The Spearmaster and the Black Cat

"…Fast. Spirit-sama is really dwelling in your left eye, isn't she? How mysterious! At first, I couldn't believe it, but employing a living spirit, moreover a Spirit-sama with a consciousness… I can't even begin to imagine what kind of spell is needed for that. It goes beyond my understanding of what I have learned…" (Rebecca)

Rebecca is dumbfounded and astonished by the spirit who just returned to my eye.

"Is your hand alright?" (Shuuya)

"Ah, yeah." (Rebecca)

Rebecca shows me her right hand.

Seeing that the finger marks on her slender hand have become slightly red, I grab it and pull it towards my chest.

"Ah." (Rebecca)

"Let me see―" (Shuuya)

I cast the advanced 《Water Cure》 and activate it, resulting in a shining, transparent clump of water directly hitting Rebecca's hand.

In an instant, the finger marks disappeared, and the skin returned to its normal healthy color.

"Thanks, but for you to expressly use magic for something like this…" (Rebecca)

"It doesn't matter, does it? It doesn't cost us anything anyway." (Shuuya)

I smile pleasantly while holding Rebecca's hand.

"Y-Yeah…" (Rebecca)

With her face being beet red, Rebecca brings it close to my violet armor and a faint, nice, citrus scent wafts over from her.

Taking it in through my nose, it's indeed a pleasant scent. Wonderful.

At that moment,

『Your Excellency… sorry for having caused you trouble.』 (Helme)

Helme appeared in my field of vision and apologized.

『I fully understand your sentiments. You also went easy on her, didn't you?』 (Shuuya)

『Yes, since you are a supreme gentleman, Your Excellency, I ended up getting agitated against my better judgment.』 (Helme)

『Aye. I will respond to your feelings.』 (Shuuya)

Helme vanishes out of sight once I give her mana.

『Nnh, aahn, thank y-you…v-very mu-much.』 (Helme)

I pour plenty of mana into her.

『I will rely on you from now on as well then.』 (Shuuya)

『Yes.』 (Helme)

"Master… what are you doing?" (Viine)

My flirting with Rebecca was stopped by Viine's scornful look at this moment.

"Umm, it just happened, I guess?" (Shuuya)

"I-It's nothing―" (Rebecca)

Rebecca separates while apparently embarrassed.

"Is that so? Then it's fine―" (Viine)

Viine seems to be slightly jealous.

She clings to me while pressing her big boobs against my right arm.

Man, she's so adorable.

"Aah~~~~~! Doing something like this immediately after I distanced myself!" (Rebecca)

"Nn, Viine. Bold." (Eva)

Rebecca and Eva close in while saying those things and cling to me on the opposite side of Viine.

Since Eva is in her wheelchair, she's close to my nether region…

I must say, this is one incredible harem.

『Even those girls, who saw the divine works of you, probably realized it: Your Excellency's greatness, fufufufu.』 (Helme)

Helme is overjoyed without getting angry.

Maybe because it's right after a fierce fight, everyone seems unable to suppress their excitement or it's the after-effect of the adrenaline that was discharged by their brains.

Even though the main act will follow after the break.

At this point, I focus my mind, return a friendship hug to them for the time being, and shift to a stern expression.

The heartwarming scenery will have to stop here.

"…Everyone, you're tired, right? Let's take a rest. After all, we're challenging the magic treasure map afterward." (Shuuya)

I talk while focusing on embracing them with my words.

"Oki, you're right." (Rebecca)

"Nn." (Eva)

"Sure." (Viine)

Rebecca, Eva, and Viine regain their faces as adventurers and separate from me after agreeing.

I sit down in one of the tent's divisions and close my eyes to unwind.

Come to think of it, Rollo isn't here.

Once I looked around, I finally found her.

Rollo has transformed into a black panther and is giving instructions to the Burning Knights while using her tentacles.

They are performing joint patrols.

I wonder, is that Rollo's way of acting like the Burning Knight's boss?

Well, let's leave them to do their thing.

At long last, the magic treasure map, huh?

Just what kind of Guardian is going to appear alongside the treasure chest?

If it's a Death Emperor, it will be relatively easy since we already have some experience with that kind of monster.

Hannibal, whom I had decipher the map, mentioned the names Ogre King and Black-tentacled Red OctopusZa Shurk.

