Chapter 25. Open Eyes
The traits of slit-eye characters can be largely summarized into three points.
The slyness that reveals itself despite attempts to hide it.
The behavior that suggests they're plotting something from the shadows.
And lastly, their combat strength increases significantly when they open the eyes they've kept closed, genuinely angry.
These traits of slit-eye characters were thought to be merely a part of their persona.
Honestly, what could change if a person who could see with slit eyes opened both eyes?
"Please...save me..."
But that was a misconception.
As soon as the eyes opened, the body became as light as a feather, and my dynamic vision improved to the point where I could easily see the massive fists of Felkhor coming at me.
The density and elasticity of muscles seemed to have increased too, making it easy to deflect his attacks.
'... A slit-eye character becomes stronger when they open their eyes.'
A cliché shown in media like novels or games. It was a trait implemented in this game.
However, this trait had a penalty.
'The inherent ferocity is revealed without any filter.'
Lowering my gaze, I observed Felkhor kneeling on the ground.
Felkhor's body was slashed to the point of looking like a ragged doll.
The tattered wounds and the bright red blood seeping out were enough to make anyone wrinkle their nose in disgust.
Nonetheless, when my eyes were open, I found this situation exhilarating.
'Normally, I wouldn't have thought this way.'
The noticeable enhancement in physical capabilities.
And an equally significant change in emotional state.
This trait, 〈Open Eyes〉, seemed to interfere with emotions more than any trait I've encountered before.
While contemplating this, I calmed my racing heart.
It wasn't about adhering to the social conventions of the world I originally lived in.
I simply didn't want to damage the humanity I've built up from my life.
After all, I had lived longer as Yi Shihu than as Yulian.
"How about we stop here?"
As I was about to sheath my sword, Eleanor, who had been watching over the proceedings, spoke up.
She was pointing in my direction with a tiny wand in her hand. At its tip, mana with the characteristic Shade (蔭) magic flickered.
"It was him who started it, after all."
Though I said this, inside, I was relieved that Eleanor was stepping in to stop.
Despite trying to calm down, a certain feeling continued to boil within me, urging me to kill Felkhor before me.
"... I know he was rude, but he's one of us."
"And yet, someone who thinks that just stood by and watched?"
"He was rude, so he must face the consequences."
Eleanor added with a subtle smile.
Afterward, she withdrew the mana from her wand.
With graceful steps, she approached Felkhor and began to heal his wounds with simple healing magic.
"Felkhor, you acted without my permission. I won't overlook this."
There was no response, but Eleanor seemed to take it as affirmation, adding, "Good."
"Please forgive the discourtesy. Ah... if Sir Yulian wishes, you could charge Felkhor with the crime of disrespect. What do you think?"
"That sounds good."
"Doesn't it?"
She turned her head quickly to meet my gaze.
Her alluring smile, along with the teardrop mole just below her right eye, accentuated her smile even more.
It was easy to predict why Eleanor added such remarks.
It was probably to prompt a quick decision.
Whether to join the Dawn Society, or to become their adversary.
"We have high regard for you. Your overwhelming strength, the decisiveness that matches it, and even the trust vested in you by the royal family. Let's stop the needless probing and join hands with us. As you already know, there's nothing to lose."
"Indeed."
"Then without further ado..."
Ignoring her continued words, I quietly smiled.
No matter how much she intimidated and pressured, I had no intention of making a decision on the spot.
I had a clear understanding of the situation.
Though they tried to hide it, it was clear who held the upper hand.
And naturally, the person who holds the upper hand is the one who provides the answer.
"Still, I think I'll give it some more thought."
Her face, which had been smiling, slightly contorted.
***
After Yulian left, Eleanor felt the chilly night air of the capital seem a little more pleasant.
Though she had stood nonchalantly in front of him, the chilling aura of the 'Smiling Executioner' she encountered in a dreary alleyway made her shiver all over.
'Just like the first time we met at the royal palace.'
Muttering to herself inwardly, Eleanor soothed her teardrop mole with her fingers.
"So. How was it, Felkhor?"
She had heard the rumors circulating, that Yulian had lost his memory.
She thought it was grasping at straws.
For someone with so many enemies to still be alive after such rumors had spread quite some time ago, contradicted the story entirely.
But what if?
The one who had first shown interest in the Dawn Society, or rather its power, was Yulian.
The fact that he had not made contact until now was peculiar.
"When he turned your eye into that state, do you feel anything has changed?"
"He's as monstrous as ever, bishop Eleanor."
"Is that so? So, rumors around the capital are definitely false."
Eleanor answered in a lackadaisical voice, once again caressing her teardrop mole with her finger.
"Still, this was a personal confirmation, so it would be best if you don't mention it to the other bishops. Right? Felkhor."
"Yes, bishop Eleanor."
"Good."
