Chapter 344: Spell Me Surprised

T/N: Changing

to

Tremors seemingly teeming with malice roared and echoed within the cave belonging to the vampires den. This place might look like a grotto which had been dug out by the ocean over decades, but currently it was the blood test site run by

Blood frescos, appearing to invite their viewers into ancient times, decorated the rock walls which resembled peridot.i.te with a cold color temperature.

However, the walls had traces of having been shaved off, making the frescos look somewhat distorted. The blood wriggling through the grooves of the central mural bordered a huge depiction of Vampire G.o.d Lugnad. It also bordered small paintings of the pair of moon G.o.ds, Uraniri and Uryou, with a big and small moon as background. Lugnad and the two moon G.o.ds belonged to opposite poles.

And there was a tiny painting of G.o.d Wolf Hurley to be found as well.

Vampire G.o.d Lugnads depiction was majestic and beautiful as it dazzlingly shone in crimson. The painting showed him extending one hand to the sky, a flock of weapons with pink designs such as arrows, swords, axes, and spears were being fired at the twin moon G.o.ds from its tip.

Uraniris entire body was. .h.i.t by those blood weapons, crucifying her to a bloodstained cross. Her face was filled with anguish and mortification. Sprays of blood told a story how she tried to pull out the many weapons stuck in her b.l.o.o.d.y body with her own slender hands. As proof of that, a great number of b.l.o.o.d.y weapons already lay at her feet. In addition, the big moon behind her had been smashed into smithereens.

On another wall you could see how vampires fought the G.o.d wolf and his ilk, the werewolves, amidst gorgeous houses, futuristic underground facilities, and throngs of blood vials. Every once in a while gravediggers searching for crimson weapons made an appearance on the frescos.

A pale light streamed down on those walls from the ceilings dome. However, because this here was a vampires den, that light didnt stem from the sun. It was a faint twilight emanated by th.o.r.n.y tree branches similar to crystals which circulated liquid. Those th.o.r.n.y crystal shrubs had crawled their way all over the dome, covering it thickly. The pale lighting gave birth to an atmosphere of mysterious profundity.

Completely contradicting the fairy-tale-like walls and lighting, loud clattering and noises thundered throughout the cave.

The main reason for the tumult would be found with the Death b.u.t.terfly people. They had swooped down on the vampires den as if to hunt down every last one of them.

And on top of that, a group used that turmoil to make their escape. They were the prisoners around Moga and Nemus. They had been able to escape their jail thanks to the whimsical rampage perpetrated by the Death b.u.t.terfly people.

As for the details of how this exactly played out, we need to go back in time a bit.

Ciel and Jody swung their big scythes, easily bisecting the steel cages. Those two were Death b.u.t.terfly people adorned with beautiful smiles on their lips.

While these two women acted like G.o.ds, they playfully gaggled away.

Lets wreck this play here as well

Wonderful idea, lets save all these captured, pitiful people of low mana.

Yep, all of you, run away as fast as you can

We slaughtered lots of those pesky vampires, but theres still many of them lurking around, so be careful!

Moga, Nemus and the other prisoners were taken aback by what the two women told them. The blood threads binding their bodies had come undone and vanished.

Meanwhile the Death b.u.t.terfly people played around by chopping up the jails and the corridors with their scythes. The cheerful duo was quite fickle. But, without robbing the lives of those imprisoned here, they quickly disappeared.

Thus, the many prisoners were rescued thanks to the Death b.u.t.terfly people.

The prisoners advanced through the fantastic cave while fighting off vampires. Even at this very moment, Moga had killed a vampire by bisecting him with a series of

, resulting in a short lull in the fighting.

We must go on while bearing a will of iron in our hearts.

Everyone nodded at the words of the old man. Though not everyone understood the meaning behind them. However, they could tell what he wanted to say from the desperation reflected on his face.

Come on, you lazy b.u.ms, we need to get out of here. Moga urged on the others.

The lively children each squealed cheerful replies at that. Meanwhile Moga and Nemus ran ahead, just to encounter another batch of vampires, which then resulted in yet another fierce battle.

