The Spearmaster and the Black Cat - Chapter 386
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Chapter 386

Chapter 386 A New Contract Demonic Marquis Adombraly

Still, whatever one might say, hes a round one-eye. I cant see him as anything but a cute monster.

Demonic Marquis Adombraly-kun tilts his eyes downwards, staring at the cracked crimson sphere, which had lost its light, with an expression full of regret. He only has one eye, but because of his state that clearly expresses his sense of lossI remember the one-eyed race that had been sold at the Underground Auction.

At that moment, pink mana waves are released from the cracked sphere. Does he plan to give it another go?

I can perceive how the waves expand like heat waves. In the next instant, the sphere transforms into something similar to a lava flow. It kinda looks like fluid clay, butwhile dividing into two separate streams, they converge inside the axle marks and eyeball of Adombraly-kun.

I guess he recovered it.

Was that a light attack from the earlier ruby? As I ask him, I grab him by the collar and lift his small body up.

Despite his tiny body, hes surprisingly heavy. At least as heavy as a ma.s.sive toy made out of metal. The two wings on his back are cute and tiny, butjust now Adombraly-kun said hes a Amshabis I recall having heard the name of that race.

If I remember correctly, the demon I met in the sky of the labyrinths 20th floor in Pelneet mentioned it. Her name was Soux. I ran into her when scouting the area with Rollodeen, didnt I?

Soux introduced herself as an Amshabis as well. Just like Crazy-Eye Togma and Four-Eye Rulizeze, she was transferred into Evil Domain h.e.l.lrhone.

Let go! Let go of me! Adombraly-kun yells while his body dangles, but I ignore him.

Unlike this little guy here, Soux was a beautiful female demon. Well, they share the trait of having wings, at least.

Without asking him about Soux, So youre not going to answer my question, I take it?

Adombraly-kun gulps and stares at me fearfully, I-I havent said anything like that.

His voice trembles while his eye darts around in a funny way. It looks like hes trying to dodge the issue.

I stare at that meatball-shaped Adombraly-kun. Hes got a fleshy eyelid The way how it closes and opens while sliding across the surface of his eyeball is comical. The parchment-colored clothes hes wearing look like a miniature version of a n.o.ble attire. A crescent-moon-shaped crest and a semi-transparent saxifrage badge are affixed to his chest next to each other. The moon resembled Evil Emperor Ciphot.

On his upper arms hes got marks depicting a vase and wheel overlapping an axle. A red gem is embedded in the center of the axles. Those gaudy red gems look as if they represent some kind of king. Above the red gems are other gems with different shapes, as if blessing those kingly gems.

Overall, hes a ridiculous, round life-form, butjust by the designs on his arms and the luxurious attire, you can say that his t.i.tle as Demonic Marquis is fitting.

I think Ill first ask about the crescent-moon-shaped accessory on his chest.

Say, do you know Evil Emperor Ciphot?

For you to mention Ciphot-samas nameare you a kin related to the G.o.ds of the Spirit World?

Adombraly-kun answers my question with one of his own. Still, me as a kin of the Spirit World G.o.ds, huh? Id love to say that hes wrong, butI do have that

mark on my neck, dont I? Its an unwanted present I got from G.o.ddess of Nightmares Vaamina

I touch the mark with my fingers, feeling unevenness like that of a scar. I check the husk applied onto this patch of skin with status.

Dark Dream Celebration

Originally its a

that has been converted into a tool to summon those connected to G.o.ddess of Nightmare Vaamina who implants nightmares. But, thanks to

, a part of the G.o.ddess has been absorbed and transformed into

.

It has the ability to perceive those connected to G.o.ddess of Nightmares Vaamina by causing small pain and bleeding, if they are nearby.

And it boosts the probability to project the true form of divine beings possessing huge amounts of magic elements. Occasionally the wavelengths of G.o.ddess of Nightmares Vaamina are going to reach you while you are asleep.

Thats the kind of thing it is. Am I similar to Demonoid Naromivas because of that? As a kin of Vaamina?

But, lately I havent encountered her in my dreamsI guess its alright to consider her an acquaintance in the Spirit World for now.

Just when I reach that conclusion, I decide to ask him about the Spirit World in regards to Ciphot.

