Chapter 67: Sex is Filial Piety (2)
Chapter 67: Sex is Filial Piety (2)
It had already been four days since I raped the virgin Zenith—no, since that monumental day I returned from the 5th floor of the Infinite Labyrinth.
For those four days, I hadn't gone back down.
I couldn't.
The weapon I’d received as support from the Magic Tower, the Living Armor, was so badly damaged that I could never take it back into the Infinite Labyrinth again.
The Living Armor couldn't properly contain my magic power—specifically, my original energy before conversion: my stamina.
It’s only natural that if more semen enters a womb than it can hold, it eventually overflows.
Similarly, the Living Armor had a limit to how much of my stamina it could take. On top of that, I was moving like a madman while descending to the 5th floor, so it ended up completely broken.
In short, the Living Armor was reduced to a scrap heap after its very first outing.
"Tsk."
I looked at the Living Armor, Ruji Unit 1, hanging on the wall with a sense of profound regret.
'You showed me a vision of the future, only to leave me as soon as you did. You heartless bastard.'
Thanks to Unit 1, a blueprint for how Ruji Fermaton would fight from now on had been drawn.
Thanks to Unit 1, I gained the confidence that Ruji Fermaton could fight alongside his companions in the Infinite Labyrinth.
Thanks to Unit 1, I became able to deal with the enemies threatening my allies in the depths.
'It’s a shame we couldn't spend more time together, Unit 1.'
Even as its body was being corroded by the Rampant Obelisk, it worked tirelessly to ensure that white, sticky liquid didn't touch Laura’s body. Thinking of its hard work, I offered a solemn moment of mourning before Unit 1.
"You did well, Unit 1. If I were to give you a proper name... I’ll call you Avantgarde."
"Unit 1" was just a designation, not a unique name.
Avantgarde.
While known today for innovation in art, it originally referred to the "vanguard" of an army.
Living my life constantly digging through wikis has filled my head with this kind of useless trivia, which almost brings a tear to my eye, but isn't that knowledge exactly what’s needed to name these guys?
Avantgarde.
The one who provided immense help during Ruji Fermaton’s first entry into the Infinite Labyrinth.
'The next one will carry on your legacy.'
I pinned a white artificial flower to its breastplate and stepped back.
"Allow me to introduce my new partner."
In front of the now-immobile Living Armor Unit 1, I introduced the new model.
Whirrr, clack.
If Unit 1 looked like a giant tin can—basically the appearance of a standard guard—then Unit 2 was sharper and more agile, modeled after the armor worn by royal knights.
"Living Armor Unit 2, [Paladin Sonata]."
The overall white plate armor shimmered with a creamy hue, polished to a high gloss that reflected even the slightest hint of light.
'White is a color that doesn't suit a piece of trash like Ruji Fermaton, but as a lewd man acting as a knight to protect his allies, it’s the most fitting color there is.'
The armor that protects my women.
The knight that guards my ladies.
...I definitely didn't choose this guy just because it looks cool.
'It’s about utility. Utility.'
Look at it.
The sharp yet rugged form of the armor.
A knight with a fierce enough presence to ensure no enemy would dare mess with my knight order.
I don't know how far down this one can go yet, but since I spent a fortune on it, I really hope it lasts a long time in many ways.
'I bought Unit 1, Avante, second-hand, after all.'
Avantgarde Unit 1 was a research model provided by the Magic Tower.
In other words, not only had the Magic Tower already finished testing whether it could enter the Infinite Labyrinth, but it was a Living Armor that someone else had already used.
It was essentially a used suit of armor I got for free and used because I was in a hurry. Originally, this "Paladin Sonata"—Living Armor Unit 2—was meant to be my main unit.
'The test drive is over.'
Now it’s time to conquer the Infinite Labyrinth with Unit 2.
There are still many things to worry about before a full-scale conquest, but I hope for just one thing.
"...I hope I don't end up ordering and decorating new suits of armor until this room is full."
The sight of the tattered Unit 1 gave me a certain conviction.
If it was damaged this badly just reaching the 5th floor, would a Living Armor be able to endure if I went down to the 100th floor?
What if my knight order gets hurt?
"...I need stronger armor."
I’ve pulled a new Living Armor for now, but I need something even sturdier and safer than this.
"Until then, I’m counting on you, Paladin Sonata."
Whirrrr.
