Chapter 56: Conversation with the Corpse – Part One

Reigokai:

Some may have noticed, the chapters have been a bit delayed. I’ve been rather busy lately. I think things should calm down somewhat by next week.

Anyway, enjoy the chapter. And remember, guys, Makoto is still a teenager; the author is trying his best to portray him accurately for his age.

By the way, the Lich calls himself “Waga” when speaking, which is a proud way of saying “I.” I’m not very good at different speaking styles, so I’m using “I,” which I don’t feel quite fits his character. If you have any suggestions, please leave them.

“Well, first, let’s sit down. You’re recovered to a certain extent, right?” (Makoto)

Magic power recovers when you rest, after all. I only had the darkness consume his magic power. I haven’t hindered his magic power regeneration.

For a full recovery, only the person themselves would know, but if it’s to the point where one can stand and talk, even I can tell from observation.

“… Fumu, what will become of me?” (Lich)

The skeleton obediently stands and speaks. However, he hasn’t drawn his weapon, the cane. Is the weapon made of magic power, like his garment?

“I want to ask you several things, and I want you to answer them. That’s all.” (Makoto)

“After that, you will no longer need me, is that what you’re implying?” (Lich)

“Eh? No way. I won’t need anything else, but I won’t do what you think I will. I’ll simply have you return.” (Makoto)

My words caused a disturbed expression on the Lich’s face. Well, even if I say “face,” it’s actually a skull, though. I’m just guessing from the light in his eyes and his mouth opening.

“You intend to release me after bringing me to your main stronghold?!” (Lich)

“That’s right. Well, since we’ve guaranteed your safety, let’s begin the conversation.” (Makoto)

I give a sideways glance to the desk and table, urging the Lich.

I lower my hips and invite him to sit. Tomoe and Mio stand by my side, on standby.

“First of all, let’s introduce ourselves. My name is Misumi Makoto. Here, it would be said as Makoto Misumi. And then there’s the blue-haired one, Tomoe, and the black-haired one, Mio. The two of them are my followers. You can also call them companions.” (Makoto)

I explain while mixing a wry smile.

“What do you mean by ‘here it would be said’?” (Lich)

“Let’s leave that for later. Now, it’s your turn.” (Makoto)

I push aside his statement with my hands.

“As you can see, I am a lich.” (Lich)

The undead concisely reveals his own race. No, I already knew that.

“Not that. I want you to tell me your real name.” (Makoto)

“I have no name. My name is Lich, that’s all. I have already forgotten my memories as a human, and even if I did, that name wouldn’t be suitable.” (Lich)

Is that how things work when you become a Lich? I don’t know anyone like that, so I have no idea. Something like, “One of my friends has become a Lich~” isn’t very good anyway. Perhaps he doesn’t want to use his family name?

“I see, then Lich-san, right? Sorry for the rudeness, but are you male or female? You see, I can’t tell the gender from the bones.” (Makoto)

“No, just Lich is fine. There’s no need to add -san. You are the victor, so there’s no need to be so thoughtful with me. And also, I am a male, didn’t you notice?” (Lich)

“Heh~, I was curious which one you were. Then Lich, it may be sudden, but…” (Makoto)

“You said your name was Makoto-dono, right? I may not have the right to say anything, but is it alright to ask one thing?” (Lich)

“… Go ahead.” (Makoto)

He probably realizes he’s a prisoner. I wonder what he’ll say now.

“I don’t mind if you limit yourself to what you can say. Can you let me ask you one thing in exchange for answering your questions?” (Lich)

If it’s only what I can say, then there’s no need for me to refuse.

“Fine.” (Makoto)

“I thank you.” (Lich)

“Then, the first one. Why were you in the forest ogres’ village?” (Makoto)

“For the sake of my research. I, who wished to transform from a human to a Graunt, went to where I saw an opportunity—the forest ogres’ village—and unearthed their long-lost power. For that purpose, I hid within the body of one of them.” (Lich)

The forest ogres’ power to transform people. Then, was he the one who awakened that power from the perverted Shishou?

Tomoe narrowed her eyes and made a light “Hoh~” in admiration.

“What do you mean by ‘Graunt’?” (Makoto)

“It should be my turn to question, but okay. I was only permitted to question after all. Graunt refers to a higher race of humans. It is described as an existence that surpasses humans in all aspects. I am seeking the path to become one.” (Lich)

I see. I don’t fully understand, but it seems there’s another existence in this world close to humans, I suppose? But the relationship is entirely one of dominance, otherwise it would lead to a very serious war.

In this world, I’ve heard of demons fighting humans, but I haven’t heard of any conflicts between humans and Graunts.

“I want to ask your reasons for wanting to become a Graunt, but let’s hear what you have to say first.” (Makoto)

Perhaps I’ve been influenced by his demeanor; I use polite and natural words to continue the conversation.

“Then, let me ask two things as well. Wasn’t your name Raidou? And also, you say you are a human, but humans are an ancient race from the humans. Why can you so confidently say you are one?” (Lich)

Ah, “human being” is a figure of speech. Strictly speaking, I’m a kind of human too. But my physical characteristics are enough for the Goddess to call me a human, after all. Wait, the Goddess should know about my parents, yet why does she call me a human?

I notice the flickering of Lich’s eyes, as if probing me, and I bring my mind, which had been lost in thought, back to reality.

“Raidou is the name I used when registering with the Adventurer’s Guild, and it’s an alias, something like a borrowed name. Well, you can just consider it a fake name. The name Makoto Misumi I mentioned earlier is my real name. Regarding the human word… I can only tell you that that’s how the Goddess calls me. Even I don’t understand my own details.” (Makoto)

“The Goddess called you that?! Is that even possible?!” (Lich)

“I can only tell you that it is indeed true. Regardless of whether it would truly serve as evidence or not, I cannot speak the language called the common tongue. It seems that I haven’t received the blessing. But in exchange, I received the ability to speak with non-human beings. That’s why I can talk to you without any problems.” (Makoto)

“Now that you mention it, we were talking so naturally that I didn’t notice at all. Regardless of whether it works as evidence, I certainly received my answer. If you have any further questions, please continue.” (Lich)

Hm, it seems he intends to answer my questions willingly for now. Perhaps it’s only because the other side wants to ask more questions.

Let’s ask about the reason for wanting to become a Graunt.

No, before that, there’s also that matter…

(Continues to the next part of the chapter…)