Chapter 373: Blood Messaging with Viine

I finished my day of training in the bath. However, not stark naked. Im still wearing a combination of dark green underwear and overcoat.

As always, Im replenis.h.i.+ng my mana as Im smoking a magic cigarette, blowing the smoke out through the window at the roof. I focus on the mana flowing from my torso to the point below my navel.

1

Then I adopt the stance of the Evil Fis.h.i.+ng Palm Blade, a stance resembling the Heaven and Earth Palm Push Kisara taught me.

Haahhits a cold wind, but refres.h.i.+ngI think Ill lie down for a bit.

While letting my mana circulate, I dive atop my brand new bed with movements as if walking across a water surface, and lie down.

Using my palms as a replacement for a pillowugyaah!

Right above me, as if overlapping with the rooftop, floats the ghost Lash-san. That gave me a fright.

However, her transparent chest and her nice bodystill, since I felt like Id get scolded by Quiche, if I stared at her chest too muchI turned over.

Alright, time to contact Viine through a blood message. I think shes exploring the Whirlpool Forest of Demonic Fog while training at the same time.

Yoo, Viine! Are you doing fine?

A Second Advent!?

Whoa, whats with this reaction?

W-What is it all of a sudden?

Hauuu, Im sorry. Just as I was thinking of you in the light of Chrissmas, I suddenly received your blood message

Haha, surprised her, huh?

Second Advent is about that, isnt it? If its about Christmas, she must be talking about Jesus Christ? If it comes to Hoffmannit feels like hed give me a long-winded sermon as Christian, though

Now then, leaving that aside, I have to inform her about the situation. First off

I guess I should start from around the time of me running into the battle between Higlia and the

Yuo after heading out from Quiches village to search for the children while using

. Lets also inform Viine about Nora who was present at that battle.

I sent her a message about all of this.

Noras family, the vampire hunter family which has continued living in Zamalias Opperheimann region, got me interested

I can fully understand. Theyve been extending their lives through some kind of magic time, or maybe they actually extracted some vampire power. Well, if its according to what shes told me, its obvious that theyre anything but a normal family

A family of vampire hunters. Im sure curious about them, too.

A family of vampire hunters, they do sound strong. If Nora were to tell her family about our existencethey might start to seriously monitor us

I doubt shes going to do that. Noras gramps seems to be strongit sounded like hes

around cross pieces, but

I dont think theyre going to monitor me. Theyll be curious though

Nora possesses a skill that can drive away vampires. In such a case, I wonder what kind of abilities her other family members possess? They might be beings like the single digits of the 8th Demon Extermination Agency. Master, please be careful

Beings like Mad Knight, was it? Ive heard about them from Tsuan, but you should worry about yourself more than about me

Sorry. So about Noras little sister. I hadnt expected it to be Angie, Paulsens servantquite the strange fate

Strange fate. Haha, thats quite sarcastic. Viine, you, me, and everyone else who became the bloodkin of a Lucival are bound by strange fates

Mamani, Bia, Fuu, and Souther. They all have their own pasts.

Hehe, you have a point there. Everyone is burdened with some sort of past

Yep, Nora is heading for Pelneet to meet with her sister. If she goes through Hekatrail, I think itll take her quite some time. By boat shed be there in no time, butif she goes across land, she might pick up some adventurer requests at Holkerbaum and post towns

True. Have you still not informed Eva, Rebecca, and Veronica-senpai?

Not yet. Ill contact them later

Either way, it sounds like itll cause troublesand the Sea of Trees seems to be in the process of becoming more chaotic in regards to power distribution than the Whirlpool Forest of Demonic Fog

No kidding, all kinds of things are going on over here. This place might also be somehow connected with the Whirlpool Forest through the underground

Death b.u.t.terfly people, Tree King of Wonders, Ancient wolfmen, underground G.o.ddesses, ancient G.o.dsits chaos.

Its very likely. From a distance I could confirm many places looking like historic ruins

Figures. Cursed G.o.ds, ancient G.o.ds, and so on

I wonder whether Koko-sama is doing fine.

