Chapter 158 – Holy Song
Sitting on a chair in the living room, I’m enjoying my morning tea time.
“Shuuya-san, good morning. I’m much obliged for last night.” (Shana)
It looks like Shana woke up as her cheerful voice greets my ears.
Having changed her form from a mermaid to an elf, her bright golden-yellow hair is beautiful.
No matter how you look at her, you can’t think of her as a mermaid.
“…Mornin’. But I must say, that transformation magic of yours is really magnificent.” (Shuuya)
“Yes, this magic is my lifeline, after all. I wouldn’t be able to survive in human society if me being a mermaid was exposed. Thus, I ask you to please keep it a secret.” (Shana)
Of course, I won’t prattle about it to anyone.
She was seen by many people when I carried her, but her face was hidden. Well, it probably looked as though I’m going to eat a mermaid or something like that. Even if I don’t say anything, others will make their own assumptions.
“Roger.” (Shuuya)
“Thank you. As gratitude for having saved me, I will bring over the money I earned through singing. Is it fine for me to go to the rented storehouse for adventurers?” (Shana)
“Ah, no need for that. Just your feeling of gratitude is plenty. I can’t accept it all the more if it’s the money you’ve been saving, Shana. Besides, I don’t want to boast, but as you can see, I’m living in a mansion like this.” (Shuuya)
I speak with both arms spread, emitting a generous air.
“…Really? I thank you very much…” (Shana)
Shana casts her face downwards and only raises her gaze a bit.
Tears have already gathered in those eyes, threatening to fall off at any moment.
I don’t think it’s anything you have to cry about, though…
As I’m troubled how to deal with this situation, a sharp glint appears in her inflamed eyes, and she moves her small lips.
“…One song as thanks. I will have you allow me to sing for you.” (Shana)
“Oh, that’s very welcomed.” (Shuuya)
After the gem hanging at her neck shines and sparkles, the song begins.
It’s a capella, but she uses an amazing vocal volume right from the start.
From a soprano pitch, she gradually lowers the tone…
She’s singing at the top of her lungs with a technique of freely using rhythm and blues tunes combined with undulating melodic ornamentations.
It’s a piece I have never heard at the inn before.
Immediately after an exciting, she shifts to a solemn and then pleasant melody. It’s an ability with alternating voice qualities that exceeds that of opera singers.
Listening to it from nearby is really awesome…
It gave me the feeling of the living room having completely changed into a Budoukan1 live concert.
Even though it’s not Siddhartha Gautama-sama emitting a halo, she has a charismatic singing voice to compensate.
Seemingly being lured in by the mysterious singing voice, Viine, who was cleaning, also comes to the living room.
She looks at Shana with a spellbound expression, feeling lost in the music.
Even Rollo, who had moved on top of the table, listens carefully after sitting down in a catloaf posture.
『…It’s amazing. Is it the song’s mana? A kind of healing effect similar to a sanctuary is filling the area.』 (Helme)
Helme appears in the corner of my visual field and speaks with a deeply moved look.
Certainly, once I check it out with Magic Observation, I realize that ripple-like mana waves are originating from Shana’s mouth.
『Sanctuary, huh? Now that you mention it, I’m sure it’s just that.』 (Shuuya)
Apparently having heard the incredible singing, the slaves also gather at the main building’s window and peek inside.
These guys, even though they just have to come in… it appears that they are still holding back.
But, it means that it’s such an amazing voice that even they naturally gather here, despite their reservations.
However,
“Zaaaaaaaaat sooooooonkh~, guoooooh!”
The scream that subdued the beautiful singing sprang forth from a slave at the window.
—What’s going on?
The one shouting so loudly is the elf Fuu, who is infested by a bug.
Fuu kicks and hits the slaves next to her and violently slams her hands against the wooden, crossed window, giving the impression of being crazed.
In a hurry, I rush out of the living room.
Outside, Fuu let her head hang loosely, apparently having lost consciousness.
In addition, there’s that tiny bug. Ugghh.
It has appeared from behind Fuu’s neck over her head while making wiggling sounds.
It’s the exact same small bug I had confirmed with the Kaleidoscope before.
Many sea anemone-like tentacles come out of a spot that seems to be its mouth but wither away…
Moreover, blood is streaming down from its disgusting compound eyes.
