Chapter 314: Octopuses are So Cute
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 314: Octopuses are So Cute
"Help... help me!"
The girl's cry for help echoed from the distance, causing Muen’s heart to sink.
Could it be...
Have those guys caught up so quickly?
Faced with this unexpected emergency, Muen didn't have time to worry about anything else. He tossed aside the supplies in his hands and immediately activated Shadow Step, blurring toward the source of the voice.
"Liya, hold on! I'm coming—"
...
About thirty seconds later.
Muen stood by the lakeshore, staring at a flushed Liya and the hideous beast behind her. He gripped Elizabeth in his hand, frozen in a daze.
"Mu... Muen."
Liya’s eyes were filled with pitiful tears as she struggled desperately. "What... what are you just standing there for? Save... save me..."
"No... wait. This scene... let me process this for a second."
Muen pressed a hand to his forehead, suddenly feeling like his brain was short-circuiting.
Let’s analyze the situation. Right. Situation first.
First, there was Liya. Her clothes were half-undone, faintly revealing her underwear with its cute patterns. Although nothing that shouldn't be seen was actually exposed, that sense of "now you see it, now you don't" mystery was somehow even more provocative.
However, in this specific scenario, Liya’s slightly indecent attire wasn't the main point. The main point was the massive, hideous monster behind her.
It was a giant octopus!
Dammit! Where did an octopus come from in a lake?!
This octopus didn't have a trace of mana on it, which was probably why he hadn't sensed it earlier.
Then again, one couldn't use common sense in a magical world. After all, if rabbits could use fishing rods to hunt humans, it was perfectly normal for a lake to hide a oversized octopus.
But... this appearance... or rather, should he call it a "tentacle monster" instead?
No, no, no. Thinking that way made things even worse.
Because that tentacle... oh, wait, that giant octopus was waving its limbs, constantly trying to entwine itself around Liya.
If Liya weren't currently struggling to maintain a Holy Light Barrier, one could easily imagine those suction-cup-covered, slime-drenched tentacles wrapping tightly around the girl’s fair, tender skin in a very compromising position...
Then, considering Liya’s future identity...
Tentacles x Saintess...
Dammit, what kind of top-tier non-human doujin is this...
Seeing it in person was a completely different experience from seeing it in a drawing.
It was way too erotic.
Just thinking about it made him feel like his nose was about to bleed...
"Muen Campbell!"
Seeing that Muen still hadn't moved, Liya puffed out her crimson cheeks in frustration. "Save... save me!"
"Uh... Liya."
Muen spread his hands and blinked innocently. "Didn't you say you liked octopuses? Your favorite thing is right in front of you. Shouldn't you be happy?"
"Ugh... not like this! I like the small ones... palm-sized ones... the cute ones!"
Liya’s voice was bordering on a sob. "Not this scary thing! Waaaah, save me! Or I’ll never talk to you again!"
"Alright, alright..."
Seeing that the girl might actually explode if he teased her any further, Muen put away his playful attitude. "Since it’s a request from a lady... I naturally cannot refuse."
Muen gripped the pure white blades with both hands and leaped into the air.
At that moment, the giant octopus finally seemed to notice the intruder. Its bulging eyes on either side of its body instantly erupted with volcanic rage.
The calm lake surface churned with violent waves as long tentacles shot out from the dark depths like arrows.
Unlike the relatively "gentle" wrapping it had attempted with Liya, these soft tentacles now transformed into sharp spears. As they lunged toward him, the piercing sound of breaking wind whistled in Muen’s ears!
"Honestly, why do even you only like fragrant beauties?"
Muen twisted his body in mid-air with an uncanny grace, nimbly dodging the tentacles that moved like blurred afterimages. At the same time, he crossed his twin blades, and a cruciform flash of light descended like divine punishment!
"I'm not sure I can take a hit from you!"
Muen slashed down!
Clang—!
A deafening sound of metal clashing rang out. The surface of those seemingly soft tentacles was actually covered in dense, hard scales.
