episode_0036
by adminFog Forest, 90th day.
Grrrrrr!!
Kardepion’s body awoke.
Yellow hair.
Blue eyes.
Horns on the head.
Tail on the back.
Wings on the shoulder blades.
A body that is half-human, half-dragon.
Roar~
Immediately shifted consciousness.
Roar~
A powerful force is felt.
Compared to Volpir, my original body is much stronger.
“Is this the power of Kardepion?”
Abnormally overflowing mana.
I can feel that power.
It may be lacking compared to the real thing, but it seemed like I could breathe fire if I manipulate the mana circuits that make up the body.
Truly a body with insane performance.
I would want to mass-produce it if possible.
However, since replication reconstructs the absorbed body as material, mass production is difficult. It’s only good for making poor imitations.
Moreover, the most important dragon transformation was impossible even with replication. At best, I could add or remove horns, tail, and wings.
Swish~
Grrrrr….
Therefore, I added the tail and wings.
There’s no particular use for them anyway.
In summary.
It’s just not enough.
The life information of a dragon.
This is an incomplete body of a half-human, half-dragon.
If I absorb a few more, I could transform into a dragon and even mimic proper breath or skills….
At this point, one question arose.
Alberto.
Volpir.
Kardepion.
All three are replicated bodies I created, but the difference in strength between them is significant. The size of the nutrients administered may vary, but the efficiency, quality, and abilities of the bodies that receive them are fundamentally different.
Research on mimicking the characteristics of life.
It is necessary to study the genetic information.
If done well, it could be a solution to creating even stronger original bodies.
I’ll have to look into this gradually.
“Did I kill that guy?”
Shayella, sitting on the bed, asked.
Despite not having sight, she seemed to recognize that this body was Kardepion.
“Do you see me? Even with a blindfold on?”
“I don’t see you.”
“But how do you know then?”
“I just feel it. The feeling of a lizard.”
“…I see. It was already beyond common sense for you to come to me in that state.”
She got up from the bed and approached.
Then, as usual, she reached out her hand towards my head.
Tap!
I also raised my hand.
Kardepion is so tall that Shayella’s hand barely reached my head.
“….”
“If I do this, can’t I pet you? You’re smaller than I thought with this body.”
Tap.
Swipe.
This time, I put my hand on his head. The height difference makes it easier to pet.
Shayella’s expression slightly frowned.
“…Hey?”
“Why? What’s wrong?”
“….”
It’s somewhat satisfying.
I feel a sense of victory.
It’s nothing special, but for some reason, teasing him is quite fun.
But that’s only for a moment.
Swoosh~
“….?”
He floated into the air.
My hand naturally rose and was pushed back, and his hand landed on my head.
Pat.
“Moochan. You’re truly tiny.”
“How… how am I like this?”
“Envious?”
“No. Can I fly with this body too?”
“Without wings? Can’t you fly?”
“So, how am I like this?”
“I. Originally could. You can’t?”
A somewhat provocative tone.
While recovering is good, even his personality is recovering on its own. I’m already afraid of how he might change if all his words turn twisted.
No, before that, with that monstrous power, I don’t know what kind of mischief he might cause.
But….
Suddenly, I’m curious.
“이토록 강했던 놈이 도대체 어쩌다 실험체로 붙잡혔던 걸까.”
At first meeting, Shael had mentioned that she had been defeated and sold to invaders from another world.
I was curious about that part.
Who on earth had captured such a powerful being?
“What were you doing before you were captured? You had such strong power.”
“Curious?”
“…Curious.”
“Right. I’ll tell you.”
“Was there someone stronger than you?”
“No.”
“Then how were you captured?”
“The gods of the Tower. The real ones. They proposed to work together. When I refused, they destroyed the world, and I was cursed in a strange way. I was heavily cursed and sold as an experiment in various places. Alberto was the last. He bought me. My body gradually deteriorated.”
He explained only the essentials.
In summary, several real gods invaded and captured her, multiple curses overlapped, and she was sold as an experiment in various places.
And then she met me….
Now she is recovering like this.
It’s a chilling story.
There were several powerful gods like Shael on the upper floors of the Tower.
“…It must have been tough.”
I offered awkward comfort.
Although it was greatly summarized, Shael was a proud god. Perhaps becoming an experiment itself was shameful and disgraceful.
I recalled the first impression when we first met.
Now she has softened, but back then, she had a deeply furrowed brow and eyes full of anger.
Of course, it must have been tough.
But Shael chuckled.
“Even the pitch-black darkness is illuminated by a small light. I’m fine now.”
As she said this, Shael looked at me.
I couldn’t see her eyes covered by the blindfold, but it felt really okay.
“Still, the process must have been tough. What kind of experiments were you subjected to?”
“I told you. I am strong. Most of those crazy people couldn’t conduct experiments properly. The last one was dangerous, but… that’s when you appeared.”
“Is that so….”
“So, give me more fruit.”
“Fruit? Eating that will help you recover, right? How much more do you need to eat to recover?”
“I don’t know.”
“Why do you always say ‘I don’t know’?”
