The Banished Villainous Noble Son Who Was Used as a Stepping Stone in the Original Work Awakens to Combat and Destroys the Laws of the World - Episode 49: Collaborator and Indomitable

Episode 49: Collaborator and Indomitable

――Last night’s training raised “Indomitable” to Lv.3. But given the nature of the skill, it starts from here.

The deeper the damage, the greater the pain――the more one endures, the more efficiently the skill grows.

Right after receiving the guild reward, I stop by the usual apothecary.

Since the reward was higher than expected, this time I buy several mid-grade recovery potions.

The shopkeeper gives me a suspicious look, but――well, no need to care.

As long as I continue this training, HP loss is unavoidable. If I had an auto-recovery skill, that would be different. But if I prioritize efficiency, I must stock potions… that’s how it is.

After finishing the purchase, I return to the inn… while preparing for tonight’s training, the communication orb I got from Flone was glowing.

“Yahho~! Al-kun, how are you? Been doing well~?”

From the orb comes Flone’s strangely bright voice.

“Somehow.”

“Heeh, that ‘somehow’ usually means you’re fine! So, how’s that crystal going?”

“Well… my spirit became stronger.”

I answered in a plain tone, deliberately. Quoting the exact words carved in the crystal’s explanation, without adding my own impressions. By avoiding personal feelings, I also blurred the vagueness of its effect.

In truth――if you asked if I had become stronger, I was still far from it. Weakness of the heart cannot be completely conquered with just training or experience.

Even so――it was true that these past days, my “limits” had gradually shifted.

“…Hehh.”

Flone’s voice tone changes slightly beyond the orb. Within her lightness, an interest-laden resonance.

“Perfect timing. On this side too, we found something interesting~ It seems, by applying mental strain, the crystal ‘reacts.’ …Wait, huh?”

As if she knew, she pauses once.

“Looks like you already tried it first, huh? Seriously, you’re so fast with reports, Al-kun!”

“Haha, coincidence.”

“Fufu, well, I’ll let it be coincidence then~? But you know, I think only people with sharp senses could notice this kind of thing.”

“Right?” Flone asks. As if seeking agreement.

…I already knew beforehand, of course. About the effect of the Crystal of Murky Will.

But for Flone to figure it out through analysis――that truly was a researcher’s way.

In her words, lightness and seriousness always coexist. That’s why I choose my moment to cut in.

“…I also have something to confirm.”

“Oh? Sounds formal? Alright, let’s hear it.”

“There are some items similar to this crystal. If the chance arises, I would like to ask for analysis of those as well.”

For example… the Crimson-Body Crystal.

Its description only says: “Your strength becomes stronger.”

But equipping it lowers Attack Power -80%――appearing to belong to the same category as the Crystal of Murky Will.

The Crystal of Murky Will at least had been made to produce an effect in the game. But this one didn’t. Nothing but the demerit, no effect otherwise――the screams of the testers still echo even now.

Most likely, in order to cut down on resources, they only set the Crystal of Murky Will with proper coding. But they left the others bare.

By the way, in terms of strength-related abilities, there exists the major skill “Super Strength”.

Raised to Lv.10, it constantly applies a “+50%” correction to all physical-type attacks――a very strong skill.

However, since the method to acquire this skill was already known, its connection to the Crimson-Body Crystal is unclear.

“Ohhh, how rare for Al-kun to make a ‘request’ of me. Fine, I’ll cooperate. But――”

She pauses slightly. She then continues with a smile in her voice.

“On the condition that, in your next report, you let me hear of ‘reasonable results,’ okay?”

“Results, huh.”

“Yup. I’m not free, you know~? And if you judged it as ‘worthwhile,’ then of course I’ll expect some interesting reaction!”

Hearing Flone’s words, I think for a moment.

“…Understood. If there are results, I’ll report them.”

“Good, good, quick to talk! Then, I’ll be looking forward to it~ I’m sure you’ll show me something ‘not ordinary,’ Al-kun!”

Leaving those words, the call ended.

…“Not ordinary.” Words I couldn’t completely deny.

I quietly set the orb back on the desk and stood. The earlier conversation left both my head and heart strangely sharp.

Therefore――I had no intention of stopping here.

Inside the silent room, I spread a cloth on the floor to prevent stains. I steady my breathing. Equipping the Crystal of Murky Will, I place the blade against my arm as before. And as “Indomitable” responds to that pain――the “accumulation” as resistance begins.

Again, and again.

My sense of time grows vague. The conversation with Flone feels like it happened long ago.

《Skill Level-Up Confirmed》

《Skill: Physical Resistance Lv.6 → Lv.7》

(Well… better than not rising.)

This act also counts as physical damage. Not from those Miasma Rats, but the accumulated strain since Lv.6 has become nourishment for “Physical Resistance”.

Rather, in this situation, the harder it is to reduce HP, the harder it is to meet “Indomitable’s” conditions for leveling. Thus recovery and pain balance collapse… right now, it feels almost troublesome.

A monotonous repetition. It’s like something I’ve seen before. Yet my body was cold, and at the same time burning hot.

《Skill Level-Up Confirmed》

《Skill: Indomitable Lv.3 → Lv.4》

《Skill: Pain Tolerance Lv.3 → Lv.4》

(Still not enough…)

Even with groans slipping from my throat, I don’t falter before the pain. HP decreases, danger alarms through the body――yet the sword never stops.

Fortunately, since I bought several mid-grade potions, efficiency is good. Balancing recovery and pain, I repeat. And as night deepens…..

《Skill Level-Up Confirmed》

《Skill: Indomitable Lv.4 → Lv.5》

《Skill: Pain Tolerance Lv.4 → Lv.5》

“…It came.”

At the moment the notification arrives, I grip the trembling right arm again. I’m clutching the sword hilt.

I can still go. But――outside the window, the sky had already grown pale.

From afar, faint sounds of the city reach me. Even the birdsong sounds strangely vivid today.

“Indomitable: Lv.5”――finally, I had reached one milestone.

I let out a deep breath. On my palm, only the feel of the sword’s hilt and a faint trembling remained. Not memories of battle, but memories of pain.

“…With this, one more step. I’ve reached it.”

I muttered like speaking to myself. Not satisfaction. Still not enough. But a definite advance.

Until the day this body shatters. As long as battle continues to shape me――my steps will not stop.

Original Author’s Comment:

――――――――――――

Thank you very much for reading this far!

I took a little rest yesterday.

To those who still read regardless, and even sent gifts, thank you so much…!!

From today on, I’ll be back again, so please continue to support me!!

(Here’s the link if you want to support the Author: https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16818622176303375188.)