3. The Moon at night

　After the reconstruction, the slums, which are a little richer than before, are full of energy.

　There's nothing like eating outside when the moon is shining. Hors d'oeuvres were being served, and the residents gathered around, buzzing with excitement. {TN: ‘Hors d'oeuvres’ , small one- or two-bite items served before dinner}

"Why did you make me dress like this?　You guys are mean~!"

　Lisa was forcibly taken by Arisa and made to wear a bunny outfit.

　　I mean, wasn't Lisa in her early thirties?　It's not that she doesn't look pretty, but she looks best in her serving clothes.

　After all, a former receptionist for the adventurer's guild will be quite good-looking.

　Arisa was laughing at Lisa.

"Wow! Former adventurer guild beautiful receptionist Lisa-chan! Cute!" (Arisa)

"Nice!”

"Nice job getting her to wear a bunny, wizard lady! “

"Oh! Leave it to me!"(Arisa)

"I'm embarrassed, so please stop!"

　She said with large tears in the corners of her eyes.

　Lisa couldn't resist Alisa.

I wonder if she’s feeling guilty for discriminating against Nino people until now.

　... Maybe Arisa doesn't care that she was discriminated against.

　Well it’s good if she’s having fun.

"Ah, so funny"

"Do it in moderation. It's no good if you bully her too much."

"I know. Hey Nigris, do you know the story that's spreading in the royal capital these days?"

"What is it?"

　There are many stories going around in the capital.

　It's not a big deal anyway.

　I take a sip of my drink while listening properly.

"Apparently, there's this girl who has a skill, but it's cursed!"　

"The skill is cursed? What the hell is that?"

Skills are essentially a blessing from the gods.

Those who possess them are generally the chosen ones.

　However, my appraisal skill is a little weak and I'm not sure about Arisa's skill.

　There’s no doubt that there are still many unclear points when it comes to skills.

"... Curse, is it?"

　If it's a curse, I can heal.

　But if It's a skill ...

　I was thinking about Arisa's story in my head, so I didn't notice that my mug was empty.

　Oh, the water finished.

　...... I pretend I'm drinking alcohol, but I can't actually drink it.

　Arisa drank it all at once and said, "Puha! Saikou!" {TN: The best} All the drinks she carries are alcoholic.

　It's hard to ask for water ...

　Yeah, never mind.

　I call out to a waiter who was nearby.

"Hey, I want a refill."

"Yes! Just ──── Ow! It hurts!"

　Perhaps she wasn't looking ahead because I spoke to her, she slipped on the muddy ground which was slick with spilled liquor, and the waiter woman was injured.

　I healed her quickly.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes ... though I may not be able to stand ..."

"No, it's already healed"

"Feh?"

　She was stunned and didn't move for a few seconds, but soon her expression brightened and she grabbed my hand.

"Ah! Could you be the slum hero !?"

"Huh? a hero ...?"

"Everyone knows it was a great healer who saved the slums!"

　In response to that voice, the people around also looked at me at once.

"What!? the hero?"

"Maybe, Nigris-san!?"

"The real thing!?"

　Their gazes gather.

　……Are you serious.

　My face twitched and I smiled bitterly.

　I'm not good at being noticed ...

"Ah, good for you Nigris~"

"Don't just look, help me ..."

"I'm busy drinking.”

　Is there anyone who could help me?

　Arisa sitting in her seat was already drunk.

　By the way, where did Fels go? Florence isn’t here either.

　...... What are they doing?

　*

　Getting out of that place, I went to an unpopular spot to take a break.

　I should be able to spend time quietly around here.

"I finally got out ..."

　Then I heard the sound of a sword swing.

　What is it?

　I headed toward the noise and quietly listened in on the situation.

　There were Fels and Florence holding swords.

"It's boring. Is this all you can do without using body strengthening magic?"

　What are they doing?

　I was worried about whether to stop them, but the atmosphere was a little different.

　There was no murderous intent. It's like she’s being taught the sword by Florence.

"Don't catch your breath, hold your sword, throw away your shame, there is no cowardice or shame in fighting. Fighting is a battle for life."

"... Yes. I understand."

"Little elf girl. You unknowingly rely too much on magic. It's natural as a magic swordsman, but your foundation of the sword itself doesn't rise. And because of your unique swordsmanship, you have strange habits."

　...... It's a part I can't teach.

　I'm not a swordsman.