You could say that Im acquainted with several Spirit World G.o.ds. And Ive been entrusted with an item by Ciphot. Thus I plan to travel to the Spirit World at some point. Ive already got a Score of the Demon King and a Highcellcone horn.

Seriously!? I want to go back to the Spirit World! Adombraly-kun blurts out cheerfully. Still, for you to have been entrusted with an item by the evil emperor who got famous during the Great Spirit World war Even I, as a demonic marquis, only possess a replica of the crescent-moon blade

You mean the accessory on your chest?

Quite so! That is no mere accessory either! Adombraly-kun shouts out proudly.

He looks like hes going to fire a beam from his eye any moment.

This replica is called

Forged Crescent Moon Imitation of the Evil Emperor

. Its a replica, but if you pump a big amount of mana into it, it transforms into a boomerang weapon! However, I cant use it because I have too little mana on top of it being too heavy for me.

In other words, its no more than an ornament, huh?

While looking at the decorations on his arm, I say, Are the red gems in those marks on your arms some kind of item?

Indeed. Adombraly-kun admits while glaring at me.

The squirming of his thick eyelid is too hilarious. If I sold him as a plush toy, hed be very popular, Im sure.

Still, unlike with the fake evil emperor item, he doesnt seem eager to talk about the gems. Oh well, lets go with something crucial next.

In the first place, whats a demonic marquis? Whats with that Adombraly name of yours?

Its something similar to a mana capacity ranking among demons. Starting from the lowest, we have demonic soldiers, demonic knights, demonic generals, demonic marquises, demonic dukes, demonic marshals, demon kings, and demon G.o.ds.

It feels similar to the adventurer guild.

Hee, so its something like a power ranking?

No, ultimately its just about the apparent mana capacity. Its quite rough. Hayzephan Rosnald, one of the famous Dead Sea Knights and subordinate of Tyrannical King Bos.h.i.+ado, is well-known for being a demonic knight going by his mana capacity. Of course it doesnt change the fact that mana capacity serves as one indicator for the strength of a demon, butthere are also cases where demons suddenly experience a boost of the mana capacity all the way up from being demonic marquises to demon king like Lord Nightmare, okay?

Ive heard that Hol-something is a burning knight, but its my first time to hear the name of a Dead Sea Knight, isnt it?

Spirit World knights, and the Dead Sea Knights belonging to Bos.h.i.+ado, eh? Ive heard about those Dead Sea Knights on several occasions, but its the first time for me to learn one of their names.

Youre a weird guy. Arent you acquainted with Spirit World G.o.ds?

Ive only talked with some of them.

Thats a surprise. So, the b.a.s.t.a.r.d who won against Schmihazarisnt an official apostle or anything like that?

Correct. Were the Spearmaster and the Black Cat. Right, Rollo?

Nya.

Rollo replies after having been fumbling around with her forepaws pad as if cleaning it.

Alright, next isthe fact of his contact lens turning into a red sphere, and him then trying to use it for attacking me, I suppose.

So, Adombraly-kun, you tried to dodge the issue earlier, but you attempted to attack me with that ruby of yours, didnt you? If you want to fight me, Ill humor you, butwhats it gonna be?

Its not like Im going to use

, but I thrust out my left palm towards Adombraly-kun.

Am I to pierce the tiny eyeball? Even though I have approved of you as my vessel, thats a waste of my powers

I havent asked you to do so

Uugghhh

Saraten groans but doesnt fly out.

You used trees to lock me up, didnt you? Thats why I was p.i.s.sed!

Adombraly-kun scowls at me after checking my palm. His wings flap in a ridiculous manner, and he displays an intent to oppose me. He seems to plan on attacking me. But, he doesnt appear to have any power anymore

Though Id butcher him anyway, even if he was in his normal condition Oh! Right! I could feed him to my cats! He might top up their mana a bit.

Rollo, wanna eat this guy? I show Adombraly-kun to Rollo while still holding his collar.

If youre going to feed him to that nyan partner of yours, you might as well give him to meI need some blood soon

Saraten, you just want to get out and do as you please, dont you?

Tsk, you noticed it, huh? But still, if I dont get any sweet blood, Ill

I dont know whether Saraten is a candy lover, but it looks like it wants some sweet blood. Even so, I ignore the sword.

