagaimanapun, itu mungkin menyebabkan beberapa kesalahpahaman.

“Kalau begitu, mari kita mulai hari ini? Anda akan membutuhkan lebih banyak pelatihan daripada Simon, ”kata Vandalieu.

Natania mengangguk. “Baiklah, apa yang harus aku lakukan – Apa ini ?! S-ada sesuatu yang terjadi di dalam diriku! ” dia berteriak.

Hari berikutnya, Vandalieu dan kawan-kawannya pergi bukan untuk Sarang Setan, tetapi area berumput yang agak jauh darinya.

“Apakah kamu tidak perlu berburu untuk daging, Tuan? Bagaimana dengan Leveling orang-orang ini? ” tanya Simon, tampak khawatir.

“Tidak apa-apa,” jawab Vandalieu.

Setelah melemparkan ‘Pelestarian’ pada daging yang sudah ia miliki, ada beberapa hari yang layak disimpan di rumah. Hal yang sama berlaku untuk daging Goblin dan Kobold yang dibutuhkan untuk membuat Gobu-gobu dan mengukus Kobold.

Namun, Gobu-gobu dan Kobold yang sudah dikukus telah mendapatkan popularitas, jadi ada kemungkinan bahwa ini akan berjalan lebih cepat dari yang diharapkan.

Ada desas-desus bahkan di luar distrik lampu merah bahwa daging Goblin dan Kobold, yang merupakan contoh khas daging monster yang rasanya tidak enak sampai tidak dapat dimakan, tampaknya disajikan dalam makanan lezat di gerobak makanan yang ditandai dengan hati. .

Kemarin, bahkan ada petualang yang tampaknya telah mendengar desas-desus dan melakukan upaya untuk datang ke gang belakang distrik lampu merah untuk mencobanya sebagai ujian keberanian.

“Jika kita kehabisan daging Goblin dan Kobold, kita akan mengeluarkan komisi untuk itu di Adventurers ‘Guild, jadi tidak perlu khawatir,” kata Vandalieu.

“Ah, itu … Jika aku punya anggota badan, aku mungkin akan bergabung dengan itu sebagai gantinya,” kata Natania.

“Jika itu hanya Goblin, aku mungkin akan mencobanya juga,” kata Simon.

Jika ada permintaan untuk membeli daging Goblin dan Kobold, para petualang yang tidak berpengalaman dan kurang mampu akan senang untuk pergi dan berburu Goblin dan Kobold.

Bagaimanapun, Goblin berlimpah dan lemah. Mereka bahkan tidak menyediakan Batu Ajaib yang bernilai apa pun, juga tidak memberikan bahan yang berguna. Biasanya, seseorang hanya akan mendapatkan lima Baums karena menjual telinga mereka yang berfungsi sebagai bukti telah membunuh seorang Goblin. Mereka tidak populer sebagai mangsa.

Tetapi jika daging mereka bisa dijual, mereka akan menjadi sumber penghasilan yang berharga bahkan bagi para petualang yang tidak berpengalaman.

“Dan untuk Leveling dari Fang dan yang lainnya … Mereka sampai ke titik di mana mereka tidak dapat meningkatkan Rank mereka hanya dengan Leveling, jadi aku berpikir untuk menghabiskan waktu agar mereka belajar untuk menggerakkan tubuh mereka dan mempromosikan belajar Keterampilan baru, ”kata Vandalieu.

Fang tumbuh dari ukuran seekor anjing besar menjadi ukuran seekor lembu, dan tikus-tikus itu telah tumbuh lebih besar dan menjadi mampu mengubah sifat-sifat bulu mereka. Karena itu, mereka perlu terbiasa dengan tubuh baru mereka.

Level saja tidak cukup untuk menyebabkan kenaikan Rank pada monster; Keterampilan juga dibutuhkan. Misalnya, jika seorang Black Goblin ingin menjadi Ninja Black Goblin, mereka tidak hanya perlu meningkatkan Level mereka; mereka juga perlu memperoleh Keterampilan terkait kepanduan seperti ‘Langkah Hening’ dan ‘Perangkap,’ dan meningkatkan Level Keterampilan tersebut.

Fang dan yang lainnya telah mengalahkan monster dengan kekuatan yang sama seperti mereka dan mendapatkan Poin Pengalaman, dengan cepat meningkatkan Peringkat mereka, tetapi Level Keterampilan mereka rendah sebagai hasilnya. Dengan demikian, mereka berlatih di antara mereka sendiri hari ini.

Hellhound Fang dan Iron Rat Suruga sedang melakukan latihan pertempuran sengit, sementara Flame Rat Maroru dan Wet Rat Urumi bertarung dengan nyala api dan udara dingin mereka.

“A-itu tidak benar-benar terlihat seperti pelatihan,” komentar Simon.

“Apakah mereka benar-benar baik-baik saja?” kata Natania, tampak prihatin.

Tapi tidak ada masalah. Meskipun Simon dan Natania tidak bisa melihat mereka, Putri Levia dan Orbia mengawasi pelatihan.

“Juga, aku tidak yakin apakah namanya Julia atau Juliana, tapi aku ingin tahu mengapa dia tidak ada di sini …” kata Simon.

“Julia baik-baik saja. Dia akan bekerja keras pada metode yang berbeda dari Anda, jadi dia ada di rumah, “kata Vandalieu. “Nah, kita akan memulai pelatihan, jadi tolong pakai ini, Simon.”

Dia memberi Simon ‘lengan’ latihan yang dia bawa di gerobaknya.

Pada pandangan pertama, tampaknya itu adalah lengan kanan yang diambil dari set baju besi pelat dengan sabuk untuk menempelkannya ke tubuh.

“Kamu mengerti!” kata Simon, percaya pada Vandalieu seperti yang dijanjikan dan menempelkan lengan pada dirinya sendiri tanpa mengajukan pertanyaan.

