CHAPTER 137: PUPPETIZATION

>> Confirm soul purification.

>> Acquiring 9999 skill points.

　The moment I thrust the [Magic Sword] into Amy’s chest, I gained a large number of skill points.

“Is it is settled for now, right…?” (Toru)

　While regulating my breathing, I made the [Magic Sword] disappear.

　Luka and Amy’s body collapsed. I hurriedly caught her.

“…I wonder if Luka will regain consciousness?” (Toru)

“She will probably be okay.” (Nesis)

“Huh!?” (Toru)

　Nesis’ voice suddenly echoed in my mind, and I was extremely surprised. Since I had let my guard down immediately after the battle, I almost fell down.

“So, you’re still here?” (Toru)

“Is something the matter?” (Nesis)

“Not really.” (Toru)

 

“Exactly! How could you think of using a bunch of skills as a dummy?” (Nesis)

　Nesis praised my all-in-skill strategy.

　The skills that I don’t want to be sealed the most are [Body Enhancement], [Sword Art], and [Magic Sword]. I believed that if I could protect those, I could beat Amy.

　The more the number of skills increases, the lower the probability that the essential skills will be sealed. However, the probability would never be zero. If I was unlucky, they could be sealed with a single blow.

　However, I have the blessing of the God of Fate. There is no better reassurance when taking a gamble.

“Thank you, Toru.” (Aaron)

“Toru, you’ve grown up very well, haven’t you?” (Graf)

　Aaron and Graf approached me. The two of them are unsteady on their feet.

　The owner of the sacred treasure is gone, so the seal on their skills is gone. The reason why their footsteps are still unsteady is that they fought beyond their full strength.

“Thanks to Toru, I was able to bury Amy safely.” (Aaron)

“No……” (Toru)

　I shook my head and looked around.

　Winning doesn’t fix everything. Buildings collapsed and many people were injured. On top of that, our house, where the devil appeared, was completely destroyed.

(We’ll have to start all over again…) (Toru)

　My shoulders slump.

 

　The town had only just been restored after Amy’s attack on Finlis last month.

“Even though we all worked together and were about to return to normal…” (Toru)

 

“Don’t worry about it, Toru. Even if it’s broken, we’ll get things back on track.” (Graf)

　Graf looked into the distance. Many people had already gathered there. When my eyes met those I had known during the last reconstruction, they smiled broadly and pumped their fist in the air.

“Thanks for protecting us again!” (Civilians)

　Seeing such a look on their faces, strength drained from my body.

“By the way, Toru, you were in the middle of a rank-up quest, right?” (Aaron)

“Oh, yeah.” (Toru)

“I am sorry about that. The rank-up quest is a very important matter. If you should fail the quest, I don’t know how to apologize to you…” (Aaron)

“Ah, no, I secured the target item for the quest.” (Toru)

“…Huh?” (Aaron)

　Aaron’s eyes became dots.

　What did I say that was so strange?

　When I tilted my head, Esther appeared from the shadows of the building.

“Oh, Esther. I’m sorry I left you in charge of evacuating the residents.” (Toru)

“…….” (Esther)

“Hmm, what’s wrong?” (Toru)

“…….” (Esther)

　There was no response from Esther.

　Normally, she would be the first to run up to me, her ponytail swinging wildly.  It’s a bit unnatural for her to keep her mouth shut.

(Did I make her angry again without knowing it?) (Toru)

　I have no idea. However, there is a possibility that I may have stepped on a land mine by accident. As I crossed my arms and groaned while thinking about it, Esther suddenly waved her arms.

“Es… ther…?” (Toru)

　In her hand, she suddenly held a knife.

　—The knife that Amy used.

　Blood trickles down my cheeks.

“I’m sorry Esther… I didn’t think you’d be that mad at me—!” (Toru)

“What the heck!!” (Graf)

“Toru, move back!!” (Aaron)

　Held by Aaron, I was immediately pulled back.

 

　A knife passed in front of me.

　If Aaron hadn’t been holding me, the knife would have been in my temple by now.

 

“Esther…? What’s wrong, why are you using a knife?” (Toru)

“Wait Toru. Esther, what’s wrong with you?” (Graf)

　I noticed it for the first time when Graf talked. The atmosphere of Esther is completely different.

　Until now, I have felt kindness and cheerfulness even in her dignified actions. She was a very gentle woman.

　Now, however, she wears a poisonous aura. She is overflowing with murderous intent.

(—It can’t be!) (Toru)

　A bad premonition flashed through my mind.

　Whether she knew it or not, Lily, who had remained silent up to this point, said,

“Amy took over Esther’s body.” (Lily)

　Her eyes, which had been sleepy until then, were now so sharp that it was hard to imagine.

　Lily said as if spitting out blood.

“My comrades were killed that way.” (Lily)