Chapter 284: Those who are nurtured between attacks

After changing Jobs and acquiring the Artistic Guider Job, Kanako hummed to herself as she left the Dungeon and stepped out into the bas.e.m.e.nt of Vandalieus house. She then left and headed straight for the warehouse that she was using as the venue for her lessons.

Gosh, my body feels so light. My feet are dancing on their own, she said happily.

The legendary champions summoned by the G.o.ds had all acquired Guider-type Jobs, and future generations had considered having a Guider-type Job to be a requirement to be a champion. Those with such a Job had such great influence that n.o.bles and even royalty would not be able to make light of them. But Kanako did not have much of a sense that she had acquired such an influential Job.

Acquiring a Guider-type Job was a great feat in and of itself, but the important thing to Kanako was the Jobs effect and the bonuses it provided to her Skills. Her Attribute Value growth would come later, so she didnt know how much it would provide in that regard yet, but her Dancing and Singing Skills had immediately improved due to the Skill bonuses of the Artistic Guider Job. She would soon be seeing if her guidances effects would affect the recruited members who were taking her lessons, so she couldnt help but be excited.

It would be nice if I could give lessons that people can learn from in a short period of time. Unlike before, we dont have the time to spend years working hard in obscurity, she said to herself.

By before, she was referring to her life on Earth and in Origin. In Lambda, the world she currently lived in, people were generally considered adults from the age of fifteen. And if a girl stayed single past age twenty, she was considered past her prime.

That wasnt so much the case for people of long-lived races like Kanako, such as Dark Elves (though she was actually a Chaos Elf), but for humans, the length of time they could stay in the business of the performing arts was limited.

On top of that, CDs and DVDs didnt exist yet, and published goods like photo alb.u.ms werent commonplace. If idols wanted to earn money themselves, they would need to stand on stage.

If we try anything thoughtless like trying to sell handshake tickets, thered be so many people who misunderstand our intent. Swimsuit models and body pillows would be considered indecent No, swimsuit models might be acceptable.

Very revealing forms of armor, such as bikini armors, were quite common in this world. Most of these armors were Magic Items that either provided a significant amount of protection even to areas where the wearers skin was exposed, or provided other effects that made up for the lack of protection. And like their names suggested, there was no difference between them and bikini-type swimsuits other than their material and thickness.

Considering that women were not apprehended by guards in the streets for wearing such armor, perhaps swimsuit models would be acceptable?

But just as this thought occurred to Kanako, she thought of another problem with this.

Considering the current level of technology, Id have no choice but to ask Van to make the items in order to get the quality that I want. Even if theyre not considered to be indecent, I cant ask him to do that.

Kanako did not consider swimsuit modeling and body pillows with the image of her in her stage outfit as something to be embarra.s.sed about. However, the ones printing such images would be the Demon King Familiars split ent.i.ties of Vandalieu that shared his consciousness. With that in mind, she couldnt help but to feel some resistance to the idea.

In her previous life, she had known another, more senior idol who had felt embarra.s.sed when a TV program showcased a DVD product containing a slideshow of photos of her that had been made in her earlier days in the industry. Kanako had felt that embarra.s.sment herself, around three years after her own debut but she had never expected to experience it again in her current life.

Come to think of it, Van has returned several times, hasnt he? In fact, he even has a split ent.i.ty of himself there said Kanako, frowning as she suddenly remembered that Vandalieu had visited Earth and Origin in soul form, and even had Banda, a split ent.i.ty of himself created from fragments of his soul, in Origin.

It had already been more than a decade since she was an idol in Origin, and even then, she hadnt been at the top of the idol world, so it was unlikely that footage from those days would happen to be broadcasted on TV now. However, computers and the internet existed in Origin, though they worked slightly differently from the computers and internet of Earth. Naturally, websites for uploading user-created videos had existed for more than a decade.

If Vandalieu wanted to look up what Kanako looked like back then, he could.

Well, it isnt like I can issue a gag order now, Kanako told herself.

There were currently several people around her who had known her in her previous life Melissa, Doug, and Legion. There was constantly a risk that one of them might make some off-handed comment that would get Vandalieu interested in what Kanako had been like in her previous life.