He said that it would be random, but…

Oh well, I will lay down for a bit now and check my status.

Let's look over the new combat occupation and my new skills.

Status.

Name: Shuuya Kagari

Age: 22

Title: Super-Warrior of the Water Goddess

Race: Light Demon Lucival

Combat Occupation: Magic Spear Blood Chain Master

Strength: 22.3 → 22.9

Agility: 23.0 → 23.5

Stamina: 20.7 → 21.2

Mana: 26.3 → 26.9

Dexterity: 20.3 → 21.0

Spirit: 28.3 → 29.2

Luck: 11.2

Current Status: Calm

It has gone up quite a bit.

At once, I touch the evolved Magic Spear Blood Chain Master.

※Magic Spear Blood Chain Master※

A peerless lancer, only attainable for the very first time ever after meeting certain conditions which are riddled with overly complex obstacles.

Chains, martial arts, blood, mana, spirit, and physical ability; all of it can be considered to be at its peak.

That was all.

It seems to be a unique occupation no one else has ever achieved before.

I don't know how many people live on this planet, but I'm pretty sure that it's a very rare occupation.

No matter where I tap the explanation screen, no further windows are shown, though.

Next is checking the skills.

Skill Status.

Obtained Skills: <Throwing>, <Demonic Brain Speed>, <Hide>, <Night Vision>, <Inhalation of Odour Technique>, <Blood Chains Banquet>, <Thrust>, <Meditation>, <Life Magic>, <Guidance Sorcery>, <Magic Combat Style>, <Magic Hand guided by Thought>, <Sage Art>, <Summoning>, <Ancient Magic>, <Crest Magic>, <Darkness Drill>, <Darkness Drill - Magic Spear Break>, <Language Magic>, <Chain Spear of the Ray System>, <Powerful Slash> (NEW), <Blood Acceleration> (NEW), <Beginning of Dusk> (NEW), <Dusk's Stake> (NEW), <Blood Chain Search> (NEW), <Dimension of Darkness Blood Chain> (NEW)

Permanent Skills: <Power of True Ancestor>, <Natural Gift of Magic>, <Torrent of Light Darkness>, <Drain Soul>, <Immortality>, <Darkness Adaptation>, <Blood Mana>, <Suzerain of Bloodkin>, <Super Demonic Brain Nimble Sensation>, <Magic Combat Style Knowledge>, <Guidance Magic Knowledge>, <Spear Sparring>, <Chain Sense Guidance>, <Magic Crest Construction>, <Instant Staff of Water>, <Spirit Employment>, <Divine Beast Serene Mind ・ Soaring>, <Blood Path - First Gate>, <Blood Path - Second Gate>, <Blood Path - Third Gate> (NEW), <Factor Engraving Increase> (NEW)

Extra Skills: <Language Comprehension>, <Granted Seal of Light>, <Chain Factor>, <Demonic Cerebral Spine Revolution>

There's really many of them now, a whole bundle.

First, I will check the permanent skills, which I acquired recently.

Let's start with <Factor Engraving Increase>.

※Factor Engraving Increase※

Chain factor increases by one.

As long as it's your own body, you can apply a new Factor wherever you like.

However, <Factor Engraving Increase> can't be stacked.

I touch the Extra Skill <Chain Factor> which seems to be the origin from where the new skill was derived.

※Chain Factor※

→ Special Armor-Piercing Derivation <Banquet of the Blood Chain>

→ <Chain Sense Guidance>

→ Special Pierce-Through Derivation <Chain Spear of the Ray System>

→ <Factor Engraving Increase>

→ Special Blood Derivation <Blood Chain Search>

→ Special Dark Blood Derivation <Dimension of Darkness Blood Chain>

→ ????

It seems to have evolved, and I can still acquire more.

Now then, where should I add a <Chain>.

For sure, I won't mess around and add it to my forehead, my belly, or my butt.

It's fairly ridiculous to imagine a chain shooting out of the forehead or butt, so let's stop it at the level of imagination.

So, in the end, the foremost candidate is the right wrist.

Or rather, I don't think there's any other place than there.

It will be fine since there's a little space at the right wrist which has the item box installed.

I invoke <Factor Engraving Increase>.

In front of my eyes, the exact same mark as on my left wrist floats up, accompanied by a strange sound of water.

…It's a snake-like chain spiral.