Nn, nyaa? Rollo points her head upwards as she lay on my bed, meowing in a questioning manner.

He might be as delicious as a dessert.

I dont know whether she understood my words, but Rollos ears twitch, and she unleashes a cat punch in Adombraly-kuns direction.

Nyanyanya, nya

I guess hed be transformed into a SuperBall after all. Or so I thought, but she places her paw on the edge of Adombraly-kuns eyeball. Then she starts to play and fiddle around with him in various ways.

Going through all those experiences, Adombraly-kun is seized by fear. Something similar to cold sweat gushes out on the skin around his eyeball. I can also see what might be blood veins throb. And then his eyes start to spin around clockwise.

Uuhh, w-wait! Please waaait! Dont eaaat meee! He starts to quickly yell, or rather, whine pathetically with his eye continuing to spin.

All of his previous confidence is gone like the wind. He doesnt seem to have any fight left in him anymore. Well, I guess thats only natural.

Rollos head must be filling Adombraly-kuns visual field right now

Nyaon

I dont know whether its a reaction to Adombraly-kuns wish, but Rollo suddenly turns her face away, looking my way. She looks like shes found a liking in him. Maybe shes pleased with his scent.

While shes looking at me, shes caressing Adombraly-kun with her bushy tail. Suddenly, she stops moving her tail around, stretches it upwards, and farts.

Fuuuuuuucckk! It stinks!

Ahahaha, did she get influenced by Rotalz?

Although Ive fallen low, Im still a former demonic marquis!

Adombraly-kun is visibly anything but amused by Rollos fart. On the other hand, Rollo looks satisfied with herself.

After apologizing to him by stroking him with her tail, Rollo returns on my shoulder.

Ahahaha, its the fart of a divine beast. Maybe its a divine favor?

Kuuh Adombraly-kuns pupil widens as he watches us mess around with him. But, I dont want to be eaten

He doesnt seem overly angry despite having been directly hit in the face by Rollos fart. Or rather, hes suppressing his anger

Figures. Not like he can act up under these circ.u.mstances anyway.

Thereupon, Alray and Hueremy meow as they walk along the cat path I built on the roof. It looks like theyre interested in Adombraly-kun who had the rare chance to personally experience Rollos fart.

Rollo wont eat you, it seems. But, I dont know about Alray and Hueremy.

N, nyaoo.

Nn, nyaa

Howeverboth dont show much interest in Adombraly-kun. They play around by boxing with each other. After a while, they stop, and then continue das.h.i.+ng energetically across the roof, before I witness how the leave through the cat window.

Arent you glad? It looks like they have no interest in you for the moment.

For the momenthuh?

Adombraly-kun stares at Rollo on my shoulder, his eyes full of fear. After looking back and forth between me, Rollo meows at me meaningfully.

Make him my new subordinate? Is that what youve asked? Or did you ask whether I wouldnt eat him?

Nn.

I only get a throaty purr as reply.

Now then, what should I do with you, Adombraly-kun?

He did try to attack me. While considering that, I stare at the round eyeball thing.

Anyway, what do you want to do, Adombraly-kun?

End of Part 1

Adombraly-kun looks towards the shelf. Fixing his eyes on the wooden ma.s.s with Iglued in it, he answers, What do you plan to do with her?

She isnt moving right now, but Ill try to get in contact with her in the same way as I did with you.

You plan to go out of your way to win over Iglued whom you defeated? Youll suffer in the same way as Schmihazar who employed me as Demonic Armament Spirit.

Which reminds me, Kisara talked about Demonic Armament Spirits in the past, didnt she?

Shuuya-sama, you called for me? Kisaras voice reaches my ears.

Her face then peered in through the window at the roof.

Oh, youve timed it just perfectly. Moments ago I was talking with Adombraly-kun about Demonic Armament Spirits. But let me first thank you, Kisara. Its wonderful of you to oversee the training of everyone, including Muu. I bow my head at Kisara.

No, not at all. It is a matter of course since it is for your sake, Shuuya-sama. Ive watched Muu-chans training together with Spirit-sama. It is proceeding well. The two orcs were surprised by my dancing paper dolls, though.

It looks like Moga, Nemus, and Higlia have opened up to the orcs as well.

