Chapter 186: I Absolutely Didn't Mean to Take Revenge on Shadow
The moment the elf girl recovered, Mahiro felt an inexplicable gacha-like pleasure, as if he had pulled an SSR character in one go.
Hmm, her hair was golden too, perfectly matching the "golden legend" aesthetic.
But soon, the elf girl woke up in his arms.
"De..."
Her eyelids fluttered, and sea-blue eyes slowly opened with a dazed haze. Having returned to her human form, she spoke for the first time.
"...So warm... Father...?"
"???"
Starting off this strong?
Mahiro was slightly startled. He reached out to touch her forehead and asked, "Do you have a fever? Or are you still half-asleep? Young lady, I'm not your father."
He didn't even have children, and he was still so young and handsome!
Where would a child come from?!
He wasn't sure if it was his imagination, but Yukime, who was nervously clutching her folding fan behind him, seemed to let out a subtle sigh of relief.
Was that really necessary?
...
The girl seemed to snap back to reality, realizing not only that she had misspoken but also that she was lying in a stranger's arms. She immediately sat up and scooted away from him.
But then, she seemed to notice something was off.
"My... my body... Is this real...?!"
She repeatedly examined her arms, legs, and her entire body.
Surprise and joy shimmered in her pupils.
She remembered being captured by a slave-hunting party due to a sudden physical condition. After that, her body began to rot day by day in the cage, gradually swelling until she lost consciousness.
Yet, upon waking up, her body had actually recovered!
"Don't worry, your mana out of control condition won't happen again."
"Mana...Out of control?"
Her voice was soft and ethereal, but her expression was somewhat clueless, as if she had no idea what that meant.
"Well... simply put, it was a curse—a curse inherited through your bloodline. But it's been completely resolved now."
Though the method was a bit rough...
If she weren't an elf with more tenacious vitality than humans, the massive amount of mana he had forced into her would have likely made her explode.
"Did you... save me? And what is this curse?"
"Quite the curious one."
Mahiro shifted from squatting to sitting directly on the ground, even patting the straw-covered floor to gesture for her to sit down as well.
"First, yes, I saved you. Second, this so-called curse actually originated from your ancestors—those heroes."
"..."
The girl slightly parted her small lips, blinked her eyes, and looked at him with an expression of disbelief.
Even Yukime was the same.
This was the first time she had heard of such a thing.
"Well, it's normal to be surprised."
After all, even he had been shocked back then.
Shadow, or rather Cid Kagenou, had casually concocted this by piecing together a fairy tale, yet it turned out to be true.
For instance, the Demon Diablos, and the curse on the descendants of the three heroes who once defeated her—a condition known as demon possession.
He had even coincidentally guessed the cult's objective.
Could it be that this guy's cheat as a transmigrator was actually EX-rank luck?
Were it not for knowing the author had his back, one might mistakenly believe Shadow was pulling the strings behind the scenes.
Under the astonished gazes of the two youngsters, Mahiro recounted Shadow's explanation to them.
Initially, the heroes who vanquished the Demon Diablos were all women—human, elf, and beastkin. As the demon lay dying, he cast the Diablos Curse upon them, a curse that still flows through their bloodlines to this day.
This was the truth behind the magical outbursts that turned victims into rotting flesh.
Even among the shortest-lived and fastest-breeding humans, though the curse had thinned over time, the risk of eruption remained.
"In short, you are the direct descendant of the legendary elf hero among the three champions," Mahiro concluded.
"But... isn't this just a fairy tale?" the elf girl couldn't help but ask.
"Well, who says real history can't become a fairy tale? The reason they become legends is precisely because they have archetypal stories behind them. For example, my servant Yukime can attest to this."
Yukime closed her eyes slightly, reminiscing: "My master speaks the truth. The Three Heroes did indeed exist. After the beastkin hero, the great champion Shiva who symbolized ultimate strength, fell, our beastkin nation plunged into war and fragmentation."
The powerful tribes clashed repeatedly, sparking continuous conflicts.
They fought over the throne left by the fallen hero, leaving weak tribes like Yukime's to be manipulated, struggling to survive in the cracks.
At this point, Mahiro took over the conversation again.
"However, subsequent history gradually distorted the truth... vilifying the heroes' descendants as demon-possessed, despised existences."
"Who would... do such a terrible thing!"
The girl's emotions surged, her sea-blue eyes trembling slightly.
"Please, you must tell me! Even if it puts me in danger, I don't care!"
She desperately sought answers.
But it wasn't just her—even Yukime was curious.
Legends of the demon-possessed existed among the kitsune tribe as well, though none had ever been seen.
"Actually, it's not particularly dangerous—just a group of villains calling themselves the Cult of Diablos, attempting to resurrect the former Demon Diablos and exploit her demonic blood."
