First Outer World Story Series: The Black Mist that Devours - Chapter 102
Translator: MadHatter Editor: MadHatter
(Ichiko POV)
“Well, I must say, that’s just marvelous.”
“!!”
Accompanied by the dry sound of clapping, the God of Calamity emerged in front of us with an angelic smile surfacing on her face.
At the sight of her face, I unconsciously created four long swords with ?Sword of the Formless King?Weak? and empowered them with ?Monster Create?Low Rank? to convert them into flying swords and infuse them with the will to charge at the opponent.
Lady Ryo, simultaneously, drew out the dagger she had been carrying and hurled it at her.
Nonetheless, once the flying swords’ edges crossed paths with the God of Calamity’s flesh, the solid blades disintegrated like liquid, and Lady Ryo’s dagger was suspended in mid-air. All those who were present were stunned by this spectacle.
“Hmm? What’s wrong? Making such a face, how could you possibly harm me with the power I have bestowed upon you?”
The God of Calamity announced nonchalantly without a trace of change in her expression.
“Now, it has been roughly 12 years since I first meddled in this world, and apparently, the inhabitants of this world slow down their growth once they attain a certain degree of stability. Besides, it would be tough to find a suitable opponent to ascertain how strong you’ve developed.”
The God of Calamity spread her arms wide and delivered her lines as if she was presenting a speech.
“Therefore, as a gift to each and every one of you, I have cast a certain curse upon the whole world.”
Everyone in our present location must have frozen in their steps at that remark… no, the God of Calamity was most likely speaking to people all over the world right now, therefore the whole world population must have frozen in their tracks.
“The name of the curse is ?Disaster Curse?. It is a curse that transforms the afflicted individual into a monster that strikes indiscriminately at everything in its vicinity. As for their strength, it varies depending on the individual but yeah, even an ordinary human being can be stronger than the Demon King and their kin. However, owing to that strength, they have to kill at least one individual each day otherwise, their bodies would disintegrate.”
The God of Calamity continued her speech, seemingly very entertained.
“Now, about the crucial pathogenesis condition…”
At this point, the God of Calamity paused a beat.
“It is random.”
I could feel the world completely freeze at that second.
“Now then, please endeavor to continue living in this world.”
Leaving those words behind, the God of Calamity dissolved into the void and departed.
The words of the God of Calamity were slowly ruminating in my mind. I then grasped the magnitude of the situation and weighed over what steps should be taken immediately.
The conclusion is…
“Lady Ryo.”
“What…?”
“First, let’s go back to ‘White Mist and Black Swamp Forest’. Everything else will fall into place after that.”
The plan was to return to Kurokiri’s labyrinth.
Kurokiri possessed the intention to oppose the God of Calamity. And even now, he must be conducting research for that end. Thus, there must be something we can achieve if we return to Kurokiri.
Furthermore…
“Yes, I suppose so. We need to bring back at least Houki’s bones too…”
We ought to return the remains of Houki-san as well.
————–
(Izumi POV)
We have entered the “Magic Holy Land,” now. The reason was that we were invited by the “Priest of Absolute Peace”.
“So this was the ‘Magic Holy Land’.”
“But it’s not as bustling with activity as the rumors said it would be. Well, I suppose it’s unavoidable after being told something like that.”
The people of the “Magic Holy Land” had a bleak complexion. But then again, this was inevitable after the God of Calamity declared such a remark.
“We have arrived.”
And before we were aware of it, we were in front of a large shrine.
“Are you sure entering here would be safe, Izumi?”
“Yeah…”
I confirmed Ichiko’s question.
While I was on the ground like a caterpillar, I was told various things by the Priest.
About the God of Calamity. How Demon Kings arise. Why he had interfered with us. And as an apology, the Priest promised to take my companions and me to the destination we wish to go to via Long-distance Transportation.
That was why we had now reached the shrine where the Priest normally resided.
“Ah, you have all shown up.”
The Priest came out of the shrine, greeted us, and introduced himself to the group.
And as if to dispel any doubts, Ryo and Ichiko eagerly negotiated with the Priest.
In a flash, the conversation was wrapped up and they had concluded a negotiation with the Priest to have him fly us to the east.
“Well then, have a good day. Whether the day when we meet again is something to be looked forward to or not is unclear… but I’ll be waiting to meet you again.”
“Ngh… I understand.”
The Priest then sent us to the east from the “Magic Holy Land”.
From that point on, through the efforts of Kurokiri and Ichiko, all of us had returned to the “White Mist and Black Swamp Forest”.
On our return, Kurokiri with an eye patch was standing before us and said only one phrase.
“Welcome home.”