Moga freely used his Moga-Style swordsmans.h.i.+p to cut down the legs of the vampires as if dancing.

Moga-san, well help out too!

Sure.

Goooo!

Uaaaah.

Muscled men swarmed the vampires who had fallen to the ground from Mogas slashes, ganging up on them and beating them to death.

At the same time, the gigantic steel tree Nemus made full use of the narrow width of the corridor. As if burying the small corridor with his large arms, blocking the way, he slammed down his hands while yelling, Ne~~~mus!

Several vampires were squashed flat like flies by a fly swatter.

Nemus and Moga led the rescued people while slaughtering vampires at a good pace. At some point they reached a dead end, but Nemus simply crushed the wall, breaking open a hole and pus.h.i.+ng his way through.

And yet, the vampires didnt relent on their savage pursuit.

Moga and Nemus frantically fought on, but gradually the people, who escaped with them, dwindled in number as they kept getting a.s.saulted by vampires.

Arry and Taack tried to also attack the vampires with weapons they had picked up along the way, but as predictable, those were meaningless when taking on vampires.

And then, a single ray of hope appeared. At least, the single, red flash unleashed on their adversaries made them feel like that. Moga and the others watched how the body of a vampire was gruesomely bisected.

I activate

instead of

. Should I also use the Ring of Mist Mirage for an instant? No wait, since itll very likely confuse the survivors, Ill hold back on that.

I brandish my bloodstained Magic Halberd.

Rollo, Higlia, Ill annihilate the enemies in this area. Dont get in my way! I inform the two while absorbing the delicious blood clinging to my body.

Nya.

Okay.

Within milliseconds I erase Baldok from my right hand after using it to reap a vampire. Following that, I summon Ganghis into my left hand, and swing it at the vampire b.a.s.t.a.r.d entering my field of view on the left.

The vampire tries to bite a karamnian through a gap between Moga and Nemus. That karamnian must be one of the people who escaped together with the two. I guess Ill save him while Im at it anyway.

Unconsciously adopting a forward-bent posture, I dash forward like a gust. At the same time, as I suggest Id use

as a weapon, I close the distance to the vampire snapping at the neck of the middle-aged karamnian. Following the flow of the Wind Spear Styles Wind Grind which consists of unleas.h.i.+ng a spear attack from a forward-bent posture, I aim at the vampires back.

As if my left hand has become one with Ganghis, I lunge out a

straight ahead, driving the spearhead made up out of two symmetrical, crescent-moon-shaped blades through the flesh of the vampire. The vampires back is cleaved open, bones and all, as if crus.h.i.+ng it like tofu. The faintly vibrating spearhead of Ganghis stabs all the way out of his chest.

Gyaaa

I can sense the vampires weight through the handle of Ganghis. And at the same time as Ganghis sucks up my mana, its blue ta.s.sel right beneath the spearhead transforms into a gale of blades. Those blades chaotically chop the vampires lower half apart as if he had been tossed into a mixer. Patterns similar to crooked Indus scripts appear on the blue blades surfaces.

Do they look like that because of the Ganges?

The vampires screaming becomes even more miserable, turning into a scream of death agony, but I dont give a d.a.m.n.

The vampires b.l.o.o.d.y spine has been exposed. I lift Ganghis with my left hand, raising the vampires lower body high up into the air.

At that point, I extend blood chains from the fingers of my left and right hand, following the image Ive come up with in advance. The chains form a shape Ive seen before.

Yep, Im imitating the ten black claw blades Hoffman had used. Of course I cant reproduce their stylish kanji, but the blood chains marvelously copy the shapes of swords.

One of the blood chain blades extending from a finger of my left hand pierces through the vampires back. Immediately following, the vampire bursts open like a ripe tomato.

My visual field gets crammed with dazzlingly s.h.i.+ning, blue and silver specks of dust. The faintly glowing cl.u.s.ters of color created in midair disperse like a fleeting dream. Its hot due to a scorching wind, and the dust seems to also carry a heat thanks to the effect of my special attack. The weight of the vampire vanishes from Ganghis after he explodes.

