Kays Translations

Chapter 87: Demon Sword Condemnation

...Did I die?

...What happened to Mimura?

"Hey, hey, what are you spacing out for? Well, it's like you're in your own dream here, so I guess it's natural to be out of it."

Huh? I hear the old hag's voice. Wait, did the old hag consume me too when she devoured Mimura?

"If you want that to happen, I'll do it when you wake up. Get it together. Seriously, get it together. Besides, cut it out with calling me 'old hag.' I did help you out, after all. Don't you have any respect?"

I look around, and it's pitch black in all directions, 360 degrees. I can't even see my own body. Well, whatever... If this is in a dream, I'll probably wake up eventually.

"By the way, why is the old hag here?"

"Old hag... Well, whatever. When I devoured that woman, I also devoured your left arm along with it. At that time, I also infiltrated your psyche a bit."

"Did you manage to kill Mimura?"

"It seems you're not too bothered about your arm. I was thinking that if you complained, I might just devour the rest as well. That woman was devoured completely, not a trace left."

I asked if she killed her, but she said "devoured"? 

"Did you not hear anything from Enzo? I created this artifact called 'Sin Eater,' which absorbs 'Miasma' and devours 'Sins.' It's not meant to kill living beings. Don't get it twisted."

Devouring 'Sins'... I thought from the name 'Sin Eater' that it would cut 'Sins' or something.

"Did you realize that I can make 'Sins' disappear?” 

“Yeah, that's why I thought Mimura could be killed even if she was immortal. You can nullify the skills of otherworldly people."

"Hahaha. It seems Enzo has some expectations of you."

"The hint is the pomegranate stone. That stone can only contain the skills of otherworldly individuals. The pomegranate stone turns into a 'magic stone' when combined with 'sin' and stores that 'sin.' So, I thought that the skills of otherworldly individuals are related to 'sin'."

“……………”

"If you can eliminate 'sin,' then you can also eliminate the skills of otherworldly individuals related to 'sin.' And the reason I was convinced of this is that the usually fearless Kuzuha was scared when she first saw you. I also instinctively felt fear. In other words, for those who bear 'sin,' you are their natural enemy."

"Hahaha. I like it. With you... it's not a bad expectation."

Well, if Mimura has really been killed, let's consider it a win. Sorry, Mary. I couldn't recover your skills and experience points.

"Is that so...Then, will I be killed by the old hag?"

"If things go on like this, that's what will happen. My 'Inferno' has devoured your left hand. The flames of 'Inferno' are eroding your body and soul. Eventually, you'll be consumed and disappear."

... Seriously?

I had a bad feeling about it since she said she was infiltrating my psyche.

"It's a deal then. I can delay the erosion as much as possible with my power. If you can prolong your life until your natural end, it's practically a non-issue."

"What should I do?"

"It's a simple task. Just carry me to the deepest part of the Shirakami Dungeon."

To the deepest part of the Shirakami Dungeon? Even Arthur and Mary could only get to the 6th floor!

"You'll be fine. Don't you have teleportation magic circles or something?"

"Got it. I'll accept that deal. But first, there's something I need to do. Is that okay?"

"Yeah, anytime is fine. Even if it's a hundred years later. Well then, should I give you an advance for the reward?"

Reward? Uh, what... Oh, I have this strange feeling, like something's embedded...

"When you wake up, check it for yourself. Listen carefully, it's important. Using that power will accelerate the erosion of 'Inferno.' It means your lifespan will shorten. So, don't use it recklessly."

"G-Got it. I don't fully understand, but thank you. I'll do my best to keep my promise."

In the pitch-black space with nothing around, I felt a faint presence somewhere, as if smiling. And from a distance, light began to overflow. When the light filled the darkness, I woke up.

◇◇◇◇

"Takumi! Takumi! Takumi's awake!"

When I opened my eyes, there was Mia's face.

Tears were streaming from Mia's eyes.

Unconsciously, I wiped the tears running down Mia's cheek with my left hand.

...What is this?

Mia, too, looked at my left hand, her eyes widening in shock.

My left arm from the elbow down was pitch black.

But... it should have turned to charcoal and crumbled away, right?

"Takumi. Your arm is healed. Even Kuzuha's 'Healing Water' couldn't do it... though it's a bit black."

Is this what the old hag's reward was about?

But if that's the case, it means the erosion of 'Inferno' will progress every day.

While confirming the movement of my left hand, I opened the status screen.

------

Name: Takumi Arai

Occupation: Hacker

Level: 71

HP: 710/710

SP: 568/710

Skill Base: Contact, Character, Alteration, Condemnation (New)

Skills:

Analysis, Tampering, Impersonation, Scanning, Ping, Router

Hellfire (New)

------

Huh?

Under Skill Points, 'Condemnation' had appeared, and under Skills, ‘Hellfire’ had been added.

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