Chapter 80: Hidden Blade, Ice Claw

Chapter 80

Chapter 80 - Hidden Blade, Ice Claw

"Uuh..." (Melissa)

Was Melissa unable to stand up due to the shock? She slowly falls on her backside by sliding down, while leaning her back against a wall .

Despite being dumbfounded, she produced mumbled groans .

"Melissa, you aren't injured are you?" (Shuuya)

"Hiiii..." (Melissa)

When I approach her, she screams .

Oh, shit, her abdomen is wet due to the shock...

It doesn't look like she has an injury, but her state is slightly weird .

"Melissa, oi, what's wrong? ... No good, huh? Rollo watch her . " (Shuuya)

"Nya . " (Rollo)

Once the black pantherRollodeen hears my words, she swiftly moves her limbs and draws near to Melissa in large strides .

Since it turned dark after the magic lights created by the enemies naturally went out one after the other during that time, I had to create lights from my ring with its matching triangle on level surfaceTriforce for Melissa .

Although Melissa has her face looked at by the black catRollo, she's still in a blank state . I'm worried, but there's nothing I can do . I will prioritize the interrogation for now .

I move over to the guy who is crawling in order to try escaping with his injured legs .

"Guaaaaa . "

"Oii, how about I stop stepping on you if you talk about what you were asked?" (Shuuya)

"I-I got it it . Please remove your foot . "

I was stepping firmly on the injured part but took my foot off him .

"So, on whose orders did you target me?" (Shuuya)

"... Oze-san and Jane-san . "

Again those names, huh?

"Those two are leaders of [Owl's Fangs], aren't they?" (Shuuya)

"Yea, it's as you say . Oze-san and Jane-san are responsible for [Demonic Steel-City Holkerbaum] . "

"There's also a boss who controls the leaders, right?" (Shuuya)

"There is . The boss is President Bill Sokuudo-sama . He should be in the [Labyrinth City Pelneet] . "

The wire-puller is in Pelneet?

"Did you buy my information from Belgart?" (Shuuya)

"That's right . "

"I see . Well then, let's have you tell me what amount of information you obtained about me?" (Shuuya)

Did the member of [Owl's Fangs] resolve himself? His mouth gets going after he nods .

"... In the beginning it started with the unit, which had chased after [Scales of Gaia], being annihilated as if they had vanished all of a sudden . ... Oze-san knew that there's no way for the enemy forces, which were missing Strong Arm Deyma, to have such level of spare power . "It's definitely odd", is what he said in a strong tone . Similarly Jane-san asked "Was there a master bodyguard who was hired by the enemy?" That was the occasion when we noticed it first . "

From that time, eh?

[Owl's FangsThese guys] apparently still don't know what happened to the guys who hired Mysty and attacked the caravan .

"And, after obtaining information from the thieves guildhyenas several times, Jane-san mentioned that you, the spear user, are suspicious . Then, freely using our own information network, we observed you . Jane-san, who confirmed that you stayed at a high-class inn, had an interview with the boss of Belgart and the matter with the feudal lord, judged that you are no ordinary person . 'After the all the possibility of you being a bodyguard, who was hired by [Scales of Gaia], is high', she said . That's why we chased after the back of the spear user after receiving the order to do so . "

He leaked a variety of things .

I haven't been officially hired by [Scales of Gaia] yet though .

Well then, let's run a little experiment...

I concentrate thick mana little-by-little in the magic spear I held in my right hand while controlling the mana minutely... Ripples of mana are visible on the surface of the magic spear .

Those clung to the surface of the violet metal for a moment and the small bloody dirt fell off .

However, what I'm trying to do is something else . It's about gathering and minutely controlling the mana towards the magic dragon gem which looks like a large, blue, clean crystal that is located at the spear's end .

The deliberate manipulation of mana... made the mana permeate into the crystal . At that juncture the the mana makes the crystal's body glitter with a blue colour and it shines strongly as if it obtained a soul, in the the small circle-like compass which is located in the centre of the crystal's body . Making an ice spear, just as I have imagined, grow from the tip of that bluely shining crystal body, I formed a broadsword of blue ice which is enveloped by a thin white mist on its surface .

