Chapter 406: Memories of a Bygone Past.
So essentially, we were forcefully entered into the Event Quest despite wanting nothing to do with it? But how? That isnt possible; a dungeon should be in a separate pocket of space, similar to a [Room]. Thats why they can get as big as they want without ruining anything around their entrance. Even if it were possible, the dungeon walls are indestructible, unless the dungeon master says otherwise. I couldnt help but deny what the boys told me about everything that happened while I was out.
To summarize, due to the confusing changes in the dungeon caused by the Maagneils rebellion orba catalyst made to create trouble within a dungeonI fell unconscious from the insane amount of vertigo. Since everything was morphing around with no stop, my brain couldnt figure out what was up or down, right or left. Not to mention how often my brain was probably jumping against my skull as all this was happening. Trying to remember it made me feel wobbly while sitting down.
In any case, while that was happening, my song and control over [Hydra] had stopped, since my parallel minds shut down whenever I fall unconscious. At the same time, the rock where I placed the [Room] broke, suddenly releasing the boys and VifiYok. While confused at what was happening, they werent caught too unaware as the former three were prepared to support me if I needed help, even if I pushed them on the bench for their safety.
Without [Hydra] keeping the dragonslayer back, VifiYok had to take over despite being slightly exhausted from using her big spells and a Territory. Kyouya even debuted his new ability and skill related to his [Shadowed Martyr].
To be honest, I was flabbergasted how the dragonslayers armor and weapons werent corroded by my corrosive slime, but if he made equipment out of my severed limbs, then that was the answer. My scales were highly resistant against fire, holy, and toxins, and one of them managed to smith the materials from my cut arm into something useful. The sludge tsunami would hurt him if it got into his body, but otherwise, he might have just gotten soooo much harder to deal with.
Jeez, I need Tasianna, Saori, or maybe Sis to deal with that annoying guy.
He managed to cut off one of my arms, after all. He was, as Pradreo, Skardrvo, Mom, Yorshka, and Neill noted, very scary. My scales should also be resistance against lightning and solar energy attacks, so that just made VifiYok weaker against him, too. Rajah and the boys all got some sorta power-up, but the level difference from a rank B to a rank S was too massive. They couldnt fight him.
That was why I needed people who could counter me to fight him. Sadly, none of them were here! Well, Tasianna and Neill were in the Event dungeon, but I had a feeling they werent even close by.
I could technically buy [Water Magic]. Only, the issue was it wasnt feasible from an economical standpoint. Due to terrible affinity, buying [Water Magic] would set me back by 2100, not to mention how I had to level it up to even use the good spells. Which was another issue since the level up cost was unusually expensive. I didnt know the exact amount, but if I were to use [Water Resistance] as my reference, leveling it up to level 2 would have cost me 300 SP, instead of the usual 50 for a Tier 1 skill.
Regardless, everybody managed to protect me when I was unconscious. The boys executed their plan while VifiYok dueled the dragonslayer, allowing all of us to get out of there. Kyouya, especially, was proud of the Job skill he bought.
Shadowing Martyr: Allows you to grant those within your party a weaker version of [Shadowed Martyr]s knight form for 20% of your health, granting them the ability to leech health according to the latter skills level. Leeched health will only heal you, but will also repair the specific shadow armor
Realistically, I could only really give you a gauntlet or chest armor here or there before, since using the skill cost me so much health to activate. 25% per small armament, 50% for a full armor, and 75% for the real deal, something on par with Senseis [Shadow Armament]. Now, for 20%, I can give you a full knight armor at about 10% shielding power, but by doing damage, you can repair it up to 100% of my health. Meaning, just like your [Shield of [The Light]], you can stack extra health upon your titanic amount already, Hestia-san, Kyouya explained his ability. He was literally shadowing me by giving me armor like a buffer.
So, he wrapped you in it before VifiYok literally kicked you into the ground, crushing everything around. The dragonslayer survived, but with all the craziness going on, the impact broke through the ground, and all of us fell down. No idea about the golem boss or Maagneil, but you see where we eventually ended up, Tatsuya ended his retelling.
