Reborn In Another World As A Spirit Familiar-Chapter 247: What Am I Waiting For?

I had given Wilharrow and the others nearly everything within my |Item Box| before they left with an unconscious Fina, leaving me to stare at the sky. Raon's words about a cool pose lingered in my mind so I eventually propped myself up looking for a good spot to die.

"Oh... That's still there." [Solace]

The throne was still in one piece, miraculously.

("Now THAT is a good spot to die on.") [Solace]

With great effort, I picked myself up.

("Ooh... That hurts a lot more than I expected.") [Solace]

Step by step, I trudged over before finally plopping myself onto the throne.

"Ugh...!" [Solace]

It was a little annoying to shift over into a comfortable position. Once finished, I kind of just waited to die.

("Ah, I think the blood clotted.") [Solace]

Looking at it closely, most of the blood had dried up.

("Crap, am I going to live after all?") [Solace]

It was then that purple lines began to appear all over my body.

("Nevermind. Definitely dying.") [Solace]

After that, a lot of time passed. I was surprised no one came to the castle to check up on it. I assume it was because of the holy fire everywhere. In any case, something dropped out of the sky at some point and landed right in front of me. The stone beneath it caved in a bit and dust was kicked up, yet I was still able to identify the figure in front of me.

"Jukhan..." [Solace]

Towering over me as per usual, that seven or eight feet of pure muscle looked down on me. We stared at each other for a while in silence.

("...Is he going to do anything or what?") [Solace]

I didn't have the energy nor will to run or at least try to survive. It was an awkward moment, where Jukhan just... waited. It wasn't until several minutes later that Jukhan spoke.

"...Disappointing." [Jukhan]

I kind of expected him to just blow my head off with a single punch or something. However, he just spat on the ground before vanishing into the sky via a mighty jump.

("The fuck was that?") [Solace]

After a longer bit of waiting for my death, someone else showed up. Two figures navigated their way through the holy flames, surprised to see me sitting on the throne.

"Oh my, you're...?" [???]

A female demon, accompanied by one much larger in bulkier armor. I recognized her from Nakros' introduction. There was also the part where she sent Wilharrow and the rest of the party to the First Hero's tomb.

"That's right. It's me." [Solace]

That's all I said because I forgot that demon's name.

"Eiren. Eiren Flickerwood. That's my name in case you've forgotten." [Eiren]

"I know." [Solace]

I didn't.

"Are you happy with how things turned out?" [Solace]

If I remember correctly, Eiren wanted the demon lord gone so she could take over.

"I would have preferred if the castle wasn't in such..." [Eiren]

"Shambles?" [Solace]

"In dire conditions. What happened here?" [Eiren]

I rolled my wrist around as I summarized it to her.

"...Then that random hero exploded. I'm pretty much wanted by the Temple and I'm slowly dying so I remained here. That's about it." [Solace]

"You look rather energetic for someone supposedly dying." [Eiren]

"Well... The bleeding has stopped. I'm just waiting for my manaless syndrome or whatever it's called to finish me off." [Solace]

Eiren brought a hand to her chin to ponder.

"I believe that the holy fire will take some time to extinguish. Alt, I'm going to need that throne later so I'd like it if you left before then." [Eiren]

I raised a brow.

"How am I supposed to leave if I'm dead? I'm planning on dying here." [Solace]

"I get that. I'm simply saying it in case you change your mind." [Eiren]

Change my mind from dying? Is she stupid? I literally cannot stop it.

"Seeing as you played a significant role in assisting my purpose you will be compensated in some way. In the event that you do die here, we'll give you a proper burial. Is there a tradition you'd like for it?" [Eiren]

"Anything is fine." [Solace]

Personally, I would've preferred my body rot on the throne so you'd see me hit a sick pose when finding it.

"You will be buried by demon tradition then. Your tombstone will have your first name and you will be given a title in honor of your achievements. Will that suffice?" [Eiren]

"What kind of title?" [Solace]

Not that it mattered, but I was curious.

"Pioneer of Lithik's Revolution?" [Eiren]

"Hm. That'll do." [Solace]

I would've preferred something cooler.

"I see. I'll revisit once the holy flames die out." [Eiren]

She then took her leave with the larger demon. I could see them navigating around the holy fire so I can assume that it's their weakness.

("Though the holy fire doesn't affect me.") [Solace]

It must mean that it's fatal only to demons. After Eiren's departure, another guest appeared.

