Chapter 48
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 48
Chapter Title: Slip of the Tongue
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Up until now, how had I been using the Shop?
Had I made the most of it? Squeezed every last drop out of it?
No.
Not at all!
Looking back, I'd only ever used the Shop's wonderful feature to buy Avatars.
I'd figured there was nothing better for me, stuck in my inner world day in and day out.
Let me say it plainly.
That wasn't wrong.
No matter what they sell in there, nothing holds more value to me than an Avatar.
I'm a prisoner here.
An Avatar might as well be an escape ticket. It'd be ridiculous if anything were more useful.
But...
You have purchased the skill, 'Discernment'.
1500 Points have been used.
It's not that they lack value entirely—they're just not essential.
If I don't have them, no big deal. If I do, great.
You have purchased the skill, 'Telepathy'.
1000 Points have been used.
Waste of money?
I thought so at first, too.
You have purchased the skill, 'Mimicry'.
2000 Points have been used.
Their overwhelming cost-performance covers everything.
"Anything else worth grabbing?"
I grinned as I moved the mouse around.
Half a year cooped up, and even this gets me excited.
Clicking sounds echoed through the room.
"Moon... nah, don't need that. Territory...? Ugh, way too pricey."
Unfortunately, no more skills caught my eye.
I'm not hunting for 'expensive and powerful'—I want 'cheap and useful'.
Discernment: Discerns the target's level, intentions, true feelings, etc. Not deceived by lies.
Telepathy: Allows conversation even if the target is not nearby.
In that sense, these skills are perfect fits.
They'll help in any situation.
Solid purchases.
Mimicry: Can imitate movements seen with the eyes.
This one especially—I knew I had to buy it the moment I saw it.
Being able to adapt on the fly is a huge advantage.
It'll definitely help Roel out.
This skill can grow through proficiency.
For me too!
The 'Dual Soul State' privilege has activated.
The purchased skills have been shared with Roel Griffith.
Anyway.
Skills are good for now.
Too many could be a hassle, so that's enough today.
Time to buy some items.
"Might as well invest a bit here."
I'm going to tear down the Magic Tower soon.
A rotten bunch starting from the Archmage—fat chance they'll help take down the Demon King, especially when they already resent Roel.
No reason not to smash it.
Obviously, Roel won't be involved.
I'll wrap it up as the work of some mysterious intruder, so I need a 'proper weapon' for the role.
Lots of weapon types.
Greatswords made from compressed mass, bows from World Tree wood.
Tempting, but I obviously need a 'sword'.
"Perfect one right here."
Holy Sword (Replica) - 20000p
Demon Sword (Replica) - 20000p
Remaining Points - 45332p
Holy Sword and Demon Sword.
I could afford both, but I need to save enough for another Avatar just in case.
Have to pick one.
My choice was obvious.
"What, a Holy Sword? I'm no Hero."
You have purchased the Demon Sword (Replica).
20000 Points have been used.
I immediately pulled out the Demon Sword.
A longsword-like blade appeared in my hand.
Perfect grip, satisfying weight.
A faint red aura swirled along the blade.
"Nice."
The understated design really hits the spot.
"...Ah."
Damn.
This is bad.
"Urk."
My heart pounded hard.
Breath coming short.
This... this won't do.
"..."
I'm twenty-five.
Long past the age of playing with toys.
But this isn't a toy.
This is a Demon Sword.
Do you get what that means?
"Argh, can't hold back."
If I resist this, I wouldn't be a man.
Time to head out and swing it around!
Clink.
Clink.
The quiet clatter of silverware.
In the elegant, antique atmosphere sat a black-haired girl.
Sera slipped a small piece of steak into her mouth.
Chew chew.
"Tastes good."
It did.
Nothing like the Academy slop—leagues better.
Of course.
The Evans ducal chef was world-class.
Comparing them would be an insult.
Still, Sera...
"Lost my appetite."
She had no desire to eat more.
The servants watched her with concern.
"I'm not sick, so don't worry."
"Lady Sera is being... kind?"
"...Get lost?!"
After snapping, the servants scattered.
Sera leaned back on the sofa with a sigh.
Why no appetite?
Infuriatingly, she knew exactly why.
That idiot who used to chatter nonstop by her side was gone.
"Wonder if she's okay."
She'd heard the gist of the finals incident.
Killed the magic professor, hurt Laila...
All that demon's doing?
Sera grabbed her sword.
Heading to the Evans mansion's training ground.
The guards already training there stirred.
"Hey."
"Yes! We'll clear out immediately!"
"What? No, that's not necessary."
She hurriedly called back the soldiers heading out.
"We'll prostrate ourselves...!"
"Don't. You'll die if you do."
"Sorry!"
Her head throbbed.
Why are they like this?
"I'm just training alone in the corner. Ignore me."
"...?"
"What, got a problem? Wanna leave?"
"N-no!"
As the soldiers returned to training, Sera scratched her head.
Whispering among themselves.
Her sharpened senses from Academy growth picked up every mutter.
"Lady's changed."
"Normally she'd have us drilling."
"So we don't have to leave the yard?"
How much of a brat had she been?
Thinking of this reaction dragging on made her vision dim.
"All thanks to that guy."
Taught her humility.
Kindness.
The spirit of a Hero.
'I still need Roel.'
She wanted to stand by her side.
Learn more, stay rivals forever.
For that, she needed to get stronger.
That's why she'd snuck out now.
"Alright, let's start!"
Sera took her stance.
And then.
"Damn it, assemble all forces!"
Trouble hit.
"The Demon King appeared near the Magic Tower!!"
After cleaving a refreshing gash in the Magic Tower's wall, I started strolling leisurely.
"Stresses all gone. Gotta do this more often."
Griffith territory's far from the Magic Tower—zero chance Roel gets blamed.
I have disguise skills via Avatar anyway, so no capture worries.
Man, it's noisy.
Magic Tower thing?
Sheesh, breaking one wall and they freak out.
I perked up at the chatter from rushing people.
"Why's the Demon King down here!?"
"How should I know!!"
Demon King?
"Oh..."
What's that guy doing here?
"Demon King for sure? Fuck, even so, doesn't make sense...!"
"Magic Tower detected Demon Sword aura. Everyone knows only the Demon King can wield that!"
...
Ah, so that's it.
I quickly stashed the Demon Sword from my hand into subspace.
"System, open Suggestion Box."
Suggestion Box
-A: How may I assist you?
I started typing a long rant into the Suggestion Box.
-Q: Hey, you crazy bastards, at least put some warnings! Demon King's out here and everyone's losing it—
"Phew."
Finally calming down, I deleted what I'd written.
Remembered just in time that profanity might bring penalties.
Glancing at the Magic Tower, I muttered to myself.
"Alright, play dumb."
No Demon King anyway.
They'll search a bit and give up.
Nothing I can do, better not meddle.
"Useful though."
Learned Demon Swords are Demon King exclusives.
Replica lets me use it, and impersonating him is a big perk.
Not sure how to use it yet, but I'll figure it out.
Opened the system window again.
Time to head back.
"Hey."
Right as I went to hit recall, a shrill voice pierced my ears.
Familiar one.
"What was that just now?"
How to put this.
Troublesome, but...
"You definitely said you'd play dumb, right?"
...welcome.
"Sera?"
"...You know me?"
"You look even smaller in person."
Ah.
Slip of the tongue.