Chapter 143

Chapter 143 - From Behind to the Side

The sanctuary where the holy statue of Banas was enshrined.

Homi, wearing only a thin silk garment, knelt in a formal seated posture.

"O Goddess... I entrust my precious one here to you... Lest she misstep, please support her and guide her on the righteous path."

Granting a dying warrior time to bid farewell is Banas' representative authority.

Even if not necessarily death, she could intervene when intense changes occur to the body.

Just like blocking the evil energy when it infiltrated and tried to corrupt Might during his reincarnation process.

There could be no better place than this to prepare for emergencies when absorbing the heart of the forest.

"Are you ready?"

Nod.

On Homi's two palms respectfully raised, Eugene placed the heart of the forest down.

The moment the two existences that had consistently attracted each other like magnets met, a change occurred. That which had the form of a heart unraveled atop Homi's hands.

Inherently, the heart was a single elongated fibrous tissue twisted in a spiral string.

The heart of the forest spread out like a long cloth changed its form and bloomed into a single flower.

For Eugene, the most he could do was smell the remnants of the mighty spirit from the flower. Because although he was an outstanding knight and mage, he was only human after all.

On the other hand, Homi, flowing with wild blood, smelled the scent of meat and blood compressed innumerably from the flower. What resided within it was the fighting spirit of creatures that had died over a long period.

Grumble.

Her stomach reacted to the mouth-watering prey.

Lips like cherries opened, revealing pure white teeth. It was the lovely mouth Eugene had seen countless times while dining together with her.

However, for the first time today, her mouth felt unfamiliar. The lips of the country maiden happily chewing the food her hometown older brother cooked were nowhere to be found.

There was the mouth of a beast burying its face in the belly of a dying deer and coveting its innards.

Gulp.

Homi swallowed the heart of the forest in one gulp.

As if that wasn't enough, her pink tongue licked her lips. Darting like a snake, as if to claim even the remaining scent of mystery in the air as hers.

Eugene realized for the first time that Homi's tongue was this long. And even that she, whom he only considered a lovely younger sister, could make such a seductive face and tongue movements.

Power.

The only wish Homi, who seemed devoid of greed, secretly craved.

The moment she embraced it, her face bloomed into that of a fully mature woman who knows desire.

Screeech.

Under the palm of Homi resting on the floor, the sound of something grinding was heard.

Sharply grown nails were engaged in a durability contest with the stone floor built with ancient kingdom masonry. If the floor had been ordinary stone, it would have cracked like tofu.

As Homi withdrew her will, her nails returned to normal.

"Her toenails came out too."

"..."

Even at the tips of her kneeling toes, sharply and long-extended claws had grown.

For some reason, Homi's face blushed. Immediately, her toenails returned to normal too.

However, these things were merely extremely superficial aspects of the power she acquired. The true power gifted by the heart of the forest is the legacy of struggle.

Hunting for predation, territorial disputes, tests of strength for reproduction, stealth for surprise attacks, agility to prevent females from biting her head off.

Skill versus skill competitions repeating thousands and tens of thousands of times a day in Mother Nature. Tricks.

Harsh exams where meat and reproduction are bestowed upon successful ones, and death upon failures.

The experiences consisting solely of life-risking real combat melted into Homi's blood.

Homi slowly began to move her body. It seemed like a dance performance, an animal's gait, or like reenacting a forgotten martial art.

'It seems the absorption ended safely.'

Eugene quietly stepped back and considerately left Homi alone.

For a newly born warrior, time is inherently required to make that power her own.

Thump.

Walking out of the sanctuary, Eugene placed his hand on his rapidly beating heart.

Just as Homi had craved power, Eugene too had hoped for the day he could fight side-by-side with her.

Wishing to stand beside him, not behind him, was not Homi's sole wish alone.

* * *

The Moving Castle was busy in the midst of deployment preparations. Because a large-scale battle on a different level from pirate extermination or monster hunting done so far lay ahead.

It was a war directed against Sicily Island supervised by the Apostle State.

"Your injuries haven't even healed, please just stay in the castle."

"It's merely a scratch... Something like this will heal while marching."

The rescued and newly joined tribe warriors all requested to participate in the war.

Non-combatants packed various consumables including combat rations for those heading to the battlefield.

Youths facing their first real combat having just come of age inspected their equipment with tense faces.

"I didn't know the pirates would retreat so quickly."

