69novels Chapter 196: To The Church Of Righteous Radiance (1)
Chapter 196: To The Church Of Righteous Radiance (1)
Chapter 196: To The Church Of Righteous Radiance (1)
Though the vacation had begun, nothing seemed to have changed.
Of course, given my objectives, I couldn’t fully relax even during the vacation...
“This is way too intense, though?!”
As I buried my face into Iris’s flat chest, she awkwardly patted the back of my head.
“Hmm. I know you’re going through a lot, Master. But isn’t it effective? You’ve managed to dissolve your magic power in just two days.”
“So what?! It’s still not working properly! I keep getting hit all the time! I was trying to get back at them...!”
“But, Master, you make them suffer a lot in bed. Besides, Blood Force is a profound technique. It may seem brutal, but there’s meticulous calculation behind it.”
“...I know that part too.”
Blood Force was not just an advanced version of physical enhancement. Its essence lay in imitating aura with magic.
If I succeed, there would be numerous ways to utilize it.
For example, resistance.
When mana is enhanced, resistance to mental magic and poison naturally increases.
The same goes for aura. In fact, in terms of effect, aura is much better.
But what if I could imitate aura?
By circulating mana through mana circuits and Blood Force-infused blood through veins, I could doubly enhance resistance.
There would be countless other applications as well.
Though many aspects couldn’t be replicated as it’s not real aura... as long as it’s confined to physical effects, most of it could be emulated.
Naturally, it’s a magic that would be highly sought after by physically frail magicians.
Well... assuming one had more than four times the normal regenerative power or drinks continuous recovery potions like water.
“But it’s still tough.”
I sighed deeply and rubbed my head further into Iris’s chest.
I could feel her ribs.
“Come to think of it, you’re only twenty years old, Master.”
“Huh? Well, yeah?”
“And it’s only been a little over three years since you came into the world.”
“Right.”
I was 22 on Earth, and it had been about three years since I reincarnated into this world.
But this was quite good in its own way.
Though small, the definite feel of her chest and the sensation of my cheek pressing against her ribs when I exert force.
I thought I’d found Iris’s other charm point.
Despite her seemingly unaware of my intentional rubbing, she firmly embraced my head.
“...You’ve been through a lot. This time, the results were good, but they were quite close. More significant dangers await ahead.”
“Well, it’s the path I had chosen. No one else can do it, so I have no choice.”
Honestly, I’d love to spend my time leisurely, splurging on the gold accumulated in my inventory.
But knowing I might die in a few years, I couldn’t bring myself to do that.
Though I shrugged lightly, Iris tenderly patted my head with a sorrowful look.
“I see... In that case, at least rest now. You can lay down your burden while you’re in my embrace. I hope to become a nest where you can always fold your wings and rest.”
“...”
What is this? I just came to whine, but now I’m suddenly getting sincere comfort. The atmosphere is too awkward to say it was nothing.
Moreover, this feeling of being petted... I don’t dislike it....
The maternal affection I felt from the tiny Iris. The strange imbalance made me feel drowsy.
Maybe that’s why. Without realizing it, I bit down on Iris’s bouncy chest over her clothes.
“Mmmp.”
Only then did Faye release my face from her chest and tidied up her clothes.
After watching her for a moment, I turned to Iris, who was pouting with her cheeks puffed up, and cast a clean spell on her.
“Eek!”
“Since we’re in a hurry, let’s use this to clean up.”
I also cast the clean spell on myself and took out the prepared travel clothes from my inventory to change into.
But as Iris struggled with her top, putting her head where her arms should go, I helped her dress correctly.
“You’re supposed to put your head through the head hole, not the arm hole...”
“Alright. Now, let’s check if we’re leaving anything behind.”
“Got it.”
While others and I packed necessary items in our dimensional pockets, Iris might leave something behind as she lives in the mansion.
After checking her workshop thoroughly, Iris toddled over and hugged my arm.
It was flat and soft.
“...What is it?”
“You’re the most important, Master. I’m holding on tight so I don’t lose you.”
Iris, with puffed cheeks, made a cute face.
I gently pressed her cheeks to release the air inside and asked.
“Elisha might get upset if she hears this.”
“...Elisha is also number one, so it’s okay.”
A slightly embarrassed voice.
As Iris averted her gaze, I laughed and lifted her up.
“Yah!”
Maybe because her feet suddenly left the ground, Iris clung to me like a cicada.
With Iris perched on my arm, I raised my hand high. Thanks to my increased strength stats, she didn’t feel heavy.
Iris, now upside down, crawled onto my shoulder.
Holding Iris piggyback, I headed to the living room with Faye.
The others had already prepared. Pamela and her family decided to stay at the mansion.
Though all three were skilled magicians... it wasn’t like we were going to a fight, so we needed someone to guard the house.
Even if not, staying away meant we needed someone in contact with the academy.
Feeling the gazes of Carla, Elisha, Iris, Faye, and Iona, I shrugged.
“Let’s head out. Helena is waiting.”
Yes, today was the day we promised to visit the Church of Righteous Radiance with Helena.
Though I was going to decline the apostle position... there was another purpose.
They say that entering the holy site with a high-rank blessing allows you to hear the god’s oracle.
If I were reincarnated into this world by a transcendent being, the Righteous Radiance, another transcendent being, might know something.
Of course, I couldn’t reveal that I came from another world... but maybe I could get a hint?
It was a faint hope, but better than no clue at all.
After briefly greeting Pamela’s family, we headed to the meeting place.
“Brother...? Who is that child on your back...?”
“Oh.”
I forgot to put Iris down.
At 517 years old, being called a child, Iris quickly covered her ears and muttered.
“W-Waah.”
With her long ears, it was obvious she was a high elf.