The power of imagination is important .

It has a name like Ice SwordFreeze Sword .

However, my opponents should pay attention the red axe blade of the red spear, which is my standard weapon, in the beginning .

The bottom end of the ice broadsword is said to be retractable and you can call it a hidden bladeIce Claw .

If it's possible to use it like a gimmick, it will probably be usable for feints .

However, as there are peculiarities in mana control, I have no other choice but getting used to it by practising with it little by little .

"... Ahnn, w-what's that? Won't you please save me?"

"... Who knows, I asked about what I wanted to hear . Wouldn't it be for the best if you prayed to some god?" (Shuuya)

"G-God-shaamaa, heeelpp . "

"Well, such a convenient god— doesn't exist though!" (Shuuya)

I swing down the magic spear, which has grown the hidden bladeIce Claw, as a farewell gift with an arched smile .

The double-edged blade of ice was absorbed by the chest of the crawling man without any resistance while making a crunching sound .

"Gahaa . "

Once I ceased the release of mana, the hidden bladeIce Claw, which popped out from the bottom end of the magic spear, vanished in an instant . Just the chest wound was left .

Blood spilled from the cut without stopping, and only cold air and the stench of blood wafted about .

Well then— now that it has come to this, it would be better to directly contact [Scales of Gaia]?

But, that's for tomorrow and after that .

If I don't go to the headquarters of Belgart now...

I store away the magic spear while spinning it and look at Melissa's condition .

As she was apparently still mentally slow, she stared blankly into empty space .

Still no good, huh?

If it's a state of losing your mind for a long time like this, a simple psychological trauma and stress syndromePTSD seems unlikely... anyway, I will have her return to sanity in a slightly forceful manner .

"Melissa, Melissa, oi, wake up!" (Shuuya)

"Nya, nya . " (Rollo)

I shook both her shoulders vehemently .

Rollo extends her tentacles and joins in shaking her .

"... Y-Ye-Yes..." (Melissa)

"Great . Did you come to yourself? Can you stand?" (Shuuya)

"Y-Yeshh . ... A, n-no, it looks hopeless..." (Melissa)

It seems to be completely hopeless for Melissa as her hip has given in and her feet are staggering .

Although she is in a Jovi Jova* stateammonia smell, it can't be helped . (T/N: じょびじょば - only found Jovi Jova for that one . It's a J-Pop band that performed comedy acts, acted on television and sang songs consisting of 6 people . I think they are famous for their silliness? No idea, I didn't research them much more than reading the Japanese wiki about them xD)

"Got it . In that case—" (Shuuya)

I hold Melissa forcibly in my hands .

I end up holding her in a princess carry .

"A-Au, that's not allowed—" (Melissa)

"Look, it's alright now . So I wonder if we shall go to Belgart's headquarters, but... Melissa, are you okay with such a pose?" (Shuuya)

"Eh? Eeeh...? T-This is, umm, unpleasant... Sorry . I smell, right? This..." (Melissa)

Once she realizes that her lower body part is stained with pee and in a Jovi Jova state, he cheeks are dyed red and she shrinks her body . Is she embarrassed?

"I don't mind . Shall we return to the inn where I'm staying at for now?" (Shuuya)

"N-No . Ah, my home is around this neighbourhood . Can you please take me there?" (Melissa)

"Understood . Please tell me the route . Rollo, come . " (Shuuya)

"Nya!" (Rollo)

"Yes . " (Melissa)

We are guided through small alleys while being verbally instructed by Melissa .

Being carried in my arms, she is somewhat embarrassed .

Most likely she is minding the ammonia smell which stinks with a *phoo* .

Rollo, who goes ahead, turns around and waits for me who is carrying Melissa who stays small and quiet . She advanced ahead once again swinging her tail when we caught up .

For a while I proceed through alleys according to Melissa's voice while watching Rollo's appearance from behind .

"Ah, here we are . It isn't locked . " (Melissa)

"Roger . " (Shuuya)

We arrive at Melissa's home .