Eugene, who was inspecting the inside of the castle with Marbas, said.

"There are no ones as sensitive to superstitions as sailors."

Fear spread rapidly as a few fairly large pirate factions were annihilated by the forest spirit and the monsters she raised.

- It's a monster! A god is angry!

- To get scared of just Wights...

- It wasn't something like Wights! I swear I felt their breath on my face!

Mycelium monsters possessing speed, durability, and strength incomparable to the undead. The pirates earnestly spread rumors of that terror.

"To think a rumor that an infectious disease was spreading would circulate."

"It's not strange either. If there are enemies running at you leaking bizarre shrieks with mushrooms dangling here and there on their bodies, it's perfect to mistake them for such."

Frightened by the terrifying rumor of a contagious disease turning people into mold-covered monsters, the pirates panicked.

- Captain! We must flee immediately! This place is cursed!

- You idiots! Even if we leave, we should grab something before we go...

The bosses were frustrated, but their subordinates' fear was far too severe. With the subjugation army also gathering in earnest on top of that, they had no choice but to issue retreat orders.

The problem escalated as the pirates plundering the western and southern parts of the peninsula fled to Sicily Island.

- Ah, you complete idiots!

In their haste, the pirates fled to the comrades they normally exchanged secret pacts with, but the Sicilyn nobles were going crazy.

Because it was a relationship of secret pacts strictly meant to remain in the shadows, yet its substance was exposed to the entire world.

The war between the Apostle State and Sicily began precisely like that.

"I knew the relationship between the two sides was bad, but I didn't think they would declare a holy war."

"You don't need to put too much weight on the term holy war... Unlike the past where it was declared once every few centuries, it's used quite frequently nowadays."

"Ah, is that so?"

"It's a representative term corrupted politically... Because there are more than a few cases where a holy war is declared and either fizzles out or ends in defeat."

"For something like that, it seemed like everyone who was anyone was swarming there."

Though he had withdrawn to the Moving Castle, external reconnaissance was done meticulously.

The scouting party reported that countless large and small mercenary corps were mobilizing. They were mercenary corps of the peninsula gathering to join the holy war declared by the Apostle State.

"Whether succeeding or failing, there's a lot to gain. The most certain and safe path for a lowly-born mercenary to reign as a noble is establishing exploits in a holy war."

There were mainly two categories when the Apostle State declared a holy war.

One is when monsters or bandit hordes causing disasters significant enough to exterminate the noble family ruling that region arise.

The other is when a noble colludes with heathens or repeatedly commits tyranny impossible to simply stand by and watch.

Either way, if victorious in the holy war, a new ruler was needed to govern the land left vacant.

The Apostle State, where the leadership of various religious orders gathered, possessed the authority and power to legally bestow blue blood upon a lowborn.

For a mercenary captain to recklessly dub himself a lord without such backing was madness. It was perfectly fitting for him to meet an ending disappearing as dew at the execution ground or hanging on the gallows in just a few years.

"It's true the Apostle State is a group with many problems... Oppressive and with a severe tendency to operate politically. However, there is no room for doubt that they are people who strive to protect the masses more than anyone in this harsh world."

"They must have shuddered in disgust at Sicilyn nobles colluding with pirates every year."

"In the midst of that, the forest spirit even appeared and raised up monsters, so they exploded."

In this era, when one incident erupts, all sorts of related false rumors circulate.

The incident where the forest spirit turned the area into ruins was distorted into a wicked heathen raising an undead legion.

The armed priests who were with Eugene definitely returned and completed their reports. There would be testimonies from other clergymen or adventurers as well.

"By now, the Apostle State must have roughly grasped the truth, but they probably have no intention of correcting the rumors anyway."

"Rather, they'll inflate it further."

Even if nearby, since it was a war waged against great nobles of an island across the sea, it was necessary to build justification as much as possible.

Although the Sicilyn nobles, who merely received some kickbacks, acted as spies, and traded fenced goods with the pirates, would find it unfair.

* * *

The lord's exclusive training ground inside the castle.

Eugene and Valda were sparring, crossing wooden swords.

Just as Eugene was learning the Elvish language from her, she was learning self-defense swordsmanship from him.

"I always feel this, but unlike your slender appearance, you have great stamina?"

"No woman who farms is frail... Because a mage of the forest is both a herb gatherer and a farmer."

Unlike the large-scale drilling grounds used by regular troops, this place overflowed with an elegant atmosphere.

