Chapter 589 - Omniscient First-Person’s Viewpoint

The countdown begins. All those who yearn for the king of humans, gather around. Your wishes will be granted all at once. Nevida should also hurry a little. Those who haven't contributed much will come as if it's their right and demand for results. I hope you don't think that's too much. If I'm going to grant your wishes, it might as well be efficient and done in one go, right? "Hughes, I need to regain my strength. Help me." Even the Regressor seemed to feel the tension. "It might take a little longer to fully heal." "It doesn't need to be fully healed. Just as long as I can move." "There will be aftereffects." "I don't care." "No, it does matter. If there are aftereffects, your strength will diminish." Aftereffects aren't called aftereffects for nothing. If it occasionally ends with just joint pain, that's not an aftereffect. Joints ache even when it rains. "But I need to exert my strength immediately. I can't remain an onlooker. We have to stop Nevida...” “Shh!” She indicated that the Archwitch's familiar was still around. Nevida might not be watching directly, but she wouldn't refuse to hear what the Archwitch would relay. “Alright, I get it. Shei, you don't like being in your current state with your arm injured, right? Naturally so. It must be quite frustrating to have an immobile arm.” “…Yes, that's right.” ‘It's because of the surveillance, isn't it? You want me to establish a pretext to fool the watchers?’ “And I also dislike Shei having a bound arm. It’s tiresome with all the tending and caring. I feel like any affection I have is waning.” “What, what?! It's not my fault! And, you offered to help first! I rarely asked directly!” You understood just now that it was because of the surveillance. Why are you responding like this? We might as well start you on reading more than three paragraphs from now on. “So, it’d be good for both if Shei's arm returns to normal. Shei, how's the sensation?” “The sensation is fine. I can feel the cold and the warmth, and my pain sensitivity is in check.” “Well, that's fortunate.” “Actually, it's too fine; it still hurts. Is this typical? Or did you do something?” “Who knows? I’ve never had my arm torn off. I don’t want to either.” The Regressor's recovery seemed swift. While her mastery of ki techniques played a part, the alchemical healing was even more impactful. Nerve connections were restored with lightning threads, and blood vessels with blood control techniques. Broken bone fragments were subtly reinforced with alchemy. Hence, in a mechanical sense, the Regressor's body had almost fully recovered. “It seems like what Shei needs is rehabilitation. By moving and stimulating your sensors and muscles, you might heal faster.” “Yes, so undo these bandages and get the medicine from my pocket.” “And perhaps prepare a meal, too?” “…Yes.” “Well, it seems I still need to care for you.” “I am ill! Do I not deserve a little help without having it held over my head?” “I don’t want to be criticized when I'm not even getting rewarded properly.” “Fine. I’ll reward you! What do you want?” “Nothing, really.” “Hey!” What could you even offer? You don't know much, you're strong but uncertain, and whatever promises you made might not even be kept. Anyway, I undid the Regressor’s bandages and gave her the elixir. Although her shoulder was deeply bruised, focusing ki quickly reduced the swelling, returning the skin to its natural color. The Regressor put all her strength into moving her fingertips. Her pinky twitched. A movement too feeble compared to her will but nonetheless significant in its occurrence. “Ahh…” “Don’t rush. Let’s check your range of motion. I’ll lift your arm; tell me when it hurts.” “…Okay.” Standing behind the Regressor, I supported her elbow, gradually lifting it. Every inch caused her body to flinch in pain. However, this pain was akin to muscle ache. The Regressor gritted her teeth. At that moment, someone’s thoughts were picked up by my mind-reading. ‘What should I do today? Should I go with Pero to find a new parrot? Now that I’ve gotten the mask, should I try the elephant graveyard?’ This is… the Archwitch’s thoughts? She's close today since I can read them. ‘No, the human fruits must be ripening, right? If I'm going to pick them, I should go for the limited edition. Let's start an ecological survey on the king of humans!’ What ecology survey? It’s voyeurism. Why so excited about it? But the Archwitch doesn’t know I’m using mind-reading. See all you want. You won’t find anything suspicious. “Ow! It hurts!” “It’s not even fully lifted and it hurts?” “Ugh. You put too much effort…” “It’s the same exertion as before. It's Shei who couldn't withstand it." “Anyway, do it slower!” “Understood. Now, I’ll lower it, so try to hold it.” “…Okay.” Rehabilitation starts by determining the range of movement. A limb becoming stiff doesn’t mean it turns to stone, rather, it's when muscles tightly contracted from severe shock. In the Regressor’s case, not just stiffness but also broken parts may exist, requiring movements to stimulate and relax them. While assessing, I cautiously supported and moved her arm. ‘Oh, has it finally begun? The king of humans has lasted long!’ Huh? What kind of absurd thought is this? ‘Of course, leaving a male and female in one room inevitably leads to something.’ “Hm? Hughes, it seems you've stopped.” “Oh, right. Just a moment.” We’re in rehabilitation training, aren't we? What does the Archwitch perceive this situation as? Reading her thoughts provided clarity as to why. The Archwitch, utilizing familiar insects, was spying inside. Acclimated to the familiar’s senses, she could view the world through an insect’s perspective, but that perception differed significantly from human sight. Particularly in terms of distance. To the insect’s eyes, it looked as if the Regressor and I were embracing. Has the Archwitch turned entirely insect-brained after possessing insects? Even if it looks that way, if you had any sense of decency, you should have looked away. '...Ugh. It's fine to watch beasts mate, but watching humans do it is disgusting.' Enough with the unsolicited comments! If you don’t like what you see, stop spying! And this isn’t even that kind of scene! "Ouch! Now you’re applying too much pressure!" "Quiet. Pick your words more carefully." "Wha-? Did I say something wrong...?" Don't draw the Archwitch's attention like that. You're piquing her interest. 