Yes, although it seems like the orcs still cannot understand our language

Kisara entered the room with those words, and leaned her witch spear against the wall next to the window.

The children didnt become scared of them either. It was a big help that Arry and Taack took the initiative to chat the orcs up.

Quiche-san has explained it to them as well. And as someone who had witnessed their actual strength, Higlia-chan consented as well. That Quema can use her spear quite proficient. She seems to use unique arresting techniques. She has not shown us her other skills based on her bone flute yet, though On the other hand, Solobo handles his silver sword very nimbly. He is a superb warrior who can also enter ranged combat since he can unleash mana blades.

Well, Kisara can handle those two without breaking a sweat, though. Solobos swordsmans.h.i.+p with its way of movement Ive never seen before was quite awesome. Enough to remind me of Marici

Magnificent! But

! Kisara had yelled as she trampled down on his Magic Sword Soebally.

After the immediately following roundhouse kick, Solobo had to give up.

Those orcs seem to wors.h.i.+p you, Shuuya-sama. Currently they are standing at the entrance as if to protect this house. Then again, each time the Wave Gourd gleams up in crimson, they fall into panic

The Wave Gourd has become an entryway decoration nowadays. I wonder whats to be found inside that gourdIm really curious.

Though itd be best for the two orcs to get used to the gourd since Ive prepared a room for them on the first floor.

Anyway, I guess Ill also ask Kisara about Red Tiger Storm.

The members of Red Tiger Storm are fairly strong, arent they?

Indeed. Higlia-chan had her eyes drawn to the beastwoman and dual-wielder Sarah-san. Certainly, her movements and her previous sword work were admirable. It looks like shes also mastered her mutant power which resembles the one tiger beastmen possess. According to Sarah-san, her father was a human while her mother was a beastwoman with cat ears, butI estimate her to be a half descending from lycanthropes or leopard beastmen However, the one worthy of most attention is the magician Luciel Adokinz who can use light magic at will. She possesses a wonder magic wand allowing her to unleash ice pebbles on end. She also owns a heap of lightning-based scrolls like the leaders of the General Sorcery a.s.sociation Shes a beauty who makes me wonder just who she might actually be.

It sounds like Kisara is more interested in the vice-leader Luciel than the clan leader Sarah.

Its light magic that worked even against the Evil Dragon King. Nowadays shes serving as vice leader of an adventurer clan, and not the Holy Church, with her special magic. Its definitely interesting

I can imagine that it might be a skill or spell Luciel acquired as a result of her abilities, magic books, skills, and combat occupation mes.h.i.+ng in a complex way.

Anyway, for now were going to continue our little conversation with Adombraly-kun over here.

Kisara nods and so do I.

Just as you can see, I have released him. And he earlier mentioned the Demonic Armament Spirits.

I see. Are you going to make a contract with him?

No, not yet.

Make a contract with me. If you do, Ill approve of you as my new lord.

So his answer to my previous question about what he wants to do is a contract with me, huh?

He has an insolent att.i.tude, but he is a demon who raised all the way to marquis rank in the Spirit Worldbefore he got tampered with by Schmihazar. If he becomes your bloodkin, he has the potential to grow into a Demonic Armament Spirit surpa.s.sing Schmihazar. Now that I think about it, it is good that he has not been absorbed by Rotalz and me. Kisara comments and approaches me with her big b.o.o.bs swaying.

While shes been speaking, Adombraly-kun as been rattling on, Shes right, completely right! Form a contract with me! Come on!

His att.i.tude has completely changed from before. Probably because he doesnt want to be eaten by Rollo.

Of course. Most of my power was stolen by Iglued and Schmihazar, okay?

So, what was that ruby from earlier?

Its a power the Amshabis possess. Not being able to unleash it to a satisfying extent, I

Okay, I see.

You understand, dont you? Earlier I was simply angry over having been captured, so I did the only thing I could do. Thats why Ill leave the rest to your discretion. He says and folds his pair of wings, apparently exhibiting his intent to pledge his allegiance to me.

It perfectly fits the proverb, There is no flying from fate. Hes unexpectedly upright.

If you become my master, Ill likely transform into your personal Demonic Armament Spirit. The contract requires a fair amount of mana, however

All of a sudden the flow of the conversation has become completely dominated by me forming a contract with him

Wait a moment. Before contracts and all that, I dont have any intention to shackle you down. I wouldnt mind if you use those small wings of yours to travel the world.