In the meantime, Ive extended my blood chain swords with blades as broad as those of longswords into the air. All of them head for the vampires attacking Mogas group while illuminating the corridor with vivid, vermilion trails. They accurately stab the vampires while spiraling.

Just like the vampire who has exploded after getting stabbed by Ganghis, they crumble to dust while emitting geometrical patterns of blue-striped and silver light.

also contains my light-attributed blood. Its a super dangerous, special anti-vampire attack. Resisting it is next to impossible for vampires of

cla.s.s.

After eradicating the vampires,

stretches out diagonally above as if to demarcate the caves interior. Eventually their pointed ends pierce into the walls which have cracks all over, probably thanks to Nemus.

Great amounts of blood circulate on the surface of the blood chain swords as if pulsating. Of course, the blood trickles down after losing out to gravity. Its the birth of b.l.o.o.d.y anchors.

I wont move around the upper parts of the wall like Tarzan while reeling

, or in other words the blood chain swords, back into my body. I pull them back in with the intention to return the chains into my fingers normally.

And then, in order to create new options for Ganghis, I make just the chains from the fingers of my left hand coil themselves around the white handle in spirals. As I do, it looks like the hue of Ganghis square blade crests gains in color intensity, but it must be my imagination.

Id love to research those crests in my own way like Baldoks, butbasically you can say, the power and speed of the basic

will naturally go up the more I do it. And, as the Magic Combat Style and

heavily rely on experience, theyll develop further the more I use them in actual combat.

Daily training is important Spearmans.h.i.+p is truly deep. Let me thank

and Master Achilles who gave me spearmans.h.i.+p, no, the strength to survive.

While swinging Ganghis sideways, which is now covered by blood chains, making it look like a new spear type, I confirm that all vampires in the area have been eradicated.

However, the appearance of this new spear is Im sure if Master Achilles saw it, hed scold me with You moron! Whats with those flashy blood chains! Do another 500 basic

!

Nn, nya~ Rollodeen meows after having watched the spears movements.

Mmh, it feels ticklish.

Play, Play, Love, Blood, Love, Want to play

She pa.s.ses on her feelings to me. Shes pressed the tip of her bean sprout-like tentacle against the back of my neck. The touch of her pad on my nape feels lovely.

It seems she believes took all her prey. Then again, I did announce that Ill handle it myself in the beginning. It appears she controlled herself despite wanting to play.

I turn around to Rollodeen whos trotting briskly over from behind. Thereupon she leaps into my chest with a meow. I put my hands around her back, embracing her.

While we have such a relaxed atmosphere goingour surroundings have become as deadly silent as the coloring of the cave. The rescued people likewise quiet down.

Even though theyre safe now, they dont really appear to be overly happy. I suppose its because Ive used

just like the other vampires. Spear users using chains soaked in blood hardly exist in the first place. There might have been spear users, who used

, among the other vampires as well.

Going by that reasoning, its only natural for them to be wary of me. I cant help it though since my blood is strong.

Releasing Rollodeen out of my embrace, I scratch my head with a finger while trying to explain so as to resolve the misunderstanding. But, at that moment, Terrifying. Sure, they were

or inferior vampires, but for you to kill them this easily, Higlia addresses me while looking baffled.

I told you Im of a different race, with this the misunderstanding

I attempt to explain to her, but without listening to me, she continues while shaking in terror, Do those crimson chains possess the power of Uraniri-sama and Uryou-sama? Butthere was the crimson chain with a sickle-like tip that guided us here, the steel blue chain that protected me, and your raw strength as well as your spear arts which repelled the death b.u.t.terfly woman

I can see in her eyes that shes frightened. Well, its because she watched me annihilate the vampires here in an instant in addition to the battle against Ciel. It looks like I ended up planting a seed of dread in Higlia, despite herself being strong against vampires as a proud ancient wolfwoman with her awe-inspiring silver fur.

Its simply owed to me having the light attribute. I explain with a few words, but it doesnt have much of an effect on the look in her eyes.