Theres still many places I couldnt explore as of yet, though. And, a swarm of Goblin Telka has been sighted in the Whirlpool Forest, too. It doesnt look like the number of adventurers working near Hekatrail is going to decrease anytime soon either

The Whirlpool Forest is close to elven domain, Oseberia, and Leften. Places needing adventurers exist all over the lands, including Fad.y.k.es Indomitable Lion Tower Come to think of it, its not just Quiche, but also Nora, Red Tiger Storm, Eris Faffnard of Eight Girls, the dwarves in charge of dragon killing; all of them are superb adventurers working with Hekatrail as base.

Anyway, back on topic. The location

indicated was a large-scale base of vampires, butas a matter of fact it had been destroyed

Eh?

Two Death b.u.t.terfly women, one with a white moths body and the other with a reddish-violet b.u.t.terflies body, had gone on a rampage

Death b.u.t.terfly women? For them to possess b.u.t.terfly bodiesthey sound like yet another weird, mysterious beings

Right?

I explained Viine my battle against one of them as detailed as I could. Next I told her about Golgonshura, the G.o.d wors.h.i.+ped by the Death b.u.t.terfly people, and their reaction when they heard about me possessing Golgonshuras key.

After listening to all of it, Viine expanded on her own considerations that antic.i.p.ated a connection with underground G.o.ds and ancient G.o.ds.

But, It doesnt seem like its related to Kokodoysuzuin-sama whom you started to wors.h.i.+p the other day, she sent me a blood message while misspelling the name of Cursed G.o.ddess Kokobruuundozuu-sama.

Thats unusual for Viine. Then again, its a pain to remember such a long name. I just memorized it because Im her believer. Abbreviated, Cursed G.o.d Koko-sama.

Ive offered the Priest Necklace to Koko-sama, butI wonder how much time shes going to need to store her power in that necklace.

Koko-sama mentioned an Ancient Halmodella era or something, butif you compare the time span with Earth, itd have been around the age of the dinosaurs? a.s.suming that to be true, storing power in that necklace would require thousands, if not tens of thousands years?

As Im pondering about this

..But, it sounds like its been a rich experience

Actually, this was just the beginning

I continue to tell her about our invasion of the vampire den, the meeting with Moga & Nemus, and the rescue of many prisoners, including Arry and Taack.

Ohh! The ones from the labyrinth! That small animal swordsmanand the steel tree giant

Yep, Gnter Moga and Nemus. So after joining up with them, we escaped to the outside, and traveled to Quiches village while chatting

Next I told her about the encounter with Schmihazar, and the following battles.

To turn Evil Spirit Spear Iglued and Demonic Marquis Adombraly into your subordinates

Nah, thats not set in stone yet. Ive still left them in Gramp Tons care

He sure is a strange, nut-loving grandfather. But, I wonder whats going to happen to the Demonic Marquis life-form and the stone who are enclosed by treesits something to look forward to

Guess so

And you also rescued Kisara who wielded the witch spear, didnt you?

There are many reasons why I saved her, but Shes quite amazing

I told Viine about Kisaras backstory and that I had made up with her after duking it out with our spears, but only earned myself a long silence from Viine.

After a while, Hoffmann who manipulates a huge coffin that houses an abnormal world. Ive heard that hes a

She ignored the story about Kisara without probing any further. Instead, she asked me about Hoffmann who had sent Schmihazar over.

True. I think theres a big difference to a

. It might be just Hoffmann, butI wouldnt be surprised if the other were to be quite strong as well. As might be expected of one of the twelve founding families. The queen standing at the top must be powerful, too. Her not having using the familys name as queen is strange, though

Yes, the queens name is different in the Valmask family. However, her and Hoffmann havent been able to keep going for such a long time for show, just as Spirit-sama mentioned in the past

Veronica did well to have managed to escape the

Blood Court of the Great Tomb

. Then again, she had wild G.o.d Magitora with her. I guess that white cat played a big role in the escape.

While pondering about Veronica, I added some information about Hoffmann.

Hoffmann is a reincarnator. So hes probably somewhat different from the other vampires

Reinkarnator, reinkarnasthose are the people you warned us to regard as dangerous race, requiring special attention, didnt you Master?

