Book 2: Chapter 74: Payback is Sweet

Book 2: Chapter 74: Payback is Sweet

Scarlet

Thats Allen mutters, and I nod my head.

Another of the black horses for the tournament. A girl about the same age as me named Elizabeth Arlan with an inhuman appearance. She has a mouth full of sharp fangs with pitch black eyes and sharp, black claws. And she has a rather unique type of magic called miasmic corruption.

A very dangerous magic that is not to be mistaken with Emilys corruption magic.

While corruption magic focuses on anything corrosive and deadly to a biological body, miasmic corruption is different. It instead mutates and twists the body, changing it.

And the best body to use miasmic corruption is one already mutated apparently. At least, thats what everyone is saying because of her reality warp.

The girl is probably the closest human being to an infection-based demon if Im being honest. Her claws are coated in a type of venom that will twist both humans and demons alike into things very much not human or demon. Although its not immediate and can be healed through magic. And there needs to be enough venom in a body to do it, since a very small amount can be fought off with some mutations around the source of the injury.

Allen and I both frown as we hear the audience going silent at the sight of her. Which goes to show how popular Guardians with magics like hers are.

A rather sad fact, but our world really is rather cruel.

Instead of getting fame like she probably expected after becoming a Guardian, she got scorn and fear instead. Regardless of if shes risking her life to save the people.

Although considering what Ive personally seen of this girl, shes probably not doing that. Just fighting to grow stronger is the impression she gives me. Just like a large majority of the Guardians if Im being honest.

And no different from me in that regard.

Actually, in the other thing too. Since if the humans of Terra knew that I was a half demon they probably wouldnt look at me very kindly anymore.

Who knows though. Its very hard to judge the populaces reaction to anything.

Interestingly enough, the boy shes fighting someone who is the same age as us at a glance and I believe uses some sort of enhancement magic looks frightened by her. And she hasnt even moved yet.

His magic is not well suited against hers I mutter, quickly finding Allen nodding in response.

Hes laughing!

And to make matters worse, I see the tanuki very pointedly looking at the match with his eyes closed while taking deep breaths. Until, of course, a chuckle leaks through into my mind.

Even the damned furball is laughing!!!

I almost instinctively cross my arms at this blatant rudeness before I remember the girl currently sitting on my lap blocking me from doing that.

You know what? Fine! Laugh away!

Tar starts laughing in my head.

I didnt mean that literally!

He just laughs even harder.

Damnit, Im not comedic relief

I sigh at that before focusing on the battle again, just to find Plaguebearer a rather colorful title for a Guardian to have finally defeating the Iron Monk, who is currently black and blue. Literally.

The sight of his mutated black and blue limbs is honestly a little disturbing to look at. And for a brief moment, I consider covering Arias eyes. But when I look at her, I already find her having turned her attention to Tar, not paying the battle any mind anymore.

Tar takes a moment to notice her attention, and by the time he does, she is already reaching for him before grabbing the furball and squeezing him to her chest with a happy look on her face.

I pat her on the head with a smile as I say, Tar certainly makes a good hug pillow, doesnt he?

She looks up at me and nods with a very faint smile on her face, not letting the squirming tanuki free.

I cant help but grin at the tanuki when she looks away.

Payback is sweet.