ALL NOVEL
Chapter 373: Fly King Squadron
<Author's Notes>
It seems like I'm starting to feel a bit exhausted due to the updating intervals but for the time being, I'll still post an update today.
[I'm counting on you, Touka.]
[Yeah.]
I channel magic power into her transformation bangle.
As the light subsides, Eve returns to her Leopardkin form.
While checking the condition of her arm
[I've been spotted by humans several times before coming here but being in my original form really makes me stand out. As expected, being in my human form makes me less noticeable. I could still feel eyes directed at me back when we were outside the Anti-Demon White Castle, but their gazes weren't the same as those directed at me while I was in my Leopardkin form.]
Their gazes must simply be a reaction to seeing a beautiful woman by human standards.
[This outfit isn't very comfortable in my original form. However, since I'm already here, there shouldn't be any problem with me taking up my original form anymore. As you know, my physical abilities are slightly higher in this form. There seems to be no need to hide the fact that I'm Eve Speed after all.]
Afterward, I listened to Eve's explanation about the magic tool that's gonna be used for Vysis.
The Goddess Subjugation Army is preparing to depart now.
It seems like preparations would still take about two more hours.
In other words, we still have time.
I called for Seras, Slei and Liz's familiar to my tent.
[Eve!]
[Umu It's been a while, Seras.]
Slei approaches happily and stands on her two hind legs.
Bouncing lightly
[Pakyurii!]
[I see you're also doing well.]
[Pakyuuun]
Seras holds Eve's hands.
[Indeed It's been a long time.]
[You seem to be in good health too. Moreover, your stunning beauty is as captivating as ever.]
Slei rubs her head against Eve's leg.
[Pakyuuuun]
[Fufu, I see you're still as pampered as ever. Liz, you've done well too.]
I also briefly exchanged information with Liz's familiar.
After that, I called the Takao Sisters.
Meeting each other again, Eve and the sisters- especially Itsuki- were visibly delighted.
I also introduced her to the Mad Emperor, who is in charge of overall command.
As for Cattleya and Machia Well, if the timing is right, I'll introduce her to them.
There's no particular reason for me to introduce her to Sougo and the other Heroes.
I should find time to introduce her to Munin though.
For the time being though, there's someone I should at least introduce to her.
So, I called for him.
After he arrived at my tent, I gave a brief explanation.
After listening to the explanation
[I see- so you're from the Speed Tribe.]
Gio Shadowblade.
A Leopardkin, just like Eve.
Looking at Gio, who entered the tent, "Fumu", Eve hummed.
[You're the leader of the Leopardkin from the Faraway Country that Touka mentioned, right? I'm Eve Speed. As you can see, I'm a Leopardkin like you.]
Gio observed Eve in silence for a moment, then gestured outside the tent with his thumb.
[Can we talk alone for a bit?]
Eve glanced at me for confirmation.
[I don't think there's any problem with it. He may seem hot-headed, but he's surprisingly level-headed.]
[Fumu If that's what Touka says, then it should be fine.]
[If anything happens though, let me know.]
[Alright.]
Eve turned to face Gio.
[Let's go then?]
About 30 minutes later, Eve returned.
Since the time of our departure is nearing, the tents have already been dismantled and removed.
[How did it go?]
When I asked this
[I don't recall ever hearing about the Shadowblade Tribe from my parents No, they might not have known about them at all either. As time passed, perhaps their stories were no longer passed down There might be a reason why information about them was deliberately not passed down.]
Information about them was intentionally withheld, or they were simply forgotten.
I suppose that would mean there were no records of them left behind.
If that's the case though- the reason would most likely be the former.
However, there was no one left who knew the truth.
Glancing in the direction Gio had gone to
[However, it seems they've been passing down stories about our Speed Tribe. They said the Speed Tribe was foolish.]
[.]
[They said that if they had come to the Faraway Country with them, our tribe wouldn't have ended up like this.]
Eve said with a sardonic chuckle.
[And- He said they would accept us anytime I decide to come to the Faraway Country. That the Speed Tribe hasn't been completely wiped out yet.]
[That's just like him.]
Eve turns back towards me.
[He's a good man. Seems to care about his wife, who's carrying his child.]
[He's blunt, but a decent guy.]
Thereupon, Eve unexpectedly falls silent.
Eventually, she spoke with a tone that seemed like she was convincing herself of something.
[This is purely a hindsight-based conclusion but it's because the Speed Tribe chose to stay in the outside world that we were able to bring you to Erika's. In that sense Maybe there was a meaning in the tribe's choice to stay in the outside world.]
[Personally, I can't honestly thank them for making that choice. It's not something to be happy about though, considering the tragedy that befell the Speed Tribe.]
The ones who massacred the Speed Tribe The Heroic Sword.
Eve still didn't know about what happened to them.
Unlike me, Eve Speed had already moved on.
She had kept her gaze straight ahead.
That's why- This is fine.
Thereupon, seemingly having thought of something, Eve let out a convinced chuckle.
[That man He's a bit like you.]
[Like me?]
[Someone surprisingly capable of caring.]
I snorted.
[Hmph, praising me won't get you anything.]
Eve burst into laughter at that.
[I told him the same thing.]
[What?]
Amused, Eve chuckled again.
[When I told him that "he's a caring man" Gio also said the same words as you did.]
Before departing, we completed the minimum necessary introductions with Eve.