Indeed. Hoffmann stole an ability from Kisara by cutting her skull open and extracting it from her brain. And it looks like he can also share the stolen abilities with his subordinates or bloodkin

Hes able to steal abilities and grant them to others. What a terrifying opponent

Certainlyalthough he can steal them, I doubt he can make the abilities his own so easily. But, Id think that its possible for him to get used to the abilities over hundreds or thousands of years.

Kisara had been fused with the witch spear in a state of having the skin at her chest opened up as if having done an autopsy on her. Even Schmihazars beloved Demonic Spirit Armament or whatever might have been a part of the ability to fuse with a weapon Hoffmann had granted Schmihazar

I cant hear the gasp, but since she hasnt sent a blood message right away, I can easily imagine that Viine must be looking quite surprised.

So he had such a strong subordinate like Schmihazar, an opponent that could be brought down because it was you, die in vainjust to measure your strength. Moreover, hes careful enough to stick to observation without joining the battle himself. He gives me the impression of being a truly strong fighter. At the same time, behind his actionsI can sense the wish of not wanting to turn you into his enemy, Master

She had been able to read all that through nothing more than blood messaging?

Strictly speaking, I havent been the one to take down Schmihazar, butRollos fireas well as Kisara and Rotalz

But Hoffmann is quite superb, yep. I want to meet him as quickly as possible. But, Ill need to hold back for now

Schmihazar had pa.s.sed on Hoffmanns words of Its for the sake of realizing the peaceful, millennial kingdom ruled by the one and only G.o.d. And its also possible that he deliberately made me, who combines light and darkness, clash with Kisara, a Four Heavenly Witch who believes in G.o.ds contradicting light and darkness, by sacrificing Schmihazar

Youre say Kisara is his present to you, Master?

Ultimately its just a possibility. Otherwise I could guess that it became difficult for the hougu on Schmihazars shoulder to suppress the witch spear that contained Kisara, but well, I guess we wont know the truth until I personally ask Hoffmann about it

Afterwards I told Viine about Puyuyu, our safe return to Quiches village, that it was already embroiled in a fierce battle by the time we arrived, and our fights against the semi-transparent orc and the troops of the Tree King of Wonders.

Master, setting aside the matters with Higlia and Puyuyu, you do trust Kisara and Quiche quite a lot, dont you?

Her blood message floats in front of my eyes.

Yes, I do. I plan to invite Kisara and Quiche to become my

Okay. Umm, if you win over the ancient wolfwoman Higlia was it? as chosen bloodkin, the strongest power in the Sea of Trees

Have you become influenced by Helme?

Excuse me, I cant forget the wonderful idea of a Great Holy Lucival Empire

If Helme were to hear this, shed be delighted, Im sure. Right now shes not in my left eye. Currently I cant see her from where I am, butearlier Helme created many puzzle-ring-like water sprays from her feet while saying, Puyuyu-chan, I wonder what would become of you if I let it eat a seed of Millennium-chan, to Puyuyu who was clinging to her as if sandwiched between the valley of her lower b.o.o.bs.

Puyuyu answered, Puyuyu! Puyuyu?, ignoring Helmes words.

It was pointing its small wand with the weird decorations towards Rotalz who was carrying Kisara.

Aaahh! Dont make that strange thing fly at Rotalz! Kisara yelled while covering her bulging b.o.o.bs with one handIt looks like her memory of how Puyuyu exposed one of her nipples is still fresh in her mind.

The small dinosaur, which had torn the chest area of her nun garb, no, magic attire open, was clinging to Rotalzs forehead. Just like that, Helme and Puyuyu continued their skywalk with Kisara running away from them.

Below them Muu was looking up to the sky, wasnt she? Though I think that its also related to Moga being nearby.

Anyway, Ive been digressing.

End of Part 1 -

I sent a blood message to Viine.

Taking Higlia in as bloodkin, huh? If she desires it, it might be possible. But, shes the princess of the ancient wolfmen, you know?

I understand as much. The story about a Lucival Empire is a joke. After all, Im well aware that you dont wish for anything like that, Master

Dont mock me. It stopped sounding like a joke ever since the expansion of the village

A short pause in our messaging followed.