“…It’s a secret.”
“…Then tell me later.”
Hehe.
“Right~”
Pat pat.
He stroked my head again.
The golden light settled on the new body.
Shael’s warm feeling of touch became a comforting sensation that caressed my whole body.
As I hesitated to push away his hand due to my pride, the warm feeling spreading throughout my body made me think for about 2 seconds before finally grabbing his wrist and pushing it away.
*
Jjeo-eok~
Once again, a new body woke up.
Two female elves in plain, weak bodies stood in front of me, wearing simple clothes.
Ordinary weak bodies.
Eyes without a sense of self.
These two were also new incarnations.
Of course, I didn’t intend to use a female body, but I planned to mimic Kardaphion when entering the city, so I would bring them along to avoid arousing suspicion.
If I bring these two and the slave warrior Cecilia to the stem prison, they probably won’t suspect anything.
However.
“…Hey. Why are you looking like that?”
Shael asked uncomfortably as I draped the female elf over my arms.
“Can you see this? I’m wearing a blindfold, right?”
“Why are you… with the woman next to you?”
“It’s to mimic Kardaphion. We’re going to sneak into the city where they are, and it’s better to have more than one eye, right? These two will make good spies.”
“…No.”
“What’s wrong?”
“I’ll go.”
“What? You’re going as a slave?”
“I’ll just break everything.”
“Don’t be hasty. You don’t know how many people might be stronger than Kardaphion.”
“Are you okay?
“It’s because they’re clones. Since me and these two don’t have their own consciousness, there’s no issue.”
“Clones… if they’re clones of each other, is it okay?”
“What do you mean?”
“They’re all clones, right?”
“I don’t know why you’re asking that, but… will you believe me if I say so?”
Swoosh~
Immediately transferred consciousness to the female elf body.
Awkwardly spoke with a thin voice.
“As you can see, this is also my body.”
“Aaah!!! Okay, I get it. Come back!!!”
“……”
A greatly shocked expression.
It seemed like not everything had fully recovered.
Swoosh~
Forced back to the original body without any choice.
Then, the slightly trembling form of Shaela was seen.
“…You really…”
“Why.”
“Never mind. Plant child.”
“Anyway, I’m going alone. It’s a bit strange that the original body is here and going, but…”
“Oh! Then stay with me. You’re here, right?”
“That’s right.”
“Hehe. Leave the original body to me.”
“I didn’t agree to that…”
“Your master is me.”
“What did you say?”
“Exactly~”
Shaela casually stroked the wall of the house.
Surprisingly, it was where she had hidden my original body.
Swoosh~
Felt comfortable in the original body. Feeling good like a crop.
Feeling like growing as big as a bean…
No way, that can’t be.
“I’m going now. Let me know if anything happens.”
“You, of all people, should tell me if it’s dangerous.”
“No. This time, there won’t be any need for help. It doesn’t matter if I die. Last time, it was troublesome because of the elves, but it shouldn’t be the same this time.”
“…I’m worried because you’re a fool.”
“What? What did you just say?”
“Feed me.”
“That’s not what I meant.”
“Food. Give me fruit.”
“……”
Poof~
Produced several fruits in hand.
Shaela picked up the fruits one by one and savored the taste.
Gulp~
Suddenly, a meal.
Such a self-centered fellow.
And the amount of food he eats is increasing every day.
It seems like the purpose is for recovery…
Thanks to him, he’s devouring the precious fruits that can revive a dying body.
It’s not particularly regrettable.
Compared to the nutrients and food he brings every day, it’s not that regrettable.
I’m just thinking of it as developing a secret weapon.
Yes. I’m the one raising it.
He’s my master.
Now, proficient conversation.
Telepathy beyond language.
An incredibly powerful force.
Even regaining many abilities excluding sight.
Surely, he will be a great help.
However.
“Mmm~ Delicious. Give me more.”
This guy, is he really recovering and eating?
“Illian.”
“Please speak!”
Before leaving the Misty Forest, I called Illian and gave him one instruction.
That is, to organize an elf army.
“When the elves adapt to this place, organize the army to train periodically. For example, the forest elves will command the high elves, and the high elves will command the elves. That kind of hierarchy should be appropriate.”
“Are you preparing for an invasion?”
“As you can see, we don’t know when or where the hunters will come from. Since we can’t protect everything, they need to know how to protect themselves. Even the children. Teach them at least the basics of fighting.”
“Yes! I will spread the message to other elves and plan together.”
The elves have increased in number.
Naturally, there is a need for a larger army.
If possible, they should be able to stop the hunters even without my intervention.
Therefore, the forest elves will become platoon leaders rather than squad leaders.
Illian will handle this well on his own.
He will become the supreme commander.
“Thank you for your hard work. Eat this at least.”
Poof!~
Made several fruits for him.
Illian was touched by this.
“Thank you. You have given me this precious gift of life. I will cherish it and use it well in times of need.”
“Gift of life?”
“Filled with the essence of life, the ultimate panacea! What else could this be if not the essence of life itself?”
“Just gave it to me to eat….”
“No! I can’t allow this precious thing to be wasted so carelessly!!”
