Volume 1 Chapter 102 The End Of Homunculus
Io showed no sign of resistance.
She seemed to understand the difference in power and realized that she could never win alone.
Kasim's [Ability Nullification] is a double-edged sword that even involves allies, but the power to nullify any skill is strong in this world. Even if there were those who despised them, they should be able to overturn the situation as much as they wanted, even if they were taken by surprise.
In addition, Io herself has the ability to enhance her abilities through transformation.
She had overestimated her own strength, just as she had.
"Do you have something to say?"
When I asked Io, she raised her face and directed her eyes, filled with all the hatred, towards me.
"'You too, and this world, are disgusting.'"
"I see"
My powerful attack "Extinction" hit Io, and everything became quiet again.
If I leave the bodies of the three people here, they will eventually become food for the Drakes.
Not many people can make it through the corridor and reach this point on their own, so no one will know about the killings.
"..."
But still, I have some questions about this battle.
It ended too easily and quickly.
Io is a transformed Homunculus, but for me, someone who has been enhanced with mind manipulation magic, it was not a threat. Ragius said he would send reinforcements if I had a hard time, but I didn't need them.
But still, I can't believe Edward was Ragius's ally.
Ragius gave me limited information, but it included details about Edward.
Edward's real name is Oswald, and he is a human who specializes in a special magic called Necromancy. He was also assigned to watch over us as a coachman. There seems to be a reason why he worked for the Clow Merchant guild, but that hasn't been revealed yet.
'It seems that the transformation of that homunculus was incomplete. It should not have been this strong originally.'
Suddenly, Ragius' voice echoed in my head.
It seems he was watching the previous battle through my eyes.
"You should have told me that earlier."
No wonder it wasn't so strong. I thought that if she could manipulate skills like me, she would unleash some heinous technique.
'I don't have a complete grasp of everything. However, thanks to the recent battle, I have a rough idea.'
"And so, what's the conclusion?"
'...'
I asked, but there was no response.
Whether it was due to the influence of the cast magic or I simply didn't feel the desire to know more, it didn't matter.
'Ark... listen. From now on, you must obtain the final key and offer it at the altar. But if Albain appears during the process, absolutely do not fight.'
"You're the one who said not to show mercy to any opponent, Ragius."
To begin with, I don't have any information about this person named Albain.
'Albain is a "master of magic". There's no chance of winning against him with your current abilities. If you encounter him, avoid fighting. After obtaining all the keys, prioritize going to the altar.'
"If you say so, why don't you go and defeat him yourself?"
'...I have my reasons too. I don't have time to explain in detail, but you must keep your promise. Understood?'
Either way, Ragius has complete control over my life and death. I have no choice but to follow his instructions.
"Even if the keys are placed in the altar, how can you guarantee that Albain will let me go?"
'If you can throw the keys into the altar, you will find a way out. Just focus on that.'
I still have doubts with all these explanations, but it's an undeniable fact that I was able to defeat the three people with Ragius' help.
Even though I have been mentally manipulated, I have no doubt that I can defeat adventurers of S-Rank level. However, it would be foolish to challenge Albain, who is believed to have even greater strength, without a plan.
I tried calling the 'Abilities List,' but as usual, there was a red X mark and no response.
I wanted to confirm if even killing someone would increase my skill level, but there was nothing I could do about it.
The fact that it is invisible attack like an 'Extinction' is powerful, but there is nothing more than that. Even if it couldn't be seen, Io sensed it.
'Now, kill Cretia's daughter before any problems arise.'
"Understood."
The next task is to dispose of Princess Merletta. I decide to finish it quickly.
Fatina is sitting there, taking care of her, as it seems the treatment is over.
Mel is lying on the ground, staring blankly at the dark sky. Perhaps she hasn't fully recovered mentally from the shock and pain of being stabbed.
When I approach the two of them, Fatina turns towards me.
"You defeated...those three people."
"Yes, but one person remains."
"Are you talking about Balzark?"
"No, it's Mel who needs to be killed. Keeping her alive is dangerous, so I need to take care of her here."
Fatina was shocked by the sudden conversation.
"K-Kill...why!?"
"I have been mentally manipulated by someone. It's also to protect ourselves."
"What are you talking about!? What is mental manipulation?"
Fatina screamed, trying to protect Mel.
"I don't know the details either. But Ragius said so."
"Ragius-san? When did he talk about this?"
"That doesn't matter. Move aside."
"Stop!"
"If you get in my way, no matter who you are, you'll die. You're too weak and worthless."
Unlike Io, Fatina doesn't have any special abilities, so she's no longer a valuable asset. Being a Sword Saint is a rare skill, but it's not enough to be useful.
