Chapter 118. Humanity (1)

As I peered down from the high cliff, staring into the abyss of blackness below, a chill crawled up my spine.

Falling from this height and living would mean he's either the Sun God Solarun or the Demon God Barbatos.

"Phew..."

Stepping back from the cliff, I glanced at the gooey substance that had run down onto the ground where I had just been standing, and a hollow laugh escaped me.

It seemed they had been experimenting non-stop. For them to amass such a quantity of "residual thoughts" was something else.

"Clothes..."

My gaze shifted to my attire.

It wasn't as if I was wearing some bizarre neon or pink garment, yet the coat held onto a semblance of 'sanity'.

Thanks to it, while it wasn't something that "I loved," at least it was "decent" enough.

Yet, due to the 'residual thoughts', it was damaged in several places.

"Even though I wasn't overly attached, it was a top-tier luxury piece. Annoying."

I still couldn't comprehend the fashion sense of someone who fawned over anything labeled as 'luxury', regardless of preference.

"But why am I alright, even covered in residual thoughts?"

Aiden's final trick was one that took me by surprise.

The malice and toxicity embedded in the 'thoughts' are exceptionally powerful.

Merely coming into contact with it would twist a person's mana vein and body and corrupt them from within, transforming them into a 'demon' bereft of reason.

A system message I hadn't checked yet appeared in the corner of my vision.

===

⇒ The trait 〈Vessel of the Demon King〉 protected you from corruption.

===

Thank goodness for this.

After reading those words, I had a vague understanding of why I was unscathed.

Had I understood it perfectly, perhaps I might have indulged in idle chatter about 'consciousness' and whatnot.

It would've been nonsense spouted by someone who knew nothing about philosophy.

"Next time, I need to remain vigilant... Hm?"

'Gunyo, ...gunyo, ...gunyo.'

"Formal Speech" echoed in my mind.

Why was I spontaneously slipping into it?

Shouldn't the character trait of 'Black Knight' have been prioritized over 'Formal Speech'?

"Oh, umm..."

As I groaned, clutching my head, the reason became apparent.

The mask on my face had cracked. I could feel the skin beneath it.

"What's going on with this thing?"

The mask crafted from "Sombra" was no longer maintaining its previous hardness.

Several strands of 'Sombra', close to a clay-like form and about to slip off, were being absorbed back into my shadow.

===

⇒ 〈Sombra〉 protected your body from demonic energy.

⇒ 〈Sombra〉 is reorganizing.

===

Upon closer inspection, "Sombra" had formed a thin membrane on my skin to fend off 'residual thoughts'.

Even so, something seemed amiss.

Even if I bore the villain's fate of 〈Vessel of the Demon King〉, it shouldn't have been able to prevent physical damage from 'residual thoughts'.

"This thing, it's definitely alive."

After experiencing a life-threatening situation in the Holy Kingdom, such thoughts had increasingly occupied my mind.

Despite being unbidden, it had acted to protect me.

Though, to be exact, it must have acted to preserve its own life.

"At least it's a helpful selfishness."

While the weakened "Sombra" could eventually recover over time, I had no idea how long that would take.

A swift method to restore it to its original state was.

"I do know."

One way demons heal their wounds is through 'cannibalism'.

But could anyone, even a crazy person, actually eat a demon?

Outside of the 'Northern Barbarians', I doubt that's a thing. Probably.

"Bleh."

The mere thought of bringing that gooey stuff to my mouth made me gag. Even 'Yulian' seemed repulsed by the idea, shuddering slightly.

"Using a Soul Stone for slow recovery is the best bet."

While not as revolutionary as 'cannibalism', it would reduce the time for recovery.

Luckily, I had a spare Soul Stone, obtained from the Holy Kingdom.

Now that the situation was sorted, should I return to the mansion to recuperate? Preparing for what's to come...

"Sir, Black Knight?"

While sorting out my thoughts, Aileen's voice reached my ears.

As I reflexively turned to face the voice, I realized...

"Damn!"

The mask had been damaged by the 'residual thoughts'.

Without thinking, I halted my body mid-turn to avoid speaking recklessly.

With my face exposed, any word would certainly be uttered in 〈Formal Speech〉.

"Uh..."

There was a startled voice from behind. She must have spotted the 'residual thoughts' running along the ground.

"Where is Sir Aiden?"

It made sense; someone who had been fighting was suddenly missing.

Because of the hazy smoke created by the meeting of the "residual thoughts" and Sombra, Aileen couldn't see the situation clearly and kept asking questions.

As much as I wanted to answer.

"Ugh..."

I realized again that 〈Formal Speech〉 was trying to slip out, so I couldn't carelessly open my mouth.

What should I do?

Unable to speak, unable to turn my face.

In this suffocating situation, I resorted to the universal language: body language.

Swish.

I pointed toward the cliff with my hand.

"... I see."

Though simple, the body language was understood, as evidenced by the bitter voice that came from behind.

Even then, the Sombra mask on my face started to droop.

Plop.

The gooey mass of "Sombra" hit the ground, echoing within the drainage.

"Blood...? Are you hurt!?"

No, don't come closer. Seriously, don't come any closer!

To prevent her from approaching, I raised my sword without turning to face her.

"If you're injured, you need treatment! The demonic energy is swirling here!"

