With the return to the original timeline from the past timeline, it can be considered that the issues regarding Hero Agetha have been mostly resolved. However, there are still many things I need to address.
The matter of the Parasitic Sword Puppeteer and the unresolved issue with Namia, not to mention the ring that Holy Knight Canaria used to revive the Demon Lord is in my possession. By using this ring, there's a chance I could revive the deceased Namia.
However, I'm not putting too much hope into it. Honestly, the idea of resurrecting a dead person seems like too convenient of a story to exist in this world.
"That ring, it's the one those Chaosism used to revive the Demon Lord, right?"
As I gaze at the ring in my hand, Hero Agetha speaks up. Currently, we're resting in a safe zone called the "Hideout" within the Katarov Dungeon.
Since we successfully lifted the seal on Hero Agetha, we might be exhausted, so we decided to take a break in the hideout.
"Yeah, that's right."
I affirm Agetha's question.
"What do you plan to do with that ring?"
Come to think of it, I haven't properly explained it to Agetha.
"I'm thinking that I might be able to revive a childhood friend who was killed."
I feel like I've explained to Agetha before about how I ended up being banished to the depths of the Katarov Dungeon. But did I mention Namia, my murdered childhood friend?
"Is that childhood friend a girl?"
Agetha immediately throws this question at me, and I furrow my brows. Why would she ask such a thing?
"Yeah, she's a girl."
When I answer honestly, Agetha puckers her lips in dissatisfaction.
"Don't tell me, is that person Kiska's girlfriend or something?"
Ah, I see. It seems like she's jealous.
"She's not my girlfriend."
Certainly, Namia and I were not lovers. However, we had made a promise to get married. It might be better to keep that information hidden.
"Well, that's fine then… Just remember, Kiska's current girlfriend is me. Don't forget that."
Saying this, Agetha pouts, and then she leans against me on the sofa where we were sitting side by side.
"I understand."
I nod in agreement and gently stroke Agetha's head, and she closes her eyes with a satisfied expression. The gesture is somewhat cat-like and cute. While appreciating Agetha's silky hair for a while, I find myself wondering what I would do if Namia were to come back to life and, moreover, express her feelings for me. At that moment, what would my decision be?
It's clear that Agetha would be furious if I chose Namia. Dealing with her jealous nature has already proven to be quite challenging. However, can I really reject Namia if she were to return?
… It's a foolish consideration.
It's not even certain that Namia will come back to life, so worrying about such things now is pointless.
"Hey, do you think Namia will really come back to life if we use this ring?"
"I don't know. But why not give it a try? If something inconvenient happens, we can always reset and try again."
After all, we have the 'Save & Reset' ability.
Agetha wears a confident smile.
Indeed, Agetha's words make sense.
◆
After resting in the hideout for a while, and realizing that we can't stay in the dungeon forever, we began walking to make our way out. However, there was one place I definitely wanted to visit.
"Is this the puppeteer Kiska mentioned?"
In front of us was a parasitic sword puppeteer transformed into a monstrous form. It was wrapped in a shadow-like black substance, and it had fangs and tentacles, presenting an otherworldly appearance that was far removed from typical monsters.
"Yeah, that's it. I somehow want to turn it into a human. Do you know any methods?"
"Why? Is there a need to turn it into a human?"
"Well…"
Caught off guard by Agetha's question, I hesitated. However, it was understandable that she might feel that way since she didn't know the circumstances.
"Well, the person themselves wishes for it. Besides, I owe a debt to this creature, so I want to help."
"I see."
Agetha responded with indifference. I wondered if she truly understood.
"Although I don't think a monster can become human."
"That may be true, but…"
"Well, since this thing is a weapon created by the Chaosism, they might know something if we ask them."
I was aware that the Chaosism created the puppeteer.
"Why was it created in the first place?"
"To kill me."
"…I see."
Not knowing what would be an appropriate response to Agetha's answer, I unintentionally gave a blunt reply. Perhaps it's too convenient for Ageha to assist someone who was born to kill her.
"For now, I'll investigate it in my own way."
"Will you help?"
I was astonished by Agetha's unexpectedly positive response.
"Yeah. If it's for Kiska, I'll cooperate with anything. Besides, researching enemy weapons might be useful for me later."
"I see. I'm really happy you said that. Thank you."
"You're getting too excited, Kiska. Nothing's been resolved yet."
Even so, I was happy. I knew well enough that Agetha was amazing. If she was willing to cooperate, there was bound to be some progress.
"That's right. Since we're here, why not take it back with us?"
"Take it back?"
I didn't quite understand what Agetha meant.
"Sure, I have just the thing."
With those words, she opened her Item Box.
What she took out was a bracelet meant to be worn on the wrist. It was made of metal, with a glossy finish and a simple design without any decorations.
"It's called the 'Transporter's Bracelet.' It's an item used to transport live monsters. Well, just watch."
Saying this, Agetha approached the parasitic sword puppeteer. As the puppeteer lunged like a beast, I couldn't help but worry, but I reassured myself that Agetha would handle it without a problem.
"I need to weaken it a bit," Agetha said while delivering a powerful punch. The puppeteer staggered backward. Content that it was enough, Agetha aimed the bracelet at the puppeteer. The bracelet emitted light, and in the blink of an eye, the puppeteer disappeared from the spot.
"Ugh, that's gross."
In Agetha's hand, the bracelet, which had no distinct features just moments ago, was now dyed black. Moreover, the bracelet had decorative eyes resembling those of a beast. It was certainly unsettling.
"Kiska had this with him."
Saying this, Agetha handed it to me, as if she didn't want to carry such a creepy item.
"I don't mind."
I said this as I put on the bracelet.
"Is the puppeteer inside this?"
"Yeah, that's right."
"I see."
Even though she said that, I still couldn't quite grasp the reality of it.