Chapter 14: The Temple's Ultimate Weapon (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 14: The Temple's Ultimate Weapon (1)
“……Physical Enhancement?”
[Yes!]
“…….”
Is that a good thing?
Honestly, I couldn't tell.
‘It sounds like it would be good for knights, but…….’
If it was a physical enhancement ability, it was certainly a great power for knights who wielded swords.
Even though the owner of this body, Claudia, had inherited the blood of Sword Masters from both parents, her innate talent was closer to that of a mage than a knight.
So, living as Claudia from now on, I would likely live as a mage, not a knight.
But is there any use for a mage to have enhanced physical abilities?
“Hmm.”
I looked at Bibi with eyes that had quickly grown cold. At my gaze, Bibi’s haze-like form shook slightly.
[It’s a really great ability! It’s not just some simple physical enhancement!]
“Really?”
[Yes! Once you grow and your mana increases, Master, your body will become so tough that you’ll even be able to block a Sword Master’s aura!]
“What?”
Is that even possible? Really?
I narrowed my eyes and looked at Bibi in disbelief before snapping my head toward Desmond.
“Is what she’s saying true?”
[Well… the words themselves… aren't a lie.]
“Whoa.”
[Bibi’s ability is physical enhancement that transcends limits. In the language of another world, it is called the Indestructible Body.]
“…….”
I’d seen that term in martial arts novels.
The Indestructible Body? My body would become strong enough to block even a Sword Master’s aura? Isn't that a total cheat ability?
This wasn't an ability where I had to weigh being a knight against being a mage. If I contracted with Bibi and obtained a perfect Indestructible Body, my body would essentially become the ultimate shield, capable of withstanding a Sword Master's attack.
If even a Sword Master couldn't kill me, it meant that practically nothing in this world could.
“Let’s make the contract!”
[Yes, ma'am!]
[So it ends up like this after all.]
Desmond shook his head beside me.
But I couldn't help it. Setting aside Bibi’s perverted tendencies, the ability itself was too tempting to pass up.
[Don't come crying to me if you regret it, Master.]
“Umm.”
For some reason, Desmond’s warning didn't sound like empty words.
But the die was cast. Bibi flew around the room in excitement.
[How long has it been since my last contract! Kyahahaha!]
“…….”
Just how long had it been since she’d been able to contract with a direct descendant that she was this desperate?
I shook my head and spoke again.
“Let’s just get the contract over with.”
[Yes!]
Bibi, who had been roaming the room, snapped to attention and approached me.
I stared up at the fluttering Bibi.
[Ahem, what is your name, Master?]
“Claudia.”
I answered indifferently toward Bibi, who was now trying to sound all dignified and solemn.
However, Bibi didn't care and babbled on in a delighted voice.
[Claudia! What a truly cute and lovely name. To think I’d get to form a contract with someone so small and adorable…….]
“Are you going to finish this or not?”
[Yes, I’ll finish it!]
Bibi, who had been leaking her perverted side again, snapped out of it and continued.
[My name is Bibi. From now on, I will do my absolute best so that Master can achieve everything she desires!]
Flash!
The pink diamond I was holding deepened in color. It was a sign that the contract was complete. I looked down at the gem with satisfaction.
[So, where is the body I will manifest in?]
“Hmm?”
[Surely it’s a magnificent vessel worthy of holding me, Bibi?]
“Hehe, of course.”
I grinned and nodded at her expectant voice. Desmond also let out a creepy laugh.
“It’s right here.”
[Ohhh, the body I shall enter…! The body is……?]
Bibi fell silent, seemingly speechless.
And for good reason—the place I was pointing to held nothing but the childish toys Brandon had gifted me recently.
“Sorry, I don't think I’ll be allowed to have a pet just yet.”
[A toy…… A toy, you say……!]
“If you can just put up with this for a while……”
[Kyahhh! I love it! It’s so cute!]
“…….”
[…….]
At the unexpectedly violent reaction, both Desmond and I were left speechless.
[I forgot that this wench is a hopeless pervert.]
“Umm.”
Regardless of our reaction, Bibi was completely thrilled as she rummaged through the toys.
