"Puyu!?"

I ignored Puyuyu's outcry. As soon as I heard a clear voice, the image of the lake surface blurred and then glittered for an instant.

The one appearing from within the gleam was Goddess of Nightmares Varmina, clad in a beautiful, heavenly kimono. In the next moment, she caused a black rabbit mask to manifest on her head. At the same time, all kinds of masks also appeared at her waist.

Her silver hair remained unchanged while her eyes had a hue that reminded me of emeralds and the blackness of an abyss. Just as before, she had porcelain-like, white skin and beautiful features.

A black, straight burn scar still bisected her nose. And the scar on her neck also hadn't healed yet.

What was different from before was the absence of the huge black rabbit who usually floated in the sky. It looks like he didn't return to the Spirit World after participating in the battle the other day.

Oh wait, is the mask on her head related to Shaysad?

Bandages and many string-like objects were coiled in multiple layers around her wrists. Her necklace and her Japanese-styled stomach-band added a bit to her refinement. The long Japanese sleeves that hid her elbows but exposed her shoulders were quite stylish.

While looking at the goddess, I told the other, "I don't think the Goddess of Nightmares has any intention to attack us."

"…Is…that so? That's a load off my heart…is what I'd like to say, but it's impossible. She's the one behind the kidnapper of Mimi, isn't she? The goddess who raised Naromivas and Kreuz. She's also releasing a crazy amount of mana…"

As if to express her feelings, something like a groan could be heard from the blue flame blades extending from the katar's points.

"Milord, if you don't speak Orcish, I won't understand!"

"Solobo, no matter how you think about it, we won't have a turn here. We'll obey Shuuya-sama’s order of "protecting Muu and Ciel.""

Quema and Solobo nodded at each other beyond the protective curtain of blue flames and water. With a blank look, Ciel pressed a finger against the magic water membrane while groaning, just to curiously watch the movements of the reddish violet butterflies separating from her body.

"It's just as Quema says. Please hold down Muu as she looks like she's going to throw her wooden spear any moment now, and retreat into the mansion."

"Roger that!" Solobo energetically answered in Orcish.

Just like that, he swiftly sheathed his sword on his back, grabbed Muu under his arm, and headed towards the fence.

"Quema, please take care of Ciel."

"O-Okay! Great lord, please be careful!" Quema stated politely and bowed.

Then she grabbed Ciel's hand and chased after Solobo. While carried by Solobo, Muu resisted, trying to get away from him by using her threads and the wooden spear in her hand. But, her struggles were in vain against the beefy Solobo.

Tightly holding onto her, Solobo ran powerfully, which totally made me sense his might as a warrior, and nimbly jumped. After stepping on the fence's rectangle top with one foot, he jumped once more. Up to a height as it'd be reached by Ultimate Cliffhanger. 1 𝒇𝓻𝙚𝙚𝙬𝙚𝙗𝒏𝒐𝒗𝙚𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝒎

Then he landed on his two, thick feet. Meanwhile Muu had quieted down, apparently surprised by Solobo's nimble movements despite his huge frame.

After looking at her with a gentle look and nodding, Solobo headed towards my home. On the other hand, Quema took Ciel normally with her, leaving the training ground through the fence's opening.

"…Goddess of Nightmares Varmina-sama…is one of the great Spirit World goddesses possessing a huge territory centered around 【Silver Demonic Lake High Glacias】, one of the eight large lakes of the Spirit World…" Shuhelia explained, obviously reacting differently from Rebecca and everyone else. Support the translation by reading this at infinitenoveltranslations.net

She spoke with her voice trembling while she was kneeling on the ground. She was completely prostrating herself in front of Varmina.

"Puyuppuyuuu~"

"Spearmaster, I didn't know that you keep small animals."

"Well, it's not like I'm keeping it. But, I didn't know that this pretty lake was called High Glacias."

"Varmina's territory…"

"Nn, fairytale-like, especially with that name."

"…That's right…isn't it? We're talking about the Goddess of Nightmares of those heretics here, aren't we? Why does she live at such a pretty lake?"

"Nn, weird midgets I've never seen before. They're dancing like Kisara-san's paper dolls. Weird. A gaa~gaa~ animal sound can also be heard. The huge, floating tree is mysterious too. A silver liquid is flowing out of the center of its trunk."

