EP.121 Had a Drink
"Sir. A problem has arisen."
The Immortal brought a bottle of alcohol and requested a consultation with me. Without being asked, he poured the alcohol into a cup and spoke heavily, as if bearing the weight of life on his shoulders.
"What is it?"
"You said we would escape this place on the next day the sunlight shines, didn't you?"
"I did."
"Hmm. What will you do once you get outside, sir?"
A sudden life consultation?
I haven't decided anything. It's a matter of surviving first, so I didn't have the luxury to consider what happens after the escape.
I replied without much thought.
"I'll return to where I was staying first, I suppose."
"The Military Nation? I heard there is no mercy for criminals there. Will you be able to return?"
"The Military Nation has no mercy even if you don't commit a crime."
"Haha! That's true! I know that well too!"
"And I was originally a criminal anyway. So there's nothing holding me back."
"Oh, I didn't even know that!"
Laughing heartily, the Immortal downed a cup of alcohol and brought up his business.
"Sir. But I am curious about something. Callis said she can no longer return to the Military Nation."
"Probably so."
"Why can't someone as high-ranking as a Lieutenant Commander return to her own country?"
"She belonged to a secret society. The secret society won't let her live after she betrayed them. She'll be assassinated as soon as she returns."
"Hmm! Won't the Military Nation protect such a valuable officer?"
"Do you know the easiest way for the secret society to assassinate the Lieutenant Commander? They just have to report that she acted under the orders of another secret society, not the Military Nation. Then she'll be arrested immediately and executed."
Level 3 citizens, people too precious to replace.
But they are merely precious, not irreplaceable. The Military Nation prioritizes the defense of its system above all else, and ruthlessly purges those who oppose it.
Even if they are Level 4 citizens, the Military Nation will decisively strike down those who go against their will....
Of course, at Level 4, there's no reason to oppose the Military Nation's will in the first place.
"That's really strict! I always feel this, but the Military Nation's standards are too harsh!"
Once it was confirmed that she would die if she returned to the Military Nation, the Immortal, having made up his mind, said to me.
"Then it can't be helped! Even if it means hardship, it's better than death. Since things have come to this, I'll have to take her with me when I leave the Military Nation."
"You're leaving the Military Nation?"
"I have to. Otherwise, I don't know about myself, but she will die. I won't be welcomed anymore either."
"Anymore? Mr. Rash, weren't you unwelcome from the very beginning?"
"Haha! You hit a sore spot! How did you know?"
"Because the Military Nation doesn't really like existences outside the standard. Except during wartime."
"Haha. The Military Nation is truly a consistent country."
The Immortal muttered bitterly. A deep sense of regret, along with the smell of strong alcohol, seeped from his sigh.
The alcohol supplied by the Regressor was the precious Cheonra-hyangju, which allows one to get drunk while remaining clear-headed. It's a legendary liquor that the chancellors of the old empire drank when they wanted to get drunk during their grueling duties.
I couldn't leave it out on an occasion like this. I also gulped down the alcohol swirling in front of me.
The alcohol flowing down my esophagus burns deep inside. It feels as if the clear fragrance of the liquor that remains after burning inside my body permeates my entire being.
"Keuh. To die for. This is real alcohol."
As expected, a premium product chosen by the Regressor. I was going to take it easy but ended up pouring the entire contents of the cup down my throat.
As I set the cup down on the table with a clack, the Immortal nodded happily.
"I should thank the boy! It's on a different level from the Military Nation's toxic and bitter beer!"
"Don't compare it to that filthy alcohol. It's a monstrosity where they used water compression technology on filthy beer to increase rationing and transportation efficiency."
I still don't understand why what they call standard-issued beer is considered a Level 2 luxury good. Luxury should be called luxury when it's actually luxurious.
"If you don't mix it with water, it's a terrifying liquid where you can't tell if it's beer or if you're being hit hard on the head while eating barley porridge. Why is that a luxury good? It's the harm of efficiency-ism. Just because the result is the same doesn't mean everything is the same."
"Hahaha! What an interesting way to put it! I was surprised too. How did a country come to be where you can't even drink a glass of alcohol as you please!"