　There’s also the S rank swordsmanship aptitude, but Florence has experience standing above and guiding people and her explanation made a lot of sense.

"I'll fix it, everything"

"Why. From this mistress' point of view, you’re still strong enough. I'm sure you won’t be defeated by any of the enemies around."

"Because it doesn't reach you. It doesn't reach you or Arisa. I'm weak. ...... I can't stay by Nigris-sama's side like this"

"So you would even bow down to the mistress you hate?"

"……Yes"

"... Good. I'll keep you company a little longer."

　She was gradually expressing herself, my cheeks relaxed as I realized she’s started walking by her own will.

　...... You've grown up again.

　I closed my eyes and listened to the quiet sound of the sword.

4. Three major powers

"The ruler of the shadows"?　Don't be silly. There's no way anyone could defeat the Black Dragon that appeared in the slums.”

"Then how do you explain the disappearance of the black dragon and zero deaths?"

"……that is"

　The Prime minister is placed in the center, and powerful people sit on the left and right.

　The Holy Church, the Adventurer's Guild, and the Kingdom, the three powers gathered and were having a meeting here.

　On behalf of the Holy Church, Jeanne questioned the Prime minister who was the top of the kingdom.

"... In the first place, it must be your right arm, Erad, who released it."

"Are you saying what Erad did was wrong!"

"I'm saying it was dangerous. If it wasn't done properly, the damage could have spread beyond the slums to the capital.”

"Hmm ...! That sounds like something a group of people who can only think in terms of violence would say."

"Is that an insult?"

　It was clear to anyone who looked at it that it was a tense situation.

　Then, the new guild master dispatched from the Adventurer's Guild appeared.

"Wow, it smells spicy. Here."

　There was a woman who was rough, muscular and dressed like a man.

　But her hair was long and her breasts were huge.

"... Savages"

"Old man. You're choosing the wrong person to pick a fight with. Unlike the Paladin there, I won't forgive you."

"... You’re the new Guild Master of the capital"

"Oh, I can't help it being ordered from the top. And I guess you're Jeanne who uses the holy sword."

"Yes. What happened to the previous Guild Master?"

"The previous ......?　Ah, that self-protective pig."

　From Jeanne's point of view, the former Guild Master was easy to handle.

　He was a person who was thinking only about himself, so as long as you make him think he could receive a loss, he would side with you.

　But this new guildmaster doesn't seem to be driven by profit and loss.

"I killed him."

"……Huh?"

"Originally it was a relegation, but considering the backroom bribes, the issue with high-ranked adventurers, and so on, he couldn’t be relegated. I was sent on the condition that I kill him."

"... whatever, your smell of blood sticks to my nose, so stay away."

"Ah? You also smell like a murderer."

　The three major powers do not get along very well.

　They never collude with each other.

　Except for one thing: the slums.

　The agenda this time was discussing the mysterious person who appeared in the slums.

　It was about the disposition of "the ruler of the shadows". There were many rumors, but the details were still unknown.　Residents of the slums are stubborn and don’t speak so easily.

　It was a natural action because everyone liked Nigris.

"By the way, Paladin, what happened to your sister?"

"... I don't think it has anything to do with you."

"Isn’t it creepy? I heard you’re together all the time. Isn’t it weird that you‘re not together anymore?"

"... It’s no problem. If anything happens, I will cut it down."

"Ah, so boring"

　Jeanne makes a calm face to hide her feelings. Thanks to that, the new guild master loses interest and leaves his seat.

　It must not be known.

　Jeanne's sister, Altera, has been missing for a few days.

　She wanted to search thoroughly but knew that the Holy Church would order the murder of Altera if she was known to be missing.

"The meeting is over. I will leave my seat."

"It’s not over yet is it?"

"I said it’s over. This ruler of the shadows, kill him quickly."

"……I see"

"Oh, by the way, I got this from Erad.”

　She was given a letter.

　This is ......?　The Prime Minister laughed, just like Erad.

　But it was only for a moment, and Jeanne wondered if it was an optical illusion.

"Hm ...? I don't know either."

　The Prime minister left with a curious look on his face.

　Opening the letter and Jeanne reads the content.

　When she understood the contents, she crushed the letter.

"... that old fox"

　The letter stated the whereabouts of Altera.

　*

　The adherent dragon suddenly awoke.

　The moon was very bright that night. The sun will rise in a few hours.

　It had managed to repair the house destroyed by the crazy girl.

