Mistress Of The Evil Forest

Case 116: The unexpectedly broken stone fella.

''...''

''Hm... you don't say much of anything, do you?''

Actually, it hasn't talked at all since I've summoned it, so maybe it can't, rather than not wanting to.

Standing in front of me is a stone statue of an angel. I'm not sure if it is male or female, but the face is decently pretty either way. Its wings are folded, just like how I usually do it.

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Name: Ash         

Race: Weeping Angel                    Title: --

Level: 1

HP: 40/40                    MP: 10/10

STR: 7.0                     INT: 5.0

AGI: 7.5                      STA: 7.0

Skill: [Volatile Order],
[Status Condition Nullification Lv.10],
[Physical Nullification Lv.10],
[Energy Absorption EX Lv.1].

State: Normal.

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This is a Weeping Angel.

Initially, I wanted to summon an overly overpowered giant kaiju like Godzilla, for example, but obviously, that was declined. So, with a mind full of spite for those damned cultists, I decided to call something that can counter them.

This guy... is a nemesis to humanoid creatures. Not only does it have a terrifying presence, but its abilities are even scarier.

[Volatile Order: Enter the state of quantum-locked when observed. Cannot acquire skills from the skill shop] [Unique]

[Energy Absorption EX: Enable the user to absorb different sources of energy from outside, including special types] [Unique]

Firstly, [Volatile Order] is basically what makes the Weeping Angel a Weeping Angel. If no one looks at it, it moves. When I first saw the latter description of the skill, I was a bit disappointed. However, it all makes sense when we consider the second unique skill.

In the lore of Doctor Who, I remember that the Weeping Angels can absorb electricity and light to nourish themselves or something like that, so it is only normal that this one can. Also, there's something called time-potential energy that it can harvest from living beings.

Basically, I'm placing all of my bets on the second skill being useful.

Not to dismiss its overwhelming and borderline insane stats, though. Its strength, stamina, and agility can rival those of a grandmaster...

Oh, I named it 'Ash' because the color of the stone is similar to regular ash.

''Whew...''

Let's put Ash to the test.

Firstly, it doesn't seem to be attacking me or, as I have tried earlier, Mister Slen, even if we're not looking. I'm not sure about someone like Chloe, but it doesn't really matter because as long as they are under my wings, they can't hurt each other.

Now that it is safe for containment, it is time for the strength test.

''Ash, can you eat the energy coming from those?''

Finishing that line, I turn around for a moment before looking back. This time, Ash has already pointed its finger at the lights attached to the Backrooms' ceiling.

O-Oh... the flickering is going crazy. Ash does seem to be able to absorb it, but at the same time, the Backrooms is also trying to regenerate. Is this a glitch?

No, the real question is whether Ash will be able to level up using this method. I guess I just have to wait.

crack—!

Cracking the pocky-looking dessert by hammering the tip between my teeth and bending the bottom, I unceremoniously throw the rest into my mouth.

It has been around thirty minutes since Ash began pointing at the light. So far... uh... there hasn't been anything yet.

''Hah...''

Maybe it's not viable after all. It's fine, though.

''You can stop no—huh?''

I can feel a subtle change from Ash.

As I open his status screen, my eyes widen. It actually leveled up!

This means that as long as it is doing this inside the Backrooms, it will keep getting stronger without limit. Of course, I'd imagine some sort of diminishing return shenanigans occurring after a while, but this is still incredible.

Satisfied, I walk up to Ash and pat its shoulder.

''And then...''

The time-potential energy. According to the lore, Weeping Angels can send people back into the past, thus consuming their potential future. If this ability works...

I can't imagine how drastic the landscape of things will change.

''...Ash, can you consume a minute of my time-potential energy?''

Even though I hear no response, I know Ash agrees with my proposal. Weeping Angels aren't mindless creatures. I'm sure it knows I am merely experimenting.

As I close my eyes and wait restlessly, a sudden, faint throb can be felt in my brain.

''Huh?''

When I open my eyes again, I find myself sitting on the ground, holding a pocky near my mouth. It takes me a few seconds to completely 'wake up.'

I had clearly finished this package before this. Most of all, although extremely minor, I can feel a part of me missing—something intangible... like time.

Does it reduce my lifespan? That makes sense.

''...''

Popping the pocky into my mouth, I stand up and take a look at Ash, who is still diligently farming the light. It has advanced all the way to level three, which I imagine is where one minute of my lifespan has gone.

Let's use this one wisely.

January 21th, 1835.

Under the guise of Silaerob, I am currently in a room with Graham, Astra—the capital—'s grandmaster. I originally intended today to be the first day of Kyomu's sword class, but I figured I had to give him some rest, especially since he has suffered for the last two decades.

I have something to do here anyway.

''Is this information correct?''

With a cautious look, the blonde man sitting across me inquires.

''Yes.'' I confidently reply. ''Tell the emperor—if you want to finish this competition quickly, use the opportunity I make.''

''...No, I understand that, but why didn't you exterminate them earlier? Why leave them alone?''

'Exterminate'... that's a strong word. But it is deserved, though.

We are talking about a branch of the cult near the capital. I didn't clean them up because they are deeply related to Sierra's and another person's story. I didn't want to ruin it, so I merely decapitated some key figures to paralyze them—until now, that is.

By leaking to the heirs the information that Silaerob will appear at the location tomorrow, we will be able to get some action from them—just like the emperor wants.

''I have my reasons. Don't worry.''

Although skeptical, Graham still nods as he lets out a sigh. This guy is unexpectedly soft.

''I'll go now.''

As I stand up and prepare to leave, Graham halts me with his hand.

''Just for reference... which heir do you prefer?'' He asks.

''Sierra.''

''How so?''

I mean, she is the empress in the original story, so that is one. Additionally, she is cooperating with Chloe now, so that is two. Other than those, I honestly don't know much about Sierra, or even Killian, for that matter.

''If it's not Sierra, then it's probably her.'' I shake my head jokingly.

''Her?''

''Don't mind it too much.''

Graham poses a confused face as I teleport back to the forest.

I mean, she's probably not going to be an empress... right?