'Still… the ecology of the Beast King is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Let's take a deep breath and reposition for a clearer view.' The insect's vision subtly shifts. From a corner overlooking the entire room, it edges closer to observe me better. "Um, Hughes. Actually, I’m somewhat grateful to you…." "Hold on a moment." "Oh…." I left the Regressor and approached the moving cricket. Just as the cricket sensed something and lifted its head, ready to spread its wings and flee, I slammed it with my palm. The cricket died instantly, without a sound. 'Ouch! My covert listening cricket! It was precious to me!' Your naming sense is terrible. Still, having been possessing it, the shock must have been significant. Familiars are linked to their summoners, so any trauma they experience, the summoner does too. Having experienced a near-death shock, the Archwitch should be more cautious now. "What happened?" "There was a large insect crawling around. It was distracting, so I killed it." "Hughes, are you upset about something?" "Well, you could say that." 'It's alright. I still have five ears and six pairs of eyes left. As for compounded eyes, their numbers are countless!' Ah, right. The Archwitch had received Tyr’s blood, granting her an immortal body. Witches utilize all manner of witchcraft and deception to avoid the risks associated with the death or injury of their familiars, often resulting in weakened links or powers. In contrast, the Archwitch endures it with abundant vitality. Though she's performing tricks to escape Tyrkanzyaka's control, ultimately, to her, the death of a familiar is merely a minor inconvenience. 'Next up, let's use my hearing-enhanced mantis….’ “…Well, after all, you're human… you might have pain or find things bothersome. I’m sorry I couldn’t support you more….” "Another one down." "Hughes?" "There are a lot of bugs today. So, what were you saying again?" “…Never mind! If you don’t want to listen, then don’t!" "What’s with the sudden change? Anyway, try flexing your fingers. If you can’t, use your ki and focus on the muscle areas where the sensation hasn’t returned." "Tch. Just focus on observing!" "But your fingers do seem to be moving quite well. Maybe you'll regain full movement soon?" 'Ouch. I forgot that compared to other beasts, humans tend to be more aggressive towards insects. If I'm not careful, my precious hearing bugs will all be destroyed. Why is the king of humans so cruel!' Even she considers bugs as auditory devices. Yet, calling me cruel seems rich coming from you. "You’re not helping out of obligation, are you?" "Sorry?" "I mean, I can't force you or anything. If you don't particularly want anything, why are you helping me?" "Why is a patient asking so many questions? Anyway, try rotating your wrist." "If a person asks seriously, shouldn’t you at least answer?!" ‘Spying with bugs is fine for eavesdropping, but their resolution isn’t good enough for observation. What should I do? Oh, right! I left the window open the other day! I should possess Pero and fly in. Pero, go!’ You never grow tired, do you? Fine, witness how utterly mundane this rehabilitation session truly is and ensure you don’t share that with anyone. "Hughes. I’m a Regressor." "Ah, okay." "Don’t be too nice to me. Because… I might just leave." "Leave? To where?" "To the next. The next turn." "Where is next?" "To before this event occurred." Ah, I see… wait, what? "Sorry, what did you just say?" "This isn’t my first time in this era. I’ve repeated it over ten times. Each time, the King of Sin is born, and the world ends just like that." "Is this a prophecy?" "It’s not a prophecy. I've actually lived through it. This ki ability and treasure, I acquired them during those times. I’ll continue to do so." Well, this is…. "Thank you for helping. But you don’t need to. I can die… and return to the past. With everything I obtained from this time intact." "The past…? When?" "Just before I met you." This suddenly…. "That's why I don't want to feel grateful. I don’t want to receive anything from you. I don’t want to repay you. In this cycle, I can’t repay you anything. The next cycle's you will be different. It’s only burdensome to carry such thoughts back to the past." "Uh…." "I know it’s hard to understand. I'm only saying this so you know my circumstances because I'm a Regressor." Shei declared this matter-of-factly and focused on moving her fingers without another word. Meanwhile, I released my hold on her hand and quietly mulled over what Shei had said. This…. You finally opened up now. Ah, I've known through mind-reading for quite a few months already. It was quite a challenge pretending not to know despite knowing the truth about being a Regressor, diligently ensuring I didn't accidentally let slip anything I learned through mind-reading. Regardless, gaining Shei's genuine trust has been a success. Indeed, kindness during vulnerability does wonders. The sun wins over the north wind, after all, especially when it shines warmly in the cold. I quickly adjusted my expression despite an inner smile. It wasn't over yet. A thorough contemplation of these revelations was necessary, and I had to respond appropriately. Even though Shei had shared the truth of being a Regressor, acknowledging it too readily would seem unnatural. Shei is inherently a clue about her regression. Without analyzing the regression itself, one would end up being swept along by its currents. For now, I should feign ignorance with Shei and ask her what regression truly is and how it works. Even if Shei doesn't fully understand it herself, recalling past experiences might reveal valuable hints. “…Alright, let’s be quiet for now. Something’s approaching.” Flap, flap. The sound of wings flapping outside the window caught my attention. It seemed the parrot, possessed by the Archwitch, had arrived. Fortunately, since she was on her way, she probably missed Shei's confession. A small blessing amidst the trouble. I approached the window, intending to greet the parrot. However, perched on the window frame was not a parrot. An owl stood there, majestically holding a dead parrot in its beak. The dignified owl turned its head to look at me, blinking its large eyes while showing off one of its legs. A note was tied to its leg. Mesmerized, I retrieved the note, unfolded it, and read the message inside. - To the King of Humans, I have come to rescue you and your kind. Please grasp the owl's leg and leap down, ...It seemed that the Archwitch wasn't the only one observing this room.