[Part 3/4]
If the insects was weak to the changes of environnt, the idea was to change the body itself. Of course, they had tried ans such as becoming ill to kill the insects inside before. However, that was limited in effect, and it ended up with Botan herself being unable to bear it. So, it was not enough. They needed to fundantally and on a large scale transform her.
"So, this is the result, huh?"
After her grandfather's explanation, Botan reconfirms her appearance. The first thing that ca into her view was wings. They were a pair of wings, dyed in a glossy black that could be likened to a crow, hawk, or owl—sowhere in the realm of avian creatures. Then, she directs her skeptical gaze to the tail protruding from around her waist.
What does she call this...a rat? Snake? Using the newly ford nerve system, she struggles to move the black, slender tail, whose tip is as sharp as an arrowhead. Although its slender appearance seed unreliable, in reality, it was a deadly weapon that the existing swords couldn't compare to. The proof of its power was demonstrated when she swung it above the servant's head.
'Moreover, around your ears...a slight trace of youkai transformation can be seen. Horns, perhaps? Probably, sensory organs other than vision have beco much sharper than before?'
"...Is there sothing you're not explaining?"
'Huh? What are you talking about?'
"Do you want to get yourself killed, you old b*stard?"
In response to Botan's pointed question, the hummingbird responds with a dodgy answer. With as much anger as possible, Botan lashes out at her grandfather. Her usual calm and composed tone was broken. Considering her current appearance, it was only natural. It was almost as if...
'I had a hard ti deciding whether to add youkai factors to you. Those common youkai would only have diocre effects. I needed a powerful individual.'
He narrowed down several candidates and selected one to summon and obtain the factors. The potion, exquisitely concocted with it as the core, maximized the youkai transformation while retaining their reason. As a result, it completely exterminated the swarming insects within her.
"This is the price for that transformation. I feel nothing but malice. Isn't this... like a nightmare demon?"
Finally, hesitating whether to say it or not, Botan utters its na. A species of youma (monster) handed down in Nanban. It is also called a "succubus" or "vampire demon," and as its na implies, its habits partially overlap with demon-type youkai and oni-type youkai, and it is speculated in the ancient West Empire's book "Genealogy of Demon-Type Beings" that they might be related or hybrid species.
"Even if the demon (Akuma) governs lust, its blood alone wouldn't cause such a clear manifestation... Did you add it? The blood of that servant?"
'Well, fixing the direction of the blood is essential, and it's also for your continued survival.'
In response to Botan's reproachful gaze, the hummingbird calmly asserts. The blood of the demon (akuma) is rare, but demon is a special existence among nurous monster.
Demon (Akuma) is believed to be synthesized from a diverse array of monsters, and while there are tendencies in its characteristics based on the materials used, it is difficult to predict which factor will have the most significant effect when used as a potion ingredient.
'I further diluted the Youbo (youkai mother) factor hidden in his blood. This was to specifically stimulate and activate only certain factors in demon (Akuma) blood. Otherwise, I'd have to kill you.'
"So that I will not seek human flesh, is that it?"
Saying soone is in a half-youkai state is not a single category; there are degrees and variations. Those artificial half-youkai created during the Great War era, including that servant, were particularly combat-focused. As their youkai transformation progressed, their reason collapsed, and they beca like true youkai, craving human flesh, leading to most of them being put down once they reached their expiration date.
On the other hand, in the case of Azuma Hibari, who utilized the Great Tanuki's factors, she didn't actively participate in combat, which allowed her to maintain high levels of intelligence and reason. As for the young white fox, she was born with an extrely stable constitution as a half-youkai with excellent intelligence and reason... At least, the Nine-Tailed Fox she originated from had almost completely fallen into a true youkai.
"In the case of that Ezo werewolf, there was also the forcible procedure, so it was destined to lose her humanity as the youkai transformation progressed. ...However, it seems that taking in the blood of that servant had a different effect."
And that man who transford into the shadow (Kamui)... It might be the case that he is the most removed from humanity. Yet, he still maintains his reason, either due to the skill of the one who perford the modification or his own potential.
'In your case, it's closest to the very first instance. Unfortunately, with my skills, achieving a stable mutation is incredibly difficult. That's why I needed to fix the transformation destination. ...With your current transformation, you should be able to substitute sothing other than human flesh when necessary. In fact, you did so earlier, right?'
"It seems rather inefficient. I needed a considerable quantity, after all."
If the transformation led to becoming a vampire, it wouldn't be as necessary. That man's body was practically more non-human than human once the façade was peeled away. And it was a top-class material that included the Great Earth Goddess' factors. Its flowing blood should have been treated as a top-tier commodity in certain circles.
'On the other hand, vampires are not particularly efficient in terms of absorbing substances other than blood and flesh. I excluded those. With your body, you should be able to substitute hunger with a wide range of things. According to Nanban's experint records, tears, blood, saliva, sweat, gastric acid, breast milk, hot springs... and... sp—'
"—I get it. You don't have to say any more."
Botan interrupted the hummingbird's explanation, not because it was known information, but it seed there was another reason. At least, that's how the hummingbird perceived it. Even though she maintains a calm exterior, her slightest gestures reveal what's swirling in her heart.
Of course, he wasn't being an enough to intentionally point that out...
'Being efficient can't be denied, huh? You don't want to fall so far as to eat people, do you?