So, to count, with Kyouya around, I can have your Panzer over my scale Panzer, over my armor Panzer, over my [Panzer] Panzer, over [Draconic Barrier] Panzer, and then over my scale Panzer. Thats six layers of defenses now. Youre turning me into a juggernaut. Scratching my chin a bit at the protective measures available to me, I also looked around the grassy landscape, noticing the local forest area surrounding us like a circle and that they all had signs of destructionbroken trees, destroyed patches of earth, and magic.
[Master was already one!] Rajah expressed, reminding me I was already extremely tanky. Now, I could even help Kyouya survive better. [Master, dont worry, once Rajah learns how to cast illusion, Rajah will make sure others cant see you!]
My virigrevirgacuga smacked his tail on the ground like an excited cat, cracking open the ground as he was unable to control his new strength. Randomly, he would also turn invisible. Maybe I should have him buy [Humanize] or something similar so he could get access to Jobs to level his stats, since, just like Saori and me, he was a young monster at rank B, meaning he had reduced level growth now. Surprisingly, he had to reach five-years-old to evolve into a rank A, just like me.
Individual [Young Silverlight Shadow Virgarcuga, Rajah] has reached rank B through evolution. Congratulations, you have reached the maximum rank achievable for a [Young] monster. Bonus: 300 in all stats, 3000 Skill Points
Due to becoming rank B, individual [Young Silverlight Shadow Virgarcuga, Rajah] will receive reduced experience gain until maturation requirement is achieved. Evolution is blocked until maturation requirement is fulfilled. Maturation requirement: Age: 5 Years, [Lucent Illusion Lv. 10], [Virgacuga Bladehair Lv. 10], [Virgacuga Toxin Lv. 10], [All-Damage Enhancement Lv. 10]
Those were the requirements. He had a ton of skill points he had to spend, which I had to help him with, and I would after this entire discussion was over. After all, our current situation was pretty problematic.
Welcome to [Manethalas Nest]. The Event Quest [Manethalas Greatest Gambit] will begin in a moment Welcome to my lair. You, all of you, are cheating a bit, no? You should start at the very beginning, but, alas, that wouldnt be as fun. You do not break my rules when coming into my home, but I will allow you to stay on the tenth floor if you can survive the onslaught. Enjoy the gambit, and until we meet, have fun, cheaters.
A dungeon master was the ruler over his dungeon. They controlled the flow of everything, but they werent omnipotent within one. There were rules. He couldnt exactly kick somebody out of the dungeon unless somebody agreed to it. However, he could control the amount of monsters, the traps, and what trials dungeon divers had to bypass.
One of the things the dungeon master could control was the indestructibility of a dungeons walls. Once again, I had to repeat this fact to myself and everybody. With everything going on in the last dungeon, to the point I probably guessed the golem bosss true identitythat of the earth elemental emperorit only made me more paranoid. Crustacias Divine Quest wasnt done, meaning she knew there was an even larger conspiracy going on.
In fact, I for sure knew since Maagneil had that rebellion orb. Also, as the boys mentioned, the earth elemental emperor probably didnt die from everything we did. What were those two planning to do with that orb?
I shall put all of you into a group, with the dragon automatically joining the party once she puts her party bracelet back on. Once the party is set, dont transform back, little whelpling. Your virigress will act as a pet. Once your party is set, your stage mission will begin. Until then, an army of monsters will spawn that will give anybody any experience, so, dont dally. It will get worse.
That was the message from the dungeon master. The boys had to tell me since I slept through it.
Im sorry The reason why the boys were drenched in blood became clear. Since I was sleeping, Rajah, Tatsuya, Kyouya, VifiYok, and my cousin, Franz, protected me.
There is nothing to thank me for, HikaSorry, Im still not used to this. Hestia. Hestia. Hestia Atsuko Kargryxmor It wouldnt be appropriate to call you by your Earthen name. Franz, the silver-haired half Japanese, half German young man stared at the ground, still finding it awkward to speak with me.
Frankly, I couldnt help but feel the same. I couldnt muster the confidence to speak to him, feeling even meeker than when I was just the size of a gecko. Whenever I tried to say anything after I realized that he was, in fact, my cousin from my past life transported to this world along with the rest of Saoris students, my throat just became dry. My mouth was knit closed, and my mind went blank.
