Chapter 26

There are some rather disturbing and graphic descriptions in this text. If you are sensitive to such content, please stop reading at the point where Chaos and Alexia's story end.

In the world of 'Another World,' a religion exists that worships multiple creator gods who created this world. The quest to receive a promotion to a secondary class involves visiting a temple, which is a requirement for the transition. Since all three of us finally reached level 50, we decided to go through with the promotion.

I'm glad we made it just in time. It was really a close call.

To promote to a secondary class, one must offer the designated offering to the creator gods at a temple (any temple in any city will do). By offering these items, one receives power from the creator gods and completes the promotion. The offerings can be materials from monsters or items obtained from ruins, but since all three of us needed monster materials, we quickly obtained them and placed them on the altar in the temple. A faint pillar of light rose from those who offered the items, and when the light subsided, the promotion was complete. A priest was staring at us with wide eyes, perhaps because promotions are a rare sight for NPCs.

Now, regarding the secondary classes, Alexia, as expected, became a Sage, I became a Wizard, and Irene became a Berserker. Irene's evasion skills are indeed better suited for a Berserker compared to a Knight or Paladin, but with the powerful support magic of a Sage and the powerful attack magic of a Wizard, our party will likely become even more overpowered in terms of firepower. We really need an archer-type companion to join us.

Let's check the skills now. The skill trees for secondary classes are independent of the primary class skill trees, so there are no skills that require you to have learned a primary class skill to unlock. Since I've been conserving skill points after obtaining 'Mana Explosion,' I can allocate a generous amount to my secondary class skills from the start.

The most powerful spells for a Wizard are the grand magic spells, which include elemental spells of fire, water, wind, and earth, as well as non-elemental area-of-effect and single-target spells. However, it's impossible to learn all the area-of-effect and single-target spells due to the limited skill points. I need to make some choices, especially since there are many essential secondary class skills. For example, 'Double Spell,' which allows you to cast a spell once and then cast it again without a recast time (like 'Mana Explosion'), and 'Intelligence Shield,' a powerful defensive spell that reduces damage based on your Intelligence.

This time, I decided to learn the wind area-of-effect spell 'Thunderstorm.' I chose this spell because it's a lightning spell. I've always wondered how lightning spells work in places like caves with ceilings. I doubt they can't be used in caves, but it's interesting to see what happens. Non-elemental spells also come from the sky, but I'll save that for the official service launch.

Alexia learned the balance-breaking enhancement spell 'Addition' and the area debuff spell 'Erase,' which randomly nullifies enemy buffs. Both have been tested. I confirmed 'Erase' by using it to nullify my 'Intelligence Shield' (a thin, white dome). It will likely be devastating in PvP.

Let's test the performance of 'Thunderstorm' now. I used a 'Warp Portal' to teleport to a cave. The uneven ground is difficult to walk on, but the stalactites and stalagmites, which have grown over many years, create a unique and mysterious atmosphere. Irene is also captivated by the scenery, which she seems to enjoy.

I start chanting in a suitable open area. As I begin, a blue magic circle appears on the ceiling. I told the two of them I would test a spell, but I kept the specific spell a secret, so they are surprised by the magic circle.

Grand magic spells are known for their immense power, but their casting and recast times do not change even as the skill level increases. The casting time is twenty seconds, and the recast time is five minutes. The longest casting and recast times I've experienced so far are seven seconds and forty-five seconds for 'Mana Explosion.' The MP cost is also significant, so I need to be careful about when I use it.

A black cloud, which seems out of place with the color of the magic circle, begins to cover the stalactites. It appears that the magic circle is generating this cloud. Occasionally, lightning arcs between the cloud and the stalactites, illuminating the area.

However, this cloud... isn't it taking too long? ...Could it be that there's no place for the cloud to go because of the confined space? Cold sweat trickles down my face.

"Chaos, is this going to be okay?"

"…It might not be."

With those brief words, I start to move away from the cloud like a rabbit fleeing.

Suddenly, a blinding light dominates the cave, and a deafening roar pushes against our backs.

