Volume 10 - Dream Eater: Chapter 10 – Takamine Reika

Volume 10 - Dream Eater: Chapter 10 – Takamine Reika

Despite her injuries, Ayaka’s strength was still akin to that of a double-soul Big Dipper stage expert, even without her treasures, and she was on the path to recovering her power. Fuyutsuki, itself a treasure capable of traversing the boundless deep sea, was formidable. While a Throned Monarch’s attack wouldn’t leave a mark, a strike from a Throned Saint could severely damage the interior, potentially causing numerous casualties among the visitors and attendants.

Reika’s assault was sudden but, to Ayaka, painfully slow.

In an instant, the room transformed into a dark starry sky just before Reika’s blade could reach Ayaka, and a tremendous force constricted around her, stifling her strength entirely.

“Sister Ayaka has projected her soul world into the room,” Lily assessed from the other room. Though a Throned Saint couldn’t harm Ayaka, Lily had been concerned that a battle might damage the ship and endanger innocent lives. It appeared her worry was unfounded.

With swift precision, Ayaka had completely sealed Reika’s powers.

“What?!” Reika’s shock was palpable. She hadn’t anticipated her opponent suppressing her midair with such absolute force, rendering her immobile.

Ayaka countered with a gentle strike to Reika’s underbody, dispersing her inner energy and causing her to flip over, followed by a stinging whip to her backside.

“Aah!” Reika’s moan was tinged with embarrassment.

From Kimiko’s treasures, Ayaka produced a simple-looking rope that could bind anyone below the triple-soul Big Dipper level, and with mere thought, she tied Reika’s hands and legs behind her. The soul world projection vanished, leaving Reika helpless on the floor.

Unyielding, Ayaka stepped on Reika’s backside with her leather boot, her eyes showing no mercy to the one who had dared attack her.

Reika’s disbelief was evident in her ragged breaths. As a Throned Saint and a powerhouse in Iyo, she hadn’t expected such a beautiful woman to overpower her with ease.

“Why did you attack me?” Ayaka demanded, lifting Reika’s chin with her whip.

With a stubborn glare, Reika retorted, “I’m no match for you. Just kill me

1!”

Ayaka’s response was a helpless shake of her head and another strike of her whip.

“Mm... No...” Reika trembled, eyes tightly shut.

“Hmph. You fear pain yet not death?” Ayaka’s mood was dark, and her gaze chilled as she looked down at Reika.

At that moment, Lily swung the door open and strode into the room, causing Reika to reel in astonishment once again. The thought that two such striking women would be present on Fuyutsuki tonight hadn’t crossed her mind, particularly one as formidable as the mature woman in leather.

“Just who are you two?” Reika demanded, her voice filled with confusion.

Lily approached Reika and calmly replied, “That question is ours to ask. Weren’t you searching for the Night Queen? Why attack my sister so suddenly?”

“Hmph! She isn’t the Night Queen! Are you two spies or something?” Reika shot back, frustration bubbling in her voice.

A frown creased Ayaka’s face as she asked, “Do you want me to punish you again, huh?”

“Of course not!” Reika snapped, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

Taking a deep breath, she knelt before Lily and Ayaka, her body trembling.

“W-Why is she doing this? Could it be that she’s truly a *********?” Lily was mortified, fearful that Ayaka might be inclined to discipline her.

“I was in the wrong, sisters! I hope you’ll forgive me,” Reika pleaded.

Lily shook her head in resignation. Some people were just like that, skeptical at first but changing their minds at the last minute.

“Don’t worry about it. It was a mere misunderstanding. Regardless, you’re still a valued client of Fuyutsuki. We have other matters to attend to, so continue to enjoy yourself here,” Lily replied, a note of disapproval in her voice as she turned to leave.

“Please wait, sisters!” Reika’s voice was desperate as she crawled forward, bowing before Lily’s and Ayaka’s feet once more. “I need your assistance and hope you’ll hear me out!”

“...” Lily and Ayaka exchanged a glance, seemingly moved by Reika’s sincerity and loyalty, and they nodded in assent.

The trio settled on the floor once more, Reika’s eyes darting nervously. Ayaka was quick to reassure her. “You don’t need to worry about eavesdroppers. You’re completely safe here. Plus, I’ve isolated the sound in this room with a barrier. No one will hear us.”

Introducing herself as Takamine Reika, the personal bodyguard of Princess Asuka, she confessed her true mission: “I traveled from Iyo on my master’s orders to find an expert that fits the princess’ needs.”

“You’re strong, and from what we understand, so is your master. Why seek an expert?” Lily inquired.

Reika’s eyes brimmed with concern, mirroring the anxious expression often worn by her princess—a worry for their kingdom and its people.

“Iyo has been without sunlight for years now

3. The never-ending famines, plagues, and monster invasions have driven our people to the brink. It’s a living nightmare! The kingdom is on the verge of ruin, and my master desires to unite the world’s experts under her banner to repel the monstrous threat and shield the kingdom and its inhabitants.”

“However,” Reika continued, “the support from the kingdom alone won’t suffice to reach this goal. Therefore, the princess sent me to traverse the globe, seeking those who could assist us. I learned that the Night Queen of Fuyutsuki, despite her odd preferences and penchant for bullying young women, is a champion of justice and a supreme expert. Yet, the kingdom harbors forces that resist the princess, so I had to act with the utmost discretion, pretending to be a guest seeking the Night Queen’s discipline. Though it seemed like I was wasting funds, the money came from the princess’ military reserves! Every expenditure was a blow

4. Our kingdom is already impoverished, and even the princess leads a modest life...”

References

Robinxen: SHE SAID THE LINE!

Robinxen: Seems like Ayaka truly is someone else but... a half-sister perhaps?

Robinxen: Volcanic/Nuclear winter scenarios are truly dystopian.

Robinxen: Ouch...