[hr]

[h1]Ruined Inn[/h1]

[hr]

---And it's done.

Lena-san had produced some kind of crude, but recognizable metal mace, with which Javal-san dispatched the undead. Just like I thought, smashing most of its body rather then trying to focus on anything vital was the right choice. It's not moving anymore.

The mace looks like it's made out of the same metal as the dead knight's armor, and I don't remember seeing any other weapon lying around nearby. So I have to assume she created it, somehow. Another part of her cheat?

---Then what can I do?

I have to put that thought aside for a moment. I'm glad the zombie was so dried out for a few reasons. I think I'd probably have thrown up if I saw that sort of violence done to a fresh corpse, or worse one that was decaying. With it all shriveled up like that, it barely looks real and there's barely any smell. It's kind of like looking at a movie prop rather then a real dead body.

If I keep telling myself that, I'm not going to get sick. At least, I hope not.

There's nothing else moving down in the basement, either. I'd be able to hear it, and I don' think the undead are known for their subtlety. At least not zombies.

"G-good work, Javal-san. It's... It's dead, for sure."

I take a deep breath. The air down here is dry, which is ultimately a good thing. Since the body dried out rather then decaying---

"If it's this dry down here, then the food is probably okay," I say as I approach the the nearest rack. I don't really have much experience with this sort of food, but it's not like dried and salted or smoked meats are completely foreign to the modern world I came from. The alcohol---

This new body is tiny. I don't think drinking alcohol to stay hydrated is the best idea.

[@FujiwaraPhoenix][@Crimson Paladin][@Rune_Alchemist]

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[h1]Witch's House[/h1]

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For a few moments, Ilsa looked somewhat perplexed at the questions, before taking a deep breath.

"I suppose you really must have been lost, if you don't know," she began with a sigh, "To start with, that thing---"

She paused for a moment, as if considering exactly how to explain, folding her arms as she examined an unremarkable point on the ground.

"---It's resent. And malice," she continued, "It's nearly mindless and riddled with spiritual corruption. It's walking defilement. It's supposed to be sealed in the remains of that shrine, but [i]unfortunately[/i] that's not the case anymore."

A particular sharpness entered her tone, but it didn't appear to be directed at anyone present. Whatever broke the seal on the corrupted and resentful spirit had clearly done so before the three otherworlders had appeared.

"It was born long, long ago, from nothing but hate, and so that's all it can express. It'll hunt down and devour anyone it comes across, so you're [i]very lucky[/i] that Relki spotted you when she did."

If a raven could look smug, it certainly did.

That became far less surprising when Relki spoke, however.

"That's right! For once, grumpy little Ilsa is praising me~"

Indeed, the somewhat sultry female voice had come from the raven's beak.

"Why, you---!"

Before Ilsa could retaliate, the raven spread its wings. It was difficult to see what occurred next, a flurry of feathers and wind obscuring its form as it grew.

But when they dissipated, the raven had completely transformed.

She was now a young woman, considerably taller than Ilsa, with dark hair, fair skin, and grey eyes. She was possessed of well-balanced features and a rather mature figure, her grey shirt and black skirt complimenting her body's shape and drawing a sharp contrast between herself and the substitute Witch of the Forest.

"As for the fairies, they're actually pretty helpful to have around sometimes, aren't they, Ilsa? Plus, they're cute~!"

A scowl crossed Ilsa's features.

"Those kinds of low-level fae are drawn to areas of high magic, so of course they'd gather here," the young witch added, "Even if they're nearly as irritating as you are."

Her pointed words launched towards the raven-woman, but seemingly missed their mark.

"Can we keep the maid, by the way?" Relki asked, completely brushing them aside, "She's adorable~ I've never seen one of those eastern fox-folk before!"

Without asking, Relki had already leaned forward to pet Hikari's head.

"No," Ilsa replied, flatly.

"Oh, don't worry, you're cute too~!"

Ilsa sighed heavier then ever before.

"Ignore her. Now, if you're hungry, I suppose I can spare some food for now, but don't go over-indulging."

[@Pyromania99][@FujiwaraPhoenix][@Raineh Daze]