As for the aforementioned magic tool for dealing with Vysis, I did ask Loqierra for her thoughts but
"Hmmm I can't really say anything until it's actually used. Since it can't be tested, it's a one-shot deal. However, I can tell that it's an incredibly complex construct. It would have taken several years to weave such intricate circuits. Rather, the fact that it was woven at all in itself is commendable Hmm? Will it affect me too? I can hardly use my original abilities as a Deity and can only lend my knowledge In that sense, I don't think it would be much of a problem for me even if you used it probably."
Her answer aside, Eve seemed intrigued by Loqierra herself.
"Fumu, so this is a Deity huh."
At her curious words, Loqierra shrugged, telling her that Deities usually aren't her current size.
Come to think of it, Eve had never seen Vysis before.
With that, just as we are about to depart-
[Well, this marks the first time in a while that the initial members of the Fly King Squadron have gathered.]
Our line-up from back then me, Pigimaru, Seras, Eve, Liz, and Slei.
Since Liz communicates through her familiar, she's only "technically" here.
We stood in a circle.
At my words, Seras spoke.
[Once this battle is over, I'd also like to meet up with Liz and we can all gather again.]
[Right.]
[Pigi!]
[Pakyuu!]
As I thought
Somehow, being with this group feels calming
With Seras who resembles my aunt
Eve resembling my uncle
Liz resembling my past self
Well, I suppose that aspect is also true, but that's not all there is to it.
Regardless of how they resembled my aunt, uncle, and my past self
Simply put, Pigimaru, Seras, Eve, Liz, and Slei are-
[Touka.]
Eve thrusts her first into the center of our little circle.
[When I was at Erika's house, Itsuki taught me this. Before an important battle When everyone's will becomes on, you thrust fists together at the center of the circle like this, right?]
How the heck did this conversation lead to that?
But well
[While we're at it I guess.]
I also extended my fist, touching it to Eve's.
Seeing my actions, Seras' eyes widened before she smiled softly.
Looking kinda happy, she also extended her fist, following me and Eve.
Liz's familiar perched on Eve's fist.
With the tip of its wing, it touched Eve's fist.
Meanwhile, Pigimaru moved along my arm and created a fist with the tip of his protrusion.
Settling himself near my wrist, Pigimaru's translucent fist overlapped with my hand.
Thereupon, we all bent down a bit.
Slei stood on her hind legs, raised a front leg and touched Seras' fist with it.
[ ? ]
Their gazes were directed at me
Are they waiting for my words?
This isn't really my thing though.
Well, looking at the "fists" gathered in our circle
[I feel like this is where the real battle begins but I'm grateful to all of you who have come with me this far from the bottom of my heart]
The inheritor of the blood of a scum parents Touka Mimori.
A scum born from scum.
Thanks to my aunt and uncle, I didn't become "the same" as them, and was able to hold my ground.
But in this world, that scum blood became necessary.
Even so, what kept me that scum blood from "completely engulfing me" in this world
It definitely isn't just my aunt and uncle.
Yes
It was because they were here with me.
Raising my gaze
I spoke.
[Thank you.]
Seras seemed surprised about something
It was as if she had been caught off guard.
However, that reaction lasted only a few moments.
As Seras' smile deepened even more
[Touka-dono, everyone here has been holding the same feelings for you all along.]
Liz's familiar nodded.
Thereupon, Eve spoke.
[Fufu I wouldn't have managed to come this far if not for you.]
Pigimaru and Slei followed suit with their affirming cries.
[Pigii!]
[Pakyuun!]
Seras looks at me and speaks.
[Touka-dono, this battle let's definitely win it. And then, let's gather again everyone here, at Erika-dono's home. That's why, umm With everyone..]
For some reason, Seras' face was flushed red up to her ears.
On the other hand though, her expression was dead serious.
[With everyone]
Seras stood up resolutely.
As if she had made up her mind, she raised her voice.
[L- Let's definitely defeat her! That That sh*tty Goddess!]
This time
It was me who felt like I was caught off guard.
My eyes widened, and I felt like my mouth was opened wide.
Rather- Things had unusually and naturally turned out this way.
Even some of the passing soldiers stopped on their way and looked at her, with confused gazes on their faces.
How should I say this
Towards the end of her declaration, Seras seemed somewhat desperate.
I suppose she was probably trying to boost morale in her own way.
And as for the person who gave that rallying cry
After making that declaration, she covered her mouth with her hand.
[Ah I- I'm sorry Umm Such rough language may have been unbecoming of a knight]
Even though she said that
[Pfft.]
Naturally
A chuckle escaped out of my lips.
Standing up straight, I spoke.
[That's the spirit, Seras Ashrain.]
[-Ah.]
With flushed cheeks, Seras eyes slightly moistened
Like a flower blooming, her expression regained brightness.
At that moment, Eve also stood up.
[I've never seen Touka smile like that before.]
Placing a hand on Seras' back, she continued.
[Fufu, you've gotten accustomed to it huh Being the amusing High Elf in the group, I mean.]
As if steam was rising from her, Seras shyly blushed and bowed her head.
[I- I didn't mean that when I said that just now]
Looking around
It's about time for us to leave huh.
Adjusting my Fly King mask, I started walking.
However, stopping for a moment
[Let's go, Seras.]
Turning around, I looked over my shoulder and spoke.
[To defeat that sh*tty Goddess.]
Seras opened her mouth in surprise.
And then, she happily ran over.
[Yes!]