Chapter 132

Chapter 132 - Omen (6)

"Is this like what the slavers...?"

Eugene recalled the mysterious art of immortality used by the fanatics. The mystery where they fought without dying even when vital spots were stabbed and necks were slashed.

'No... It's something different.'

The power that turned fanatics into immortals was a sinister aura akin to turning humans into undead while alive.

Conversely, the blessing enveloping Might right now felt warm and somewhat nostalgic. Exactly as if returning to a mother's womb.

The cold touch of the Grim Reaper dared not invade that space where only warmth and affection were permitted.

[Thanks to you, I could be liberated from the false faith that shackled me.]

Once again, the Goddess's voice echoed in Eugene's head. However, the resonance was strained and laced with noise, as if she was forcing herself.

"By false faith, do you mean those slavers?"

[... To the castle...]

Curiosities could wait to be resolved later. Right now was the time he must not lose the hard-earned opportunity.

"Lamias noticing the anomaly at the stronghold might swarm over... Prepare to escape this place in a hurry."

At Eugene's command, his subordinates began preparations to withdraw.

The influence would likely remain immediately after the Queen's death. He declined encountering Lamias returning from conquest activities in various places.

Might, sleeping like the dead, was loaded onto a small cart. The Lamia Queen's corpse was placed on the large cart next to it.

"She is extremely large, but being a snake made her easy to load... We coiled her up in a swirl, so she didn't require much space."

It looked somewhat like a stereotypical turd. Since even the scales were golden, the mercenaries whispered among themselves.

However, it was a situation where everyone saw Eugene lose the warhorse he had shared a long time with. Despite the great victory, they held back their jokes and read the room.

To a knight, a warhorse is like a partner of destiny, so no explanation was needed regarding how immense the anger and sorrow their Lord felt right now would be.

"She is so large we used up all the preservatives we brought."

Only someone with a deep relationship like Rex could speak comfortably.

"You processed her quite quickly."

"It is a temporary measure... We sliced open the belly, removed her intestines, and filled it with preservative chemicals... We can do the rest slowly later."

A massive amount of intestines extracted from the Queen was piled near the processing site.

Just like the original snake, the volume the intestines took up in her body was overwhelming. With all of that removed, the snake body became slender and the weight lighter.

"Isn't this the proof of subjugation to show the city and another symbol to decorate your honor, Sir Knight? We absolutely cannot leave her behind."

Rex was resolute. Despite his entire body being dirtied by the Lamia Queen's blood and bodily fluids, his face was rather satisfied.

"I was tense thinking you would simply smash her head right after killing the Queen."

"A grudge is a grudge, but we must collect what we can collect."

Eugene's momentum had been so brutal that no one dared speak up. Because everyone saw him that enraged for the first time.

"Speak comfortably from now on... I am not the type to scold you over things like that."

"Of course... Speaking honestly, while your personal fame is soaring high, the family's name is seldom known, is it not?"

"The majority have probably never even heard of it."

Eugene casually affirmed. It was merely a family in name he inherited from Godfrey in the first place.

"What we need at times like this is overwhelming military exploits... Because what determines the prestige of a knight lineage is ultimately strength."

There is a reason newly established knight families zealously participate in nationwide tournaments or risk their lives enthusiastically subjugating monsters.

"A Wendigo, a Gnoll Chieftain, and now even a Lamia Queen... Guests visiting the Moving Castle will be greeted by horrifying monsters the moment the castle gates open... Shall we call it a sort of Pantheon?"

"It would be closer to a Pandemonium rather than that."

Spoils of defeated monsters are the most effective means to flaunt a knight family's prestige.

This alone was a glory unobtainable, regardless of the family's long history or vast wealth, without producing an outstanding knight.

Being preoccupied with Might's condition, Eugene was merely grateful for their considerate hearts taking care of this.

"Let's dismantle that necklace... I wish to repay your sincerity."

Eugene pointed at the spoil hanging on the Lamia Queen's neck. Because it was made by weaving the jewels and accessories of countless looted items, if split, everyone could gain a jewel each.

"We appreciate the thought, but it would be best to leave that necklace as it is... It is already a work of art and a treasure on its own, so we do not wish to break it."

The numerous jewels and accessories were connected, hardened like amber by a substance the Lamia Queen secreted.

Rex wished to exhibit it as is in the Moving Castle's hall. The other tribal warriors felt the same.

"The Queen's taxidermy and the massive necklace she created... These two are a set... It's too much of a waste to break it for momentary greed."

"It will also help in drawing in kin who have not joined us yet... Showing it once will be more effective than a hundred persuasions... Because they will want to participate in the hunts that will follow."

The Moving Castle was already the Blackhand tribe's nest. It would become a tremendous pride not only for the current family but also for the children born in the future.