Though she claimed demonic energy could seep into wounds and make them more dangerous, I thought.

'No. You are more dangerous than any demonic energy.'

Before me was a precipice. Behind me stood Aileen.

I couldn't reveal my identity.

Damn it. I'm cornered.

"Please come out! The residual thoughts are increasing!"

As she said, the amount of 'residual thoughts' pouring from a ceiling hole was increasing.

"This makes no sense. Fine! I'll go to you!"

No, seriously, don't come!

In such shock, I reflexively opened my mouth.

"No need... Ne... Nee..."

Formal Speech was about to slip out.

"Ugh!"

I bit my tongue to stifle any words revealing me.

Though I stopped the words, the Sombra covering the 'Moonstone Sword' began to lose form.

Please... Why must you do this to me?

To hide the gaudy, jewel-like sword, I quickly sheathed it and took a step toward the cliff.

'If this leads to a reservoir, there must be a passage below...'

There!

"Wait, what are you...!"

As I prepared to leap down the cliff, Aileen's flustered voice echoed.

I must've appeared insane. Even I found it absurd.

In haste, I sheathed the 'Moonstone Sword' and jumped down.

Beneath, I caught hold of a ledge leading to another channel, desperately escaping inward.

***

"Ugh...!"

Aileen, intending to approach the cliff where the "Black Knight" had fallen, recoiled a step back, covering her mouth from the intense demonic energy.

He didn't jump to his death; there must be some reason for that judgment.

But why?

Though she couldn't identify the liquid that oozed onto the ground, she assumed it was blood.

"The wound seemed deep, yet he chose to flee for some reason..."

She was puzzled. They hadn't avoided speaking earlier.

"Could he have fled because he was injured?"

He hid behind a mask to conceal his identity, inherently distrusting humans.

It would stand to reason that individuals, distrusting like that, would never reveal vulnerability.

"Stubborn fool."

During their encounter in the underground, despite being aimed at her, he had withdrawn his sword to display trust.

Yet he didn't offer any in return, agitating Aileen.

But, in any case, he was just someone else.

She dismissed the negative thoughts and turned her gaze toward the cliff where the thoughts were flowing.

"Aiden."

She couldn't get close, but she recognized an enormous height.

Though the "Black Knight" had jumped, she was sure that man would survive somehow.

But Aiden, she wasn't convinced he'd make it.

With the fragile body of a mage, surviving such a fall...

Probably not.

***

After reaching the mansion, washing up with hot water, and changing into comfortable clothes, a servant informed me that a guest had arrived.

As the door opened, in walked a familiar face.

Corund?

"I-I'm sorry, Sir Yulian!"

Breathlessly, he plunged into an apology.

"Because Aiden turned back mid-way, it was impossible to deactivate all the magical devices!"

Although it warranted a sigh, I found his frankness appealing.

He must have been terrified of Yulian.

"That's fine. Anyway, I've already 'sorted' through the matters on my mind."

"Sorted... you say?"

"Are you curious? I could tell you."

Hearing 'sorted' made an intense hue of 'fear' bloom above Corund's head.

"N-No, not at all!"

"Raise your head, Sir Corund. Didn't you exert some 'effort' yourself?"

Cautiously, Corund lifted his head from the ground.

"Eff-effort... So you're letting me live?"

Live or die.

Frankly, I had never deeply considered Corund.

But why was he so terrified? Ah, Pintel...

"Regardless of what Sir Pintel told you, it's fine. Aren't we both bishops?"

"Th-thank you...!"

Although leaving him terror-stricken might be best, I felt some compassion.

"From the first encounter, you were much chubbier."

From stress or a loss of appetite, he seemed slightly thinner.

Fear-induced diet... pretty effective, huh?

"Thank you for your efforts. Now, would you kindly leave, Sir Corund? I must tend to some personal business."

"Understood!"

After hurriedly nodding his head, Corund bowed respectfully and took his leave.

Bishops visiting my mansion has been a frequent occurrence lately.

Someone might even mistake me for the 'High Pontiff'.

'... Perhaps I should try?'

***

After Corund departed, I instructed the butler not to allow anyone into my study, nor let any visitors inside.

I then pulled out a tiny jewel box from the drawer.

Inside lay a Soul Stone.

The remnants of the tri-horned demon, Idel, who had nearly driven me to death in the Holy Kingdom.

"If Sombra consumes this, it should recover to a degree."

The Soul Stone's intensely dark color stirred an aversion, not necessarily from the demonic energy within, but a physiological repulsion.

It had even burned the clothes, after all!

"... But how do I give it?"

Do I place the Soul Stone in a dish and instruct Sombra to eat?

Though I started to see Sombra as a living being, that would be too much like pampering a pet.

Sombra was my companion, not a pet demon.

"... Consume it."

Holding the Soul Stone in my hand, I recalled how Sombra absorbed things before, guiding it to absorb the gem.

As expected, when there was something to eat, sombra sprung to life.

Obviously demon! Offer food, and it'll act as if life's on the line.

Softly.

As the Sombra swirled around the Soul Stone, it seemed to prod it, possibly verifying something, then halted its actions, retreating back into my being.

Feeling this peculiar mood, it seemed to pout, if that were even possible.

What's this? Could it be...

"Are you being picky now?"

Clacky's Corner:I realize that I can't fully capture the essence of Yulian's Formal Speech.:(

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