Chapter 70

Everyone Else is a Regressor

◈ Everyone Else is a Regressor (70)

[Damaged Yggdrasil Access Permit (L-)]

[A permit to enter the mystical Iron Forest. However, it's torn in half, and its power won't activate unless the other half is found and combined. Infusing magic will guide you to the location of the torn half of the permit.]

KiJun sealed the coin deep within his inventory as soon as he checked its information.

Yggdrasil is known in Norse mythology as the forest located in Jötunheimr, the land of the giants, called Jötunns.

It's known as the Iron Forest, inhabited by giants and powerful wolves.

In Yggdrasil, the wolves Skoll, who swallows the sun, and Hati, who swallows the moon, were born.

To add, their father is the infamous Fenrir, the Wolf God.

'Why would I seek out such a mystical place?'

Moreover, it seemed likely that the other half of the permit was with Skoll. While Skoll would indeed be an attractive quarry, if asked whether it's currently feasible to hunt, KiJun would shake his head.

Hati had been a formidable opponent, uncertain of victory even in a rematch.

Without Ruthven's timely aid and KiJun's possession of attributes directly opposing Hati's.

Defeating him would have been impossible.

—But somehow, it feels like having that will entangle you with werewolves later, Contractor. Right?

'I was thinking the same, so don't remind me.'

Let's forget it.

The thought of facing vampires a year from now was headache-inducing enough.

"I'm glad you're safe."

"In."

Aware of In's approach through sensory sharing with Lucy, KiJun greeted him with a nod.

In was covered in blood, mud, and grime, but fortunately, he didn't seem to have any serious injuries.

Given the blood and traces on his body, it was surprising how unscathed he appeared, which In quickly explained.

"You completed the quest. Thanks to that, I survived. No matter how tough I am as an orc, this time, I nearly met my end."

"Ah."

Realizing that In and Lora were still part of his party, KiJun exclaimed in amazement.

That's right.

When the Hidden Quest was completed, KiJun wasn't the only one who received the rewards!

In, and likely Lora too, had their levels increased as part of the quest rewards, aiding their recovery.

"I'm glad I could help… but where's Lora?"

"...She was bitten. I even warned her in advance, but to end up like this, I'm ashamed."

KiJun's expression hardened instantly.

There was no need to ask who had bitten her.

If the level-up had healed her, Lora wouldn't be lying there as if dead, which meant...

"Has she become a vampire?"

"It's peculiar. If she had become a vampire, she should've lost Ishtar's divine power, but that's not the case."

"Ishtar's divine power?"

"Ah, I haven't explained yet."

With that, In belatedly revealed that he was Lora's half–brother and also a priest of Ishtar, apologizing for keeping it hidden.

But KiJun, having known the vampires' true identities and still kept it secret, had no right to be angry with In.

"Rather, I'm the one who should apologize. I dragged you into danger..."

"I joined the party in anticipation of the vampires' appearance. If you say that, I have even less of a face to show."

"Anyway, as the party leader, I should have protected you... Ah, forget it. You can speak comfortably. I'm too tired to bother with formalities."

Sighing, KiJun took Lora into his arms.

He noticed two distinct bite marks on her neck and asked Lucy.

'How is it?'

—For now, she's not a vampire. Given the 'blood power' she possesses, common among vampires, maybe half a vampire? But it's impossible for a vampire to harbor so much light and survive.

After examining Lora with focused senses, Lucy ended up tilting her head in confusion.

—She seems to have changed a bit too, Contractor. If you have silver on you, can you try bringing it close to her?

Following Lucy's suggestion, KiJun nodded, obtained In's permission, and brought out the moon-infused silver close to Lora.

Instead of harming her, the silver, reacting to the divine power within her, emitted a dazzling light.

—As expected. Could she have become something similar to a Dhampir, like Ruthven mentioned earlier?

'So Lora is still aligned with the light?'

—Definitely. I'd feel it immediately if she were aligned with darkness.

'You're the best, Lucy.'

—Keiit!

'Of course, our Ur is the best too.'

Typically, being bitten by a vampire and undergoing a racial change would inevitably align one with darkness.

However, Lora remained aligned with light despite the transformation, indicating she underwent an irregular mutation similar to what Gin experienced.

Considering Bice's message suggested such mutations were rare, it was absurd that two occurred on the same day.

'It's a relief they both remained aligned with light.'

KiJun, reassured that Lucy's power didn't harm Lora, immediately poured his spirit power into her, revitalizing her energy.

Perhaps stimulated by the similar origin of the light spirit power, a dazzling golden light surged, intertwining with the crimson, enveloping and invigorating Lora.

Only then did KiJun notice the subtle change in Lora's appearance.

Parts of her originally bright and beautiful golden hair had turned red, as if dyed or highlighted.

As the light subsided, Lora's eyelids fluttered before slowly opening.

"Uuum... Oppa...?"

Mistaking In's divine power for Lucy's spirit power, Lora murmured 'oppa' as she fully opened her eyes, meeting KiJun's gaze.

Thankfully, her clear, pure blue eyes remained unchanged.

Relieved, KiJun asked her.

"Are you awake?"

"...Haa."

After a moment of silence, she closed her eyes again and let her head fall weakly.

KiJun, taken aback, was about to speak to her again when In, with a heavy shake of his head, interjected.

"She's passed out."

"Why?"

"At least she's safe. I'll carry her again."

"No, In, you should rest now. I'll carry her..."

"I appreciate the thought, but if you were to carry this child, I fear Lora may never wake up."

"Why is that!"

—Ah, I knew this would happen...

'You knew too, Lucy...?!'

