The Spearmaster and the Black Cat

Chapter 360 Battle against a Semi-Transparent Orc

Nnn, nyaa~ Divine Beast Rollodeen meows while having her tentacles head our way as she circles in the sky.

Shes greeting Helme while entwining a tentacle around her body.

Fufu, Im sorry for avoiding your greeting earlier, Rollo-sama

Helme is being tightly hugged by Rollos tentacle. And then Rollo begins to play around with Helme as if imitating a sky trampoline, lifting Helmes body up and down.

Hauuu~ Please treat my butt kindly, Rollo-sama

Puyuyu? Puyuuuu.

I cant see Puyuyu because its so small.

Ive caught you, Puyuyu~

Ahahaha, Puyuyus legs are so tiny~~

Puyuyuu~

Did we finally reach paradise? Ill do my best!

Even though we havent even negotiated yet, the prospects look grim.

Its still too earlyyou got to challenge your negotiation partner with a mindset along the lines of, What cannot be achieved with the power of one man can still be achieved with the power of many.

Oh Shuuya, so you can also jump through the sky!? However, I cant really look ahead since Divine Beast-samas fur blocks my sight!

Everyone happily chats away on Rollos back. The grandpas and grannies, including Gramps Ton, admonish the young folks.

Voices and weird noises of the people Your Excellency brought alongand I can also see a lively beastwoman among them Helme comments while casting a sidelong glance at my entourage as shes being toyed with by the tentacle.

It sounds like shes curious about Puyuyu and Higlias voices. Higlia with her conspicuous silver attire is visible, butPuyuyus tiny body and the children are out of sight.

For the time beingwe should hurry back to Quiches village

Rollo, follow slowly as you have everyone with you. If the battle should be violent

As soon as she hears my words, Rollo stops playing with Helme, reeling her tentacle back into her chest with a whoosh, and then extends sharp claws from her paws, making it look like shes getting ready to fight.

Your Excellency, theres still something I have not told you yet.

Hmm, what is it?

Most of the orcs have already been annihilated thanks to the strenuous efforts of Catiza and the Burning Knights under the command of Commander-in-Chief Quiche. Thus the village is safe for the moment.

I see, thats a relief, I guess. Well, I suppose its only to be expected with Catiza and the Burning Knights being over there.

However, I cannot exclude the possibility of an ambush by an enemy as of yet. Moreover, in addition to the roaring of trolls, a huge, semi-transparent orc is currently eating the corpses of its former allies at a spot further away from the villages front.

Troll voices and a semi-transparent orc?

Whats up with it eating the corpses?

I dont know any details since we havent fought it, but it might be the orcs secret weapon.

Okay, I got it. I suppose we dont need to hurry if the orcs have a falling out. Anyway, since its faster for me to see it with my own eyes, come back into my eye, Helme I beckon her over with my left hand.

Its a gesture carrying the meaning of Hey, come on!

Certainly Helme breaks into a broad smile after seeing my gesture.

In the next instant, she turns into a fervent spiral while rushing into my left eye, just as usual. Immediately following, a tiny, smiling Helme-chan manifests at the edge of my visual field.

Eh? Inside his eye

Having watched everything from near proximity, Kisara is astonished. She probably cant see how the tiny Helme is swimming around in my visual field, but still stares at my left eye.

A Demonic-Eye-like small mark has

Hey, Stranger. Are your eyes something like the Focale I stole from Schmihazar?1

For some reason Rotalz calls me a Stranger If I recall correctly, Strangers were

Be silent, Rotalz. You were allowed to take it rather than stealing it, right?

Guess so. I wont forgive you for having a part of my head devoured and absorbed, but Ill overlook the pain of my butt with this. Rotalz says while projecting an illusion right above him from the burning magic symbol on his forehead.

Its an illusion of a small wand and a tiny R letter.

Still, its funny how his butt swelled up. Hes a whale, butI sure didnt expect him to wake up to a liking in that direction.

Hmm? Rotalz, you like it in the butt?

Like hell! It was caused by the flames of the divine beast over there. She basked the witch spear in a ridiculous amount of fire in the middle of its transformation, didnt she? Those flames evaporated not only Schmihazars prided {Inner Eye}, but also most of his elements, such as his Flair. Rotalz looks at Rollodeen with eyes full of fear.

