―２５― Guiding You
"What exactly is the content of the test?"
"Well... for now, just come with me."
With these words, the vampire Yudite began to walk.
So, obediently, I followed her.
"By the way, what's your name?"
"I'm Kiska."
"Kiska, huh? You seemed to know my name quite well."
"Well, I heard rumors that there's a vampire who made this dungeon their lair, so..."
"I see, well, I have been living here for a long time, so it's not surprising that such rumors would spread."
Actually, I learned her name through the process of time leaps, but I decided to keep that to myself.
"Did you use the teleportation array to get here?"
"Yes, I did."
"And you knew there were three teleportation arrays?"
"Yes, I'm aware."
"In that case, the explanation is simple. This dungeon is built with a slightly special design, where the route changes for each teleportation array. However, once you step on a teleportation array, you can't go to a different route."
As Yudite spoke, the routes indeed changed depending on which teleportation array I used.
The first route had the sealed Agaha, the second had the vampire Yudite, and the third had the Parasitic Sword Puppeteer Goukugutsu-mawashi.
"However, there's a certain trick that allows you to move to a different route."
Saying so, Yudite placed her hand on the wall.
Although it seemed like an ordinary wall, it turned out to be a hidden switch of sorts. When Yudite pressed it, the wall recessed, revealing a new pathway.
There was a hidden passage here... I hadn't realized.
Passing through that passage led to yet another pathway. Walking along it, I came across a familiar sight.
"Once you can control the Parasitic Sword Puppeteer Goukugutsu-mawashi, I'll consider you passed the test."
"Control...?"
Wait, this doesn't make any sense.
I've used this sword countless times, but I've never been able to control it even once.
"This sword has a rather troublesome nature. It parasitizes its owner and grows stronger with each monster or human it defeats. Ultimately, it can even take over the host's consciousness. Because it indiscriminately attacks both monsters and humans, I've been wanting to get rid of it. However, the sword can parasitize anyone who touches it, so I can't handle it carelessly."
"So, what do you want me to do?"
"Once you're parasitized by this sword and manage to overcome its influence, then learn to control the sword."
"Is that even possible?"
"Chances are you'll most likely fail."
She said this with a casual expression.
"Well, I'll guide you through it."
Despite her words, I couldn't help but feel uncertain about being able to control it.
"Did you start feeling scared, perhaps? Oh well, unfortunately, you don't have any choice. If you refuse, I'll kill you right here."
It seemed I didn't have any options.
"No, I'll do it. Please teach me how."
"Kihiihi, it seems you've already prepared yourself. Now, as for the specific method, first, hold the tip of the blade instead of the hilt."
"Understood."
Following her instructions, I held the tip of the sword.
"Ugh..."
In an instant, excruciating pain coursed through my entire body. However, the pain was less intense compared to when I held the hilt. I could manage to endure it.
"What do I do next?"
"Swallow it."
"Huh?"
"Look up and try to insert the blade smoothly into the back of your throat."
"Well, if I do something like that, won't I die?"
"Yes, there's a high chance you'll die. But occasionally, it seems some succeed."
"Alright..."
I replied with a sigh.
Well, there's no other choice but to try.
With determination, I inserted the Puppeteer Goukugutsu-mawashi into my throat.
And in the next moment, my consciousness faded...
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