Chapter 596: Back to Laprarosa (4)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 596: Back to Laprarosa (4)
The blessing of the Catfolk. When Jin had first visited Laprarosa, it was thanks to their blessing that he had been able to pass safely through the Land of the Beastmen.
It seemed that blessing was still in effect. Despite returning to the Land of the Beastmen with only a simple disguise, the patrolling Red Tiger and White Wolf tribes hadn’t stopped him for questioning even once.
‘Or is Kinzelo’s main camp just laxer with security than I thought? It doesn't really matter if my entry into the Great Desert is known now, but I thought Kinzelo might make things a bit troublesome.’
This was a period of closed-door training personally mandated by Rosa. Runcandel’s journalists were already distributing articles about Jin’s seclusion. The news that he had embarked on the final path to the Throne of Swords had become a major topic of conversation.
By the time he passed the Yuka Yuka Market and reached the entrance to the Mitra Great Desert, Jin broke into a smile as he encountered an unexpectedly welcome face.
“It’s been a long time, Jin Runcandel.”
Fur as white as pristine snow, mysterious violet eyes, and a distinctly feline face.
It was Neru of the Catfolk. She was the one who had bestowed the Catfolk’s blessing upon Jin and guided him to Temar’s third tomb. The reason Jin had remained unnoticed by Kinzelo in the Land of the Beastmen this time was also thanks to her help.
“I heard from Lulu and Miru in the Wantaramo Forest that you safely escaped the Wraith Squad that day. The day has finally come where I can thank you in person.”
“There’s no need for such formalities between us; we’ve both helped each other. It seems you’re headed for the Great Desert. Shall we walk together for a bit?”
Neru didn’t know the exact details of Laprarosa, but she suspected that Solderet had left some arrangement for Jin within the Great Desert.
After entering the desert, Jin summoned Shuri.
Neru and Shuri greeted each other with friendly chirps and meows, just as they had when they first met.
“It is a great blessing that Shuri escaped that witch and met someone like you,” Neru said.
“Mya!”
“Jin.”
“Yes, Lady Neru.”
“The reason I sought you out is because a problem has arisen that we must consider together.”
The Chaos-contaminated areas.
Neru spoke about them for a while. Gliek’s Chaos was infiltrating not only human society but also the world of the smaller beastmen.
“Our Catfolk tribe intends to participate in purifying the contaminated areas, if only to protect the smaller beastmen. And among humans, the only ones we can trust are you and the contractor of Hister.”
According to Neru’s explanation, the Catfolk were capable of dealing with the Chaos in contaminated areas through their unique barrier abilities. However, because the current and former Cat Gods were absent, their power was weak. They hoped to find their ‘Forgotten Temple’ through Valeria’s record magic to strengthen their abilities.
Jin readily accepted Neru’s proposal and took out a pen and paper.
“Go to Tikan and show them this letter. Valeria likely won't refuse.”
“Yes, Lulu and Miru described her as someone who, like you, is destined to serve the world.”
“That’s high praise that makes me blush every time I hear it.”
Valeria already had a favorable impression of the Catfolk, including Lulu and Miru, thanks to the events in the Wantaramo Forest.
“If we are able to borrow the power of our gods thanks to her, we won't use it only for the smaller beastmen.”
Afterward, Neru rode Shuri with Jin and saw him off near the entrance to Laprarosa.
“I shall head back now.”
“It was truly a pleasure. Please give my regards to Miru and Lulu.”
Once Neru departed, Tantel of the Pluto Tribe welcomed Jin as he always did.
“Brother Jin! Oh, and Shuri! It’s been a long time!”
“Mya-myang!”
“Brother Tantel. Have you been well?”
“What else is there for us to do but wait for you? Ah, and worry, I suppose. We feared that if you died out there, we wouldn't even hear the news. If only you were strong enough, we wouldn't have to worry.”
Jin let out a short laugh.
Tantel recognized immediately that Jin had grown stronger, but by the standards of the Pluto Tribe, Jin was still just a ‘promising warrior.’ They were the only group in the world that could treat him as such.
“That’s why I plan to stay and train for a long time this time.”
“That’s a great idea!”
As Tantel’s sword sliced through the air, a dimensional gate leading to Laprarosa opened.
Golden roads, buildings adorned with all sorts of jewels, and the Hearts of Light of fallen brothers hanging before every doorway. This brilliant world of the dead was now a second home to Jin. His heart raced at the thought that he might one day be able to bring this scenery to the outside world.
Passing the golden roads, the neat stone paths, and the massive statues honoring the fallen Pluto warriors, they reached the Fighting God Temple.
Before opening the main gates, Jin lightly touched the hearts of the Pluto warriors embedded in the temple’s outer walls a few times.
Rumble…!
Pop! Bang!
As the gates opened, the Pluto brothers who had been waiting inside fired celebratory cannons.
“It’s Brother Jin!”
“Shuri~!”