Rollodeen only responds with a questioning look though.

I guess hes talking about the time when Rollodeen got back. Well, even though it got deflected in the end, that fireball definitely looked like a mini-sun.

Indeed. It was convenient for us, but let me ask you, Shuuya-sama, is the mark in your left eye aDeath AngelAGeladeytype ofmagic circlePhugruh Loas it was possessed by Schmihazar? The power of a spirit with a consciousness and a definite shape?

Ive seen such spirits before, but very rarely. Or rather, the great desert houses many entities like ancient spirits and blood bone nymphs, but Ive never seen a spirit just like her among them. Even the hollow wolf beasts, which are worshiped by the Ahmeph people, are different. Rotalz agrees with Kisara while making his forehead tremble.

Yep, isnt she a being originating from an ancient city treasure or demonic tools as they appear in fairy-tales like the ones circulating among the Ahmeph people and North Mahaheim people in the great desert, and the Muryu tribe of the Eyhabla Plains next to the desert. Im sure she must have been in direct contact with a supreme god as kin, fused with Shuuya-sama after getting absorbed by him, or had some other special circumstances

Oh, you mean the Stranger himself is a legendary, sacred treasure? The ancient hougu is said to have been loved by the last emperor of the Dawn Empire at the height of its glory.

The legendary hougu or sacred treasure called Ruby Abyss? Ufufu, how thrilling! So hes a crow piercing through the moonless dawn after all. A being as hailed in the song about the attendant of witches following DamoAnun! For this very reason I believe its got to be Shuuya-sama, whos also the bearer of the Dawns sorcery skills.

Kisara has noticed Helmes mark, huh? Speaking of songs, I might accompany hers with my Justice lute.

As Im pondering about such thingsKisaras eyes gleam up. The design of her black mask, which actually reminds me of a black queen, resembles the reliefs Ive seen in the underground world, just like before.

The look shes sending my way through that mask is one of reverence towards a sect leader. Its filled with intense passions, butit also contains an impressiveness that reminds me of a cold wind, not to mention a refreshing, azure sky.

Honestly, its scary, but Kisaras conjecture isnt that far off the mark. And Helmes mark, which seems to exist in my left eye, is the same one that was imprinted on my butt in the past, isnt it?

Oh, is that the reason?

I remember Sols place, where Viine, Mysty, and Hankay are currently staying, from back when I spent some time there with Yui. When I entered the bath after finishing my training, Yui stared at my ass.

While Im carefreely reminiscing here

The fur and tentacles of Divine Beast-sama felt wonderful, but right now something else is more important! Freeing herself from Rollos fur, Higlia climbs atop Rollos forehead.

Rollo looks up to her, and tries to get her off by extending her tongue. She seductively licks Higlias bodyas if grooming it. But in the end, Higlia manages to somehow escape Rollos tongue, moves to the edge of the forehead, and hesitatingly looks at Kisara, Rotalz, and me.

And then she shouts, as if declaring war as a woman, with a tense and frantic expression, Shuuya! Arent you forgetting that you have something more important to deal with thanBoobsKisaraover there!, while pointing at Kisara with a silver claw that had its shape changed.

Fufu, what a cute beast girly. Kisara isnt perturbed in the least.

This again, huh?

Quite so. We have to hold a duel on the plaza with the statues of Hurley-sama and the twin moon gods! Its a promise for you to strive forglorylovetogether with me!

She might be an ancient wolfwoman and a divine princess, but it doesnt change the fact that shes cute. Shes a gentle woman whos been trying to protect everyone, despite acting tough on the surface. And I also thought so when we fought together, but I feel like itd actually be fine for us to pair up. Though I doubt itll become the pairing she desires

I guess Ill humor her just this once.

You mean the duel where you exchange fist blows after having learned each others names? Okay, Ill fight you once after Im done with all my other business.

Fufu Yahooo!

Higlia grabs one of Rollos tentacles and adopts a triumphant pose in joy, and then jumps. After pulling off a Shoryuken out of overflowing happiness, she almost falls off Rollos forehead, but Rollo saves her by twining a tentacle around her body, just to do the same trampoline play with Higlia she had earlier done with Helme.

