Chapter 4: Days Before The Catastrophe④
It took some time for Angelica to stop crying. Ichiro didn’t ask what had happened; he already knew the reason for her tears. As he spent this time with her, he struggled to suppress a pang of nostalgia that tugged at his heart, reminiscent of a bittersweet longing. All he could do was maintain his composure and wait for Angelica’s feelings to settle.
After a while, noticing that she had calmed down, Ichiro spoke up.
“I’m going to fight Ryuguin. So, I need your help, Angelica.”
There was no option for her to refuse.
“Of course. I’ve heard a bit from Pul-san. Honestly, I was worried about what I would do if you didn’t ask me.”
With her eyes still red and glistening, she agreed.
Ichiro remained steadfast in his resolve to fight for himself, not for anyone else. Angelica understood this about him. Yet, she refrained from pressing him on his motivations.
Eventually, when Ichiro asked, “Where should I start?” he began to discuss the abilities of Ryuguin, as inferred from his conversation with Anon, taking into account various circumstances.
“So, Anon speculated that Ryuguin possesses two abilities: one that ‘implants false memories in others’ and another that ‘controls others with a charm-like power.’ He named them 《Ability Alpha》 and 《Ability Beta》.”
“…”
Angelica swallowed hard at Ichiro’s explanation. She couldn’t find the words to respond. Perhaps his words were indeed correct.
She felt scared. Terrified, to the point of helplessness. But now—she would unravel the memories she had kept sealed away.
Recalling those days.
Yes. Why was it that her feelings toward the Hero were so overwhelmingly intense? And then… before she knew it—
The Hero had guided the fallen version of herself. Their days together had gradually turned into memories with the Hero… and he had, from beginning to end, hindered the salvation and tirelessly worked for peace, all while dragging his feet.
At that time, she had never doubted that it was the right thing to do. That feeling toward the Hero—
“Angelica, are you okay?”
“…”
I’m fine. I am still me.
“It’s nothing… More importantly, I don’t know Anon that well, but… he’s quite impressive.”
Ichiro raised an eyebrow, a look of surprise crossing his face.
《Ability Alpha》—’the ability to implant false memories in others’ and 《Ability Beta》—’the power to control others with a charm-like influence’… It was an undeniable fact that the Hero possessed these abilities.
“I can’t say for sure what that guy’s ability is… but looking back at that time, Anon’s speculation is probably spot on.”
She acknowledged Anon’s speculation.
“Spot on? What do you mean?”
“From my perspective, having been under his ability… it’s hard to think of anything else.”
“I see… Well, since it’s Anon’s deduction, I didn’t doubt it.”
“Why are you rubbing your nose so proudly, Ichiro?”
Angelica puffed her cheeks in annoyance.
“What’s that about?”
Ichiro laughed heartily, and Angelica couldn’t help but chuckle along.
“So, Anon suggested that he might have a concealment Skill.”
“Ah, if that’s the case, it complicates things.”
“Right?”
“There are different ranks for concealment Skills… If he has a high-ranking one, it could be troublesome.”
“Plus, there’s also the possibility of a Primitive Curse.”
“Ah, that makes sense,” she nodded.
“I see now what you all are thinking. You plan to deal with an unknown ability while it remains unknown. That’s why you’re considering various possibilities and trying to close all the gaps.”
Angelica asked, “Isn’t that right?”
“Exactly, Angelica!”
Ichiro snapped his fingers. The gesture felt oddly nostalgic, bringing back memories.
“So today, I want you, who is well-versed in magic, sorcery, and Mana, to think about where Ryuguin’s abilities might originate from.”
That seemed to be the catalyst. The conversation, which had been somewhat reserved, began to flow more freely.
“How about this?”
“But that doesn’t explain everything.”
“What part doesn’t? Please elaborate.”
“Well, if such an item exists—”
Ichiro poured some mead from the refrigerator into her empty glass.
“It’s just a possibility, but there might be something called ‘Possession.’ It’s a technique used by necromancers to summon spirits and have them possess others.”
“So, you’re saying Ryuguin has the power to control others by having spirits act on his behalf?”
“That’s just one possibility. This is a place to present the most plausible scenarios.”
“I get it!”
“Get it?”
Ichiro blushed.
“It’s not embarrassing. It’s fine, really.”
“Being told that makes it even more embarrassing…”
Time passed in an instant. For a moment, Ichiro felt as if he had returned to those days. Ichiro was there, and so was she. That was her world. That was her happiness.
“Can you get me some ice?”
“Leave it to me.”
“Ask for it directly in the glass. I was drinking it chilled, but it definitely tastes better with ice.”
“Got it.”
As she responded, the sound of ice clinking in the glass filled the air. Ichiro poured her a refill.
“By the way, this is delicious.”
Angelica raised her glass.
“Right? I brought it from the Lionel Empire, which borders Bordaf. Not long ago, a merchant friend of mine was begging me, ‘I’m about to go bankrupt! Help me!’ So, I bought everything he had. I have plenty, so take some with you, Angelica.”
“Are you sure?”
“Of course.”
“But… I think I’ll pass.”
“Why not? Don’t hold back.”
“It’s not about holding back…”
“What is it?”
“I’d rather drink together again than take it home…”
For a moment, Ichiro was taken aback, but he smiled in response.
“Just let me know anytime. I’ll be waiting.”
With just that smile, Angelica felt she could continue living. So, she was fine—
Since that day, Angelica hadn’t contacted Ichiro.
In the limited time they had, Ichiro was busy every day, making their inability to meet unavoidable.
Angelica vowed in her heart. She would accomplish what she could.
The Hero’s abilities were likely special “powers” like ‘Charm,’ ‘Brainwashing,’ ‘Hypnosis,’ ‘Mind Control,’ and ‘Body Control.’ Whether they stemmed from Skills or items, or if they were related to Primitive Curses like the Demon Eye or Demon Mouth remained unclear. However, it was also possible that they were not those powers but derived from special magic or Mana. Magic and Mana could realize the supernatural. It wouldn’t be strange if they had effects on the brain or heart.
If that were the case, she could be of help.
With a clear direction in mind, she tirelessly honed her knowledge and skills in Bordaf as the day of the summons approached.
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