It's a small house which was built with a wooden framework in a grid pattern .

I immediately open the entrance door while holding her in my hands .

"Huh? Onee-chan?"

A girl, who wore a plain one-piece, stood there .

"Ah, Erika, this person is a guest . I got his help . Let's talk later since we will head inside now, okay?" (Melissa)

"Eh? Y-Yea . " (Erika)

Her younger sister? She resembles Melissa a lot .

"Shuuya-san, the inner part is that way . " (Melissa)

"Aah, okay . " (Shuuya)

Leaving behind her younger sister at the front door, I was led to a small room and we entered it .

Since there are woman-like accessories here and there, this place is probably her room .

While being slightly nervous, I gently put Melissa on top of her bed .

"Can you move? Are you alright?" (Shuuya)

"Yes . I've calmed down for the most part . " (Melissa)

Certainly, she appears to be relieved .

Her swollen cheeks look a bit slack .

"That's how it seems . Is there anything I can help you with?" (Shuuya)

"It's fine . " (Melissa)

"Well, then I will leave the room . " (Shuuya)

"Ah, yes . " (Melissa)

Once I exited the room, her younger sister came to see me .

"Ah, hello . " (Shuuya)

"Yes, good evening . " (Erika)

"Your elder sister is inside her room . " (Shuuya)

"Yes, looks like it . Are you by any chance onee-chan's boyfriend?" (Erika)

"Umm, it's different . I was rejected? That's the feeling, I guess?" (Shuuya)

"Oh my, is that so?" (Erika)

At that point Melissa jumped out from her room after having finished changing .

"E-Erika~ Don't say odd things to Shuuya-san!" (Melissa)

"Ah, Onee-chan . Just now you said that he had helped you though..." (Erika)

"Yes . That's true . You know about my job, right? Therefore, it's related to that . " (Melissa)

"I see . It's enough already . Since [Belgart]'s work is dangerous, it would be best if you stopped it . " (Erika)

"Er, well... there's no way I can do such thing . Even though I'm experiencing risky ((situations)), there are people who are saved by my information after all . " (Melissa)

"... Haa, that's the usual . Even though I could calm down and feel relieved if you had powerful physical strength..." (Erika)

"Fufu, Erika . Thank you . " (Melissa)

Saying that, she hugs her younger sister closely .

"Ah, onee-chan... mmh, does something smell like pee?" (Erika)

"Eh? Ah! T-There's no such thing . You are imagining it . " (Melissa)

"Reaally?" (Erika)

"Nya?" (Rollo)

At that point Rollo peeked at our situation from below while looking very interested .

"Waaaaah— How cuteee . " (Erika)

Erika showed an innocent smile, caught Rollo with childish, quick movements and hugged her .

"That cat's my partner . Her name is Rollodeen . Please call her Rollo . " (Shuuya)

"Hee, Rollo-chan . That's lovely . " (Erika)

"Nnn, nyanya . " (Rollo)

Rollo meows displeased and escapes Erika's embrace by twisting around .

She ran away in a dash .

"Aah, Rollo-chan, that's too soon . " (Erika)

Erika chases after Rollo .

"Fufu, jeez, Erika . " (Melissa)

"Ahaha, Rollo has become desperate . " (Shuuya)

Melissa regained her smile .

Some time ago I was worried...

I think there's some kind of reason for her to leak pee and to be befuddled though .

However it's a topic that's difficult to ask...

"... Melissa, umm, why did such thing happen some time ago?" (Shuuya)

"It makes you wonder, doesn't it? I will explain the reason . Please come inside my room . " (Melissa)

My hand was grabbed by her and I was taken into her room .

Having closed the door with both her hands across her back, Melissa cast her face down .

From that behaviour and her expression I got an inkling that she's trying to talk about something important .

She lifts her face, puts strength into her eyes by apparently mustering her courage and moves her lips .

"I have... for me to have reacted in such a way..." (Melissa)

Melissa takes off her clothes while while talking with a feeble voice similar to the grazing of a bird's feather .

