Chapter 160
Chapter 160
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 160
Chapter Title: Annoying Attention
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"Approval! Approval!"
"Are you insane?"
Clarier's shrill voice echoed like background noise as my body was sucked into some void with a whoosh.
The previous time a god had summoned me, a pillar of light had enveloped me, but this was distinctly different.
A slight sense of danger prickled at me.
Should I resist...?
[It's fine. Even if something goes wrong, don't you have skills in your memories to escape?]
True enough.
Alright. Let's go boldly.
[What a gullible little punk.]
This bastard...
Rumble.
At some point, the scenery had changed.
It was completely different from the place where I'd seen the gods before.
Back then, the background had shifted hazily every moment, but this place was just pitch black.
And the ground I stepped onto was a wasteland.
If I had to describe this place in one word, it was like...
[Doesn't the word 'death' come to mind?]
Just from that casual remark, an overwhelming presence and power washed over me.
My body trembled at the vibration of that force.
The Dragon God truly seemed to exist on a whole other plane from the other gods.
Turning around, I saw what looked like the shadow of a massive dragon.
It had the form of a dragon, but it felt more like a mass of energy than an actual dragon.
Almiraz had said all gods were absolute beings in their own worlds, yet the difference with the Dragon God was so stark it begged the question. A power stronger than any divinity emanated from it.
The only thing comparable was the time I'd met Onirist and my other patron god had intervened.
Enough thinking.
"Greetings, Dragon God."
[Hm. It's been a while, virtuous one.]
Virtuous one?
.....
......?
What the hell is that...?
Mangsin, do you know what a virtuous one is?
But there was no response to the end.
This guy. Acting all meek in front of the Dragon God.
Guess he gets caught if he talks to me in front of other gods.
Forgotten gods are losers, after all. Can't blame him for not wanting to show his face to the winners.
.....
Come to think of it, the first time this guy properly appeared, there were tons of gods around, including the Dragon God, and he just chatted away.
Eh, whatever. There's probably a reason.
Broad-minded me will let it slide.
You pathetic loser.
.....
Not coming out even after all that?
Well, I take back the harsh words, so don't sulk.
Curiosity getting the better of me, I asked directly.
"What is a virtuous one?"
[A shorthand for a benevolent soul.]
My mood suddenly lifted.
Me, a benevolent soul...!!
I spoke in an even more respectful tone.
"What brings you to summon me, Dragon God?"
[Hm. As in the message, I have a request.]
The Dragon God's resonant voice grew a touch cautious.
[It's impudent of me... but I'm truly grateful that you've risked danger to hear me out.]
"......!!"
This person—no, this dragon. Why is it so noble?
How long had it been since I'd received thanks for something so trivial?
Most gods I'd met were scum like Nana or Poseidon, or ones I suspected were rotten like Plna.
Heston or Onirist had seemed favorable and kind, but they'd only rewarded me for my deeds.
And the grand prize, Loveheart.
That fucking bitch with her shit name had half-ruined my isekai life.
No wonder my view of gods was sour.
Compared to those assholes, the Dragon God before me felt even more noble.
I was curious what face it'd make if I refused the request.
You know that urge sometimes? To do something that'll screw you just to see.
...If I'm curious, I should do it, right?
[My request is...]
"I refuse, no matter what it is."
Silence.
Did I overdo it? I was sweating bullets inside, timing when to yell "Just kidding!!" when a forlorn voice came.
[...I see. Forgive me. I only thought of my kin's plight and called you needlessly...]
Downcast.
That mood hit me so hard I panicked.
"What I meant was! If you're thinking I'll refuse whatever it is, I refuse that thought!"
[Hm?]
The Dragon God tilted its head briefly, then let out an "aha" and burst into laughter.
[You know how to have fun!]
"Hahaha..."
[Impressive! Even in this restrained form out of consideration for you, those of middling stature go mad before me. Your mind is as vast and majestic as a dimension itself.]