　It slept feeling satisfied but woke up to a strange smell.

　It smelled like something was rotten.

　So, when it looked over the forest to see if there was something strange, It noticed that there was a girl.

　...... Behemoths were attacking.

　It’s not uncommon for humans to die.

　But most of the time they are armed and kill each other.

　... Killing a girl who has no weapons is against the principles of this adherent dragon.

　The battle must be equal.

　For this reason the strong-minded dragon decided to help the girl..

"Dora, Gon?"

"Guu!"

"Buhhh !!"

　The battle with the Behemoths was instant.

　The overwhelming difference in strength and size. This is the original feeling of a winner.

　The stressed, defensive dragon, who had been losing lately, blew away the Behemoths.

"Guu!"

　　Feeling good and smug, he realizes that the place it flew to was his house.

　He cries at the sight of his house, which has tragically collapsed under the behemoth.

"... Gau ... Gau"

　It's broken.

　The house I repaired has been destroyed again ...

　The house destroyed by that crazy girl.

"... Did you help me?"

　The girl with gloves and pale blue hair comes over.

　The defensive dragon shakes its head feeling shy.

　Then, the girl collapsed leaning against the dragon.

　The flustered adherent dragon panicked and wondered what to do.

　That's it! I’ll take her to that strong healer!

　The wise dragon spread his big wings happily, hoping that he will be praised again.

5. Monsters that save people

"So, adherent dragon. What did you come here for?"

"Gau"

　Early in the morning, I was awakened by Lisa, which reminded me of the time with Azel and made me nervous. But when I arrived, I found only the adherent dragon sitting on the ground.

　I left the mansion first, so Fels and Arisa are still sleeping.

　…I thought it was an enemy attack.

This is too bad for my heart.

　I listened to the reason while being a little frustrated.

　I know it's not a monster that would come to the slums for no reason.

I'm not scared, but the residents showed hostility to the dragon, armed with swords and spears.

"Everyone, calm down. This guy won't go wild."

"Huh, is that true? If Nigris-san says so ..."

　They slowly lowered their weapons.

　Alright, I managed to get rid of the turmoil.

　However, the dragon suddenly roared, probably because it liked mischief.

"Gow!"

"Hiiii! I knew it, this monster is an enemy!"

　It did it on purpose ...

　Either way, it's a hassle if misunderstood.

"Adherent, I'll hit you"

"Gau ..."

　He shrugged his head apologetically when I gave him a shove. The residents' eyes widened in surprise.

　If you know, don't do it from the beginning ...

　The adherent dragon had a girl on its chest.

　A blue-haired girl who looks only about twelve years old.

"Hey, that girl ... did you kill her?"

"Gaugau!"

　It shakes its head.

　...... No, it’s different. She has a breath. But it's really weak.

　Heal.

　The healing isn’t happening immediately?

"... She’s wearing strange gloves."

　The gloves have a star-shaped emblem.

　Magic Circle……? No, the shape’s a little different.

　I'm a little wary because I haven't had any good magic-related experiences lately.

　Maybe I should ask Arisa?

"You delivered her."

"Gow!"

"... I'm grateful for that, but can you come quietly at least?"

　Even so, what kind of a windfall would it be for a monster, an adherent dragon, to help a girl?

　It walks behind me as if craving for something.

　✳︎

　When I came back to the mansion and opened the front door, there was a big commotion.

"Nigris-sama !? An incident happened!"

"Oh, it's no big deal. It's already over."

"Eh !? Lisa, he said it’s no big deal."

"Of course it is! The SS-ranked adherent dragon came here!"

　Arisa was just about to head out, her red hair was unkempt, probably because she prepared in a hurry.

"Don't wake me up for that!"

"Huh, the feeling is strange!"

"Gow"

"Adherent dragon !?"

　Lisa blew bubbles and collapsed.

　Arisa made a voice admiring her picture-perfect fall and started poking her to get a reaction.

　...... Did she just faint? It's really noisy from the morning.

"Nigris-sama, what about that girl?"

"The adherent dragon brought her. It seems she’s injured."

"Oh ... how strange for a monster to help people." (Arisa)

"Gow!"

"What!?"

　Against Arisa, It gets irritated.

　Oh, maybe it's because she destroyed his house.

　That's why he’s so bitter.

" Do we still have a room left?"

"Yes, there are some rooms that are clean ..."

"Okay."