Her laying her upper body half bare exposed a certain fact .

Eh...? Ah, that's how it is?

I comprehended after looking at her upper body half .

There are terrible scars on her chest and one breast was missing .

There was a fake item, in order to pretend it being a breast, embedded into the clothes she took off .

"... It's because of this injury . In the past I was kidnapped by the religious fanatics Totogudius, [Apostles of Blood Mark], and in a ritual of sacrifice... I was told that it was for the sake of the King of the 10-Layered Hell, Totogudius, and my chest was pried open to steal my heart . I was rescued by the boss of a thieves guild in the middle of that ceremony . My life was saved with healing magic, but since then—" (Melissa)

I didn't want to make her talk to the end .

I pick up the clothes which fell to the ground, place them on Melissa's body and hug her over her clothes .

"I got it, thus wear these clothes . " (Shuuya)

"Y-Yes . " (Melissa)

Melissa, who was hugged by me, returned the embrace by burying her face in my violet armour and placing her arms around my waist .

"... However, bit-by-bit, please let me talk to the end while staying like this . " (Melissa)

"Okay . "

"Since my life was saved by magic, I'm absolutely bad with seeing blood and being approached by men . I end up feeling excessive dread... me being mentally slow and incontinent some time ago is a consequence of that . " (Melissa)

Huh? Just now...

"However, I seem to be mysteriously alright now . I've been embraced closely by you like this, Shuuya-san . It looks like it's fine if it's you, Shuuya-san... though my chest is throbbing..." (Melissa)

Even if she says that, her body is trembling slightly .

Do I make her show courage?

"Are you okay? If you are fine with me, I will help you practise hugging whenever you want . " (Shuuya)

"— Really? My chest is..." (Melissa)

Melissa looks up at me while looking insecure .

The boob research society is an infinite garden . It accepts everything .

Despite the smell... let me show my courage as well .

"... Idiot, such things don't matter at all . I will embrace your heart . " (Shuuya)

"Shuuya-san..." (Melissa)

Sexual passion dwells inside her eyes .

"Melissa..." (Shuuya)

Our gazes turned towards each other's lips . I naturally lift up Melissa and steal her charming upper lips while indulging in the gap that's located on the surface of her soft lips .

Entangling and overlapping out tongues, we exchange saliva... of course I hugged Melissa's body closely .

"— It hurts . " (Melissa)

Damn! I got too excited .

I separate my face in a hurry . A thread of saliva is drawn from both our mouths .

"S-Sorry . " (Shuuya)

While apologizing, I lower her, whom I held tightly to lift her up, to the ground and separate from her .

"Fufu, it's fine . Please hug me gently this time..." (Melissa)

"Yea . " (Shuuya)

At such good time—

"Onee-chan~, what about our guest?" (Erika)

"Aua!" (Shuuya)

*startle*... which reminds me, there was a younger sister .

"Erika~, wait over there . " (Melissa)

Melissa puts on her clothes in a hurry to keep up her appearance .

Once she wore her clothes, she opens the door after sending a lovely wink and revealing a smile towards me .

Behind the door was the cock-blocking* Erika who held Rollo in her chest . (T/N: originally hindering/nuisance/obstacle as verb but I consider my term more appropriate in this situation)

"Ehehe, I caught Rollo-chan~" (Erika)

Rollo looks completely exhausted with her whiskers hanging down and her red eyes being dilated .

"I see . Good work, Erika-chan . " (Shuuya)

Saying that, I grabbed Rollo at the scruff of her neck and placed her on top of my shoulder .

Was Rollo finally liberated? While completely exhausted, she dives inside my hood .

"Dear guest, your name is Shuuya-san?" (Erika)

"That's right, please take care of me, cute Erika-chan . " (Shuuya)

"Yes, best regards . " (Erika)

"Erika, it's not allowed to bully Rollo-chan? As a matter of fact she is a very powerful familiar . " (Melissa)

"Eeeh? Really?" (Erika)

"Correct . And I'm an adventurer . " (Shuuya)

"Hee, an adventurer, huh? Shuuya-san, you give off the feeling of being strong . How cool—" (Erika)

Saying that, Erika came to cling to me .