For an instant, I had the impression that it was moving towards a part of the right hand's palm and wrist.

Then, <Chain Factor> settled and was engraved at a spot between the palm and the wrist.

As a test, I try to slightly extend a chain from the new Factor mark.

Ooh, it worked. It was a success.

I also make a chain appear from the existing mark on my left wrist.

Making the two chains float in midair, I casually play around by creating a small puzzle ring and changing it into a Moebius strip.

As they properly extend from and constrict into the marks, they will be quite useful and handy.

Having the sharp, tear-drop shaped chain tips face each other, I have them poke each other.

Come to think of it, when I wandered through the dark underground, this chain definitely served as an emotional and physical support… Thank you, my chain.

I manipulate the chains, making them nod. (Sure thing.)

In such a manner, I became childish inside the tent, continuing to play with my toys.

Now then, enough of playing around.

Up next, I will continue going through my skills.

※Blood Acceleration※

A unique skill acquired through the Light Demon Lucival's Blood Mana's <Blood Path - Third Gate>.

Using blood, the body's speed will be accelerated.

Hmm, going by its name, although it's simple, it's obvious that it's a very essential skill.

A speed-up that uses blood.

It's equal to an increase in the ability to handle things impromptu even better, in addition to Magic Combat Step.

It can create a faint difference in timing, becoming the straw that breaks the camel's back.

Gaining the strategic advantage of possibly several milliseconds in close combat is an extremely huge deal; speed is a very big factor in combat, after all.

It might be more important than a special or lethal move.

Fuhahahaha, I can even incorporate it into my spear techniques.

…Now then, let's touch the next skill.

※Beginning of Dusk※

A special, unique space-time skill acquired through the Light Demon Lucival's Blood Mana's <Blood Path - Third Gate>.

A dark, imaginary, different dimension world is created in the surroundings. If an opponent is within the domain, nightmares that encroach their mind can be freely specified and planted. Moreover, in case the target's mental resistance is low, the target, whose mind is polluted, goes crazy and dies in an instant.

This is the very definition of a vampire skill; besides, it's not a common one either.

I tap the next.

※Dusk's Stake※

Instantly produces darkness stakes that can be arbitrarily and easily manifested in the dimensional world of darkness.

Its range is limited to what's within the user's visual field.

Furthermore, it's freely possible to make countless stakes appear from a dimensional darkness space that is created through Beginning of Dusk.

I see.

Next.

※Blood Chain Search※

A blood probe, a special Light Demon Lucival's Blood Mana-type Derivation of the Extra Skill, Chain Factor.

I think if blood is spilled on a blood chain or if a bloodstained object is pierced by the blood chain's tip, the blood chain's tip will probably indicate the direction towards something related to that blood.

It's not about detecting water or ores, but a search skill, huh?

It fits perfectly to search for missing people, making the arsenal more varied and equipped for all kinds of situations.

The start of a different world version of Private Detective Kagari's1 bureau?

With Viine as an assistant.

The culprit is among these people! Grandpa, you're wrong.

The criminal is Ya○! No, that's wrong, too.

Well then, let's stop with the delusions and check the next.

※Dimension of Darkness Blood ChainDark Dimension Chain※

Blood Darkness, a special derivation of the Extra Skill Chain Factor and a space-time skill of the Light Demon Lucival's Blood Mana category.

After creating the dimensional world of darkness, a unique blood chain that can completely tear up the target, including the imaginary dimension .

The explanation ends with only that much, and even after probing around, no further details are shown.

However, it's easy to understand.

I think it's fine to regard this as a combo derived from Beginning of Dusk, which is connected with the space-time attribute.

It's restricted, but I will consider it as a powered-up version of <Banquet of Blood Chains>.

I want to try testing it in the next battle at once to gauge its effectiveness.

Hehe, I'm looking forward to it.

At that point, I erase the status and shut my eyes while putting both hands on the pillow.

I don't think that I will be able to sleep, but I will take a rest by using <Meditation> for a bit.

◇◇◇◇

Several hours later, everyone wakes up, and all members assemble at the towers' entrance.

We settle our positioning by splitting up in vanguard and rear guard, same as before.