Eva apparently liked the mysterious world created by the silver lake surface.

"…A silver lake shore. I feel like it's different from the Spirit World, which is infested with evil demons and covered by hot sand, I know of."

The Spirit World as it's known by Kisara, huh? Is it somehow related to Mephalla?

"…Rebecca-sama, you mean Pelneet's 【Apostles of Nightmares】 with heretics? I've heard they suddenly disappeared overnight, though," Shuhelia asked Rebecca.

"Yeah, them. Shuuya, Rollo-chan, and I think Catiza crushed them. They kidnapped Mimi and Shuuya's acquainted Great Knight."

"Nn, Rebecca and I watched our home."

"Yep. The evil god apostle, who attacked Mamani's group, was also related to this. Seeing how we had to protect the mansion, it couldn't be helped. Then again, the apostle, who attacked Mamani and the others, was the original of Catiza…I think you'll understand the details if you meet Ca-chan? No, it's Ca-chan we're talking about…so the explanation will be quite a challenge."

She's got a point. It just makes things complicated if you include the fact of her having been the apostle of an evil god, I suppose. Tsuan or Purin might be able to provide a coherent explanation.

"I-I see."

"Haha, it means Catiza is somewhat mysterious, but, recently she's become good at singing."

"Nn, the apple orchard song is her favorite."

"…Okay, I understand. Still. So the overnight destruction of the 【Apostles of Nightmares】 and their demonoids was connected to His Majesty after all. Not just actual martial arts, but even the various famous stories about his rise were also true, huh…?"

Varmina's look became sharp for an instant. But, I didn't point it out.

"You mean the matter with the dark guilds?"

"Yes. On top of annihilating 【Owl's Fangs】, he became the guildmaster of 【Remains of the Moon】. It's said that he also solidified his rule over Pelneet after rising to become an 【Eight Lights Leader】."

"Now that you mention it, I did crush 【Owl's Fangs】."

"…Afterwards he formed the 【Blood Moon Sea Star Alliance】. The name of the alliance spread after destroying the 【Shadow Wing Brigade】 during the Battle of the Dignified Heaven's Shrine…and his guild's name changed from Remains of the Moon to 【Moon of the Dignified Heaven】. Moreover, it's rumored that it's been the spearmaster and his party who crushed 【Noctal's Oath】 which had marched into Leften…"

"Is that information you obtained through a thief guild?"

"Most of it, yes, but I also asked a member of a certain enterprise directly."

Shuhelia seems to have investigated the events in Pelneet to quite an extent after having started her surface mission with Delhart and the other female Spirit World Knight.

Suddenly, Varmina giggled with a tone that felt distantly friendly. It wasn't as though I was responding to her kind voice and attitude, but for starters I thanked her for having sent Shaysad to assist us during the battle during the night of chaos.

Of course I didn't ask her to do it, but since it was a fierce melee…I'd have been able to count on Eva's ability, but it was still a very welcome reinforcement when considering that we had Sana and Hina to protect.

After bowing to her to show my gratitude, I said, "…Varmina-sama, it was a big help that you sent Shaysad-dono over to help us with the melee battle. You have my deepest gratitude."

"Don't mind it, spearmaster. Aren't we friends?"

Just as she emphasized the "friends," she also put more power into her gaze. It immediately hit me. She was probably talking about my neck.

"…Do you mean this

?" I asked while tapping my neck with the side of my hand.

"Yes. It's the proof that you took in my power. I have a link with you where you capitalize on my powers. You may feel glad…demi-god-slaying spearmaster."

"That Demi Goddess Golgonshura might be revived though."

"Revived, you say? You sure do some strange things on Sela…having said that, it's none of my concern."

Even with the

…she doesn't grasp all of my actions? In that case, has her greater kin Shaysad just been active on the surface by chance? Well, I can't only trust in Varmina's words. The Spirit World has all sorts of conflicts, too.

I decided to take it like that.

"…So, what kind of business do you have with me this time?"

"Don't be so cold, my spearmaster."

"My spearmaster," huh? I don't remember having become hers, though. But, of course I didn't voice that out.

"…Well, my bloodkin all went on high alert because of your appearance."

Varmina looked around as if to check out all of us from the other side of the window in space.

"…That's inevitable, I suppose. Your power has grown and as a result of that, your intake of my power has increased as well."

