Chapter 134
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 134
Chapter Title: Snow White Witch
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The Snow White Witch is a very dangerous opponent.
She's probably on the same level as the Deep Sea Witch... or even stronger.
Snow White is one of the most famous fairy tales to begin with, isn't it?
There's no rule that fame makes them stronger, but it probably has some connection.
Normally, I wouldn't pick a fight with a foe that dangerous.
...Except when my greed for loot gets the better of me sometimes.
Right now, no such greed was stirring.
There was nothing shiny, nothing worth taking.
But I can't yield the killing blow.
These guys are worth my next evolution. You think I'm just gonna let you snatch the cores?
I can't stand for chicken-feet kicks.
Besides, they can't even attack me. Why should I hold back?
The witch's power is immense, but what she's shown is just a fraction.
And the cockatrice miasma can directly damage her abilities—that's already proven.
"Cawww!"
Crackk!
The ice storm let out a bizarre screech as its speed gradually slowed.
Greeeeek!
You might wonder how one could strike a storm, but for me, it's possible.
Kwa-gaga-kak!
But it only slowed—the storm didn't fully stop.
Ho, indeed. I wasn't paying attention to you lot. To be precise, to you.
Snow White's voice echoed.
Not through my ears, but directly in my head—a strange sensation.
Like that voice from a dream...
What was it?
A memory nearly surfaced, then slipped away.
A familiar voice from somewhere.
Not just the tone, but the transmission felt experienced before.
Kwa-gagagak.
The ice storm soon morphed into a blizzard.
No doubt that form wouldn't deal fatal damage to Dabih and Vega.
Of course, they were still unconscious, but at least I hadn't completely lost the finisher.
"Caw!"
And then it happened.
The blizzard converged in one spot, forming a shape above Dabih and Vega.
A humanoid silhouette.
But its proportions exceeded human limits.
Easily over 2.5 meters tall, with an elongated frame.
Long arms and legs to match.
Clad in a robe white as snow, yet it didn't veil her face.
At first glance, grotesque.
But the grotesqueness paled against a profound sense of sanctity.
The reason? Simple.
Despite the bizarre physique, her face was breathtakingly beautiful.
If snow took human form...
Perfectly matching her moniker: skin and hair pure white.
Everything alabaster, save for eyes of deep blue.
Gaze naturally drawn to her face over limbs, contemplating the harmony of blue eyes and white skin first.
So that's the Snow White Witch.
You don't lose consciousness just looking at me.
A bit unsettling, but not fainting material.
Maybe a touch of self-importance.
"Shuuu...."
Swungswung staggered, then quickly burrowed into my embrace.
"Kawk?"
Not just him.
"Awoong...."
"Nya...."
Black Wolf and Red Cape both dozed off right there.
Too comfy to call it passing out.
...Did I poke something I shouldn't have?
You said she couldn't attack us?
"...Kawk!"
So far, every time I heeded advice, things went smoothly.
Status messages and Moona's counsel.
Both from exceptional sources.
But what I heard this time?
Red Cape's advice.
Utter trash compared to a sage's wisdom.
Rest assured. I won't end it here. It's unpleasant you landed a hit on me, but also admirable.
Sounds like mercy at a glance.
But why bother?
She neutralized Black Wolf and Red Cape in an instant, yet spares me out of admiration?
"Caw...?"
Truth is, she can't touch me. Probably bluffing to salvage her image.
A classic bluff.
Of course, her power's real—provoking endlessly would be risky.
Wasn't even provoking.
Just claiming my due.
Yes. You're unhappy I handled your prey. Seeking no-kill? No, unlikely. A bird that devours night preaching mercy... Hehe, what an amusing claim.
The Snow White Witch chuckled softly at her own words.
That eerie, androgynous laugh sent chills down my spine.
They are your hunted prey... Is that what you want to say?
"Caw."
Spot on.
I worked hard for them. Why take them?
Not saying I have to kill them myself.
Subduing foes like this nets meaningful levels anyway, plus my contract with Cheshire Cat.
Learn Dabih and Vega's story.
Cheshire saw it wasn't romantic, so handling as I please, but there might be something worthwhile.
If so, leverage for Lion Heart King info and extras.
In short, we keep them.
Your thinking is correct. But they are bound by contract to me. Admiration doesn't void that.
She used them to take me down, yet thinks well of me?
Not knowing why gnaws at me.
What did I do to earn favor?
What you desire... probably this?
The Snow White Witch snapped her fingers.
And in that instant.
The ice storm imprisoning Dabih and Vega converged.
Transformed into white and blue light.
The storm slowly approached me.
A compressed attack?
No, didn't seem so.
A warm sensation.
More goodwill than enmity.
Could be a facade.
But my eyes see through that easily.
A faint golden halo shimmered around the light.
A boon, like serendipity.
I stood still and received it.
And then.
Instant level-ups.
She hadn't handed over Dabih and Vega, but granted equivalent rewards for downing them.
Be satisfied with this. Their souls can't be yours. Planned disposal, but found utility.
"Caw...."
Decent compensation—regrettable but passable.
No real loss, and levels feel worlds apart from zero.
But their custody? Non-negotiable.
"Caw caw."
Fair trade, all around.
I got what I wanted; she seemed content.
Now, part ways.
As I turned to leave.
Her blue eyes stared piercingly.
Silent, unblinking gaze.
I see. So that's where it is.
Her gaze fixed on my right shoulder.
A nostalgic scent wafts from your shoulder.
Nostalgic scent from my shoulder?
Not some other body part—shoulder?
Nothing special here besides Swungswung or Moona perching.
Bird treading night paths. Bird devouring night.
The Snow White Witch closed her eyes briefly.
This is preparation for the future me who will capture you. A present reward as well—and power to slip that existence's leash.
Paaat!
The Snow White Witch blew a single snowflower toward me.
It drifted slowly, touched my forehead, and melted swiftly.
Not into water.
Seeped into my mind, like absorption.
She'd done something to me.
No malice felt.
Bird treading night paths. This guidance keeps you from straying. I bless our future meeting.
The Snow White Witch's form faded.
Dabih and Vega vanished with the storm.
Granted levels, did her weird thing—time to go?
Good deal.
We're all fine, goals achieved.
Head back: Cheshire gives Lion Heart King intel, Bird Queen heaps rewards.
No loose ends.
Bird devouring night.
"Caw caw."
Yeah, yeah.
Nice meeting you.
Now kindly vanish?
Stuff to collect here.
【Afterglow Crow LV30(+)】 has reached maximum level.
Maximum level reached. 【Afterglow Crow LV30(+)】 can now evolve!
Above all, finally ripe for next evolution!
Don't trust the night crow.
What?
"What does that..."
I forced human speech to question her, but no reply came.
She was gone completely. Only a few cold snowflakes drifted down.