Although they were tribal warriors who loved looting and gold and silver treasures, they could hold back as much as they wanted.

Because nothing in the world held more value than the proud smiles of their children.

* * *

The path of Eugene's army returning was pleasant. There wasn't a single battle worthy of the name.

The Lamia Queen, the Rakshasa tribe, and even the Desert Orcs. Because the forces wielding great influence over the area had been subjugated in a short time, creating a power vacuum.

"To think it was such a terrible curse... Even you would have been in danger if you were hit directly."

"It looks as if hundreds of fire ant spirits gnawed on his body and left... Assuming such spirits exist, that is."

Looking at Might on the cart, both Marbas and Eugene bore heavy expressions.

Countless blackened, dead blood vessels stood out. The once smooth skin had lost its vitality and was cracked wide open like the heel of an 80-year-old elder.

Like the shed skin of a snake or cicada. Might's body was crumbling away as if afflicted by a curse that turned one into a molted shell alive.

The mercenaries suffering from curses in the village was practically child's play compared to this.

"A horse is a timid animal... Cases of them abandoning their owner and fleeing during monster hunts are quite common... Even as a Barcia warhorse, facing a Lamia Champion proudly is amazing, but to think he sacrificed his life to protect his owner."

A horse is different from a dog. Understandable though friendship may be, they belong to animals far removed from the virtue of loyalty.

Therefore, the cart where Might lay was piled with flowers picked by the tribal warriors during the march. A brave and loyal warhorse is a treasure among treasures that even gold cannot buy.

"Is there no way to save him with your holy sacrament? Just as you extinguished the flames burning me."

Marbas asked hoping against hope, but he recognized the slim possibility.

"If I had to define the power I use in one word, it is 'Rescue'... It is possible to rescue someone starving to death, someone sinking and suffocating, or someone slowly withering away."

Eugene reached out his arm and stroked Might. It was a horrifying body seemingly eaten away inside and out, but thanks to Vanas's protection, he was sleeping peacefully.

"However, fixing what has already been destroyed is impossible."

"I am sorry... For making you speak painful words."

"It's alright... Because there is still hope."

Eugene gazed in the direction of the approaching Moving Castle. He seemed to feel the castle's fervent wish longing for its owner's return.

"Goddess Vanas said to return to the castle if I wish to resist fate... She is a god in name, so she wouldn't have spoken nonsense."

"I did not know you were so devout... I thought it was a joke when you said it was a short-term contract."

"I did mean it as a joke, though?"

Marbas looked at Eugene with a flustered face.

"You alone heard the Goddess's voice, and did she not send down such a miracle? It is an impossible feat without sincere faith!"

"Well, I did speak quite seriously when praising the Goddess before the mercenaries in the village."

- Vanas. In an incredibly barbaric past, she was the first to birth and spread tolerance... Any forgiveness or consideration you have enjoyed at least once in your lives originated from her.

At the time, Eugene had entered method acting and spoke enthusiastically.

To perfectly formulate a lie while he was at it, and to show courtesy to the Goddess he was welcoming as a member of the castle.

However, Eugene wielded an unprecedentedly powerful otherworldly force. His method acting filled with respect truly became nourishment for Goddess Vanas.

"A powerful mage's words naturally carry spiritual weight."

Understanding what had happened, Marbas let out a hollow laugh.

"If the Goddess spoke to such an extent, there must definitely be a way to save Might... Let us hold onto hope."

Valda, spurring her horse and approaching his side, wrapped her hand around Eugene's right hand.

To a knight, a warhorse is like family. Valda, too, had shared the journey since the beginning and formed a deep attachment.

- Always thank you. Please continue doing your best for my knight.

It was also her who frequently massaged Might and managed him by brushing his coat.

Squeeze.

Eugene's left hand was held by Homi.

She had shared the journey since he initiated his very first quest as a knight from Kingdom's End village. Feeling affection for Might was the same for Homi.

"The Lord has returned!"

A short while later, Eugene's army returned to the castle amidst the enthusiastic welcome of the dwarven guards.

* * *

People of this world do not believe gods are omnipotent.

With all sorts of mysteries lurking everywhere, and experiencing divine power in the form of miracles, they also knew its limits well.

Should it be said that because the existence of gods isn't separated from life, they faced it more realistically instead?

Under such circumstances, a certain mystic's argument drove a wedge.

- Does God have the will to extinguish evil but lacks the ability? Then God is not omnipotent.

- If God has the capability but lacks the will, then God is an evil god, so there is no reason to worship them.

The problem of evil was thrown into the religious world, as wherever humans live is similar.

However, the ripple effect was on a different dimension from what Eugene knew.