I wanted to thank him, since because of him, I managed to relearn the names of my human parentsLeon and Ako Schartner. My name was Hikari Schartner, the only child of two American immigrants. Even if I wanted to find a reason to deny it, to be untrusting, I couldnt. He was able to explain all the gruesome details about my past lifes death. He knew it was suicide, even when that information should have been confidential.
In fact, I hadnt even told Saori about it when we had our reunion.That shouldve been a happy moment for us to catch up, not to make Saori feel bad for me. However, I did decide to tell her everything the next time we met. Everybody else in Aurora, even the students, knew. My best friend deserved to know my past.
However, my past also made it kind of awkward between Franz and me, right now. The thing was, I still had no bloody idea who he actually was. My memories of him were foggy, as even the memory my past self just showed me had his face covered up with shadows. I couldnt remember anything about him. I didnt know what sort of person he was, or what he had experienced in life.
On the other hand, he knew everything about Hikari Schartner, but nothing about Hestia Atsuko Kargryxmor. I identified as Hestia, not Hikari, as that name belonged to my other half. At the same time, I recognized that I was Hikari just that I wanted to associate myself with my new life. Leave the past behind, embrace the future, but dont forget about it, something like that.
We were cousins, but at the same time, we were little more than strangers right now.
Even now? Tatsuya suddenly expressed his annoyance after he finished his explanation. He sighed, before pouring some fulinoe tea for me. Here I thought you two were going to have a moment, especially with how much Daisy cried like a little bitch.
Dude! Kyouya smacked him on the back, causing the latter to just groan. However, neither Franz nor I said anything. This is just suffocating.
VifiYok, finally seeing a moment to speak, nodded in agreement. True. Not like I can properly relate, but here I thought family members would be happy to see each other. Somebody in the family diedgone forever; they were here one moment, but gone in the next Goddess Death takes everybody one day, but not many are able to reincarnate as the same person. You too can meet, despite having death separate you once already.
She was right, but at the same time, I couldnt help but scowl at her. I felt annoyed, irritated. This unjustified rage inside me wanted to lash out at her.
Then, how about this, we return to what we discussed? Why are you still here? Why the hell are you still not saying anything? Is my trust valued that little, that you cant just speak to us?
My trust in VifiYok had faded. Well, a small part of me still wanted to trust her just for the sake of finding a way to make peace with the demonkins, but another side wondered if I couldnt find somebody else. There had to be one or two other dissatisfied demonkins like VifiYok, right?
Oh right, that part is mostly cleared, Hestia, Franz suddenly spoke. Valeria, or VifiYok as shes properly called, told us she isnt working for anybody. Shes correct.
I turned my gaze to him, confused how he could be so calm. In fact, shouldnt he have only now learned she was a demonkin who was posing as a human? Werent the students told the demonkins were enemies? Why was he suddenly trusting her?
When I brought that up to him, Franz shook his head. I wasnt there when everything happenedI dont know how I was separated from my group aside from the ground collapsing under my feet before finding myself in this areabut I questioned her with Nagata and Ishigami.
Hes calling them by their last names, again Tatsuya had some friction with him, right? Something about Franzs father suing his mom?
Ignoring it, Tatsuya supported Franzs claim. And we didnt go easy on her. You know Ive never trusted her for a moment. I wasnt letting this moment go to blast her, especially with our current situation. The demonkin cant try to kill us before she knows what the dungeon master is asking of us.
True. With me unconscious, she could have killed any of the boys, even Rajah, with no issue and just gone away. However, unless she knew what to expect to get out of this Event Quest, she was once again checkmated.
See, Light-san has his unique skill like all of us when we first came to this world, Kyouya prompted before he explained what LightsFranzunique skill was.
It evolved once the church announced me as a Champion Candidate but, well, that was all really a lie from the demonkins.
I looked over at Tatsuya and Kyouya, prompting them to explain they had caught up with each othermostly facilitated by Kyouya, since Tatsuya and Franz despised each other. Franz had known the demonkins were behind the summoning of the students since he got to the Empire. Aside from his partyhis closest friendsnone of the other students knew about this, as Franz knew he couldnt convince them, especially the boy called Takumasomebody he also has a bad relationship with.
