Chapter 577 - Omniscient First-Person’s Viewpoint

After immense effort, I succeeded in reattaching the arm of the Regressive Mage. I decided not to dwell on how it was achieved. It wasn’t a sight worth recalling. Mangled muscles were tied, severed blood vessels reconnected, and bones were forcefully pushed into place to set them. The techniques, powers, and qi used were of such high caliber that it was indescribable. Nerves were rejoined using lightning tapestry, blood flow was controlled with hemomancy, and the arm was adhered meticulously with qi to ensure it remained secure. This process consumed an enormous amount of potent elixirs and energy. Panting heavily, the Regressive Mage was drenched in sweat, maintaining consciousness by a thread. I uncapped a vial of elixir and poured it into his mouth. Consumed in such a manner, the elixir's effectiveness was halved, but the Regressive Mage compensated by drinking twice the amount needed. His voice was hoarse and he muttered, 'It feels like my throat is on fire...' Even without telepathy, it was clear that he needed hydration. I turned on a bamboo faucet, filled a cup with water, and handed it to him. Like a fledgling bird, he opened his mouth to gulp it down. ‘Haah...Even after drinking, my body feels hot. It's as if I'm being torn apart. There's nothing I can do but keep myself together.’ He couldn't even move a finger. Despite being a master of qi and receiving perfect treatment, it would take about a week for his sensations to return and a month before he could wield a weapon. Right now, he was as weak as he could be. ‘I've never been in such a powerless state since beginning my regressions... Usually, if an arm got sliced off, I would just die. Right now, I'm in a state where I can't resist anything Hughes might do...’ As his thoughts reached that point, he shuddered and looked at me with fearful eyes. ‘No way... Right? He's rude but knows to maintain boundaries... But if he did take advantage of my defenseless state... What, what would I do? What could someone like Hughes...’ Well, what am I supposed to do? If I were going to seduce you, I would have started gradually from the very beginning. I'm not someone who imposes myself on people who show disinterest. ‘No, no! It's because I'm weakened. Don't think of leaning on him! This relationship will vanish with the next regression. If I develop deeper ties, I'll only be left with scars! It always ends that way. Even my first love ended like that...’ Wow. You've been managing to date even during your regressions. As he drummed on alone, a thought passed through his vague memory. ‘Wait a minute. First love...? When did I...have my first love...?’ His memory had become muddled after regressing for so long. It was a bit pitiable, actually. As I quietly read his mind, a scarlet fountain burst from his shoulder. Blood seeped through the stitched wound. Noticing it a moment too late, I shouted urgently. “Hey? Shei, you’re bleeding! There’s blood on your shoulder!” “Huh, what?” “What are you doing? Focus! You're losing blood!” His shoulder was turning into a bleeding faucet! Realizing his condition, he managed to stabilize his blood flow. With no energy left to spare for other distractions, he ground his teeth. ‘...I think I can’t recall because I’m so dizzy. First, focus. Think later when I’m healed.’ While I was dedicated to treating the Regressive Mage, I heard a knock. Preemptively using telepathy, I was alarmed to find no thoughts emanating from outside. Sure, the knock was real, but the being wasn’t human? Cautiously, I approached the door. “Who is it?” There was no reply, but I sensed a presence. I carefully opened the door and was met with a parrot. It perched on the perch, nodding its head with crimson feathers and a blue tail. “What’s this?” [What’s this?] “A parrot? Did it fly all the way up here? Or is it... a familiar?” [Correct! Correct!] The parrot flapped its wings excitedly and flew into the room. Searching for a spot to perch, it chose a familiar place. The Regressive Mage’s shoulder. “Hey! Get down from there! It was barely reattached; what if it falls off?” [Screech? Then here?] “Sure. Better on the head than anywhere.” 'Better? Get down! You're messing up my hair!' Settling among his hair, the parrot cleared its throat and chirped in its squawking voice. [I've come to pay respects to the King of Humans.] “Pay respects, yet you send a familiar? Doesn’t exactly exude respect.” [Apologies. But please understand. Speaking through Polly's lips is more convenient than talking directly.] “Convenience? Speaking through a parrot? Isn't using your own mouth easier?” [Not particularly? You make a fuss about nothing. If even a parrot can do it, it's hardly worth the fuss!] Was she talking from a distance? Her thoughts weren't easily read. It must be one of the witches, but which one? The parrot stood defiantly on the Regressive Mage's head and spoke. [Humans are the most fuss-prone of all. Beasts share the same blood. Parrots can talk, leopards think when hunting. What humans excel in over beasts is jealousy, envy, vile desires, and petty plotting. I would prefer facing beasts over such humans any day. Don’t you agree, King of Humans?] Ah. I see. The disdain for humans, coupled with the fondness for beasts in her words. This is definitely the Archwitch. I didn’t recognize her due to the change in speech, but who else would waste her dominion over a parrot in such a trivial manner? Moreover, there's no way another witch would reach out before the Archwitch did. Well, part of her argument is actually relatable. Fundamentally, something about it seems twisted. I replied. “Not even remotely relatable.” [Really? Are you defending your people because you're the King of Humans?] “Not at all? I'm just observing things as they are. Do other beasts not exhibit jealousy or envy? Do they not bare fangs in vile desire? It’s something done by all creatures, so why make such a spectacle of it?” So when it's about something good, animals are credited; when it's bad, humans are to blame? That's a weird notion. Saying humans are animals too doesn’t particularly mean humans are the worst. “Honestly, you seem to be making the biggest fuss here, Archwitch.” [Caw, caww!] The parrot, struck at a nerve, flapped