Banished from the herd, I was actually a member of a very rare species. ~With the unique skills that only I can use, I can grow and evolve quickly. I will become an unrivaled monster~ - Episode 127: Tranquility

Episode 127: Tranquility

(Note: Special for this chapter the MC’s dialogue is written in ‘…..’)

‘Huh? Krissa, do you have something going on today?’

“…Yes, I have an appointment I can’t miss.”

It was a few days after our fishing trip at the lake. After finishing breakfast, Krissa headed toward the entrance by herself.

“Thank you for everything. I had a great time with everyone.”

“? I had fun too.”

With words that sounded like a farewell for good, she left the mansion. The rest of us began discussing our plans for the day.

‘Well, we didn’t have anything specific planned for today anyway.’

“So, how about we each just do our own thing?”

“I agree! I’ve been wanting to read the books I brought from the academy.”

After deciding how to spend the day, we all returned to our rooms. Lately, we’d been learning about artifacts and exploring famous spots, so having a day to relax wasn’t such a bad idea.

‘(Come to think of it, some of my [Skills] have leveled up recently.)’

A peaceful life brings a different kind of experience than combat. Maybe that’s why some of the [Skills] I hadn’t used much before had now upgraded.

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~Skill Details~

[Terrain Comprehension] 

• • • • • • • • Always aware of the direction you’re facing. Able to perceive the surrounding terrain at all times.  

[Telepathy] 

• • • • • • • • Allows you to send thoughts to others and receive their thoughts as well. The range has been increased.  

[Mimicry]

• • • • • • • • Boosts credibility when deceiving others. You can also transform or change the color of part of your body, mimicking another material.  

[Projectile Prediction]

• • • • • • • • When performing long-range attacks, you can see the trajectory of the attack, taking environmental factors into account. This skill also applies to other people’s long-range attacks.

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Let’s take a closer look at each one.

First is [Terrain Comprehension], which is an upgraded version of [Sense of Direction]. It lets me recognize the surrounding terrain in 3D. The range is still small. But eventually, it might be able to cover an entire city.

Next is [Mimicry], which leveled up from [Deceiving] while we were fishing. With this [Skill], I could potentially pass as a human if I ever needed to. It’s also likely useful in battle, so it’s pretty handy.

[Telepathy] seems to be an upgrade from [Communication] and [Understanding Intent]. The range has increased, making it useful like a cellphone. This [Skill] is especially convenient when handling pseudo-magical construct, which are often commanded by sending thoughts via communication artifacts. With [Communication] upgraded to [Telepathy], I can now control these constructs remotely. It’s promising for future developments.

Lastly, [Projectile Prediction] is an upgraded version of [Trajectory Prediction]. Now, I can see the trajectory of other people’s long-range attacks as well. Since coming underground, I’ve been seeing and using a lot of beam weapons, so that’s probably how I learned this.

‘(Alright, that’s enough checking [Skills]. What should I do next… I’ve already studied artifacts a ton yesterday.)’

“Woof!”

‘(Maybe I should work on improving Obia.)’

I scratched the chin of the dog-shaped pseudo-magical construct that had come close. Obia raised its head slightly and made a satisfied sound. Thanks to continuous upgrades, it had become quite dog-like. But there was still room for improvement. If I want to make a fortune in the pet robot business, I need to keep improving its quality.

First, I should focus on enhancing its security features. Since I couldn’t make Obia itself any stronger, I thought about attaching an external Mana Crystal gun to it a few days ago. However, yesterday, Xanthos found out and scolded me for attaching something dangerous to an indoor pet.

I’d probably get scolded again if I said, “What’s the harm in that?” So, I’ll quietly think of other security features.

“—Katsu, could I have a moment?”

As I was playing with Obia and brainstorming ideas, I heard a voice outside the room. It was Tanasis. He had been engrossed in researching the “Colossus” recently, so it was unusual for him to come to the mansion. I opened the door, curious.

‘What’s up? I’m free at the moment, and I can help with a light experiment if you want.’

“Well, it’s nothing urgent… how about we take a walk?”

‘Sounds good, a change of pace would be nice. Let’s go.’

I let Xanthos, who was in the living room, know we were heading out and left the mansion. Two guards soon joined us; they were apparently assigned to be our escorts.

‘(Come to think of it, it’s unusual that Xanthos isn’t sticking with me.)’

Whenever the group splits up into more than two, additional guards are usually sent. But Xanthos always stays with me since I’m considered the most at risk. It felt refreshing to walk without him for a change.

‘Wow, it’s lively out here. The Earth God Festival is already next week, huh?’

“…Indeed.”

As we walked down the decorated main street, Tanasis struck up a conversation.

“How do you find this country?”

The question came at an odd moment, feeling almost out of place. It was abstract enough to make me hesitate. But after thinking for a bit, I gave him my honest opinion.

‘I think it’s a great place. Everyone’s calm and kind, and there’s a lot of interesting things to see.’

“Ho ho ho… Hearing that from a guest from the surface makes me proud.”

Before I knew it, we had wandered into a deserted alleyway. Tanasis, who had been walking in front of me, suddenly turned to face me.

“By the way, do you know where Lady Krissa is right now?”

‘No, I don’t. She mentioned having some business and went out early this morning.’

“Ah, so you are also unaware of her… role.”

‘? Role? This is the first I’m hearing of it. Does she have something to do?’

I started to wonder if that’s why she had been out all day. Given the timing, it could be related to the upcoming Earth God Festival.

“You may have your reasons for staying unaware, but to keep it hidden forever would also be an injustice. While ignorance spares one from unnecessary worry, I am the type of person who prefers to know the truth. I assume you share the same disposition, Katsu, which is why I shall tell you everything.”

After that somewhat self-justifying preamble, Tanasis’s eyes locked onto mine. Usually filled with innocent curiosity, today they held no warmth. His gaze was so serious that I unconsciously straightened my posture.

He hesitated for a moment, as if debating whether to continue, but then spoke with clear resolve.

“To put it plainly: Lady Krissa, daughter of Lord Xanthos, is to be the shrine maiden sacrifice at the upcoming Earth God Festival.”

‘…What?’