　I decided to rest the girl in a vacant room and heal her a little more. From the looks of it, the only noticeable wound is trauma.

　As I walked, the dragon that came with me was about to enter.

　It's impossible with that huge body ...

　Maybe It's wondering if this girl will get well.

"Gut! Gau ..."

　It managed to get in, but in this house, which was too small for the dragon, it hit his head on the ceiling and cried.

　Arisa was laughing holding her belly when she saw such a poor dragon.

"Ahahaha! The dragon’s about to cry ────.”

　Due to the impact of the dragon, a part of the ceiling collapses and falls.

　It hit Arisa's head with a bang.

"It hurts!!!"

　...... What are they doing?

　For the time being, I healed Arisa, and instructed the dragon, who has a strong defense, to wait outside since the mansion would be destroyed.

　No matter how big the mansion is, it's old and fragile because it hasn't been maintained.

　Plus I have a patient here, so it’s better to be a bit more quiet.

6. Cursed Girl and The Healer

　After a while, the girl woke up.

"Hmm ... where..."

"You’re awake."

"──── !!"

　The girl got up and distanced herself from us.

　Her eyes are terrified, and she drew back as if she were frightened.　

　...... This reaction is not unreasonable.

　It's scary to wake up and find people you don't know.

　I speak gently so as not to alarm her.

"... I've healed your injury. you'll be able to walk after a little meal."

"……"

"Hey, say something." (Arisa)

"Stop"

　I grabbed her by the scruff of her neck and pulled her back, Arisa still can't read the air.

　You see, she’s scared again.

"Arisa's just a little loose in the head, but she's a good person at heart.”

"Yes, she's a little loose.

"Hey, are you guys saying I'm stupid?"

　She puffed up her cheeks in dissatisfaction.

　The girl won’t hear anything while she’s alert.

　I thought of appraising her without permission, but if I knew the name, I was afraid I’d call it by mistake.

"... Altera"

"Is that your name?"

　She nods.

　...... Does this child have blue hair?

　She has an unusual hair color.

"I'm Nigris. I’m the healer that healed you. Where's your house? I'll send you home."

"... I don't know. I don't even know my family ..."

　She doesn’t know……?

　Looking at the gestures of the dragon, it seemed that she was wandering in the forest and it helped.

　In the first place, why was such a girl wandering alone in the forest with monsters?

　　She remembers her name, so maybe she's missing some of her memories. Maybe I should ask Florence to look it up.

"Ah ... you're wearing strange gloves."

"Isn’t that the Holy Cross crest. That’s a strange thing to wear."

"Holy Cross crest? What’s that?"

"It's a sealing emblem owned by the Holy Church. It's a super rare item that nullifies skills and magic!"

　Fels and I are silent.

　Arisa briefly explained it, but when you think about it, there’s an obvious answer.

　This girl has something.

"... I'm sorry Altera. I'll take a peek at your status."

　Now because of the great nobleman Erad, he wanted to get rid of all risk factors to protect his companions.

　Not to say that this girl was like that, but it was better to have no insecurities.

　Appraisal

[Race] Human

　Altera 12 years old ♀ Condition: Alert

Magical power ……

Swordfighter ERROR / ERROR

Magic ERR─R / ER──R

Dexterity ERR───

Loyalty ────

　[Primordial collapse]

　Destroy everything that touches your hands ──── Into dust.

　Suddenly, I felt a cracking pain in my head.

　Losing strength, I sat down on the spot.

　It's a pain like my eye was crushed.

"──── Nigris-sama !!"

"Nigris !!"

　what.

　what happened.

"I’m okay ..."

　I couldn't see it well.

　I could see the skill clearly, but everything else was annihilated.

"One more appraisal"

　...... appraisal...... huh, why isn't my appraisal skill working?

　Nothing is displayed when I look at Fels or Arisa.

　[Primordial collapse].

　This skill, ...... Is it possible that it destroyed my appraisal skill?

　　I thought those gloves sealed skills. No, the appraisal skill goes inside the target. These gloves only seal the skills that are on the surface, but it doesn't suppress the skills that are on the inside.

　Can it even break skills?

　What if, without gloves, this kid could destroy things inexhaustibly?

　That's a curse skill.

　……I understand now.

"... Altera, could you be the rumored cursed child of the royal capital?"

　Altera had a dark look and nodded.

7. Collapse

"... I heard about it. I don't remember much though."

　In fact, I don't know any more than that.