But even scales that seemed incredibly tough were as fragile as paper before the pure white blades. The holy light of the blades severed the twisting tentacles without any resistance.
However...
The rage in the giant octopus's eyes intensified. From the severed stumps of the spasming tentacles, new limbs coated in thick slime regenerated almost instantly before Muen’s eyes.
More tentacles interlaced, forming a web of death with no escape.
"This is getting a bit troublesome."
Muen narrowed his eyes, nimbly dodging the tentacles within his dilated perception of time.
"I guess limb regeneration is a standard skill for mollusks like this?"
No matter how hard the shell was, it wasn't a problem for him as long as he had Elizabeth.
But with this level of regeneration, while it still couldn't bridge the gap in strength between them, not knowing where the octopus's limit was would only result in Muen wasting his stamina for nothing.
And Muen didn't want to waste stamina right now.
In this situation... a tactical retreat might be—
"Muen!"
Just then, Liya’s voice came from behind him, accompanied by a surge of Holy Light that refreshed his spirit.
"Variants are actually a branch of magical beasts, so it should have a core!"
"A core..."
"Probably in the center, in the brain area! Mollusk-type magical beasts usually have them there!"
Muen’s eyes lit up.
I see. Even if it doesn't have mana, it still has a core?
In that case, this is easy.
Muen swung his blades again. Facing the countless interlacing tentacles, a booming roar of thunder suddenly erupted from the pure white blades!
Thunder Roar: Five Stacks!
Five overlapping shockwaves, carrying an invincible and dazzling blade light, fell in a straight line.
And with the empowerment of a certain holy power, this force became even more magnificent!
The lake surface beneath Muen’s feet was instantly split apart, and along with it, the giant octopus's massive head.
Various soft tissues peeled back layer by layer, only to begin knitting back together in an instant. But that fleeting gap was enough for Muen to lock onto the core that shone brilliantly under the starlight.
"Elizabeth!"
Without hesitation, Muen threw the short blade in his hand.
Like a flash of lightning, the pure white Holy Artifact broke through the octopus's layers of defense without hindrance. Finally, with a clear cracking sound, it struck the target with pinpoint accuracy.
The giant octopus's flailing movements froze. Its body seemed to turn into a pile of mush as it gradually sank into the depths.
"Finally finished. The creatures in this forest really aren't simple."
Muen breathed a sigh of relief and reached out his hand. The pure white short blade flew back into his palm of its own accord.
"Ugh... so much slime."
Hum— The short blade vibrated.
"Alright, alright. I'll give you a good wash in a bit. Don't be grumpy."
Muen comforted Elizabeth and landed back on the shore, looking at Liya, who had already returned to the bank. "Are you okay?"
"Hmph, I'm... I'm fine!"
Liya’s cheeks were still puffed out as she turned her head away. "But for someone as strong as Muen, you probably wouldn't understand the helplessness of someone as weak as me in that moment."
She’s definitely sulking.
But...
"Weak? Are you weak, Liya?" Muen scratched his head, looking confused.
"I was no match for that octopus at all. How is that not weak?" Liya said dejectedly.
Looking at the corpse of the giant octopus in the lake, she felt the gap between herself and someone like Muen—a top-tier talent of the same rank—even more acutely.
No matter how hard I work, I’ll probably never be able to make up for it, she thought.
"Not being good at fighting doesn't mean you're weak," Muen suddenly laughed. "Besides, wasn't it because of you that I was able to defeat that octopus? Otherwise, I was thinking about just running away."
"..."
Liya’s body stiffened. She turned her head slightly, using the corner of her eye to peek at Muen’s sincere expression.
For some reason, that mysterious ripple stirred in the depths of her heart again, much like the lake surface that refused to settle.
"However, compared to that minor detail..."
Muen’s gaze suddenly shifted, looking toward the distant treetops. He cleared his throat and put a fist to his mouth. "Ahem, Liya, are you okay like that?"