Franz, why do you have so many bad relationships? I was really, really confused about my cousins personal life, but at the same time, I didnt want to intrude into it. I kinda wished I could just switch places with my other half, but that was literally impossible since I was the primary personality at this point.
In any case, Franz didnt specify from whom he learned all of this, merely mentioning the person wanted to stay low. I looked over at VifiYok, but couldnt get any information from her expression. I had the feeling she would know, or at the very least, give me candidates.
Franz then explained he wanted to meet me for a while now, having recently learned that I introduced Berliners, donuts, and so on to this world, a fact he didnt brush aside as some coincidence. He wanted to learn if I could become an ally, as he had been looking for ways to get the students on his side to safety, away from the demonkins.
Which, then prompted me to use [Telepathy] to tell him I had the ability to usurp demonic influences. My other half probably recognized him instantly as my cousin, so I trusted him, but I couldnt let VifiYok know. She probably hadnt realized it, and it was an ace I wanted to keep to myself for now.
[Not now,] he suddenly responded, explaining he had [Telepathy] for a while now, as it was rather useful.
Ignoring the topic for now, Tatsuya told me he gave Franz a quick rundown of our trips and experience, without telling VifiYok too much. As such, he knew enough that the Hikari he knew had completely changed. It was also why he felt so standoffish, and a little bit crazy, when we spoke. He was probably afraid his cousin actually died, but that girl was still inside me.
Im sorry Once again, I couldnt help myself but to apologize, this time to Franz himself. I knew I was a big reason for his current issues, especially as I was still in my dragon form to make sure we didnt begin the quest.
Dont be. Franz smiled. Im just happy youre alive and well, being that idol you always wanted to be. I am sure your parents will be happy to see you again once we make it through all of this We miss Were happy you made your dream come true.
We miss, huh? Hmm
Now, as for Valeria, we can trust her when she says she isnt working for the demonkins. Thats the one thing I was able to confirm as a fact. Most of the other questions we posed, she dodged, Franz continued, prompting VifiYok to speak.
Thats what Im saying I know, you shouldnt trust me, but I am not trying to throw you under an equerochs, here. I just cant afford to be found out. I will die if they find me; dont forget, I am a deserter. All this time, I was trying to get away, okay, because I had a feeling something was going on.
Which brings me back to my same point! Why didnt you try to tell us anything?! Thats the real issue I am having with you! You keep talking about not wanting to help me with your people, but at the same time, it makes me nervous trying to trust you. You dont trust us, and you dont even try to! But I tried, but its too clear now. I grit my teeth, unable to get this stinking feeling away. You belong to the military. Can you trust anybody who is keeping things from you? Important intel to the success of a mission?
Thats why I dont expect your trust. I expect us to work together, thats all. She stood up, stretching her arms. Mercs and soldiers can work with eachother, even if they wont entrust their backs to each other. Sleep with a knife under your pillow, kinda deal. I already told you, I just just want to leave all my past behind.
She looked conflicted, almost frowning in a crestfallen manner. Biting her lips, she turned around. I can sense more monsters are coming. Just catch up, or whatever. Lets just do this thing already. All this talking is just obnoxious.
Without my spear, she left. A few seconds later, I heard the sound of roars but they were instantly silenced by the flicking of red lightning sizzling all around us.
While Rajah was tending to his paws, licking them clean, I turned my attention back to the boys. With everything said, they stayed silent. Tatsuya, especially, was glaring at Franz, while the latter kept his eyes onto the ground, pondering. I couldnt exactly remember what went on between each other, but I was also afraid to ask. It was weird, I was afraid to ask about my past, despite always wanting to learn more about it ever since I understood my memories were broken.
The first to speak was Tatsuya, Hestia-san, you know how Ive been asking you about your hair and how we probably met before?
I nodded.
If youre Daisys cousin, then it confirms it. We did meet when we were all in grade school. First in an arcade, then the next day in a park My eyes widened as he told me this, but I kept quiet so he could continue. Summer, after Kyouya moved away. He couldnt come, and I had some tickets for a movie. I gave it to you two after we played a bit.
I turned to Franz, who kept his eyes closed. A year before my entrance exam for middle school. We met. I was nervous, you cheered me up.
That was the exact memory my other self showed me.