Ding-ling—
The moment he mentioned "Cult," Yukime tightened her grip on her folding fan, the bell on her pendant emitting a clear chime.
Her body trembled slightly.
Cult of Diablos...
This name was all too familiar to her. Gettan had killed her mother and betrayed her just to join this very order!
To think there was an even greater conspiracy behind it all!
"So, young maiden, would you be willing to lurk in the shadows and, when the time comes, wield the blade of judgment to deliver punishment upon these sinners?"
"Punish... the Cult?"
"Indeed. Though it's not my primary objective, merely a convenient side task."
"From the day this illness—no, this curse—began to erode me, I had already lost everything."
"Now, this life of mine was saved by you, and you have given me everything once again."
"So, if this is your wish, I wouldn't mind even offering up this life of mine. I shall become the lethal dagger in your hand, delivering death's judgment upon those sinners."
The girl stared straight at him with her blue eyes, not wavering for a moment.
She was serious.
Even on her youthful yet beautiful face, full resolve and determination were evident.
She's so easy to fool...
Though what he said wasn't actually a lie, but the truth.
Ever since he learned about this world, he had some ideas in mind, such as obtaining the so-called blood of Diablos, which could just be used to continue upgrading his enhancements.
And by the way, swipe a few holy relics while he was at it.
"Well then, young maiden, since you have chosen to accept, receive this power as well." ks
Mahiro extended a hand toward the elf girl, slowly opening it. A dark power swirled in his palm, flickering like flames.
This was the slime he had replicated from Shadow and recreated through alchemy.
And by the way, he had added a few extra ingredients.
For instance, the curse poison of One-Cut Killer Murasame, the formidable defense of armor-type Teigu, the flight and attack capabilities of Thousand-Mile Flight: Mastema, the potential unleashing of Super Power Eruption: Balzac, plus a tiny bit of Orichalcum.
In simple terms, he had created an all-purpose Teigu using slime as the base.
"Yes!"
The elf girl showed no hesitation, immediately placing her hand over his, covering that dark power.
Instantly, the flames seemed to come alive, rapidly spreading across the girl's entire body.
She offered no resistance, instead gently closing her eyes, allowing the flames to flow over her body.
Finally, it transformed into a set of black armor covering her slender frame, adorned with golden trimmings.
"Thank you for your blessing!"
"Master, this humble one can also help! This lowly one's life is also willing to be lived for you!"
Whether it was because of the elf girl's declaration, or because seeing Mahiro bestow new power had stimulated Yukime, she immediately followed suit.
"Enough, don't you still have to take revenge on that fiancé? So don't get involved in this, plus you have other tasks."
Mahiro gently stroked Yukime's shoulder-length hair to comfort her.
After all, how could the Lawless City be complete without this fox-eared queen?
"Ugh... Gettan... That man is no longer this lowly one's fiancé."
Yukime muttered quietly.
But upon hearing that he had other arrangements for her, her eyes immediately lit up.
So easy to coax...
"Well then, my lord, since we're dealing with the cult, we need to establish an organization, right?"
"Mhm, of course."
"What about the name? What should we call it?"
"Hmm... let's call it Shadow Garden, how about that?" Mahiro curled his lips into a mischievous smile as he spoke the name.
"Shadow Garden... What a wonderful name."
She was very satisfied with this name.
Yukime blinked in confusion upon hearing this name. She remembered "Shadow" was that eccentric person's alias—why use his name?
But Mahiro paid no heed and continued, "Since you've chosen to hunt from the shadows, you can no longer use your former name. From this day forward, you shall be called Alpha—the origin of 'Shadow Garden', as..."
"Such an honor overwhelms me!" The girl bowed deeply. "My name matters not. All shall be as you command. I shall become your blade, clearing thorns from your path."
Hmm, not bad as oaths go.
Though the words sounded somewhat familiar, as if he'd heard them somewhere before...
Far away in Arcadia's dojo, Asaka, preparing for morning training, sneezed violently.
"What's wrong? Caught a cold? You may rest today if unwell."
"It's nothing, Master! Just felt like someone was talking about me behind my back—probably Lord Mahiro thinking of me?!" Asaka declared confidently.
"Mahiro, huh..." Kisara set down her sword, gazing at the blue sky beyond the dojo.
She already knew Mahiro had embarked on another journey, but wondered what dangers he might encounter this time.
"Can't help worrying..."
And so Shadow Garden was established, just as in the original story.
As for why he kept this name?
Naturally because losing it would diminish its essence, like Alpha no longer being called Alpha but something else.
It absolutely wasn't because he wanted revenge against Cid Kagenou—that guy who presumptuously confronted him, realized he was outmatched, and promptly fled.
"...Mr. Mahiro, correct?"
The head of House Kagenou studied the youthful-looking boy seated across the sofa.