It seems to have suffered damage.
“…To, inflict… wounds, on this, me…”
The bug says with a hoarse voice.
“Shaaa.”
Rollo bares her fangs at it, prepared to strike at any moment.
“Master, by the ten-layered hell, what is this?” (Viine)
Viine asks while readying the snake bow she had received from the goddess.
“I think it’s a parasitic bug.” (Shuuya)
Or is it possibly an alien life form?
『Your Excellency, that gives off the feeling of an unusual creature. Also, it seems to be sucking mana out of the elf Fuu.』 (Helme)
『Unusual creature, huh…?』 (Shuuya)
While communicating telepathically with Helme, I try to talk to Fuu, or rather, the small bug.
“Yo, bug. Do you understand my words?” (Shuuya)
“N,o… this me, is the servant, of Evil God Hyuriox-sama, Kagululugu.”
It seems a conversation is possible, although basic.
Evil God Hyuriox… so it wasn’t an alien life form.
“Why are you, his servant, infesting Fuu, the elven woman, as a parasite?” (Shuuya)
“This me… observe, you guys, guoooh gugulujiii.”
The small monster floating above Fuu’s head seems to still be in pain. Its feelers rapidly wither away and vanish into nothingness.
Seemingly having reached its limit, the groaning monster separated the feelers connected to the back of Fuu’s head.
“Y-Y-Yur, b-br-breyn…” (Kagululugu)
While screaming sickening, although incoherent, words, it extends its small feelers and thrusts itself forward.
At that moment, Viine pulled the emerald bowstring of the snake bow and released a green arrow, with a light beam trailing it.
The arrow pierces the small monster and permeates into the hole as if melting.
Did it penetrate and kill the monster?
Just when I think that, countless green snakes spring forth around the arrow hole.
The green snakes start to surround it in a circular shape, and immediately after covering the whole body of the small monster, they explode with a pointed “Boom!” and disappear.
I’m curious about the effect of that arrow, but first, I will immediately check the collapsed Fuu.
I touch the cross-shaped metal next to my right eye and activate the Kaleidoscope.
――――――――――――――――
Carbon-type Napalm Life Form ng＃esg88＃
Brain Waves: Stable and asleep
Body: Normal
Gender: Female
Overall Physical Strength: 10
Elenium Integration: 465
Weapons: None
――――――――――――――――
The bug has completely vanished.
Faint traces of bleeding can be seen at the back of her head, but she’s still breathing…
Great. I check the other slaves as well, for caution’s sake. Everyone’s fine, however.
“For a mere elf, she packed quite the punch.” (Bia)
Bia haughtily says while touching the tough scale armor at her abdomen.
“Although I jumped aside to avoid it, I was startled by the suddenness.” (Souther)
As expected of the small Souther who’s specialized in evasion.
“I dodged it as well.” (Mamani)
Mamani seems to also be strong at escaping. She talks while conceitedly straightening her tiger whiskers.
“Is Fuu alive?” (Viine)
Viine asks with a worried look.
“Yeah, she’s fine.” (Shuuya)
“Umm, what was this small monster just now…?” (Shana)
Shana asks while looking like a frightened puppy.
As I restore my usual vision by touching the attachment on the right side,
“…I believe that your song afflicted damage to the bug infesting my slave, Shana. It introduced itself as Kagululugu, a lackey of the Evil God Hyuriox.” (Shuuya)
It’s objective apparently was to observe, but it’s good that we were able to get rid of the bug so early.
After all, I don’t know whether I would have been able to accurately kill only the bug in the back of her neck and head without injuring her with <Banquet of Blood Chains>.
Is it because it heard a song with a light attribute? Was it the power of the Sea God? In that case, it might have worked to have her drink my blood. Dealing with it using the blood chains might have been possible as well. Or it might have been an option to have the liquefied Helme enter her body, directly attack the bug, and capture or kill it.
I don’t know whether there will be another opportunity, but I guess I will try asking Helme in case someone I want to save has been possessed by another bug.
“…My song…” (Shana)
“Correct. It looks like saving you was really spot on. Fuu being alive is thanks to you, Shana. Not only did you bless us with a passionate song, but you also saved Fuu’s life. As we are more than even with this, let’s become friends?” (Shuuya)
I seriously tell her what I think, hoping to befriend her at the same time.