HeheI suppose I was slightly mean to you

She pa.s.sed on her feelings to me.

Im sure Viine feels lonely as well But, its better for me to not remind myself of it.

As for Quiche, it sounds like youre going to have your hands full with the rebuilding of her home village in addition to the recovery of her clans treasure

I think traveling underground is going to be alright since the golden path continues deep underground as guidance. However, I have Paredess Mirrors at my disposal. Maybe one of the mirrors is unexpectedly buried underneath the sanctuary or close to the underground G.o.ddess

Oh, the mirrors were an option as well, I guess. If its the ones buried in the ground, its very likely that theyll be underground. It might be surprisingly easy to get there

Indeed. Then again, its just one possibility. I want to head over to the Great Desert, and I also plan to travel to the Spirit World

In regards to the desert, Im curious about the dark elves said to have transgressed from the Highground Forest that came up in Kisaras story. But, rather than that, Master, Im going to accompany you when you challenge the underground!

Makes sense. Itd be better for Viine to be with me in the underground.

I had planned to take you with me from the very start. I dont know whether itll happen before or after I join up with you guys. But either way, Ill take you with me when heading underground

Okay! Im happy to hear that

Ive also set up a mirror in Amus independent city. Having said that, its not like the golden path is connected to the independent city where the gnomes live. a.s.suming the golden paths routingId think itd be next to an underground city within the Demonoid Empires sphere of influence. The same empire thats at war with Amu and her friends

Masterumm, theres still something that bothers me

Whats up?

Is Quiches little sister, Lash or whatever shes called, near you?

Yeahshes currently floating close-by

Yep, Lash-san is cute, and her b.o.o.bs are showing through. Really awesome, but wellits impossible to touch them, unfortunately.

Even though I want to pinch her conspicuous nipples as if plucking the cords of the Lute of Justice.

How regrettable.

Master, dont tell me you plan to turn a ghost into your bloodkin

Pffthahaha!

I reflexively jump up, guffawing loudly. It causes Lash-san to get startled.

Well, its understandable even for her as a ghost, seeing how burst into laughter all of a sudden.

Dont make me laugh so much. Ghosts are off-limits since I cant touch them with my hands. Sadly.

Haha, how very typical of you, Master

Lets get back to the topic of the underground

Sure

Did she laugh during that short break?

So, challenging the underground is still further down the road. I have to repair the gate, and I want to meet my Master. Also, while at it, I might as well accept some requests related to the underground in Hekatrail. On that occasion, I should also meet with that handsome swordsman of b.l.o.o.d.y Long Ears, I think. I also want to investigate Kunas store. More martial arts training is on the menu as well. Not just spearmans.h.i.+p either. Theres lots I can learn from Kisara

Okay. You talking so highly of her as someone who could be called a martial arts G.o.d makes me feel jealous. Capable of using magic in addition to spearmans.h.i.+pDamonAnuns demonoid andblood bone nymphs, and on top of that its very likely that shes related to the item you bought at the Underground Auction. However, at the same time I feel a strong respect towards her. Shes a superb witch who possesses all kinds of combat experience. Kisara seems to be a great warrior who would be revered even in the dark elf society

Viine is envious of her, but I think she wants to meet with Kisara. The dark elf society is based on female supremacy. Its a harsh underground society where the Sorcerer n.o.bles always fight each other. And Viine grew up in that terrifying environment that whittled down the lives of her brothers and sisters in her childhood.

Kisara is similar in that regard. On top of that, she went through various battles, including a strict training regimen with many master fighters in a very secluded place called the Black Witch Church.

It looks like Viine got interested in her, maybe because of that. Which reminds me, there are still some battle stories I havent heard about from Kisara

I can understand Viines feelings

Speaking of spearmans.h.i.+p, I acquired new spear and evasion techniques as I told you earlier. I also learned the

thats related to

I remember you mentioning the new spear techniques and an evasion technique based on the divine protection of water. Id love to see the new technique that also incorporates kicks from nearby. And the

from

I cant even begin to imagine what kind of technique it might be from just hearing about it through blood messaging! Maybethe illusionary underground lord thats said to inhabit Adobarn

Viine sounds excited. But whos that Adobarn at the end?