"Yes, I am Yotsuba Mahiro. This beside me is my attendant, Yukime."
Mahiro smiled as he made introductions.
Several days prior, he had arrived in the Kagenou barony with Alpha and Yukime to visit the household.
His presence here, however, wasn't because he sought trouble with Shadow.
Absolutely not.
He'd merely heard the Kagenou family was hiring tutors.
Yes, that was all.
"Ahem... Mr. Mahiro, are you aware what kind of tutor we're seeking?"
"I know—a fencing instructor who can also serve as a sparring partner. I believe I'm well-suited for this position."
"De..." Cid's father broke into a nervous sweat.
They were indeed seeking a sword instructor, primarily because his eldest daughter Claire Kagenou was exceptionally gifted—at merely twelve years old, she had already defeated several tutors.
And this young man who came recommending himself...
"My, Mr. Mahiro is quite handsome."
A voice suddenly interrupted the father's thoughts—a young noblewoman.
It was Lady Kagenou.
She inquired with a beaming smile, "Might I ask how old you are, Mr. Mahiro?"
"Eighteen."
Plus a few dozen months or so.
"What remarkable talent at such a young age. May I ask what level Master Mahiro has achieved in the Royal Capital Bushin-ryu swordsmanship?"
"Full Mastery License."
Mahiro answered directly.
Royal Capital Bushin-ryu was a swordsmanship style widely practiced in the Midgar Kingdom, created by the kingdom's First Princess and considered a national martial art that spread extensively among the nobility.
As for why he claimed Full Mastery License?
Because among the bandits Yukime had eliminated, there was one who also knew this swordsmanship. That person had claimed to hold the Full Mastery License and indeed possessed considerable skill.
He had managed to withstand a few moves from Yukime before dying.
However, when Mahiro made this statement, the lady opposite him clearly showed surprise and some disbelief.
"I understand your concern, madam—that I'm too young and my words might be empty boasting. But seeing once is better than hearing a hundred times. Why not witness my swordsmanship with your own eyes?"
Perhaps this couple had been waiting for him to say exactly that.
After exchanging glances, they led him to an open space in the courtyard.
The one facing him in the match wasn't the seemingly formidable lady, but the head of household, Lord Kagenou.
Their duel naturally attracted many servants to watch.
There, two petite figures could be seen looking toward the arena.
The most striking was a girl of exceptional beauty.
A school uniform resembling a blazer covered her gently curving bust, while short brown skirt revealed a pair of slender, delicate jade legs.
Silky black hair cascaded down her back, trimmed perfectly even at the ends.
Though still young, she already carried an otherworldly grace.
Yet what captivated most were those crimson eyes, fixed intently on Mahiro in the dueling ground.
She was Cid's older sister, Claire Kagenou.
Beside her stood Cid, who had been dragged along against his will—the undisguised Shadow himself.
When Cid saw Mahiro appear, his eyes widened slightly.
Within those dark pupils, so different from his sister's crimson ones, growing questions gradually surfaced.
As if asking, "Why is this person here?"
Was this a fateful encounter? Or some conspiracy? Or perhaps this was the destined rival foretold in his destiny?!
"Cid, what's wrong?"
His sister Claire noticed her brother's unusual gaze and inquired.
"Ah... ah, it's nothing, sister. I just think that person is really handsome."
"Just average."
Faced with her brother's comment, Claire offered only this insincere assessment.
Her gaze shifted repeatedly between Mahiro and Cid, thoughts swirling in her mind.
When Cid grows up, will he become as handsome as that person?
Probably... no, absolutely yes!
"Then this match will follow Midgar Kingdom's Martial God Festival rules—no lethal strikes. Begin the match!"
Hearing the starting signal, Claire returned her attention to the dueling ground.
But the outcome proved utterly astonishing.
Whoosh—
Though the match had just begun, before the starting echo had even faded, Mahiro suddenly appeared before the household head.
With an indifferent gaze, he swung the longsword in his hand—a mere glance was enough to unsettle anyone.
Let alone this unavoidable strike.
Thus, the head of the Kageno family lost, as expected.
Before he could even react, the blade was already pressed against his neck.
Mahiro sheathed the longsword and offered a slightly apologetic smile. "My apologies, Mr. Kagenou. I hope my swordsmanship is sufficient to qualify for the position of tutor in your household?"
"No... I should say it's more than suitable. Please, you must stay and teach my daughter and my son. I leave everything in your hands!"
Mahiro: "???"
Wasn't it agreed that only Claire needed a tutor? How did another one get added?
Subconsciously turning his head, he noticed Cid looking at him.
The corner of Mahiro's lips couldn't help but curl upward as he said:
"Very well, I'll take care of everything. I will surely teach your daughter and son to become outstanding swordsmen."