Her soft-spoken voice caused Felkhor's cheeks to blush, not matching his massive build.
The reason was her teardrop mole.
It was an anomaly passed down through the D'Micelle family.
A blessing to easily gain affection from the opposite sex, and a curse that could lead to indiscriminate jealousy.
Usually hidden with her trademark Shade(蔭) magic, she revealed it to Yulian, but like before, it had no effect on him.
Once again, concealing the teardrop mole with her illusion magic, Eleanor turned her gaze in the direction Yulian had vanished.
After observing the eerie atmosphere lingering there for a while, the district was devoid of any further presence.
***
Clang──!
A harsh sound resonated softly as the broken steel sword was placed on the table.
Due to a series of vexing events, my head throbbed with a dull ache.
Yearning for a breath of fresh air, I opened a window and reclined in my chair.
"Hoo..."
The first thing to escape my lips was a sigh.
Rightfully so, having realized that 'Yulian' had connections with the Dawn Society left me no other choice.
I had suspected that Yulian might be associated with the Dawn Society, but now that it had become a reality and arrived before my eyes, there was nothing but frustration.
'Moreover...'
As I recalled the moment when I struck down Felkhor, I stared at my right hand.
The sensation, like electricity coursing through my skin, still lingered, potent enough to verge on addiction.
This was the aftermath left now that the trait 〈Open Eyes〉 had manifested.
"Damn... Why are there so many things to worry about?"
Letting out a self-mocking whisper, I nestled my body further into the chair.
The one redeeming point was that the 〈Open Eyes〉 trait activated only when emotions reached their peak.
While it was a double-edged sword that posed risks, if managed correctly, it could lead to a definite enhancement in combat ability.
So, the biggest issue right now was...
'The Dawn Society, of course.'
I was aware of their goals and the motives behind their expansion of influence, but acting recklessly wasn't an option.
The Dawn Society itself held too much power for an individual to oppose single-handedly. Even though he was the infamous Yulian.
'If I were to report them, the Dawn Society would undoubtedly move to eliminate me.'
Though the Dawn Society operated clandestinely, their reach extended to almost everywhere.
To imply that meant even within the Imperial Palace of the Adratan Empire, there were spies present.
No matter how discreetly I tried to report, the information would undoubtedly leak to the Dawn Society.
'... Who would truly believe Yulian's word?'
I figured there wouldn't be anyone who would completely trust what the "slit-eyed villain" had to say.
Joining the Dawn Society wouldn't fully resolve this problem either.
'If I end up siding with the Dawn Society...'
I would end up as a complete adversary to the Sword Saint Hayden Reich.
Moreover, should the Dawn Society accomplish their ultimate goal of resurrecting the demon god, it would create a massive inconvenience for everyone, including myself.
That would mean the very being that once desolated the continent would return to the world.
"It seems troublesome... truly troublesome."
So troubled that I paid no heed to the formal speech that involuntarily spilled from my lips.
"Then, what should I do?"
If I continued without formulating a plan, it would be tantamount to waiting passively for a foolish end.
From the positive aspects, I could say that I, currently, was closer to embodying the character of Yulian compared to when I first fully regained my consciousness.
I played the role of Yulian up to a level where it wasn't perfect but could strive for perfection.
'The fact that the Moonlit Sword has been completed and that the 〈Moonlit Sword〉 technique is on track is good news.'
As I gazed into the completed, splendidly decorated scabbard, I reflected.
While the 〈Open Eyes〉 trait significantly contributed to overpowering Felkhor, the primary reason I could pierce his solid aura and cause injuries was thanks to this completed Moonlit Sword.
"Although the power I possess now doesn't match up to the complete Yulian, it is enough to play his role."
Once more, I realigned my position and began pondering about how I should proceed and maintain my stance in the future.
A brief moment of contemplation later, I reached a conclusion.
"I should join the Dawn Society."
The reasoning behind this decision was surprisingly straightforward.
I simply didn't want to set a direct battle line against the Dawn Society right now.
Even Hayden Reich, the Sword Saint, sensed danger from them that engaging with them single-handedly would be akin to a suicidal act.
This judgment was based on that reality.
'If I join, there wouldn't be immediate conflict with the Dawn Society.'
Of course, I had no intention of truly working for their purposes.
I would thoroughly pretend to be on their side. Just as I have been pretending to be 'Yulian'.
Though it meant jumping into the tiger's den to escape a tiger, this seemed to be the best choice at the moment.
"Regardless..."
After somewhat organizing my thoughts, I cast a glance at the broken steel sword.
The battered steel sword was in a state that made repair impossible.
"Is this... supposed to be recycled?"
As I observed the shards glistening under the moonlight streaming through the window, scattering light in various directions, I decided to handle the disposal myself rather than entrusting it to a servant.
Such an action could potentially lead to unforeseen trouble.