Chapter 19 (Patreon)

We, who left the Knight’s Headquarters, will be heading to a dungeon as our next destination.

We are now in the middle of preparations.

The destination this time will be a cave near the shore northeast of the town of Valsa. The distance is about a day from here. Also, because the cave that we are targeting is a dark area, everyone decided to bring night-vision medicine. I cannot give up on using this medicine anymore!

The cave inside was also cold so I decided to also carry medicine that would warm us up.

We will be staying in a cold place for a while. Should I carry more?

Also I don’t expect finding any treasure chests in that area, that place has already been thoroughly searched after all.

Also because the materials that could be harvested here are not profitable, there’s only a small amount of people that visits that place.

In the terms of distance, we decided to not use a carriage this time.

I was also thinking of buying Dinna to increase the number of people, but since I probably won’t be able to call out to her because of being a front liner, I putting her on hold for now.

But someday, I will definitely call her out too.

As we walk out of the town of Valsa, I felt a sign of someone following us. It was a tall man wearing a black robe. He does look like a traveller, but………

It was as if he was waiting for us to come out.

Ente was seemingly on alert too. He is really suspicious after all. The man slowly approached us when he finally got a good look at us.

　「Hime-sama, behind me」

Maevis immediately guarded me with her shield. It would have really been embarrassing if it was only a friendly wanderer. But right now, I could feel an eerie atmosphere being directed at us.

　「Oya oya, you don’t have to be that vigilant. Are you the saint person that everyone was talking about? 」

Is this person acquainted with the knights? 

If I’m not mistaken, it was only the knights that are calling me a saint after all.

　「Who might you be? 」

I politely asked for the man’s identity, but he didn’t answer at all. He was keenly looking at Maevis’ Shield.

　「Could that shield be the one that was obtained from that Ghost Knight? 

It surely look strong, I wonder if you’re really the saint that they were talking about or not? 」

Is he not acquainted with the knights after all? 

If he knows that the Ghost Knight from that tower was using this shield, he might have been a hunter.

　「But maybe if I use you as a sacrifice, if it’s as powerful as that Ghost Knight, I might be able to make more or ones that would even be more powerful」

Hearing the contents of what he said, chills run throughout my body. 

　「Everyone! 」

Everyone was in battle mode all at once. Ente and Jenny were holding my hands and in front of us was Maevis holding her shield in front of us. Erina was also aiming with shining arrows behind us.

　「I see. So that’s how the Ghost Knight and Wight was defeated. It certainly is a strong party.」

The man who was showing an evil grin took a step back away from us.

　「I guess, fighting you people in this form would be dangerous. But, it’s not yet the time to use that form. It will be bothersome if that Rukka finds out about my location so I have to do this quickly. 」

After a small chant, undead started to spawn trying to surround us. It was literally being made right at this moment. Is that person a Necromancerー?

What appeared in front of us were neither normal zombies nor ghouls………

It was monsters that could be found in the surroundings and was turned into undead.

I have never seen anything like this in 「ARMS Otome」 before. A total of 8 Demon Undead appeared. There are certainly many of them but……

　「Erina, aim for that black robed person. Ente, Jenny, defeat the all of the undead. Maevis, keep an eye on that black robed man. 」

Everyone took action immediately. Shining arrows flew straight towards the black robed man, but they were easily deflected. It’s my first time seeing Erina’s arrows easily deflected like that!?

Ente and Jenny engaged with the undead monsters and divided their roles properly. Those creatures were tough creatures to begin with so turning them into undead made it even more annoying. They were at least able to endure a few of Ente’s attacks, but they seem to be having any problems.

Even if they are tough and strong monsters, their attack speed is slow and sluggish. As a result, ente haven’t even received a scratch from fighting them.

　「Haaaa!!」

Ente’s sword glows in white silver. If her skill activates, it could easily crush the tough skin of the monsters especially because it was undead.

Jenny was also fighting with a lot of room to spare, but because there are a total of eight monsters that they are facing, those that can’t be dealt with by Ente and Jenny headed towards us.

　「Tsk……… Maevis prepare to intercept with those that escape the front lines」

I want her to focus on the robed person in case he did something, but right now the zombies approaching us are to be prioritized.

Erina have been shooting that person since the fight started but she can’t land a clean hit. That person is certainly strong.

Maevis successfully blocked the assault and without letting any of the demons to approach us. This is a result of our training. The demons couldn’t do anything but receive her shield smash and be finished off with her sword. Maevis accurately deals damage to the demons despite their tough rock exterior. It seems tough, but it seems to be fine.