“Hanya untuk mengkonfirmasi, bagaimana ukurannya?” Vandalieu bertanya.

“Umm, panjang ikat pinggangnya sempurna … dan melekat kuat di bahu kananku, dan tidak terpeleset. Sepertinya Anda mencocokkannya dengan ukuran pundak saya, “kata Simon. “Tuan, kapan kamu membuat ini ?! Jangan bilang kau meramalkan ini terjadi sejak dulu …! “

“Tidak, aku tidak bisa melihat masa depan,” kata Vandalieu. “Setelah aku pulang kemarin, aku hanya melepaskan lengan baju besi dan sedikit menyesuaikannya.”

Saat merawat Simon kemarin, Vandalieu telah menggunakan ‘Teknik Catatan Sempurna’ untuk mengingat dimensi fisik Simon. Berdasarkan ini, ia telah menggunakan ‘Penciptaan Golem’ untuk memproses baju besi untuk membuat ‘lengan’ dan menyesuaikan bagian yang terhubung ke bahu dengan bantuan Tarea.

“Ini item sementara yang saya buat untuk latihan. Saya akan memberi Anda lengan yang lebih nyaman setelah pelatihan Anda berlangsung, jadi nantikan itu, “kata Vandalieu sambil menempelkan ‘lengan’ yang sama dan ‘kaki’ ke Natania. “Nah, pelatihan akan segera dimulai, jadi silakan datang ke sini, Simon. Duduklah di sebelah kiri Natania dan apa pun yang Anda rasakan, biarkan masuk. “

“Mengerti. Tapi apa yang perlu kita lakukan untuk pelatihan …? ” Simon bertanya, memercayai Vandalieu tetapi tetap tampak bingung.

“Dia bilang kau tidak harus melakukan apa pun di awal. Anda hanya perlu belajar, ”Natania menasihatinya dengan tatapan yang agak jauh.

“Belajar? Pelajari apa, exac -?! ”

Sebelum Simon bisa menyelesaikan kalimatnya, dia merasakan sensasi asing yang tidak dikenal.

Dia tidak merasakan sakit, panas atau dingin. Tapi dia jelas bisa merasakan sesuatu yang sepenuhnya asing memasuki tubuhnya, mendorongnya.

“A-apa yang terjadi pada tubuhku, apa yang terjadi … ?!” Simon berteriak, matanya terbuka lebar sebagai tanggapan atas sensasi yang tak terlukiskan ini.

“Meskipun ini kedua kalinya, aku tidak bisa terbiasa dengan ini!” Natania menjerit, ekornya bergerombol ketika dia menanggungnya.

“Jangan takut, tetap saja seperti itu … Persis seperti itu …” kata Vandalieu lembut.

Tangannya menyentuh mereka, dan bentuk rohnya menjulur dari mereka, menekan bentuk roh yang ada di dalam tubuh mereka.

Dia mencoba untuk menekan bentuk roh mereka dari bahu kanan Simon dan anggota badan Natania yang terputus.

Ini untuk membuat mereka memperoleh ‘Skill Spirit’ dan lengan dan kaki yang tak hidup yang bisa mereka gerakkan sebagai milik mereka, seperti Undead tipe Living-Armor.

Biasanya, mustahil bagi orang yang masih hidup untuk memperoleh ‘Skill Bentuk Roh’, yang dimiliki hampir seluruhnya oleh Undead. Bentuk roh orang tinggal di tubuh mereka dan tidak bisa melampaui mereka, dan untuk memulainya, tidak ada gunanya hidup memiliki Keterampilan ‘Bentuk Roh’.

Untuk membuat Natania dan Simon belajar Keterampilan meskipun menjadi orang yang hidup, penting bagi mereka untuk mempelajari sensasi bentuk roh mereka meninggalkan tubuh mereka. Begitu mereka dapat memperpanjang sebagian dari bentuk roh mereka di luar tubuh mereka sendiri, mereka hanya perlu melatih untuk bisa menggerakkan lengan dan kaki yang telah diberikan Vandalieu kepada mereka.

Begitu mereka bisa melakukan ini, mereka akan memiliki anggota tubuh yang dapat mereka bergerak sesuai keinginan.

Alangkah baiknya jika saya bisa mengajar mereka dalam mimpi mereka seperti Vigaro, tapi … Saya akan segera bisa berganti pekerjaan, jadi saya kira saya akan menjadi ‘Pemimpi Mimpi’ berikutnya, pikir Vandalieu.

If he did that, perhaps he’d be able to control his actions inside dreams more.

With these thoughts running through his mind, Vandalieu continued pressing Simon and Natania’s spirit forms.

Name: Fang
Rank: 4
Race: Hellhound
Level: 52
Passive skills:
Dark Vision
Superhuman Strength: Level 3 (LEVEL UP!)
Detect Presence: Level 2 (LEVEL UP!)
Intuition: Level 1
Self-enhancement: Guidance: Level 2 (LEVEL UP!)
Enhanced Body Part (Fangs, Claws): Level 2 (LEVEL UP!)
Mental Resistance: Level 1
Active skills:
Silent Steps: Level 2
Aura of Darkness: Level 2 (LEVEL UP!)
Scream: Level 2 (LEVEL UP!)
Charge: Level 1 (NEW!)
Coordination: Level 1 (NEW!)
Flame Breath: Level 1 (NEW!)
Unique skills:
ヴァ■■■ー’s Divine Protection [Va~eu]

Fang, who has become a Hellhound after his Rank increase. As he was a Black Dog previously, he possesses the ‘Aura of Darkness’ Skill that Hellhounds don’t ordinarily have, so he can be stealthy despite being the size of an ox. Because he has experienced working with the rats when hunting, he has acquired the ‘Coordination’ Skill as well.

However, his Skills are lower in Level than ordinary Hellhounds.