We were playing around in the park before our mothers picked us up. On the next day, to show you around, I showed you a local arcade because you always loved playing games. We met Nagata there, and thought he was harassing you since your Japanese was pretty broken. Happens.
You mean you overprotective ass shoved me back, acting like a punk when I just tried to speak with her! Tatsuya shouted, slapping his leg. We played some games after you diffused everything, where I gave you some tickets to the new pocket monster movie. We then met on the next day at a nearby park. I think you bought your handheld with you to play with Light, only for us three to spend some time there. Well, I didnt get to meet you after that, so I forgot about you over time.
I shook my head, telling him he shouldnt worry. I had zero recollection of this time, so it wasnt like I could blame him. Forgetting the name of a girl you played with as kids was just normal, I probably did, too Which just confused me even further how Tatsuya and Franz were so antagonistic. When I asked them, both just turned silent, prompting Kyouya to sigh.
Haaa, well, I wasnt there so I dont really know if this is 100% accurate. Its just Tatsuyas recollection, after all.
Huh? Now that I think about it, Tatsuya-kun didnt mention you at all. I thought you guys were childhood friends and always hung around?
Kyouya looked at me for a bit, before realizing something and snapping his fingers. Sorry! We didnt exactly tell you how Sensei held a counseling moment when we trained with her, right? Yeah, well, to summarize, I moved away when we were in grade school and in the summer when I was supposed to meet with him, I ditched him for, well, the friends I had at my new school.
Yeah felt really bad back then, but we made up when Sensei made things clear for us. We both got lonely without each other and tried to make do with things, but while Kyouya bettered himself by going to the gym, losing a ton of weight to the point his pudgy belly became a six pack, I kind of just isolated myself into otaku stuff. Games, manga, and just this feeling of boredom.
Kyouya used to be overweight? No effing way!
While I was baffled at this, Kyouya continued the story, I should have been there, losing contact was my fault, when you tried to speak with me. Well, Im here for you now, Tatsuya.
Kyouya! Both booths slapped their hands into a handshake, letting out a loud clapping sound. I meant it when I said I admired your change, okay? Its better than me going around trying to protect you from bullies. Its better. As you said, youre here now and I couldnt have asked for anyone better than you when we came to this world. Without you, I would have continued staying in my room.
Ha! Youre right, you would have just gotten coffee migraines for the entire year if Aiko hadnt given you some fulinoe tea! Both boys smiled brightly, the proof of their friendships clear. Kyouya tensed his arm and gave his best friend a hug. Well continue to get stronger, alright? To survive and make sure we arent deadweight. To make sure we kill Daisy!
Huh? What did they say?
Yeah! Tatsuya roared, even howling like a wolf. All to kill Daisy!
WHAT!
Ill take that as a statement of threat Franz suddenly stood up, pulling out his sword, prompting me to pull on Tatsuyas and Kyouyas cheeks, breaking up their embrace to have them explain what the hell was going on.
Apparently, they were talking about Imaginary Daisy, an imaginary version of Franz Tatsuya was showing his anger at. Franz looked at them for a moment, before clicking his tongue, saying no lies. These two boys can really cause some chaos!
In any case, with this sudden drama, Franz suddenly had the urge to speak, explaining how their grudge was created when his father sued Tatsuyas mother in an attempt to create drama concerning his father. Apparently, Franzs dad was hired by somebody to take Tatsuyas position as a competitor down, which he successfully managed.
Nagata-san lost his position as CEO, but managed to start anew at another company. After the drama died down and rumors came out that my father targeted him, things turned around for the better, Franz explained, but Tatsuya could only glare at him.
No thanks to you he snorted. You could have done something. You could have spoken to your father. You know it was false! The floor being wet? No sign? Bull-shit! Your father tripped and broke his hip by himself!
Franz didnt dispute it, instead, only sighed. He closed his eyes, before brushing his silver hair off his eyes, revealing his dirty forehead.
Do you really think I could have acomplished anything? His eyes narrowed, glaring at Tatsuya with this exhausted but irritated look, almost as if he was ready to blow up. The only person my father listens to are the people paying him. Do you really think a snot-nosed little brat like me can stand up to Japans most notorious prosecutor?
He didnt contort his face. His glare was enough to kill.