Stories were exchanged along with the cups of alcohol passed back and forth as we drank together.
People with no shared memories to bond over naturally confirm their friendship at a drinking table by cursing the same things. As befitting a resident of the Military Nation's back alleys, I bitterly criticized the Military Nation, and while the Immortal agreed with my words, he kept showing lingering attachment to the Military Nation.
I asked.
"You haven't been in this country for long, so how did you get so attached?"
"It's not that I got attached. I'm regretful because I couldn't get attached."
"If you didn't get attached, you can just leave it behind."
"That's what I'm regretful about. Even if I leave the Military Nation, I don't think I'll miss it much."
What nonsense. Obviously. Even the people living in the Military Nation right now probably don't miss it.
The Immortal muttered as he filled his cup to the brim with alcohol.
"I thought the Military Nation was an incredibly great country. The Military Nation built cities, constructed dams, and paved roads. They even made the land flow like rivers, connecting the entire nation."
"It's one of the Military Nation's few achievements."
"In contrast, our tribe was just happy planting the large beans the Military Nation created. Perhaps because we are immortal, we lacked even a shred of fierceness. I kept admiring the Military Nation, which was always trying to build something."
The cups clinked. The Immortal drained his cup and leaned his back against the backrest. His gaze drifted slightly into the distance.
"Our tribe grows up drinking water mixed with dirt and eating dirty grains and meat from childhood. Then, on the day of the coming-of-age ceremony, we gather the energy accumulated in our bodies to one corner. And, we cut off the part closest to the earth and offer it as a sacrifice to the Earth Mother Goddess."
From the Immortal speaking of his tribe's tradition, I could feel a hint of regret and longing. He fiddled with his right arm and said.
"Like that, we offer a part of our body, bury it in the ground, and gain a new flesh. My right arm is that, the Offering God."
So that's why his right arm was running around on its own; he did some weird ritual.
Humans really commit insane acts so casually.
"Thanks to that, I did gain immortality... But perhaps because of that, we stagnated. The Military Nation is building a country of iron, while we, at best, only changed the beans we planted slightly. I was sick and tired of the sight no different from my childhood, so I came to see the Military Nation. But."
The Immortal looked around once. The color of concrete, seemingly symbolizing the Military Nation, filled his eyes.
"I don't know. When I thought of our tribe, I felt resentment and longing. But in this country... I feel no emotion at all."
"Well, you were imprisoned and left with your entire body torn apart, so that could be it."
"Haha. No. I don't care about such trivial things."
How is that trivial?
Laughing it off with a perspective typical of the Immortal, he poured all the remaining alcohol into his cup.
"It seems like staying here any longer won't make things better. I happened to commit a crime, so I can't stay anymore, and I've seen everything there is to see, so I should leave now."
And after downing it in one gulp, he made a firm decision.
"I will cross the border and go to the Great Mother. I will suggest Callis come along, but I don't know if she will accept."
Of course she will accept. That's what I was aiming for when I brought it up in the first place.
The Immortal stood up from his seat. Even with his face slightly flushed, he walked perfectly fine. He marveled at his own condition.
"Is it because the alcohol is delicious! I drank this much, but I only feel the buzz while my mind is completely clear!"
"It's Cheonra-hyangju, the alcohol that gets you drunk clearly. A liquor that only makes you feel good and doesn't harm your body."
"There are all sorts of alcohols in the world!"
"You suggested drinking without even knowing what kind of alcohol it was?"
"How would I know! I brought it out because Callis told me to drink with her!"
Huh? Callis did?
Then why did he bring it to me? Let me read his memories.
Reading his memory roughly, it seems Callis played the tragic heroine. Saying she had nowhere to go now, with a wistful expression, she said she wanted to drink alcohol to soothe her troubled heart. Together, if possible.
The Immortal accepted the offer and was taking the alcohol when...
"But once I brought it out, Callis is an injured person who can't even walk on her own! I snatched the cup before she could drink it! Phew, that was almost a disaster!"
He fell for his own trick. She recovered enough to secretly eat food at night, so who told her to pretend to be in so much pain?
However, there is one problem.
"...You brought that straight to me?"
"I opened the lid, so what else could I do. We have to drink it!"
