Chapter 13 | The Assassin Develops Something
After returning to Tuatha Dé, I spent several days in my workshop, preparing the drug with the mushrooms I’d received from Maha.
The substance was primarily a narcotic, and taking it came with the risk of becoming dependent on it. However, it would give me superhuman levels of concentration for a short period. The world would appear to move in slow motion.
My design was based on the drugs that athletes in my previous world used, though my version was more effective. I used mana to nourish and cultivate the core ingredients.
“I don’t really want to rely on this kind of thing.”
Its power was temporary and would be nothing more than a boost to help me get through certain situations. Taking it was going to harm my body, but there were things I’d never be able to do without this chemical.
The mushrooms were incredibly intoxicating, though that was to be expected of something used in ceremonies to commune with gods. I introduced some additives to increase that effect to its utmost limit.
When it was all complete, I poured my finished liquid into a syringe. Orally taking this wouldn’t give me the full effects.
“This is the first time I’ve used it on myself, but I’m sure it’ll be fine.”
I’d already tested my creation on the death row prisoners being held underground in Tuatha Dé, so I knew it was safe. I pushed the needle into my neck and injected the liquid drug.
My head became strangely cold, my vision expanded, and everything around me slowed.
This world felt good, and I believed myself capable of everything.
As a test, I tried using one of the skills I’d obtained from My Loyal Knights, an S-Rank one called Multi-Chant. It allowed you to perform multiple incantations at once. While not very flashy, it was supremely useful.
With my mind expanded as it was, I now understood the skill more deeply. I wasn’t simply using it. I was diving into the core of its makeup and forcing it to evolve.
The result was a new side of Multi-Chant. I could now quickly perform incantations without the need to say them out loud.
That’s right, Multi-Chant didn’t give you two mouths. It used mana to perform a simulated second incantation. That other spell was cast by a pseudo-body that wasn’t limited by how fast the human mouth could speak.
Suddenly, I had access to a new skill called Quick Chant. Undoubtedly, it would be even greater than Multi-Chant.
“So this is what lurks in the depths of a skill.”
I’d found this ability hidden within Multi-Chant. Other skills had to have concealed sides to them as well. Just thinking about it got me excited.
And right now, the one I’m most interested in is…
“My Loyal Knights. Strengthening Dia and Tarte is my top priority.”
Dia and Tarte were strong, so much so that the knights in this kingdom weren’t a match for them. However, they were helpless against opponents like demons, which surpassed what humanity was capable of. I needed to raise their combat capabilities. That was why I’d wanted to use My Loyal Knights on them.
“…The effect of the drug expired. That’s as much as I can do today.”
Immediately, I felt nauseous and weary. My limbs may as well have been boulders.
I looked at a clock. The effect lasted thirteen minutes and twenty seconds. I made a note of that rough estimate for the future. Losing the power of the drug at an inopportune moment in battle meant death.
“Seems like the fatigue from using it only lasts a minute, but I shouldn’t allow myself to use this successively.”
Rapid Recovery helped me return to normal, but that only went for things like exhaustion. It couldn’t be used to combat dependence, the other side effect of the drug. Addiction occurred when a strong sense of pleasure was etched into the brain. The only thing you could do to prevent that was wait long enough between uses of the drug. If I became dependent, there’d be no breaking free.
Repeated doses would cause my body to build a tolerance, which lessened and shortened the potency. I would have to use this chemical carefully.
“I suppose I can only inject myself once per day.”
If that was true, then I wanted to give myself three days between uses, just to be sure. I was itching to test my other skills, but I needed to restrain myself. This drug really was a secret weapon—the kind only employed as a last resort. I’d have to take care never to inject it recklessly.
With my first test a success, it was time to prepare for the main event.
After waiting a few days to prevent myself from becoming addicted, I summoned Dia and Tarte to the garden. I’d already decided what skill I was going to try next.
“Today, I am giving both of you power using the skill I obtained from the hero, My Loyal Knights.”
“Um, does ‘give’ mean it will make you weaker, my lord?” asked Tarte.
“No, that’s not how it works. The user’s abilities are copied, meaning I will remain just as strong. So there’s nothing to worry about,” I replied.
It wasn’t an S-Rank skill for nothing.
“I’m excited about this. You and Epona can’t even be called human anymore. I’ve never felt like I had any chance of catching up,” Dia remarked.
“I agree. I have been doing my best to catch up, but they’re both so far ahead… With this gift, I will definitely be of use to you, Lord Lugh!”
The girls were both looking at me with hopeful eyes.
“This skill does have some flaws, though. If you either lose a battle with something important on the line or disobey one of my orders, you will lose your qualification as one of my knights, and this power will vanish. So make sure you’re prepared for this. From here on, you will never be able to lose again.”
“Hmm, I’m not confident about that part,” admitted Tarte.
“The best thing to do would be to avoid battles you know you can’t win, but that won’t always be possible. When you do have to fight, you’ll simply need to do your best and ensure victory.”
“I don’t think we really need to worry about that. It won’t be an issue as long as assassinations don’t turn into brawls,” said Dia.
“That’s true,” I agreed.
We were assassins, not soldiers. We killed our targets before they were even aware of our presence. Letting it become a proper skirmish was already a failure.
Dia brought a hand to her chin. “I’m more worried about the second part, actually. We’ll never be able to disobey an order from you. You’re not going to make us do anything lewd, are you? You are a man, after all.”
“Wha—? U-um, that would make me happy, but I will need to prepare myself first…,” mumbled Tarte.
“I’m obviously not going to do that,” I hastily assured them.
I could count on these two even without issuing them any commands. That’s how much they loved me.
After clearing my throat, I declared, “I’m going to go ahead and use the skill now.”
“Um, would it be all right to wait until I got a little stronger? I’d feel better about this if I was already strong enough not to lose to anybody,” Tarte said.
“If that’s what you’re waiting for, you’ll never be satisfied. Relax, you’re plenty strong already,” I replied.
Tarte hadn’t been born with natural talent. She’d earned her strength through hard work and lots of experience. It was something to be proud of.
“What about me?” Dia inquired, perhaps hoping to be complimented, too.
“You’re practically unbeatable in a battle of magic. I guarantee you’ll be fine.”
I didn’t know of any mages more talented than Dia. Even now, she outranked me when it came to spellcasting.
“Okay, then can you use it on me first? Tarte was the first to get the eyes.”
“That’s fine with me. Here we go.”
I filled the syringe with the drug I’d used the other day and pressed it into my neck. The other day, I’d decided on a name for this chemical: Dian Cecht. It took effect, and my head became cold and clear.
“My Loyal Knights.”
I activated the skill. Usually, it boosted one’s physical capabilities and awarded them random skills. However, in my current state, I could reach into the depths of My Loyal Knights and have it do something else.
Now I understand. I comprehended the true nature of what was flowing from me into Dia. With that awareness came the ability to alter the flow. I used that to give Dia the best skills for her among those I had and those I’d received from Epona.
Dia’s natural proficiency and these new abilities would make her a mage without equal. I could only imagine what she would truly become.
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