NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 75
– 1 –
“What on earth… what have you done – !!”
Elias’s reaction right after his transformation into a monster was quite amusing.
It felt like witnessing one of those initial reactions from a TS novel.
It’s true that he became a monster, not just a woman.
“You look great. It’s rewarding to see you chose the most human-like form.”
Elias became a slender beauty with brown hair dyed here and there with black balayage and light gray eyes.
His original brown hair was mixed with black due to the influence of the monster he transformed into, and since the changed monster only had the ‘female form’ species, he turned into a woman.
“What did you change me into? Huh?!”
“A Banshee.”
“Th-that’s a monster, right? One that has nothing to do with combat!”
“It’s a life with intelligence, you know. Call her ‘she.’”
“That’s not the important part!!”
Banshee.
Initially, there’s a legend that says a woman who lost her lover in war evolved into a monster, and perhaps due to that, she appears as a weeping woman on the hill.
Known for weaving magic into her wails, she has the power to enchant anyone who hears her cry, so it’s natural that she is perceived as unrelated to combat.
But.
“Unrelated? Monsters fundamentally possess better physical abilities than humans. It’s better to be beautiful than to be just muscle-bound.”
The bodies of monsters are tougher and have a higher muscle density than humans.
So just transforming into a monster increases physical prowess.
Right now, being right after the transformation, she probably doesn’t feel it due to the mental strain, but soon she will realize it.
“Stop with this pun nonsense – !”
Thud!
“Ah!”
Finally, getting up from her seat, she tried to confront me only to be knocked down by Eve again.
I glanced at the bruise forming on her face while checking the condition of her transformed body.
『Title/Entity Name – ‘Combatant’ Banshee』
『Title – Combatant: Given to an entity that is somewhat superior in stamina, skill, and magic compared to other entities.』
‘It’s applied correctly.’
I had prepped a human sacrifice hidden in the shadows before proceeding with the contract, enhancing the sacrifice at the same time.
Thanks to that, her… no, ‘her’ abilities were definitely enhanced compared to before, but I couldn’t be 100% sure if it adhered to what either of us wanted…
『Job and Rank – Senior Knight』
『Attributes – Stamina 34(◀ 26) Skill 35(◀ 17) Durability 25(◀ 28) Magic 32(◀ 14) Resistance 33(◀ 18)』
Fortunately, while not perfect, it was fairly well applied.
The rise in magic and resistance was due to the influence of changing into a ‘Banshee,’ and in return, stamina and skill were offset through the sacrifice.
At this degree, the drop in durability would be a minor loss.
『Traits – Advanced Specialization: Linear Spear, Specialization: Broad Sword, Explosive Strength』
『Traits – Precision, Enchanting Tears, Lovable Sorrow, Advanced Specialization: Spear, Specialization: Sword』
The enchantment trait of the Banshee is attached to her traits, and the pre-prepared traits fused together allowing her to handle a broader range of weapons, instead of just one or two.
Among these, the most important trait was this.
『Precision – Grants a bonus to actions using all piercing or slicing attacks, evasion, and magic manipulation abilities.』
The explosive strength trait that Eve has disappeared, and fused with one of the rare traits normally possessed by Banshees, ‘Precise Magic Control,’ this created an Hero-level trait.
What a surprise from a fortunate accident.
Evangeline also has a similar trait now. Though the name and detail are different.
In any case, at this point, the initial support was more than enough.
“Could you possibly give it back to me… I’m a woman…”
“It’s punishment. Learn to accept it.”
“Isn’t this too harsh…! I just liked you, Lady…!”
“While mobilizing soldiers and informants, trying to tether me to that mansion.”
“That’s… sniff.”
At this point, he might feel like he’s been given something back with a smack in the face in exchange for an old weapon, but then again, seeing others with eyes like that only to end up as a woman.
Well, that’s quite a sorrowful plight.
Most men wouldn’t be able to resist comforting her upon seeing her appearance.
“Seems like you’ve already adapted well to being a woman, Elias. Or should I say, Elenore?”
“Ugh, don’t mock me… I can’t control myself…”
Sudden hormone changes and so on.
So many transformations that can’t just be explained by simple bodily changes brought forth negative effects.
Among those, her crying look is somewhat good to see.
‘The Banshee’s trait is pretty powerful, huh.’
It makes an impression, even on a Succubus, and for me, knowing she was originally a man, this stirring up such feelings is something else.
Perhaps it’s a trait that strengthens its power at the expense of limiting conditions.
It’s a pity that the effect is merely charming.
‘If she’s going to cry in front of men, I better remind her to keep a weapon close by.’
Otherwise, it might lead to a pretty pleasant experience.
“When you go back to your household, tell them you were cursed.”
When Elias, now a she, calmed down somewhat and I began to speak, she looked at me with a puzzled expression.
“Is that alright?”
“Of course. No healer or cleric could reverse your form. Unless a saint comes, or if they cover you with a human guise again. That’s the power of the Demon Lord.”
“That… that’s a disheartening story.”
Elias gave a wry smile. It wasn’t a smile borne out of desire, but rather a natural expression that flowed from a habit.
If you talk about feelings, she would probably want to sit down and do nothing.
“Then speak carefully. If you say you were cursed in the dungeon, a cleric will come to you immediately.”
“That’s not a good thing… ah.”
“Right. There’s our power inside you, so if a cleric examines you directly…”
I let slip a few words not fully finishing my thoughts, but Elias did not shy away from the faced situation.
“I’d be doomed. Because of you.”