Mad? Suddenly I recalled Foiz's info on Askatorop—the Monster King. Everyone who'd seen him went insane.
Anyway, it sounded like praise, so I laughed it off.
[Thanks again. Your situation is so tangled that it's hard to accept offers from gods outside your patrons, yet you've come.]
"No need. Truth is... I don't really know my current situation."
After some hesitation, I explained my circumstances straight.
[Hm? You don't know? I rarely visit the divine realm myself, but I hear the news. How could you, with top gods and several of similar stature as patrons, not know?]
Several.
I swallowed hard, about to ask.
'Don't. It's coming.'
...!
Mangsin.
He spoke to me in a way different from usual.
"Coming"... meaning the one who interrupted my talk with Onirist before?
The goddess who'd been friendly to me?
No clue.
What was her goal, flipping between friendly and hostile?
No use pondering now, so I held back and said,
"Yes. I haven't heard. Aren't they in a bad spot too?"
The Dragon God seemed puzzled but soon nodded.
[I see. As I said, I despise that realm of authoritarian pricks, so I rarely go. I'm not fully informed either, but Nana, that mad god, has put a bounty on you.]
"A bounty...?"
[I don't know the details. Sorry.]
"No need to apologize."
[Thank you for understanding. Whatever it is, low-tier gods are fired up, issuing quests to their charges.]
"......"
No way it's a kill order on me?
[Rest easy. If it threatened you, not only I but your patrons wouldn't stand for it.]
"Uh, sure."
The Dragon God, maybe. But Loveheart that bitch and her ilk protecting me? Doubtful.
[And Nana. He seems calculating but casually pulls mad stunts. More likely something novel than harming you.]
"I see."
Foiz came to mind.
If multiple patrons issued quests, she'd likely know.
Why hadn't she told me?
Didn't know? Or hid it on purpose?
If she knew, what was her intent?
That would decide our relationship.
[That's all I know.]
"Thank you for explaining."
Now to hear why I was summoned.
As silence fell and I looked up, the Dragon God cautiously spoke.
[Do you remember Malakia?]
Of course.
The name of the Black Dragon Ben Black's corpse when it was still alive.
Alias: Plague Dragon.
I broke into a slight cold sweat.
Even if it was a corpse, I'd butchered a kin, so the Dragon God couldn't be pleased.
"Yes. Even so... it was just a corpse..."
[No need to apologize. If Malakia had died properly, it might be different, but used in all those experiments in that state—what you did was helpful, even salvific.]
That state?
The nuance suggested it wasn't dead.
[But its karma was too deep to achieve nirvana...]
"Couldn't achieve nirvana?"
[Yes. Thus, I ask you to keep my descendant's soul by your side and purify its karma.]
Nirvana.
Let me say it again: I have a TON of gaming experience.
Gamer senses tingling—this quest smells like jackpot.
Still, play it cool first.
"Hm... I'm a bit flustered. Nirvana how, exactly?"
Should I fetch a priest?
[Match its misdeeds with equal good deeds. With a virtuous one like you, its karma will eventually clear.]
"Aha..."
Overestimating me.
But being acknowledged by such a mighty being felt good.
[Of course, not without prep or reward. I'll grant skills and power to aid Malakia, and just having it with you brings benefits. Purify its soul, and I'll grant one wish within my power.]
A Dragon God granting any wish? Tempting...
"You said it needs purification. Won't ominous things happen around it if it's with me?"
Like going mad from the Monster King.
[I guarantee not. Also, power against others' schemes.]
Power.
The Dragon God's confident demeanor ignited 99% greed and 1% justice in me.
"Understood. I accept."
[Really?]
It seemed surprised at my ready agreement.
Eh, no big deal.
It promised to handle contingencies.
The delighted Dragon God then spoke solemnly.
