CH 77

“Chapter 77: Azaasha”

Several minutes after Mumuruu started flying at an incredible speed, I was finally able to open my eyes.

I don’t know where we are, but by how fast we were flying, I assume we reached our destiny.

– Takaya, we’re here.

Mumuruu whispered into my ear as she slowed down.

I opened my eyes and saw the Succubi territory below me.

– There’s nature here…

– The northeast region we live in is less noxious than the southwest region. Even then, our vegetation is withering.

There are very few plants in sight, and all the trees are short and have leaves as black as charcoal.

The only petals I can see have all sorts of ominous colors.

– Those Red Demons, they called us “Demon Garbage”. We Succubi can convert miasma into magic power. Our organs develop faster thanks to miasma.

So different species have different tolerance to miasma?

The demons believe in ruling by force. Strength is everything. If a race evolves to be strong due to the miasma, it would be seen as a failure among the rest.

– Even the Succubi have their good things though.

They might be a belittled race, but Succubi have their own redeeming qualities. They seem better than other races at handling dark magic, and they have bodies that can easily seduce any human.

In any way, they’re much better than brainless warriors who can only boast about their strength.

– Hehe, thank you, Takaya.

Mumuruu might be a little clumsy and dork, but it’s impossible to dislike her. She has that something that makes you want to help her at any cost.

I can understand why Letty has been her maid all this time.

– We’re almost at Ma’s. Let’s hurry so that we can look for Letty and Feria.

×　×

Not long after, we reached the castle that Azaasha uses as a retirement home.

Though more than a castle it looks like a mansion.

– Welcome back, Mistress.

– Welcome back.

Two Succubi maids were standing at the gate ready to greet Mumuruu.

For a moment their gaze turned to me.

– Lemy, Yamy, where is Ma…ther?

– Azaasha-sama is waiting for you in her private room.

– She asked you to please get your butt in there as soon as you arrived here. I believe she wasn’t in the best of moods.

– Oh, she’s in a bad mood? Takaya, would you happen to have at hand a potion to restore pulverized bones?

– Excuse me!?

What kind of monster is this “mother”?

I do have a potion but it’s one of the “defective” potions I gave Feria, so I’d rather not use it.

– Mumuruu-san…

– Yeah?

– Do we REALLY have to go meet her?

– Great minds think alike. I was just considering that.

The maids Lemy and Yamy guided us to the doors of Azaasha’s room.

This is the scariest moment of my life.

My magic aptitude is extremely mediocre, but I can feel on every hair of my body the murderous intent in the magic in the air.

Is it too late to run? Maybe I can still make it back to the human world.

I made eye contact with Mumuruu, who was on the same page as me.

– It would be wise for us to step back. (Lemy/Yamy)

We tried turning back, but the moment the doors opened-

– GWH!?

– …Huh?

A lightning-fast silhouette flashed on the corner of my eye, followed by the sound of Mumuruu crashing onto the wall.

– I KNOW THAT’S YOU, MUMURUU. TRYING TO RUN AWAY AND WASTE MY TIME AGAIN? YOU WORTHLESS SACK OF MEDIOCRITY.

A dark-skinned Succubus was standing on the door menacingly.

– You’re finally here, human. My name is Azaasha, the previous Shimmering Succubus Leader. I also happen to be the mother of that worm you see there pinned on the wall. Even if you’re a human, you’re our guest today. We ought to receive you with a proper welcoming.

I’ve never wanted to yell “NO THANK YOU” so badly.

I looked at the Trident of Darkness thrust on Mumuruu’s head while I pondered whether to laugh or cry.