"So you're saying the power of

has strengthened?"

"…For my nightmares to celebrate…how irritating!"

Fierce wrath, or rather, blood veins popped on her white skin…how scary.

"…Humph, well whatever…"

"Eh?"

"I'm telling you it's fine. It doesn't matter. For you, who even has a Spirit World Knight obey you, to have been able to enchant me with such feelings of dread; no wonder that I have become your captive."

"I see…"

And now she was smiling all over.But, she's the kind of person I don't really want to hang out with. But, it's a fact that she's a beauty, so it might be fine to get along with her as it might also lead to new discoveries.

Varmina smiled. Given the thin fabric of her kimono, her pink skin was clearly visible. However, because she didn't wet herself with water unlike before, her charm has faded somewhat, I'd say.

Wet women are great as well, but what matters is the ability to properly see the bulging breasts, and their bean-shaped nipples. The power of the boob good has penetrated my heart as someone who's disconnected from Spirit World and Divine Domain.

"Nn…!" Eva had noticed my eyes homing in on the boobies, and asked with a stabbing, cold voice, "…Shuuya, good relation with goddess?"

It reminded me of her having been ridiculed as the death goddess in Pelneet.

"No, not at all…"

Just in case, I stopped ogling Varmina's breast.

"Eva, that goddess is simply having a one-sided crush on Shuuya."

"Right…," I went along with Rebecca's remark without mentioning my staring at her boobs.

Thereupon, Eva glimpsed at me before directing her eyes at Varmina. And after cutely glaring at her with an edge, Eva-san made her feelings very clear, "Shuuya is our lover, so you won't get him. Your boobs are as pretty as Rebecca's, but he's still not for you!"

"Eh? Mine?" Rebecca asked, then looked at her own chest, before finally scowling at me for some reason.

Varmina widened her eyes in surprise and then smiled.

"Indeed. Although you might be the Goddess of Nightmares, if you make a move on Shuuya-sama…we shall eradicate you alongside that silver world of yours. Witch Spear Damo'Anun is thirsting for blood anyway."

"I agree with Kisara. Milord, is it okay for me to charge into that space? I'll mess it up with my horn."

"…If Your Majesty's kin are going to fight…" Shuhelia stood up.

"…Now, now, wait up. No need to fight. In the first place, it's impossible anyway. You're on the surface over there, you know?"

"True, but it's a matter of feelings!"

"Energetic kin girly, I'd love to devour your feelings of jealousy alongside your blue flames…"

"Uh, I don't really taste well, and I don't have much of a chest either…"

"…Heh, don't worry. Even if the spearmaster pooled his special skills and blood with my mana, we wouldn't be able to break the veil between the Spirit World and Sela. Though it'd be a different matter if you had a huge amount of souls and a special devil tool at your disposal."

"That might be true, but I'd still prefer it if you didn't trigger Rebecca too much."

"Nn, erasing space is possible."

"Black-haired kin, don't be so edgy…and all of you, listen to my words――" Varmina spread her slender arms at that moment, causing all the imps on the silver lake's surface to stop moving at once.

"I'm listening," I said while remaining vigilant for the time being, pointedly glaring at Varmina.

"Hehe, even if you narrow your eyes…nothing will come out of me. But, if you come to my side, spearmaster…"

Varmina suddenly gave off a seductive aura. Her two eyes twinkled, so maybe Demonic Eyes?

And the instant she tilted her head towards the silver lake's surface――

A single of those black ogre-like children shivered disgustingly across its whole body, suddenly turned into a cloudy liquid, and vanished. No, it didn't vanish. It apparently transformed into a small magatama which was now floating above the lake.

The magatama flew over to Varmina with a whoosh, and the goddess caught it, holding the small gem between her fingers. In response, the magatama squirmed between her fingers like sticky slime. And then it abruptly stretched, turning into a magic spear using the silver lake as an image.

The spear had no blunt end, but a blade. White strings, which had been woven together in the form of carrick bend knots, continued towards the tip from the blade's root while coiling around Varmina's hand.

The spearhead, which ought to be called the face of the magic spear, was massive overall. Unlike the thickness of its middle part, its tip was more like a slender, curved snow plow. It was a structure allowing one to expect that

would pack a punch. The spearhead's lower part was built as if two wings were extending backwards and diagonally to the sides from the thicker central part. It consisted of two blades which were made like boomerangs. Even the location of the broad blade sheath continuing from the central part was thick.

