The Spearmaster and the Black Cat

Chapter 375 The Story behind Yazekaposs Dagger

You know it?

Yes Kisara answers while staring at the bluish-white blade.

For just an instant sadness flashes across her face.

Suloza, who can appraise items, has talked about a legendary crow monster Lets ask her about that.

When I had an appraiser look at it, he mentioned a legendary crow monster.

Kisara nods. She gazes at the dagger as if licking it all over with her eyes, and then looks past its blade, directly at me.

What is the name of that appraiser? The name of the ancient Great Desert Crow Yazekapos hasnt been carved onto this blade, so hes quite amazing She explained passionately.

The daggers blade has clouded slightly over after being exposed to Kisaras hot breathing. While admiring the charm of her wet lips, I think back on Pelneet.

Recalling the face of the bald, middle-aged man, I answer, Suloza. Hes running an Old Sorcery Store. Its also called an antique store. Hes a first-class item appraiser with his shop being located on a small plot of land in the best district of the city, namely the First Ring Road of Pelneet. According to Rebecca, hes also known as Shadow Ruler. And hes under a curse by the Cursed God Tengaln Bububa. It seems somewhat shady, but hes a refined, cool old man.

Suloza. I shall remember that name.

Its not said that she knows, but lets ask her about the creator just in case.

Anyway, it looks like he could appraise the name of the one who created Yazekaposs Dagger. Kisara, do you know by chance?

No, I dont.

Figures.

I see. A man called Oze Sulligan, also known as Oze of the Silver Blue, carried it, and I obtained it after defeating him.

Oze Sulligan. That name doesnt ring a bell either. In the past this dagger used to be the beloved magic dagger of Latifa, one of the Black Witch Churchs Four Heavenly Witches. She had mentioned that it got stolen by Grand Thief Meyhan, who was later discovered to be a leader ofOriental Temple, during a conflict with that religious group

Oohh, Four Heavenly Witch Latifa. I heard Kisara talk a bit about another For Heavenly Witch with the name Aphra Beazuma, but Im hearing about Latifa for the first time.

So it was stolen, huh? What is that Oriental Temple anyway?

One of the associations flowing in from the east. Theyre a religious group worshiping ancient demigods of the east, and the Demigod of Creation Baal. They desire to obliterate the other gods. Ive heard that theyre a dangerous group considered to have started especially many conflicts with the gods of the Spirit World.

Demigods, huh? I know about Geronas and Glass, at least.

Glass is a Demigod of Time who had sealed the Time Pinyin. Back then I had my {Chain} penetrate the forehead of an illusionary Glass.

At that moment, the words of Suloza crossed my mind.

The spirit world? So youre saying youre in the same category as Collector Shiki-sanI understand. If you know about cursed gods, I will also tell you about ancient gods. The aboriginal gods of old, who have lived on this Mahaheim Continent before the wild gods came into existencethey are called the forgotten gods. By the way, depending on the region, there are places where the powers of demigods, wild gods, and cursed gods are deeply rooted

That was his explanation at that time.

In addition to Glass, wild gods such as Cazdolo also exist, so you can really say this world has a myriad of gods and goddesses.

That means the thief passed it on to Oze, and I took it from Oze after killing him.

It looks like it By the way of your phrasing, that Oze person was not a member of Oriental Temple.

Ive never heard the name of Oriental Temple before now.

At least I think so. I dont know whether that Oriental Temple still exists either. Back when I fought Oze, he was a leader ofOwls Fangs. And although the details remain shrouded in mystery, he might actually have been an undercover agent ofNoctals Oath

HogbarsNoctals Oathwas mostly active in the royal capital FaDyke. So maybe Oze has been active in that area as leader ofOwls Fangswhile working as a double agent?

Dark guilds Kisara mutters with a very sad and pained expression while shifting her eyes from the dagger to Muu.

Oze had used Yazekaposs Dagger together with the Sword of Rendil. It was a skilled dual-wield style. He also managed to injure me as a Flying Sword Practitioner.

Kisara nods at my words. Mana particles, looking like a cloud of ashes, drift up from behind her, causing a sad atmosphere. Then she shifts her eyes from Muu to me.