I believe that her ancient wolfman race counts as nonhuman as well, butI guess its inevitable for her to be scared like the rescued people after watching an abnormality like me.

Even though Ive got a weird relations.h.i.+p with her just because I asked for her name, I think its now gone with this?

However, Rollodeen likes Higlia. Even right now shes carefreely entwining (wrestling) her long tail around Higlias small tail in a weird way. It looks like Rollodeens casual behavior gives Higlia a peace of mind. After all, shes smiling again.

Seeing that, I reflexively feel warm and fluffy. Or rather, Higlia had a tail as well, huh? I noticed just now.

At that moment, I realize that the chain of

is floating close to Arry.

Thanks for guiding us all the way here. After bowing at the chain while voicing out my grat.i.tude in my mind, I make it disappear.

The enemies were burned awayor?

Moga seems dumbstruck by the phenomenon of the vampires he had been fighting suddenly having vanished in front of his eyes

Still, arent you Shuuya? He runs up to me after confirming Rollodeen and me once again.

I am, Nemus!

With a slight delay, Nemus approaches as well. As usual, hes a special life-form combining steel and tree. No wait, am I going too far with calling him special? His race might be a very common sight in some areas of this huge planet.

More importantly, hes as d.a.m.n huge as ever However, he did well to get all the way here This cave has a high ceilingI think there were even some places along the way where Nemus wouldnt be able to pa.s.s through, though

At that point, I see the path they took with its gently-sloping descent. Okay, that makes sense.

Theres a huge hole in the wall with broken rocks scattered around it. I guess Nemus has been advancing while punching holes in the walls. Thats a dangerous thing to dobut rather than that, his lumbering footsteps are quite loud.

I believe the ground is made out of hard bedrock, but Nemus feet still leave footprints in it.

Nemus, dont break any walls anymore. Moga Gnther advises his partner Nemus.

His appearance is similar to that of an emperor penguin. His attire is slightly different from our last meeting. It appears his activities as adventurer in the labyrinth city where he calls himself Sword King have been going well. As a result of hunting in rooms with guardian monsters that sp.a.w.n treasure chests upon death other than the Black Sweet.w.a.ter Snake, he apparently got rich.

However, the longsword at his waist is still the same as before. And just like in the past, his cute hands got ten fingers.

His feet are those of a penguin. But, his mana manipulation technique, which I consider to be Magic Combat Style, looks a lot smoother than before. His combat abilities appear to have reached a new level as well.

Still, seeing his figure sure feels nostalgic

That penguin aint as simple as he looks, while those words of the past echo within my mind, I focus on smiling.

Yo, long time no see, Moga and Nemus.

Nn, nya~ Rollodeen greets Nemus, and then b.u.mps her head against the s.h.i.+n of his huge leg.

Aye. It looks like youre using a different kind of spear nowadays. Moga points at Ganghis.

Apparently he has memorized my spear to be Baldok.

I, am, Nemus.

Nyaa.

Iam Nemus.

Nn, nyao.

Im Nemus.

Nemus moves the small branches similar to eyelashes bit by bit.

Nyaa~ nya.

As Im about to answer Mogas question, Rollodeen begins some strange conversation with Nemus. Im sure the mysterious BGM playing must be my imagination.

For some reason, Nemus flaunts his tough shoulder. Is he trying to tell Rollodeen I am Nemus (Get on my shoulder)?

Either way, she hasnt reverted into her black cat form. Thats why the meaning behind Nemus shoulder emphasizing doesnt get through to her, I think. The eyes of my partner, interweaving black and red colors, stare at Nemus mystical, glowing, crystalline eyes.

Nn, nyano.

Does she regard Nemus eyes as candy? She might be thinking that those look tasty.

Unintentionally, a smile forms on my lips. Then I look away from that mysterious s.p.a.ce created by Nemus and Rollodeen.

Lets answer Mogas question about the spear.

The Wind Spear Style I inherited from my Master basically relies on one spear, butIm continuously striving to improve myself in my own way by using two or three spears. With a grin I summon Baldok into my right hand.

