[ Capitano POV ]
Staring at the trees before me, I decided it was best to practice the techniques my body had instinctively used in battles against the various opponents we'd encountered. I raised my sword from the ground, surprised by how light it felt—far lighter than I'd expected a sword to be.
I chalked it up to my lack of knowledge about weaponry, dismissing it as I settled into my stance and released a wide swing. It was an obvious, almost exaggerated motion, as though I was announcing my attack to everyone within a hundred-meter radius.
But I didn't care. This area had remained desolate for as long as I'd been guarding it, and I was certain Shalltear wouldn't come here unless someone she liked was already around. My blade stopped mid-swing as a sudden realization hit me: Peroronchīno had made her like me.
Immediately, my focus shifted as I scanned my surroundings, half-expecting her to appear out of nowhere. After a few tense moments, I sighed in relief. She wasn't anywhere nearby, allowing me to resume my training in peace. I swung my sword repeatedly, trying to recall the movements my body had performed before—the way it shifted weight, the swiftness of the blade that had caught enemies off guard.
As I swung, my blade cut through the air in a graceful arc, leaving a trail of pale ice shards in its wake. The shards shot forward, embedding themselves into the trees without any spoken incantation. This was new. I'd used ice magic before, but I always had to speak to activate it. Now, the shards appeared unbidden, stabbing into the trees with a glistening, icy beauty.
I walked closer, running my gauntleted hand along the dead tree, leaving deep scratches in the bark. The marks reminded me of claw marks, a brutal symbol of what these hands could do—both disciplined and savage. It saddened me to think of using these claws on anyone. No one deserved to be torn apart like that. They deserved an honourable death, one fitting for a warrior.
And if anyone was to grant them that death, it would likely be me, a general, alongside Cocytus.
We were similar, he and I—both generals, both wielders of frost as a weapon, both bound by a code of honour. I wondered if there was a deeper reason for that, or if it was simply coincidence that Touch Me had crafted me to resemble him so closely.
Shaking off these thoughts, I muttered to myself, considering ways to test my other abilities without triggering any kind of alarm that might bring Shalltear rushing over.
I raised my left arm, holding my sword in my right, and chanted a spell I'd used only twice before, though it had drained my mana significantly: [Decay]. The trees before me withered even further, shrivelling up before crumbling into dust. My body felt drained just from that single spell.
"How disgraceful," I muttered, panting slightly. I couldn't believe I felt so exhausted from casting such a simple curse.
A strange weakness spread through my body, as though the curse itself was feeding on my vulnerability. Then, suddenly, a bright golden light washed over me, soothing and renewing me. I was taken aback—this was new. A class ability related to golden light? Could one of my classes actually be a cleric?
The thought made me laugh softly. Impossible. I was made for war, not healing.
Still, the idea saddened me. I wasn't made to enjoy life's gentler things. I was crafted to fight, to uphold a strict sense of honour, to be a warrior—and, admittedly, a decent chef. My only purpose was to battle, with perhaps a dash of justice mixed in. I was certain Touch Me had set my alignment and sense of justice high, similar to Sebas, if not even higher.
I tried to open my mouth and speak, but the words came out slow and dry, as if I hadn't had water in forty years. "I… I am… honourable. I point… this blade… at all who dare… oppose Nazarick."
I stuttered through each word, frustration bubbling up inside me. It was unbecoming of a knight meant to embody strength and composure. I needed to improve before I spoke to anyone. "Prac—practice… I… need prac-tice."
With that, I began muttering to myself like a madman, rambling on for several minutes. I spoke whatever came to mind—random phrases, snippets of different shows, subjects I'd learned in school. Anything and everything to push my voice to flow more naturally.
Little by little, I could feel myself improving. Each word came out more smoothly, though I still had to speak slowly, with a cold, monotone quality. Even so, my voice held a hint of authority, like that of a commander, though right now, I probably sounded more like a child learning to speak his first words.
But every great journey begins with a single step, and this was mine. I knew it would take a few more days of practice to speak fluidly. I'd need someone to talk to, someone patient enough to endure my ramblings. Perhaps Cocytus would listen. Maybe even Sebas? Cocytus seemed a better choice; I vaguely remembered Touch Me mentioning he'd make us friends when he created me.
It would also be a good chance to check on the other areas of Nazarick. So far, I'd only spent time on the second and sixth floors. Now that I thought about it, I hadn't seen Aura or Mare whenever I visited. Perhaps they were busy, off handling their own duties.
I nodded to myself, reassured by the thought, when the sound of cracking branches caught my attention. I turned sharply, eyes locking onto a figure. They wore a calm, almost serene smile. In contrast, I felt a frown form on my own face.
This was truly going to be the first challenge I faced in this world. My eyes narrowed as I examined the dress adorning the little vampire. The description flooded my mind, as if I knew every detail of it. It was a black evening gown layered with heavy fabric, embellished with ribbons across her upper body. My gaze shifted to her hands, covered by white gloves, triggering a memory of when we had held hands.
I coughed slightly, trying to get into character. Straightening my back, I stood taller, imposing, as Shalltear looked up at me with eyes brimming with adoration, like a wife seeing her husband return home.
The intensity of her gaze made me stiffen slightly. I couldn't afford any mistakes in my behaviour; otherwise, these beings might suspect something. I knew the lore connecting me to Shalltear, so I hoped that would make this easier.
Shalltear's fingers trailed over the ribbons on her dress before her gaze returned to me, a coy smile on her face, almost like a vixen. "Capitano, it's a rare pleasure to have you all to myself," she purred. "Do you know how long I've been... waiting for this?"
