Chapter 515
Chapter 515
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 515
Chapter Title: New Skill
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"You're... a Foxkin, aren't you?"
Foxkin.
Humans who had strongly inherited the blood of spirit beasts. Depending on the perspective, they could be seen as human or as spirit beasts—half-human, half-beast. The opponent was a fox. And if it had the power to drain essence, the chances were high it was a Foxkin.
"That's right. Looks like you know something after all."
The fox admitted it readily.
"So that means you can transform into a human?"
"You don't seem to know much about Foxkin. It's not that I transform into a human. Right now, I'm the one transformed into a fox."
I couldn't understand the fox in front of me. If its true form was closer to human, why bother transforming into a fox? Wouldn't being in fox form be more uncomfortable?
"Turn back into a human. Let's talk human to human."
"Why? I can talk just fine like this. See? You're talking to me right now."
The fox extended its front paws forward and stretched its body languidly. Its triangular ears perked up, and its two tails stood stiffly.
It wasn't just words—it was expressing with its body that it had no desire to take on a human form.
"I've never talked to an animal before, so this feels awkward. If you were in human form, it'd be easier to talk."
"Making excuses. Just be honest. You want to see my human form, right?"
"......"
She was right.
If she transformed into human form now, she'd be a woman without a stitch of clothing. Because even in her current fox state, she was completely naked.
'I need to know how beautiful she is to decide my motivation.'
Her voice suggested a beauty. But voices and appearances didn't always match. If the fox turned out to be stunning enough to make me gasp, I'd proceed slowly and with full effort. If she was just average, I was even considering just overpowering her.
"This is the human world. Humans are at the center. So wouldn't it be better for you to take a human form too? Everything in my house is tailored for humans. To live comfortably in this world, a human form would be more convenient, right?"
"I like this form better."
She said it far more firmly than expected.
"...Sigh. Fine. But what's the real reason? Is it really more comfortable?"
"It is more comfortable. And from experience, men with strong essence tend to get annoying with high probability."
I decided to take a step back for now. Pushing too hard would just create animosity.
"What can you do? What's your realm?"
"I'm a sorceress. I can set up barriers, and if I have materials, I can make artifacts. My realm is Five Qi 9th stage."
I recalled the realm stages from the [Radiant Ascension Path].
Entry Form → Exit Will → Five Qi → Three Summits → Creation → Myriad Phenomena → Ascension
The third of the seven realms in the human world: Five Qi. 9th stage meant she was right on the verge of the next realm. Far from low.
"You can really make artifacts if you just have materials?"
What piqued my interest was artifact creation. In the Radiant Ascension Path, special materials were needed for artifacts. And in reality, special materials existed too. Monster corpses. Or unique flowers that only grew in dungeons.
"Ah, um~. Thinking about it, no, I can't. My power right now isn't even Exit Will 5th stage. And making artifacts requires the right location and tools. None of those conditions are met here."
"What about sorcery?"
"Same with sorcery. Maybe a simple barrier or a minor curse."
"......"
She seemed useless.
As if sensing my gaze, the fox lifted its head and growled.
"What's with that look? Get rid of it quick. Keep staring like that, and I'll eat you."
"Ever eaten a human?"
"Haven't chewed one, but I've sucked out essence and killed them."
"How many?"
"Let's see. Around 3,000? Eating too many brings exorcists after me, so I had to be careful."
I didn't ask why she drained people's essence. The reason was obvious as daylight.
'To raise her realm.'
I had no intention of condemning her. In the Radiant Ascension Path world, it was common to kill thousands of young boys and girls to ascend realms.
Still, draining 3,000 essences and not advancing easily meant the efficiency wasn't great. Though surely better than pure cultivation.
"But you. You look more relaxed than before? I thought I'd drained you to the limit.... Your essence was massive, but your recovery is something else."
"...I've already paid the price for cooperation. And honestly, I just want to flop down and sleep right now."
A lie. My body felt a bit heavy, but no sleepiness.
"Hmm. In exchange for cooperation, give me essence every three days. Don't forget."
"Every three days?"
"What, you hate it? If so, no deal. I'll just go out, wander this world till I go back."
"Underestimate this world too much, and you'll get hurt."
"So what? Even if I die, I just return to my original world."
I couldn't argue. I knew that mindset well.
'Drained every three days.... Unpleasant feeling aside, no real problem.'
She didn't seem inclined to antagonize or kill me.
"What did summoning feel like?"
"I was napping under a tree like usual. Then I felt this will. Didn't seem malicious, so I consented. Opened my eyes, and here I was."
"How much do you know about the summoning?"
"Just what came naturally. I can stay here 33 days, death sends me back, you summoned me. Oh, and info on this language called Korean. The one you use?"