Name: Maroru
Rank: 4
Race: Flame Rat
Level: 60
Passive skills:
Night Vision
Status Effect Resistance: Level 1
Enhanced Body Part (Front Fangs, Fur, Tail): Level 2 (LEVEL UP!)
Enhanced Agility: Level 2 (LEVEL UP!)
Rapid Healing: Level 2
Enhanced Attribute Values: Creator: Level 2
Self-Enhancement: Guidance: Level 2
Murder Healing: Level 2 (NEW!)
Heat Nullification (NEW!)
Active skills:
Surpass Limits: Level 1
Whip Technique: Level 2 (LEVEL UP!)
Armor Technique: Level 1
Charge: Level 1 (NEW!)
Coordination: Level 1 (NEW!)
Mana Control: Level 1 (NEW!)
Projectile Fire: Level 1 (NEW!)
Unique skills:
ヴァンダ■■’s Divine Protection [Vanda]

Fur of Blazing Flames: Level 1 (NEW!)

Maroru, who has become a Flame Rat after her Rank increase. She normally has white fur, but she can become covered in flames at will. By controlling her flames with the ‘Mana Control’ Skill, she can use them as a pseudo-fire-attribute spell, and she can also simply use ‘Projectile Fire’ with them.

Incidentally, her ‘Fur of Blazing Flames’ Skill is a Unique Skill because she is currently the only Flame Rat in existence.

Name: Urumi
Rank: 4
Race: Wet Rat
Level: 59
Passive skills:
Night Vision
Status Effect Resistance: Level 1
Enhanced Body Part (Front Fangs, Fur, Tail): Level 1
Enhanced Agility: Level 2 (LEVEL UP!)
Rapid Healing: Level 2
Enhanced Attribute Values: Creator: Level 2
Self-Enhancement: Guidance: Level 2
Murder Healing: Level 1 (NEW!)
Cold Nullification (NEW!)
Active skills:
Surpass Limits: Level 1
Whip Technique: Level 2 (LEVEL UP!)
Armor Technique: Level 1
Charge: Level 1 (NEW!)
Coordination: Level 1 (NEW!)
Mana Control: Level 1 (NEW!)
Projectile Fire: Level 1 (NEW!)
Unique skills:
ヴァン■ル■’s Divine Protection [Van~ru]

Fur of Frozen Water: Level 1 (NEW!)

Urumi, who has become a Wet Rat after her Rank increase. She is able to cover her fur with a liquid surrounded by cold air, and like Maroru’s flames, she is able to use ‘Mana Control’ to use this ability like a pseudo-water-attribute spell and fire projectiles.

Her ‘Fur of Frozen Water’ Skill is a Unique Skill for the same reason as Maroru’s Unique Skill.

Name: Suruga
Rank: 4
Race: Iron Rat
Level: 58
Passive skills:
Night Vision
Status Effect Resistance: Level 2 (LEVEL UP!)
Enhanced Body Part (Front Fangs, Fur, Tail): Level 2 (LEVEL UP!)
Enhanced Agility: Level 1
Rapid Healing: Level 3 (LEVEL UP!)
Enhanced Attribute Values: Creator: Level 2
Self-Enhancement: Guidance: Level 2
Superhuman Strength: Level 1 (NEW!)
Active skills:
Surpass Limits: Level 2 (LEVEL UP!)
Whip Technique: Level 1
Armor Technique: Level 2 (LEVEL UP!)
Coordination: Level 1 (NEW!)
Projectile Fire: Level 1 (NEW!)
Unique skills:
ヴァン■■ー’s Divine Protection [Van~eu]

Fur of Armor: Level 1 (NEW!)

Suruga, who has become an Iron Rat after her Rank increase. Because she served a defensive role, she has developed in a different direction from her sisters.

She is able to shoot her needle-like metallic fur with the ‘Projectile Fire’ Skill. However, this ability must be used with care as it reduces her fur and decreases her defensive ability until it grows back.

After being rescued by Vandalieu and Simon, Natania was in Vandalieu’s house.

Darcia was whispering something to Juliana at her bedside, and Vandalieu was touching her expanded, pregnant abdomen and casting some kind of magic. Two strange maid sisters in armor were also present.

“I’ve finished examining and treating Juliana. How are the Demon Eyes doing, Mom?” Vandalieu asked.

“I’m sorry, I couldn’t regenerate their limbs with the Demon Eyes of Regeneration after all. If there were at least bones or fragments of their flesh left… But it’s alright. I know you’ll do anything to make things better, Vandalieu,” said Darcia.

“We’ll take care of tomorrow’s preparations, Bocchan,” said Rita.

“The main thing to do is just cut the meat and put the skewers through them, after all,” said Saria. “We’ve already finished preparing to distribute the Gobu-gobu and Kobold meat to our chain stores.”

Iklan

There was also a person called Tarea. She was a Ghoul woman, even though Ghouls were considered to be an advanced race of Zombies. She had been brought here by space-attribute magic cast by an Elf girl named Gufadgarn, who had been here until just a short while ago.

“Now then, while you tell me the details, I’ll be taking measurements… or rather, feeling your muscle structure,” Tarea said.

The house was full of surprises; Natania was in what could only be described as a very mysterious environment. But she felt no fear or uneasiness; she felt a strange sense of comfort from Darcia, and most of all, from Vandalieu. At the same time, she swallowed her saliva nervously as she realized that there was no turning back for her.

“Y-yes, please do,” she said to Tarea.

Going back to when Natania and the others were entering the city of Morksi…

It was possible that Duke Alcrem’s subordinates were present even here, in order to investigate whether Juliana was really dead.

That was what Natania had secretly been worried about, but they were able to pass through the gate without the guards trying to look into their backgrounds.

Iklan

The guards were surprised by the fact that Fang had become a Hellhound by increasing his Rank, but they quickly realized that there were more important things to worry about when they saw Natania and Juliana’s conditions. Naturally, they had asked for an explanation as to why their limbs had been severed, but that didn’t take much time.

