―40― I Hate Being Lectured From Above
The Parasitic Sword Puppet Core is consumed, and I embark on a journey into the deep world.
"Hey, what brings you here, huh?"
A puppet with body parts haphazardly attached to a human-like shadow greets me in its inexplicable appearance.
"What's your purpose with me?"
"Help me with my power."
"Sure thing. I'll become your strength."
Though I can't really know what it truly thinks. It might always be trying to find an opportunity to devour me.
From then on, I repeat the process multiple times, following the familiar steps.
Obtain the Crystal of Wisdom in the hidden room, acquire <Swordsmanship>, defeat several monsters, and raise <Swordsmanship> to level 2.
Everything seems to go smoothly.
"Do you know about this hidden room, Master?"
"Well, yeah."
We exchange words as I head towards the hidden room where the golden unmanned armor, Golden Living Armor, is located.
Then, in a matter-of-fact manner, I start subduing the golden unmanned armor, Golden Living Armor.
As skill points accumulate, I level up <Master of the Parasitic Sword Puppet> to level 2 and unlock the derivative skill <Pulsating Great Sword>.
"Wow, Master, you're amazing! I never thought you'd defeat them all. I'm quite impressed!"
While swinging the <Pulsating Great Sword> absentmindedly, I seem to have defeated all the monsters without realizing it.
I can't deny that the Puppet Core is truly powerful.
"Hey, hey, Master! Can you level me up to level 3 with the remaining skill points?"
"I refuse."
I swiftly reject the idea.
"Why not? If I become level 3, I'll become even more powerful! I can be more useful to you, Master."
While I could continue ignoring it, it's getting annoying. So, I decide to say it.
"You seem to think you're not noticed, but I've long realized it. As soon as you reach level 3, you intend to devour me, right?"
As soon as I voice those words, the Puppet Core falls silent, seemingly lost in thought.
Regardless, as long as I don't level up the Puppet Core to level 3, it should remain useful in battles.
With that in mind, I drag the <Pulsating Great Sword> and try to leave the room.
"Tch, how come you've figured everything out? So annoying."
The Puppet Core speaks roughly as its true nature surfaces.
"Maybe you should pretend a bit more."
"Annoying. I hate being lectured from above like this."
The Puppet Core grumbles discontentedly.
"Ahaha, never mind," I start to say, then close my mouth. There's no need for me to be rude as well.
"Hey, Master."
"What now?"
"How do you feel right now?"
"Why are you asking me that all of a sudden?"
"Well, you know, I was just curious. Are you feeling all high and mighty, thinking you've outsmarted me and basking in a good mood?"
"Well, I won't deny it."
"Well then, I'm going to make you feel despair right now."
"What are you talking abou—"
Suddenly, something strange happens.
The <Pulsating Great Sword> starts moving on its own.
It moves my arm, which is holding the sword, as if it has a mind of its own. Before I know it, the tip of the sword is in a position that could strike my neck.
I can't resist...
Desperately trying to move my arm and free the sword from my neck, I find that the Puppet Core is much stronger, and I can't resist at all.
Come to think of it, the unique ability of this sword is <Autonomous Function>.
Sweat drips down my cheek. My breath becomes heavy.
If it wanted to, the Puppet Core could decapitate me at any moment.
Having the power of life and death held by someone else is truly unsettling.
"So, how do you feel now?"
I wonder what it wants to achieve. The Puppet Core asks me this question.
"I feel terrible."
"Haha, I see. Since we're at it, let me give you a choice. Would you prefer to die now or later?"
Choosing to die now means my neck will be severed here.
Choosing to die later means I'll be devoured by <Cruel Predator Predator>.
"...Can we negotiate?"
"Negotiate?"
"Your goal is to become human, right? So, even for you, beheading me here wouldn't be fun."
"True, I guess. So, from my perspective, I'd prefer you to choose dying later."
As I suspected, in order to become human, the Puppet Core must not only kill me but also devour me and become <Cruel Predator Predator>.
"Hey, do I have to be the human you eat?"
As I say this, I'm astounded by my own dreadful thoughts.
"Indeed, I don't necessarily have to be your Master. But not just anyone can do. It's better if I devour a strong human. Also, I must admit, I'm not good at waiting, so can you easily find such a human?"
"Yeah, I can promise that."
"Alright."
At that moment, the Puppet Core releases its grip, and my arm is freed.
"Well then, guide me to where that human is."
"Sure, got it."
As I reply, two people come to mind.
One is Agaha, who's sealed away.
The other is the vampire Eudiette.
It seems like I have to sacrifice one of them to move forward.
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