When Viine witnessed

a long time ago, she screamed that the lord of the ancient underground lake was something or other, didnt she?

Her silver, thin eyebrows and her silver-gleaming eyes cross my mind.

Sooner or later you will. By the way, how about you, Viine? Except discovering unnatural places with old stone pavings in the Whirlpool Forest, have you been getting along with Hankay and Mysty?

These days Hankay-dono appears to be interested in the stray underground dwarves and the battle dwarves controlling an underground city. Moreover, hes also very curious about the existence of outer dark elves and stray dark elvessometimes he comes along when I go out to gather materials and investigate the forest. On those occasions he pesters me so much about stories of the underground that it becomes an obstacle in my hunting. Its somewhat irritating

Commander Hankay of an Ax-Wielder Battalion becomes so absorbed in stories about the underground, huh?

Once I sent that message, some time pa.s.sed until Viine answered.

That Commander Hankay of an Ax-Wielder Battalion is a t.i.tle of a unit or a post in the Great Lucival Empire, isnt it?

I wont laugh at that joke, you know?

Im sorry. In the end Hankay-dono appears to be interested in the Budand Clan, his own roots

In that case, Mysty is all gung-ho to talk about unknown ancient civilizations, as the one she saw in her dreams?

No, Mysty is absorbed in deciphering the magic imprinting carved onto the mysterious epitaph left behind by her brother. She seems to continue her sorcery doll research as well, butrecently shes always talking about that epitaph

Sounds like Mysty is having fun in her own wayswell, you could call it typical for her, I suppose. Ill try to ask her about the details later on

Yes, if taking you as an example, Master, I think you could describe it as two huge b.r.e.a.s.t.s being glued to either side of your head

For a change Viine pulls off a dirty joke.

Ummyou mean b.r.e.a.s.t.s like Evas and yours?

Hehe, you got it

Dear Viine-san, at the point you didnt deny it, you became lewd!

Masterumm, to be honest, I feel lonely

Once again she made a little pause before sending the next text. Viines sad face floats up in my mind.

Want to come to Cydale after finis.h.i.+ng your training?

Yes, is what Id like to say, but Master, please dont spoil me! Im going to see through what Ive started once to the very end!

This bluffing is also typical of Viine, I guess. But, her wish to grow is genuine.

Sorry, youre right. I just felt like saying it

No, your feelings have been pa.s.sed on to me, and made me feel all warm inside

I could feel special emotions from that blood message. I remembered Viines face. Her trembling silver iris as it peeks out through the silver mask

I recall the words I whispered into her ear while gently blowing at it when I was lying on the bed next to her in the past. Back then I made her body quiver many times over by repeatedly attacking its weak points, didnt I?

I see

Yes

If she had been here right now, itd have now proceeded towards me taking her in my arms and kissing her.

Lets look forward to her growth. When she earnestly desires to grow and piles up great effort while putting her life on the linesome chemistry is going to occur.

With those thoughts in mind, I sent her, Im counting on you in the future

Yes, Master! Please leave it to me! I shall do my utmost as an independent woman, Lucival member,

, so I might lose to her, though!

Starting in the middle, Viine sent me her honest, unfiltered feelings.

Sure. Viine, keep progressing towards what you want to do just like that

Okay! I shall improve my powerful, sharp sword style with the Extra Skill

as foundation! I wont lose out in magic and language studies to Mysty either!

Viine who is eager to study everything, and the researcher Mysty whos nearby. They are different in various ways, including their characters, butthey might be unexpectedly compatible with each other.

Alright. This is all for the regular contact. Talk to you later

Dont be so sad. Youre a strong woman. Someone with a strong spirit. Youve survived wandering the underground world and the surface world for a long time. Youre a dark elf who splendidly took revenge for her clan, and after a short pause, Viine, if you had stayed behind in DaUmezalan as dark elf, you might have obtained the position of an independent Sorcer n.o.ble priestess or that of a Sorcerer n.o.ble close to that. Moreover, the hero who was approved by G.o.ddess of Magic Poison Misea a main G.o.ddess in the Spirit World and the one G.o.ddess wors.h.i.+ped by the Sorcerer n.o.bles is youViine

Eh? I am

Indeed. The number of dark elves who have directly spoken to Misea, except for the priestess of the Head Sorcerer n.o.ble, is very limited, isnt it?