“Minotaurs?! … We’ll hear an explanation from the Adventurers’ Guild later, so hurry on through. I’m sorry, but try not to let people see them,” said one of the guards.

Minotaurs were monsters that were Rank 5 at minimum. They were usually found in Dungeons and Devil’s Nests; it would be a big deal if victims had fallen prey to them outside such areas.

If there were Minotaurs that had formed a horde, they would pose a threat to even a city as large as Morksi. Thus, the guards didn’t even ask Natania and Juliana’s names. With cloths covering them so as to not cause concern among the city’s people, they were carried to the Adventurers’ Guild as ordinary, injured people.

It was possible that things proceeded so smoothly because Maroru, Urumi and Suruga’s Rank increases hadn’t been noticed as their fur was in an ordinary state, and because Aggar and his thugs weren’t around.

At the Adventurers’ Guild, they were able to explain the situation not at the reception desk, but to the Guild Master Berard in a meeting room on the second floor.

“In summary… you were captured by a horde of Minotaurs, but they were wiped out by an adventurer named Ralph, and you were saved?” Berard said, his tense face relaxing as he learned that the Minotaur horde had already been destroyed.

Iklan

It was only natural for Berard to be more concerned about the threat of a Minotaur horde than Natania and Juliana’s identities, as he was in charge of this city’s Adventurers’ Guild.

“Do you not know anything else about this adventurer named Ralph? Maybe his adventurer class at the Guild, or where he is usually based?” asked Berard. “If he’s skilled enough to wipe out a horde of Minotaurs on his own, I should at least know his name.”

There were many hero candidates with divine protections from gods who had appeared several years ago, but there weren’t too many of them if one were only looking around the vicinity of the city of Morksi. In fact, Berard had the feeling that their activities had recently been getting more and more distant from the city.

Of course, it would be a good thing if it meant that there were no threats around the city that required the activities of hero candidates with the divine protections of gods to deal with, but… would a Minotaur horde not be considered a threat to such hero candidates? Berard couldn’t help but ask himself this.

“I don’t know; he didn’t tell me anything in detail. He was a human man, and I think he was in his thirties,” said Natania, though she was actually nervous as she was concealing the fact that it was not merely a horde of Minotaurs, but one led by a Minotaur King.

She was entirely unconfident that she would be able to fool Berard, who was probably a veteran adventurer himself.

“I didn’t see any particularly identifying characteristics, either. But from the way he spoke, I think he was quite the skilled fellow,” said Simon.

Iklan

Berard’s attention was focused not on Natania, but on his own thoughts.

“Hmm… A lightly-equipped spiritual magic user named Ralph… huh,” he muttered.

He had begun to suspect that the true identity of the mysterious adventurer named Ralph was Randolf ‘the True.’

The name ‘Ralph’ was a likely false name, as a shortened form of ‘Randolf.’ He was a human according to Natania, but it was simple to conceal the fact that one was an Elf with a disguising Magic Item.

And if Berard were to try to think of someone who would accomplish something as great as destroying a Minotaur horde on his own and then keep quiet about it… he could only think of one person.

Still, even if that is the truth, there’s no point in investigating it. I’m sure the Guild Master of the Alcrem Duchy headquarters would know something about it, but even if I were to ask him, he’d just tell me to forget about this incident, Berard thought. And if Randolf has done some work, it’s likely that a duke or marquis is involved… Come to think of it, that girl’s name is apparently Julia, but… I get the feeling that the duke’s younger sister was a knight by the name of Juliana.

Berard’s brain processed all of this very quickly, but he then decided to not pay the matter any more thought.

He was no nobleman; he was the Guild Master in charge of Morksi’s branch of the Adventurers’ Guild. Nothing more, nothing less. He discarded his curiosity that might even kill a tiger, never mind a cat, and decided to focus on his work.

Iklan

“Well, no matter how capable this Ralph person is, it’s possible that a few Minotaurs escaped. We need to report this to the lord of the region and have adventurers be on the alert,” Berard said. “Thank you for the important information.”

“Yeah, I’m glad I could help,” said Natania. “And about the people who used me as bait –”

“The party called the ‘Flame Blades.’ Rest assured. I will certainly investigate them and deal with them appropriately.”

Berard knew nothing of the Flame Blades, which was likely just another D-class adventurer party among many. The only thing he thought when he heard the party’s name was that they had probably been inspired by the famous Five-colored Blades, who weren’t in the city of Morksi.

He remembered being troubled by a trend of adventurer parties’ names ending with ‘Blades’ several years back.

But he thought that if what Natania claimed they had done was true, they were fiends who didn’t deserve to name themselves after the Five-colored Blades.

If they had merely abandoned a companion who had already been captured by a Minotaur horde, then they couldn’t be blamed. A D-class adventurer party might barely be able to take down a single Rank 5 monster; they would be helpless if multiple of them appeared at once. It would be nothing short of reckless to try and save their companion in such a situation.

But to deliberately attack the leg of a female adventurer companion to use her as bait, even if she hadn’t been with them for very long, was too much. Though it was true that perhaps there would have been more victims if they had continued to all try and escape, it was too evil an act to write it off as a necessity.

“Adventurers aren’t tools. They provide services that are based upon trust. It’s because they obey the rules that we allow them to walk around cities while armed and merchants are able to request their protection. We’ll teach these bastards that, though it’ll take a few hours to contact the Guild in the city you were active in and investigate whether there is a party called the Flame Blades,” said Berard. “But executing them or making them criminal slaves isn’t possible. You’ll have to make do with penalties to their promotions and them paying reparations.”

“… I know that,” said Natania with a slightly angry nod.

“Mengapa?” Vandalieu asked, who had been whispering something into Juliana’s ears the whole time.

He and Simon, who was looking uncomfortable to be there, had also been let into the meeting room.

“M-Master, the Guild has its own circumstances…!” said Simon.