Oohh, so its a weapon summoning, just as I thought!

It seems Moga knows some summoning-based skills.

A rare skill, eh? And a dual-spear style! Ive heard that theres a Divine King ranker using a quad-spear style. I guess Ill also aim for a dual-wield sword style befitting a Sword King by capitalizing on my Hidden Sword Style.

I dont know anything about Hidden Sword styles, but Im a spearmaster, you know? Whats the point in you getting influenced by me, Mr. Sword King?

Well, I can understand his feeling since Ive been influenced by swordsmans.h.i.+p in the past as well. While making sure to smile, I cross Baldok and Ganghis in front of my chest.

That makes sense. But, could you show me that dual-spear style of yours?

I reply to Moga with a nod. Its going to be a commemoration for the reunion with the funny duo of Moga and Nemus. Ill show them, who Ive met in Pelneet, how I evolved during my time in Pelneet.

After preparing to go with my original dual-spear style after psyching myself up like that

Know that there are martial arts principles to be found on the path of using your spear

Recalling those words of Master Achilles, I take half a step forward with my left foot. I begin with a light dance performance while demonstrating a way of walking where I deliberately create gaps in my movements by s.h.i.+fting my trunks axis.

As a final move, I handle the two spears as if drawing an arc in the air, and stab Ganghis spearhead into the ground with my left hand, and extend Baldok diagonally upwards by bending my right elbow inwards.

Its the conclusion after exhibiting my Eight Revised Stances of the Dual-Spear Style.

In response, all the former prisoners break out in cheers. I hope its because theyve approved of my skill as a dual-spear user

Hmm, new spearmans.h.i.+p principles, huh? I can sense various martial arts from it. Some unknown grandpa draws the attention of his surroundings with nothing more than those words.

Thereupon, Moga and Nemus yell, seemingly excited. The children cheerfully draw close while loudly chattering about my spears.

It appears the former prisoners trust Moga and Nemus. Since both of them are adventurers, theyve bravely fought off the vampires.

Well, I think most of it is owed to the rampage by the Death b.u.t.terfly women, though

As a side effect of that, the people probably feel relieved after watching us having a friendly chat with Moga and Nemus.

Bro, youre awesome! Dual-Spear Style! You also killed the vampires as if erasing them from existence!

Mmh, everyone got fired up by it!

Arry and Taack are fully of energy. They lure me into naturally laughing.

But Bro, I feel like Ive seen you somewhere before.

Did he appear in the hero book we had Quiche and Sherry-neechan read to us? Hohatos or something?

The Seven Spear Heroes of Twilight Who Used to Be Arena Slaves?

Yeah, but, Bro is much cooler than them.

Right? His spears are neat as well! I wonder whether I should try to become a spear user?

Eehh? Even though youve always said, Quiche! Quiche! Your skill with the sword and s.h.i.+eld is amazing, or called her your master, Taack.

I mean, spears are friggin awesome, arent they?

Thats true, but Arry admits while gazing at Ganghis.

Quiche always says that its good to learn various things.

Still, Im fine with the swordsmans.h.i.+p and s.h.i.+eld techniques Quiche-oneechan taught me

Humph. Youre saying all that, but youve been staring at the white spear for a while now.

Ahaha, you found out~ Those red snake-like thingies coiled around the long, white spear are really interesting!

The weird cl.u.s.ter of blue hairs right below the two moons seems rather delicate, but the hair also seems fluffy and bushy.

The ta.s.sel based on the blue hair of Ancient G.o.d Girimekara, huh? Arry and Taack seem to be quite interested in Ganghis.

Haha, you guys sure know how to praise my spear, dont you? But what matters most is your safety. Im really happy to find you still alive.

I look at the rabbit tail dangling at Arrys waistand then gaze at the children while recalling Quiches beautiful face.

Im Quiches friend. She asked me to rescue you guys. The name is Shuuya.

Eh! Ooh, I remember! Youre the spearmaster and the black cat who saved us in the past! But, isnt your cat bigger than in the past? She looks just like a black panther now

When I rescued Arry and the others in Vahrayduss Bewitching Palace, they should have seen Rollos black panther formher size might be slightly different now.