“What if it rots?”
“Surely that won’t happen, but even so, I will take care to prevent it from rotting!”
“…Fine. Do as you please.”
“By the way, did you create this body to explore outside the Misty Forest this time?”
“Yes.”
Iliyan glanced at my body for a moment.
The powerful body of the Cardelfion, filled with immense strength. He expressed his doubts about it.
“It seems stronger than the body favored by the Divine.”
“That’s right. When replicating other creatures, the body is composed differently, and the ingredients used were of high quality. Don’t worry. I will soon enhance you just as much as them.”
“No need to worry!! It’s not necessary. I leave everything to the wisdom of the Divine.”
Nodding respectfully.
Always polite.
“…A little….”
“Yes?”
“You can be a little more relaxed.”
“What are you suddenly talking about?”
“You can be as relaxed as Tiniacher. You’re always so stiff.”
“Oh!… I’m touched!! To think of me like that. But I am the first to serve the Divine. I cannot show any signs of weakness!”
“Alright. You have your freedom. That’s all I have to say, you can go now.”
“Yes. May you be well!”
Iliyan stepped back.
I also stood up from my seat.
It’s time to execute the plan.
Infiltrate the city.
This time, I won’t fail.
With the body of Cardelfion and the female elf slave spy, I have everything I need.
Above all, Cardelfion’s subordinate.
The slave warrior.
Outside the Stem Prison.
“Ah!! Master!!!”
Cecilia with blue hair.
The only slave warrior left alive.
When he saw me, he showed a surprised expression.
Kneeling inside the prison, he looked up at me.
However, it wasn’t the reaction I wanted.
He shouldn’t welcome me.
I am currently in the body of Cardelfion.
The one who begged to be spared yesterday, saying he would kill Cardelfion as ordered and follow me as the new master.
So I tried to possess this body, but….
“I’m glad you’re safe. Master! Please, save me. Please let me stay by your side. There’s a madman here trying to make me his slave!! Please save me. I don’t want to be trapped here!!”
Is this how he welcomes me?
Even cursing me yesterday?
There was no need to possess him.
It was clearly a lie.
Of course, I could use this situation to my advantage, but I don’t want to act difficult.
So.
I moved the stem.
Wrapped a part of his body.
“No!… Master!! Please save me!! This stem is!!-”
“Hey. Didn’t you say yesterday that you would kill Cardelfion for me?”
“Yes?……”
Eyes widened in shock.
Struggling to guess my words.
Soon, with a desperate expression as if there was no way that could happen.
“Master?… You are my master, right?……”
he asked.
Trembling eyes.
A forced smile twisting his face.
Demanding an answer in fear.
The most intense hope turning into the darkest despair.
My answer is this.
I moved.
“Aaah!!! Noooo!!!!”
Wrapping his arms, legs, waist, chest, shoulders with the stem. Trying to resist the rising fear, but his body, addicted to the poison of the Misty Forest, could not resist.
“I’m sorry!!! Please!!!! Nooo!!!!!”
Tears, snot, and more.
Flowing down.
Of course, I have no intention of confining you.
Now it’s time to head to the city. I can’t leave the one who will guide me behind.
So, this is where we part.
Tap.
I stopped the stem before my face was covered.
Approaching him closely, I whispered.
“Cardelphion is dead. As you can see, I have taken over Cardelphion’s body. So, relax. Now I am the real owner. You just have to follow me. I will make you stop.”
I looked into his eyes.
What kind of feeling is it?
The pain he didn’t want to experience again.
And the intense hope that briefly appeared.
Realizing that hope was painfully gripping his throat.
Trembling pupils soaked in tears.
The light fading away consumed by despair.
Submission.
Resignation.
Acceptance.
Obedience.
Various gazes passed by.
And it was broken and twisted in an instant.
“Ah, I will follow anything in the future… Master… forever… Hehehehe….”
A smile distorted by madness.
It seemed like there was no resistance or will.
No.
“Hehe… Master… I… I love you….”
As if realizing when it happened, he was immersed in a happy smile as if he had really seen Cardelphion.
It felt like he had deceived himself.
That I was really his master.
At this moment, I realized a little about brainwashing.
When desperate and driven, people will cling and follow sincerely. Repeat the whisper of hope, breaking it more desperately.
Without any thoughts.
Just follow the orders unconditionally.
Deceive oneself to avoid suffering.
Over time, it wears people down.
Adapting them to a painful life where they can smile broadly even with a slight reward.
It’s different from destroying.
It’s thoroughly reshaping values.
It’s difficult to return to the original state.
Cecilia has already surpassed that stage, and the brainwashing has been imposed on me.
My head hurts a little.
The victims created by slave hunters and rulers were creating more victims. Those people are targeting my village.
I need to be more certain.
So that my elf doesn’t end up like this.
Rustle.
I released the restraints.
“Follow me. It’s time to leave now.”
“Yes!!”
An answer without any doubt.
Cecilia followed me with a happy smile as if my words were her mission.
Now….
The preparation is done.
It’s time to head to the city.
0 Comments