"Then from now on, use Korean. It's easier for me."
"Sure. I'm in this world, so use its language. And I kinda like this Korean thing."
I kept firing questions at the fox.
She answered without hesitation. What she could do, what she wanted.
'Lots of sorcery I can think of. But she doesn't like working.'
She'd cooperate on most things. But needed at least a break every three days minimum. That was her condition.
I tried to get personal info. But she didn't say where she was from. Wary of me.
"Mi-ryeong. You look dirty. Let's wash up."
"Ha? I'm dirty? You see these white fur and say that?"
"Look close, there's dust. And dirt on your paws! This isn't outside. Come on. If you're living in my house, keep basic hygiene."
"...Tch. Fine."
I was the owner. Knowing that, the fox followed me to the bathroom without protest.
"Can't turn human? Hate shedding fur in the house."
"How many times do I say it? No plans to change."
I sighed, grabbed the showerhead, and turned on ice-cold water. Weather was hot anyway.
"Water coming out suddenly?! What is that? Artifact?!"
"Artifact my ass. Just a showerhead."
"Showerhead? What's that? If not sorcery, how does water come out?"
The fox's black eyes sparkled with curiosity.
"Water comes from the faucet."
"Faucet?"
The Radiant Ascension Path world's civilization wasn't advanced. She wouldn't grasp easily whatever I said.
'Answering one by one would never end.'
I sprayed water on the fox's body.
"Kyaa!"
The fox let out a short scream at the sudden deluge and glared at me.
"I can wash myself. Get out."
"Even if you can, it'd take forever. Gonna turn back and wash? You don't know this world. I won't keep cleaning up after you, so watch and learn how things work."
"...This once. Touch weird places, and I'll drain all your essence."
"Who you take me for.... I don't get horny for beasts."
Unless the beast turned into a knockout beauty.
I started washing the fox with the showerhead. Stroked its head and back with my hands. The fur was surprisingly softer than expected.
'Can I use shampoo? Think I read it's bad for animals....'
I hesitated, then grabbed the shampoo. A two-tailed fox before me wasn't a normal animal.
"Sniff sniff. Smells nice. Perfume?"
"...Something like that."
I lathered shampoo on the fox and rubbed. Bubbles formed quickly.
"Eyes sting. Smells good, but... not poison, right?"
"No, so close your eyes and stay still."
"...Ah. Feels good. Your touch is more delicate than you look?"
Mi-ryeong marveled at my shampoo skills.
Back in the day, I'd helped my parents at their salon. Couldn't cut hair or use clippers, but shampoo service was mine.
'Got 500 won pocket money per head wash.'
I was confident in washing hair. Plus, using Erogenous Zone Heightening. No way my touch wouldn't feel good.
"Ah. Ah.... Body feels languid.... This skill's no joke. Now I see—you're an experienced servant, right?"
"No, ma'am."
I replied casually and finished up. Dried her with a towel, then used the hairdryer on her body. Normally wouldn't go this far.... But to gain goodwill, show it first.
I took a comb and brushed her fur as she lay on the living room floor.
A Random Gacha item. Never thought I'd use it here.
"Ahh, feels so good~"
"That's enough."
"What? Do a bit more!"
I frowned. Planned for a minute, but her begging stretched it to 15.
"I'm not your servant. Want brushing? Do it yourself."
"How with these paws? Brushing that hard? You summoned me, take responsibility!"
"Hah...."
Flabbergasted, I stood without retort.
"Brush in human form or with your mouth, whatever. I gotta prep dinner."
"Don't forget my share. If it tastes bad, I'll flip the table."
"Eating as fox? Bowl like dog food?"
"You!!"
The fox glared, but I wasn't scared.
Couldn't back down easy here. First impressions matter, but no plans to be a pushover.
"I'll put it in a bowl. Eat how you want. Like a beast or use utensils like a person. Or should I spoon-feed you?"
"......"
Mi-ryeong shut her mouth. Not angry. Probably realized herself. She pondered how to eat.
"Skip dinner. Not hungry."
Hated eating like a dog, didn't want to show human form, so fasting it was.
"Okay."
I respected her and set the table.
Kimchi stew plus three other stews, 11 side dishes, rice. Abundant to overflowing.
All made by Yuria. Taste guaranteed. With these, I could eat a whole pot of rice.
Gulp.
Sound from the fox. She stared, drooling. Yuria's cooking—normal to whet appetite from smell alone.
The fox approached slowly.
"We're partners, right? For smooth cooperation, eat together. And you summoned me, so provide food and shelter."
I nodded roughly.
"How you eating? Dog-style? Or human?"
"......Just for meals."
The fox's body glowed.