Chapter 39
As Cha Mi-rin tried to stop me from entering the gate after hearing that Lillian and the Heavenly Demon had gone inside, I prepared to push forward.
“It would be safer for you to wait here, don’t you think?”
“No, I’ll go in too.”
I couldn’t wait any longer, imagining the destruction and annihilation they might wreak inside, potentially destroying valuable Magic Stones. But Cha Mi-rin continued to hold me back.
“As you know, they are extremely powerful. Wouldn’t it be better to stay by my side? S-rank gates carry significant risks.”
“You know I can’t just sit back and do nothing.”
I needed to retrieve as much as I could before they smashed everything worth any money.
Seeing me determined, Cha Mi-rin tilted her head as if she had reached some conclusion, then nodded with understanding.
“You have a side I hadn’t seen before.”
“Pardon?”
“Not many people would willingly throw themselves into danger to protect those they care about.”
With that, she stepped aside, then suddenly stuck close to me.
“Let’s go in together, then. If anything happens, I’ll protect you.”
“…”
She insisted on joining, and I couldn’t shake off the feeling that she might be eyeing my loot.
By clearing the gate together, some items would have to be surrendered to the Association or distributed to individuals. Was she aiming for that?
She’s a scary woman.
“Then let’s go in together,” I said reluctantly, thinking I’d be seen as stingy if I refused.
As we stepped inside, a sudden chill enveloped us, prompting her to take off her coat and drape it over me.
“This coat has a warming effect. You’ll be fine.”
“What about you, Team Leader Cha?”
“I gained absolute immunity to cold when I awakened as an S-rank, so I’m fine.”
She smiled as she spoke, and for a moment, I was captivated.
Wouldn’t the fourth one being a son be nice?
At that moment, Nika popped out of my arms and wedged herself between me and Cha Mi-rin.
【Master is mine.】
As Cha Mi-rin reached out to touch Nika, she instinctively dodged.
“No, don’t!”
Hugging Nika protectively, I stepped back while Cha Mi-rin apologized profusely.
“I’m sorry! She’s just so adorable I couldn’t help myself.”
“Please be careful next time.”
She probably didn’t realize how close she was to losing her life.
Nika despises physical contact with anyone other than me. She had barely tolerated my sister’s attempt to touch her once, saying it was only because she was family.
If it had been anyone else, they’d have been torn apart.
Reassuring Nika by hugging her and telling her she was my only one, she finally calmed down, rubbing her face affectionately against mine.
“Um… would it really be impossible for me to hug her just once?”
“If you can still say that after a little while, I’ll consider it.”
“Pardon? What do you mean?”
Ahead of us lay a trail of loot, scattered amidst hiding monsters that revealed themselves.
“Nika.”
Transforming into her massive form, Nika lashed out with her claws, shredding the monsters in two with ease.
Watching her tear through the enemies, Cha Mi-rin froze in place.
“So, what do you think now? Still want to hug her?”
“…I’m good.”
As Nika tore apart the remaining monsters, their acidic saliva dripping menacingly, Cha Mi-rin turned pale.
Where exactly had Lillian and the Heavenly Demon gone?
Following Nika deeper inside, we came across countless items strewn about the ground.
While I gleefully picked up the loot, Cha Mi-rin grumbled to herself about how scary everything looked.
“I saw this before, but everything is just so terrifying…”
Gathering all the loot together, we ventured further in, hearing the sounds of a fight.
Why did I feel so uneasy?
As we got closer, the unsettling feeling grew stronger until we arrived at the scene.
There, Lillian and the Heavenly Demon were locked in battle with an unfamiliar woman who looked eerily like…
“Min-ah…?”
It was someone who resembled my sister, fighting against them.
Confused and overwhelmed, I instinctively ordered Nika to intervene.
Creating a massive crater with her claws, Nika forced everyone to stop.
“W-wait, Lady Nika?!”
“Why are you attacking us?!”
【Master’s orders.】
At her words, I told everyone to stand down, and Lillian and the Heavenly Demon approached me cautiously.
Meanwhile, the woman who looked just like my sister kept her guard up against Nika, all while staring at me as if demanding an explanation.
“Lillian, Heavenly Demon, what’s going on?”
“Tell us.”
“That monster looks exactly like my younger sister!”
Hearing my words, they tilted their heads in confusion.
“What?”
“What do you mean?”
“Can’t you see it?”
As I pointed at the monster, they nodded in understanding, placing a hand on my shoulder.
“Master, that monster is a variant doppelgänger-type creature.”
“It appears as the person most precious to you. Truly despicable.”
“There’s a monster like that…?”
Just as I started to feel relieved, the hands resting on my shoulders began to tighten.
W-wait, what did I do wrong…?
“So, Master, your most precious person is your younger sister?”
“I’m disappointed. I thought you’d see my reflection.”
Even Nika, who had been at a distance, suddenly appeared beside me, staring at me with terrifying eyes.
【Am I not what you see? I see it as you.】
“…”
The situation was a minefield.
What’s the smartest move I can make right now?
“Can we deal with that monster first, please…?”
“Fine.”
“We can continue this discussion later.”
【We must talk later.】
Even Nika, who usually spoke in short phrases, spoke at length, which was a bad sign.
Feeling utterly defeated by the tense atmosphere, I turned to Cha Mi-rin, but she quickly looked away, feigning distraction.
Why…?
At that moment, the boss monster let out a deafening scream, making me flinch.
It looked exactly like my sister, so I couldn’t bring myself to look at it directly.
Just then, an unexpected blue notification window appeared.
【Cooldown period has ended.】
Why is this popping up now…?
The timer shouldn’t be over yet—why now?
I tried to ignore it, thinking it could wait, but the notifications kept appearing.
【Cooldown period has ended.】
【Cooldown period has ended.】
【Cooldown period has ended.】
【Cooldown period has ended.】
It felt like the system was holding a knife to my throat.
“Alright, alright! Random Summon!”
【Congratulations! You have obtained a Monster Contract Scroll!】
【Monster Contract Scroll】
[Is it possible for humans and monsters to form bonds that even social barriers cannot bridge? Worry no more! With this scroll, any monster can become your slave… no, your pet! Get the monster of your choice now!]
The explanation was long-winded, but it seemed to mean I could form a contract with monsters.
Even boss monsters? What happens to the dungeon, then?
【Ding~!】
[[ Here’s a helpful tip for the overly worried! Contracting a boss monster automatically clears the gate! (>_<)]]
“How… thoughtful.”
Annoyed but understanding its utility, I realized the scroll was meant to capture the boss monster.
But approaching the monster was impossible due to the shockwaves.
“Um, Nika, could I ask you for a favor?”
Nika turned to me at my words, her cheeks puffed up in frustration.
That expression, with her current form, was even scarier.
Wait, she can even do that?!
【Do you need your second-favorite in your heart?】
“N-no, Nika, you’re my number one.”
【Really?】
Only then did she calm down and approach me.
Though, honestly, I wished she’d stay a bit farther away in that form.
“Could you capture that boss monster without killing it?”
【Can I be rough?】
“H-huh? Sure, that’s fine.”
The moment I said it, I regretted it deeply.
I hadn’t realized just how rough she could be.
—
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