My father, who married a foreigner so he could get a hafu for clout? He did not love my mother, nor her family, he only thought of me as his next step to immortalize his legacy. Akabane? The devils name. If I could change my last name, I would have, but that would have cut me off completely from everything. That man, the moment he noticed my weakness, would have cut me off completely. Ruined me. Made sure I could not do anything to him. Nagata, you blamed me for ignoring your request? Wrong. I didnt ignore you, I just couldn't do anything. He would have taken me down.
He then turned to me, his eyes having calmed down. He never told me you died.
What?
My parents divorced once my mothers use was over. When she told my father you died, he held it back so I could focus on my college exam. He never planned to tell me. I missed your funeral You were-You were the only reason why I kept fighting. I wanted to be one of the best lawyers, so whenever you signed up with an agency, I could make sure you got the best deal ever. H-Hi-Hikari Tears welled up in his eyes again, while I was frozen in place. I-I I-I should have been there for you. You-You wouldnt have ended that way if I had just been better But its all my fathers fault. He pushed me! He kept me away from you!
He suddenly took two deep breaths, almost as if he was hyperventilating. He clutched his neck, looking at the ground with two blank, wide eyes. So thats what he meant when God had it all planned. I see this is my second chance. Hestia.
Uuh, y-yesWoah! He suddenly lunged forward, grabbing my shoulders. His eyes were piercing, as if they were looking at my soul.
Do you still plan on becoming an idol? Do you still want to become the star that brings everybody joy?
Why is he asking this? Franz? Franz?
That look in his eyes. I knew it, something was wrong with him. What was the correct answer here? It felt like whatever I said next would probably influence him quiteNo, by a lot. Call it draconic intuition. That ghastly skin-crawling sensation returned.
I might as well do it now.
I touched his right hand, caressing the thick gauntlet before grabbing his wrist.
Usurp! Huh?
In fact, I for sure knew since Maagneil had that rebellion orb. Also, as the boys mentioned, the earth elemental emperor probably didnt die from everything we did. What were those two planning to do with that orb?
Your usurpation rights arent high enough to activate on this person. Usurpation attempt failed
! No way!
It was at this point my senses shot up to 200%. There was something seriously wrong with Franz, not just mentally, but something else. Never has my usurpation rights ever failed before, not even when it came to me usurping Master Kushs blessing. I even got that long-winded System message where Plesia kept blocking the attempt until she just gave me a lousy, weak buff to make the attempt stop.
Franz mentioned some god before, so who were they? Some Edjurl god? How did Franz know the demonkins were controlling the Empire of Folschreck? From whom? Who was using my cousin against me?
HestiaNo, this answer has to come from Hikari.
I activated [Thought Acceleration] and had my parallel minds think with me. With [Multi-Thought Processing] we went and reviewed a few memories of our past, including our meeting with my other half. We analyzed my speaking habits, my bratty personality, and how I died. Anything to gain that one answer to turn this around.
Wait, the rest of the memory of our meeting with Franz. Look! Look!
Memories of the skipped part of the memory went rushing out, revealing the truth of that event to me. The sealed memories were mine to review, and that was where I saw the shadow silhouette of my cousin when he was still a kid.
Shy and nervous around me, he didnt seem anywhere close to the person giving me this piercing gaze. However, time was wasting, so I ignored it and began watching. Any details was good!
I this is a bit embarrassing but recently I wished I could have more family around. and then Haha-ue and Chichi-ue arent getting alo woah! but then this happened, Enough! Its such a fun day and youre bringing it down. Come on, come on! Lets go have some fun at the playground before Mama and Auntie pick us up! Damn, I acted like such a tsundere But I was trying to make him feel better.
A moment of childish fun was plagued by the young boys issues. Chichi-ue would always drink coffee before he went to work. I thought, even if its empty, I could mimic him to understand what he wants from me. It always feels like Im a disappointment, was one particular moment that struck my core. He was talking about his father, and how he wanted to make him proud, but kept failing. Even back then, his family was a dysfunctional mess.
I never felt lonely at home, always finding some comfort in my parents or nanny. However, the opposite was the case for Franz, to the point it seemed I acted as his emotional pillar. Meaning, despite knowing this, I allowed myself to get weak? Verdammt!