That might certainly be true. I think its exceedingly rare for anyone other than the priestessesbut, thats because Ive been with you, Master Viine responded in a humble manner.

Even if it might have been related to me, it remains a fact that youve spoken with the G.o.ddess

True

I clearly remember the words of the G.o.ddess. She happily said, Glanpa-like unique female, who possesses a strong enough soul to break your bond to me while still one of mine people, your desire for revenge pleases me as well. Consider it as compensation towards the deeds of your master, who is an incarnation of chaos. You made my heart beat fast. Its a special reward which also possesses expectations towards your master. That bow is the shape of my blessing. Receive mine Jade Snake Bow

I wouldnt be able to forget her appearance as she appeared while lying sprawled.

I also remember it as if it happened just yesterday. For me to be labeled as a hero by you, Masterit makes me truly happyand moves me deeply. Thank you a lot

Is she crying? Her response is somewhat intermittent.

Those are my true thoughts

Okay! Then I shall start to hunt and train in order to become a woman worthy of those words. And I will continue the investigation of the forests deeper parts

Sure. So, leaving aside the hunting and exploringwhat kind of training have you been doing recently?

With my body clad in

, I pa.s.s mana through Gadorices, covering my body in a film of fire that raises my physical defense, and while pouring my blood into the sword, I perform my new drawing technique

, which resembles Yui and Kaldos technique

Hee, so shes pouring her Lucival blood into the sword of an evil dragon, huh? I guess shes experimenting with her Lucival blood in her own way.

Hmm? A sword blade that absorbed the blood of light and darkness? Does it share an affinity with an ancient evil dragon?

Come to think of it, Balmint sucked my blood as well.

In addition, I continue to

from the double-swing sword styles

, and then

as well. Recently Ive also applied

that uses the Jade Snake Bow in my training with Hankay-san. He easily repelled it, butI want to tackle developing new techniques with such chain attacks as the basis. About the hunting, just as Ive told you about it earlier, I want to explore the deeper areas of the forest while searching for new monster species

Gotcha. It doesnt change the fact of the Whirlpool Forest being a dangerous place. Please be careful. Okay, this time Im going to call it quits for real

Okay

Now then, who should I contact next?

Just as Im pondering about that, I sense a magic source from below. I jump off my bed as if performing a break dance.

I go down to the first floor thats decorated with the Wave Gourd like a New Years pine decoration. Though, rather than a pine decoration, its closer to a Christmas wreath, I suppose. As its entwined with fine tree strings, the gourd looks like a stylish gong.

As I look at all that, I find Muu standing at the entrance door.

Whats up?

Muu points a finger outside, towards the training ground. Kisara is training over there by brandis.h.i.+ng her witch spear. Looks like shes returned from her sky trip.

Rotalz and Helme, whove gone with her, arent present though

Just then, Kisara is about to lightly wipe away her sweat.

Muu, youre watching her training?

While staying silent, Muu holds an apple in one hand. Is that her lunch for today? Is that apple a harvest from Catizas apple picking?

Muu hops over on one leg while lining up next to me.

Muu. Previously I tried to touch her in order to make an artificial arm and leg for her, butafter looking at me with a very scary expression obviously telling me to not touch her, she got away from me as if running away.

Right now shes looking at me full of expectation, but I dont know why. And since shes wearing the new outfit Dokoko-san made for her, I know that its not like she rejects anyone and everything.

This girl is getting increasingly mysterious.

Muu pinches the edge of my coat, and tries to lead me to the place where Kisara is training as if hurrying me to start my training.

I know, I know.

Shes interested in Mogas items, and I think shes also interested in my spearmans.h.i.+p. But shes surely not going to start talking about becoming my apprentice or something like that, is she?

Its unthinkable for me to become a teacher or such

I look straight into Muus deep blue eyes. Maybe itd be fine to take her as a pupil since shes a cute girl?

For me to end up thinking that right away is very typical of me, I guess.

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