"Like what?"
Liya tilted her head, confused.
But then, following Muen’s gaze that had briefly flickered back, she looked down blankly...
Yes, after getting rid of that horrible octopus, she had made sure to pull her clothes back together.
But the problem was...
Her outer garment was white, and it was now soaked through, clinging tightly to her skin. Not only did it make her "magnificent peaks" exceptionally clear, but it also faintly revealed the rosy hue of the skin underneath...
"Uwah..."
In an instant, it was like a pressure cooker had blown its lid.
A massive blush expertly occupied the girl’s face. Liya suddenly hugged her chest and crouched down, tears pricking her eyes. "You... you pervert!"
"Ahem, I didn't look. I'm a gentleman."
"Waaaah... you're a bad person! I'm not talking to you anymore!"
"Do you have spare clothes?"
"No..."
"..."
Muen winced, a strange sense of guilt filling his heart.
After all, Liya was the future Saintess, and the fact that she was in such a pathetic state was all because of him.
She won't hold a grudge and make my life miserable later, will she?
Sighing, Muen took off his outer coat and draped it over Liya’s shoulders. "Just use this for now. Don't complain that I smell."
"Eh?"
Liya blinked, looking up and instinctively grabbing the coat with her slender fingers. "What about you, Muen?"
"I'm fine."
After taking off his coat, Muen was left in just a vest and shirt. He rolled up his sleeves, showing off his strong biceps, and said proudly, "I'm a martial artist. And not to brag, but when I first entered the Second-Tier, I soaked in a river in late autumn for a whole day and night. This weather is no threat to me."
"Is that so?" Liya blinked, curious. "But why did you have to soak in a river for a day and night?"
"Ahem, that... is something better left unprobed."
Muen laughed it off and looked around. "Anyway, let’s find a place to light a campfire and rest."
"A campfire..." Liya hesitated. "Is that okay?"
"It’s fine."
Sensing Liya’s concern, Muen comforted her. "If those people have a way to track us, they’ll find us even if we wipe away all our tracks. Conversely, if they're just relying on luck, this forest is so big they wouldn't find us even if we held a bonfire party.
And..."
Muen suddenly reached out and grabbed a massive octopus tentacle. He said with a hint of excitement, "I just realized that because of its size, this octopus isn't poisonous. So... Miss Liya, even if you don't like giant octopuses, surely you don't... also dislike fragrant roasted octopus?"
"..."
Liya looked at the hated tentacle. The words "I don't like it" should have come out, but as luck would have it, her traitorous stomach let out a timely protest.
The girl’s face turned bright red once again.
Muen laughed loudly and waved his hand. "Then what are we waiting for? Let’s go! This is a rare barbecue party!"
...
In a clearing by the lake, the campfire burned brightly, casting a vivid glow on the girl’s face.
Liya sat by the fire, resting her chin on her hand, quietly watching Muen. He used a delicate, pure white short blade to skillfully de-scale and slice the giant octopus tentacle, then skewered the pieces on sharpened branches to roast over the fire.
During the process, he even sprinkled some powder made from unknown plants onto the skewers. Before long, a mouth-watering aroma filled the air.
While swallowing her saliva, Liya couldn't help but wonder: Is this really something a Duke’s son, pampered since childhood, should know how to do?
Even though Ariel was very independent from a young age, Liya could guarantee that the food Ariel made wouldn't look this appetizing.
Furthermore, Liya had tried to help several times, but Muen had shooed her back, saying that a lady shouldn't have to do manual labor.
So, the girl had nothing to do but hug her knees and secretly observe Muen’s focused profile.
This person... is becoming harder and harder to read.
...
"Here, eat."
Soon, Muen handed her a skewer.
Liya took a small bite. As expected, it was just as she had hoped. Even without seasoning, the texture of the ingredient itself, combined with those unknown spices, was enough to make it incredibly delicious.
"Did you study this too, Muen?" Liya finally couldn't help but ask.