The long, white strings from the end of the spear were tied to the central part of the blade sheath, but then split to the sides as if to match with the blades which extended sidewards.

"It would be fine for me…to give this Magic Spear High Glacias to you as a present…"

"Goddess of Nightmares Varmina, you won't be able to place His Excellency under your control, you know?" Helme, who had listened silently so far, took a step forward.

The tiny water streams released from her fingertips were aimed at the space reflecting Varmina.

"…Tsk, how perceptive. A spirit of water and darkness who gets in my way…that's cheeky. But, I guess it's only natural if it's a being worthy of being the spearmaster's great kin…" Varmina spat out in frustration.

But, to be honest, it's a weapon that penetrates my true self much more than all the lewd stuff. And, it's not like I want to collect items like my friend Makfol, the lord of Holkerbaum, but…it's true that Magic Spear High Glacias looks very attractive to me.

I'm planning to stab Holy Spear Arost into its hill someday, so I'll lack a spear to hold for

. Of course, I do have the charming Magic Spear Gudorl-chan with me, but I feel like I'd be able to hope for more power from Varmina's spear. Also, I was intending to give the short spear Lightningy-styled La Doola to Muu as a present.

Oops, no good. I ended up imagining myself while holding High Glacias. It seemed as though Varmina was seriously trying to win me over.

"…Your Excellency."

"I'm okay."

"I know. It did not seem like your mana and blood passed through the veil."

Using her Spirit Sight and the water released by herself, she had apparently examined the window in space.

"…It is just as she says," Varmina confirmed while looking back at us, before shifting her eyes to the lake's surface once more.

In response, a part of the imps fused with the silver lake, creating a three-dimensional map. Probably a simple map of her vicinity that had turned holes, forests, wastelands, volcanoes, depressions of mountains, battle-driven castles, and prosperous cities into small miniature versions.

"I'll explain this map later, when we have time. First, I have something important to tell you, spearmaster."

"What is it?"

"I approved of the Spirit World Knight being placed under your control first. So I'll bear the risk, okay?"

"First…risk…?"

Shuhelia mentioned that she wouldn't be recognized as Spirit World Knight if the gods of the Spirit World didn't approve of it, but did placing her under my control also come with terms?

"Yes. The one to approve of it wasn't Vampire God Lugnad, Goddess of Magic Poison Misea, or Queen of Twilight Lebra, but me! And this window was created…as an effect, albeit a small one, of me, who approved of it, and you using our powers…"

So…that's why the pain became so intense… Did the ability of the scar increase? I suppose that's the reason why Akreshys-sama got so pissed at me, calling me even someone possessing a filthy stigma…

The Spirit World is tied in an eternal conflict with the divine domain. And because I formed something akin to a contract with Varmina, one who kept a group of heretics who would sacrifice women to her…Akreshys-sama liked the whole thing even less, I suppose.

But, even if she might be an evil goddess bewitching others through her nightmares, she still remained a goddess. And if she meant her words as being the one to approve of me having a Spirit World Knight first, I'll thank her for it and add a -sama to her name, even in my mind.

"I understand nothing of all this. But, it looks to be alright, just as Shuuya said. Shuuya's blood, which has been bordering this space, is on the verge of disappearing." Rebecca pointed out with her small nostrils twitching open and close.

But, she was right.

"Is it going to be destroyed alongside the blood encompassing it drying out?"

"Obviously…a miracle like this cannot last forever."

I guess it's impossible to come into contact physically. She's probably telling the truth.

Everyone remained silent, agreeing with Varmina's calling it a miracle.

"…Thank you very much for approving Shuhelia."

"Hihi, you've become so meek all of a sudden, spearmaster. I wouldn't mind you being dyed in even deeper darkness, you know?"

As might be expected from a goddess, her smile was way too enchanting. There must exist loads of Spirit World Knights who fell into darkness. Click here to read this novel twice a week with almost 40 chapters ahead!

"Varmina, you hag! Don't taint Shuuya with your evil!"

"Blue flame girly, don't get so jumpy. Leaving that aside…spearmaster, hurry up and come to the Spirit World. And then become my husband, rescuing me from the demonic clutches of Demonic Duke Zen. And protect me from the great army of Spirit World Knight Hollane…"

"Ahh! What's that about him becoming your husband!?"