“It was clear what fate Natania would have suffered if she were captured, and they still deliberately wounded her leg and used her as bait. I think the punishment for that is too light. On top of that, she is an agile wildcat-type Beast-kin, and she is a lightly-equipped unarmed fighter. I don’t know what kind of members the Flame Blades had, but I find it hard to believe that there was anyone faster-footed than her,” Vandalieu continued, ignoring Simon’s attempts to stop him.

Having discussed things, Vandalieu had begun to suspect that the Flame Blades had let Natania into the party with the intention of sacrificing her if they ever found themselves in danger.

“H-how do you know that I’m an unarmed fighter?!” Natania said in surprise.

Vandalieu had done most of his discussions with those Natania couldn’t see – the Ghosts like Orbia and Princess Levia, and the nearby spirits.

“I also have the ‘Unarmed Fighting Technique’ Skill, so I guessed as much from your muscular structure. Look, even my claws can extend like this,” Vandalieu said, showing her the menacing, sharp claws extending from his fingertips.

“Wow, you’re right… Wait, you’re a Dhampir?! It’s my first time seeing one. You really do have claws,” Natania said in wonder.

“Wow, they’re sharper than most knives. Could I have a closer look at them, for future reference?” said Berard, leaning in to look at them as well.

“We’ve gone way off-topic, Guild Master,” Simon pointed out.

Berard hastily sat straight again. “The reason we cannot punish them more harshly is because the Adventurers’ Guild is not a judiciary body. We don’t have the authority to punish people or turn them into criminal slaves unless they have bounties on their heads, or they’re bandits or robbers. And it is commonly accepted that anything that happens to an adventurer is their own responsibility.”

Things being adventurers’ own responsibility meant that Natania also bore responsibility for the fact that she had been unable to choose better companions.

“But penalties to their advancement and the fines are not light punishments. The fines will be an amount that no D-class adventurer would be able to pay, and the amount that they are lacking will be taken out as a loan from the Guild. The fine that we get from them will be paid through the Guild to you as reparation, Natania-kun,” Berard continued. “And once rumors spread that they sacrificed a female companion to a horde of Minotaurs, nobody will go near them. There won’t be any more victims.”

According to Berard’s explanation, the Flame Blades would become greatly indebted to the Guild, forcing them into a situation where they would be working just to stay alive.

“I see… I’m sorry for interrupting,” said Vandalieu.

“No, it’s fine,” said Berard. “Anyway, moving onto another topic… Natania-kun, what will you do from now on? The amount you will get from selling the Magic Stones you brought and the reparation from the Flame Blades is nowhere near enough for you to live out the rest of your life. Even if you were to buy artificial limbs that are Magic Items, becoming able to use them in combat would be…”

Berard was talking about Natania and Juliana’s futures. Providing care for adventurers who could no longer continue working was one of the Adventurers’ Guild’s duties.

But this couldn’t be described as perfect; it was only small assistance, such as helping the one-armed Simon to find day jobs.

“That’s… Could I ask you to introduce me to someone for work? You should know someone you could introduce someone like me to, right?” said Natania with a dispirited sigh.

It seemed that she was relieved that the Flame Blades would be punished for betraying her, at the same time, she was losing her willpower.

“Baik. I’ll find you the best place I can,” said Berard.

Natania would no longer be able to go adventuring. But she had no savings, and no work or education either. There was one brothel that the Guild directed such female adventurers to.

“But what about Julia-kun over there?” Berard asked. “I’ve contacted the Tamers’ Guild, but… unfortunately, Guild Master Bachem has been out of town for work since this morning, so a price quote will have to be later.”

Juliana, whom Berard knew as Julia, the village girl who had been attacked and captured by the Minotaurs before Natania, didn’t meet the requirements to receive care from the Adventurers’ Guild.

However, Berard had contacted the Tamers’ Guild to have them purchase the monster children that she was pregnant with.

“Julia doesn’t have any family, so I’m thinking of taking care of her. She’s the only reason I still have my sanity,” said Natania.

“Baik. Let’s hurry and have Bachem purchase the monsters as soon as he returns,” said Berard.

“No, there’s no need for that,” said an unfamiliar voice.

“Saya melihat. If you don’t need me to get you in touch with him, then I don’t have to… Wait, who spoke just now?!” Berard shouted.

“Juliana-san?! You can talk now?!” Natania exclaimed.

As both of them stared at her, Juliana nodded, with light having returned to her eyes.

“Natania, because of you and everyone, I have avoided death, and my sanity has returned. Thank you for not abandoning me,” she said.

“That’s not true! You’re the one who encouraged me… Ah, I’m so glad! It’s really you, Juliana!” Natania cried, tears of joy from seeing Juliana’s recovery streaming down her face.

She didn’t seem to have noticed that Juliana’s behavior was a little strange.

“It’s wonderful that you have recovered, but what did you mean when you said that you don’t need me to contact the Tamers’ Guild? … I think abortion would be dangerous if they’ve already grown that large,” said Berard, pretending not to notice that Natania had used the name ‘Juliana.’

“I mean exactly what I said. After discussing things with everyone, I have decided to leave everything to the goddess… in other words, entrust myself to this person,” said Juliana, pointing at Vandalieu.

“I’m not a goddess, but I’ll be taking care of her,” said Vandalieu.

It seemed that Juliana would come into the care of a Dhampir boy.

“When did you do that?! No wait, is it really alright to do that?! You’re going to be giving birth to Minotaur children, you know!” Berard exclaimed.

“I’m an official member of the Tamers’ Guild,” said Vandalieu.

“I-it’s true that you have the qualifications to handle them…” Berard murmured.

The Tamers’ Guild purchased young monsters, but there was no rule that forbade members from personally purchasing them.

“And I’ve already tamed Rank 4 monsters,” Vandalieu pointed out.