By the way, I awoke and stopped <Meditation> within several minutes. Afterward, I joined Rollo, Helme, and the Burning Knights on their patrols, hunted Dead Knights, Bone Casters, and Poison Flame Wolves that spawned in the area between the camp and the towers' entrance, and gathered a big amount of large and medium magic stones, exceeding the numbers needed for the requests.

"Alright, I'm going to use this magic treasure map. Everyone, get ready! The rear guard's preparations are finished, right?" (Shuuya)

I loudly address everyone.

""―Yes, Master!""

"Yes."

"Affirmative."

"I shall do my best."

"―Gooo ahead~" (Rebecca)

I have the magician-type members gather on the far distant side.

The strategy is for them to keep away at the beginning.

Once they confirm, I take out the magic treasure map from my item box, and the "IV" and the "Floor 5" characters float up distinctly.

The drawing of the two towers and graveyard and the highlighted X mark clearly overlap at the location in front of me.

It seems the treasure chest will spawn if I place the map over there.

As expected, the instant I put the map on the ground, a magic source gushes forth out of the ground.

A huge golden treasure chest had appeared!

A little later, a big Skeleton Knight, which is boarding an ancient chariot with bone wheels and pulled by three bone horses, appears alongside a strange melody behind the golden treasure chest.

Furthermore, ten Dead Knights, two Dead MonksDeathray, as well as several dozen Acid Bone Swordsmen and Bone Casters spawn around the treasure box as if piling up on each other.

As they stack up too much, there are also some that collide with fellow monsters and collapse, making a rowdy scene.

I summon the Magic Halberd into my right hand in an instant, delivering a <Thrust> against a Dead Monk at the moment it spawned by extending the red spear of my Magic Halberd.

Unable to react, the blue robe, which covered its body, instantaneously goes up in flames, and the Dead Monk collapses with its pierced bones falling apart.

Immediately after defeating it, I pull back the Magic Halberd while widening the distance for a moment.

RollodeenBlack Lion deploys her six tentacles and her tail at the same time.

Mowing down the Acid Bone Swordsmen and Bone Casters, she blows them away into the distance.

The Burning Knights get going as well.

The Black Burning Knight crushes a bone horse while being assaulted by a Dead Knight, and the Red Burning Knight decapitates the boss of the Bone Knights who tumbles over and falls down.

They displayed splendid teamwork.

At that point, Bia raises a war cry and invokes a provocation skill to temporarily draw the attacks of the Dead Knights and the Dead Monks towards herself.

Perfectly timed with that, ice pebble spells, beam arrows, earth pebble spells, chakrams, and fireballs are released by the rear guard and directly hit the Dead Knights and Dead Monks. The Dead Knights, alongside their bone horses, who have gone into a charging mode, are blown away.

Following up on the assault vanguards, Souther and Mamani, whose movements I watched with a sidelong glance, I unleash <Chain> from my left hand towards the big Skeleton Knight who was riding the chariot.

However, that shitty Skeleton Knight evaded the first, quick chain attack by crouching.

I make the chain wriggle in midair and try to hit the Skeleton Knight by making the chain's tip draw an arc, but it continues to dodge like a nimble cheetah.

I thought that it would be my win if I could directly land the chain only once, but I was too naive.

Despite being big, its reaction speed is abnormally high.

Very well, I change my aim to the chariot.

Piercing the ancient bone chariot with my chain, it's entangled manifold around a bone wheel in no time.

In order to guide it from around the treasure chest to the right side, I pull the chain alongside the Skeleton Knight on the chariot while moving myself to the right as well.

The bone horses, which are tied to the chariot, fall down while crashing into the ground. The Skeleton Knight was also tossed as a result.

Great, I guess he won't be able to use that chariot any longer.

Everyone would have become quite confused if they had been attacked by that chariot.

The Skeleton Knight, which was thrown off the chariot, doesn't seem to have suffered much damage.

While standing up using its four arms, the eyes in its blackened skull brighten up to two orange dots within its sunken-in eye sockets. It has shaken off its fall entirely.

I glare at those orange lights.

I suppose I will quickly finish off that Skeleton Knight and join up with the others.

Time to test a new skill! I start running in a forward-bent posture as I feel anticipation rising in me.

"Let's goooooooooo!" (Shuuya)

I release a battle cry, and without making use of <Demonic Brain Speed>, I trigger the new vampire-type skill, Blood Acceleration.

―Blood Magic ＜Blood Path - Third Gate＞.