1032: Fannabelta and Her Wielder

Trismegistus said he was giving us a reward, but then he suddenly readied Fannabelta.

This caught Fran completely off guard, though Trismegistus did not strike immediately.

Fran, prepare yourself.

!

That command thing again! Fran was already wary of Trismegistus, and she took a clear defensive posture after his order. I think a get on the ground order would probably have little effect on her, just like how the cease movement order on me only lasted an instant.

But in this case, he ordered Fran to do something she was already about to do. Even someone as strong as her might find it hard to resist.

Both Fran and I were confused. We had no clue what Trismegistus was trying to do. However, the same went for Fannabelta in his hands.

My liege, what is the plan?

I am giving Fran and Master their reward.

What do you mean by that?

Not even Fannabelta understood the intention behind Trismegistus actions.

Trismegistus immediately raised Fannabelta above his head before responding. I couldnt sense any killing intent, but thats just the way it was with this guy.

Fannabelta, Original Sin Envy has corroded too much of your mind. Your presence already brings more harm than good.

W-What are I-I have devoted everything to

Indeed. You were truly a loyal subject. But your service is no longer needed.

Trismegistus-sama! Please wait!

Whats this all of a sudden? It felt more like a scene from a drama than an argument

Without any hesitation, Trismegistus quickly swung his blade down at Fran.

N-No longer needed? M-My liege!?

Fran, block this.

!!

Again. After hearing his order, Fran clashed with Fannabelta to block the hit.

After observing Frans reaction, Fannabelta screamed in panic.

Trismegistus-sama! Put your mana on the blade! Please! At this rate

Fannabelta. I have nothing but grat.i.tude for your loyalty.

Trismegistus possessed Swordking Mastery. He knew the most efficient way to swing a blade, as well as how to minimize the strain on it. In other words, also knew what type of swing would break his sword.

Crack.

I only heard a light sound, and looked over to see Fannabeltas blade split in half.

GRAAAAAAAAH!

Whooooa!?

Both Fannabelta and my screams resonated through the air.

My Cannibilize skill activated, causing Fannabeltas power to come flowing in.

Confirming activation of the Cannibalize skill. Emergency reactivation.

Announcersan

Detected load far exceeding expected parameters. Shutting off most external interaction in response. Internal operations shall be temporarily suspended to concentrate on energy regulation. Number of days until possible restart is unknown.

Does this mean that Announcer-san will have to focus completely on regulating the power I got from cannibalize? So we wont be able to talk in the meanwhile, the duration of which is unknown.

Sorry for putting you through this again.

Temporary name Master, you need not worry. May you go with the blessing of the Wisdom G.o.d

Already back asleep? It feels like Im always counting on you to solve everything But thanks to Announcer-san, the uncontrollable torrent of power has weakened to the point where even I could handle it.

But even as the overflowing mana subsided, the other thing bothering didnt change one bit. It wasnt only her power, Fannabeltas emotions were flowing in too.

It seems regulating these emotions was too difficult even for Announcer-san. All of Fannabeltas negative feelings rushed in at once, swirling around in my head like a vortex.

Grief at being unable to serve her master. Anger and jealousy toward me for triggering this chain of events. Anxiety about her kings future.

However, she felt absolutely zero frustration or anger towards Trismegistus for destroying her. Despite being driven insane by Original Sin Envy, Fannabeltas loyalty was the real deal.

Thats why I couldnt help but pity her.

Still gasping for breath under the enormous load of the cannibalization, I glanced over at Trismegistus. If he felt the slightest hint of regret, that would have been enough.

I could put this whirlwind of emotions that I dont even understand to rest.

But Trismegistus face was as usual, devoid of any emotion. It seems he didnt have any humanity left in him to feel grief.

Realizing that, I felt sorry for both Trismegistus and Fannabelta. Why?

No, I know exactly why. Im unconsciously comparing them to me and Fran. What if we end up the same way? It drives me crazy to think about it.

Maybe Fran will never turn out like Trismegistus, but I cant say what will happen to me.

What if I get an Original Sin skill too? What if my sword transformation progresses? Will Fran eventually abandon me? No, shell never do that. However, I would rather her abandon me if I ever bring her harm. Wait, maybe I should just destroy myself first? Yes, thats the only

The negative thoughts filled every corner of my head. I knew Fannabeltas emotions were the cause, but I just couldnt do anything about it.

Master? Are you okay? Dont worry, Im here with you.

Right

Its strange. The moment I heard Frans voice, it felt like all the negative feelings vanished Or rather, theyre still there, but they didnt bother me anymore.

Im fine. Im still me.

? Of course. Master is Master. Youre my partner.

Haha, yeah.

Fran is the best partner I could ask for, so I cant make her sad. No matter what, I will never allow myself to go insane.