I always lamented how terrible of a friend and daughter I was, but my Earthen self was also a bad cousin, huh? Damn. What a brat I was.
However, it also made me understand what was driving Franz. White hair that seemed to have greyed out from stress, probably caused by my death or his college exam prep. His eccentric behavior, caused by relieving his trauma. I couldnt read his mind. I couldnt understand what or who he had met in this world, but it didnt matter.
Even if Hestia was a stranger to him, I had a duty as Hikari to correct my mistakes!
I had to go with this path.
Will it make you smile again, Onii-chan? I gave him a wry smile, unable to hide my sadness at seeing him like this.
He twitched, continued with a stutter, Huh? I-I would b-be happy if
Would it really? Are you doing this for me, or are you doing this for yourself? I pushed his hand off, causing him to step back, but I kept holding his, pulling him slightly back with my higher strength. What about Auntie? Your mom?
M-my mom?
Franz, I am an idol. I already made it, and I want to continue shining, but I also want to make you happy. Make my friends happy. My family happy. Have all of you smile so brightly you could blind others. My smile softened, remembering why I was on this journey. Why I decided to walk down the path of Aurenas Champion and my desire to finish it. I want to see my Mama and Papa. I want to see them again, and ask them for forgiveness for what I did. This is why I am doing this for Aurena. Why I became her idol!
My chest tightened, feeling cramp as I let out my emotions.
And I want you to be there! I want everybody to see me make it, so, Franz, dont give me that look! Dont show me that look! What were you thinking?
Unexpecting my scolding, Franzs face softened as he began to frown, confused why I was turning things around in this direction. That was cause this was a Hestia plus Hikari moment, a culmination of how I dealt with my problem ever since I was reborn in this world.
I have a Onee-chan, now, you know? I showed a smug smile to him, causing him to turn red as he stuttered Big sister?! Fargryneill is her name, and shes part of my new family in this world. I want to introduce her to you, Franz. I want you to know of the people Hestia has befriended, but also to show you the growth Hikari has made during my stay in this world. The conviction I made for myself!
He went silent, but kept his eyes sternly on me. He did not dismiss anything.
And also a dragon mother. A second mother; oh, have I told you how Im an auntie in this world? However despite all of that, I still want to get to know you.
Me?
Of course! Why wouldnt I? Dont forget, I have a case of amnesia, right? So make new memories with me, Franz. Now that were reunited, let us have a second chance as cousins once again. I tightened my grip on his wrist. And I will show you how much Ive grown. How much Ive come to experience in my life that I can stand by you, so we can both help each other. To assure we make it to our goalto reunite our family. Everything for family, right?
He widened his eyes, flabbergasted at my answer to his question as he blinked multiple times. However, the tension in his body faded away as he gripped my arm and wiped away the tears on his face. He looked me in the eyes again, showing me a gentle smile. The stress wasnt gone completely, but Franz no longer looked like he was about to make the worst mistake in his life.
To do that, we will have to do quite a lot. Not only people will stand in your path to fulfill your Divine Quest, but you will also run into clashing ideologies, Hestia. Things will never work as you planned. Murphys Law.
Then I will overturn them! There is always a way forward when options are available! Unable to think about them is what will stop you, and that is something I will not do again! For you, for my friends, for my new family! I will not make that stupid mistake again. Rules be damned! I am a dragon in this life, Franz. I am Hestia Atsuko Kargryxmor, and through these veins, the blood of a god flows! Idol culture? Apologizing to Mama and Papa? They better send a nuke at me if they wish to stop me!
1 human has become your follower
Total follower count updated. Total followers of [Young Sunfang Dragon, Hestia Atsuko Kargryxmor]: 22446
Descendant of the Black Tyrant Kargryxmor, you have continued your path towards the inner peace of your blood. The seven paths of transcendence await you onwards on exalted wings. The path of Lust has been fulfilled. Paths unlocked: 3/7
Huh?!
Lust? A month had gone by since Neill began training me to master my lust and all this time, Ive been having more and more trouble controlling it, as I never could really break free of the mindset of doing anything for my goal. I always questioned my future moral choices and their consequences but in this one moment, I threw it away.