“Yes, gladly!” (Shana)
“Shana-sama, I look forward to working with you. I’m Viine, Master’s servant.”
Viine adopts a proper, courteous attitude and speaks while sending a look full of reverence in Shana’s direction.
“Okay, Viine-san. You possess a truly amazing bow. It automatically transformed into a longbow, didn’t it? Even the snake engraving it has right now is wonderful. Assuming from appearance, I guess it’s a rare item?” (Shana)
“It is as you say. It is a special weapon I was able to obtain because I stayed with Master.” (Viine)
“Shuuya-san is sure excellent.” (Shana)
“Yes.” (Viine)
It’s embarrassing, so let me change the topic, lest I become narcissistic.
“Shana, even with the exception of the previous track, you’ve something in your songs, don’t you? Previously, it was a shockwave that you used against the mercenaries you fought, right?” (Shuuya)
“Yes, there is. Believing in you calling me a friend, I’ll tell you!” (Shana)
Seemingly feeling uplifted, Shana presses her left hand against her waist, thrusts out her right hand, and raises the index finger.
Somehow, it looks as if she’s cutely putting on airs like a beautiful female teacher.
“It’s one of the spells of the mermaids’ characteristic magical voice. With the skill Magic Voice, we can unleash a sound shockwave in a certain direction.” (Shana)
“It seems to afflict direct damage to the brain or ears of the listeners, but I wonder, do all mermaids possess such magic?” (Shuuya)
“Yes. Though it’s only from a similar magic system.” (Shana)
Hee. As we are having such a conversation,
“Ah, this place is?” (Fuu)
Fuu woke up.
She appears to have no injuries in particular.
“Fuu, can you see me?” (Shuuya)
“Yes, it’s Master.” (Fuu)
Her eyes seem to be clear, so I guess she’s alright.
The slaves at my side also approach Fuu.
“Fuu, I was suddenly kicked by you.” (Souther)
Souther says as if complaining.
“I dodged it, but I was surprised by the sudden fist.” (Mamani)
“It was a good punch for an elf.” (Bia)
Hearing those remarks, Fuu shook her head left and right, apparently not remembering what had happened.
“I don’t know anything about that. When I heard a wonderful song, I suddenly… I’ve no memories after that…” (Fuu)
“Although it was just for a short moment, you were apparently being manipulated, Fuu. The monster that controlled you is already dead, but that thing introduced itself as Kagululugu, a lackey of the Evil God Hyuriox.” (Shuuya)
“Kagululugu or such manipulated me…? Everybody, I’m so sorry.” (Fuu)
Fuu was dumbfounded after seeing the unnatural blood remains on her own neck, evidence of our words.
Evil God Hyuriox. A god that pulled the strings of the bug, huh…?
There is a bug user among 【Remains of the Moon】, but I wonder whether he has a connection to an evil god… However, I guess that makes no sense since I didn’t pick up his presence when diving into the labyrinth.
At that point, I remember something from the past: an image of the time when Kuna and Eribol’s daughter died pops up in my mind.
Back then, there were also bugs behind their necks, bugs that withered away due to me draining their souls.
I suppose it’s fine to consider them as also related to the evil god, judging from their traits.
In that case, it means that the bugs infested their brains as parasites, unrelated from humans or demons.
Are they doing this to gather information about the surface—just as the defeated small bug had mentioned in regards to observation—for the sake of simply luring people into the labyrinth, or to evil-god-like start a fight against this world of Sera?
At that point, I stop brooding about it any further and turn my eyes towards the slaves.
For the time being, I should cast healing magic.
I turn towards all my slaves, including Fuu, and silently cast 《Water Cure》, an advanced water spell.
A transparent mass of water materializes in front of my eyes.
The mass of water immediately falls apart, turning into small drops that pour down on the slaves.
“”Ooh…””
The slaves are surprised over suddenly having their bodies showered with magic.
Or rather, they are astonished about the chantless casting, aren’t they?
Well, they will be members of the same party in the future, so building mutual trust is indispensable.
Besides, even if I keep it a secret, they will find out sooner or later anyway. I guess I will bit-by-bit divulge the things I can reveal.
“Wow, chantless…?” (Shana)
As if it’s natural, Shana is surprised as well.
