Ch.55Mandatory Recuperation (1)

My consciousness keeps sinking deeper.

I feel like I should be regaining awareness by now, but my mind continues to sink endlessly.

‘Did I push my body too hard this time…’

It seemed the problem was overexerting myself without proper rest due to the unexpected situation of the Queen making her move.

In that condition, I was driven to the brink of death by injuries while trying to accommodate Cecilia’s entertainment. No wonder I still couldn’t regain consciousness.

‘Though I have no idea why I’m semi-conscious like this.’

This wasn’t my first time passing out. But experiencing this phenomenon while unconscious was definitely a first.

The sensation of only my consciousness remaining, sinking to some unknown place.

Where exactly was I sinking to? The question arose, but without an answer, I only felt more frustrated.

I wanted to turn around immediately to check what was below, but I couldn’t. Being unconscious meant my body wouldn’t move.

“It’s frustrating not being able to move.”

“My, did you miss me that much?”

A familiar voice with a familiar tone. Perhaps the voice I’d heard most since coming to this world came from behind me.

At the same time, my body, which seemed like it would sink forever, stopped descending and slowly began to rise again.

“Just when we finally have a chance to chat. It seems you’re already starting to regain consciousness. Aren’t you a bit too resilient? I don’t remember being like that when I used that body.”

“Isn’t that because you didn’t exercise enough? When I first woke up, my limbs were so weak.”

Perhaps because my real self was gradually regaining consciousness.

My previously immobile body began to move little by little. Though not completely free, I could at least turn around enough to identify the owner of the voice.

“That might be true. I never did like moving my body much.”

Sure enough, there was a familiar face I’d been seeing every day. The only difference was that her expression was closer to that of a succubus.

Well, that made sense since I had changed due to her influence, while she was the succubus herself.

“It really is strange seeing someone else with my face. Is this what seeing a doppelganger feels like? Or like having a twin sibling?”

“I didn’t choose to look like this, but… well, I did take it from you, so I should apologize first.”

“My, I wasn’t expecting an apology. But if you’re offering, I’ll gladly accept. Could I ask for a kiss on my instep first?”

A playful tone and request without any sincerity. Matching her mood, I continued the conversation with a smile.

“Unfortunately, that would be difficult. As you can see, I’m rising upward. It would be hard to go down.”

“I suppose you’re right~ And I can’t exactly come up to you either.”

Even as the distance between us grew with my physical body rising, she and I continued our conversation as if we were old friends.

It made sense that we’d be closer than most friends, as we were melting into each other.

We probably knew each other better than decade-long best friends. Yet there were still gaps in our knowledge, creating an ambiguous state.

For example, we didn’t know each other’s names.

“I’m Frey. May I ask your name?”

“Of course, my name is Lumia. A name few people remember now.”

But I understood all too well the implication behind her words. Both Lumia and I were in the process of our souls chaotically melding together.

At first, I was influenced by her mannerisms, habits, and playfulness, but now even memories were connecting.

And the process was only accelerating.

“At this rate, we might not have another meeting.”

“You might be right. In that case, how about being a bit more careful with the body? If we completely become one, I can see a lot of hardship ahead.”

We were dissolving into each other. The boundaries would become increasingly blurred and eventually disappear completely.

But it was clear who would have dominance. I overflowed with survival instinct, while she had little left.

Between someone who wants to live and someone who doesn’t care either way, the outcome was obvious. In the end, it would be Frey who remained, not Lumia.

Nevertheless, as the one who would become part of me, Lumia offered her opinion, though I couldn’t give her a favorable answer.

“I have too much to do right now, but I might consider it after I complete my revenge.”

I had no intention of stopping until I cut down the Evil God. And she, heavily influenced by me, agreed with my opinion.

“Indeed, revenge is a critical matter. It’s our revenge too. Please do your best.”

Splash.

With those words, I was completely pulled out of this sea of consciousness.

* * *

“Cough… cough…”

How long had I been unconscious? When I tried to speak, my parched throat protested.

And it wasn’t just my throat that was problematic. My body also greeted me with profound weakness, as if it hadn’t moved for a long time.

The one fortunate thing was that someone was there to welcome me as I woke up in this state.

“Oh, you’re awake.”

Unfortunately, it wasn’t a welcome face. The first to greet me upon waking was none other than Cecilia.

She had been reading a book and brought me a glass of water, welcoming my return to consciousness.

Though I wasn’t thrilled, thanks to her I could moisten my throat and speak more comfortably.

“I was hoping Lilly would be the first to greet me when I woke up…”

“Well, your butterfly and pets are currently training outside, so you’ll have to be satisfied with my beauty for now.”

“How long have I been asleep?”

Ignoring Cecilia’s following remark, I asked what day it was. Lilly, Kitsune, and Kirara seemed to be safe based on what she said.

Judging by my current physical state, it didn’t seem like just a day or two had passed.

Time wasn’t exactly abundant for me right now, so if too much time had passed, I would need to take drastic measures.

“Let’s see… today marks exactly one week since you collapsed. You woke up earlier than expected due to your surprisingly fast recovery rate.”

“A week… Phew, that’s a relief.”

Due to the Queen’s pursuit, I had rushed through the middle and lower levels as quickly as possible. Thankfully, a week was an acceptable loss.

After drinking a total of six glasses of water, I placed the cup on the side table and got up.

My legs wobbled a couple of times from weakness, but I had no intention of continuing to rest. I planned to go outside and jog to help my recovery.

“I wouldn’t recommend opening that door.”

“I don’t have the luxury of taking it easy.”

Creeeeak-

If it weren’t for Lilly charging at me when I opened the door, that would have been the case.

“Frey!!!”

“Oof!”

One might think such a small body wouldn’t hurt much, but her speed gave her impact surprising power.

Thanks to that, after taking Lilly’s charge head-on, I was sent flying backward.

“Are you alright?”

“Kerung!”

Fortunately, Kitsune and Kirara, who had come with Lilly, caught me, so I didn’t end up rolling on the floor.

“Yes… thanks to you—Ack!?”

“You just woke up and you’re trying to go out?! Rest! You need to rest!”

Though I didn’t roll on the floor, I wasn’t exactly fine due to Lilly’s wind whip that followed.

I hurriedly gave Kitsune a look asking her to calm Lilly down, but unfortunately, Kitsune’s response was a refusal.

“I also… think it would be better for you to rest a bit, Frey. Not just me, but anyone who saw your condition when you first received treatment would think the same.”

Kitsune recalled my appearance before treatment and looked at me with extremely sad eyes.

Those eyes reflected guilt and depression from not being able to do anything.

‘My condition before I collapsed…’

There had been a hole almost the size of a palm in my side, and my right arm had been completely torn off.

It was such an urgent situation, and everything was well-attached now, so I had forgotten about it, but it must have been quite shocking for those watching.

“Absolute rest. No matter how busy you are, take at least a day… no, two days off.”

“Yes, Kirara and I have been working hard while you were asleep, so we can definitely be of greater help. Please rest, even if just for a moment.”

“Kerung! Kerung!”

As much as I wanted to brush them off and start rehabilitation immediately… the three of them showed such firm resolve that I finally surrendered.

“Alright… I’ll rest.”