Wounding you, Shuuya-samaif its an opponent who stole the dagger in battle against an Oriental Temple member, he must have been skilled enough as a fighter

Then she returns her eyes to the dagger in her hand once more. For a while Kisara remains silent as if brooding about something.

Did you remember something?

Yes.

Still, assuming the association calledOriental Templestill exists nowadays, they surely might have been in conflict withNoctals Oathwhich used to be one of the Eight Lights.

Assuming Oriental Temple doesnt exist in LeftenOze must have obtained a superb item like Yazekaposs Dagger by coincidence, bought it from a merchant with platinum coins, or plundered it from someone else.

Speaking of FaDykeit houses that space elevator-like Indomitable Lions Tower. The place where I encountered Yui and Chardonnay is around that area as well. Its a region with an abnormal amount of abandoned mansions and lots of various crimes happening all the time.

I wonder whether NereisKary is doing fine with the capital being like that. Its an area loaded with many conflicts.

Oseberias Hekatrail governed by Chardonnay lies in the south. If you head even further south on the continent, you have Duke Langreed, another noble of Oseberia who owns the Eight Lights dark guildBeycalas Hand. Though I doubt the war with Zamalia is unrelated to Leftens situation.

Currently Chardonnay is in the midst of fighting over Zamalias Ancient City Musaka, which is also known as Leopard Pattern City Musaka, and its surrounding areas. Thats why she probably wont meddle with Leften.

But, its the schemer Chardonnay Im talking about here, and she did obtain some excellent personnel during the Underground Auction. Someday she might get interested in northern Leften.

Zamalia, which is under Chardonnays attack right now, has lost Hyatos, but the high-ranking nobles Marquis Rasni and Marquis Lorges, who are both supporting Zamalias royal family, are still going strong. Ive heard from Kaldo and Yui about their subordinate organizationRozens Commandment.

I think its only logical, but Zamalia shouldnt only possess that thief guild, but also a dark guild with the power at the level of the Eight Lights. No, its also possible that even bigger organizations are on the move here behind the scenes. And I have no doubt that swarms of bad guys, who use patriotism as cover, and true patriots are on the loose as well.

Moreover, Bloody Long Ears, the mighty organization in Senapua, is around as well. It looks like they house many survivors of the Great Empire Befaritz, another empire like that of Quiches ancestors.

Well, although you might call them similar, the Great Empire Befaritz possessed a huge territory stretching across the Mahaheim Mountain Range. Just like the elves of the Terramay Kingdom, which extends into the northern parts of the Whirlpool Forest, there seemed to be many internal conflicts between the various elven clans.

I dont think that the elves of Bloody Long Ears and Quiches ancestors had much to do with each other. The Bloody Long Ear members have a white whale tattoo on their cheek. Its the symbol of their military unit. I think thats yet another proof that theyre different from Quiches clan that has been continuing for centuries.

Though, that is something I wont know for sure unless I ask Lezalaysa about it. The guild master ofBloody Long Ears of the White Whaledidnt participate in the current war between Oseberia and Zamalia. Even though her guild should have close ties to Oseberia, they havent joined up with Chardonnay.

I guess thats only natural, though. I think its valid to believe that they turned our Remains of the Moon, no, the Four Dark Guild AllianceBlood Star Ocean Moon Allianceinto their pivot. She also mentioned something about strife with the city councilors within Senapua as well, didnt she? I heard a bit about the Air Battle Sorcerer who leads the Sky Magician Unit under the control of the councilors.

I suppose the reason for the city to maintain its neutrality isnt just the achievement of Bloody Long Ears who have vested interests in the Azel Dimension.

Besides, even before Bloody Long Ears lost several of its leaders in the fight at the Dignified Heaven Shrine, they lost two of their leaders after they suffered an attack by the Black-Hair Unit during a retreat in the war against the western Radford Empire. In other words, them having lost too many combat forces plays a role as well.