"Rebecca, you have permission to release your blue fireballs," Helme declared arbitrarily.

"Nn, agree――"

Or rather, Eva made her green metallic blades, wrapped in her violet mana, move first, stabbing them into Varmina-sama's space."

But, they didn't reach the other side.

"――Ah, as we thought, it's not going to work."

A huge blue fireball clashed against the window, and it also got stabbed by the witch spear.

"…Your feelings of jealousy are marvelous. But, it's truly regrettable that I can't devour them from here…," Varmina-sama said, causing her neck to split and grow another head in a shower of blood.

The other head was female, too. It was as pretty as Varmina-sama. Was another woman living in her slender body?

…How scary.

"Hehe――"

As the blood converged back into the wound on her neck, that other head also vanished with a sound as if being sliced through something.

"…Would it be better to not anger her too much?"

"Nn, maybe."

"I do not like it. Anyone trying to stand above His Excellency, be it god…only awaits death through my spiraling water ball gun."

An aura of blackness was released from Helme-san's pretty water raiment as if being eroded… It just shows that she's under the influence of Varmina-sama's dense darkness, though.

The spatial connection is still being maintained, so let's bridge the time so as to fix her mood…

"…Does Spirit World Knight Zen possess so much power that he can oppose a goddess?" I asked while putting a smile on my lips.

"Numbers are power. The lords possess all kinds of abilities allowing them to devour and absorb the powers of devils."

"Is Demonic Moth King Zebal one of them?"

"Zebal, huh? I hear he has skillfully absorbed the powers of cursed gods and the treasures of wild gods. He also occupied one of the tears, as far as I know."

"Yes. We were on an exploration mission of

【Ancient Ruin Lossmail】

which was crowded by undead monsters because of that relation," Shuhelia supplemented.

"King of Lust Zansuin, who wants me to bear his child, is also among those behind those lords…the revival of the devils, who have been sealed in the Ten-Layered Hell, has also started. On top of Desalobia's kin constantly invading as always…the Succubus Prince has also recovered her powers. And while Vampire God Lugnad and Terrifying Noctal are fighting, Astart also seems to desire me as his wife. The after-effects of all kinds of conflicts are affecting my surroundings…"

Hollane was the one who fought against the Burning Knights, wasn't he? If it comes to fighting that guy, I suppose we can form a common front. But, it's currently unclear who's going to be my enemy or ally. There's also Misea, who has taken a liking to Viine.

It sounds smart to move carefully when I head over to Spirit World. The tear, which Shuhelia used to come to Sela, is in the territory of Zebal. If I use Shuhelia as a source of information, it might be easier to act in the Spirit World directly from the territory ruled by Zebal than heading to the Spirit World from the Tear in Holy Kingdom Arkamneris's east.

But, invading through either Tear had its conditions. The Score of the Demon King and Mabaon's Horn. It sounds like timing and other stuff also plays a role.

Well, Shuhelia was employed as a defense force for Cydale. And given the promise I have with Tsuan, I guess I'll head through the Great Goldix Desert once I'm about to go to the Spirit World.

"…Let's take down Zen and that annoying Desalobia together!" Varmina-sama suggested powerfully with her silver hair swaying.

"And then we'll cut through the domains of the other gods and lords…aiming to rule over all of the Spirit World. How about that?" Her eyes glowed with ambition.

And then, as if the surface of her eyes got covered by metallic powder…a glimmer with an abnormal sliminess…a gleam that couldn't be described as a beam of light…all of these told me that her Demonic Eyes as Goddess of Nightmares had activated.

For an instant, I faltered. But, luckily I was on Sela.

Without minding it, "…I have no interest in such things. Compared to that, the spear from before would be a lot more interesting."

"Then become my hus-…no, I should stop riling up your kin any further."

At that moment, my blood, which bordered the spatial window, began to dry. And the scenery reflected on the other side immediately started to become blurry.

"…How regrettable. It looks like time is running out. We'll talk about the map next time. Farewell, my beloved spearmaster…" Varmina-sama said with a sad voice.

Her voice echoed mysteriously, but the spatial window vanished completely, not even leaving a single dot behind. An eerie echo, similar to a call in an abyss, could be heard from my neck, but…now it had also disappeared altogether.