Now, if only we could rid of that black robed person……

　「Oh… I tried to use at least powerful troops to deal with you, but it seems like they were easily disposed, it was a splendid suppression. I guess it can’t be helped」

The arm of the black robed man transformed into an inhumanly huge arm.

What is that? Is that person really a human?

He began his assault using only one arm. Fast! 

What is with that speed!?

Even though Maevis managed to block thet attack, she was not able to fully absorb the damage and was blown away.

　「Maevis!」

I could understand that the damage was minimal. But it was a surprise for him to be able to blow her away just like that.

　「Wow, I could say that you certainly have a really tough shield, it would have already been broken if it was a normal one. The user is also a splendid one」

The black robed man approaches me as he was saying that. At that time, Erina released a double-shot. Furthermore, the arrows were enhanced and were wrapped in light. It was critical shots that gives double damage against undead and demons. The man managed to avoid the first one but the second one penetrated his arm.

　「Oi, that hurts you know. No way, for an arrowhead to actually be able to damage me」

The man shows an annoyed face, then he swings his arm towards Erina.

　「Gyaaaa! 」

Not able to guard or dodge the attack, Erina was also blown away from me.

　「Erina!!」

　「I think that you should be thinking about your situation more, saint-sama」

The black robed man arrived in front of me. Though I’m carrying a sword with me, I think it would easily be blown away.

　「Masterー! 」

　「Milady! 」

　「Princess! 」

Even if the three did their best to blow away the demons they were facing, the man grabbed my shoulders first.

　「It’s annoying dealing with all of you. If you want to take her back, then join the incoming battle of Valsa. Well even if you did your best, the saint-sama would probably be turned into an undead by that time though」

My sight shook before Ente reaches me.

The next moment, I disappeared with the black robed man from that place.

Uugh……I feel sick.

It was a feeling that was worse than motion sickness.

But I can’t really complain. The man covered in black robe was standing in front of me.

Where is this place? That man did talk about a battle in Varsa, but right it feels like I’m in some sort of basement.

I was surrounded by stone walls, and there is a big magic circle drawn on the ground at the place where I stand.

　「Is that the saint. I don’t feel any sort of power from her though」

Suddenly, a voice called out from behind me. There wasn’t anybody there just now. It has an almost transparent body and emits yellow light.

　「Wraith!?」

It’s an undead that belongs in the same category as Wight. However, because of its full immunity to physical attacks, it won’t be easily defeated not unless magic is used.

However in 「ARMS Otome」, if you raise physical attack to a certain extent, it would be able to do deal damage, but I wonder if that also right now…

　「Hmm, you seem to be someone who is quite knowledgeable」 

　「Gangua, I brought this girl to this dungeon. Let’s try using her to increase the number of undead tonight using her as a sacrifice.  Though you can’t detect her power right now, I assure you that she is strong because of the fight earlier.

Though I made sure that I won’t be detected earlier, it would still be much better to do this as soon as possible.

That saint’s party was also around Triple in terms of strength.

It would really be bothersome if they join the fight later.」

The black robed man irritatingly demanded as he scratches his head.

　「I also used a lot of power during the move. I will be taking a quick rest to restore my power」

　「I didn’t expect that you would be able rough him up forcing to use that much power. Well, it would certainly be a problem later. I also need to get rid of those Knights from Varsa」

What… are they planning to raid Valsa? 

No there was something else that is more of a concern than that.

　「Gangua, don’t tell me…… the corpse user that subjugated by the knights in the ruined fortress……」

The Wraith was enraged by my words.

　「It was your fault! It was because of that strange power of yours that was used to power up the knights. But, it’s also thanks to you that I am now in this form」

I see… After being released from his shell which is his body, his spirit that was released became a Wraith.

　「I would have originally used the Knights to test my Bone Warriors, and would be using their corpses to add to my strength. It was a plan to increase the number of my subordinates. This is the result, so as a sign of thanks, I will also use you to create undead as a sacrifice」

It would have been really dangerous if Gammund-san’s group didn’t receive my blessings at that time. It could be said to be a miracle.

I also did use my protection spell to them this morning, so it will definitely not go according to what they have planned this time.

　「Too bad for you though coz I am not a saint, using me definitely won’t give you the result that you are expecting. My friends will also be able to find this place and assault it soon」

The black robed man was surprised from my sudden revelation, and though they are working together they don’t seem to be that concerned about each other.

