The insects started to show at night, so everyone was greatly disturbed by it. Not only were they small they were also hard to hit because of the darkness of the night.
Morning came. Me and Alister head out to back to the harbor so that he can ride the ship going to Catros kingdom.
"Here is your food and here are some money. Since your level is now 23, you should be able to protect yourself, right?"
"I can!"
"Once you get to the Astel, you will meet a beast man named Alfred. He will be teaching you various things in the morning and you will do your job in the afternoon."
"Teach me what?"
"Self-defense at the very least. You'll get what it means when you get there. Well since you know how hard it is to be a slave, I'm sure you will be able to endure the training"
"Is it really that hard, Master?"
"It depends on your spirit"
TN: The word "spirit" here means fighting spirit or will.
He boarded the ship and set out to the northern continent.
I quickly head back to the city after resting.
The adventurers and mercenaries in the city got double than yesterday. I'd say that there are now about thirty to forty of those who are on the same level as grumpy scar dude.
Not only is it a normal outbreak but since it is an insect-type means more monsters, and if there are more monsters that would also mean more EXP points. Based on their face alone, they are hungry for some action to raise their levels.
Since the limit of number of slaves that I can have is twenty I should get more. Someone who is promising but alone so that I won't have to deal with any third parties later on.
Using my
Let's follow him then.
Why is he heading to an alley?
"Come out already whoever you are" Said by the one wearing a cloak.
So she's a girl. I thought she was guy. And based on the voice she is also young. Since the soul was so dark I thought it would be a psycho man. But for it to be a young looking girl at that.
I showed myself and face the little girl. She showed her face. She's a dark elf!
"Mister, why were you following me? Do you like little girls?" She ask.
I'm not that kinda person to begin with.
"Isn't it illegal to do something like that" I replied.
"Oh, so you don't know. Here in the empire, anyone can have intercourse regardless of age and so it is not illegal. Well as long as both parties agreed that is"
It ain't illegal here? Who would even think about doing it with a child?
"Is that so? Unfortunately that is not the reason why I was following you. Tell me, why does a little girl like you have committed so many crimes"
"Hahaha"
She laugh.
"I may be little but I assure you I am older than you. I am an elf after all. I am already seventy-two you see"
Huh?! Another twerp is older than me?!
"My name is Alicia. And you can say I am someone who do dirty works for money. If you have some job to offer to me with a good price I will consider it"
"I'm not here for something like that. I am here to make you my slave"
She laugh again.
"You think a greenhorn like you can catch me?"
"Yes.
The little girl who was laughing and smiling just now, is now on all fours on the ground. Unable to move a muscle.
"Since it work rather easily, your not a mage are you. This ability of mine are hard to use against powerful mages or beings with a powerful soul"
"I don't know what you want but what would you gain from making me into a slave?!"
She yelled in anger.
I cast
"You... What is it that you want from me? Or maybe you are actually a pervert who prefers little girls, aren't you"
"I do not like anyone! Okay!"
She laugh again.
"Weird that you are laughing right now despite being a slave"
"From your reaction just now I can tell you are not some shady or sinister person. At least that much I do know. So, what are you going to do to me?"
"Nothing"
"Nothing?" She ask.
"Nothing"
"You are saying that you went out your way to turn me into your slave... for nothing?"
"I didn't mean it like that. You can keep on doing what you want. I only turn you into my slave for my own reasons. When I do call for you I expect you to do my commands obediently though"
"And what makes you think I can't get rid of it"
"Because only someone who have received power from a God can cancel out another"
To cancel out the power from a God, that God must also be of equal standing. And since my backer is pretty much one of the big bosses there, I have some confidence about it.
"I see. I don't know why someone like you is here, making people your slaves. But I will still look for a way to remove it"
"Do try your best!" I replied with a smile.
We parted ways.
I went to the encampment with a cloak and a mask. The ones I used back in the ship.
After observing for several hours, the insects would charge here again and again with a two hour interval. Each time they swarm, their numbers are pretty much the same. But the thing that is bothering me is that they are too weak. It's like, bugs that are about to die are the ones charging here.
[An evil spirit have manifested]
Evil spirits are souls who died that bore immense hatred towards something or someone before their death.
The timing is a bit troublesome.
Well I am sure the adventurers and the mercenaries can do it. Their style is not haphazardly put together but a very detailed one that which uses each individual's skills to the max. Their position can also be replaced by anyone making it naturally the best formation you can make for people who barely even know each other to cooperate with no problems. Unless they have a death wish they wouldn't be doing something so stupid while an outbreak is right in front of them.
But letting that evil spirit roam free would be a nuisance.
I went to find Talep. He was inside the tent where the meetings are held regarding about the outbreak. I waltz inside. Not caring about what happened yesterday.
In comparison, no one even dared to object my sudden presence.
"Sir. Mike, is there something you need?"