N, ooh, this child has a splendid chest . Erika-kun! You are great . You smell nicely too!

"Oh my, what a delighted expression..." (Melissa)

It was a dry voice .

"Haha... guess so . " (Shuuya)

I smile while pretending to be calm . And I looked at the owner of the dry voice .

— Hiiya, chilled air is drifting about where Melissa stands .

Although she's smiling, she has an expression that doesn't smile .

"Shuuya-san, just now you told me that you will hug me whenever I want to, but are you actually hugging whoever?" (Melissa)

"No, this now is something inevitable . " (Shuuya)

"Hu~mph . " (Melissa)

"Huuuh? Fufu, onee-chan, are you angry?" (Erika)

Since Melissa has puffed up her cheeks to some extent, it's completely obvious .

"I-I'm not particularly a-angry . " (Melissa)

The younger sister Erika is revealing a somewhat triumphant look...

"Is that sooo? I wondered whether you might be jealous . " (Erika)

Uhaa, though it's somehow hot, the looks of the elder sister and the younger sister are clashing against each other .

Let's do a follow-up at this point .

"Heey, it's almost night . Wouldn't it be better for the two of you to go sleep?" (Shuuya)

"Ah, yea . That's right . " (Erika)

Erika separates from me obediently like a child .

"Erika, go back to your own room . " (Melissa)

"Yea . Shuuya-san, will you come with me?" (Erika)

Erika tempted me by switching from the expression of a child to that of a woman .

"Hey! Erika, don't get cocky!! That's not allowed . " (Melissa)

"Hehe, I understand . I will go to my room~" (Erika)

Erika skips towards the neighbouring room after sticking out her tongue .

"Haha, a lively younger sister, isn't she?" (Shuuya)

"Eeh? Yes, indeed . " (Melissa)

Melissa nods with a smile .

... However, I ended up involving this woman who is able to enchant someone with her beautiful smile .

If I recall it now, I did something horrible at the beginning .

If I don't apologize...

"Melissa, I must apologize . I'm very sorry . " (Shuuya)

"Huh? What's it all of a sudden?" (Melissa)

"It's from the time we first met . When we exchanged information, I took out a weapon and scared you by getting close to you, Melissa . I'm sorry, okay?" (Shuuya)

I became engrossed in the bargaining to extract information .

Were her eyes wet or wasn't she just close to crying completely...? I want to hit the me from that time .

"... Aah, it's about that time? Well, I don't mind it . It's fine . Like this I was saved in "various" ways . ... Danger is an unavoidable part of working for Belgart . " (Melissa)

Melissa swings her slender hand left and right . Good grief, she was able to reply with "I don't mind it" while smiling .

"You being able to say that makes me happy, but there's also the matter of me having dragged you into a dispute between dark guilds, Melissa . " (Shuuya)

"It can't be helped . I've told you many times, but it's my "job . " However, saying such thing, am I in the wrong? After all it's "me" who spread your information through Belgart in the beginning . " (Melissa)

She, who scowls and produces a stern expression, decides to show a self-satisfied look .

In the end she smiled pleasantly though .

"Haha, that's true as well . In that case we are of equal status in this regard?" (Shuuya)

"Fufu, seems so, doesn't it?" (Melissa)

"However, it's probably for the best to inform your boss Dino-san about you being attacked, right? Besides, if you befriend me, it will result in you being targeted by [Owl's Fangs] . " (Shuuya)

Melissa nods meekly and ponders about it .

"... Yes, I will report it tomorrow . Certainly, your information can't be distributed carelessly anymore, Shuuya-san . If it's about the annihilation of a [Owl's Fangs] unit, we can circulate it though . " (Melissa)

"If you do such thing, won't [Belgart] itself end up getting dragged into the dispute?" (Shuuya)

"I think this much is alright . If [Belgart]'s headquarters got attacked, the personnel would go into dormancy while hiding . Above all, there are also other dark guilds who are fighting against [Owl's Fangs] . Not to mention that if they attack [Belgart] which isn't a dark guild, they will just create enemies and get entangled in various complicated situations, and that will cause their own reputation to take a hit . " (Melissa)

The possibility of Belgart being attacked is low, huh?