"Hmm?" Muen paused, then smiled. "I didn't specifically study it. It’s just that back when I was working 996, one of my few hobbies was going out for skewers and barbecue."
"996...?"
"Don't worry about it. Just think of it as a bad culture."
"Oh. And the spices?"
"Well, I have my ancestors to thank for that."
"Eh?"
"I'm grateful that my ancestors preferred to stock the Duke’s library with thousands of strange miscellaneous books rather than a single magic tome," Muen remarked with a sigh of lament.
"I... I see?"
Liya only half-understood. She continued, "Then those two blades of yours... were they also left by your ancestors? I feel like..."
"A mistake! Definitely a mistake!"
Cold sweat broke out on Muen’s forehead. He quickly shoved Elizabeth under his backside and said solemnly, "Whatever you're feeling is a mistake. These blades have absolutely nothing to do with the Church. Nothing!"
"Is that so..."
Liya pursed her lips doubtfully. "But I feel like..."
The girl stole a glance at Muen, who was busy wiping away sweat, and let out a soft giggle. She didn't say anything more.
She just hugged her knees and watched the dancing flames.
It was strange.
Even though they were in such a dangerous situation, and even though she had just experienced something so terrifying...
At this moment, just sitting beside this person made her feel so calm and peaceful.
"Are you sleepy?" Muen’s voice rang out. "Then goodnight, Liya. We have to get up early to travel tomorrow."
"Liya."
"Hmm?"
"Just call me Liya."
"...I see." Muen smiled slightly. "Then you can just call me Muen."
"Mm. Goodnight, Muen."
"Goodnight."
...
The night remained filled with brilliant starlight.
A chilly breeze blew from the lake. Liya opened her eyes and exhaled a puff of white mist.
Is the temperature difference really this big? It had felt hot during the day, but at night, it felt like winter had arrived.
Liya stole a glance at Muen, who was sitting against a tree trunk not far away, still wearing only a thin shirt.
After a moment’s thought, she shifted her body and leaned closer.
"Hmm?"
In his daze, Muen seemed to sense the movement. He opened one eye halfway. "Still cold?"
"..." Liya nodded slightly. "A little."
"Then lean closer, if you don't mind."
Muen sat up a bit straighter so the girl could better lean against him.
The girl leaned in gently.
This way, he should feel warmer too, right?
Thinking this, the girl drifted into a dream, carrying a hint of sweetness that her innocent self couldn't yet understand.
...
"Huh?!"
A while later, Muen suddenly snapped his eyes open and glanced at the girl beside him.
His gaze was incredibly complex.
It was as if logic and emotional intelligence were fighting a fierce battle within his brain.
After all, Muen wasn't some dense "nice guy" protagonist. He had noticed the girl’s various reactions.
Because of that, he felt confused.
But in the end, the logic that had been ingrained in his mind for so long—and was far more persuasive—won out.
"I knew it. I'm definitely overthinking things. Liya is just too kind and blushes easily. As the future Saintess, she’s probably this gentle to everyone."
"Besides, I haven't done anything. In fact, I've put her through a lot of trouble. How could the wall just collapse on its own before I've even started digging at the foundation?"
"Impossible. Absolutely impossible!"
Thinking this, Muen couldn't help but flash a relieved smile.
That’s good. It’s perfectly fine if Liya just considers me a good, ordinary friend.
Given the relationship between Liya and Ariel in the original book—which was only a thin veil away from being romantic—if he actually "stole the girl," Muen couldn't imagine how a furious Ariel would tear him limb from limb.
Of course, he wasn't some stallion protagonist who had to conquer every beautiful girl he saw.
So, this was fine.
He would deliver her safely to the Holy City, and Ariel would help her become the Saintess.
Everything would proceed exactly like the original plot.
For a minor "blonde villain" like him, who had nothing to do with the main story, watching things develop as they should was the best possible ending.
With that thought, Muen closed his eyes in peace.