Thus, it was likely best to protect herself with a method other than a gag order by creating a dark history for the others as well.

Melissa and Legion have already made their debut, so theyre fine. The problem is Doug, Kanako muttered to herself.

What about me?

Speak of the devil, Doug had heard Kanako talking to herself. Lost in her thoughts, Kanako had already arrived at the warehouse.

Oh, its nothing. I was just thinking about the best way to make male idols popular, she said.

That isnt just nothing! said Doug. You went to change Jobs, then came back whispering to yourself so I came to talk to you and then Hmm? Is there something, like, different about you? he asked, staring at her.

What do you mean by different? I havent changed anything other than my Job, said Kanako, a little confused.

She had only just changed Jobs, so her Attribute Values hadnt increased, and although some of her Skills like Singing had increased, it was difficult to imagine that this was noticeable in her behavior.

But it seemed that Doug believed that something had clearly changed about her.

No, somethings obviously changed, he said. How do I put it Its like theres an aura or something around you. Kind of like what people called a celebrity aura, you have it even more than you did in our previous lives.

A celebrity aura? I made my debut last year, so why now Could it be that this is the guidance? said Kanako.

Guidance?! exclaimed Doug, his eyes wide in shock. You youve become a Guider? he asked more quietly.

The only ones who knew that Kanako had become a Guider were Vandalieu and the others whom Kanako had talked with before changing Jobs.

So thats why. What kind of Guider are you? Doug asked.

An Artistic Guider. It looks like I provide guidance in the arts, said Kanako.

Thats the kind of Guider only a real idol would become, Doug said, cracking a small joke to try and calm himself down.

Kanako thought a little about the aura that he was apparently perceiving and the ends of her mouth rose in a smile. Doug, the fact that you have felt my guidance You must like idols quite a lot.

What?! No, I just watch because Im working security at the venues!

Leaving Doug even more shaken than when she had told him that she had become a Guider, Kanako entered the warehouse. Inside, Zadiris, Basdia, Eleanora, Bellmond, and the locally-hired members including Rudolf were doing their own practice, resting, and tuning their instruments.

Good morning! Good work, everyone! she said.

She had a habit, or perhaps a fixation, from her previous life when working in the entertainment industry, the greeting was always good morning regardless of the time of day.

Good morning! everyone said in unison.

The locally-recruited members had been bewildered by this fixation of Kanakos at first, but it seemed that they were accustomed to it now. Zadiris and Basdia were looking at them with wry smiles.

Up to this point, nothing was different compared to before Kanakos Job change.

But one of the locally-recruited members the blue-haired Elf bard abruptly stopped tuning his guitar and stood up out of his seat to stare at Kanako.

W-whats the matter? asked Kanako in a fl.u.s.tered, high-pitched voice.

She had hoped that there would be some kind of change, but there was a sharp look in Rudolfs eyes that she had never seen before.

Meanwhile, Randolf the True the S-cla.s.s adventurer who was using the false name Rudolf came back to his senses and realized that Kanako and everyone else were staring at him.

No, its nothing. I just thought that there was a different air about you, he muttered, sitting back down in his seat.

He knew that he hadnt completely managed to brush the matter aside; he was particularly aware of Basdia and Eleanoras sharp gazes being directed his way, but his mind was torn more towards thinking about the change he had seen in Kanako rather than his blunder.

The air about her has clearly changed. Has someone disguised themselves as her and taken her place? No, there is no mistake that it is her. And what I am feeling is not a sense of discomfort. Is this a sense of elation?

he thought, bewildered.

But he and Doug werent the only ones who were feeling something from Kanako.

Well then, lets get started and take it from the top, said Kanako, having gathered her thoughts, and she began guiding the dancers.

As the locally-recruited members who were in charge of singing and dancing began to perform, she gave advice, such as Stretch your back out more! and Yes, just like that!

Kanako herself perceived the lessons to be proceeding as always. However, everyone else felt a significant change.

They were able to understand how to follow Kanakos instructions more easily than before. Things being taught were quickly becoming second nature to them, and they felt a sense of fulfillment that accompanied the improvement of their technique.