“Master is special, after all.” (Viine)
While saying that with a proud expression, she moves next to me and waits there for further orders.
“…Seems so.” (Shana)
Shana looks at Viine’s face and agrees with a smile.
To her, I once more emphasize my appreciation for her timely help.
“I’m repeating myself, but it’s thanks to your song, Shana. I thank you very much.” (Shuuya)
“You saying that makes me happy. It’s great that I sang.” (Shana)
Shana says bashfully.
The smile of a beauty is indeed wonderful.
I naturally smile as well and nod in return.
“…Well then, I’ll return to the inn since I have to carry out my job as a songstress.” (Shana)
“Ah, yeah, we’re currently in the martial arts district located in Pelneet’s sound, so I guess you will find your way back?” (Shuuya)
“Yes, no problem. Bye then.” (Shana)
Shana turns on her heels after bowing, goes down from the terrace next to the entrance-way, and walks across the courtyard.
The mermaid Shana, eh?
I hope she can find the treasure she’s looking for.
For an instant, it crossed my mind to invite her into our party as an anti-evil bug god repellent, but…
As she’s a songstress and also has an objective of her own, suddenly inviting her is, well…
Just as with Sara’s group from Red Tiger, I deem it to be a good idea to start with becoming friends first.
My mind wanders while watching her pretty blonde hair sway around her back.
Now then, I guess I will prepare thoroughly in order to head to the labyrinth with the slaves before Eva and Rebecca turn up.
I return my look to the slaves to start acting on my thoughts.
To my surprise, however, apparently overwhelmed by my chantless casting, everybody is lowering their head while genuflecting on the terrace’s floor. Even the Lamia Bia is bowing her head.
“…You guys, take it easy. Also, I saw the extent of your stamina by making you forcibly run the other day. The vanguard Bia, of course, was expected, but even the rear guard Fuu performed remarkably. I have nothing to criticize about you as high-class combat slaves. That’s why I believe I’m lucky to have bought you. Thank you for having become my slaves.” (Shuuya)
I tell them what I really thought, not shying away in the least.
“Haua!”
Souther raises a weird voice out of shock, as if someone had struck her dumb.
“Euh?” Fuu coughs hackingly, with her throat being clogged.
“Master, I’m not worthy of your kind words!” (Mamani)
“I shall do my best for the sake of Master.” (Bia)
Mamani and Bia answered properly, even while being surprised.
“Hence, as we are going to genuinely head into the labyrinth soon, I want to discuss the strategy in advance.” (Shuuya)
“”Yes!””
“Affirmative.” (Bia)
I return to the living room with everyone, distribute potions from my item box, and confirm the strategy for the labyrinth.
One hour later.
Eva and Rebecca, who have put their preparations in order, arrive at the main building, ready for the adventure.
Everyone, including the slaves, assembles at the long table set up in the living room.
All eight members of the Innocent Arms Party are here.
And then I confess something important.
At the occasion of cementing our gameplan, I give a light explanation about Helme, who dwells in my left eye, and the ring-shaped magic tool, Dark Hell Bone Knight.
The members, who heard my words, react in the same way as usual: Rebecca kicks up a fuss, Eva agrees immediately, and the slaves are surprised…
The flow of the conversation was dragged out, but after putting an end to it at a suitable moment, I continued talking about our strategy.
“…Then, just as we discussed before, after accepting the appropriate requests from the guild, we will head to the fifth floor of the labyrinth to get the Magic Treasure Map’s treasure.” (Shuuya)
“—At your command!”
“Yes!”
“Nn.” (Eva)
“Sure!” (Rebecca)
In total: 8 people + 1 animal.
Eva, Rebecca, Viine, Rollo, and I, as well as the four slaves.
All of us walk towards the guild on the First Ring Road in a group.
The requests we chose at the guild are Magic Stone Collection, requests for the monsters appearing on the fifth floor, and a subjugation request for the Guardian-ranked Death Emperor(Death Lich), who’s said to previously have often appeared on the fifth floor.
After swiftly handling the formalities, we left the guild.
Since magic stones are necessary as Elenium stones for the expansion of my item box, I limited the guild request to just the lowest number needed.
Returning to the ring road, we head towards the labyrinth’s entrance.
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