Eh? Youd release me while respecting my will?

Yes. I caught you out of curiosity, but you dont seem to have any will to fight against me. Besides, you want to return to the Spirit World, right?

Adombraly-kun closed his eyelid.

After remaining silent for a while, Ill stay back here. After having magically remodeled me, who was once called a demonic marquis, that cursed Schmihazar evaporated into nothingness. Now that Ive become free, Iwant to return to the Spirit World if I can, buteven if I returned

Adombraly-kuns eyelid trembled. Big tears formed at the base of his eye, and trickled down.

Rollo rested as a cat loaf on my shoulder, but reacting to his tears, she extended a tentacle towards his eye and wiped away the tears.

Rollo, youre really kind.

Nya.

Thanks, Rollo-sama. In reality I didnt want to talk about it, butImy appearance hasnt changed much, butthanks to Hoffmann and Schmihazar, the old me has actuallyIm no demonic marquis or Amshabis anymorein reality Im a shadow of my former self as Demonic Armament Spirit whos been remodeled so that itd be easy to absorb my manaand nothing else.

Its a way of talking and crying that doesnt suit demons.

I got it. Then lets have a contract! And when I go to the Spirit World, itll be fine for you to go back to your hometown if you wish.

Are you planning to make me cry!?

Youre already crying, eyeball! I thought but wont present him with a spear k.u.mite retort. If my retort hit his eyeball, itd likely get crushed in an instant.

Shuuya-samawinning over a demon with words aloneyou are amazing. Kisara joined her hands in front of her chest, resulting in her elbows squas.h.i.+ng her b.o.o.bs.

It might be a blessing that Rollo had teased his eyeball and not me.

So what do I need to do to make a contract with you?

You just need to touch this

The instant Adombraly-kun said so, his eyeball peeled back. Once his eye became all white, red, blood vessel tentacles began to squirm, forming a magic crest.

Its a three-dimensional crest, but the red color thins out, and a magic crest that seems to be formed out of white and pink earthworms floats up. Its gross

It looks like a trap

I think it will be alright, but how about calling Spirit-sama over?

Following Kisaras advice, I call Helme.

Helme. I shout.

The chatting on the training ground is very lively. Seemingly very pleased with the black sweet water, Sarah, Luciel, Belize, and Bucchi are talking about it cheerfully.

Hehe, you dont need to hurry so much with the drinking, Muu-chan

Still, Muu-chan, youre really good at handling your threads. Youre a small spearmaster.

Cant talk, eh? But leader, this stuff is really good!

If we hunt in Pelneet, we always put a priority on a Black Sweet.w.a.ter Snake after all.

For you to say that seriouslybut I totally get where youre coming from, Belize.

It looks like Red Tiger Storm is letting Muu drink some black sweet.w.a.ter.

Let me have a drink as well.

Professor, me too

Domidon and Mie-san, huh?

Next, Sweet.w.a.ter, huh!? How nostalgic! Nemus drained our stock down in one night!

I am, Nemus!

Once they hear Moga and Nemus, Quema and Solobo say, This isa sweet vegetable that can be harvested in Hekatrail

Its quite different in quality from what can be obtained underground.

It sounds like theyre wolfing down the fresh vegetables that were grown in Hekatrail.

Moreover, Adomos and Zemetas are heatedly talking about having witnessed a legendary, huge sonrissa in the Spirit World. At that moment, Catiza, a lover of Hekatrail cheese and bread, joins in.

Everyone is probably holding cups with a mix of black sweet.w.a.ter and Helmes b.o.o.b water in a hand while enjoying some snacks. Gramps Tons sweets are great, and Riedels sweets are nice, too.

She talked about having failed in making them, butthey were surprisingly great apple sweets. It sounds like theyre currently eating those.

When I contacted Rebecca through blood messaging, she told me, How neat! I wanna eat those sweeties too! Shuuya, youve already set up the 16th mirror in your house, havent you? Then, get your a.s.s moving and bring them back home. Viine bought magic preservation tools a little while ago, so storage should be no issue! This has top priority!

Rebecca was so excited that I could feel it through the blood message It seems like her internal sweets sensor had been triggered. Eva should like apple sweets too.