Ah!! During the ant subjugation! Its me Arry! Arry excitedly tells me while hopping up and down on the spot and raising her hands cheerfully.

I know.

Shes a karamnian girl, but still very cute.

Shuuya, are you Quiches important person?

Quiche-oneechan has been calling you a precious friend.

It sounds like Arry and Taack have heard about me.

Correct. I hurried to this place because my precious friend Quiche asked me to. So, were you able to survive because Moga and Nemus were here?

Hmm? Some pretty b.u.t.terfly people destroyed the jail for us, so we simply have been escaping together, Id say?

What was that! And yet you called me cool some time ago! Moga rebukes.

Its funny because his face is just like that of a penguin.

I am, Nemus.

Nemus joins our conversation as well after finis.h.i.+ng the strange conversation with Rollodeen. But, since hes using the same old word, I dont understand him at all.

His partner Moga seems to understand his feelings, though.

Now then, lets bring this harmonious get-together to an end. Its about time to get out of this place.

Moga and Nemus, Arry and Taack as well, lets leave this cave for the time being, okay? You people in the back are alright with this as well, right?

Well follow you.

Thanks~

The rescued people thank me while smiling.

Everyone, thanking onii-chan has to wait for now! Escaping takes priority!

Lets get out~

Taack talks proudly, befitting of an adventurer, and Arry follows up on him while nodding.

Youre right. I want to leave this b.l.o.o.d.y place as fast as possible. Lets go, Nemus.

Im Ne~~~mus!

Hearing Moga and Taacks encouragement, Nemus starts to run ahead.

Higlia, Rollo, you okay with this, right?

Yeah.

Nn, nya

And thus we ran back through the cave, safely escaping. As soon as we leave the cave, everyone raises their voices in surprise.

Though thats only natural since the terrain has completely changed thanks to the battle against the Death b.u.t.terfly women.

All that matters currently is to get away from this place. Its possible that Hoffmann is going to return. Lets go. I warn all of them as theyre standing around, staring in mute amazement.

And then I continue leading everyone in the direction of the village protected by Quiche, Helme, the Burning Knights, and Catiza.

Well, although I say so, were in the Sea of Trees, soits difficult to walk across all the leafy mold. Were ten people, but since we have some ordinary people with us, the walking pace naturally becomes slow.

Higlia hasnt told the others that shes an ancient wolfman. And going by her appearance, it looks like they consider her to be a beastman.

Nevertheless, shes been enjoying chatting with them. I can understand her popularity, seeing how shes got a pretty face, a cute canine, a rather big chest, and a tailin other words, she looks adorable.

If its wrestling in another meaning (T/N: A cross reference to the wrestling of tails above)

No, lewd thoughts are no good in front of the frolicking children. I pull myself together, and advance through the Sea of Trees while watching the children.

Arry and Taack seem to be fond of the unbalanced duo of Moga and Nemus. Taack strokes Mogas pelt, apparently liking it, and Arry has Nemus give her a shoulder ride. Its a fun time.

Whats this mark on your shoulder?

I am Nemus!

Nemus voice is awfully deep, butwhat mark on the shoulder?

Arry points her small finger inside her legs. Since Im curious, I stare at Nemus shoulder. Hmm? The kanji for maple? Kaede? Why j.a.panese?

Maple, huh? Why has a j.a.panese character been carved on your shoulder, Nemus?

I p.r.o.nounce it in j.a.panese.

I-I-I AM Ne~~~~~~~~~~mus!!

At that instant, Nemus shows a big reaction with both his shoulders shaking. Stars twinkle within his crystalline eyes as if theyre dilating. Or rathercrystal drops are trickling down from his eyes?

Are those possibly tears?

Nemus stamps his huge steel feet, and beats the ground with his huge hands. Arry tumbles off his shoulder out of surprise, but Rollodeen timely saves her with her tentacles.

Wha-!? Nemus?

Moga is also shocked by Nemus odd voice. Im completely surprised as well.

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