CH 98

Monster Musume chapter 98: Shadow-san

The night before the operation, I was in a room in the building we were hiding. Shadow-san came to the room which was vacant because she had said that she wanted to speak alone with me. Well, what the heck does she want to tell me?

“Okay, there is nobody around here. What do you want to talk about?" Tsuchio

Activating the equipped magic tool, I light the room. Shadow-san stood in front of me. She has her hair up today. When I thought what was holding it up, I saw a suitable string. Well, it's not strange even if...

“Your identity? At first, you were a shadow demon and there is no doubt. Then, you evolved several times and were helped by Spirit-san after you humanized. At that point, your destination of evolution had already been squeezed. It was confirmed by having been given protection. Is that a definite evolutionary destination?" Tsuchio

Shadow-san nods. But Shadow-san hasn't evolved since she became a human-type. It was hard to understand even if she evolved, but...indeed, I should know from the amount of magic power. So what's going on here?

“Eh, you actually evolved!?” Tsuchio

Seriously, even if her magical power increased, I should have noticed absolutely....

“...Yes, Shadow-san was good at hiding her magic power. You would be a fool not to hide it." Tsuchio

I might have noticed it if I touched her directly, but Shadow-san is a shadow. I rarely have a chance to touch her. I know touching her is pretty fine, but other than that it's like touching a human.

“So, how did you evolve? Your appearance hasn't changed and...can you show me your real magical power?" Tsuchio

When I say so, Shadow-san took my hand and put it at the center of her chest. Mu......because her whole body is like a water balloon or rubber ball, I don't get so excited. I wonder if Shadow-san’s reaction is too fancy.

When I touch Shadow-san, it is surely hindered by something. Is she suppressing magical power with her magic.... That would reduce her usable magical power. Shadow-san, who had evolved before I knew, had always fought while holding down her original ability.

Shadow-san solves that magic. As soon as that happened her magical power changed markedly. To the extent that it can't be compared and this powerful magical power...is more than twice, from her restricted strength....

“Why did you hide this......if you had such magical powers,it would have been quite easy fighting that Chimera, for example. Moreover, you still hid it.... If suddenly such a big magical power appears, will someone come? Well, that's probably... fine, what about changes in appearance?" Tsuchio

Shadow-san nods. Because her appearance didn't change, she might have control of her magic. Shadow-san, I wonder what kind of person she will be.

“Then, can you show me the real Shadow-san? So that I may give you a real name at last." Tsuchio

Shadow's body ripples and her purple black skin peels off. From inside, a dark black light is shining again. The skin gets lost steadily and the light fills the room. Although it isn't dazzling, I cannot see Shadow-san. And what was standing on the spot where the light fell....

『...You finally saw it. Well, I didn't want to let you see it as much as I could.』Shadow-san

“...That's terrible, I wanted to meet the humanized Shadow-san." Tsuchio

What was standing in front of me was a japanese-looking woman who hasn't been seen since I came to this world. Her height isn't very tall, but her chest is. She has black hair, but the surprising thing is that face. Why...why is it like me? No, she didn't possess a male face. I wonder if she has the same atmosphere or facial expression. It's exactly like a mirror. Her big, clear blue eyes are still innocent enough to be feminine. She wears a dark blue blazer and a gray skirt! I'm so cute. I'm not a narcissist, but I look nice.

『That's not it. What I am supposed to be in this situation is that I’m forced to do so. That is the time of a battle that cannot be lost at all.』 Shadow-san

“Well, before, I was told by Rin that she saw a girl that looks exactly like me. Was that you, Shadow-san?” Tsuchio

『That's right. When Rin was in danger, I didn't hesitate to help.... Both of you fainted, so I could disguise myself once more.』 Shadow-san

“Just like a doppelganger? But you’re a woman.” Tsuchio

『That's because I'm your shadow. If you think of Yin and Yang, then Yin is a woman and Yang is a man.』Shadow-san

“...Is that so?” Tsuchio

『Unexpectedly, I changed with such simple things. To be precise, I’m not a doppelganger... well, you can think that I’m Tsuchio as a woman.』 Shadow-san

“Well, I as a woman......Tsuchino?" Tsuchio

『Tsuchino?』 Shadow-san

“Yes, Tsuchino. It's your new name." Tsuchio

『Tsu...Tsuchino? Yeah, that sounds good. Somehow, we really seem like twins.』 Tsuchino

“Not brother and sister?" Tsuchio

『Okay, elder sister. Because a woman becomes an adult earlier than a man. I can't give up on this as much as Tsuchio!』Tsuchino

“Oh well, I don't mind that much. Well then let's get into the main subject...other than the figure, what else could you do besides the increase in magical power." Tsuchio

『I will explain one by one. First of all...』Tsuchino

We are fighting Ruu right now and a moment ago, a white flash explosion wrapped her in smoke and dirt. Nichrome fired a large number of missiles and Rin caused a thunderstorm to descend. Her figure is longer visible without having to wait for the smoke to clear up.