Because this is a world where people rub shoulders with evil beings like evil gods, monsters, and undead.

It overflows with people eaten alive and losing their villages to evil forces directly insulting their faith.

In such circumstances, the priests saying, 'God loves you all and is omnipotent,' inevitably sounds dubitable.

That is the reason armed priests and monk knights travel the world risking their lives to eradicate monsters. Only by doing so could they truly preach God's flawlessness to the masses.

This is why mages stepping into mysteries and knowledge deride religion even more.

Conversely, summoners or witches who gain power from existences of other dimensions adopted an attitude as devoted as priests.

"Lord... I heard you received the Goddess's calling."

Upon entering the temple where the Goddess's statue stood, a tribal witch soaked in joy welcomed him. It was the young lady who became captivated by Vanas and turned into a believer not long ago.

Hearing the Goddess's voice during an expedition from afar meant one thing. It signified that the Castle Lord had also adopted the same faith as her.

"She bestowed a blessing upon the warhorse that sacrificed itself for me... Thanks to that, I could bring him here without pain."

Tolerance granting a reprieve from death to provide time for farewell. The priestess teared up at the manifestation of the authority she had only heard through legends.

"I will devote myself looking forward to the day God communicates with me as well."

Hearing God's voice was harder than manifesting miracles through a human body.

Because even she, currently the sole priestess, had not heard a single word from Vanas yet.

"Goddess. I have come here following your guidance... What must I do? What can you do for me?"

As if responding to those words, an intense mystery poured out from the Goddess's statue. It signified one thing.

Eugene approached the Goddess's statue following his instincts and reached out his hand. But he stopped right before touching it.

"Is something the matter?"

"...I just remembered something."

Eugene retracted his gaze from the wondering priestess. She was wearing nothing but a single thin robe.

"Cassandra. Could you come here?"

"As the Lord wishes."

Cassandra, who had been watching with interest, trotted over at Eugene's call.

"I'm sorry, but take off your coat."

"...?"

Although puzzled, Cassandra took off the long leather coat she was wearing and handed it over. She was wearing a sleeveless top underneath, exposing her well-developed shoulders and arms.

Eugene folded the coat neatly and hugged it preciously in his arms.

"I don't know why you're doing this, but it doesn't feel bad."

Cassandra giggled at that sight.

Afterward, Eugene touched the leg of the Goddess's statue. An alien yet goodwill-filled mystery tried to enter his body through the touch.

He could have pushed it away as much as he wanted if he wished to resist, but Eugene passively accepted it instead.

Then, Cassandra's laughter ceased. The people who came to watch, and the quiet yet holy temple all vanished together.

Eugene was in a different space while maintaining his kneeling posture. Alone in an ancient-style temple built outdoors by erecting stone pillars.

'As expected, was I summoned to Goddess Vanas's mental world?'

He was Eugene, who grew up in the Main God Order's monastery and heard countless anecdotes regarding the communication between God and humans.

Seeing the mystery the Goddess's statue emitted, he had guessed what would happen the moment he touched it.

Swish, swish.

The sound of bare feet sweeping the stone floor could be heard. A beautiful woman identical to the Goddess's statue was approaching.

Vanas's expression was as gentle as could be, yet on the other hand, signs of shyness were also visible.

'I don't know where to rest my eyes.'

Because her attire was also the same as the Goddess's statue. The pieces of cloth covering the voluptuous female body were far too small.

A god is powerful yet bound by human imagination. Experiencing a downfall, she could not refuse the attire later believers arbitrarily imagined.

* * *

Since her birth as a god, Vanas had never met an existence that accepted otherworldly power as well as Eugene. Therefore, it was also her first time summoning a human into her domain.

Gods boasting mighty religious influence could hold such meetings through great priests emerging occasionally. But to the fading Vanas, it was like a dream.

She wished to display her dignity as a god upon welcoming the long-awaited moment, but her attire was far too obscene for that.

The corners of Eugene's mouth curled up feeling the texture of the leather coat in his arms. Preparing it just in case proved rewarding.

"Goddess Vanas... I thank you for the goodwill you showed me and Might."

Eugene knelt on one knee and respectfully raised both hands. Cassandra's leather coat rested upon them.

"I have brought a tribute for you here, so please accept it."

"!!!"

The Goddess's eyes widened roundly at the unexpected offering. However, she soon burst into a broad smile, rejoicing.

Receiving the coat with trembling hands and draping it over her body, the Goddess scanned her own appearance this way and that.

Then, suddenly realizing her frivolous behavior, she straightened her posture.

And she carefully reached out her hand toward the kneeling Eugene's head.

[Your castle is alive.]

It was not a voice. Eugene could feel the Goddess's will from her palm touching his head.