[Then formally: Virtuous Dre, do you accept my request as Dragon God 'Semistia'? To keep my descendant Malakia's soul and purify its karma? You may withdraw anytime; compressed draconic oath included for formal contract.]
Compressed draconic oath?
Something fancy.
I'd learn what it was upon accepting.
"I accept, provided no harmful conditions to my body."
Hedging just in case, but the Dragon God nodded without displeasure.
What magnanimity!
Suddenly, energy like when I made the vow surged without warning.
Whoosh!
Flame-like energy wrapped me, and briefly, the black shadow around the Dragon God lifted, revealing red scales.
[Oh...!]
"?"
[...?]
The Dragon God sounded flustered, then puzzled as it re-wrapped itself in black energy.
It stared blankly at me for a moment, then spoke solemnly.
[Contract established. Details in the compressed oath. Malakia's location sent to you.]
"Yes."
Amazing.
Unfamiliar knowledge swirled in my head.
Forced assimilation of mass info— that's compressed oath.
Just one use; endless potential.
Dragons are cheat races, indeed.
[Don't begrudge that even I have limits and can't grant power now.]
"Begrudge? No way!"
The Dragon God nodded satisfied.
[As in your memories, you'll auto-acquire needed power upon meeting Malakia.]
"Yes. Understood."
[Then... keeping you in this sealed space longer would be a nuisance. Back to the mortal realm.]
...Sealed space?
"Ah. Wait..."
One must-do before leaving.
The reason I'd allowed the message: quest, but more urgently!
"Dragon God."
[Hm? What is it, virtuous one?]
I dreaded how this friendly title would change after this.
But I had to say it.
"About Prostia..."
[Hm?]
"I didn't mean to, but... she's sealed now. We had a deal last time, but I broke it, so she's probably furious. So, shamelessly... could you tell her not to be mad?"
[......]
The silence terrified me.
Disillusioned?
[We have restrictions.]
"Ah. Yes."
[I'm relatively free, but messaging kin—especially one like Prostia, half-dipped in demonhood—is impossible.]
Damn. Failed.
What if Prostia rampages?
Even at 10% descent rate, hard to say.
But the Dragon God said indifferently,
[Why worry?]
"Huh?"
[Her sustaining power was already thin; fighting a true hero of the era depleted much. No need to fear her wrath.]
"Uh..."
[Rampage more, and she'll truly seal her mind away this time.]
"......"
For real?
My worries eased, but... emotionally okay?
"Is she alright?"
[What do you mean?]
"Prostia's a dragon too; feels like harsh treatment for kin..."
The Dragon God shook its head firmly.
[That rascal needs more hardship.]
"......"
Calling Prostia a rascal.
Really disliked... or close?
[Her nature isn't bad, but she's too gullible. Pitiful to be sealed so long, but she chose not to become a god, so no helping it.]
?
What now?
But no clarification.
[If you want to send Prostia back to her seal, do so. I won't blame you.]
Super chill.
One last question worth answering.
"Dragon God. Your name and Prostia's are similar—is it coincidence?"
[Sharp. She's direct kin.]
"......"
Direct... kin?
[Power-wise, surpasses even me, qualified as next Dragon God, but flawed character.]
Sigh laced with complex emotions.
[Said too much. Other gods might interfere. Time to send you back.]
"Understood."
[I entrust it to you, virtuous one.]
Blink—and I was back in my world.
Phew. Good that my worries resolved quick.
The Dragon God was so gracious and tolerant...
"D-Dre!"
"Dren!"
Huh?
"Ah, a! Y-You're moving!"
"Waaah!"
"......!"
What.
Mayal and Asita, when'd they get here?
Mayal was even shaking my shoulders, and Clarer's face was sheet-white.
What's going on.
Then Mangsin, who'd been silent, spoke.
[What else? Unlike the divine realm last time, the dragon's space has slower time than the mortal world.]
...Huh?
[Not huge difference, but you were there ~5 minutes? About sixfold time dilation.]
.....