“Let's go, Tsuchino!" Tsuchio

『OK, Tsuchio!』 Tsuchino

Tsuchino took my hand and we went into a shadow. Shadow-san who became Tsuchino made it possible, part 1.

Along with Tsuchino, I became able to move from shadow to shadow. We move straight and jump out of Ruu’s shadow in a flash. We tried it several times, but it seems quite strange.

In front of us is Ruu's familiar back. I can see Lime thrusting over my shoulder. In my hands, I drew a star talisman, a new talisman and a improved talisman. Behind, Tsuchino is about to release her magic. Ruu shouldn't be able to move with the missiles and lightning and even if we cannot beat her now, we do some damage!

The moment I tried to throw my talismans, an impact ran into my flank and I was blown away. I was beat against the wall, but Tsuchino released her magic regardless of it. Extraordinarily bright black rays gather together and become huge drills and thrust into Ruu. At the same time, Lime, who altered her arms, attacked.

Ruu catches Lime’s arm and Tsuchino’s magic, with both arms together. Tsuchino’s drills appeared to be antagonistic to Ruu’s reinforced scales, but fell down shortly. From Ruu's arms, flames are released. Truly, you can't avoid that magic in a moment.... Meanwhile, Lime aims at Ruu's body. If it is a scaleless body, Lime's claws would pass through. If it is too deep, it can lead to a fatal injury and if it is light, it will be small. As planned, a few shallow lacerations run on Ruu's belly. Although Lime tries to pursue, a kick came from the bottom and she retreated backwards. Tsuchino already returned.

“Father, are you alright!?” Lime

“Somehow...I was just hit by her tail." Tsuchio

『Even though we had appeared right from behind...how did she notice?』Tsuchino

“It's a simple story. Ruu just reacted the moment we had appeared and attacked." Tsuchio

『Ridiculous…!』Tsuchino

“Even though my claws are attached with poison...she is also strong against poison." Lime

“It is Ruu indeed. Well, this is enough for us. Rin!” Tsuchio

Rin jumped out from the entrance of the stairs. She is electrically charged with lightning and magical power is overflowing from her horn. The electric current coming out from her horn sparks violently.

“Now, please wake up, Ruu-san!” Rin

Rin suddenly rushed at Ruu. Ruu who held a flame fist against her waist, drew out a beautiful fist-thrust.

The horn and fist collide and the flame and thunder compete against each other. A wind is raging, the floor cracks and the aftermath pierces the wall. Even trying to cover, you will get caught when approaching, so I’m afraid of erroneous firing and releasing magic.

The magics which were clashing against each other blew Ruu and Rin away and slammed them into the walls of the hall. The best attack strategy which was to fight head on has only caused little damage, that’s why I can't say it was a success....

“Rin, are you alright!?” Tsuchio

“I'm fine! But this was the most likely strategy to win the first move, right? Do you have a next move?” Rin

“... Do we have to attack at the same time?” Tsuchio

“For now, that's the best. It's going to be the time to unveil a new weapon." Nichrome

“Oh, you made one." Tsuchio

“The rest of the ingredients are few, but... it is not a situation where you can be stingy. Because I manufactured it super-quickly, there is a problem in appearance and durability." Nichrome

“It's better than nothing. What kind of weapon is it?” Tsuchio

“It is a blaster type weapon that ejects magical powers. I made it as countermeasure to Ruu’s breath. Therefore, it looks like this.” Nichrome

While I was talking with Shadow-san, did Nichrome make such a thing? Then, is it safe even if the breath is released tentatively?