"Alexia, are you alright!?"

"Yes, I'm fine. Mr. Chaos protected me. Is Irene okay?"

Irene covers her ears and comes over, seemingly affected by the lingering sound of the lightning. I managed to shield Alexia by covering her, but I couldn't protect Irene. It seems she used a stalagmite as a shield to avoid the worst.

"Thank goodness, you're both safe... I'm not injured, but I didn't expect this much..."

Irene and I are covered in white. We are coughing badly. However, what Irene is referring to is not this.

The magic circle and black cloud are gone. The cave, which should have been a fantastical scene, is now destroyed. The stalactites, which hung from the ceiling like icicles, are broken at their bases, leaving only faint traces. The stalagmites, which were under the black cloud, are shattered and scattered on the cave floor.

A space that took unimaginable time to create in reality has been reduced to a barren wasteland in just a few dozen seconds, with dust still floating in the air.

—It's awkward. The silence is awkward.

"Chaos."

A chill runs down my spine at the cold voice.

"Did you know this would happen?"

I shake my head in denial, but Irene's icy gaze does not waver. I look to Alexia for help with a pleading expression, but after a moment of confusion, she smiles wryly.

"I can't really back you up. You need to reflect on this properly."

And with that, the final blow is delivered.

I have a sense of déjà vu. I remember now. It's similar to the time my mother was angry when a hostess's business card with a photo fell out of my father's suit. My father was questioned and looked at her with a pleading expression, but she laughed and sent him off. I'm sorry, Father. You can hate me for abandoning you then.

"Chaos, are you ready?"

OK, Irene. I'm ready. The 'SEI' in SEIZA stands for sincerity. I'm prepared to bow down humbly.

A second thunderclap echoes through the cave on this day—

Alexia: "What do you mean by putting me in danger?"

Alexia: "Think about the power of your magic before using it."

Alexia: "Be more restrained."

Alexia: "Learn some common sense."

After an hour of Irene's scolding, Chaos felt a numbness in his legs and a headache, sensations he normally wouldn't experience. At first, the criticisms were reasonable, but as the scolding continued, Chaos began to wonder if Irene's complaints were mixed in. Despite this, he couldn't speak up due to the atmosphere and Irene's intensity. The scene was traumatic, and even though it would reset during the weekly server maintenance, the landscape would remain changed until then. Perhaps it was thoughtless to alter the terrain unnecessarily. Given this, he accepted the scolding, acknowledging that he needed to learn common sense.

With the sense that it might continue, Alexia finally intervened, and they left the cave. The sun was already setting.

"Since it's getting late, shall we解散 (disband) for today?"

Alexia suggested. It felt natural and routine to her now. She believed they would meet again tomorrow.

—But her words hinted at a sudden and inevitable parting.

"I'm sorry, but we won't be able to meet for a while."

"Eh—"

What did Mr. Chaos just say? Alexia's mind went blank, and she couldn't form a response. The cruel reality of the situation began to sink in.

—It was the beginning of an unexpected separation.

In a room dyed a dark red, several young women attend to a single girl. The girl, with a bored expression, twirls the ends of her long platinum blonde hair, which is highlighted by a purple ribbon.

"Ugh, this is so boring. I should have chosen a different country if it was this easy."

She finishes a glass of red wine, wiping the red droplets that fall on her pale skin with black lace gloves, exuding an allure that is inappropriate for her age.

"That side is still taking too long. What are they doing? The master's orders are absolute, you know."

She angrily demands a glass from a nearby woman, who looks uneasy, as if afraid of something. They fear that displeasing the girl could mean life or death.

"Ugh, I'm so bored. ...Oh, I know!"

She claps her hands, an innocent gesture that fills the room with tension.

"I remember, there was a knight who resisted until the end. Bring him here, and prepare what I'm about to say."

She smiles, a mesmerizing but twisted smile, and the women sigh in relief, grateful not to be the chosen sacrifice.