I only need to delay them for a bit more while waiting for the right timing for my skills to be usable as a last resort.

　「Kukuku, I don’t think your friends would be able to reach this place anytime soon though」

Retorting to what I’ve said, the black robed man grins.

　「Just like what I’ve said to your companions before, it’s your own self that should be more concerned of right now.

The place where you are now is in a catacomb northeast of Varsa. The place where our battle took place was the southwest of Varsa.

And just like what I’ve said before, you will already be turned into an undead by the time they reach this place. It will definitely the right time to attack those that are living at that time」

This guy seems to be smart and have a really twisted personality.

I was doing my best to make take their time, but it didn’t seem to be working at the moment.

In order for me to be able to use my skill again is for the time to cross midnight, the sun has definitely set and midnight is closing in.

I need to at least be able to last until midnight, but if decided to act before the skill is refreshed………

Things might get a little bit dangerous. All I could do is wait for now.

　「Oh right, don’t think of even running away on your own.

Even if you try to run away, what awaits you inside this catacomb is more than 300 undead. I think they would happily flock on to you knowing that you are a living being.

That’s why it would be much better for you to stay still, as it would be easier to die a quick death than suffer.」

Ugh……that would certainly be a threat. Wait, 300… it was only 300.

　「Well, it’s also good to spend the last moments of your life in despair」

The black robed person left after saying so.

I was then moved inside a cage and was surrounded by skeletons. And just when we were inside the tower, the rotting flesh was wafting through the air.

I am not feeling calm but I forced myself to calm down.

At this moment, I am nothing more than a tough but powerless person. Because I don’t have any means of attack, being sturdy is meaningless. I can’t bend a steel grid with my meager strength. There are also no windows that could be found in these stone walls. I need to find any means necessary to at least buy some time.

It would have been nice if I was able to use skills during that time. Because of the cool down time…… I don’t have any means of attack, so I can’t do anything but rely on others for the offensive!

That’s why I need to calm myself down and think.

Ente will definitely be worried…

Jenny, well, she will probably use this as a reason again to do weird stuff. I wonder if Erina will be able to manage everyone.

Maevis, she’s probably really down and frustrated for not being able to completely protect me………

I want to see everyone again soon.

I wonder how much time has passed by.

The black robed man finally appeared before me.

　「Oh, I was expecting for you to be crying or be grueling out of despair but I didn’t expect for you to be that calm.」

He seems to be not amused seeing my current status.

It’s unfortunate for you, because I won’t show such a figure of mine that easily. The time right now…… I don’t know. I could vaguely know if my skills will be usable or not. I also won’t know if it will only be possible to use it until the time it becomes usable.

If I can’t use it…………then, I’ll have to think of something to do at that time.

　「Lets move you to the ceremonial location. It is a Full Moon tonight, so the magic of the moon will be at its peak. It is a good time to do Magic Rituals. Everyone is already waiting in that place」

We left the prison guided by the black robed man and being surrounded by skeletons.

We are currently climbing a long staircase. I still haven’t found a chance to escape. This place is more complicated than I have thought of and I will probably get lost if I suddenly run away. 

Should I find a good place to hide instead……

Nope, not happening, it’s because even if I try to hide, it would be easy for more than 300 undead to locate me.

As we continued climbing the stairs, the area starts to widen.

Both of us were walking in silence. Of course, you can’t expect for the skeletons to talk either.

As we approach a wide area, I could see skeletons standing in place. There are also bone warriors ghouls and other types of undead. Every one of those undead was seemingly very eager to jump at me at any given time. It this man is not here, they would probably do it.

As we pass by a small aisle, I could feel the presence of a lot of demons entering my perception range.

All of them are undead……

Yup, all of them really are undead, and this number, is this almost all of the undead they were supposed to be keeping here?

The black robed man halted for a moment, probably realizing that my steps have slowed down.

　「Everyone is eagerly waiting you know. Kuku, I look forward to what face you will be showing as the ritual begins」

This guy, he is a really disgusting character. They are trying to make this into a show and have all of the undead as audience. I see, then I’ll thankfully use this moment in reverse later…

　「You surely like to say some nasty things, but what are you? You are indeed in the shape of a human, but I can’t find anything human about you」

He has that unusual transformed hand, a physical ability to dodge Jenny’s arrows, and enough strength to throw Maevis away.

That power is not normally found on people even on the higher classes of warriors of this world. It is definitely something else that can be associated with undead.

