Parasitic Sword Puppeteer consumes the shadows, and departs for the deep world.
"Hey, what do you want with me?"
In the shape of a person, with body parts haphazardly attached, the enigmatic Parasitic Sword Puppeteer says so and greets me.
"Help me with your power."
"Sure, I'll help. Let me be your strength."
And the Parasitic Sword Puppeteer readily agrees.
Well, I don't know what it really thinks deep down. Maybe it's always waiting for a chance to devour me.
After that, I repeat the process many times, like tracing a well-practiced routine.
I obtain the "Crystal of Wisdom" from the hidden room, acquired "swordsmanship," defeat a few monsters, and raise "swordsmanship" to level two.
I think everything is going smoothly.
"Oh, do you know there's a hidden room here, my master?"
"Well, yeah."
While exchanging this dialogue that I've done many times, I head towards the hidden room with the Golden Living Armor.
Then, I systematically subdue the Golden Living Armor.
As skill points accumulate, I raise " Parasitic Sword Puppeteer Master " to level two and unlock the derived skill "Pulsating Greatsword."
"Oh, it's amazing, Master! I never expected that you'd defeat everything. I'm truly astonished!"
Seemingly without realizing it, I had defeated all the monsters while swinging the "Pulsating Greatsword" in a trance.
I have no choice but to acknowledge the power of the puppeteer.
"Hey, Master! Use the remaining skill points to level me up to level 3!"
"I refuse."
I immediately break through.
"Why not? If I reach level 3, I'll become even more powerful! I can be more useful to you, Master."
I could continue ignoring him, but that would be troublesome. So, I'll just say it.
"You seem to think you're not discovered, but I've noticed long ago. Once you reach level 3, you're planning to devour me, aren't you?"
As soon as I said this, the puppeteer fell into silence, as if lost in thought.
Anyway, as long as I don't level up the puppeteer to level 3, it should be useful in battle.
Thinking this, I tried to leave the room while dragging the "Pulsating Greatsword."
"Ugh, why do you have to figure it all out? Such a pain."
The puppeteer began using rough language, as if revealing its true nature.
"How about you polish your act a little more?"
"Annoying. I don't like it when people talk to me arrogantly."
The puppeteer complained with dissatisfaction.
"Hahaha, never mind,"
"Hey, Master."
"What is it?"
"How are you feeling right now?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well, I was just curious. Maybe you're in a good mood, thinking you've outsmarted me."
"Well, I won't deny it."
"Okay then, I'm going to make you despair now."
"What are you talking about—"
Immediately after, something unusual happened.
The "Pulsating Greatsword" began moving on its own.
It moved my arm, which was holding the sword, without my consent. Before I knew it, the sword's tip was in a position as if it was about to hit my throat.
I couldn't resist…
I desperately tried to move my arm and pull the sword away from my neck, but the puppeteer was much stronger, and I couldn't resist at all.
Come to think of it, this sword's unique ability was "Autonomy."
Sweat trickled down my cheek. My breathing was heavy.
If it decided to, the puppeteer could decapitate me at any moment.
Having the power of life and death in someone else's hands is quite an unsettling feeling.
"So, how do you feel now?"
Asking how I feel, the puppeteer inquired.
"I feel the worst."
"Haha, I see. Since we're here, I'll let you choose. Would you like to die now, or later?"
If I choose to die now, I'd be beheaded right here. If I choose to die later, I'd likely be eaten by the 'Ruthless Predator.'
"…How about we negotiate?"
Suppressing my rising panic, I suggested.
"Negotiate?"
"Your goal is to become human, right? So, even from your perspective, it wouldn't be amusing to behead me right here and now."
"Indeed, you're right. So, I, too, would prefer you to choose to die later."
It seems that in order to become human, the puppeteer needed more than just killing me; it had to become the 'Ruthless Predator' and consume me.
"Hey, does it have to be me who you eat?"
As I said this, I wondered what a terrifying idea I had come up with and felt aghast at myself.
"Certainly, it may not necessarily have to be you, the Master. However, it's not like just any human would suffice. Consuming a powerful human would bring me closer to becoming human. Also, I'm the type who's not very patient, but can you find such a human quickly?"
"Oh, I can. I promise."
"Good."
In an instant, it seemed the puppeteer released its grip, and my arms were free.
"Then, please lead me to where that human is as soon as possible."
"Alright."
As I replied, two individuals came to mind.
One of them was Agetha, who is sealed.
The other was the vampire Judite.
It seemed that one of them would have to be sacrificed in order to move forward.