Doug, who was watching from the warehouses entrance, couldnt help himself from listening intently.

Kanako-san, I just cant do this last step very well no matter how I try. What should I do?

Please help me with my singing next!

C-can I join the singing and dancing lessons too?!

The trainees sense of fulfilment created an increase in their enthusiasm towards the lessons, and they were seeking Kanakos advice and guidance more proactively.

Not only that, but Ediria, an adventurer who had mostly been learning instrumental performance, was voicing her desire to learn how to sing and dance as well. She felt a slight discomfort in the corner of her mind, but she was approaching Kanako without paying any heed to it.

Not only that, but even Zadiris who had already learned the song that was currently being practiced wanted to partic.i.p.ate.

Kanako, could I join in as well? I have already received a pa.s.sing mark from you for that song, but my body will grow dull if I just stand and watch, she said.

Thats unusual of you. What bizarre turn of events do I owe this to? asked Kanako.

I know what you are saying, but you should not make comments that dampen peoples interests.

Zadiris was slightly put off by Kanakos comment, but she was usually uninterested in the lessons. Or to put it more accurately, she put effort into practicing. Kanako had already decided that Zadiris was capable enough to perform on-stage in front of audiences, but Zadiris continued practicing without slacking until she was satisfied with her own performance.

However, after that, she only took part in the bare minimum of lessons required to maintain that standard.

I mean, if I make an error, it is me who makes a fool of myself on stage. And as I am known as the boys familiar, that would reflect on him as well. So, that is how it is, said Zadiris, making up this explanation and blus.h.i.+ng as she joined in on the lesson.

Youre finally being honest with yourself, said Kanako, putting a hand on Zadiriss shoulder. Well then, lets get Zadiris-chan in and start over. Rudolf-san, Im counting on you for the music!

Chan?! And what do you mean, I am being honest with myself?! exclaimed Zadiris.

But n.o.body paid any heed to that, and the lesson resumed.

Basdia watched her mother smoothly falling to a level from which she could not return, then stared at Rudolf as he played the guitar to provide the music.

The look in his eyes a moment ago, the presence that he emanated for just a moment. He is no ordinary person. If Eleanora and Bellmond are wary of him as well, then its certain. It seems that he is not a bard after all,

she thought.

But she slumped in exasperation as she looked at Bellmond to see that she was playing with some threads in her hands, pretending to play a stringed instrument.

It seemed that Bellmond was interested in the guitar Rudolf was playing, rather than having noticed that he was no ordinary person.

We should expect things from Bellmond that

arent

judging a persons character, Basdia whispered.

Youre right, Eleanora whispered back.

And with that, Basdia decided to simply endure the aching of her body for today and keep an eye on Rudolf with Eleanora.

The day after Vandalieu changed Jobs to Dark King Mage, he decided to take some days off.

But days off didnt mean that he would be resting his body and indulging in simple pleasures. However, it would be strange to call what he was spending his time on work, so he had decided that these were days off.

A grotesque-looking Ogre let out a dull roar as it manipulated the wind to scatter arrows made of air into its surroundings.

Was this an Ogre Mage casting a spell? No, that wasnt right. There were numerous black, tube-like objects protruding from the Ogres limbs, abdomen, and chest, and the arrows of air were being released from them.

The ones facing the grotesque Ogre were the Vampire Zombie Isla, the Black Goblin Ninja Braga, and the Starving Wolf Michael, who ruled the red-light district of Morksi the Kisser Miles.

d.a.m.n it! Its acquired more troublesome abilities than the one before! said Isla.

Dont try to see the attacks, feel the flow of the air! said Braga.

But we dont need to capture it alive this time, right?! Then this will be easy! said Miles.

Dont try to see the attacks? Feel? You make it sound so easy. Im a Zombie, you know, said Isla.

Although she didnt look like it, as the decomposition of her body had been halted, she was a Zombie. Thus, her senses were different from that of a living person.

You say that, but youre avoiding them all anyway, said Miles; Isla was dodging the arrows of wind just as well as he was.

Of course I am. Even if I cant see them, their aim is sloppy and theyre so loud, said Isla.