Jin couldn't help but laugh again at the brothers’ boisterous welcome. Not only the sixty-three regular warriors excluding Tantel, but also the twelve Fighting Kings and Fighting God Ban herself were waiting for him beyond the gates.
Jin first paid his respects to Ban.
Ban still exuded an immeasurably deep majesty, but Jin noticed that she looked somewhat more haggard than when they had last met.
‘Is it the aftermath of giving me a blood transfusion during the last training session…?’
Every time she performed a transfusion, Ban was essentially transferring her ‘True Energy’ to Jin. It was similar to how Ron had passed his True Energy to Dante in his final moments.
“I have much to tell you, Brother Ban.”
As soon as Shuri saw Ban, she let out a purring sound and burrowed into her arms. Because Shuri was so much larger now, it wasn't a particularly graceful sight, but she had dearly missed Ban’s touch. Shuri was always very fond of the touch of transcendent beings like Tess or Ban.
“I’m sure you do. Since you’ll be staying here for a long time, we can talk slowly over a drink today.”
“Wait, Brother Fighting God. How did you know Brother Jin would be staying for a long time? I was the only one who heard that, and I was planning to surprise the others.”
“Because it couldn't be any other way, Brother Tantel. Brother Jin is essentially living on borrowed time right now.”
At Ban’s answer, the eyes of the other Pluto warriors bulged as if they were about to pop out.
“Huh?! Brother Fighting God, what do you mean by that?!”
“Brother Jin is dying…?!”
“Brother Jin, you just said you were staying long for training! Is there actually something wrong with your body?”
It wasn't just the Pluto Tribe who were shocked.
‘I thought Brother Ban would realize immediately that Chaos had taken root in my body… but I’m on borrowed time?’
Jin hadn't thought his condition was anything like that of others tainted by Chaos, such as Rosa or Kelliark. While his Inner Demon was gradually pressing on his mind, it was nothing compared to what he had experienced in Gliek’s subspace.
Of course, he had come to Laprarosa because he knew it might eventually worsen, using the fact that the Fighting God’s blood resisted Chaos as a clue. In short, he was worried, but he hadn't expected it to be this severe.
If Ban had the chance to compare Rosa, Kelliark, and Jin, she would have judged, without a moment’s hesitation, that Jin was in the most critical state.
“A month at the shortest, two months at the longest. If you hadn't come to Laprarosa, Brother Jin, you would have turned into a monster and met your end within that time.”
“…Was I really in such a dire state?”
A stroke of luck.
It was pure luck that Jin had sought out Laprarosa at this exact moment, completely unaware of his own condition. If the search for Quaul had been delayed even slightly, or if Rosa had changed her mind and prevented him from leaving for his seclusion, he wouldn't have been able to wrap up his affairs in the outside world within a month or two.
The other Pluto brothers also realized what kind of problem had befallen Jin. The 7th Fighting King, Belize, grabbed Jin’s wrist and looked aghast.
“Oh no, these are traces of Chaos!”
“Traces of Chaos? But aren't we immune to Chaos?”
“Brother Jin is a different species from us, Brother 12th Fighting King.”
“That’s true, but he received the Fighting God’s blood and even has a Heart of Light, so he should be immune!”
“The shape of the stigma… this. It was left by the First Chaos!”
“Dammit, you’re right. That’s the only thing we aren't immune to! Of all things, the First Chaos? That still remains in the outside world?”
“Just what did you go through out there?! Did you meet a witch? Huh?” the Pluto warriors shouted frantically, their expressions grave. The King of Chaos and the Witch Heluram had existed even during their era. Though back then, Heluram was simply called the Witch, with no name.
“Calm yourselves, brothers.”
When Ban quietly raised her hand, the Pluto warriors all bowed their heads and fell silent at once.
“Such talk only makes Brother Jin more anxious. It is not too late, so we simply need to make preparations and begin the purification.”
Her voice was calm, as if it were no big deal.
However, Jin could not feel at ease. Despite Ban’s attitude, all the other brothers, who surely knew the method of ‘purification,’ continued to wear restless, worried expressions.
If there was any consolation, it was that they weren't just worried about him dying.
“Tsk… let’s stay strong, Brother Jin.”
“It will be painful, but what can you do? You’ll just have to endure it well, as you always have…”
“We… we’ll help you with whatever you need.”
“Right, right. No matter what state or form you’re in, Brother Jin, we will always think of you as our brother.”
“Even if Brother Jin forgets us, we won't forget you. Never.”
Jin had already endured the Pluto Tribe’s extreme training twice. Yet, seeing the Pluto warriors so certain that he would find this difficult to endure made his heart sink.
“Pardon? What do you mean by ‘what state or form’? And that I might forget you all?”
“J-Just enjoy today. It’ll be hard to feel good for a while.”
Instead of answering Jin’s questions, the Pluto warriors hoisted him onto their shoulders and marched toward the banquet hall.
Ban let out a small chuckle as she watched Jin, who continued to ask bewildered questions, and the brothers who were trying to comfort him.
Naturally, Ban was also worried about Jin. She just had faith that he would pull through this time as well.