It's the NIS.
It's the NIS.
Is there a problem with my passive skill, Witch of Brainwashing?
I immediately opened the Status Window.
——
[ Passive Skill ]
* Witch of Brainwashing
Effect: Brainwashes all beings within the village range. Everyone is yours.
Usage: Used automatically.
Restriction: Cannot be used if there is a Brainwashing Blockade.
——
There doesn't seem to be anything specific to point to...
"Brainwashing Blockade...?"
Suddenly, a strange feeling flashed through my mind.
'Ah...!'
As soon as I saw the words "Brainwashing Blockade," it came to mind.
That Ogre bastard who raped me.
My brainwashing didn't seem to work on him.
Even though I told him not to do it so many times...
"Ugh..."
Shame surged up again.
Anyway, at the time, given the situation, I didn't realize it, but...
What is it? That's strange.
How did he not get brainwashed?
The explanation doesn't mention anything else besides the Brainwashing Blockade.
So, does that mean that Ogre was wearing some kind of Brainwashing Blockade?
"Why are you just standing there? Is there something you need? Just say the word!"
At that moment, an unexpected man's voice snapped me back to reality.
"Ah, no. Goodbye."
I reflexively greeted him, then ran out as if fleeing.
Ah, come to think of it, maybe I should have tried using the new skill again...
A slight regret washed over me as soon as I stepped out the door, but it felt too awkward to go back in.
And it felt a bit strange to use it on the same person again.
I'll just try it on someone else.
...
'...No.'
Come to think of it, I can just ask Seis-nim.
Honestly, I doubt he'll answer, but it's better than not trying.
I immediately called out to Seis-nim.
"Seis-nim! Um... how do I use this Mental Collapse Skill?"
[ ... ]
"Hello?"
But there was no answer.
Did something urgent come up?
'Hmm. No way.'
He probably just doesn't want to answer.
There's no way a god would just leave his post.
"Hello~"
I stood still in one spot, just in case.
[ ... ]
Huh, still no answer?
"Hmm..."
I glanced around for a moment.
"Hey... if you don't answer, I'm not going to proceed with this game?!"
[ ... ]
What, he really disappeared.
"Oh...?"
Then this is my chance.
I'll use this moment to quickly advance the game.
That way, I can avoid the Bad Ending.
Then I can save points and avoid unnecessary scenes, right?
The plan to try out the skill is canceled.
Right now, story progression is the priority.
'Anyway, it seems like a skill I don't need right now.'
I quickly started moving.
Click-clack.
At a reasonably brisk pace.
Click-clack, click-clack.
And for a moment, I thought it was just my imagination, but.
Click-clack, click-clack.
A strange feeling of unease made me involuntarily stop.
Another set of footsteps, approaching at a similar speed to my own.
My ears perked up at the sound that came as soon as I took a step.
Click-clack, click-clack.
The sound of heels, out of place with the surrounding noise.
...Someone is following me.
Even without looking back, my ears are reacting.
I couldn't stand it any longer and subtly turned around.
I didn't turn completely.
Very naturally, as if surveying the surroundings, I turned my head.
Then I moved my eyes further.
'...A suit?'
A black suit, distinctly noticeable compared to the people around me.
A woman in a black suit was openly following me.
Wait, a suit?
What is this? Wasn't this a fantasy world...?
For a moment, I wondered if I had seen it wrong, so I turned my head to the other side again.
"...Hmm."
No, it's definite.
A woman in a black suit is walking towards me.
And she even has a strange mask on her face...
'A mask...?'
The mask worn by that woman in the suit.
I've definitely seen it somewhere before.
Ah, yes.
It looks exactly like the mask worn by the Ogre who raped me.
It's not just similar; it's completely identical.
I distinctly remember that strange pattern, half black and half white.
She's not working with that Ogre, is she...?
Wait, could that mask be the Brainwashing Blockade...?
'Ah, damn it...!'
At that moment, the woman in the suit quickened her pace.
I started running belatedly, but she was already within arm's reach.
My eyes were facing forward, but the sound of footsteps in my ears was incredibly close.
"Damn it...!!"
Just as I was about to start running in earnest, realizing it was no use.
Whoosh.
"What the... Mmph! Mmph...!!"
Thud.
I was caught.
In the blink of an eye, she pounced on me, and we both fell down.
"Mmmph...! Mmmph!!"
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry... please forgive me just this once..."
What is this?
Wait, just a moment.
An event just happens out of nowhere like this?
"Ugh...!"
Something is entering my mouth.
She's forcibly shoving an unknown liquid, sweet yet slightly bitter, into my mouth...!
"Mmph! Mmph...! Mmmph"
Gulp, gulp.
What the hell is this woman...?!
It's impossible to spit it out.
She's pinching my cheeks while blocking my nose.
At this rate, I have to drink it just to breathe.
"Mmmph...! Mmmph!!"
My cheeks hurt.
Surely it's not an Aphrodisiac?
Doing it here... no, even so, that's too far-fetched!
"Mmmph..."
Gulp, gulp.
My heart is pounding.
I have no choice, I have to drink this.
Otherwise, I'll really suffocate to death...!
"Mmph...! Phew...!!"
"Are you alright? Are you conscious?"
As soon as she let go, I rubbed my squashed cheek.
"Wha... what did you...!"
"My name is Silver. I'm from the National Intelligence Service."