"Why me of all people?"
"I couldn't give it to the young boy or the vampires who can't even taste it! Same goes for the beast ladies, so by process of elimination, there's only you, sir! I happened to have something I wanted to ask you too!"
If you do that, I'll end up bearing Callis's grudge.
Ugh, this is why I should read the memories of people bringing alcohol first. I guess I let my guard down since it's been a while.
It doesn't matter since there's no ill intent, but considering Callis's wish.
I sighed and pointed at the cupboard with my finger.
"Mr. Rash. There's also a medicinal wine in that cupboard. It's a liquor full of fiery energy, a medicinal wine said to vanquish all unclean energies and heal the body."
"Oh! There's such a magical alcohol?"
"Yes. That should be fine for a patient to drink."
"You should have told me earlier! I would have recovered faster!"
Not knowing that she had already fully recovered, the Immortal quickly approached and took out the medicinal wine. Grabbing another cup and taking a few pieces of meat as side dishes, he left his seat.
"Then I'll be going now!"
I waved my hand and saw him off.
Realize the cruelty of civilization, barbarian. You have already fallen into a trap.
Anyway, after getting out of here.
Hmm. I haven't thought about it.
First, I'll return to the back alleys of Amitengrad and gather my hidden wealth and belongings.
I don't know after that.
There is nothing as meaningless as a grand future plan. The future cannot be predicted. It's nonsensical for someone who has been in an isolated Abyss for a long time to anticipate the flow of the world.
I need to go out, find information, and do my best on a case-by-case basis based on that.
To avoid danger and survive.
Having drunk a moderate amount of alcohol and feeling good, I stepped out into the yard with the intention of playing with Azi. Taking a piece of chicken to give to Azi.
That was when I saw a strange sight.
"Nyaah-! Stop, nya-!"
Beyond the space illuminated by the daytime lamps, in the darkness.
There, Nabi was running after a round light that was fleeing in a zigzag pattern.
"Nyaah-! You're quite fast, nya! But you can't keep up with my speed...? Nya?"
I wondered what was running into the darkness where I couldn't see well, and then Nabi landed squarely on the light of the searchlight. Letting out a triumphant cry, she tapped the light with her front paw.
However, the intangible light slipped through her claws and crawled along the ground to escape. Then, greatly irritated, Nabi also ran after the light.
"Nya! Nya! You're quite nimble, nya!"
"Woof woof!"
"Nyat! Stupid dog! Move out of the way, nya!"
This time, Azi appeared and stepped on the round light. Of course, Azi also failed to catch the light, and as she passed by, the round light drew a zigzag and fled again.
That's strange. Searchlights are supposed to chase objects. Why is it avoiding Nabi and Azi?
Wondering what was going on, I turned my head.
On top of the searchlight attached to the prison's outer wall. The Regressor was standing lightly there, moving the light.
The Regressor playing with Azi and Nabi herself. And with this kind of game.
"Is the sun rising from the west?"
She said she couldn't handle them like beasts because she was in human form. Has she finally changed her mind a bit?
The Regressor, who had been engrossed in moving the light for a while, panicked when she met my gaze.
"Ah, ugh. This is..."
"Why are you playing with them all of a sudden?"
"No, well..."
'Nabi was chasing the searchlight alone, but the light stopped moving...'
The searchlight was made to chase escapees. Instead of running away from Nabi, it tries to catch Nabi. Even when Nabi taps the light, the light doesn't move.
So after a certain point, Nabi gets tired of the light that only illuminates her and comes back. Prey that doesn't run away is no fun.
"So, you felt sorry for her disappointed look and moved the light yourself? And then Azi ended up playing along too?"
"Don't misunderstand! I just, felt like I shouldn't just smoke mana grass all the time, just!"
The Regressor making excuses as if she had committed a crime.
Who's saying anything? What am I misunderstanding?
"Miss Shaye, you did well."
"What?"
"Wow. You've finally matured. That's right. If you raise animals, you have to think about taking care of them together. It was so hard taking care of them all by myself every day... Phew. I'm so moved I could cry."
"You're lying. Your eyes are completely dry."
"It's just an expression."