　Arisa doesn’t know more either, so she kept silent.

"... Are you using those gloves to seal your skills?"

"Uh, yeah ... I'll probably die without this."

"It's because of your skill, right? As expected, that’s......"

　It's exactly as Arisa says.

　I wonder if it’s true that she’ll die because of her skill. If so then it's really a curse.

　But she doesn't seem to be lying.

　......Collapse. If it's strong enough to affect my appraisal skills, it makes sense that it could destroy even itself.

"The collapse progresses from my hands to my arms, and from my arms to my body."

　...... Wait. If that's the case, can't my healing stop the collapse?

　If I heal the collapse, I can prevent it.

　First of all, I try to cure my own "appraisal skill".

　I feel like I've lost it, but I can't tell until I try.

　“Heal』\

　I chanted it in my mind and cast it on myself.

　...... Appraisal.

　The status of Fels and Arisa were clearly visible.

　I shouldn't look at Altera's. It will be destroyed again.

　However, it turns out that healing magic works on collapse.

"Can you show me your hand?"

"Eh ... um, yes... but I think it's better not to see it?"

　Altera slowly removes her gloves and shows the hand underneath. It had a terribly distorted shape, had turned gray and was full of cracks.

　Her fingertips were rotten. Normally you’d have to amputate them.

　I wouldn't amputate the girl's hand, though.

"... It's terrible." (Fels)

"Yeah ..."

　Because rumors are rumors, they’re easy to talk about. When I saw the truth, I was at a loss for words.

"Does Altera hate this skill?"

"I hate it, I'm alone because of this ..."

"I'll cure you"

"eh……?"

"This was able to save a whole city, so can you trust me?"

　　I knew it was unnecessary meddling, but there was a part of me that felt nostalgic towards her.

　A memory that I should have forgotten was recalled.

　I was alone in my previous party. No one heard my opinion, and even if I made an effort, it was not recognized.

　Altera must have been hated by everyone and they denied her existence.

　Something like that is too pitiful.

　I'll save this girl.

“Heal”

"This is a skill? No matter how great ..."

　In the meantime, Altera's hands return to their original beautiful shape.

　I was going to pretend that the ...... skill didn't exist, but that’s no good.

　If the skill is set to "not", there is a risk she’ll self-destruction like Azel.

　After all it’s dangerous to erase things that are deeply connected.

"I can suppress the erosion of the collapse, but I can't erase the skill."

"……what is this" (Altera)

"What, do you mean your hand?"

　Is something strange?

　The healing was successful and it's a beautiful hand.

"... Why is it so beautiful?"

"That's how it is for a girl your age."

"... Until a while ago ... it was tattered."

"dont worry about that"

　Altera began to cry.

　I'm in trouble if she starts crying.

　Come to think of it, we haven't had a meal.

"Fels, can you prepare a meal?"

"Yes. It's a good time and I'll get it ready soon."

"Thanks"

　Fels rice is one of my pleasures.

　After all, she’s improving her ability day by day.

　As expected of someone with high dexterity.

"It’s so beautiful, just like older sister’s ... older sister?"

"What's wrong?"

"Uh, no ... I think it was my imagination ..."

　Something seemed to poke me, and I turned my head slightly.

　Then I saw the adherent dragon peeking at me from the window of the mansion.

　Smiling, the adherent dragon nodded his head. He seemed happy that she was feeling better.

"Gau"

"... Dragon-san?"

" This guy saved you.... Don't try to get in through the window, you won’t fit."

"Gau ..."

　I felt a bit sorry and stroked his head lightly.

　Maybe he thought it was being praised, it was in a good mood and licked me.

　It also licked the girl.

"It tickles ... haha, dragon-san ~"

　Looking at this, this child looks like just a normal girl.

　There’s nothing strange about her.

　An ordinary child.

　Oh, It wasn’t us that she was afraid of, was she afraid of hurting people.?

"Keep your gloves on, just in case. And stay close to me for a while."

　Since the collapse can be cured. Then

　I have more things to do.

　Arisa's skill [Primordial Fireball User] and the [Primordial Collapse] skill have the same primordial connection. No matter how you look at it, it's not irrelevant.

　As the incident finally settled down, Lisa rushed in again.

"Nigris!"

"I’m seeing you again ... this is the third time."

"But! It's important!"

"What is it this time?"

"Well, the Paladins ... are coming to the slums!"

　The Paladins?