("A light?") [Solace]

A ray of light shone before me, allowing a woman and a man to descend from the sky. The man had short brown hair and was dressed in a green robe seemingly woven out of leaves. Plus he was barefoot. The woman had long green hair and wore... a tank top and shorts? She even had sandals on. Pretty modern clothing for such an undeveloped world. As they descended, they both gave me a command.

"Kneel." [Man] [Woman]

A force compelled me to get off the throne and kneel. However, I resisted it.

"Nah." [Solace]

They were visibly angered by it considering their frowns.

"For the heinous crime of murdering my |Divine Beast|, I curse you." [Man]

I felt something shift in me. Something that I couldn't quite grasp, yet knew it would cause trouble.

"What did you do to me?" [Solace]

"Never again shall you enjoy nature's bounty." [Man]

With that cryptic message, he vanished. The woman remained though.

"For the heinous crime of murdering my chosen |Hero|, I curse you." [Woman]

There was that strange shift again.

"Okay, what did you do this time?" [Solace]

"Never again shall you know peace. All of humanity shall hunt you." [Woman]

Then she vanished as well. It was strange though. The light they arrived in didn't go away either. I soon found out why when another person descended. This time it was a familiar feeling. An unknown pressure pressed down on me and my eyes instinctively looked away. There was an overlapping of different voices so I was able to kind of guess-timate who it was.

"Pitiful child and accursed child. Though it may be natural for a |Hero| to fight against my kind, you are no |Hero|. For the crime of slaying two of my chosen |Feerae|, all of demonkind shall know of your crimes. On behalf of one of my |Feerae|, I will not curse you." [???]

What did this guy just say?

"Hold on, I didn't even deal the finishing blow." [Solace]

I managed to push those words out under the pressure.

"Without you... their deaths would not have been possible. Your actions... are what killed them." [???]

Old, young, woman, and man. All those voices overlapping let me know it was Belrick's god. After informing me that I've been cursed again, the god left along with the ray of light.

("Fuuuuuuck...") [Solace]

I leaned back into the throne thinking about what just happened.

("I'm gonna guess, but did I just get cursed by three gods?") [Solace]

The first one was an easy guess. It was because I killed that stupid dog-monster-thing back at the village. The second one was probably Edwill's god. Cause she mentioned the murdering of her chosen |Hero|. The last one was obviously Belrick's god. Considering I couldn't even look at it, I can assume that it's a much stronger god than the other two.

("What was that mention of "On behalf of one of my |Feerae|?" Am I missing something?") [Solace]

I know it said that it won't curse me, yet I find that hard to believe after saying all of demonkind would know of my crimes. Maybe after death, Belrick or Zyrig asked the god not to curse me? Is that how it works?

("If so, it's probably Belrick.") [Solace]

Belrick didn't seem to hate me at the very end. In any case, I later saw movement of someone making their way through the holy fire to reach me.

("No way...") [Solace]

It was someone I recognized again. Though, it wasn't from the human side.

"Lemin...?!" [Solace]

Bloodied and beaten, Lemin dragged himself over. His eyes were horrified at the scene, and even more so when his eyes met mine.

"Alt...? Is it true?" [Lemin]

Shaking off the revelation that he was actually still alive, I replied.

"...What is?" [Solace]

"You... You killed Belrick... Please... tell me you didn't...!" [Lemin]

This must be what Demon God meant by letting all of demonkind know of my crimes.

"...Would you believe me if I said no?" [Solace]

Lemin was speechless.

"Why...? Why? You're a demon are you not?" [Lemin]

It was then Lemin took notice of something off about me.

"Y-Your horns... Your tail...! Where are they?!" [Lemin]

Tears streamed down his face as he began to piece things together.

"No... No! You're human...?! We... No- I trusted you! How could you?!" [Lemin]

I felt stricken with guilt just looking at him. I couldn't even bear to speak. I could see him wrestle with his thoughts until he came to a final conclusion.

"I... I'll kill you!" [Lemin]

He took out a dagger, one a little different from usual. From the information Belrick threw into my mind, I knew it was a ritualistic heirloom knife passed down by their people.

("Guess I won't need to wait to die.") [Solace]

With no intent on fighting back, I let Lemin charge at me. He tried to pierce my heart, bludgeon my skull with the pommel, cut my arteries, but the dagger struggled to even break skin.

"Die, damn it, die!" [Lemin]

He tried other methods like slitting my throat or poking my eye out, yet I remained unharmed. As it progressed, Lemin slowly became a sobbing mess.