The black glossy floor was polished like onyx, reflecting those running around on it like a mirror.

Slap slap.

The sound of soles moving back and forth on it was endlessly endearing.

Thwack!

As wooden sword clashed with wooden sword, dull sounds continuously rang out.

Being a spar, Eugene was controlling his strength and speed, but Valda was responding astoundingly well.

"Maintain a firm defense while entangling the opponent with thorn vines. You just need to accomplish exactly that."

The swordsmanship of noble ladies Valda learned as cultivation was completely reverse-engineered during her spars with Eugene.

Most sword paths handling attacks were deleted, and defense and parrying were massively reinforced. It left only checking attack techniques optimizing minimal openings, even if their power was weak.

"Lower your knees a bit more."

"Like this?"

"Perfect."

A swordsmanship thoroughly focusing on safety. With her excellent stamina and strength added on top of that, Valda held out better than imagined.

If she were an ordinary fencer, it was nonsensical swordsmanship. Because a battle doesn't end unless you pierce or slash the opponent's vitals. But Valda had an existence that would attack on her behalf.

"Let's slowly load the vine magic."

"Understood."

As Valda's lips fluttered a few times, the berry tied to the handle of her sword rapidly sprouted. Being a spar, there were no thorns meant to rip the opponent to shreds.

At the point the forest magic was enchanted, Eugene had to be tense as well. The moment their swords crossed, that vine would cross over like a python and encircle Eugene.

"Please attack."

Nodding, Valda approached with her sword held straight up.

"It feels somewhat awkward. There wouldn't be a single fencer in the world who charges like this."

Because of the posture, she also looked like a standard-bearer's march carrying a flag.

"However, it is a swordsmanship boundlessly suited for you, Valda. Because the vines will do all the attacking anyway."

There was no need for the characteristic posture of raising high or pulling back to load destructive power. It would only allow openings pointlessly.

Clack.

Swiiiish!

The moment sword and sword met, the vines winding around Valda's wooden sword doubled in size.

Some crossed over travelling along Eugene's engaged sword, while some jumped like monkeys from sword handle to sword handle.

Squeeze.

One vine grabbed Eugene's hand holding the sword and the handle strongly.

An ordinary fencer would simply have their techniques utilizing their wrists or fingers sealed just like this. Going beyond that, their fingers would be crushed by the constricting force.

Whip.

Two other vines wrapped around Eugene's neck and arm respectively.

"I surrender. Please spare me."

Tied up tightly, Eugene laughed and said.

"If it's you, couldn't you cut off the vines as much as you want? In the first place, if you fought seriously, the vines couldn't even have attached to you."

At Eugene's attitude blatantly seeming to praise her, Valda snorted.

"Isn't it the same for you not going all out, Valda? If it were an ordinary warrior, it would be impossible to react and dodge, or cut down the vines."

They would be squeezed and torn apart by vines densely covered with thorns just like that.

"Shall we end here? Or a bit more?"

"...I want to do more."

As Valda waved her hand, the vines enveloping Eugene retracted and returned to her sword.

Thwack.

Thwack thwack.

Thereafter, a few more exchanges of offense and defense passed.

Rather than swinging or thrusting, Valda narrowed the distance giving strength firmly while pointing the sword forward.

She focused her attention on restricting the opponent's attack directions and continuously crossing swords to parry.

"Most enemies will be flustered facing this bizarre posture. Then, the moment their sword is parried, crossed, or deflected, they will be squeezed by thorn vines."

Squeeze.

Wrapped in vines once again, Eugene smiled.

"Wow, this is truly a method close to cheating."

"Aren't you flattering me too much since a while ago? It feels like you're stroking a child's head saying, 'You did very well.'"

"I mean it sincerely."

"Yeah right."

As Valda flicked her finger, the vines wrapping Eugene began tickling him.

"Wa-wait a moment! Ahahahaha!"

Unable to hold back, Eugene used his power properly, instantly bursting apart the vines restricting his body.

"I am sorry. I acted too playfully."

"Hmph!"

As Valda's wooden sword lowered to the ground, the torn vines crawled back like snakes and climbed up. They entangled and intertwined with each other, continuing back into a single coil.

"To think they can even be recycled?!"

"Their durability will drop compared to originally, but it's possible... Even though it looks like this, it is a magic requiring somewhat precious reagents and materials."

Rapidly growing and controlling plants is a highly difficult magic even on a small scale.