“You’ve even already proven yourself… On top of that, you have a job and a house, and she herself wants to trust you. She isn’t a criminal or a slave; she’s just a victim with no family… I have no right or reason to stop you,” said Berard, giving a dry laugh. “Very well, do as you please.”

“Is it… really that simple?” said Simon, his eyes opening wide at this sudden development. “Don’t you need to ask your mother first?”

“Ah, itu benar. You should talk to your mother about it first. It’s not a simple thing to take responsibility for a person and Minotaur children,” said Berard.

“My mother is an understanding person, so it’s alright,” said Vandalieu.

He had in fact sent Chipuras to report the situation to Darcia as quickly as possible, but he didn’t tell the truth to Berard and the others.

“I-I see. Your mother must be very understanding indeed,” said Berard. “Well then, about your situation, Natania-kun –” he began, trying to return the topic to Natania’s future.

“Eh, I’m coming with you as well?!” Natania exclaimed.

“Yes, Natania. This person promised that he would help you. This person will definitely grant you new hands and feet,” said Juliana. “let us go to the goddess’s side together.”

Juliana had been persuading Natania to come with her while Vandalieu and Berard had their short exchange.

“I’m not a goddess, but what she says is true. I’m not a god, though,” Vandalieu added for emphasis.

“We encouraged each other when we were in that Minotaur lair. Do you remember what I said back then? No matter how difficult things are, we must not escape towards death. As long as we do not abandon hope, the goddess will answer our prayers,” said Juliana. “And the goddess… Vida has answered us.”

Juliana’s way of persuasion had been quite fanatical. Perhaps having been touched by the voice of Vandalieu, whom she seemed to believe was a ‘goddess,’ she was behaving strangely.

“Umm, I mean, I remember, but… I don’t think this child… I think it’s a boy… would be a god,” said Natania, looking pale with a confused expression on her face.

“Kamu benar. But she doesn’t listen, even though I’m repeating it multiple times because it’s important to understand,” said Vandalieu.

“But Master also promised me that he would grant me a way to do something about my arm if I believed in him and followed him,” said Simon.

“Alright… I’ll go with you as well. It’s true that this child doesn’t feel like an ordinary person,” said Natania.

It seemed that Simon’s words had added some credibility to Juliana’s… or perhaps she had just given up.

“Saya melihat. I’m glad things are sorted out. Well then, I have some paperwork to do, so I’ll excuse myself,” said Berard, unable to hide the twitches of his mouth.

Juliana, who had regained a facial expression and her consciousness, seemed to have gained her sanity back at first glance. But hadn’t she merely gone from being a vegetable to being a lunatic? Looking at her eyes, Berard couldn’t help but think this.

And he was certain that the reason for this was Vandalieu, who had been whispering something in her ear the entire time.

… I was intending to invite him to at least just register at the Adventurers’ Guild once things settled down a little, but… it’s probably best to wait and see for a little longer. He might actually be quite a dangerous person, Berard thought to himself as he left the meeting room to take care of various pieces of paperwork.

After leaving the Adventurers’ Guild and bidding farewell to Simon along the way, Natania was carried to Vandalieu’s house… and received a rough explanation on what they were.

What with Darcia being Vida’s incarnation and her son being Zakkart’s successor, Natania thought she was going crazy, but she somehow made it through the explanation.

“Natania-san, the reason I’m telling you all of these secrets is because –” Vandalieu began.

“I know. You’re making sure that I know there’s no way out now that I know all of this, right?” Natania said nervously, her tail bunching up.

“Vandalieu-sama, Darcia-sama, this girl is misunderstanding,” said Chipuras.

“That’s not it. It’s just that if we’re going to take care of you at our house, you’re going to learn a lot of things, so we thought it would be better to tell you beforehand,” Darcia explained.

“Natania-san, there are a few ways I can help you… to restore your body to the state it was in before, or better. I’m going to explain them to you now, so please make a choice,” said Vandalieu. “First, I can transplant the arms and legs of a female Vampire that I have kept preserved, transforming you into a Vampire after you endure some heavy side effects.”

Unlike Simon, not that long had passed since Natania lost her limbs; she had not yet lost the parts of her brain that were responsible for controlling them. If Vandalieu transplanted the limbs of the Live-dead Pure-breed Vampire Ternecia to Natania, it was likely that she would immediately be able to move them.

However, Natania would not remain a mere Beast-kin after the transplantation of such large body parts. Vandalieu would conduct the surgery while placing her under the effects of the ‘Death Delay’ spell, so she would not die. But in the worst-case scenario, she would suffer agonizing side-effects that would make her wish she were dead as she transformed into a Vampire.

“A-are there no other methods?” asked Natania. “If not –”

“There is the method of using artificial limbs that are Magic Items… We could probably build them if we wanted to,” said Vandalieu.

He possessed the ‘Alchemy’ Skill at Level 10. As long as he had the materials, he would probably be able to create artificial arms and legs that moved like real limbs.

“I think this is the easiest option. But I don’t know if you’ll become able to fight,” said Vandalieu.

“… That might be true, but that would mean just staying in your care for the rest of our lives. I didn’t hear the details, but Juliana-san is going to pay her debt back to you, right? I want to repay my debt too, if you’re going to help me,” said Natania, her resolve firm. “If it’s possible, I want you to let me undergo the same training as that Simon guy.”

“Sangat baik. Then let’s work hard together,” said Vandalieu.

He still didn’t mention the Root of Life. He had decided to help Natania, but the Root of Life was Zakkart’s creation, the epitome of the life attribute. It was a precious material that even Vandalieu could not recreate.

He couldn’t use that for Natania and Juliana’s limbs.

There was also the method of pseudo-reincarnation. But in Natania’s case, it would mean dying and being reborn in a new body like Quinn had done, so Vandalieu had assumed that she would not choose this option.

It may have caused some misunderstandings, after all.

“Then shall we make a start today? You will need more training than Simon,” said Vandalieu.

