―26― Master
"Are you the one who wishes to become my master?"
Who... is it?
"I am, in a sense, the core of the Puppeteer Goukugutsu-mawashi."
The one who spoke was an entity that could only be described as a monstrosity. One might even call it a collection of darkness, with scattered eye and mouth-like features within that darkness.
"I see, the core of the Puppeteer Goukugutsu-mawashi. Where is this?"
The surroundings were equally bizarre.
In the midst of the darkness, flickering flames were scattered. Was this really what I was seeing?
"This might be your deep inner world."
"Deep inner world..."
Is it accurate to interpret it as my mind?
Well, where this is doesn't seem like such a significant problem.
What's more...
"I have a favor to ask of you. I want you to lend me your power."
I'm currently powerless.
I'll obtain any power I can, no matter whose power it is.
"Sure."
It was surprisingly straightforward.
"Are you agreeing so easily?"
"It's an odd request coming from you. Wasn't it your idea?"
"Well, yes, but..."
Since I had expected a refusal, I couldn't help but doubt it.
"No, you emit a somewhat nostalgic scent from your soul. That's why I thought I could trust you."
"A nostalgic scent..."
Even though I've returned from death multiple times, I've been possessed by the Puppeteer Goukugutsu-mawashi many times. Perhaps that's why I emit a nostalgic scent.
"At any rate, please take care of me, Master."
As she said those words, my consciousness awakened.
When I opened my eyes, there sat the vampire Yudite in a chair.
"Oh, I didn't expect you to actually succeed."
Yudite's eyes widened.
It seemed she hadn't anticipated success. I had merely followed her instructions, after all.
"Well, never mind. Come with me, please."
With that, she seemed to want to go somewhere.
"Um, what are we going to do?"
"I told you. If you pass the test, I'll take you on as my disciple. I'm going to train you from now on."
◆
"How many skills do you possess?"
"Just one."
To be precise, I had two skills: 'Taunt' and 'Save & Reset.' However, it would be best to keep 'Save & Reset' a secret.
"And what might that skill be?"
"'Taunt.'"
"You're quite wary, aren't you?"
"I'm aware."
"In that case, how about acquiring another skill right now?"
"Huh? Can you really do that?"
"Oh, how do you know me?"
"The great vampire Yudite."
"Well, that's true, but I've lived in this dungeon for almost a millennium. So naturally, I know everything about this dungeon."
Saying that, she pointed to her head.
"Of course, I also know the locations of all the treasure chests that grant skills."
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