Was it the conviction in my words and mind that unlocked? Was it the ability to just think if there is a way, I will find it to fulfill my lust? I honestly couldnt really tell. How much evil could I do to achieve what I want, was the question and in this moment, I told Franz I would overturn the world.
Hold on, good and evil were just two sides of a coin. One side might condemn me, but another would praise me what if I overturned this rule? Then it would be the same, only, another side would hate and love me just like my decision to overturn this war between the humans and demonkins. I wasnt seeking total extinction, but to stop it all.
For that, rules had to be broken and everything had to be overturned. Would it involve more than just the mortal realms? What about the gods? Their influences? What would I have to do to achieve this goal?
Now, I understand It-it makes sense now why Pradreo and Skardrvo were so adamant about it.
The answer was right in front of me all this time. The two dragonewts who announced I was part of their clans, their families. I understood they saw me as their princess, but Skardrvo especially left a very strong impression on me on why he went out to killed random wyvernslayers.
To protect the child the clan matriarch wished for so long, was his motivation. Family was everything, and I had to second-guess myself to the point I couldnt open this gate immediately. I still felt fear of my dragon side, huh? Here I thought I already accepted it, but a part of me was always still apprehensive, too reserved.
Could you martyr yourself to ensure everybodys happiness? Could you become the villain for everybodys sake? Could you sacrifice your own gluttony for the happiness of everybody else? Those were the questions Sis asked me to test my lust, to find holes in my reasoning.
Could I martyr myself? What have I been doing to myself to help others, or how I pushed myself with the mindset of bringing a smile to peoples faces? No, I wouldnt just martyr myself, since a real star wouldnt die down without rocking the world one last time.
Could I become the villain? To some, I will become evil, similar to how the Empire thought I was evil. Evil? Good? Those were two sides of a coin, and it was all about perspective. Besides, having a bad boy or bad girl inside a group wouldnt be too bad. A group had to cater to different demographics, right? The Shining Star Blackens, sounded like an amazing headline.
The only hard question was the last one, as giving up my gluttony for others would be like abandoning a part about myself. However, as mentioned before, these trials were more about the philosophy behind my actions and how I perceived the world. Even the greatest philanthropist had to be selfish for a momenta hedonist.
So this is my lust?
And this conviction would meet its first roadblock in the challenge the dungeon master had set for us.
Once Franz and I made peace with our current situation, I set our party up using my party bracelet to make a party of six with Rajah as my tamed monster. It was then, the stage mission was explained.
Finally! Good the goal of this stage is simple. There are two temples in the center of this stage, where you may find two keys. Only two parties may obtain them, while any party who doesnt will die. No buts. Usually, any loser would be able to teleport out, but little cheaters deserve a punishment. After all, this is all a gambit of yours, right? The System will tell you the rest of the rules. Let the drama begin as six parties fight for their survival!
Here. Franz handed me a rock, causing me to widen my eyes when I noticed it was one pair of a [Room] rune! I found it when you escaped. I guess its yours. Sorry, I had Saintess Fleindia check on them before we were separated.
There was finally a chance for us to escape this hell home and get some reinforcement. All we needed to do was find this Saintess Fleindia.
Only
What?! The boys and I shouted as we saw the list of participants.
No!
It was the worst possible situation where my new conviction would be tested. Six teamssplit between mine, the three parties from the students, a party made from the knights, and Ankoran King Fugnarus.
Six parties; only two may live. I had not expected to participate in another Battle Royale
A note from AbyssRaven
Big sad memories. Also, no usurpation? Nani?
If you guys want to support me, Hestia and "A Dragon Idol's Reincarnation Tale" (or just read up to 20 advance chapters + any Patreon-only chapters) please check out my Patreon: Rawr!
For two dollars, for the cost of a coffee, you can read up to four chapters! You will have my eternal gratitude for any support you can give me! Please.
Thank you for reading this chapter.
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Bio: Hey there, AbyssRaven here. I'm just an avid Light Novel and Fantasy story reader who randomly thought of a story and began writing about it.
I eventually found out that I've been spending a bit too much time with building, planning, and researching for the story, that I've decided to just share it with others.
Writing is mostly a hobby for me, but I would still love any kind of criticism to improve on it.
I'm also german, so please excuse anything that sounds a bit weird...I wouldn't mind you pointing it out though.
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