So I stood frozen for 30 minutes?
[Not frozen—probably looked shadow-corrupted. Dragon God's protection, but to others... eh. Too lazy to explain. Handle it.]
Cold bastard.
Let's think.
I must've stood pitch-black and still for 30 minutes.
...Anyone'd think I was cursed.
Their teary eyes made sense...
......Not really??
They like me this much?
This situation secretly thrilled me.
"D-Dre. You okay? Okay?!"
"Y-Yeah. I'm fine, Mayal."
"Really okayyy?"
"Yeah, really. Asita."
Clarer said nothing special, but her pallor eased.
Thinking about it, she must've called these two.
"A bit longer, and I'd have called the faculty... You didn't budge for over ten minutes despite our efforts..."
"S-Sorry."
Over ten minutes?
[Ah. Maybe threefold, not six.]
You fucker...!
Smug tone—definitely trolled me.
Anyway, happy.
Dre's favor with Clarier, Asita, Mayal skyrockets!!
[Then fuck 'em.]
I ignored Mangsin.
After roughly reassuring the sweet worried girls, we searched for Mullin.
Unlike before, Mayal, Asita, and even Clarier stuck close—fucking great.
Their worried faces were pure satisfaction.
They like me this much!
Clarer's probably out of loyalty from last help. Mayal as a friend... but Asita? Room for hope?
FYI, I ended it by firmly saying it was skill penalty, won't happen again.
Still worried, the angelic girls stuck around.
Especially Mayal in Pryunar Academy gym uniform—collarbone exposure perfect for eye candy.
Best figure of any girl I've met.
No, hot as hell.
Lives the male fantasy.
Sweat beading on her in that outfit... damn...
"Whatcha staring at?"
Asita said brightly.
Bright voice, scary vibe.
Tried turning to excuse, eyes met, both froze.
Remembered last time.
Faces flushed, eyes averted.
"Wh-Wha?"
Mayal eyed us puzzled, then shook her head.
Back to her usual smile, she said,
"Third bust already, Dre."
"Yeah."
Mayal from Combat Dept field said Mullin wasn't napping in her usual spot.
Skip there.
Searched likely spots or booze hideouts— all busts.
"Students haven't seen her either... Weird. Instructor Mullin always naps somewhere on off days."
Slacking so openly even students know. Worse than me, Mullin.
I sighed,
"Wandering aimlessly won't end."
Mayal and Asita blinked.
"Why formal now, Dre?"
"Right, Dren."
"Clarer's here."
"...Am I a bother?"
"No. Respect."
"......"
Clarer haughtily turned away. Kinda cute.
Never thought I'd find her cute.
"Offended."
"......"
Fuck off.
Won't happen again.
Mullin later. Dragon God's request first.
"Gonna handle personal business. Split here."
"Come on, together, Dre."
"Yeahhh. No class anyway, need someone if skill penalty hits again."
"I'm busy, but as student council president, monitoring Instructor Dre's odd behavior..."
Ugh. Angels.
(Clarer excluded.)
"Clan head summoned you, right? Cla—mmph! Mmph!"
"Don't spout nonsense, Mayal! Here, cookie. Cookies!"
Clarer stuffed mystery cookies into Mayal's mouth.
Deepthroat vibes—hot.
[Sick fuck.]
Fuck off.
Whatever.
Malakia's soul invisible now.
If girls see it, fine; telling them no issue.
So we headed to Malakia's soul spot.
Surprisingly close.
The old schoolhouse where Prostia hid.
"Still not renovated."
"Busy with opening, prioritized essential classes. Old classroom used as warehouse—remodel later."
Clarer answered businesslike.
"You decide future plans?"
"Compiled from students' opinions."
Wow.
Just asked, but student president ain't empty title.
Malakia's soul was where Prostia hid.
No coincidence.
Per compressed oath, faint consciousness; comfy here from kin aura.
Why not approach when Prostia was here? Question.