"Gi-Give him back...! Give my brother back!" [Lemin]

His attacks became sloppy, losing its power as his mental state crumbled.

"...Lemin. Enough." [Solace]

I grabbed his wrist to keep him from attacking. I knew that I could just talk while he tried to kill me, but I needed to grab his attention.

"You-! Let go of me, traitor!" [Lemin]

"Lemin. Listen." [Solace]

Refusing, Lemin struggled to free himself.

"Lemin! Stop!" [Solace]

Lemin ignored me.

"Lemin, I'm dying! I'm already dying! Trying to kill me is pointless!" [Solace]

Lemin froze.

"...What?" [Lemin]

Now that I had his attention, what do I even say?

"I... Look, I'm sorry. I won't make any excuses. Belrick's death was because of me. Soon, I will die too. You don't have to try to kill me." [Solace]

I revealed the purple lines on my body to Lemin.

"I tore out my mana core. I don't have long to live." [Solace]

Lemin staggered back in disbelief.

"...Just like that? When I've accomplished... nothing? If you die, then what am I supposed to do?" [Lemin]

With his loved one lost, and his vengeance unable to be claimed, I could see that Lemin felt empty.

"Lemin. Before I die, I'd like to say that Belrick cherished you. Even during battle, he spoke of you. Find a new purpose. He believes in you." [Solace]

I would've said "we believe in you", but I think Lemin wouldn't want his brother's killer to throw himself in there like that.

"No... No, I don't believe you...!" [Lemin]

Lemin's eyes met mine with determination.

"You will live, I know it." [Lemin]

"Huh?" [Solace]

At that moment, Lemin's eyes shone gold. With a surge of strength, he broke from my grasp.

"I will see you again, and I will claim your life. Wait for me." [Lemin]

Bringing his ritualistic knife to his neck, Lemin slit his own throat.

"Lemin!" [Solace]

Lemin perished, leaving me in shock of his actions.

"What... the fuck...?" [Solace]

From Belrick's information, I knew that there was some kind of reincarnation ritual to make yourself stronger, yet I found it hard to believe that Lemin just went through with it.

("What if it doesn't work? Did he just off himself like that?") [Solace]

I just sat there, mouth hanging open. The events couldn't get any weirder. That is, until Nakros appeared.

"Heya, junior." [Nakros]

"Woah! Where'd ah... where'd you come from?!" [Solace]

Emerging from behind the throne, Nakros made himself known.

"Teleportation. Anyways... Uh... what happened here? Everything's obliterated." [Nakros]

I gave him a rundown that was a little more detailed than what I said to Eiren.

"Yikes, that must've sucked." [Nakros]

It was a long story so Nakros made himself a chair out of the nearby rubble.

"It... did. A lot." [Solace]

"Well, that's how it usually ends up when Master sends you out on a journey." [Nakros]

"Really?" [Solace]

"I told you, didn't I? Every disciple has taken a journey, each fucked up in its own way." [Nakros]

I vaguely recalled him telling me something along those lines.

"Do you want me to ask Master to help cure your manaless syndrome?" [Nakros]

"...No. He'd probably send me to go get another demon lord's heart." [Solace]

Nakros scratched his chin.

"Maybe, maybe not." [Nakros]

He then aimed a hand at me.

"|High Cure|. |Containment|." [Nakros]

Within an instant, all my wounds disappeared. The only thing that remained were the purple lines that indicated I was manaless.

"Best I can do for now. I've delayed the effects of manaless syndrome so I'll give you a few choices." [Nakros]

"What?" [Solace]

"A: I'll take you back to Master to figure things out. B: I can take you to our other disciples to see if they can help. C: You kinda just give up and die here. I'll make sure this spot is your dedicated grave." [Nakros]

I almost managed a chuckle from that.

"That's... very kind of you." [Solace]

Nakros nodded in agreement.

"I am the ever benevolent Azure Dragon after all. So, have you picked?" [Nakros]

I shook my head.

"I don't want to kill another demon lord to cure me... And... I don't want to trouble anyone else." [Solace]

"Hm... Oh, right. I think there was an announcement of your capture by the humans." [Nakros]

"...Already?" [Solace]

That goddess works fast.

"How'd you find out?" [Solace]

"I teleported here after hearing the announcement in Metus. There was this whole "god's will" stuff yada-yada where they want you dead. Apparently all humans can relatively sense your general location so expect bounty hunters." [Nakros]

So that's what that goddess meant when she said I'd be hunted by humans. She really just doxed me?