KiJun, shivering at the thought of the terrifying potential for knockout magic within him, left him to his devices as In, cradling Lora, suddenly let out an exclamation of admiration.

Following In's gaze, KiJun saw a man slowly walking towards them and let out a low sigh.

The man, with his wild blue hair resembling a wolf's mane and eyes shimmering silver, was wearing Ruthven's clothes.

He carried his mother's battle axe and his father's magic shotgun in an X—shape on his back, and on each side of his waist, he had a pistol and a crossbow in their respective holsters, looking every bit the experienced hunter.

Of course, it was Gin.

"Where's Ruthven?"

"He's gone... I wanted to bury him near my parents, but he turned to ash and nothing was left."

Turning to ash upon death, a well-known trait of vampires.

Considering Gin inherited all of Ruthven's gear and his complex expression, it seemed Ruthven requested more than just his own death.

Having transcended their racial limitations and harboring enmity towards those races, they likely shared a connection.

Gin, now closer, bowed his head and said,

"He said, Mr. Jun, you will fight vampires in the future."

"So?"

"I want to help. My life is yours, use me as you see fit."

"No, that's not necessary."

"...I know I'm lacking, but..."

KiJun scoffed at that.

"It's not that you're lacking. It's absurd for you, who just freed yourself from the shackles of Vrykolakas, to willingly take on another burden."

"I'm different!"

Gin firmly shook his head in response to KiJun's words.

"I now have the freedom and the will to make my own decisions! I want to help you out of my own volition... If I'm not a burden, I wish to join you!"

"Fine."

"Excuse me...?"

Surprised by KiJun's easy agreement, after initially refusing, Gin looked dumbfounded.

KiJun flicked Gin's forehead.

"Ow!"

"Don't forget the precious freedom you've regained. Don't talk about letting others use you."

"...Mr. Jun."

"Don't make that moved face either."

KiJun, snorting, pushed away the overwhelmed Gin and firmly stated,

"Once we've dealt with the vampires, you can think about what comes next. That is if you don't die in battle."

"I won't die! I promise!"

Gin responded energetically, bowing deeply. His demeanor, far from the revenge—fueled one from moments ago, seemed much more stable.

Considering Ruthven cared for someone in a similar situation until his dying moment, KiJun couldn't help but smile at the thought of Ruthven's actions before his death.

Deep down, KiJun was truly grateful to him.

—Ultimately, your choice was right, Contractor. That's a relief.

'Of course, this time. But I don't plan to say my choice was right just because the outcome was good, Lucy. I just want to keep making choices that don't go against my principles, no matter the situation.'

—Yeah, I'll always support you, Contractor.

KiJun smiled again at Lucy's words.

Having at least one ally who always affirms you can't be a bad thing.

"Mr. Jun."

In, gazing at the sky now darkened by the loss of the moon, spoke with a grave tone,

"We should leave soon. The energy sustaining the relic is fading, and it will collapse shortly."

"Right… we'll head to where we first entered."

Their exploration of the relic was concluded.

The quests were completed, and although not everyone was saved, a werewolf gained freedom.

With five entering and two dying, plus one addition, making them four, KiJun looked back at his party and declared,

"Let's go back."

What was supposed to be a months-long expedition when they left the small town ended in just four days, including the travel time back and forth.

The ripple effects of that brief expedition were anything but minor.

[Bice♥(Dimensional Waiting Room): You think I don't care which side you're on? Of course, I knew that! Did you think I was scared and trembling?]

[Bice♥(Dimensional Waiting Room): You really want to die, huh? Getting cocky because you haven't been scolded by me lately?]

[Bice♥(Dimensional Waiting Room): It's okay to be scolded as long as I can see you? What, you're not Jun, are you!]

[Bice♥(Dimensional Waiting Room): Who said not to talk?! I told you it's okay sometimes!]

[Bice♥(Dimensional Waiting Room): (Message deleted.)]

[Bice♥(Dimensional Waiting Room): You didn't see it, did you? If you saw it, you're dead. I'll really kill you.]

[Bice♥(Dimensional Waiting Room): I'm suspicious, but I'll let you live for now. If we meet later, everything you've hidden from me will be revealed.]

[Bice♥(Dimensional Waiting Room): Huh? Irregular mutations happened twice in a row? A priest and vampire mix, and a werewolf with the moon mix? What's that, a new trendy way to commit suicide?]

[Bice♥(Dimensional Waiting Room): Both are fine... Huh, such beings are usually called 'Villains.' Dhampirs like you mentioned are a prime example, but those two are really blatant.]

[Bice♥(Dimensional Waiting Room): Take good care of them; they'll be a great help. Ah— but.]

[Bice♥(Dimensional Waiting Room): Did they eat your shiny cooking?]

[Bice♥(Dimensional Waiting Room): I knew it. I'm jealous.]

[Bice♥(Dimensional Waiting Room): It must have been delicious. I want to eat it too.]

[Bice♥(Dimensional Waiting Room): You better make a lot when we meet. Really a lot, enough to fill up my inventory.]

[Bice♥(Dimensional Waiting Room): (Message deleted.)]

[Bice♥(Dimensional Waiting Room): ...Don't say that to just any girl, okay? Answer me right now.]

[Bice♥(Dimensional Waiting Room): Ah, I really can't be at ease.]

[Bice♥(Dimensional Waiting Room): One of the mutated ones is a girl, right?]

[Bice♥(Dimensional Waiting Room): She fainted seeing your face? Why?]

[Bice♥(Dimensional Waiting Room): I'm still worried... It's not like there will be more girls there, right?]

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