Including her mana, Varmina-sama's presence was gone.

"Ah, it disappeared."

"The way of its disappearance was so dull and quick."

"I got upset because she was so desperate to make passes at Shuuya, but…we talked with a goddess of the Spirit World just now, didn't we…?"

"Nn, first time since birth?"

"It is my second after having spoken to Evil Ogre Princess of Dark Plays Mephalla-sama."

Kisara seems to have talked with Mephalla-sama in the past.

"So you had a connection with Mephalla-sama, Kisara-sama," Shuhelia looked up to the sky.

After looking at Rotalz and the filaments extending from the witch spear in a fan form, she let her eyes wander across Eva and Rebecca. I could tell that her golden eyes were filled with respect.

"His Majesty's

Rebecca-sama and Eva-sama. The others are…"

"Nn, Viine and Mysty and the Whirlpool Forest of Demonic Fog."

"Veronika-senpai is in Pelneet. She's helping out at

【Moon of Dignified Heaven】

while watching over Saint Amelie-san. Yui, who uses a swordsmanship somewhat similar to yours, is in the middle of traversin the western imperial land together with Kaldo and Crow-san."

"Nn, I heard

【Elephant God City Regeepick】

Elephant God City Regeepick, huh? It's one of the big cities of the Radford Empire, and also the headquarters of Adolianne Leekanzo, the guildmaster of

【Assembly of the Stars】

"It sounds like they're also helping out with the activities of the

【Blood Stars Sea Moon Alliance】

while at it. It encompasses all kinds of things such as business deals with

【Assembly of the Stars】

, preparations to help with the revenge over a dead leader for Bloody Long Ears, battling dark guilds opposing

【Assembly of the Stars】

, and entering the man-made labyrinth."

"Yui touted in her blood message that she evolved her

. It seems like her growth has been remarkable thanks to all the consecutive battles…Kaldo appears to be raking in a lot of cash with his underground work which he covers up as adventurer work. His preparations towards the establishment of a dark guild are proceeding well."

"True. But, it seems he wants to use Flor'Seil, which lies further west, as a base, so it's still a way to go for him. Also, I think I've heard it from Yui, but it looks like Kaldo-san has become famous as a vampire. It'd be great if it doesn't result in him having to fight vampire families other than the Valmasks."

Probably as a recoil from the encounter with Varmina-sama, I was having a relaxed chat with everyone now. To the ears of ordinary people it wouldn't sound like a very relaxing conversation, but no one present minded it.

"…Hey, when you fought against Shuhelia-san, I saw a woman's illusion in a raiment, although she disappeared a moment later. Is that the new finishing technique of Magic Halberd Baldok you mentioned?"

"No, it's not."

"Saw it too. A mysteriously divine woman after a puff-puff, steamy stab."

"Yeah, her face was somewhat similar to Shuuya's."

"Nnn."

"That's

. Her panties are pretty."

Due to my unnecessary comment, the conversation shifted towards a panties contest. While having such perverted banter, we left the training ground.

Postponing touching the Iglued tree for the time being, I went back to my home. On that occasion, I spotted Puyuyu atop the roof. It had been chasing a bee again. Lash-san was flying around next to it, too.

Somehow it really looks as if Puyuyu is pointing its wand at Lash-san. Maybe Puyuyu likes honey. I'm pretty sure that must be the reason why it ignored Varmina-sama and ran after the bee.

With those thoughts in mind, I passed the entry hall. As I entered the living room, I could confirm Ciel and Muu's safety, who were both nipping on black sweetwater.

"Alright, you're alright, I guess. For the present, I'm going to call Quiche and the others over, too."

Leaving everyone back at my home, I rushed out of the house to call Quiche's group.

◇◇◇◇

After bringing everyone to my place, we started something akin to a combined meeting and chat forum.

At first Shuhelia didn't agree after I told her to obey the village chief Quiche, but I persuaded her. Next, a barrage of questioning by Higlia, Moga, Nemus, Professor Domidon, his assistant Mie-san, and even Red Tiger Storm began.

While answering all their questions for a long time…I told them about Varmina-sama having contacted me through

and her being the first goddess in the Spirit World to approve of my Spirit World Knight, and then explained everything I knew about