Chapter 46 - Emblem.
POV: Zane
While I was finishing the second emblem I had spent all day drawing, I suddenly received a few notifications.
[ EXP +1000 ]
[ EXP +1000 ]
[ EXP +1000 ]
[ EXP +1000 ]
"Huh? Why did I get this much EXP?"
After thinking for just five seconds, I figured one of my clones must have killed some humans or someone from another race.
I wasn't angry... But...
I don't want to kill innocent people. It's wrong and draws too much attention.
'Those first people I asked my clones to kill… That was probably a mistake.'
'Who was it? Which one of you killed humans?' I asked all of my clones.
They all stayed silent—except for one.
Fang Yuan.
[ Master, it was me. ]
I heard his cold voice and felt a bad feeling. Fang Yuan is a complicated character. If he really did start killing innocent people for personal gain, I'd have to deal with that.
'Tell me what happened. Don't lie—your very existence depends on me. I could erase you with a single thought.'
[ I have no reason to lie. I was attacked during my journey. I'm still near the bodies. ]
'Attacked? In the middle of nowhere?'
[ Exactly. I stole a horse and headed toward Edas Villages as you ordered, but I had to stop so the horse could rest. When I stopped, these four people showed up and caused trouble. ]
So he's outside of Orario. That's good.
'I see. Were they strong?'
[ Not at all. Even without leveling up, I handled them easily. ]
They were probably level one adventurers… But what were they doing out in the middle of nowhere?
Well, I guess I don't need to worry too much about it.
'Just get away from the bodies. Clean up if you're dirty.'
I took control of Fang Yuan's eyes.
[ Understood, Master. ]
He looked back, and I saw the corpses of two women and two men. I couldn't see their backs, so I had no idea which Familia they belonged to—and honestly, I didn't really care.
They were probably part of a minor Familia…
Or maybe they didn't belong to one at all, which would explain why Fang Yuan killed them so easily.
I stopped viewing through Fang Yuan's eyes and said,
'Oh, and be careful in the mountains. They're dangerous.'
[ That just makes it more exciting. ]
####
After finishing the second emblem, it was already late. Most people had gone to sleep. I stored the two drawings in my inventory and went to the bathroom before heading to bed.
As soon as I lay down, I passed out.
I woke up the next morning to a loud noise outside the house.
With the appearance of a kind old lady, I walked to the window and looked outside. There was a lot of activity.
I live in a residential area, so it's usually lively.
Yawning, I headed to the bathroom to wash my face.
"Every time I look in the mirror with this appearance, I feel weird." I chuckled and went to make breakfast. After eating, I started showing the two emblem designs to all my clones.
Even though they're all me, just with altered appearances, they still have their tastes and would likely choose differently.
A few hours passed. It took longer than expected.
Oh, and I went to the 12th floor of the dungeon for the first time. It was pretty interesting. So interesting that I had a bit of fun there with Aizen and Berserker. We killed a few Orcs.
After showing the emblems to nearly all the clones, about 80% chose the same one I liked: the second emblem. A mysterious one with a void at the center.
Since this emblem is my favorite, I decided to use it.
Instead of placing the emblem on my back, I put it on my left arm.
I used the "Mask" skill to add the emblem to my skin like a tattoo.
The emblem was small. I placed it in a way that it would be hidden by a slightly long-sleeved shirt.
I even managed to add color.
I made the "void" in the center purple, while the rest was a deep black. After making the change, I went to the mirror to check how it looked.
"Wrinkled skin aside, it looks pretty good. Though honestly, it's more eye-catching than I expected."
After thinking it over, I removed the purple and made the whole emblem black.
"This looks better." I smiled, satisfied.
Now it was time to give the emblem to all the clones.
"It sucks that I have to be physically present to make changes. Even if I do it using a clone's body, it's still a hassle."
I need to find a way to do it remotely.
To change their appearance, equip them with weapons, armor, etc.
I can change their names remotely, but that's about it.
####
After a long time, I managed to give the emblem to almost all the clones. All the ones inside the dungeon received it, but Akitsu, Frieren, Madara, and Fang Yuan hadn't yet.
I was heading to the shop where Frieren works to give her the emblem.
When I arrived, I saw her assisting some customers.
I just watched from a distance.
She treated the customers well and in the end, sold four potions to a pair of adventurers. As soon as they left the shop, I approached her.
Clap~~ Clap~~ Clap~~
"You sold those well. You've got a knack for this."
"Hello, Master. Are you here to buy more potions?"
"I haven't even drunk the ones I bought last time."
I bought them to do a test, but I forgot.
"Then what brings you here? Coming to ask about the Loki Familia? I haven't spoken to them in a while."
"I thought you'd become friends."
"I spend almost all day working. And when I go to the same restaurant, they're never there."
"I see."
I wanted to tell her to quit the job, but I couldn't bring myself to say it.
"All right. Let's make this quick."
I grabbed Frieren's arm.
Her skin was pale and soft—nothing like my own.
"It's done." In just one second, I made the emblem appear on her arm.
Since she was wearing clothes that hid her arms, she looked confused.
"What did you do?"
"I placed our Familia's emblem on your arm. You'll be able to see it later. Now that that's done, it's time to announce the arrival of a new Familia in this city."
"Master, isn't that risky?"
"Don't worry. I won't do it right now. I need to grow stronger and wait for Fang Yuan to reach a proper location."
"..."
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