Aahh Being inside you is really the best, Your Excellency

Helmes telepathic message echoes in my mind. After swimming around furiously, using all kinds of different forms, Helme stands up with the leafy skin waving, turns around, and asks with a tense expression, Your Excellency?

The tone resonating with her voice has a touch of Iglueds enviousness. Helme transforms from her small illusionary form into an adult illusionary form that seems to fill half of my visual field. Her boobs are shaking quite conspicuously.

Is there still anything else you are keeping hidden from me besides the witty beastwoman and the increased presence of your water, Your Excellency?

Its not a question teeming with jealousy, but still, nothing less of Helme. Shes sensed not only the matter with Iglued and the demonic duke, but also my growth. After all, Ive acquired {Super Brain Hazy Moon Reflection on Water} which requires the {Instant Wand of Water} divine protection.

It looks like shes felt the faith of the water goddess, albeit faintly.

But, if thats not it, does she mean Saraten when shes talking about hiding something from her?

You mean this palm, right?

Yes! I sense a foreign object inside your left hand! What is that about?

Ill tell you about the details later. Although its safe for the moment, Im worried about Cydales situation

Bringing our telepathic conversation to a close within milliseconds, I shift my eyes to Kisara and Rollo.

Kisara, Rollo, were going to head over to Cydale!

Dont forget about meee!

Higlia, you cant fly, can you? Although youll be safe atop Rollo, someone has to protect everyone, including Gramps Ton and Magrick who are taking care of Iglueds seed and the Aodm-something wood cluster. Just Moga and Nemus are too unreliable as guards. So, I entrust everyones safety to you, Higlia.

Oki, count on me.

Higlia is still entangled by Rollos tentacle, butshe nods with an adorable smile after seeing me relying on her.

After answering her with a smile, I wave my hand as a signal, and then kick off the {Magic Hand guided by Thought} beneath my feet with my whole body clad in Magic Combat Style, dashing through the sky.

Im curious about that semi-transparent orc, but first comes Quiche.

At the same time, I hear Kisara reciting with a magical voice, Thou hast glared, hyureya, behind me. It seems shes keeping up with me.

Without paying any further attention, I continue running through the sky as if tearing the air apart with Baldoks red spear which Im holding with my right hand. Passing the horse-shaped rock, I take a turn, following the water stream in the valley beneath my feet. In the blink of an eye I pass through the area where grasses are dominating the base of the mountains.

Below I can see a path meandering towards a Bewitching Palace-like hill. Ive come back to Cydale!

We are back! The semi-transparent orc is on the other side of that hill Helme points with a finger at a semi-transparent monster.

So thats the one, huh?

Moreover, its tossing an orc corpse into the air, just to catch it with its wide open mouth as it falls down. After closing the mouth, it munches on the corpse, devouring it while looking as though its truly enjoying the taste. Its chewing with such a verve that you can hear the noise all the way over here.

Furthermore, each time it eats a new orc corpse, richly colored lights glow around its abdomen. Those glows travel through its body like electrical signals. Its also keeping a sizable amount of mana in its body.

Im really interested in that orc, butIll fight it later.

I pull my eyes off that new orc species, and look at Cydale. Just as Helme said, the village is safe. I guess the narrow, wooden gate is on the verge of toppling over? And there are traces of a small house having burned. The damage of the attack is still fresh.

Seeing how my servants had been present, the attack must have had quite the quality to have left such damages behind. Intelligent orcs, eh?

Theres a gravesite at the foot of the hill I saw earlier. The watering hole, where the water is drawn from a spring, is the same as before. I look at a place where graves are lined up

Right, thats how it is, right Quiche?

No, I wont return to everyone. I want to drop in for a visit to Hino. Besides, the Evil Dragon King was killed. Im going to head back to the place where my hometown had been, dig up graves, and tell my familyand everyone else about his death

Quiche had told me, clearly passing on her feelings of wishing to rebuild the village to me. Back then her face was twisted in pain and anguish. Tears had streamed down her cheeks

And then we deeply kissed each other with me trying to tell her to cheer up and stop crying. It was a kiss between friends, but it held deep affection

While being moved to tears, I check the vicinity while circling around the village.

