The Spearmaster and the Black Cat

“In the head of a puppet soldier…”

Adombraly’s new eye produces a mana crest that’s tinged in a light, reminiscent of a white night, around its eyeball.

“Nn, senpai introduced them as new Red Moon Super Soldiers, but is this yet another new version after the eyeball entered it?”

“At a glance, only the number of eyes has increased, but…that’s not all. I feel some kind of martial art from its footwork.”

The puppet possessed by Ado has been continuing its street-performer-like demonstration. It’s a unique way of movement including weapon swings and kicks…

I can only agree with Eva and Rebecca’s praising comments. But, Rebecca represents the view of a professional here. It allows me to clearly perceive that her discernment of martial arts has improved quite a bit.

The Kulbul Style seems to consist of only thrusting techniques, but…its mana work that keeps a good balance with the Magic Combat Style and its muscle work for the abdomen and spine, which focuses on a strong trunk, are extremely deep.

“Guildmaster, you’ve always been pullin’ off some crazy stunts, but this is yet another new height,” said Bennett while taking a few steps backwards as she tightly grasps a dagger.

Nearby, Bia seems to also feel shaken by Adombraly who performs all those weird moves. With her thick trunk trembling…she holds up her magic shield in front of her chest.

“This magic shield will be able to block it.”

“Should I cut it?”

Watching from the side, Souther touches Bia’s waist while smiling.

“The Adombraly eyeball with its wings is an item close to a devil tool, right? The moment this Red Moon Puppet Soldier enters mass production, we’ll go far beyond a dark guild and we’ll become able to crush any empire or kingdom in our way.”

Mel…you start to sound just like Helme…

However, there exists only one eyeball which is currently inhabiting the puppet. I think it’d be impossible to mass produce this version of the puppet soldier.

“It’s a huge shock that the puppet soldiers, who gained a new eye thanks to that Demonic Marquis Ado-something, has been easily ripped out of my <Tablet of the First King>’s domination, but since its movements have drastically improved in return, I can accept it…”

“You look happy.”

“Yep. That Ado originally originates from the ring-shaped magic tool on your finger, right guildmaster? Then it means that my puppet soldier has fused with your item. That’s why I’m happy…,” Veronica explains with a smile.

I tell Ado, who’s in the middle of his demonstration, “Adombraly, you can move it freely, can’t you?”

“Of course. This Red Moon Puppet Soldier or whatever that uses ancient bones is made fairly well, considering it’s something created on the surface. I’m positive that it’s superior to any first-class warrior of the Spirit World.”

“Hee. You mean those Spirit World skeletal warriors, right?”

“Yes.”

“It’s moving awfully well, but is that a demonoid martial art?”

“Correct…I can recreate around a tenth of the movements I was capable of in the past. Since I can also handle weapons other than whip swords, I’m able to adjust as long as you provide me with a weapon of your choice, milord.”

The whip in Adombraly’s hand returns to being a staff again.

“His quick way of talking hasn’t changed, but now we’ve got two demonoids?”

“…” Demonoid Zarlp just nods at Rebecca’s comment without being overly perturbed.

“Well, I guess it’s something along those lines.”

Hmm? Wait. Does that mean he can also hijack the new sorcery doll Mysty is creating? In such a case, the new doll would definitely become quite formidable.

“…Milord, that eyeball sure is special,” comments Ajul while spreading his four arms.

At his waist hangs the Mad Sword of Lanwen, one of the Spirit World 68 swords, which I gave to him.

“Looks like it. Anyway, Adombraly, can you return to normal?”

“If you tell me to, I’ll return at once.”

“Then do so.”

“Got it.”

The puppet soldier’s third eye vanishes in an instant, and Ado’s eyeball pops out atop the helmet. After slowly floating through the air while transforming into a ring shape, Adombraly settles down into being my ring again.

“――Alright.”

“Hee, he became a ring again. Guildmaster, I’m going to give you that puppet soldier Adombraly had entered.”

“Roger. I might have an opportunity to use it as a combat option for Ado.”

“Oki.”

The puppet autonomously sheathes its sword into the scabbard on its back, and walks up next to me.

“So, Zarlp, are you allying yourself with 【Moon of the Dignified Heaven】? Or are you going to join? You called out to me in secret, so you’ve already made up your mind, haven’t you?”

“…Please take care of me from now on.”

The instant Zarlp answers my question calmly, his daughter Mel speaks up, “――Yes, Dad has been protecting me from the shadows,” and further explains, “Knowing about that,Eva-san and Rebecca-san have also agreed. So I invited Dad over. And, Crimson Assashin, who’s been fighting Dad to the death on several occasions, belongs to 【Skull Ogre】, a guild that’s hostile with ours, you see? To go further, even the Underworld Martial Arts Association, which is infiltrated by Demonoid Cueberas’s subordinates, is at strife with us. So we have many points in common.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes.”

Zarlp is strong, so he’ll definitely boost the combat power of our dark guild.

My daughter has already mentioned most of the reasons, but it’s also a fact that I hold interest in the spearmaster who wields arms mighty enough to damage my blood layer. Well, the real reason is that I have to look out for my hide as well. You’re the boss of a huge organization in Pelneet, and I don’t have any reason to be hostile towards you either.”