Its great that I managed to rescue Fran at the battle in the fort, but at the same time I ended up rescuing Curl, one of Bloody Long Earss leaders. Im sure that Mia, who sent me a letter, would become upset if she knew that I saved her enemy

Still, I wonder how the meeting with Chardonnay went. I cant believe that she, whos called Female Fox, would obediently pull back after having gotten her combat forces ready

These folks, who switch back and forth between underworld and normal world, are going to point their fangs at Leften someday, huh? NereisKarys future prospects look bleak.

Oh well, I saved her, so I fulfilled my promise with her. Shes a beauty, and I do have some sympathy for her situation, but I dont plan to help her with her country building. But, Ill gladly pray that her aspirations come true through her luck as princess and wisdom.

Then again, if I were to personally ask to link her up with ChardonnayId love to cooperate.

Even while thinking that, I end up imagining how Im going to rescue the beautiful princess again.

Anyway, Ive got my own stuff I need to do. Besides, I dont have any means to contact her as Blood Messaging is no option. As I was pondering while predicting all kinds of situations, Kisara shifted her eyes back on me again.

She moves her dark purple lips, Shuuya-sama, I told you already before, but this is also one of the Black Churchs duties.

It sounds like the history behind Yazekaposs Dagger runs deep.

Did you recall a dense battle of the Great Desert that involved dark guilds from that dagger? Im interested, so please share some of your past memories with me.

Sure. Then let me go back a bit There are many ruins of the ancient Dawn Empire, which got buried by the desert, like the Ancient Ruin Muhgo in the vicinity of Lake Rhinoceros, a rich water resource, Lake Rhinoceros town which is said to house an underground waterway thats a part of Tree King Kyulha who appears in the Harvest Legend, and Lake Rhinoceros City which is close to Mephallas Shrine and Mount DamonAnun. In addition to the invasions by desert worms, there were battles spanning over many, many years concerning the Eight Star White Shadow Swordsmanship which affected the hegemony of Lake Rhinoceros by the 17 Masters of the Black Witch Church and the Ten Lake Rhinoceros Tomboy Demonoids. On top of those battles over Lake Rhinoceros, I fought on many occasions against leaders ofHeavenly Bamboo Umbrella,800 Nuns, andAbhi, commonly called the Three Sari Alliance, who had each built one of the Oasis Cities. Just as I mentioned before, many people competed through pure martial arts as warriors assembling in the desert, which also included demonoids. I remember that a thieves guild with the nameGate of Hidden Evilalso maneuvered in the underground.

Gate of Hidden Evil, she says? Its my first time to hear that they also existed in the Great Desert of the past. Its the thieves guild to which Fran belongs.

Ive heard from Melissa that they possess power stretching across countries, buttheyve been around for quite a long while then, eh?

Do you know a member ofGate of Hidden Evilcalled Fran?

I dont. One was called Buhabi, a person with half her body being a ghost. Her trait was the third eye on the forehead. She was quite famous as a triple-sword-wielder.

A ghost race, huh? I wonder whether she had space-time abilities like Remrona and Fran. I suppose Ill ask about the cities Ive heard about in the past.

I see Then how about the cities calledGrazing City Telezabil,Curse Complex Ehim,Magic Fog City Eden, andSteel Sand City Zekshia? All independent cities which might not exist anymore.

Those cities might have already vanished under the current Great Desert.

Just as I have been saying, its the Great Desert nowadays. It seems like the name of the Freedom Commonwealth doesnt exist anymore, and the number of existing, independent cities is likely low. But, in the same way as the church worshiping Holy Man Ameph has taken over the desert, religious organizations which believe in the Spirit World god which has Magic Spirit Wave users that brainwash others, or organizations worshiping the gods of the divine domain should be still left. Also, we had a hard time with the heretic group of fanatics who ate the corpses of theSebdola Faith. I think the labyrinth managed by the Dark Gods evil general is remaining as well, although it didnt cause overly much damage to the outside. Theres no way that Dark Church HadessShadow SpeedHorror Siblings, who have been offering corpses to the Spirit World, have perished. Moreover, there were master fighters who had a close relationship with the Muryu race who manipulated the monsters in the Eyhabra Plains extending in the western direction of the Great Desert. Usually they were masters in nothing but indulging in indolence, but

All waters lead to the sea applies anywhere. To say nothing of oasis cities located in a desert.