Natania nodded. “Alright, what do I need to – What is this?! S-something is going inside of me!” she screamed.

The next day, Vandalieu and his companions left not for the Devil’s Nest, but a grassy area some distance away from it.

“Do you not need to hunt for meat, Master? What about Leveling these guys?” asked Simon, looking worried.

“It’s alright,” Vandalieu replied.

Having cast ‘Preservation’ on the meat he already had, there was several days’ worth stocked up at the house. The same was true for the Goblin and Kobold meat needed to make Gobu-gobu and steamed Kobold.

However, Gobu-gobu and steamed Kobold had already gained popularity, so it was possible that these would run out more quickly than expected.

There were rumors even outside the red-light district that Goblin and Kobold meat, which was the typical example of monster meat that was unpleasant-tasting to the point of being inedible, was apparently being served in tasty meals at food carts marked with a heart.

Yesterday, there had even been adventurers who had apparently heard the rumors and made the effort to come to the back alleys of the red-light district to try it as a test of courage.

“If we run out of Goblin and Kobold meat, we’ll put out a commission for it at the Adventurers’ Guild, so there’s no need to worry,” said Vandalieu.

“Ah, that’s… If I had limbs, I might have gone to join that instead,” said Natania.

“If it’s just Goblins, I might have given it a go, too,” said Simon.

If there were requests to buy Goblin and Kobold meat, inexperienced and less capable adventurers would have been glad to go and hunt Goblins and Kobolds.

After all, Goblins were plentiful and weak. They did not even provide Magic Stones that were worth anything, nor did they provide any useful materials. Ordinarily, one would only gain five Baums for selling their ears that served as proof of having killed a Goblin. They were unpopular as prey.

But if their meat could be sold, they would become a precious source of income even for inexperienced adventurers.

“And as for the Leveling of Fang and the others… They’re getting to the point where they can’t increase their Rank just by Leveling, so I’m thinking of spending some time having them learn to move their bodies and promote the learning of new Skills,” said Vandalieu.

Fang had grown from the size of a large dog into the size of an ox, and the rats had grown larger and become able to change the properties of their fur. Thus, they needed to become accustomed to their new bodies.

Levels alone weren’t enough to cause Rank increases in monsters; Skills were needed as well. For example, if a Black Goblin wanted to become a Black Goblin Ninja, they would need to not only increase their Level; they would also need to acquire scout-related Skills such as ‘Silent Steps’ and ‘Trap,’ and increase the Levels of those Skills.

Fang and the others had defeated monsters of similar strength as themselves and gained Experience Points, rapidly increasing their Ranks, but the Levels of their Skills were low as a result. Thus, they were training amongst themselves today.

The Hellhound Fang and the Iron Rat Suruga were having a fierce practice battle, while the Flame Rat Maroru and Wet Rat Urumi were battling with their flames and cold air.

“I-it doesn’t really look like training,” Simon remarked.

“Are they really alright?!” said Natania, looking concerned.

But there wasn’t a problem. Though Simon and Natania couldn’t see them, Princess Levia and Orbia were supervising the training.

“Also, I’m not sure if her name was Julia or Juliana, but I’m curious as to why she’s not here…” said Simon.

“Julia is fine. She’s going to be working hard on a different method from you, so she’s at the house,” said Vandalieu. “Now then, we’re going to begin the training, so please put this on, Simon.”

He handed Simon a practice ‘arm’ that he had brought on his cart.

At first glance, it appeared to be the right arm taken off a set of plate armor with a belt to attach it to the body.

“You got it!” said Simon, believing in Vandalieu as promised and attaching the arm to himself without asking any questions.

“Just to confirm, how is the size?” Vandalieu asked.

“Umm, the belt’s length is perfect… and it attaches firmly to my right shoulder, and doesn’t slip. It’s like you matched it to my shoulder’s size,” said Simon. “Master, when did you make this?! Don’t tell me you foresaw this happening from a long time ago…!”

“No, I can’t see the future,” said Vandalieu. “After I got home yesterday, I just took the arm off a set of armor and adjusted it a little.”

While treating Simon yesterday, Vandalieu had used the ‘Perfect Record Technique’ Skill to remember Simon’s physical dimensions. Based on this, he had used ‘Golem Creation’ to process the armor to create the ‘arm’ and adjust the part that connected to the shoulder with Tarea’s help.

“It’s a makeshift item that I made for practice. I’ll give you a more convenient arm once your training progresses, so look forward to that,” said Vandalieu as he attached similar ‘arms’ as well as ‘legs’ to Natania. “Now then, the training is about to begin, so please come over here, Simon. Sit to Natania’s left and whatever you feel, let it in.”

“Got it. But what do we need to do for the training…?” Simon asked, trusting Vandalieu but looking confused nonetheless.

“He said you don’t have to do anything in the beginning. You just need to learn,” Natania advised him with a rather distant-looking gaze.

“Learn? Learn what, exac – ?!”

Before Simon could finish his sentence, he felt an unfamiliar, foreign sensation.

He didn’t feel pain, heat or cold. But he could clearly feel something that was entirely foreign entering his body, pushing against him.

“W-what in the world is happening to my body, what’s going on…?!” Simon shouted, his eyes opening wide in response to this indescribable sensation.

“Even though it’s my second time, I can’t get used to thiiiiis!” Natania screamed, her tail bunching up as she endured it.

“Don’t be afraid, just stay like that… Just like that…” Vandalieu said gently.

His hands were touching them, and his spirit form extended from them, pressing against the spirit forms that lay within their bodies.

He was trying to press their spirit forms out of Simon’s right shoulder and Natania’s severed limbs.

This was to make them acquire the ‘Spirit Form’ Skill and unliving arms and legs that they could move as their own, like Living-Armor-type Undead.

Ordinarily, it would be impossible for living people to acquire the ‘Spirit Form’ Skill, which was possessed almost solely by Undead. The spirit form of people resided in their bodies and could not extend outside them, and to begin with, there was no point in the living possessing the ‘Spirit Form’ Skill.

