Episode 5 — What if I'm a Monster?
As we both agreed, we started searching for all pieces of papers.
We started with the first floor.
At first, I asked him to go separately because five floors is too much for two people.
Luka
You can't even protect yourself.
Luka
As your Master, shouldn't you follow me?
And that's how we ended up searching on the first floor together.
Remembering his words, I held the urge to slap him on the back of his head.
Shikigami
I already unlocked my abilities!
Shikigami
Don't underestimate me, you jerk!
But of course, I can't say it to his face.
I need to maintain a ‘loyal and good subordinate’ image in front of him.
And the status window keeps appearing.
[Character Leveled Up.
Level 3 — Level 5]
[Character Leveled Up.
Level 5 — Level 7]
Shikigami
This is the power of food!
Shikigami
I guess even food has powers, huh.
Luka is the one who keeps feeding me bread.
So I guess it is thanks to him that I can keep on leveling up.
But, there's no way it's only bread, right?
Maybe another food can make me level up even more.
The bigger the food, the more EXP will be obtained!
...That's only my logic, of course.
But it won't hurt to try once.
Shikigami
Food, food, food... Where's the place where people usually put food?
I'm clueless about the directions of this mansion, so I walked to Luka.
He's busy with his guns and bullets.
Looking at his guns, I've got the feeling that I can't mess around with him.
Shikigami
Do you happen to know where people usually put food?
I'm already full, but I still need food to level up.
Luka
I don't remember exactly where it is, but I guess it's not far away from here.
Luka
This is the main floor of the mansion, so I think we're in the main hall now.
Luka
Maybe you can go look at the dining tables? If not, at the kitchen.
...I just realized that he spoke a lot more than when we first met.
I was just about to walk to the dining tables when he called for me.
I stopped and looked at him.
Shikigami
? It's fine, though?
Shikigami
I'm perfectly energetic now.
Shikigami
Because you gave me bread.
Shikigami
Thank you, Luka.
Seconds later, I found myself a few meters away from him.
I looked back at him in annoyance.
Is this how you treated people who expressed their gratitude?!
...Is it just me or does he look restless?
His face is as red as a tomato.
Shikigami
Well, it's none of my business.
I walked to the dining tables one by one and looked carefully.
Shikigami
...There's no food at all
Then, I guess I should look at the kitchen.
I walked to the kitchen that's far away from the main hall.
I guess I'm too far from Luka now.
I clenched my fist and used my other hand to push the kitchen door.
Preparing if there are any attacks, I let my fist get absorbed by dark magic.
I've unlocked most of my abilities, so I guess it's fine to fight by my own now.
Shikigami
Oh my, even the door opening sound is so scary.
I shook my head. Don't be shaken, Shikigami!
It's so dark and quiet. Even more than the room I first woke up.
It was as if this place was abandoned much longer than other places.
Shikigami
Hello, is anyone there?
Of course there's no one here.
Do you want ghosts to answer you or something?
Shikigami
If I found meat, it's good too.
Shikigami
But how do I cook it if it's raw?
I went to the fridge and opened it.
And to my surprise, there's nothing there. To be more precise, no food.
Even if there's food, it's already damaged.
I held myself from vomiting.
The smell is as bad as the demon's smell before.
I guess demons and monsters don't know how to shower...
Suddenly, I heard a loud noise.
Shikigami
Luka? Is that you?
I clenched my other fist. If something appears, I will punch it and make a run from this place.
I opened up my right fist and a red flames appeared above it.
I walk closer to the sound, being as cautious as I can.
This time, I can hear a sigh.
Shikigami
? Do monsters and ghosts sigh too?
I guess they're more than what I expected.
I used the flames in my hands as a source of light as I walked closer to the sound.
I'm surprised by the sudden voice.
And at that exact moment, the one who makes the sounds quickly runs away from the kitchen.
Luka was pushed aback, and the person or thing quickly got out, leaving us alone in the kitchen.
Shikigami
It's not a thing.
Judging from the way they ran away with two legs, I knew.
They also have one head, two arms.
It fits the description of a human.
Luka stood up again and walked towards me. He held my hands and looked carefully.
And then he turned my body around.
Shikigami
‘...What is he doing?’
After he's satisfied, he puts down his hands.
Shikigami
You're worried about me?
Luka
Just answer my question.
Shikigami
Yeah, yeah. I'm fine.
He looked at the outside, where that mysterious person ran off to earlier.
Luka
Do you happen to know what that is?
Shikigami
It's not ‘what’. It's ‘who’.
Shikigami
Can't you tell it by his appearance?
Luka
I already met a lot of monsters in human disguise.
Suddenly... I felt sorry towards him.
What has he been gone through that he's so ignorant about other humans?
But why did he accept me then?
Shikigami
You hate humans?
Luka
You just realized that now?
Shikigami
Then why did you accept me as your subordinate?
He grabbed my hand and pulled me out of the kitchen.
Shikigami
Don't you hear my question?
Shikigami
Don't you suspect me as a monster in human disguise too?
Shikigami
...Then you mean you kind of suspect me after all.
I don't even hold any hopes either.
After all, you're only my survival key.
Why should I hope to be acknowledged?
Luka
But I don't think you are.
Shikigami
You don't think I am what?
Does that have any difference with monsters?
Witches and monsters are both known as evil creatures.
If he knew I was a witch, I'm afraid he won't let me go anywhere with him anymore.
Much worse, maybe he will kill me.
Shikigami
I might be a monster, you know.
This kid is sure so firm.
Shikigami
How do you know that?
Shikigami
What if you're fooled?
And he placed my palm on his cheek.
Luka
...Monsters don't have any warmth.
Just when I was about to let out a curse because I'm so embarrassed by his sudden actions, I could hear a loud sound from upstairs.
Luka was hardened, and he quickly took out his weapon.
Shikigami
You're going to check that out?
I would follow you and go there even if you didn't told me to anyway.
Quietly, we went upstairs to check out what makes that loud noise.
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