Chapter 68: Hostage

In the area of the other world where the magicians earlier gathered has finally turned desolated. Only Catmod and Otome are left behind along with a man that seems to be in his twenties who has snow-white colored hair and wears a tuxedo and formal black pants.

Beside him is a girl who seemed to be around the age of ten but has the air of an adult. Her hair is similar to the guy on the tuxedo and she is clad in white kimono. She is holding a small bear that is carrying a big crystal ball around the size of a human's head. If you observe her face properly, you can see that her eyebrows are white and her eyes are also a bit blurry. From the looks of it, you can tell her that she is a blind person.

"You really have visited personally here, Zacharias," Catmod said as he snaps his finger and most of the items that he was using to amplify his voice disappeared.

"Have you done what I told you earlier?"

"Yes. He is currently holding around the rankings spot number 5."

"I see, that is good. He is showing potential," Zacharias nodded.

"Just what is special about this kid? He just joined the chat group a few months ago and now he can use a few amount of magic spells. I have not heard of any family producing a magician like him."

"He is the son of the "those two." From the looks of it, he is using the same phone that "those two" built with the spirit of knowledge living on that machine. If he is really worthy to be a magician and surpass his parents, he can be a crucial part of the future. He may be able to continue what his parents did not accomplish."

"But he is just a newbie. He barely uses magic skills right now and prefers to use his martial arts."

"It takes time to train someone in our ways. He didn't have a teacher to teach him magic yet he managed to learn it by himself. That means he is someone who already shows potential. That is why this will be ideal for him to be separated from his companions. We need to test his capabilities while he is alone."

Catmod scratch his chin and sighed. He glances at the blind girl and shook his head before he stares into the hologram floating in the air in which, it currently displays Kazuma cooking the snake monster he just killed earlier…

...

The girl earlier finally woke up a few hours later. I also managed to kill a few snake beasts earlier with the help of Yuto and Yuri allowing us to get food. It's getting dark and the sun is almost set on the horizon.

When she opened her eyes, I already disarmed her with her weapons and hidden weapons. Of course, I didn't do the inspection and weapon retrieval. I employ Yuri's help on that job and successfully removed 20 hidden blades on her body which is a ridiculous amount if you ask me. If I didn't let Yuri do this, there is a big chance of me getting backstabbed by her if I try to let her go.

She looked around first and tried to move, only to fail and realized that she was tied up. She tried to use the hidden blade on her gloves but realized that it was missing. She raised her head and saw me looking at her while grilling the huge snake.

"What have you done to me?! You pervert! Release me at once!"

I looked at her in disdain. Did she take me for a fool? Only idiots would do that and I am not going to be one. I disregarded her demand and continue to grill the snake.

"This is why all men must be eradicated! You all are rotten pieces of humanity!"

I didn't answer her and just continue to grill the snake. The smell is getting good and from the looks of it, it is getting cooked and soon enough, it will be ready to eat.

"Oi, didn't you hear me? Release me at once!"

She was one heck of an annoying girl. I have my fill of them in the past and now I am accompanying one who seems to be a man-hater.

"Why are you not responding?! Hey, answer me!"

Even though she is struggling to free herself from the bindings, I didn't respond and say anything as I focus on cooking the snake. When the snake was fully cooked, she stopped struggling and stare at the snake. It was clear that she is getting hungry from her face.

As usual, I just ignored her and started peeling the snake. I have never eaten a snake before but I have seen many documentaries and survival shows that is showing the hosts eating snakes. Usually, they will peel the skin but some eat it, though I doubt this one can be eaten and safe aside from the meat.

The meat is tender and when I took a bite, it was a bit chewy. I thought I was eating a chicken but it was definitely a snake, just has a bit of different flavor and texture.

I took a glance again at her and I can see her gulping. I am not a heartless person but I am not a nice one either. I will let her suffer a little bit. Call me a cruel guy and I will not really care.

"H-hey, can you give me a bite? I am a little bit hungry…"

That was fast. I usually thought she would act tough for a while to keep her pride on the line but I guess the stomach's urges are stronger than her will.

I approach her and tried to feed her but she quickly complained.

"Why are you trying to feed me? You can just untie me from these vines!"

"I am not a fool and I taking the necessary measures to stop you from escaping. I can't trust you after all," I said and explained.

"I refuse to do this!"

"Then I will not give you this," I said and took the snake meat away.

"Ah! No! I am a little hungry already! Please don't burden me more!"

"Then bite this. I won't allow you to get released on your bindings. If you refuse then I will no longer give you many chances to eat."

Hearing this, she reluctantly took a bite and started chewing.

"It doesn't taste good."

"Who cares about the taste? You shouldn't be choosy. I only grilled this sh*t, don't expect something spectacular gourmet food. This is a magical novel, not a cooking show."

"Novel?"

"No, nothing. Anyways, if you tried to escape, I dare you to try. I doubt you will be able to retrieve your precious weapons."

"You pervert, taking advantage of a girl while she is unconscious."

"For your information, I let my female familiar do the bidding of removing all your hidden blades. Even the blades that you hide by magic are not spared so just give it up for now until I give you the weapons again."