"Worst case scenario, I could arrange for it conveniently, you know?"
Following the old man's remark, both he and Botan turn their suspicious gazes towards the foul-slling creature that naturally joined the conversation.
Naturally, no one would take the demon (oni)'s words at face value.
"I had a general idea... Did you manage to break free too? You seed to be having quite a good ti in the front row."
"Oh? You figured it out?"
"Your alcohol stench is so strong it's nauseating."
Of course, it was only because the demon had lifted her concealnt that Botan could sense her. They had expected she might be hiding, but they didn't anticipate that she could mask such a dense odor. And she was getting a little too excited.
"Hahaha, don't say that! From today on, we're comrades, right? Let's get along! Your appearance as the last act was really spectacular! It was the perfect performance!"
"I don't recall being in a play."
Botan feels discomfort at the thought of her and the servant's life-and-death choices being treated as re entertainnt. But there was no need for her to say such things in front of her...
'I didn't expect that kind of reaction from you after my granddaughter quit. Considering your expectations and attitude towards that servant, I thought you might be displeased. Is it that you have little interest in supporting roles?'
"It's precisely because it's a supporting role that it adds flavor. Our future relationship will definitely bring out a good taste in him. A supporting role might be a supporting role, but you're a top-notch supporting character. I'm really looking forward to it!"
"Say whatever you want..."
Botan didn't have any expectations for the demon's statent that she'd be their comrade. She had quickly foreseen this kind of developnt based on their forced interactions up to this point.
"Don't say that! ...Look, you're a newcor here, and you probably don't know your way around, right? I could teach you various things, as a fellow demon (oni). ...I could guide you step by step, you know?"
"Stop it. Stay away. Don't cling to ."
The blue demon, closing in at a speed even after being turned into a youkai, collapses towards Botan with a playful gesture. Botan feels annoyed at the suffocating sll of alcohol and the sensation of the demon's weak body against her chest.
"Don't say that. ...But you, didn't you notice the presence getting close to him?"
"Wha...!?"
At the demon's whispered remark in her ear, Botan instinctively widens her eyes and looks at the demon's face. She gazes at the demon's defiant smile, showing her fangs.
"That is..."
"Don't worry. At least I was sure it wasn't going to hurt him right now. In that sense, you were right; there was no dangerous person in that situation."
Botan tries to pursue and reaches out her hand, but the demon smoothly avoids it as if sliding through it. She takes a step back, then another, distancing herself.
"On the contrary... the problem is with him."
'Are you talking about the servant? About his youkai transformation?'
In response to the demon's ntion, the old man asks. However, the demon suddenly shows a complex and sowhat lancholic expression, different from his previous attitude.
"Nah, it's sothing much deeper. ...I'd prefer if he didn't stray too far from my preferences."
"...?"
Seeing the demon's incomprehensibly submissive and sowhat sad attitude, Botan, even the old man, furrows their brows. It was the first ti they had seen such a reaction from the blue demon.
"...What are you talking about?"
"Well, don't want him to beco too similar, is that it?"
"Huh?"
"Then, we'll part ways here!"
In response to Botan's question, the demon's answer was an abrupt declaration of departure, completely different from her previous attitude. Before Botan or the old man could say anything, the demon's figure quickly disappears. It's like a gust of wind.
"...!? She's as fast as ever!!"
Botan, who always finds her ambiguous, abstract, and one-sided remarks annoying, clicks her tongue, but she quickly calms her irritated nerves and regains her composure.
"...Genbu, let's take care of your injuries for now. Co here."
'Gruruuuu~'
She sighs and beckons the bear over. The bear-youkai-like creature approaches with a cheerful growl, but Botan ignores it and begins to treat the wounds. Curses charms fluttered, closing his wounds. It was only a temporary treatnt as proper dical care was impossible here.
"It's an order. Carry that captured prey (Beto-beto-san)."
'Gruruu~'
The bear-youkai creature whimpers as if saying "You're rough with your subordinates," in response to Botan's command. Sniffing at its attitude, Botan turns on her heels. Walking by her side is a two-tailed cat, showing an air as if it had been there from the beginning.
"Nekomata" and "Neko-uma nata." Shikigami used by the imperial court, they were given to Botan by Matsushige Oji, the old man, for ergency surveillance and execution of tasks. A modified youkai...
'Hmm? Are you still taking it with you?'
"Grandfather, you are still not at ease, right? So I'll keep this for now."
Botan knew that her grandfather was not a soft person to leave soone, especially a human who was more than half youkai, unquestioned just because she was his granddaughter.
"I myself can't trust myself. The example of that servant is of no help either."
That's why Botan accepts it obediently. She keeps a cat by her side, which could end up taking her life.
'...Are you being sarcastic? Do you resent ?'
She didn't say what, but there were plenty of things that could make her resent him. In response to his muttered words, Botan turns slightly to face him. She opens her mouth.
"Of course. The current situation is partly due to my own stupidity, but it's not like you have no fault in it either."
Botan's remark pointedly directs malice and hatred towards her grandfather. She shoots him an annoyed look. And...sowhere along the line, she smiles wryly, as if letting go of sothing.
"Well, in this world, you can only play with the cards you're dealt. It's best to leave it at that, so we won't end it on bad terms."
In the manner of soone else, Botan jeers. Then, she gracefully disappears into the forest.
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