Each time the grotesque Ogre released an arrow of wind, there was a noise that sounded like a high-pitched whistle. The black tubes sucked in air, compressed it and then released it as an arrow of wind, and the noise was produced by that process.

Braga and Miles avoided these invisible arrows of wind by feeling the flow of air, while Isla did so by relying on the noise they made.

Perhaps realizing that there was no use in its wind arrow attacks, the grotesque Ogre roared and charged at its three approaching foes.

The black tubes expelled air that provided propulsive force, causing the Ogre to move as fast as the wind. Its superhuman strength and speed would be enough to tear apart a knight in full plate armor in an instant; under ordinary circ.u.mstances, the Ogre would be untouchable.

However, the grotesque Ogres foes were capable of moving even faster than the wind.

First, Ill cut off your head! Blade Slash, said Braga as he charged at the Ogre head-on, performing a Dagger Technique martial skill with a single-edged ninja blade to sever the Ogres neck.

The Ogres head screamed in pain and shock.

But even though it had lost its head, with blood spraying from the surface where its neck had been cut, the Ogres body did not stop. Not only that, but the dull sound of bones and flesh bending could be heard all over its body as it transformed in a repulsive manner and pointed both of its arms at Miles and Isla.

MAIN BODY! came what sounded like a scream from the black tubes, and in the next moment, a spiral of air erupted from both arms. By adjusting the angles of the black tubes growing from its arms, it had created a sideways-spinning whirlwind.

If one were to get caught up in this whirlwind produced by the creatures two parallel arms, they would be blown away and turned into something resembling a dirty, worn rag.

Transform! Swift Water Rapid Reaction! And Ill destroy your internal organs! shouted Isla.

Having activated her transformation equipment and her Transforming Chain Armor Technique, she evaded the whirlwind by a hairs breadth and buried her sword in the creatures torso with all of her speed and monstrous strength.

The creature roared once more. The host cannot be maintained, separate, separaaaaa

The grotesque Ogre or what had been an Ogre, with its belly torn and its spine severed, made another significant transformation. The black tubes all over its body grew longer and thicker, tearing its flesh and skin. The Demon King fragment inside its body was attempting to separate itself from its host.

And here comes the finisher! said Miles, taking out a palm-sized box and leaping to within arms reach of the Demon King fragment.

The fragment screamed. MAIN BODYYYY!

It tried to resist, but having lost its host, it was not particularly powerful. It continued screaming as it was sucked into the box.

An Orichalc.u.m chain was wrapped around the box, which was also made of Orichalc.u.m, and the sealing was complete.

Miles let out a sigh of relief. Boss, we managed to seal it.

He turned around to see a mysterious creature that resembled an armadillo and was bigger than an Ogre, clapping in applause with fin-shaped front limbs.

Everyone, well done. Now then, shall we take a fifteen-minute break and try again?

This mysterious creature was a familiar and split ent.i.ty of Vandalieu, a Demon King Familiar.

Will it be the Demon Kings spiracles again? Or will it be the other one, the Demon Kings spurs? asked Braga.

Its not good to get used to the same fragment, so lets go with the Demon Kings spurs. The host is a surprise, though, said the Demon King Familiar.

Several days ago, Schneider and the other members of the Storm of Tyranny had stolen two Demon King fragments one that had been sealed and another that had been turned into a piece of Demon King equipment, from the Marme Duchy, and they had given them to Vandalieu.

However, Vandalieu had already absorbed several dozen fragments, and there was no immediate need to absorb the spiracles and spurs.

Thus, he had decided to use them for training rather than absorbing them right away.

It was possible that his companions might encounter a Demon King fragment that had infested a host and was running amok while away on a mission where Vandalieu could not immediately come to deal with it. If they had prior experience with sealing fragments, they would be able to seal the fragments away themselves in such cases.

The training was taking place in the Dungeon that Vandalieu had created in the bas.e.m.e.nt of his house in Morksi, on a new floor that he had made just for this purpose. There was a trick to ascending to the prior floor one needed to answer a riddle to open the door to the stairway. As the Demon King fragments moved on instinct alone, they would never be able to leave the Dungeon.