In order to have Natania and Simon learn the Skill despite being living people, it was necessary to have them learn the sensation of their spirit form leaving their bodies. Once they were able to extend a part of their spirit form outside their bodies on their own, they would just need to train to become able to move the arms and legs that Vandalieu had given them.

Once they could do this, they would have limbs that they could move as they wished.

It would be nice if I could teach them in their dreams like Vigaro, but… I’ll be able to change Jobs soon, so I guess I’ll become a ‘Dream Guider’ next, Vandalieu thought.

If he did that, perhaps he’d be able to control his actions inside dreams more.

With these thoughts running through his mind, Vandalieu continued pressing Simon and Natania’s spirit forms.

Name: Fang
Rank: 4
Race: Hellhound
Level: 52
Passive skills:
Dark Vision
Superhuman Strength: Level 3 (LEVEL UP!)
Detect Presence: Level 2 (LEVEL UP!)
Intuition: Level 1
Self-enhancement: Guidance: Level 2 (LEVEL UP!)
Enhanced Body Part (Fangs, Claws): Level 2 (LEVEL UP!)
Mental Resistance: Level 1
Active skills:
Silent Steps: Level 2
Aura of Darkness: Level 2 (LEVEL UP!)
Scream: Level 2 (LEVEL UP!)
Charge: Level 1 (NEW!)
Coordination: Level 1 (NEW!)
Flame Breath: Level 1 (NEW!)
Unique skills:
ヴァ■■■ー’s Divine Protection [Va~eu]

Fang, who has become a Hellhound after his Rank increase. As he was a Black Dog previously, he possesses the ‘Aura of Darkness’ Skill that Hellhounds don’t ordinarily have, so he can be stealthy despite being the size of an ox. Because he has experienced working with the rats when hunting, he has acquired the ‘Coordination’ Skill as well.

However, his Skills are lower in Level than ordinary Hellhounds.

Name: Maroru
Rank: 4
Race: Flame Rat
Level: 60
Passive skills:
Night Vision
Status Effect Resistance: Level 1
Enhanced Body Part (Front Fangs, Fur, Tail): Level 2 (LEVEL UP!)
Enhanced Agility: Level 2 (LEVEL UP!)
Rapid Healing: Level 2
Enhanced Attribute Values: Creator: Level 2
Self-Enhancement: Guidance: Level 2
Murder Healing: Level 2 (NEW!)
Heat Nullification (NEW!)
Active skills:
Surpass Limits: Level 1
Whip Technique: Level 2 (LEVEL UP!)
Armor Technique: Level 1
Charge: Level 1 (NEW!)
Coordination: Level 1 (NEW!)
Mana Control: Level 1 (NEW!)
Projectile Fire: Level 1 (NEW!)
Unique skills:
ヴァンダ■■’s Divine Protection [Vanda]

Fur of Blazing Flames: Level 1 (NEW!)

Maroru, who has become a Flame Rat after her Rank increase. She normally has white fur, but she can become covered in flames at will. By controlling her flames with the ‘Mana Control’ Skill, she can use them as a pseudo-fire-attribute spell, and she can also simply use ‘Projectile Fire’ with them.

Incidentally, her ‘Fur of Blazing Flames’ Skill is a Unique Skill because she is currently the only Flame Rat in existence.

Name: Urumi
Rank: 4
Race: Wet Rat
Level: 59
Passive skills:
Night Vision
Status Effect Resistance: Level 1
Enhanced Body Part (Front Fangs, Fur, Tail): Level 1
Enhanced Agility: Level 2 (LEVEL UP!)
Rapid Healing: Level 2
Enhanced Attribute Values: Creator: Level 2
Self-Enhancement: Guidance: Level 2
Murder Healing: Level 1 (NEW!)
Cold Nullification (NEW!)
Active skills:
Surpass Limits: Level 1
Whip Technique: Level 2 (LEVEL UP!)
Armor Technique: Level 1
Charge: Level 1 (NEW!)
Coordination: Level 1 (NEW!)
Mana Control: Level 1 (NEW!)
Projectile Fire: Level 1 (NEW!)
Unique skills:
ヴァン■ル■’s Divine Protection [Van~ru]

Fur of Frozen Water: Level 1 (NEW!)

Urumi, who has become a Wet Rat after her Rank increase. She is able to cover her fur with a liquid surrounded by cold air, and like Maroru’s flames, she is able to use ‘Mana Control’ to use this ability like a pseudo-water-attribute spell and fire projectiles.

Her ‘Fur of Frozen Water’ Skill is a Unique Skill for the same reason as Maroru’s Unique Skill.

Name: Suruga
Rank: 4
Race: Iron Rat
Level: 58
Passive skills:
Night Vision
Status Effect Resistance: Level 2 (LEVEL UP!)
Enhanced Body Part (Front Fangs, Fur, Tail): Level 2 (LEVEL UP!)
Enhanced Agility: Level 1
Rapid Healing: Level 3 (LEVEL UP!)
Enhanced Attribute Values: Creator: Level 2
Self-Enhancement: Guidance: Level 2
Superhuman Strength: Level 1 (NEW!)
Active skills:
Surpass Limits: Level 2 (LEVEL UP!)
Whip Technique: Level 1
Armor Technique: Level 2 (LEVEL UP!)
Coordination: Level 1 (NEW!)
Projectile Fire: Level 1 (NEW!)
Unique skills:
ヴァン■■ー’s Divine Protection [Van~eu]

Fur of Armor: Level 1 (NEW!)

Suruga, who has become an Iron Rat after her Rank increase. Because she served a defensive role, she has developed in a different direction from her sisters.

She is able to shoot her needle-like metallic fur with the ‘Projectile Fire’ Skill. However, this ability must be used with care as it reduces her fur and decreases her defensive ability until it grows back.