Even in the upcoming battle with Balzark, she won't make a difference. So, it's better if she's not here anymore.
"Ark-sama... Please, come back to your senses. You're not the kind of person who would do something like this, right? There's no way Mel-san is a bad person..."
With a face on the verge of tears, Fatina reaches out to me.
It must be because her dependency on Mel as a homunculus has increased that she refuses to follow my orders.
This is not the time for questioning.
"It's a waste of time. Even you, here──"
In order to unleash (Extinction), I try to extend my right arm forward──
"?"
──My arm... can't... move...
There's nothing wrong with my body.
It's as if I myself am refusing to kill Fatina.
Even though emotions like that should have long disappeared due to Ragius' mental manipulation, why?
"...!!"
Fatina suddenly lets out a voiceless scream, her gaze fixed on behind me.
The shadow that extended from her feet has transformed into the form of a snake... with two red glowing eyes.
'I never expected to have my plans interrupted by a mere homunculus.'
My mouth moved on its own.
I lost control of my body and involuntarily pushed Fatina's hand away.
Ragius had completely taken over my physical form.
"Is that voice Ragius-san!? What have you done to Ark-sama!"
'Don't interfere any further. It's none of your concern.'
"Release Ark-sama right now!"
'That's not a decision you can make. Killing that girl is also for your own sake.'
"Mel-san is an important comrade! I will never allow that!"
'You have no say in the matter. Or do you want to become one of those lifeless corpses lying there?'
My body started moving on its own.
"Fatina, I love you. I don't want to fight over something like this."
Ragius controlled my body and spoke to her with a smile.
However, Fatina──
"Ark-sama wouldn't say something like that to me"
──While glaring at me, she finally drew her sword.
Ragius, seeing her in that state, immediately pointed my right hand at Fatina without hesitation.
'If you let this girl live, you'll eventually die too.'
"Even so, there must be a way to resolve this."
'There is no such thing.'
"Why can you say that before even trying? Are you just pretending to know everything and trying to manipulate us as you please?"
'You... I've been lenient because you still had a bit of Shalna's presence, but don't get carried away. If I wanted, I could make you disappear in an instant.'
"...?"
Perhaps because she heard a name she didn't recognize, Fatina looked puzzled.
However, she soon responded with determination──
"Even if I were to be killed, I have no intention of backing down."
She raised her sword without showing any signs of giving in to the threat.
On the other hand, Ragius also seemed hesitant to kill her, as there was no sign of him using magic.
'You're not even worth killing.'
"I don't think I have any value. However, there are things I can't compromise on."
'Do you really understand the current situation? I can use the 'Instant Death Magic' spell. If you don't dodge it, you will definitely die. You will achieve nothing and return to nothingness.'
"I will give my life if it means getting Ark-sama back."
'...What did you say?'
"My life was picked up by Ark-sama in the first place. If my death can bring him back to sanity, I will return it anytime."
'Don't say such foolish things... That's not even a trade-off.'
Ragius' words contain many contradictions.
Despite telling his opponent not to show mercy, it seems like he is trying to resolve the situation without killing Fatina.
After a silent confrontation, I felt magic power gathering in my right hand.
Fatina "smiled and approached" me, saying,
"You will definitely come back. I believe in that."
'Well then, die! Never come back!'
Ragius shouted like a madman and finally unleashed Extinction, manipulating my body.
However, Extinction passed through Fatina and flew off in the opposite direction.
What's going on?
So he never intended to kill her after all?
At the same time, Fatina didn't make any defensive moves. Instead, for some reason, she threw away her sword and ran towards Mel.
Upon closer inspection, there were mysterious patterns floating in the diagonal sky.
Could it be some kind of magic that Ragius set up?
'Oh no...!!'
Ragius became unsettled.
Extinction collided with the floating patterns in the air and suddenly changed its course, heading towards Mel.
Fatina suddenly jumped out as if to interrupt and was hit by magic.
Without taking any defensive measures, she fell to the ground and lay there motionless, never getting up again.
'Could it be... she predicted my (deflection) magic?'
Ragius was astonished by this turn of events. It must have been unexpected.
'What went wrong... she should not have transformed... no, but...'
I hear words filled with sadness.
It seemed like Ragius deeply regretted taking Fatina's life.
"...Fatina-san?"
Mel staggered to her feet and reached out to her lifeless body.
To her, it probably seemed like Fatina just suddenly collapsed, as she couldn't sense the Extinction.
Before I knew it, my body was moving freely.
'Because of her noble spirit, I will save this girl's life... Ark, I leave the rest to you.'
"Okay"
Mel survived.
But as a result, Fatina... she died.
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