And even if Braga or one of the others were to be infested by the fragments, it wouldnt be a problem, as Vandalieu would just need to carry out a surgery like when he extracted the mucus glands and he had also stationed a Demon King Familiar here to supervise the training, which would impede the fragments if the situation required, so even that was unlikely to be necessary.

Incidentally, the hosts that Vandalieu was having the fragments infest were soulless monsters that had been generated by his Dungeon. As these were flesh mannequins with no souls, the fragments took over them and began rampaging immediately upon infestation.

Vandalieu-sama! said Isla the last person to take the training as she embraced the Demon King Familiars soft, fluffy belly without any worry about the next training session.

Isla, even though we are taking a break, there are dangerous objects very close by, said the Demon King Familiar.

The empty sealing equipment that were in Vidas resting grounds, the ones that Vida made herself with meticulous care a hundred thousand years ago, arent going to come apart, said Isla. More importantly, I have not seen you in so long, Vandalieu-sama. If your main body is too busy, then I must at least enjoy your clones!

Isla had been wearing a cruel smile during the training, but her mouth was hanging open in a slovenly smile now. If she had a tail, it was almost certain that it would be wagging furiously right now.

I suppose it cant be helped, said the Demon King Familiar, curling around to envelop Isla with its belly and opening the eyes and mouth on its back. Lets extend our break from fifteen minutes to thirty, it said through the newly-opened mouth.

Are you sure thirty minutes will be enough? Judging from how she looks now, I dont think shell be of any use for a while, said Miles.

I think Eleanora will leave Kanako to come and join us. Ill wait until then, said Braga.

After that, Eleanora, who had learned from Kanako that Vandalieu had returned, came to join the training. However, in the break following that, she too was enveloped in the warmth of the armadillo-shaped Demon King Familiar.

Meanwhile, more training was being carried out on the floor above the Demon King fragment sealing training.

The leader of the kids of the orphanage, Matthew, and the rest of the orphanages children, were working hard to train their Unarmed Fighting Technique.

Hey, Van. I want a sword more than Unarmed Fighting Technique! I dont have claws like you, you know, said Matthew.

Matthew, its best to be able to fight even when youre bare-handed, said Vandalieu. Unarmed Fighting Technique has limited range and is lacking in power at first. But its effective to improve your physical abilities to provide a base for all combat-related Skills.

Unarmed Fighting Technique used ones own body as a weapon. Thus, Vandalieu believed that training this Skill was effective for improving ones physical abilities and convenient for acquiring other combat-related Skills as well.

Hmph. Fine, but once Ive learned the Unarmed Fighting Technique Skill, make sure you teach me how to use other weapons as well, said Matthew reluctantly.

Of course. Ive already prepared weapons for you to practice with, said Vandalieu, pointing at the weapons he had made for the children to train with.

They were not the weapons with deliberately blunted blades that were used for the training of city guards and knights, but highly-safe wooden weapons with Talosheim-produced rubber covering the parts where the blades, points, and striking surfaces would be.

After Unarmed Fighting Technique, the children would use these weapons to train with the weapons they liked and were the most compatible with.

After that, once the children had some practice battles with Vandalieu and other teachers and learned to use martial skills, they would go into beginner-level Dungeons with the monsters that they had tamed.

If they wanted to become adventurers, they would be taken to hunt bandits before they took the exams to be promoted to D-cla.s.s. There were some bandits that Vandalieu had kept as experimental subjects, destined to be recycled for parts and used to make Undead. But they had no willpower and strength left in them; it was possible that the children would sympathize with them if they were used for the training.

Freshness was important when it came to villains.

Van, youre thinking something really messed up, arent you, said Matthew.

Matthew, to think that you can tell what Im thinking just by looking at me. As expected of a good friend. Im proud, said Vandalieu.

Youre not denying it?! What are you going to make us do as our training progresses?!

Its alright, Matthew. Youre not the ones who are going to have messed up things done to you.

The one talking was a spirit form version of Vandalieu that he had used Embodiment on. His main body, the physical one, as well as Legion, were receiving training some distance away.

Zod was facing Vandalieu, who had produced a countless number of muscle-fiber tentacles.