"No. I am here to inform you that I won't be able to see you for a bit. Apparently, an evil spirit manifested in the forest. So while it is still weak I am planning to take care of it"
Everyone look at me even more seriously. Even knowing the level of my strength does not mean that I would be able to beat an evil spirit. Not to mention, an evil spirit at its prime would be comparable to 3/4's of a demon's capabilities. I don't know how powerful the demon kin's are but since the evil spirit is barely a month old, I should be enough as is.
"Good luck Sir. Mike"
"Yeah"
I walk out. Another wave of yelling and screaming happened inside the tent. In their eyes, they must have thought I was being arrogant. I want to keep the death toll low here so I gotta do what I have to do.
I started to walk inside the forest. There were different kinds of bugs. Some that are small but poisonous. Some are big. Some have spikes. Some even spit out acid.
Poison and acid that were shot towards me didn't reach my skin. I'd evade with minimal movements and if I happened to get hit by it my aura that surrounds my whole body would protect me.
When there are big insects that go to me. I create a wall of flames to scare them away.
It have been some time now and yet the evil spirit is still not within my radar. I guess I will have to spend the night here.
Whenever they swarm towards the city I put a fire all over me to scare the hell out of them. Thankfully they aren't stupid to actually head to a walking incinerator.
I called Nrowe.
"Hey, there will be someone who will go there. He is Alister. He is quite similar to Nunu so do take care of him. Since he is quite decent he should be able to help you on your work, Nrowe."
"Understood Sir. I will make May to escort him"
"Right, right, you haven't told me the girl's name"
"Oh... Her name is Aira"
"I see. Make Alfred to teach Alister some moves, he knows what that means. And keep up the good work. Make sure to rest well!"
"Of course! Thank you very much Sir!"
The call ended.
Each time they swarm their numbers seems to be decreasing. Since they are insect types, fire is their natural weakness. But using fire in a densely pack forest of this size would cause a wildfire, a massive one at that. Therefore all the cities and villages that are near the forest are putting a wall of adventurers, knights, and mercenaries outside of the forest.
Going inside would be the same thing as putting yourself in a disadvantageous position that can be easily avoided. Hence why no one dares to enter the forest this deep.
Along the way, many carcass of different monsters were visible. Bones. A bit flesh here and there. Ton of blood everywhere. I hope they get washed by the rain soon. As I go deeper, the forest became red. It then became dark. Ominous. Eggs of insects no matter where you turn.
I'm getting a signal!
A very eye catching soul at that.
Obviously that would be the evil spirit. No one would be stupid enough to actually go inside this deep.
As I go closer,
[You have been poisoned]
The poisonous fog get thicker and thicker.
I use aura but since the potency is really high, some gets into my lungs. Which is why I just heal myself for that.
A half female-half insect stood in front of me. The menacing chill it gives was not as suffocating as Levi. If I were to say, for a new born evil spirit, it sure has quite a lot of that disgusting aura. I guess she is stronger than Talep, Red, and Phoebe combined.
"Who are you?" She ask.
"If I answer your question, are you going to submit yourself?"
"Submit? Hahaha! All men sure do think the same. No matter what race or age, you all are vile creatures!" She replied.
"Grand magic: Garden of Eden. 10%"
With that single spell, all the impurities in the area with a hundred meter radius got purified. Since I have a much bigger mana pool than before, I was able to cast this grand magic alone without having to rely on support from someone else.
"Aaaah!!!"
The evil spirit also took damage since it has holy attributes in it.
"Can we now talk? Honestly speaking I am interested to ask you to join my team"
"Why should I do that?!"
"Hmmm, good point. Then I'll let you do what you want. Tell me what it is that you desire"
"How are you so confident that you can fulfill my wishes?"
"Because I can"
"You do know that doesn't make any sense, right" She replied.
She look at me, doubting every words that I say.
"Well yes, but it doesn't hurt to ask, right. Just now you said 'all men'. Do you have any grudge towards men?"
"Yes. Because you insects are all the same. I was assaulted here in this forest. So I'd like to have my revenge!"
"You want to kill men?" I ask.
"No! I want to assault men!"
Huh? Is this girl serious right now?!
"Hehehe, she ain't lying" (Loki)
"Will you really allow me to do that?" She ask.
"Yes actually. That is rather easier than I thought"
Her face was blank. Not believing what I just said, again.
"If you go with me, I promise that I will fulfill your wish to assault men. Whether they may be virgin or not"
Though I don't think we would be able to find any virgins who have a dark soul. Male criminals who are virgin in this world are rather rare.
"And how do you expect me to believe that"
"If I transfer your soul to another body which looks beautiful, it would be a walk in the park for you to seduce men. I have that kind of ability just so you know"
"How can I trust you exactly?"
"A contract"
A paper appeared in my hand. And yes it glowed very brightly.
I explain to her how my ability works. After some time she signed the contract. The contract contains that she will be transfer to a suitable vessel to her liking. And I have to do it within a week. If I don't then I will die.