"I see . I feel slightly relieved . " (Shuuya)

"Oh, did you worry about me?" (Melissa)

"That's natural, isn't it...?" (Shuuya)

I answered while scratching my cheek with a finger .

"— Thank you . " (Melissa)

While stating words of gratitude, Melissa suddenly became bright with this and came to cling at me to some extent .

The soft touch of a woman is somehow transmitted even through the violet armour .

... I want to enjoy the sensation, but since I want to get in touch with [Scales of Gaia] who is hostile towards [Owl's Fangs], I need information .

"Melissa, I need a few bits of information . " (Shuuya)

"Eeh, yes . What is it?" (Melissa)

Melissa asks me with upturned eyes while clinging to me .

"Do you know the location of the office of [Scales of Gaia], their current headquarters?" (Shuuya)

"Yes . I know of it . " (Melissa)

"Please tell me . " (Shuuya)

"Understood . Please wait a moment . I will draw a map on a leather cloth . " (Melissa)

Melissa removes the hand which hugged me and sits down at a desk located in the living room .

I had her roughly draw the location where [Scales of Gaia]' store happens to be .

"Thanks for the map . It's at the end of a backstreet off the central main street, eh? The last turf in the shopping district's sphere which keeps being protected by [Scales of Gaia] . " (Shuuya)

"Yes . You are going to head towards [Scales of Gaia], aren't you?" (Melissa)

"Yea, just a bit ago I saved a "beautiful woman" and a "middle-aged, grim man . "" (Shuuya)

"Those are "Mia of the Fireball" and "Victor the Hammer?"" (Melissa)

Melissa's look completely shifted into work mode .

Her thin eyebrows are tensely slanted upwards and her blue eyes are shining sharply .

As expected of [Belgart], her conjecture is fast .

However, speaking of a beauty, she immediately corresponds to it, doesn't she?

"... As expected, you know them?" (Shuuya)

"That's only natural . " (Melissa)

Melissa starts to speak while putting her slender hands against her hip .

"I won't ask you what you are going to do . However, I'm certain that I'm participating in the turning of a new page for the underworld of this [Holkerbaum] . " (Melissa)

"... Haha, it ain't something that grandiose . Well then, it's already late in the night . I will go back soon . " (Shuuya)

"Eh? Ah, i-is it wrong for you to s-stay over today?" (Melissa)

Honestly, I want to stay with her, but isn't her younger sister...

After embracing Melissa, who cast her eyes down looking embarrassed, I whispered closely into her ears,

"Next time I will turn into a wolf . " (Shuuya)

"— Ah, yes . " (Melissa)

Melissa has a red face .

I separated from Melissa leaving behind a slight after-taste of my breath .

"Well then, it will be fine if you can guide me to the headquarters of Belgart tomorrow morning . If you are busy, I will patiently wait in my high-class inn while nominating you . " (Shuuya)

"Okay, as long as my work isn't hectic, I will head over there once it's morning . " (Melissa)

I exit through the entrance door .

"Then, see you tomorrow—" (Shuuya)

In the middle of saying that, I was once again hugged closely by Melissa .

"Really, thank you very much for today . " (Melissa)

Although it's through my back, her feelings are properly conveyed .

"Ah, I told you it's fine . " (Shuuya)

"Nya!" (Rollo)

It seems Rollo gives an answer after making an appearance from within the hood .

"Rollo-chan, you as well, thank you . " (Melissa)

"N, nyanya . " (Rollo)

At that point I reluctantly bid farewell to Melissa .

I follow the path leading back to the high-class inn .

However, although it's fine that I left the house of the attractive Melissa... I end up getting lost in the alleys even after using <Night Vision> . I try going back and forth on small paths .

At last I arrived at the high-class inn right at midnight in such manner and I was able to return to my room .