[Ah, which one should I pick? Every single one is so dainty and cute, I can’t choose!]
“Sigh…… Just pick anything.”
[But, but! This rabbit is so pretty, and the bird here is so precious!]
“…….”
Bibi cried out in a fuss.
Brandon would be proud to hear those words, but to think they were coming from a demon I just contracted with rather than his niece. I felt a little sorry for him.
“How about this rabbit? It’s pink, so the color matches you well.”
But I was starting to get bored. I pointed to the rabbit in front of me and asked.
[As expected, my Master has a great eye! I was actually keeping an eye on that rabbit myself.]
“……Really?”
[Yes! Especially the way those pearl-inlaid eyes sparkle—it’s wonderful! I don't know who made it, but they have great taste…….]
“Just get in already.”
[Yes!]
I spoke lowly to Bibi, who looked like she would talk forever if left alone.
Then Bibi, who was surprisingly obedient, hopped right into the rabbit doll.
The small rabbit doll trembled. Then, its color deepened. The now dark-pink rabbit doll stood up abruptly.
“Did you get in okay?”
[Yes! Master!]
“Hmm……. Are you okay with it not being a living body?”
[Hehe, living bodies are nice too, but I think I prefer something small and dainty like this.]
“……Right, I get it.”
I looked down at Bibi with a dubious expression before nodding.
[Phew, of all the ones to show up first, it had to be this pervert.]
[What? A pervert? Look who’s talking! How honorable do you think you are!]
[Hmph, how dare you speak such nonsense to this noble being!]
[If you keep this up, I’m going to tell Master what you did a thousand years ago!]
[Wh-What?]
They really never got tired of growling at each other.
Though, to anyone else, it would just look like a cute teddy bear and a rabbit doll bickering.
Lacking the energy to even get angry, I let out a deep sigh.
“Sigh…… My body feels a bit heavy.”
[Well, you did contract with two demons at such a young age! It’s only natural for it to take a toll on your body.]
“Ugh, I guess so……”
[Now, now, please lean on me.]
“…….”
[Ouch!]
I flicked the nose of Bibi, who was clearly harboring ulterior motives. The pathetic rabbit doll’s body tumbled backward. I trudged over to the bed on my own.
“Forget it, forget it. Good grief.”
[Are you going to sleep, Master?]
“Yeah……”
[Goodnight!]
“……Demon, keep an eye on her so she doesn't do anything stupid.”
[Leave it to me, Master!]
[To think you don't trust me, how cruel! Master!]
“…….”
I gave the whining Bibi a cold look before closing my eyes. I heard the faint sound of Desmond clicking his tongue.
Slowly, I drifted off to sleep.
*
‘Huh?’
A strange sensation washed over me.
I opened my closed eyes. An unfamiliar landscape came into view.
‘What is this?’
I was definitely in my room at the Duke of Winston’s mansion before I fell asleep, but the place I saw upon opening my eyes was incredibly foreign.
I wasn't even indoors; I was outside. I narrowed my eyes and looked around.
‘Ruins?’
It was a total wreck. I had never seen such a desolate sight in either of my lives.
No, was this even reality? I frowned, feeling dazed.
‘What in the……’
Buildings that had collapsed, leaving only their skeletons; mounds of stones piled up everywhere; items scattered about so haphazardly that it was impossible to tell who they belonged to; and a thick haze of dust that blurred my vision…….
A scene of carnage unfolded before me, looking as if it had been hit by a bombardment. Even as I vaguely realized this was a dream, I shivered at the strangely chilling sensation.
‘Ah……’
Come to think of it, I couldn't speak. All I could do here was watch. I couldn't even move my body.
‘Huh?’
As I stood there frozen and trembling, something caught my eye.
The surroundings were completely desolate, but I didn't see any signs of people, not even corpses. I was just starting to feel relieved that it wasn't a nightmare when a human figure finally appeared before me. My heart began to race.
What was it? A person? Or a ghost?
I was terrified, but the figure gradually drew closer until it became clearer.
‘……!’
“Save…… me……”
Long silver hair fluttering in the wind, and eyes that glowed yellow like a beast's.
I held my breath instinctively as I stared at the person who had appeared before me.