"...Huh?"
Silver...?
National Intelligence Service, she said?
She means the National Intelligence Service I know, right?
"You have been brainwashed until now."
...What is this, all of a sudden?
At the same time, she kindly helped me up.
"This village is illegally occupied by the Witch of Brainwashing, who is wanted by the state."
The Witch of Brainwashing... that's me.
"I know it's hard to believe. But look. The people around us aren't paying us any attention."
As Silver said, the people around them didn't react much.
"This is proof that this village has been brainwashed."
...
No, that's not it.
In a way, that's natural.
Unless I specifically give them orders, they'll just keep repeating the same actions.
"And I have un-brainwashed you with a brainwashing antidote specially made by the Royal Family."
"Oh, um..."
Silver spoke, staring intently at me.
Moreover, an unknown sense of intimidation emanated from her face.
An overwhelming aura that rendered her mask meaningless.
It was somewhat frightening.
"But liberation from brainwashing is only temporary. I'm truly sorry."
It seems she mistook me for an ordinary villager.
Well, there's no other way to tell, but...
This... isn't the Bad Ending route, is it?
"So, let's hurry. This way, for now."
"Whoa, whoa!"
A hot grip on my wrist. The intensity made me involuntarily squeeze my eyes shut.
And she just started running.
Only when they reached a dark, secluded alley where no light entered did she seem relieved and spoke.
"First, the first question."
"A question...?"
"Please tell me your name. If you haven't forgotten it, that is."
That's when it happened.
Ding~
With a cheerful chime, the Status Window appeared.
——
[ Warning! ]
* An interrogation will now begin.
You have encountered the National Intelligence Service, who are looking for the Witch of Brainwashing.
If your identity is discovered, the consequences will surely not be pleasant.
So, let's answer to the best of our ability!
(Hint display can be changed in settings.)
——
"..."
I wore a blank expression.
Wait, if I answer incorrectly here, will I go straight to a Bad Ending?
That certainly woke me up.
Perhaps the silver lining is that Seis-nim isn't here.
"M-my name is Seo Ha-rin."
I didn't think there was any need to lie, so I told the truth.
Then she made an expression as if she was thinking something.
"I see... Hmm."
Ah, no way.
Should I have answered that I don't remember...?
"...Then, the next question."
Fortunately, it seems that's not the case.
"I recall you were naked in the middle of a clearing the day before yesterday. May I ask what happened then?"
But the important thing was the next question.
"...Eek."
This is a bit awkward.
Putting aside the embarrassment, I definitely need to say I don't know.
If I were to answer, 'Yes! My clothes were all torn off because of slime masturbation! Hahaha~', I'd surely be branded a witch.
"What do you mean...? Me? I did that?"
I made up an excuse.
I'm not very good at lying, so I honestly don't know if it'll work, but...
"Hmm..."
Her eyes narrowed.
"...I-I really don't remember..."
Something feels uneasy. She hasn't caught on, has she?
Let's keep it simple.
I am an ordinary villager.
I need to act like a normal citizen who was just brainwashed, not the Witch of Brainwashing.
Moreover, with Seis-nim gone, this is the only chance to quickly advance the story.
I looked directly into her eyes.
To emphasize that I am an innocent citizen.
"...I see. Then, are you acquainted with a blue-haired elf? Among your family or acquaintances, that is."
"...Uh."
Brain full throttle.
This is a tricky question.
For now, I shouldn't say I know her. That would prove I remember what happened then.
...No, wait a minute.
There's a problem even if I say I don't know her, isn't there?
From what she's saying, she clearly witnessed what happened the day before yesterday.
The scene where Pai and I were together.
...Ah, does that mean she saw the Tentacle play too? ...No, that's not what's important right now.
The core is whether she witnessed it.
A simple calculation.
In short, if I affirm her statement, I'll be branded the Witch of Brainwashing, and if I deny knowing her, Pai will be implicated.
It's probably more rational to suspect the person who was naked in the middle of the village, isn't it?
Hmm.
Then there's no way out...?
"Ugh..."
My head felt hot, and I involuntarily groaned.
"Ugh?"
She didn't miss that and latched onto it.
"Do you really not remember anything at all?"
She grabbed my shoulders. With all her might, too.
I could feel her resolve, as if she wouldn't give me any chance to escape.
"Ah, ahh... Eh?"
The sudden pressure on my shoulders made me flustered, and my words came out wrong.
"Hmm..."
The shoulders she was pressing down on started to hurt more and more.
"Ahh... Excuse me..."
As I twisted my body, unable to bear it, she finally began to release her grip.
And as expected, those words came out.
"Don't be surprised, but the person you've been with... seems to be the Witch of Brainwashing."
"..."
Gasp.
I put on the most surprised expression I could.
At least this is better than being branded the Witch of Brainwashing myself.
Perhaps this is a guaranteed failure event, designed so that I couldn't escape from the beginning.
"Let's leave this village immediately."
The very next moment, she straightened her chest and snatched my wrist.
"...Huh?"
I couldn't even think of shaking her off.
With an absurdly strong force, I was dragged out of the alley without being able to resist.
"W-wait...!"
She only looked straight ahead, seemingly having no intention of listening to me.
Is it really okay to leave like this?
My instincts are screaming danger.
Ding~
And.
As expected.
——
[ Warning! ]
* Run away.
(Hint display can be changed in settings.)
——