[The Goddess, Hecate, have shown an interest to you]
[Master of the Souls is greatly interested in your plan]
After a day and a half I arrive at the encampment. I informed Talep that I have taken care of the evil spirit and that they must prepare themselves. Deep inside the forest were insects flying literally everywhere. It was so annoying. With those numbers, they will lay hundreds of thousands of eggs. I destroyed approximately thirty thousand eggs on my way though I don't think it will make any difference.
As for the reason why I didn't destroyed half of it is so that I can collect the souls of those who will die. The majority in the area are people who have dark souls. Only a few have light souls.
After four hours a swarm bigger than the previous ones came. All kinds of bugs were approaching, killing everything in its path.
Distance is about five hundred meters, they will arrive shortly.
"Nunu, gather mana now! As many as you can"
"Yes, Master!"
The insects and adventurers and mercenaries engage in battle. Since I informed Talep beforehand, they were able to maximize the defense line. Still the poison is their biggest problem. Not all can be healed by the healers. Their numbers are just too low.
At least a hundred of thousands of insects versus two thousand men and women.
"I am ready, Master!"
"Slowly give me all of it"
"Understood!"
"Grand Magic: Garden of Eden. 60%"
Within a five hundred meter radius, a holy field that healed and strengthen up everyone was created. Talep turn his gaze to me and gave a smile.
At least 30% of the insects died from it. The poison fog that was coming also got purified.
[Talep's loyalty towards you have increased]
I should be able to keep up the healing field for about another five minutes.
"Nunu, when you are done passing me all the mana. Go wild!"
He nodded. After five minutes, the grand magic ended and Nunu went to the front lines. Due to a single spell, the flow of the battle took a turn into our favor.
...
They won't be needing my help now. I better go.
I went back inside the city while leaving them to finish the remaining bugs. The only reason why it was a lot easier than what we expected is because they charge towards us the moment they hatched.
Roaming using my spirit eyes to find a beautiful woman who have a dark soul. I don't think it would be that easy.
And I was quickly to be proven wrong, there was one.
I quickly knock the girl.
I release the evil spirit from my
"Do you like this body? Slender. Nice thighs. Well endowed breasts. A decent face. And she is young"
"Yes! YES!!! She is perfect!" She replied.
I took the girl's soul. Merging the evil spirit and the girl's body.
"Well, how does it feel?"
"AMAZING!... I haven't introduced myself yet, right. I am Melanie. I was once a witch who died in the forest. With this body I'd be able to do my vengeance!"
Saying that her vengeance is to assault men is a really... pathetic, I guess.
I then made her as my slave. The contract also got destroyed since I have fulfilled my end of the deal.
"Well, so long as I am the one choosing that guy it should be fine, right?"
"Of course, Master"
"For now wear some clothes"
I pulled some of my clothes and gave it to her.
"Does seeing my naked new body disturbs you, hmm~"
"No, it is absolutely disgusting. I am asexual. So deal with it"
We went back to the encampment. They were piling up and burning the corpse of the insects. They won.
"Master" (Nunu)
"Can I devour him?" She whispered.
"Absolutely not! If you even attempt to do something like that to my son. Believe me, I will torture you in the ways that even Gods don't know of"
"Sheesh, okay, okay, I get it"
I can't let this vixen to touch my pure and innocent son.
"Nunu this is Melanie. Melanie, he is my son Nunu"
They greeted each other.
"Talep said that he would like to talk with you, Master"
"Sure. For now go rest"
He nodded.
"I thought he was your son. How come his the same as me?" She ask.
"It's really complicated. And he is going to be three months old next week"
She didn't ask any further. And instead kept an eye to all the guys that would catch her attention.
I went to the tent where Talep is currently staying at.
"Nice leadership there" I said.
"Ah! Sir. Mike everything went according to your plan. I am also grateful for the hero to be this strong"
"Don't say that here"
"Sorry"
"Anyway, I caught the evil spirit and right now she is my slave"
"What?!"
"Don't worry. She is under my control. She won't do anything that may endanger anyone"
Talep took a paper in the drawer.
"About the fight. About two hundred men and women died. Eight hundred are injured."
"That is fewer than I thought it would be."
"It is all thanks to your help"
"Naturally. It's my job after all"
"Let's have a drink shall we"
"Now that is something I can't refuse"
We drink and drink. After some time he fell asleep, He sure is wild while drunk. I went out after putting him on the bed.
The moon sure is beautiful tonight.
Most of the people who fought today are already sleeping, anyone would be exhausted after that.
I forgot about Melanie. I wonder where she is.
I took a sit and relax. Bit by bit, the moon that was straight above me went down slowly. Enjoying the night breeze like this is good.
"Morning~" Melanie said as she come forward.
"Where were you?"
"Had some fun. There were many adventurers who were really tired and so I took advantage of their exhaustion and made my move."
"And just how many did you get?"
"Thirty!"
She said with pride.
I can't believe she manage to get so many within twelve hours.
"I use hypnosis to gather all of them in one place. Pretty smart of me, right"
So that's how.