Against the World II: Transgression
Chapter 18: Contrast, Part 2
The first thing that Artemys senses of sight when entering the room that became their destination was three glass tubes that stood parallel in the middle of the room. Tubes on the right and left contain liquid— on the right viscous red liquid, while on the left dark black liquid. Meanwhile, the tube in the middle does not contain any liquid. The open tube front is filled by a body that is entirely wrapped in bandage—other than the eye.
“It's great that you finally arrived here, Artemys.” Shiva who was standing beside the low altar located exactly three meters in front of the third said with his calm and elegant voice. “That's the body I'm referring to. I want you to move my soul into it.”
Artemys did not give a verbal response. With Jenny he walked up to the altar. The violet-clad woman who guided them at that time made a voice pleading with the emperor, and the door of the room closed again. Artemys and Jenny stand on the side of the altar opposite to Shiva.
Of course it wasn't just the three of them in the room. There were dozens of other individuals who were in the corner of the room. The majority of them seemed to be [Rune Magic] users. I don't know what they're doing. But clearly, there are many glass tubes containing other liquids of various colors.
“What ink do you need?” ask Shiva without further ado. “Ordinary ink? The blood? Justsaytheword. I'll provide.”
Artemys did not give an answer. His eyes moved in all directions, exploring everything in the room. His eyes recorded a rune carving that surprisingly filled the wall from one corner to the other. And, compared to the walls, Artemys realized that the runes engraved on the floor were twice as many.
“Ordinary ink can,” says Artemys after almost two minutes silent, “but better blood.”
“Blood then.” Shiva gestured to a subordinate carrying a large bottle of blood— and a piece of brush. “Give it to Princess Artemys,” he added to the subordinate.
Jenny representing Artemys received a large bottle of blood and a brush.
“You need other help?”
Artemys shook his head at Shiva's question. “I've been thinking about the formula I was going to make last night; I just need to write it down. There's nothing you can do to help.” Artemys turned to his side without waiting for Shiva's response. “Jenny, the brush.”
“Alright then. I will meditate there. If you need extra blood, please ask them.”
...* * *...
Both feet Xavier—his original— stepped deeper down the main hallway of the castle.
The lobby of the castle he had passed was very well maintained, it was not seen that this was the place where the most troublesome criminals were imprisoned. However, the impression only lasted for a moment. As Xavier descended the steps downstairs, that was when the name of Asura Castle really showed its status.
Prisoner cells were clearly visible along the three-meter-wide passageway where Xavier's feet were walking. The bars are all made of adamantite. A chain that held each prison door until it was filled with rune carvings. Most attention-grabbing, two rune formulas with opposite patterns were engraved on each cell ceiling. Xavier doesn't know what the function is, but he assumes that both formulas will make the prisoners suffer.
There was no way out for those who were held behind the adamantite bars, Xavier understood that. In addition to the things that have been mentioned, each prisoner is also fitted with a mana sealing necklace. The only way for them to be free was the outside party's intervention— could be so it was by bribing guards, or relying on someone else to infiltrate.
Xavier quickly turned into the passageway that led to the lower floor. Not having [Sensory Magic] didn't mean he had any trouble exploring this room. [Reverse Law] The versatile Xavier can make him see through solid walls. Because [Reverse Law] also he can enter without worrying about the security system installed.
If Xavier had chosen to follow the passage that led him to the stairs that would lead him downstairs, this time Xavier walked straight through the wall. Apparently the wall he entered was also a prison, but Xavier did not bother and continued walking. His body was invisible, untouchable, and unable to be felt; xavier had no reason to care.
Xavier penetrated two cells, then he arrived in the hallway that led him to the stairs downstairs. And just then, the figure of the thin-lipped tan-skinned woman was already at the top of the stairs. Xavier could not tell how much mana he had, but he could tell the woman was on a different level to the soldiers who were touring outside.
“Who's there?”
Xavier's eyes widened slightly at the sharp question the woman was asking. His legs reflexively stopped. He was sure he had already maintained his [Reverse Law] effect. Hence, it shocked the listener the sharp question that the mouth was spouting.
“I know you're there! Free to suppress your mana and existence. Free to also hide your body with [Invisibility Magic]? Show yourself!”
Those eyes glared right at the point where Xavier was standing. The sword that had appeared out of nowhere had suddenly been tightly embedded in his left hand. “One more time I confirm, show yourself or die.”
…Xavier certainly did not show himself. But he also did not attack. He wanted to know whether the woman really felt his existence or not. He knew his only weakness in hiding was [Complete Sensory]. However, if the woman could sense his existence, Xavier would have to re-evaluate about his belief in [Reverse Law].
So Xavier stood motionless, waiting for the woman to take action. He would kill him quickly if his worries proved to be true.
“So you'd rather die, huh? All right, don't blame me.” The woman put up the horses, and instantly she attacked with an impressive speed. In one move of his hand, his sword swung six times. Six Consecutive Slices, as soon as the woman muttered her sword technique.
Normally, Xavier had moved on and ended the woman's life.
It was just that the woman was not targeting him, but the empty space on his right. Xavier even waited for a dozen seconds, but nothing had any effect.
“Keren!” the woman suddenly. His sword disappeared and his chest puffed up with a satisfied smile on his lips. “It's perfect! I should try it when someone infiltrates the castle!”
The tan-skinned woman then looked to the right and left with a little sweat on the temple. “Fiuh, safe,” whispered the woman while breathing a sigh of relief. “It would be a shame if my persona were to wear off. Captain Sarasvati who is firm, cold, does not accept jokes, and never mince words— I have to make sure my persona is awake. I'm no longer the kid I was, hmph!”
Nodding in satisfaction to herself, the woman then left with the usual expression coloring the face of Lumeira von Talhasta—a former Third Commander who had been passionate.
Okay. That was the only word that flashed on Xavier's head, his feet then continued to step down the stairs.
...#####...
Looking forward to Xavier vs Shiva, it's in chapter 19.