Do you understand? Muscle Technique is not a matter of simply pumping up your muscles. So, can you please return to your ordinary form? Zod said calmly, truly thankful that their training was in a separate place from that of the orphanages children.

This is quite difficult, isnt it, said Vandalieu.

n.o.body has ever acquired it before, after all, not even Schneider. However, practice makes perfect! said Zod. The essence of Muscle Technique is being aware of every muscle in your body and controlling all of them. Now then, please go ahead and try.

Legion were making comments of their own.

Every muscle in our bodies, huh.

It sounds more difficult than just building up your muscles.

As they said, Muscle Technique was not something that could be used just by becoming muscular. Even if one became capable of vibrating every muscle in their body to produce electricity, extremely precise control over the muscles was required to direct that electricity at an enemy.

Vandalieu was going through great trouble to try and replace all of the muscles in his body with the Demon Kings muscles to control them, and Legion was attempting to control its body that was made solely of flesh.

However, there is no need to learn all of my Muscle Technique, Zod told them. In Unarmed Fighting Technique, there are some who focus on the fists, and others who focus on kicking. You should find your own Muscle Technique.

In other words, it seemed best to aim to acquire a Muscle Technique that wasnt focused on generating electricity in the muscles.

Hmm, muscles said Vandalieu.

But just as he began pondering this, Ritas voice called out to him.

Bocchan! Its time to spend time with your family! And Ive brought Seris-san and the others!

She was pus.h.i.+ng a wagon loaded with a tea set and cakes, and Darcia was with her, along with Seris and Vestra, the nuns from the orphanage.

And so, Vandalieu took a break from the training.

The Level of the Monstrous Strength Skill has increased!

The Commanding Skill has awakened into the Group Commander Skill!

Name

: Kanako Tsuchiya

Race

: Chaos Elf

Age

: 2 years old (Approximately 15 years old in appearance)

t.i.tle

: Reincarnated Individual, Magical Girl, Evangelist

Job

: Artistic Guider

Level

: 0

Job history

: Apprentice Thief, Mage, Archer, Thief, Earth-Attribute Mage, Firework Technician, Magical Girl, Magical Idol, Magical Dancer

Pa.s.sive skills

:

Dark Vision

Mental Corruption: Level 2

Intuition: Level 7 (LEVEL UP!)

Death Attribute Resistance: Level 5

Strengthened Agility: Level 4 (LEVEL UP!)

Detect Presence: Level 5

Increased Attack Power when equipped with a bow: Medium (LEVEL UP!)

Rapid Regeneration: Level 3 (LEVEL UP!)

Superhuman Strength: Level 2 (LEVEL UP!)

Magic Resistance: Level 3 (LEVEL UP!)

Allure: Level 4 (LEVEL UP!)

Self-Strengthening: Ancestor: Level 5 (LEVEL UP!)

Self-Strengthening: Guidance: Level 5 (LEVEL UP!)

Self-Strengthening: Transformation: Level 4 (LEVEL UP!)

Guidance: Artistic Path: Level 1 (NEW!)

Artistic Path Enticement: Level 1 (NEW!)

Active skills

:

Earth-Attribute Magic: Level 9 (LEVEL UP!)

Water-Attribute Magic: Level 9 (LEVEL UP!)

Life-Attribute Magic: Level 7

Mana Control: Level 8 (LEVEL UP!)

Singing: Level 8 (LEVEL UP!)

Dancing: Level 8 (LEVEL UP!)

Dagger Technique: Level 5 (LEVEL UP!)

Unarmed Fighting Technique: Level 5 (LEVEL UP!)

Archery: Level 6 (LEVEL UP!)

Silent Steps: Level 5

Lockpicking: Level 3

Trap: Level 3

Throwing: Level 3

Compounding: Level 3

Artillery Technique: Level 1

Firework Manufacturing: Level 3

Surpa.s.s Limits: Level 3 (LEVEL UP!)

Familiar Spirit Demonfall: Level 3 (LEVEL UP!)

Unique skills:

Venus: Level 10

Chaos

Deannas Divine Protection

Vandalieus Divine Protection