Chapter 139: The Hunt
When I subjugated the dragon, I was bathed in its blood. At that time, perhaps I absorbed something that could be called the dragon’s essence; my pale skin turned swarthy, and my eyes changed into reptilian dragon eyes.
And so, I obtained the dragon’s power.
My body became so tough that ordinary sword Zangeki wouldn’t even scratch it, and my strength also increased. These eyes became Mystic Eyes.
By bathing in the dragon’s blood, my fatal weakness was overcome.
It’s because my attack power and durability significantly increased. I’m no longer a frail existence.
And it seems this dragon power can be strengthened.
The method is…
“Found you.”
Inside the stinking, stinking sewers beneath the Royal Capital, I finally found a light illuminating a passage.
The true identity of those active in the sewers at this time of night is the Cultists who worship the Evil God.
These sewers beneath the Royal Capital have become a base for the Cultists.
I’ve hunted Cultists in the sewers with Bach before, but that was merely the tip of the iceberg. It seems the Cultists now hide above ground during the day to evade the guards’ investigations, and then gather in the sewers like this at night.
The Cultists’ goal is the revival of the Evil God. I don’t know by what principle they’re trying to revive the Evil God, but if I interfere with their activities, perhaps a future where the Evil God isn’t revived might be possible.
Well, the possibility is low, though…
“Igyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!?”
When I slashed off the hand of the Cultist holding the lamp, the male Cultist let out a piercing scream. The lamp fell onto the sewer passage, and with the sound of shattering glass, the light went out.
However, my eyes could clearly see the male Cultist crouching down, clutching his severed arm. These dragon eyes project a vivid, colored scene, just like night-vision goggles.
“Agya…”
I swung the Dark Twin Holy Swords gripped in both my hands and finished the man off.
Then, I felt a slight sensation as if my body had been replenished.
That’s right. This is the method to strengthen the dragon’s power: killing humans.
However, even if it’s to become stronger, if I were to repeatedly commit murder normally, even as a noble permitted to strike down commoners for disrespect, I’d eventually face ruin.
I, too, am reluctant to lay hands on innocent people…
Even I, who have this craving to become stronger, believe I possess a minimum of common sense and conscience.
Probably.
Well, for that reason, I set my sights on Cultists as a means to legally kill people. If it’s these guys, not only will no one complain if I kill them, but everyone will praise me for it. I might even be able to stop the Evil God’s revival, so they’re truly a perfect target.
“Alright, I’ll do my best today too.”
Previously, I was worried about my combat strength alone, so I brought Bach, but this time, I’m by myself. Well, I probably won’t fall behind.
Besides, I didn’t bring Bach to the Royal Capital this time anyway. He should enjoy living happily with his wife.
“Oh, here they come, here they come.”
They must have heard the screams of the now-deceased male Cultist. The Cultists were gathering.
Well, I intentionally avoided vital spots in my attack to gather his Cultist comrades, but it’s pleasing when things go exactly as planned.
I readied my Dark Twin Holy Swords and dashed towards the approaching dim lights. You all will become sustenance for me.
◇
Man, there sure are a lot of Cultists. I took down thirty of them just today. Well, for me, it’s good because my dragon power grows, though.
When I got out of the sewers, the air felt clear and refreshing. It really stinks inside the sewers, you know. Even if it’s to grow my dragon power, I really wouldn’t want to delve into a place like this if I didn’t have to.
I pulled the collar of my clothes a bit and sniffed.
“Ugh, it stinks…”
It’s a nauseating stench. This smell probably won’t come out even if I wash them. I’ll make these clothes my dedicated attire for going into the sewers.
At this rate, the smell will have transferred to my hair and body too. I need to take a proper bath.
Hunting Cultists is fine, but the troublesome part is the cleanup afterwards.
“Well, I’m going to dive in again tomorrow, though.”
I don’t know what the Cultists are up to, but it’s probably better to take them down.
Even if I leave them alone, Reinhardt might eventually take a quest and deal with them, but Reinhardt and his party don’t gain experience points from killing humans. Rather than doing something pointless, I want them to hunt monsters and get stronger instead.
“Come to think of it…”
It’s probably about time it gets tough to raise Bianca’s Gift. Only those who land the last attack on a monster get experience points, so it should be difficult for Bianca, a healer with a Healing Gift.
However, there’s a loophole for that: dispelling cursed items, just like I did.
But if this method leaks out, the value of cursed items will skyrocket, and it will become impossible to raise Gifts as one wishes.
I intend to spread this information to boost the healers before the decisive battle with the Evil God, but now is not the time.
Those who know this Gift growth method must be few in number.
The problem is whether Bianca can keep a secret or not…
I’ll have to think of something.