[All life dreams of conception... Somewhere within the castle lies her womb... Take your friend there... My grace will always accompany you.]

When those words ended, Eugene felt the scenery surrounding him return to reality.

Everyone surrounding Eugene was staring at him with amazed faces.

Crackle.

"Lord... Your clothes..."

The priestess pointed at the leather coat crumbling into pieces like ashes in Eugene's arms.

"I met the Goddess and offered it as a tribute."

"My goodness!"

Leaving behind the priestess who covered her mouth with a deeply moved face, Eugene apologized to Cassandra.

"I am sorry... I didn't think it would be ruined."

"Clothes are consumables anyway."

Cassandra shrugged her shoulders.

"I will compensate you with better clothes."

"You will pick them out for me personally, correct?"

With her hands behind her back, Cassandra leaned her upper body forward and smiled.

"My fashion sense is not exactly great, but is that fine?"

"You may pick whatever suits your taste, Lord. That's what the clothes are for, after all."

Cassandra also looked pleased, gaining not only an interesting spectacle but also indebting Eugene.

* * *

Two bodies for one soul. That was the relationship between Eugene and the Moving Castle, but many areas of the castle remained veiled in mystery and secrets.

It was a castle submerged in another dimension for a long time. Even now, salvaged into the present world, there were locations heavily saturated with its influence.

An ordinary person feeling chills just by approaching was practically nothing.

If food was brought it, it instantly lost its flavor as if offered as a tribute to someone.

Bizarre phenomena resembling poltergeists occurred, and incidents of losing one's sense of direction were plentiful.

- It is like the ground where puddles form after rain... The castle still contains the other dimension, and it will take time for all of it to drain out.

Following Marbas's advice, they completely sealed off the passages and allowed residents to travel only within restricted zones.

And today, Eugene tore down one of those seals.

"I-It gives me the chills."

The dwarven warriors transferring Might via a stretcher shivered at the atmosphere of the zone they visited for the first time.

The place they were heading now was the zone where the most unstable aura swirled even within the Moving Castle.

"Relax... Nothing in this castle will harm you."

Eugene patted his subordinates' backs and advanced as the mysterious aura guided them.

However, the dwarves continuously twitched their beards and checked their surroundings anxiously. Even without magical talent, they sensitively perceived the world through their beards.

'I think the castle is feeling displeased.'

They could feel it wasn't pleased with their entry, even if the owner Eugene was ignorant to it.

But they couldn't cowardly fall back when their Lord was taking the lead while guaranteeing safety. Finally, they reached a single room.

"W-What in the world is that?"

"A flower?"

A massive something resembling a lotus flower bloomed in the room.

The reason they couldn't say for certain it was a flower was its immense size, but also because every single petal looked like flesh. Furthemore, blood vessels were even bulging all over it.

Through the air vibrations touching their beards, the dwarves could tell the meat flower was pulsating. Below it lay a pond.

"It's a strange smell."

"It feels somewhat salty..."

The dwarves twitched their beards and sniffed. Befitting a race of the earth, they boasted a quite excellent sense of smell, if not as much as Beastfolk.

Ruuuuuumble.

At that moment, the room trembled.

"You've worked hard coming this far... Return now."

Eugene dismissed them. Because he sensed the castle feeling displeased at the dwarves penetrating its deepest core.

"But handling that warhorse alone... I suppose moving it won't be an issue for you, Lord."

The dwarves, who pondered briefly looking at Might, easily weighing over 500kg, quickly agreed and withdrew.

Once the dwarves left, Eugene took off his shoes and lifted Might into his arms. Might still remained motionless, his consciousness straddling life and sleep.

Splash.

As Eugene's bare feet stepped into the pond, lukewarm yet slightly sticky liquid coiled around them.

The meaty petals bloomed wide, guiding Eugene into its embrace.

As he ventured deep into it, Eugene remembered a horror novel he read in the distant past.

It was a story where a pet cat died and was buried in a pet cemetery, but because magical power flowed there, it resurrected and returned the next day.

Merely transformed into something taking the outward appearance of a cat.

"A story is just a story."

Eugene laid Might down upon the flesh flower and kissed its cheek.

Slither.

The fleshy petals that had bloomed fully rose and began covering Might.

"If things go wrong, I will grant you eternal rest."

Stepping back, Eugene tightly grasped the hilt of Final Autumn worn on his waist.

[I shall guide it... So that your friend's body and soul do not lose their way.]

To put Eugene's mind at ease, Vanas's voice echoed in his mind.

[He will return to your embrace in a stronger and more beautiful form.]

Manifesting miracles at the boundary between life and death is Vanas's authority.

This very moment. With the Moving Castle's womb becoming the catalyst, a miracle in a different form was about to manifest.