　「Hou. Thinking that you were a saint, I didn’t expect for you to ask something as simple as that?」

That’s why I have been telling you before that I’m not a saint.

　「Oh well, since you only have a little time left to live, I won’t mind telling you. This me is an existence that you would preferably called a Majin」

Majin…………… What’s that? 

I have never hear of a race monsters like that in 「ARMS Otome」.

Is it an existence similar or stronger to normal demons?

He seems to be surprised that I didn’t react to the word Majin, and made a surprised face because of that. Is that something that is commonly known?

　「You are a saint but didn’t know……

Well you did say that you were not a sain’t but you don’t know of Majin. What kind of shut off countryside did you live in」

Shut it, like I’d care. For the time being, I could understand that they are existences that are feared by many.

　「Speaking of Majin, if compared to a normal demon’s power level, it would be an existence that would be far beyond what normal humans could manage. If I place it in an easy-to-understand scale, it would be――Quasi-Disaster Level」

I listened to the explanation of the so called Majin, I think I’ve heard of those phrases somewhere before.

Even so, it’s a being with power equivalent next to a disaster-class monster.

It would have been an existence that I wouldn’t really want to meet, but it was the one who approached us instead.

I remember now, it would on of the ranks deemed to be a really dangerous existence in the monster dictionary, and even a whole country would need a lot of forces in order to subjugate it.

How should I deal with this being on my own……

Hmmm, I just have to deal with it one way or another because I do not want to die!

Just around the time our conversation ended, we have finally reached our destination. There was a large hall with a pedestal on its center surrounded by many undead. The area was really wide. This was supposed to be an underground cemetery but the size of this space is really wide comparable to a really large basement. I would have wanted to explore this place if I were not in this kind situation.

There were bonfires lit up in several places. Even though undead don’t actually need light to move around, it seems like they prepared the bonfires to show me all of the undead present in this place. Well despite the bonfires, it’s still a bit dark and dim which makes the skeleton and zombies look creepier.

　「The preparations are ready」

When we arrived at the pedestal, Gangua who became a wraith appeared on my side.

　「Let us begin immediately. Then after that, we will begin our march towards Valsa. It will be a day of commemoration by dying the streets of Valsa with blood. Let’s also decorate it using the blood of the saint」

I was laid down on the pedestal. A black knife with strange decorations was held on the man’s hand. This is a really scary situation that it’s making my heartbeat raise.

For now I need to calm down. I need to think of what skill to use that would be really effective in the current situation.

Even if I will be able this person, I don’t think that I would be able to easily escape all of these undead. Well, I probably won’t be able to beat or escape easily with this person around anyway. But this person is also a demon. So I now have decided what skill to use. And finally, I can feel that my skills are now usable. Un, it should be fine. I can feel my power welling up.

　「I dedicate this to the god of death Nuvera. Accept this innocent soul―――」

As soon as the man started the to chant some fishy words I stood up, I then jumped down the pedestal while fixing my skirt.

　「Oh, do you plan to try and escape now? I didn’t try and restrain you since you are following like an adult, but that doesn’t seem to be the case so would you like me to do something to those limbs of yours? It would also be a great pleasure to hear you crying as we continue the ritual」

　「Sorry to bust your expectations, but I won’t back down that easily. I definitely won’t give up」

After showing a confident grin, I made myself aware of all the presence of undead from the surroundings.

There are currently more than 300 undead in place.

Just like when I did it with the hunters and knights I focused on all of the targets I could detect, though thinking about what happened before is embarrassing, I am fine this time because there are no emotions being sent to me from the targets this time.

　「Gangua, it’s fine if I give her a little bit of pain to this saint, right? 」

　「Hmm, if she’s acting maturely like that, I don’t think a little bit of pain would affect her though」

Sorry, but I don’t need such considerations. I prepared the power gathered into my chest. I could feel a cleansing force starting to overflow from within me. The black robed man immediately stared at me out filled with suspicions. Can you feel this power?

　「I don’t know what you are trying to do but before you are able to chant, I will definitely――」

Sorry to disappoint you but I don’t need chants to activate this spell which is a special skill. But because I feel like it, I will at least shout the skill that I will use.

　［White Silver Flaaaaash!!］

The moment I spread out my hands from my chest, white silver light wrapped the surroundings. The light glows in a blinding flash of light only for a moment.

When the light that illuminated the room settled down, my figure could finally be seen, and when the light finally disappeared, all of the undead that was filling the area vanished and was converted into glowing particles that flowed into me.