A middle-aged knight is brought in by one of the women. Despite being bound, he cannot move, which seems unnatural. He frowns at the room's stifling odor.

"So, you were in charge of defending this city, right? Good evening."

"…Monster."

The knight's words prompt the women to try to cover his mouth, but the girl in the black dress stops them with a glance.

"Oh, to call such a cute girl a monster is so harsh. Perhaps you lack proper gentlemanly education."

"Hmph... What do you want?"

The girl, rather than being offended, speaks with amusement, while the knight responds with disinterest.

"Just a bit of entertainment or a pastime."

"Entertainment? What kind of entertainment?"

"Entertainment. Just a game. If you win, I'll let you go unharmed."

The knight narrows his eyes, assessing the sincerity of her words.

"And if I lose?"

"Nothing much. It will be the same as it is now. I have the power over life and death, so it's a fair deal, isn't it?"

The knight considers this. He has subordinates and family in this land. Is there any meaning in being freed if it means abandoning them? But if this demonic entity is released, it will surely harm the country. There is doubt about whether she will keep her promise, but there is a chance, however small.

"If you don't respond, I'll take it as a yes. I won't give you another chance."

She repeats her question, slightly annoyed by his lack of response.

He closes his eyes, the faces of his subordinates, father, wife, and son flashing through his mind. "I'm sorry," he thinks. "You can hate me if you want," he silently offers as a form of atonement for the sins he is about to commit. He places his hope in the duty to protect the country and the slim chance of saving them, and he makes a pact with the girl, a pact with the devil.

Four glasses of red wine are placed before the knight.

"The game is simple. Do you have a good sense of taste? You need to identify the origin of these wines."

"Hmph, even a monster can have a good palate, I see."

"Yes, I'm very good at it. It's a bit of a special skill. I can identify them in great detail. Are you good at it?"

The knight, though he doesn't show it, smirks inwardly. This country is a trading nation, and this city is a hub for wines from various countries. He is a heavy drinker, often drinking with his subordinates and getting scolded by his wife. He is confident in his abilities.

"Since you're bound, I'll have to feed you. Consider it an honor."

The girl picks up a glass and brings it to the knight's lips. He sniffs the aroma and gags.

"Cough... Cough...! What is this!"

"What's wrong? Is there a problem?"

"Are you kidding me! What's wrong, indeed! This isn't wine! This is—blood!"

The girl looks confused at the knight's words, then realizes what he means.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I should have mentioned it. It's blood wine. Since it's from a monster, it's only natural, right?"

"Who would drink such a thing!"

The knight is outraged, but the girl looks sad.

"You're such a cruel person. I went to great lengths to select this blood for you..."

She takes a sip of the blood wine.

"This is from a young man. He's quite fit, so the blood is refreshing. But he's not a virgin, so there's a slight bitterness. He's from this city."

The knight looks at her with growing unease as she continues.

"This one is from an old man. The smell is terrible! The blood of the elderly is always bad. It's the same in any city, though."

She throws the glass away.

"This one is from a middle-aged woman. She was quite beautiful, but she has children, so I wanted a more fruity taste. Virgins are the best. I wonder if she's from this city."

"O-oi... You can't be serious..."

The knight's face turns pale.

"The last one is from a ten-year-old boy. The taste is very smooth. It's a perfect choice! A virgin, indeed! It has a similar taste to the woman, so they might be related."

"Stop it... Stop it!"

As the knight's suspicions turn to certainty, he struggles, but the women on either side hold him down.

"Did you finally realize? Isn't it a bit late? I can tell by the smell. Humans are so heartless, aren't they? Or are you particularly heartless?"

"Of course... it is..."

"Very good! All of them are related to you! I selected them carefully for you."

The girl laughs, and the knight's blood runs cold.

"The first one was your subordinate. He recently got married. It's a shame, but he gave his life for the captain. He wanted me to tell you, 'Captain, why did you betray us?' It's understandable. Everyone wants to survive. He cursed you while bleeding to death. You're not very popular as a captain, are you?"

She offers to introduce him to her minions as