"Would you like to continue?

"No."

Valda lowered her wooden sword.

"A guest has arrived. A cute guest with an envious face."

"Ah."

At the entrance of the training ground, Homi with a neat posture was looking at the two.

"It is a sorry thing to monopolize you all to myself... Is it not also an important duty as a knight to teach a squire?"

"Those are correct words. Because I have nothing else to give her besides that."

Homi lacked both greed for wealth and ambition for success. A loyal child who always merely devoted herself by his side.

The only reward she desired from Eugene was solely spending time together.

* * *

Homi standing side-by-side with Eugene holding a wooden sword. Leather pads were equipped on both her hands and feet.

"Martial artist... This is my first time seeing one in reality... Since she absorbed the mysteries of beasts, I thought she would stop using weapons, but."

Valda sitting demurely a short distance away made a subtle face.

Fighters who professionally trained in martial arts were called martial artists when appearing on the battlefield.

However, as indicated by the fact that even Valda with her fair share of experience was seeing one for the first time, practicality was non-existent.

"Why is your face so conflicted?"

"Hmm."

Advocates of martial artists claim that hitting hard and kicking hard is fatal.

However, a sword or an axe pulls out intestines on its own even if lightly thrusted or stabbed.

"Excluding me, there is no one who can follow Homi's muscle strength even here. She would be able to smash those wearing iron armor sufficiently."

"It would be even better to spend that strength to smash iron armor on swinging a weapon in hand."

Honestly, Eugene had nothing to say either.

"Moreover, a squire and a knight-in-training in name. Naturally, kicks will be sealed when mounted, and fists will be even harder to use. Furthermore, it wouldn't look good in a tournament."

"...Please stop belittling martial artists."

At Eugene's words, Valda startled suddenly and looked at Homi.

"Ah! I apologize. I absolutely did not mean to speak ill of it."

Homi shook her head as if to say it was fine.

Clench.

Then she clenched both fists and flashed a smile overflowing with confidence.

Though a fragile woman's figure, Eugene and Valda felt a heaviness like a boulder from Homi.

Eugene's instinct was certainly whispering of his victory. But at the same time, it also said this:

'If you fight, knock her down in one blow. If you fail, she will counterattack in a way you cannot imagine.'

And indeed it was so.

Homi's feet approaching step by step swayed bizarrely at a certain moment.

The slight sway transformed into a massive sway by the time it reached Homi's upper body. Like a reed fluttering in the wind. It was a bizarre kind of movement seen for the first time.

Like a viper hanging at the tip of a reed, Homi's grip flew in.

- Do not forget that an unpredictable enemy is the most dangerous opponent.

A teaching Godfrey always emphasized.

Secret weapons that even an ordinary warrior would find difficult to equip just one of. Homi wore them clustering all over her body.

* * *

Sparring with Homi required Eugene to go all out as well. Because Homi, whose physical abilities and beast skills were raised to the extreme, wasn't an opponent to fight while going easy.

Of course, the one getting thrown and tumbling was entirely Homi.

"Stop! Let's end it here."

Thud!

Looking at Homi sprawled out spread-eagle on the training ground, Valda declared the end.

Panting heavily, Homi's face was full of satisfaction.

The sensation of squeezing out her energy to the last drop. The poignancy tasted while exchanging offense and defense almost equally with Eugene.

It was an overly strong stimulus for Homi who didn't know much pleasure.

"You aren't hurt anywhere."

Poking around the training uniform Homi wore, Valda inspected and nodded her head.

While she got thrown and kicked around during the process of exchanging practical sparring, not a single small bruise was visible.

She was inherently a girl with a sturdy body, but now a subtle mystery flowed all along her entire skin. She exuded a solid presence that seemed like it would deflect even arrows like a warrior in myths.

"You come here too. I'll wipe your sweat."

"Gladly."

Eugene and Homi lying side by side. Valda, sitting at their heads, stroked their hair.

Snap.

As Eugene flicked his finger, the ceiling lights illuminating the training ground vanished, and darkness fell.

In the dark, only the soft sound of a cold towel wiping the cheeks and necks of the man and woman was heard quietly.

Homi gently closed her eyes. With her cheek, she tasted Valda's cool touch, and with her hand, she enjoyed Eugene's body temperature as they held hands with interlaced fingers.

The completed happiness of the three being together swelled fully in the darkness.

It was a final moment of peacefulness shared ahead of a great war.