A Cheap, OP Brawler Chapter 180

Published at 27th of June 2022 01:28:10 PM

After Toshino dropped that bomb, whatever face Yukino was making, the former must have found it hilarious with how much she laughed. Finding that she didn't have anything else to say, Rowling ordered the guards to get the convicted Kitsune into the prisoner carriage with the corrupted old bishop.

Nyra informed me as the manifestation of Yukino's memories faded into black. The purplish-black miasma that made up the improvised television shrunk down and returned to the tanto before I brought the blade back into its sheath. Yukino, the owner of these memories, didn't look to be disturbed enough to wake from her slumber throughout that presentation.

“Raiza, the embodiment of Hell, itself, huh?” Ume asked as she looked to the side in thought, her reptilian claw to her chin further exemplified how much she was thinking it over, “I have to say, that is some theory that female came up with after all her studying into [Holy Magic].”

“You're pretty much a master in [Holy Magic], right, Ume? What do you think?” I asked her.

“I have indeed read the texts and history that came with the study of [Holy Magic], which includes the existence of other realms that the Immortals reside in, as well as the realms that Familiars such as Mametama come from. Heaven and Hell were also described, so I'd imagine those also exist somewhere we can't reach. Still, it seems Toshino's intentions of researching it are entirely different from my own,” Ume said while shrugging, “Her approach to the subject and thought process to come to that theory goes beyond what I can imagine. I'd have to speak with her in person and find what grounds that brought her to that conclusion in order to make a little sense of it.”

That really says a lot, considering Ume's a Dragon who's lived longer than any of us combined. In fact, her emphasizing 'we' was referring to her own kind, so the Dragons must have some magical means to travel between realms, and yet they can't reach Heaven and Hell despite their near almighty powers and [Ancient Magic]. Then again, she's never left her home before now, so maybe this is the first time she's come across someone with such an outlandish viewpoint.

“Before Milord may ask, even if it seems unrelated, I am limited to what I can discuss in our home realms,” Mametama added, “Even I, during my time as the Queen of Perseverance, have no such authority to disclose that information, to those in my faction. You would need to speak with my Goddess of Perseverance, or one of the other Immortals to get some answers, but I'm unsure how likely getting that information is.”

“It's probably because I'm not that smart, but I can't wrap my head around it, either,” Tyvera said, “When I think of 'hell', I think of a horrific place where everyone's totally miserable. While it's true that I was living a pretty crappy life, despite my current circumstances, I'm having more fun now since I joined Chief's party.”

“Hearing you say that means a lot, Tyvera,” I said while placing a hand on her cheek, “I know your enslavement's part of a punishment, but I don't intend to give any girls in my party mistreatment, regardless of their social standing. On the contrary, I'd rather you speak up about any complaints or concerns you may have, and we'll work together to get those resolved.”

Tyvera's tanned skin reddened as she smiled and held my hand against her face, relishing the touch, “Mm, I'll keep it in mind. Thanks, Chief.”

“... Selling off family members into slavery is common in the Demon-Kin's and Human-Kin's Territories. The reasons for why vary,” Sue suddenly said with her eyes locked onto the sleeping Yukino, her expression dark, “I get that they're so different, and yeah, Toshino's actions may be questionable, but … I don't like this outcome, not one bit.”

“Sue?” I asked, but she didn't seem to register my call.

“Toshino … respected Yukino as a sister, right?” Sue asked to no one in particular, “Throughout those memories, not once have I ever seen Toshino acting superior to the other Kitsunes, including Yukino, because she's a Tenko. I'm sure that's part of why she was revered by the other Kitsunes in their village, at least until that day. To have someone of her own flesh and blood, someone who she respected and admired betray her like that … she was putting up a bright smile while speaking so frankly, but I wonder how hurt she really was.”

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Nyra reported,

An idea was whizzing in the crevices of my mind, and I forcibly repressed it from leaking any further. I couldn't, no, I really didn't want to think about it, and I'm sure Nyra already knew, but decided to keep quiet out of consideration.

Just as I was keeping my thoughts from straying, I saw Sue was tugging her ear, silently giving me the tell that she wants to talk through [Telepathy]. I'm sort of relieved at the suggestion, as I'd need to focus my mind in this conversation and not let anything slip.

I asked her. I had Ume also connected in this talk so she could listen in.

Sue asked,

I raised a brow,

she spoke honestly while glaring at Yukino's sleeping form, her fingers dug into her arm like they could pierce through the skin at any time,

I shuddered at the resoluteness from Sue's inner voice. I wasn't planning to, but this pretty much confirmed I shouldn't follow Yukino's example and betray this disguised Devil down the line. That aside, I feel partially responsible for giving Sue a reason to get so hostile toward the Kitsune that wasn't even the main instigator of the coup. I searched through her memories out of curiosity for Toshino's current circumstances, and while I got what I wanted, it sparked something terrifying within Sue that I wasn't intending, at all.

Sure, Yukino's still a bitch, but after seeing her upbringing, I couldn't help but pity her for the situation she's now in.

I tried to think quickly of how to lessen her punishment,

Chapter end