Then.
Flash!
Warm light swirled like a flashbang in the hall.
Mayal and Asita startled.
"...This light. No way."
Clarer's mutter.
But see for myself faster.
I dashed to the soul, found unexpected—and desperately sought—person.
"Gulp gulp..."
One hand on hip, other hoisting huge bottle, chugging manly.
Drip.
Unmanly small mouth overflowed down cheeks; booze wetting lips and holy garb—sexy.
"Ahhh..."
Sigh manly too.
Perfect manly finish from that woman.
In pure white priestess robes unfit for her.
Mullin Kreutz.
"...Huh?"
She turned; silky golden hair swayed.
Girls caught up behind, late.
Mullin glared sleepily.
Resisted gap moe from prim looks, eyed beyond her.
[Grooo...]
Purple-black smoke swirled in cross-shaped array on ground before Mullin.
Malakia's wailing form pitiful; instinctively reached out.
"What are you doing?"
Mullin ignored my question.
I ignored her, reached for Malakia.
Next instant, cross shattered; Malakia swirled into small orb, into my hand.
[Thanks again...]
Voice faded.
Per knowledge, exhaustion.
All gawked dumbfounded at weirdness.
Even Mullin wide-eyed shocked.
But soon back to her lazy, decadent vibe.
"Jeez..."
Mullin tried passing me.
Asked as she went,
"What were you trying, Mullin?"
"Same as you."
"What'd I do? You know what that was?"
"Dragon nirvana, duh. Or not. Smack."
"......"
Spot on.
"Smack. Ahh... nice guy, you."
"Self-praise?"
She tried same, so good person too?
But unexpected reaction.
"Huh?"
Mullin raised voice dissatisfied, smacked lips, giggled, suddenly casual.
"Don't lump me with good boys like you. I was just... hm... smack."
Trailed off, thoughtful.
"Nah. No need to tell... smack!"
"No sobriety skill?"
Saw it in unlearnable skills list.
With total recall from need, no blind spots.
Plus, recovery priestess handles booze easy.
"Fuck off, why's it your business."
"......"
Mouthy bitch.
"...Ah. Now I see, not good... hm."
"......"
"Nah. Why's it my business?"
Giggled, tried leaving; grabbed quick.
"Got a request."
"Fuck off."
Middle finger up, chugged while striding.
Mayal, Asita, Clarier ahead now, but Mullin no dodge—yelled.
"Move, brats!"
"......"
Familiar? Students parted unfazed.
But our Clarier quipped,
"Instructor Mullin. Tomorrow's class properly, right?"
Mullin couldn't ignore Clarier; frowned, answered.
"Yeah, I'll go! Gonna go! Smack!"
"Understood. Excuse us."
Mullin left without look back.
Should grab, but body wouldn't move.
After her presence faded, Clarier spoke.
"Instructor Dre."
"Yes?"
"She's totally wasted today. No proper talk."
"Seems so."
"But. Tomorrow's one of her two weekly classes. Aim then."
"Oh."
Good intel.
"Meet Combat Dept front, tomorrow 9 AM."
"Yes unde... Huh?"
Not Faith Dept?
"She's Faith instructor but teaches mace/flail over basics."
"......"
Nun right...?
Whatever.
Time before Blanc's house plenty. Morning it is.
But Mullin, that attitude—super popular.
Tons of students tomorrow; tense.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
And next day.
Roughly 10 AM.
Thwack!
"Guhk."
Weird impact, I staggered.
Attacker panting after ugly hammer hit; I grinned, raised fist.
"Hup!"
Thud!
"Gek...!"
Intending no more kids for her, gut-punched.
Dunno if worked, but she groaned like puking...
Thwack!
She clocked my head.
Tough bitch. But I'm tougher, fucker.
"Hup!"
Crack!
I gut-punched Mullin again.
"...Why this?"
Clarer's hollow voice from afar.
How'd it come to this.