Her face, predicting her own future, was fairly calm.
It wasn’t courageous; more like a face close to resignation.
“Indeed. You’ll be dying along with that cleric.”
“Well then, that really spells trouble for the household. I guess it’s good I won’t be alone on this journey.”
“Don’t worry. By that time, I’ll actively drive a wedge between the Grand Shrine and the Kaisen Kingdom.”
I smiled as gently as I could at Elias, who was looking at me incredulously.
The implication was, ‘If that happens, you better do well, right?’
Perhaps she understood the meaning; she simply fell silent, and I continued explaining like it was nothing.
“After a few healers come by, when the time comes, someone I send will go to you and help you regain your aesthetics for a while.”
“Regain? For how long?”
“If my person is to help you inside your mansion, wouldn’t it be best if they’re always around you?”
“Ha ha… yeah, that sounds right.”
Elias, with a strangely twisted expression, gave a smile that was hardly a smile. Almost as if to say she was annoyed, yet accepting it.
To her, I threw out a parting phrase.
“If you do well, I just might return you to your original form as a reward.”
The words she had been waiting for.
“… Really? Earlier, you said…”
“As the one presiding over your contract, there’s no way it wouldn’t happen.”
To be precise, I had magically memorized and stored her original appearance, meaning I would make a contract to restore her to that appearance, but nonetheless, it was indeed true that she could return to her original form.
“… Okay. I understand. I will follow your lead.”
From the beginning, the only choice she had was one.
Now, I should toss in a carrot.
“My goal is to elevate you to the Outskirts Duke. As long as you don’t get found out, or even if you do, I won’t abandon you.”
“You’ll try to recycle me in some way. You seem like that kind of person.”
“Quick-witted.”
After all, her insight into people was excellent. By this point, there was a good chance of her making a name for herself even without my powers.
But the current her does not know that.
Seeming other people’s talents shine brighter, she was distracted by it.
If she had discovered her own talent early, she could have polished it and walked a path of pure glory, but it’s a pity.
‘In a way, it’s a good thing for me.’
Thanks to that, I could aim my dagger at the west side of the Kaisen Kingdom. What’s left is to sharpen that dagger further and load it with poison.
“… I will follow the Lady’s orders. After all, you decided to save me… and the plan seems realistic.”
As I carefully explained the process, I noticed Elias’s eyes had also turned cold.
What filled those eyes was, indeed, ambition.
An ambition to rise to the top through whatever means available, raising a sword so that everyone would sing her praises.
“Don’t worry. The contract will be kept.”
Once that ambitious dagger is sunk into its target, and that poison spreads…
I will obtain the western part of the Kaisen Kingdom.
Had she not tried to bind me under the pretense of love back then, this would never have happened.
In a way, it was a calamity of her own making.
– 2 –
“…”
Serika entered the room connected to the Mammon Trading Company in the Demon World, looking quite disappointed.
I don’t know what excuse she made to her family, but it was time for her to leave after visiting me under the pretense of watching Elias’s dungeon adventure.
“Take care, Serika.”
“Aren’t you disappointed? I don’t know when I’ll see you again after I leave.”
How pitiful she must feel, to express such an exaggeratedly sad demeanor even at my meaningless farewell.
Fortunately, I had somewhat grasped how to handle her by now.
To the point where I could ease her disappointment.
“No matter when, I’ll make sure to visit you next time.”
“Are you serious? If you’re lying, I’ll be mad. When are you coming?”
“I can’t make a concrete promise. I have a lot on my plate.”
Serika’s eyes sparkled with hope, but I could only shake my head.
It’s not like my circumstances are simple enough to pin down an accurate visit. I’m just sorry I can’t ease all her disappointment.
Fortunately, she pouted a little but didn’t appear too annoyed.
“Tch. Then, just make sure to keep in touch. I’m not a kid, so I won’t throw a fit.”
“Very mature of you.”
“Ahem.”
With her hands on her hips, Serika nodded proudly. It seems my praise made her quite happy.
“Okay. I’ll think of something so that next time will be even more enjoyable.”
“Yeah! Keep the core safe. I’ll be coming back for it later.”
“Got it.”
Serika’s Dungeon Core was neither absorbed by me nor taken by her.
Even if she retrieves the Dungeon Core, a special process is required to reactivate it as a core again.
This was also the reason she wouldn’t be visiting the surface for a while.
“I can’t help it. Next time I’ll be able to stay on the surface for a while longer. Just a little while.”
“You’ll do well.”
“Yeah!”
First, she has to take an exam in the Demon World.
Since the qualification requirement for that exam is to secure a core yet take the process without it, she decided to leave the core with me.
Once she retrieves the core, she verbally promised to join my side.
Whether that would be accepted by her family is uncertain, but I’d just have to observe and offer help if necessary.
Peck!
“Bye-bye!”
Accepting the momentary farewell completely, she beamed brightly and unexpectedly kissed my cheek before stepping through the gate.
“… No. I can’t stop her.”
– Grrrr…
“Xue?”
“… It’s nothing…”
Leaving behind a jealous Xue and me.
“You too, come here.”
“Yeah…? Okay…!”
Ultimately, I had no choice but to spend over thirty minutes rubbing her chin and ears until her mood lightened.
Considering how jealousy is not easy to resolve, what that alone showed would be how well Xue behaved.
– 3 –
Kiik – Bang!
I descended into the Underground Prison and found a woman there.
Strapped with an eye mask and shackles, she looked at me beseechingly while murmuring something.
“Please…”
It was none other than Elenore.