I dont know whether Lake Rhinoceros still exists over there, but Ive heard that the area has developed quite a bit. Ive also heard about the Religious Capital Mestrazan as a desert city. If it still exists, I have no doubt that its frequented by so many cities that no weeds can grow on the ground over there.

I have a friend who wanders the Great Desert Goldix and its cities. Spirit World Knight Rulizeze.

I wonder how shes doing right now After all, Rulizeze has been living the proverb Hardship makes the man even more so than my bloodkin Kaldo.

Sounds like there have been all kinds, huh? You also fought the beast nobles of Jiardan, the Barrier King who had been invading from the Highground Forest, the Blood Bone Nymphs, the remnants of the Hazarn Empire, the Loregund family of the twelve founding vampire families, the orc empire, the Pebble Mercenary Band, and the Corpse King of the Demonoid Empire who manipulated cowrie, right?

The Great Goldix Desert is huge

However, Viine was interested in the dark elf who used rose magic as a subordinate of the Barrier King. Besides, a name like Corpse King immediately makes me think of a powered-up version of the Burning Knights. At least he does sound mighty

But, its a desert. The terrain must have changed completely when comparing the area from the time in Kisaras story and now. Yet, names like Blood Bone Nymphs are still remaining, so quite a few of those powers might still be around.

Yes. I cant believe that theyve completely fended off Demonoid Cuberas of theBlack Prophets, Head Priest David of theWar God Faithand the hollow wolves who served Human God Ameph, and Chief Adjutant Mashul.

Demonoid, huh? Speaking of Demonoids, it sounds like it could be related to Mels father, Demonoid Zarlp.

I dont know much about the War God Faith. Although it seems like some aspects resemble War Maiden Ivanka, and the Demonoid Naromivas has been speaking about it boastfully.

And just as I told you some time ago, I fought the first-class sorcerers of the General Battle Sorcerer Assembly over the Secret Book of Wisdom and Reincarnation, and Grand Wizard Akie Enigma targeted my cherished, special magic book

Kisara stares at the grimoire hanging at her waist. So its something dear to her, as I had thought. Just, it appears to not be the Secret Book of Wisdom and Reincarnation.

I wonder what kind of book contained the spell allowing her to manipulate origami-like pieces of paper with her {Magic Breath} like the one she had shown me during our training.

Also, Ive heard about them before already, but it seems the General Battle Sorcerer Assembly has been active for quite a long time now.

Im also curious about Kisaras magic book, her grimoire. Butsince it looks like itd turn into a long story, Ill shelve it for now, I think.

Each of those battles allowed the Black Witch Church and me as a Four Heavenly Witch to grow, but

But, even with that strength, and continuing training sessions after training sessions, in the end Hoffmann

Yes, I cant excuse that. You cannot underestimate the power of the Death Angel-based magic crests, the weapon called Ten Evil Star Lanwen which is one of the 68 Spirit World blades, his ability to manipulate the ten swords, and his various other secret techniques. Well then, with this Kisara politely turns around Yazekaposs Dagger with the hilt pointing to me, and tries to give it back to me.

No, Ill give it back to you. Its been an item originally belonging to the Black Witch Church. I dont know Latifa-san, but if shes still alive, itd be great if you could give it back to her in person.

Youre very generous, Shuuya-sama. To give back a precious weapon and treasured item so easily With her lips trembling, Kisara genuflects, her head lowered.

Dont mind it. Stand up. Muu and Riedel are looking strangely at us.

Rollos Squad has left the training ground to some other place.

Thank you If Latifa is still aliveId love to give it back to her. Im sure itd make her very happy to get it back, too. Kisara gets back up with a smile on her lips.

Then she hooks the daggers hilt to the cord fastener connected to her grimoire. After nodding with a smile after seeing her do thatI decided to ask her about the Oriental Temple first, although Im also curious about Latifa-san.

Could you tell me more about your battles with Oriental Temple?

Its something Ive heard directly from Latifa as I havent fought them myself. Is that still okay for you?

Sure.