Beneath the helmet, eyes shaped like sharp, slanted sanpaku eyes glowed with a brilliant blue light.
* * *
"The second Living Armor looks quite... sharp."
"I asked them to make it that way on purpose."
After receiving Unit 1.
Even before entering the Labyrinth, I had requested the "next Living Armor" from the Magic Tower Master, Barbas.
Using the Fermaton estate's assets, I purchased a knight’s armor that had just hit the market and sent it to the Magic Tower, requesting they modify it so I could control it using sex magic or whatever else was necessary.
Thus, the primary purpose of Unit 2 was to chase away the flies buzzing around my knight order.
"The 1st floor is crawling with rapists. I need a knight with a nasty expression to intimidate those bastards."
The Infinite Labyrinth is a place ruled by the logic of power.
Fundamentally, humans are intimidated by beings that look stronger or more powerful than themselves.
No matter if the knight order is composed of women, if there’s a male knight like Unit 2 present, the riff-raff won't dare think of trying anything.
"It pisses me off enough that they sneak into the Infinite Labyrinth to try and get a free ride, but I won't forgive them for daring to try and rape my women. No, sir. Absolutely not."
I gripped the Living Armor’s controller.
Whirrr.
"The signal is strong even though I’m wearing pants, probably because I’m close by."
The Living Armor moved exactly according to my will, following the pre-inputted signals.
It was called a controller, but it was essentially like a VR device, so operating it wasn't very difficult.
"The problem is the signal strength once we go below the 5th floor..."
I turned my gaze to the side.
"Master Astarotte. Do you have anything to say about Paladin Sonata?"
"...First of all, the performance of the armor itself has increased significantly. Compared to the one you used temporarily—"
"It wasn't temporary! That was Unit 1! He was a knight who gallantly sacrificed himself while protecting my woman's front!"
I wasn't just getting angry.
Even if it was a second-hand Avante, I’m the only one allowed to badmouth it.
Especially when someone speaks harshly of a guy who left after fulfilling his duty perfectly?
That, I cannot tolerate.
"My apologies. I felt as though I was the one being insulted."
"A-Ah, no. So that’s how you feel about your Living Armor... It’s a very precious piece of equipment to you."
"Indeed."
Every adventurer has their own special equipment.
It might not have a special power like the one Laura uses, but there are certainly pieces of gear that you grow attached to as you use them as your main.
To me, this Living Armor is my beloved weapon.
Calling it a "lover" would be a bit much, though.
"Ahem. Astarotte. Then, putting aside the durability, how is the 'magic power' aspect?"
"I’ve taken measures to ensure the performance can be boosted even more reliably than before. Here."
Tap, tap.
Astarotte pointed to a glowing blue magic stone on Paladin Sonata’s chest.
"The magic stone you obtained after defeating the Rampant Obelisk."
"Right."
The Lapis Lazuli for gacha.
"I tried various methods, like infusing it with mana to see if it would summon something, or if a ceiling would suddenly open in the sky and someone would appear, but nothing was ever summoned. It’s just one of many magic stones."
"I see..."
What’s the point of a currency you can't use for gacha?
It’s trash.
Just a somewhat pretty-looking gem.
"But it is quite a high-quality magic stone."
"Mm. That much is obvious just by looking at it. It’s beautiful."
However, in this world, things are different.
The Lapis Lazuli, a gacha currency, is a magic stone possessing immense mana. By using it, the Living Armor becomes much better at receiving my signals.
"Then, Young Lord. I think it’s about time we prepare for the 'engraving'."
"The engraving."
"Yes. It’s fine now since you’re right next to it, but we need to perform that process inside the armor."
Astarotte gripped the brush she was holding.
"So, Young Lord. Are you ready?"
"...Yeah."
Since I’m not the one wearing it, the pressure is less, but it pains my heart to have to do that inside that creamy, glossy skin.
"...I should prepare to offer a prayer."
Whether it’s folk belief or whatever, it’s standard practice to pray to the gods for things to go well when you buy something new.
"O Goddess. Please grant your blessing so that Paladin Sonata may do its utmost to protect my knight order until its body can no longer move."
"...Young Lord."
Beside me, Laura gave a faint smile and nodded at me.
"I’m sure your prayer has reached the Goddess. I’m certain of it."
Whirrrr.
Paladin Sonata.
Living Armor Unit 2.
Secured.