its wings vigorously. Red feathers fluttered over the Regressive Mage’s face. Catching a feather before it touched my nose, I addressed the parrot. “Are you possibly afraid of humans?” [N-no! Not at all! I'm just... they're just difficult!] “If you’re not scared, then why not come here yourself? No matter how well you control your familiar, to truly see essence, you’d need to witness it with your own eyes.” From my previous encounter, I had learned that the Archwitch had quite the severe social phobia—so much so that she was more comfortable with animals than with humans. It’s manageable if the counterpart is a woman or someone familiar. This is why she freely converses with Nevida and other witches. But it seems different with me. Especially since... [...How do I know what the King of Humans might do to me!] “Why does it always sound like I’m going to do something when I haven't even done anything yet? At least let me actually do something before making accusations so I can be annoyed for a reason!” If humans are frightening, then the King of Humans would certainly be as well. Wait a minute. Could this work in my favor? It's easier to manipulate someone who fears you than someone who dismisses you. I stiffened my posture and asked with an authoritative tone, “So, what’s the reason for coming to see me?” Though the parrot raised its feathers in discomfort, a parrot showing discomfort is hardly intimidating. When I glared at it, the parrot flinched. Disturbingly, the Regressive Mage cowered too—why though? [It's about the demon god!] “The demon god?” [Yes. Is it true that the progenitor Tyrkanzyaka has become the demon god of animals?] “The demon god of animals? Not exactly; if anything, she’s more of the demon god of blood.” The parrot bobbed its head up and down, croaking. [Why, why?] “Why? Because a demon god is a demon god. Asking why a demon god is a demon god...? And originally, the progenitor who created the vampire race isn’t particularly odd, is it? Especially when you also received her blood to become an Elder.” [I did it for research! To uncover the mysteries of the progenitor’s blood and become a demon god myself! But to think she would outpace me...!] Among the thirteen elder elders, the Archwitch is a unique existence. As the shadow over jungles and mentor to all witches, she is a leader in her own right. The progenitor and the Archwitch exchanged each other's treasures, the Archwitch her knowledge, and the progenitor her blood, strengthening the bond between two of the continent's darkest entities. But nonetheless, an elder is an elder. To the broader world, it may have seemed like the Archwitch had joined the progenitor’s ranks. The vampires, who once dominated the world, were considerably more formidable compared to the witches who hid. [Tyrkanzyaka...! Born before me, stronger than me! And now even becomes a demon god? It’s just too much!] Such notions might have lingered as a slight inferiority complex within the Archwitch. While the parrot fumed on its own, it turned and looked at me, huffing. [I've heard the demon god changes you, King of Humans.] “It’s not something exclusive to me. Demon gods affect the entire world, and I just happened to be part of that world.” [Regardless! That makes enough sense!] You shouldn’t just gloss over such things. But for now, should I just nod in agreement? [How does one become a demon god like Tyrkanzyaka? Tell me how.] “Why ask me that?” [The demon god is human. Since you're the King of Humans, you must know!] “Ask the demon god herself. You’re not even a stranger to Tyrkanzyaka.” [That would make it seem like I’m beneath her!] “That’s actually true. What’s the problem? Based on name value and accomplished feats, it’s just right for Tyrkanzyaka to be the demon god.” YW9peUx5cktZYXhyU2hzY1VsMkQ0V3dDWFdPclRkRzZ1UG1xRnByOGdLencwVmpnelVqL0M4b1JuSWQ1V2puMg “What am I lacking!” “Dignity, charisma, power, authority, reputation, appearance. Oh, and age.” [Shut uuup!] Furious, the parrot flapped and flew up, seemingly ready to peck and scratch at my face. But I am human. I wouldn’t be bested by mere light-winged creatures. Swiftly I snatched its neck and pinned down its wing. [Screeech! Let go!] “Quite strong, aren’t you? Must be because you’re the Archwitch's familiar? But I’m not weak enough to be defeated by a mere parrot.” [Release Polly at once! Don’t you dare forget I'm the Archwitch! Aren’t you afraid of facing me after attacking my precious familiar?] “And you. Did you forget I'm the King of Humans?” The parrot stopped fluttering. Its eyes rolled lazily as it grudgingly admitted. [Hmph. Acting all tough after losing your power. I know. The King of Humans has fallen into slumber after losing all power...] “I’m in the midst of reclaiming that power by consulting with Nevida. And what? Am I not afraid of meeting again? Listen. Do you really want to have a negative encounter with me once I have regained my strength?” The parrot’s eyes once again rolled around. Quietly folding its wings and curling its claws, it looked away. [...N-no.] While Nevida might not care about any aftermath as long as I, the King of Humans, revive, the Archwitch clearly does. She cooperates with Nevida for her own reasons and, naturally, would want to maintain a favorable relationship. With me, presumably, but still. The intimidation seemed sufficient. With a gentle smile, I softly placed the parrot back on the Regressive Mage’s head. “Of course. I too wish to maintain a good relationship with you, Archwitch. After all, you’re a friend to beasts. Hence, you are also a friend to humans.” [Y-yes. Thank you….] “But, Archwitch, why do you seek to become a demon god?” [Th-that’s…. For r-revenge.] “Revenge? Whose revenge?” [It’s, uh...] “Pardon?” With its fumbling explanation, I couldn’t quite grasp what the parrot was saying, making me wish I had telepathy. Muttering inwardly, I asked once more. This time, a clear voice emerged from the parrot's beak. “To avenge the World Tree that was burned and fell. To honor the spirit of the blessed ginkgo.” The parrot’s eyes focused intently on one spot. With its feathers calmly settled, the Archwitch’s parrot spoke with a demeanor uncharacteristically composed for a bird. “I will shatter the lone World Tree now left, the Metasequoia.”