I stared at her for a moment, then returned to scanning our surroundings, ever the knight, never letting my guard down. "I fail to see how my presence alone makes any occasion special, Lady Shalltear," I replied, keeping my tone steady. "I am here merely to perform my duty."
I felt a slight sense of pride. My response sounded just as a knight should speak. All that time studying English had paid off. I gave myself a mental pat on the back, but I quickly refocused on the conversation.
She stepped closer, her gloved hand reaching for my armoured forearm. "And perhaps, just maybe, we could share a moment that is... beyond mere duty?" Her voice softened, her eyes shining with intent.
I glanced at her hand resting on my arm but didn't pull away. "If your words concern the well-being of Nazarick or involve matters requiring my attention, I am all ears," I said firmly. "However, idle chatter serves little purpose."
She gave a faint pout that almost made my resolve waver. But she recovered quickly, inching even closer. "Idle? Capitano, you wound me. Surely you must know I admire more than just your strength in battle."
I exhaled almost imperceptibly, keeping my gaze fixed ahead. "As a General and enforcer of Nazarick's will, my purpose is to defend and serve," I answered monotonously.
"Personal admiration... is extraneous."
She laughed softly, covering her mouth with a gloved hand. "Extraneous? Perhaps if I whisper my admiration, it won't be a distraction." Leaning in, she spoke in a low, enticing tone, "Have you ever considered that I might be the perfect match for you?"
Maintaining a stoic tone was becoming harder with the slight tension creeping into my shoulders. "If Momonga-Sama deems any such union appropriate, I shall consider it," I replied, sounding as formal as possible. "Until then, it is hardly a matter for me to entertain."
Her smile grew sly, clearly amused by my deflections. "Ever the dutiful knight, aren't you? But perhaps, just perhaps, I might... persuade you otherwise someday?"
I gave her a small nod. "If you wish to focus on improving your combat skills, I am more than willing to assist. Such improvement would surely benefit Nazarick."
As soon as I finished speaking, a hint of panic bubbled up inside. What was I even suggesting? She didn't need any improvement—she was surely far stronger than me. But my face remained impassive, hidden behind my visor, concealing any hint of internal turmoil.
She laughed again, that same soft, amused chuckle. "Oh, Capitano, you're impossible. But don't think I'll give up." Her tone was playful as she added, "One day, you'll see things my way."
I gave her a slight bow, my formality unwavering. "As you wish, Lady Shalltear. However, until then, let us focus on what truly matters: the prosperity and security of Nazarick."
With a small smile and a nod, she turned and disappeared into the trees. The moment she was gone, I released a heavy sigh of relief. That was too close for my liking, and I realized with a sinking feeling that this was only the beginning. If I was to maintain this facade, I would have to continue acting the part of a perfect knight.
How long could I keep up this charade before I was caught?
Not long, I was sure of that.
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As I continued my training, swinging my weapon in measured arcs, I was interrupted once more. This time, it was Albedo. I immediately recognized the purpose of her visit—it was about the upcoming meeting on the sixth floor.
Halting my movements, I drove my blade into the ground, standing straight and meeting her gaze. She inclined her head slightly, her expression formal.
"Momonga-sama has summoned all Guardians to meet on the sixth floor," she announced, her voice calm and authoritative.
I gave her a swift nod. "Understood. I'll proceed there at once."
Without another word, Albedo nodded in return, then turned to leave. I pulled my blade from the earth, prepared to join the meeting, fully aware that duty called once more.
Walking across the bridge, each step causing it to creak and crack, I decided it would be best to find Shalltear. Using her portal, I could reach the meeting location almost instantly. My journey through this bleak, colourless landscape—a place resembling a graveyard filled with all manner of dead things—was as uneventful as it was dull.
Before long, I reached Shalltear's residence. She awaited me with a knowing smile, her crimson eyes gleaming as if she had anticipated my arrival. It wasn't unsettling at all… I told myself, ignoring the eerie intensity of her gaze.
"Capitano," she purred, her voice dripping with affection as she stepped closer. "What a pleasant surprise. Could it be you just couldn't wait to see me?"
I kept my expression neutral. "Lady Shalltear, I require a portal to the sixth floor. Momonga-sama has called for a gathering."
She let out a soft, melodious laugh, tilting her head coyly. "Ah, always so serious, aren't you? Surely, there's no harm in enjoying each other's company first…?"
I resisted the urge to sigh, standing firm. "Time is of the essence. Momonga-sama would not want us to delay."
Shalltear's lips formed a playful pout as she stepped even closer, her gloved fingers reaching out to graze my armoured shoulder.
"Oh, Capitano," she murmured, "must you be so rigid? Imagine… just a few moments together, before duty calls."
I carefully shifted back, avoiding her touch. "Lady Shalltear, I am here to serve Nazarick. The portal, if you please."
She sighed, looking genuinely disappointed. "You're so cold," she whispered, though her gaze sparkled with a hint of admiration. "But fine, I suppose I can't keep Momonga-sama waiting… even if I'd rather keep you here with me."
With a reluctant wave of her hand, she stepped forward and as she walked through I trailed behind her thankful that I was able to escape her advances even if it had been for a mere moment.
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A/N: Time to get into the proper story now, let's gooo baby, that's what I'm talking about. Ahem, anyways. Let's see how this goes as our MC slowly experiences the changes to the NPCs when it comes to seeing him.
Not all of his abilities were used in this chapter, more will be introduced as time goes by.