Your Excellency, do you wish to examine the situation with Spirit Sight? Or by using Spirit Ball Conception?

No, its fine for now

Immediately after my telepathic conversation with Helme, I spot Catiza whose silver hair is standing upright. She stretches her arm towards me atop the gate, and waves it furiously. Then again, its funny due to her weird waist movements.

Moreover, she keeps switching her face with those of Purin and Tsuan. Maybe the three are fighting for dominance within her. Its weird because it happens with her waist bent like that.

Fufu Helme laughs and dances in a corner of my visual field.

It appears shes given Catiza lessons.

Your Excellency, this is a pose I came up with just recently!

Shes demonstrating her new pose to mebut, I ignore both with their posing.

Ive also found the Burning Knights. Theyre riding my precious pets. Sure looks awesome. Just like shoguns or military commanders.

The children are in the center of the village with the monument.

It looks like Catiza and the Burning Knights have properly protected the village and its inhabitants. Or rather, did they get influenced by Catizas posing?

The children have started to imitate her dance of twisting her waist.

Catiza is about to summon her bone fish, but stops midway. Suddenly Alray and Hueremy roar. They shake off Adomos and Zemetas, climb the roof of a building, and frantically keep jumping up as if to fly. However, they cannot fly despite being magically created tigers.

Sorry, you two. You want to hug me, right?

Or maybe theyve perceived Rollos presence, whos like a mother to them. Rollo is still behind me since shes flying slowly.

But, I suppose its typical of me to ponder about Alray and Hueremy rather than the Burning Knights who were blown away. At that point, the children gather around Adomos and Zemetas, whove crashed into a wooden wall, and touch them. Alray and Hueremy join in as well.

Then the children leave the Burning Knights, and gather around Catiza, probably lured in by her strange dance. Catiza raises a hand, cheering them on to participate, starting a ridiculous dance. The children copy her.

This is going to make Quiche worried. Still, it seems the children have received more influence from Catiza and the Burning Knights than the butt lover Helme.

Well, the Burning Knights are talking steam locomotives. And when it comes to Catiza, I can fully agree considering her usual behavior. She can change into Purin and Tsuan, even just her face, and she can also turn into a golden caterpillar. Quite the eccentric, funny person for the children

Okay, now I know that the village is safe.

While feeling relievedI look ahead where hills line up beneath a cliff. Orc corpses are strewn all over the place as if to cover the hills with a crimson layer.

A part of the woodland has been mowed down, exposing Holker stone lookalikes. Though it doesnt look like it has developed into a large-scale battle

Oh, I found Quiche!

With her light green hair fluttering in the wind, shes quickly descending the cliff. A magnificent heavy knight armor encases her delicate body. Shes still carrying her beloved sword in one hand, and a shield in the other.

Her appearance hasnt changed, but I feel like shes become faster than before.

Her target is that semi-transparent orc, huh? She hasnt noticed me yet. Shes doing her utmost to protect her village.

Your Excellencyyour mana

Yeah

Seeing Quiche, my emotions seem to surge to such an extent that it surprises Helme. It appears that my mana has naturally leaked outside, too.

Shuuya-sama

Kisara, the elf with the light green hair is my friend. Dont mistake her for the enemy. Also, Ill go ahead and kill that monster over there. Kisara, you make Quiche stop in a gentle manner so that she wont come close to me as I fight.

As you command

Kisara~, youve got a tough road ahead, dont you?

Shut it! You run your mouth too much

Kisara, who gives me a formal response with a clenched fist, immediately reacts after being teased by Rotalz. While whirling around the witch spear, which is shrouded in filaments, she lifts one leg like a rhythmic sports athlete.

{Heavy Dropkick of Evil}. She delivers a splendid heel kick bewitching me with her gorgeous panties at the same time against Rotalz.

Ahyaaa!

Rotalz becomes a pitiful mess. His forehead, which had recovered at long last, caves in with a sound similar to a bubble bursting. He crashes into the valley while rotating like a battleship that has been shot down.

A blow of her combat boots packs quite a severe punch.

Or rather, I tasted it as well, so I can feel you, Rotalz.

– End of Part 1 –