As Eva is Eva, she told me, Thanks to the Blood Moon Sea Stars Alliance, the joint business with a fruits company that possesses its own farms is going very smoothly

When I told her about the vegetable garden made by Donagan and the natural apple plantation discovered by Catiza, she got really happy. Moreover, we recently learned that those arent normal apples either.

And then, at the end, she said, Nn, it might be possible to oppose Tanaka confectionery, which has become famous for its round sweets, with sweets using those abnormal apples. Thats why Id like you to sell those apples to Dees restaurant

It might be a bit difficult, since those apple trees are natural. Well, come to Cydale and see for yourself next time. Ill have Catiza show you around

Nn! I will!

We had that kind of carefree chat through blood messages.

As for Yui, it didnt really develop into an apple talk

We defeated the robbers controlling the highway close to

Elephant G.o.d City Regeepick

, you know?

With your triple-katana style?

Yep. Thinking that things were shady, we went straight to a bar. Over there Dad ordered saboten meat and wine after we sat down, and while we pretended to enjoy a nice drinking bout, we gathered some information. But, the bitter, boiled saboten meta was sure delicious

And thats how you got a lead on the robbers, huh?

Apparently Kaldo, Yui and Crow-san had a great fight with a dark guild opposing the a.s.sembly of Stars, our ally, in the process of their operation. After expansively talking about it, she s.h.i.+fted to grumbling about her Dad and Crow-san making out

Your Excellency! I am terribly sorry for being late! Helme b.u.t.ts in just as I imagine Kaldo springtime.

No wait, its just normal since I called her over.

Helme was in the middle of reeling her

back into her fingers. Because she was also emitting water sprays from her feet, the wooden window got slightly wet.

No problem. Come here.

Of course. Helme replies with a smile and enters the room.

Ive been thinking about forming a contract with Adombraly-kun over here, butyou can see the reason why I wanted you to take a look, right?

Its the one you had Gramps Ton take care of, right? And yes, I see. Going by its appearance, its a gathering of earthwormscertainlybut, its okay. There are no evil spirits around it. Its just an ama.s.sing of mana.

Got it.

And then, after nodding my resolve at everyoneI fix my eyes on Adombraly-kuns eyeball. I summon my courage and extend a hand for the magic crest.

The instant my fingers touched the group of earthworm-like tentacles

Nuoohh!!

I felt how quite a lot of my mana was sucked out.

Hahan! Absorbing mana from me is impossible! Fuhahaha!

I ignore Saratens clamoring. Or rather, the instant her voice resounded, the tentacles melted away.

Adombraly-kun dissolvedno, became beads? Small red beads.

Having gained their freedom, the beads draw an arc in the air as if shaping a red wing, and then head my way with a sharp curve.

I tried to dodge them by reflex, but the beads gathered on my middle finger. Thats why I remained still with my hand still stretched out.

Immediately following, the beads on my middle finger turned into a ring. The ring has a red gem in its center, surrounded by a quiver mark. The red gem has crimson wings.

Piiing

Permanent Skill acquired

Oohh, its a skill.

My mana got absorbed, but I acquired a skill. I guess thats the standard type of Demonic Armament Spirits you talked about, Kisara. It seems to be a contract similar to that of the Burning Knights.

Oh, Your Excellency, you have a brand-new ring! It looks like you can also take it on and off.

Just as Helme says so, I take it off my finger, and show it to Rollo.

Nn, nya

The scent is the same as before?

Nya

Rollo changes her posture. She begins to wave her tail in the direction of the ring.

Kisara steps up next to me. Her perfume smells really nicely. My eyes are reflexively drawn to her armpit as she strokes Rollo, who has fled into my hood after I teased her a bit.

But, right now is not the time for lewd stuff.

After shaking my head, I put the ring back on, and poured mana into it. Thereupon, the red wings attached to the red gem began to move. As they flapped, the wings became bigger and bigger.

At the instant when the red gem also transformed its shape by bending flexibly, Adombraly appeared while still being connected to the ring. His size has shrunk by half compared to the one before the contract.

Milord, the contract has been concluded. I am looking forward to working with you from now on.

Aye.

Now then, next up is Iglued, I suppose. I cant even begin to imagine how things are going to turn out with her