The Regressor chuckled and controlled the direction of the light. She moved the searchlight so that Nabi and Azi couldn't catch it easily, then suddenly spat out.
"The canned food you gave me. I'm using it well."
"As a snack?"
"Yeah. She liked it. I thought she'd hate it because it's just fishy and tasteless..."
"Why are you the one eating it."
"I just tasted it! Whether I'm the King of Beasts or whatever, my body is human for now! Just in case she couldn't eat it!"
"It's fishy because you ate something not made for humans to eat. The only one who eats human food well is Azi, who eats dog food. It's weird to try to feed them human food in the first place."
That was when we were having such an everyday conversation.
Thump.
As the ground shook, the searchlight suddenly started moving on its own.
The Regressor had already taken her hands off the searchlight. She glared in the direction the sound had come from a moment ago, her eyes wide open.
The searchlight detected a new intruder and chased its traces. The lights that had scattered in all directions moved in a straight line and converged on one spot.
And at the point where the lines intersected, at the end of it.
A person was standing.
She was a tall woman with apricot-colored skin.
Her black hair, tied in a single strand, flowed down her back. A human-figure-shaped earring swayed from her ear. Underneath the loose-fitting clothes that a Daoist might wear, tightly honed muscles were briefly visible. As many as five bracelets clinked a beat late.
"Woof! It's dangerous!"
"Nyan! Nya is first, nya!"
The two Kings of Beasts, who had been chasing the light, arrived just in time. Azi realized there was a human and twisted her direction, but Nabi, who was solely focused on playing, pounced on her at the same speed she had been running.
Swinging front paw. In its trajectory is a human. An attack that was like a disaster to humans, the King of Beasts' charge.
However.
Thump.
Nabi's front paw was blocked by her arm.
By spreading her legs wide and raising her arm, she withstood Nabi's strike.
No, can this even be called withstanding it?
If a cat scratches its claws on a giant tree, did the ancient tree withstand the attack?
No one would say that. In the first place, the ancient tree wouldn't be broken by a cat's claws. It was just there, and the cat came and scratched it.
In that sense, she was like an ancient tree.
That wasn't the end.
Azi, who should have lost her balance and rolled on the ground to avoid the suddenly appearing human.
However, Azi was currently caught in her side.
"Woof woof?"
When Azi, dangling in the air, looked puzzled.
"King of Dogs, King of Cats. It seems I have found them well. Oh, Mother Earth Goddess, I give thanks. Thanks to your grace, I have found a way even in this hell."
A low prayer was heard.
Both Nabi and Azi quieted down, held by that robust physique. It was a truly absurd feat to single-handedly, and with pure physical ability no less, receive the two Kings of Beasts.
The Regressor's eyes widened.
'Why is she here already? It was definitely supposed to be much later!'
When Azi, tucked under her arm, struggled, she carefully set Azi down. Azi hopped around her in circles.
"Woof! Hello! Nice to meet you!"
"It is a pleasure, King of Dogs. To the representative of existence, one who follows the Earth Mother Goddess offers her greeting."
She bowed her head in front of Azi, and Azi nodded her head following her.
"King of Cats..."
However, the highly cautious Nabi had run far away and was glaring at the stranger. After giving a small smile at Nabi, she turned her gaze to where the prison was.
Ah, our eyes met. She looked this way and shouted.
"I am a passing traveler!"
And the stomping continued.
Thump.
That small yet massive gesture announcing her arrival shook all of Tartarus.
"This meeting too was achieved by the guidance of the Earth Mother Goddess. This wayfarer wishes to be hosted for a day!"
The whole world is within the embrace of the Earth Mother Goddess, and since we have set foot together, we are all connected.
The host must not refuse the wayfarer, and the wayfarer must be as diligent as the host's hands and feet.
A devout follower of the Earth Mother Goddess invoked the old rules.
However, in the first place.
If someone were to visit this place where all flow with the world is cut off, their hell, the Abyss.
She obviously wouldn't be an ordinary follower.
Fortunately, before I read the memories of that Earth Mother Goddess follower, a thought came from the Regressor.
'The proxy of the Earth Mother Goddess. Earth Immortal (Dixian)!'