My Demons

Chapter 54

On the smartphone screen, a man spoke with exaggerated enthusiasm.

[Alright, many of you have been inquiring, so let me review the regulations once more! First, with the exception of healing potions, no consumables are permitted! For archers and swordsmen, only basic arrows and basic rain are permissibleno explosives, talismans, and the like. Oh, and mana potions are also prohibited, along with troublesome items such as silver bracelets]

While only half-engaged in the ongoing explanation of the rules, I discreetly warmed up my hands.

[Well, that concludes the regulations Now, we move on to the inaugural match in the Dark World Hardcore All-Time Great PK Top 8! Blood Warrior versus Master Ssamsara, a one-round, hardcore PK!]

-A single round? A genuine one-on-one duel, isnt it?

-How much time did he invest in preparation?

-Are they conducting a Time-Space competition?

-These individuals must possess remarkable confidence.

[Before we begin, please make sure to hit the like button and subscribe on YouTube while turning on notifications! I genuinely appreciate it!]

-Lets just start the game already!

-Why not go for the Time-Space competition?

-Someone needs to take down that Blood Warrior jerk.

I powered off the smartphone screen and shifted my focus to the computer monitor.

[Master Ssamsara: Well have a 3-second grace period, alright?]

[BJ StoneDeath: Just a moment.]

[BJ StoneDeath: Is Blood Warrior ready?]

Annoying, I grumbled but then typed.

[PK ApplyMemo: Do as you wish.]

The PvP match finally commenced. Despite the lengthy buildup, the battle ended swiftly.

A level 90 Paladin, buffed for 3 seconds, found his head and body separated by a level 90 Blood Warrior.

[BJ StoneDeath: Wow, thats incredible.]

[PK ApplyMemo: Please pause the server for a moment.]

[BJ StoneDeath: ?? Why?]

[PK ApplyMemo: Be right back, gold incoming.]

Swiftly, I reactivated my smartphone.

-Wow, that was a quick ending!

-How do you even defeat him?

-Blood Warrior is seriously insane.

While chuckling at the rapidly growing chat, I selected my sub-character and logged into the server where I had stored some items.

[A new hero has entered. You can either form an alliance with them through a handshake or engage in combat.]

Then, loud commotion broke out.

[Whats this? What does Corpse Manners mean?]

-Is that Blood Warriors secondary character?

I approached the now-lifeless Paladin with a snickering laugh.

Corpse manners, the man with a bronze crown and a staff made of bones, suddenly left me feeling bewildered, and I muttered with a foolish voice.

Um, Luke?

***

Once again, I leveled up.

This level-up provided me with a lot to contemplate.

I had reached level 11 the day after arriving in South Harbor.

I reached level 12 right after the inn was attacked, and the next level-up occurred just a day ago at Prince Ulkars garrison.

And today, I attained level 14.

If you track the pace since level 11, it has dramatically accelerated in the sequence of two weeks, four days, and one day.

Hmm.

My mind was cluttered with calculations involving experience points.

Even though I had listed all the creatures Ive slain on a small piece of paper, this level-up still baffled me.

Thanks to this, the number of customers increased slightly, and merchants who sought protection also contributed to the inns repair efforts.

The innkeeper didnt say anything despite observing Daria and me goofing off together, probably for that very reason. He practically considered me a benefactor.

Daria felt the same way, even more strongly.

It might seem somewhat unusual for a foreign drifter like me to go to the extent of requesting protection from a nobleman for the inn.

Well, by the worlds standards, I admit that my actions might appear a bit excessive.

But Daria seemed to be under the impression that everything I didrequesting protection from the guards, accepting perilous missions from the lordwas all for her sake. I was almost certain of it.

I protected the Innperhaps out of a sense of conscience or responsibility. Anyway, that was the reason.

The attack on the inn by Ubars henchmen happened because of me.

Even though the captain of the guard dismissed it as nonsense, the fact that Poison recognized me at first sight was proof. They were targeting me.

So, naturally, I shared the blame for the inn burning down. Thats why I did my best within my capabilities.

With my hand on my chest, I could confidently say I didnt do it to impress Daria.

Have you finished your meal?

No, not yet.

As I met Darias affectionate gaze, I felt a different kind of embarrassment, not shyness.

What do you plan to do after eating?

I intend to rest a bit more. My body still feels somewhat stiff.

In response to my answer, Darias forehead creased with regret.

Theres no need for her to feel that way

Before I could add anything, Daria interjected.

Soshould I give you a massage before you go to bed?

A massage?

Yes. Ive never done it before, but Ill give it my best shot.

Well, thats a rather alluring proposition.

Considering her looks, she could easily be the queen bee in an American private high school, and here she was, making such an offer.

I couldnt dismiss it entirely, but I gave a wry smile and shook my head.

That might be risky.

Why?

Ellen is sleeping. If she wakes up and sees your face, she probably wont be pleased.

Oh, right. Ellen

Daria let out a deep sigh, pouting her lips.

Why does Ellen hate me so much? What did I do wrong?

Its not about doing something wrong. She generally dislikes everyone.

Everyone?

Yes, everyone.

I dont think thats true.

Daria gave me a significant look. I casually looked away and took a sip of beer.

If Ellen notices

?

Do you want to come to my room?

Uh, what?

Our eyes met, and I stumbled over my words.

Daria turned her head naturally and played with the flower ring on her left hand.

It had been ten days since I gave it to her, yet the white cherry blossom still looked as fresh as ever. Was it truly enchanted?

Although Daria was acting boldly, the flush on her neck and ears clearly indicated that she understood the implications of her offer.

That might be even riskier.

Suppressing those thoughts, I nodded.