"...Is that how you found me?" [Solace]

"I'm a dragon." [Nakros]

"Ah... right." [Solace]

That was dumb of me to ask.

"Considering that I can't sense your mana now, I kinda just guessed you were here if you were dead or alive." [Nakros]

"Am I that predictable?" [Solace]

Nakros pointed a thumb at himself.

"Or I'm just that good." [Nakros]

"Uh-huh..." [Solace]

His comedic nature felt like a fresh breeze of air. An escape of how shitty things were a few moments ago if I do say so myself.

"If you want to do things on your own, there's a place you can go to hide yourself." [Nakros] frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓

"That is?" [Solace]

"The Misty Forest. It's named that because it's... well..." [Nakros]

"Misty?" [Solace]

Nakros paused.

"Was it that obvious?" [Nakros]

He said sarcastically.

"Apparently it's hard to navigate through there. Thus, it's a good place to hide. I want you to stay there or something until I find a method to cure you without a demon lord's heart." [Nakros]

"I would still be getting your help though, right? Pretty sure I expressed that I didn't want help. Besides, I... I don't feel like I'm worth it anymore." [Solace]

Nakros slapped me on the back.

"Cheer up, man. Things could've been much worse. Didn't you do all this for that girl Lina?" [Nakros]

"It's Fina." [Solace]

"Yes, that. Just think that what I'm trying to do for you is something you'd do for her. You're worth it, Junior. Can't you just live? For my sake if anything?" [Nakros]

I sat in silence for a minute. All the recent events flashing through my mind. I thought of myself less than dirt because of my actions. I caused the death of Belrick, betrayed people for my own selfish reasons, caused the death of the demon lord who was only a child, and then killed the |Feerae| protecting her under the guise of self defense.

"I... Ugh... Maybe I just...? Shit..." [Solace]

I continued going back and forth whether or not I should allow myself to live. Did I even deserve it?

"Nakros, I caused the deaths of many. There were good people living in this castle. I... I poisoned them. They died because of me. I... I don't want to do anything anymore. I don't... want to hurt anyone anymore." [Solace]

"Ah... Well, what's done is done. There are many more evils in this world. If you've done harm, why don't you just do more good to balance it?" [Nakros]

Somehow, it made sense. Even so, it felt shallow.

"I'm not the type of person to go around doing good deeds, Nakros." [Solace]

"Neither am I. I'm just saying, do good when you can. Doing good is better than doing no good, right?" [Nakros]

Seeing that his words weren't having much effect, Nakros leaned forward in his rubble chair.

"Junior, I've done horrible things in my life. So has Master, and so has the rest of the disciples. If we're talking sins, I think the second disciple had done the most." [Nakros]

He chuckled at that.

"I don't want to downplay your emotions, or try to change the subject. I just want you to know, dying now may be able to cut off all the bad you do in the future. However it will also cutting off all the good you do as well." [Nakros]

His words seemed to motivate me a little.

"Remember, if you fall, I'll catch you. Even when no one else stands by you, I will. So, live. I can help you get to your feet, but you're going to have to be the one to walk. Do what you want. I'm right behind you." [Nakros]

Suddenly, his reassurance felt incredibly solid. Even with all the bad things I've done, I kind of felt like giving it another try. Pushing to live and do something. Anything.

"...Really?" [Solace]

"Yes, really. Showing remorse for your actions is a sign that you're a good person. It would be a shame if you went out like this." [Nakros]

Thinking about it now, that was better than not showing remorse. At least I was a good person. ...Maybe.

"...Fine. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. You win." [Solace]

Nakros grabbed my shoulder and shook me in celebration.

"That's the spirit! Here, take this." [Nakros]

He handed me a bag that rattled with metal inside.

"Here's some money for the trip." [Nakros]

He then took out a map and marked it with a pen he pulled out of thin air.

"This is a new map that I picked up. I marked the Misty Forest for you." [Nakros]

"Did you have to emphasize "new map"?" [Solace]

"Yeah, I just got it. New roads are shown and stuff. I was going to use it." [Nakros]

I gave him a strange look.

"...You want it back?" [Solace]

"Nah, I can just get another one. Well then, I'm gonna go now." [Nakros]

Once he stood up, Nakros froze.

"Actually, Junior. You should buy some new clothes before you go." [Nakros]

Then he left.

("New clothes?") [Solace]

Looking down, what I wore was in absolute tatters. Matter of fact, I was topless and my pants had turned into roasted shorts. How it survived Edwill's explosion I will never know.