“It's not good. If I shoot at Ruu's breath, it is speculated that this will definitely lose the bid. It would be good to hit directly in a standing condition, but in reality, such a thing won't happen. Please think about a method to earn time." Nichrome

“Roger that. Ruu would have also exhausted her magical power and be injured also. It should be somewhat easier to do. Lime, Rin, you guys are the vanguard, I, Tsuchino and Nichrome are the rearguard. Let's go!” Tsuchio

Before Ruu got slammed against the walls, Lime was going to slash. She pretended to hit back with her arms, but she stung with a lance from behind. Lime moves around intensely, while Rin takes some distance to prepare her thunder horn again. Apparently, Ruu doesn't seem to care about Lime and focused on Rin. There are fine scratches, but...then, how can I help? At that moment, Ruu grab Rin's arm and slammed her to the ground. Next, she raised her arms to knock Rin down, but jumped away as she saw Lime aiming at her neck.

“Let's go, both of you.” Tsuchio

“Twin missiles, lauch.” Nichrome

Combing earth, metal and water star talismans in sequence, pale blue, condensed water bullets are created in my hands. A missile pod jumps out from both sides of Nichrome’s lamia body and aims at Ruu.

“Master, are you okay? You never used so much magic power before.” Nichrome

“I practiced a little, so I can manage about three or four stars. Five is a tough one, though.” Tsuchio

Shadow-san, who became Tsuchino, made it possible, Part 2. Shadow-san’s magical power is shared with me and hence, the amount of my magical power has increased greatly. The reason is that we are linked by shadows. That said, it doesn't mean that I can use everything freely. It takes time to extract magical power from Tsuchino, so it isn't a substitute that can be used during battle. Usage is when writing talismans. With new paper, making stars became easier. To create them, my little magical power is enough. Well, I know the amount of magical power that I can control. However, there is quite a lot of loss.

『Okay, let's shoot!』Tsuchino

Above Ruu’s head, a black light falls. Nichrome’s missiles are added to it which blow off the black light and consequently cause an explosion. Furthermore, when I throw my water bombs, a torrent of water that collides with the flames is released and it scrapes the floor and the ceiling.

Our sight is filled with brown smoke, black bomb smoke and pure white smoke. I'm grateful if some of it worked....

“...Tsuchino!!” Tsuchio

『Tsuchio, here!』Tsuchino

Tsuchino pulls my hand and we go into the shadow. Something hot was on the top of my head and a burning smell sticks to my nose.

We jumped out of Rin's shadow. The wall of the hall is melted on the line when seeing. Is that Ruu’s fire? That's right, Nichrome!?

“Master, are you alright!?” Nichrome

“...That's my line! You idiot!” Tsuchio

“Idiot is a terrible thing. If I hadn't warned you, I would be crying now!” Nichrome?

“But if you're hurt, I won't care!” Tsuchio

Nichrome was equipped with a machine gun for long-distance combat, but...both hands and barrel are gone. On top of that, there is also a line of burn marks on her chest.。

“I need to redo my hands. The chest injury isn't a problem for combat.” Nichrome

“Not good. What about you, Lime, Rin!?” Tsuchio

“I'm fine, but I didn't expect my barrier to be cut.” Rin

“Just a bit tired, but I got her a little bit. Nichrome, good judgment.” Lime

Lime also has a scar on the side. It has hardened and has not regenerated yet. A rope of flame was rolled over both arms of Ruu and hung on the ground. I don't feel like having seen that for quite a long time.... She usually told that she was hit earlier and doesn't want to use it. Ruu was hit by our strategy, which can be seen from the bleeding and bruises in some places.... Although I was prepared for the shit, we aren't unscathed.... As you can see, there is something to come after all. If I said such a thing, I know that we will only die.

“...Tsuchino, we can't win this way. Let's do it.” Tsuchio

『Okay?』 Tsuchino

“You don't have to do anything good. No matter what the result is, I will definitely not regret it." Tsuchio

『...Haa, that's why I hate it. Tsuchio, when it comes to such a situation, it was decided to do it absolutely. Therefore, is it really that good?』Tsuchino

“Yes, I'll show you how we're doing it." Tsuchio

『Absolutely...but you’re Tsuchio and I am Tsuchino!』 Tsuchino

“Sorry. Everyone, earn a little time. I will do that." Tsuchio

“I can still fight! It is necessary for Tsuchio, so come on body...!" Rin

“...I'm sorry, father. I am miserable myself. I can’t keep elder sister down..." Lime

“It is the last resort, Master. I can still fight. I should fight until all of us collapse." Nichrome

“That's not good. I understand it by the former meeting and there are still things I want everyone to do." Tsuchio

“...Understood.” Everyone

We won't be able to win if we can't get Ruu back. Therefore, I have to do everything I can. That's it, even if I need to sacrifice myself.