I think Zarlp is being honest here. As for the strife with Demonoid Cueberas, I honestly don’t know. But, I’ve actually seen with my own two eyes how he was being chased by the Martial Arts Association’s 【Silkworm】…that’s why he’s likely expecting that he’ll be able to concentrate on his own objectives if he enters under our umbrella.

It’s no wonder that he’s continued living while fighting to protect his daughter for many, many years.

“…Mel, you as a <Head Servant>, you’ll probably be able to tackle various matters while supporting Veronica together with your father. I don’t think it’s anything I should decide as someone who’s going to be absent very often, but…I leave 【Moon of the Dignified Heaven】 in your capable hands.”

“Please count on me. I won’t allow anything to go wrong, not only with the 【Blood Moon Star Sea Alliance】, but also our activities in this kingdom. Remrona, Fran, Kilie, the second prince…as well as Eva-san are also involved, but we’re all in close contact.”

Eva? I haven’t really heard anything about that, but…I can imagine.

“Sure. Well then, we’re off to Cydale,” I use the Trapezohedron.

“Guildmaster’s blood has to wait a bit longer, huuuh?”

“Yep. You’re someone who’s aiming to become an empress, so don’t act so dependent.”

After answering Veronika with a laugh, I surveyed everyone. The maids and <Servant Leaders> are all bowing. Nodding one last time at Ajul and Zarlp, I step through the mirror’s gate, transferring to the mirror in Cydale.

“We’re on the second floor of my home here. I think it’s a bit bigger than Ajul’s hut.”

“Nn, it doesn’t give you the feeling of an attic. Spacious.”

“It seems to be drafty, but it has an interior design I haven’t seen often.”

“Well, I created a catwalk for my cats above. There’s also windows for the cats at the sides.”

“Hee…you’re right. Now I see them as well. A small cute wooden door next to the pillar. It even comes with a knob that cat paws can open and close. How funny.”

“Nn, it has a complex structure for an attic…”

“Just like a carpenter, Shuuya has built a house that looks tough to build in a flash. You’ve told us about it in your blood messages, but it goes well beyond what I’ve expected. Moreover, you don’t even possess any expert skills for this.”

“Originally I’ve only put together some lumber for a bit.”

“That’s the amazing part about it, but do you actually understand that?”

“Well, since it feels like building blocks…,” I frankly admit my honest thoughts while recalling the time when I played with Lego.

“I’m shocked, but well, it’s typical for you, I guess.”

“Hehe, it’d be absolutely impossible for Rebecca.”

“Aahh～ Don’t be so cheeky, Eva!”

Rebecca moves while capitalizing on her Kulbul experience, extending her hand towards Eva who’s sitting in her wheelchair. However, Eva easily copes with the attack.

Quickly evading Rebecca’s fingers by inclining her head, she clads her entire body in violet mana. Then she floats up, leaving the wheelchair behind. Just like an esper.

Of course, I zoom in…on Eva’s forbidden zone above her upper thighs, checking out her panties. They’re striped in black and white with a cute bear print in its center.

“Taking to the sky is unfair!”

“Nn, my special privilege.”

“Humph, I’m going to make my blue flames go puff-puff…so, sooner or later…”

“Come to think of it, what about the puff-puffs? They’re not here?”

“No. I think they’re on patrol. Since they’ve chased after Alray and Hueremy of the Rollo Squad, I believe you’ll find them in the village’s center.”

“I suppose Rollo-chan is playing around since she isn’t here either?”

“Probably? That or she’s been caught by the children.”

“Nn, I heard the puff-puffs are popular.”

“Indeed. The children over here got quite tough spirits.”

“Though I think that’s kinda bad for you to say, as their lord,” retorts Rebecca with a laugh.

“Haha, they’re quite noisy with their Your Excellency, Your Excellencyyyy, mind you.”

“The Burning Knights seem to have become quite strong compared to the time when they adventured with us in Pelneet’s labyrinth.”

“Right. They’ve joined the battle to protect this village, and they’re constantly in conflict with lords of the Spirit World as possessors of a small territory over there. As for the Spirit World, they seem to have a tough time with a Lord Hall-something, who’s a Spirit World Knight or a Demonic Marquis.”

𝗳𝐫𝘦e𝔀𝚎𝚋𝓃𝚘vℯl. 𝑐o𝚖

“Hee, kinda like the evil domain’s guniguni cows?”

“Who knows…”

“Nn, I’ve become strong too! My mana has also increased thanks to my special training of <Blood Mana>! The might of my <Mind Force> has also increased. Also, I’ve improved alot with shu-shu-shu and juggling!”

While sitting down on one of the shelves which the cats can use to jump around, Eva talks while repeatedly doing spear thrust motions. But sure, she looks like she can use <Thrust>-based techniques. After all, she’s learned staff and kicking techniques from her teacher.

Suddenly, I hear a rustling sound from the roof…

“Nn, Shuuya, a weird creature is here!”

————- End of Part 1 ————-