Chapter 65: Subjugation

―It seems the "Evil Slave Master" wishes to become your ally.

―Will you accept his submission?

"...Let us accept it."

Then, in addition to the usual fanfare, an incredibly flashy sound with a drum roll erupts.

―Congratulations! The "Evil Slave Master" has joined your party!

A dependent player will not take hostile actions as long as you maintain the relationship.

Going forward, shared quests, a portion of experience points, skills, and other elements will be available to both the subordinate player and you.

...uh

At the same time, information began flowing into my mind.

A moment later, it dawns on me that this is a compilation of the "Slave Master" skill.

Job: Slave Master

Karma: Evil

Level: 22

Skill: [Combat Technique (Beginner)] [Natural Healing (Strong)] [Skin Reinforcement] [Bone Reinforcement] [Hunger Resistance (Strong)] [Fire Magic I & II] [Water Magic I] [Thunder Magic I, II, III] [Healing Magic I, II, III] [Slave Mastery III] [Subjugation] [Sexual Technique (Beginner)]

"Hmmmm... fascinating..."

I fold my arms and nod in approval.

So this is how it feels. Quite intriguing, actually.

"Anyway, this skill...《Sexual Technique》..."

"I already said it. My lower body's useless. I thought learning this would get me hard again, but it didn't work. To be specific, this skill... about nighttime..."

"It's fine, I don't need the details."

"Uwss..."

Aoi, left out in the cold, pouts angrily.

"What's up, you two alone like that? I wanna join the group too!"

"No need."

I gave Ayaka a warning.

"‘Subjugation’ is probably our last resort. I don’t think we should take it lightly."

"...As the Warrior says."

Amamiya also nods in agreement.

"I don’t think I’ll be able to pat the Warrior on the back like I used to—even half-jokingly. It seems that breaking the constraints will instantly erase all skills without question."

"Ahh... that's kind of a pain, huh."

Even Ayane-chan had to admit it.

Just then,

――Congratulations! The quest has been completed!

Said the voice of Illusion.

Following right after,

――Congratulations! Your level has increased!

"Wait a second... I think my level went up too. Did I get treated as having completed the quest together?"

"Please wait a moment before acquiring skills. Don't go taking things like 'Advanced Sexual Techniques' on your own."

"I'll leave that to your imagination—no need to worry."

For now, what I wanted to try was "skill sharing" with a player who had become subordinate.

From now on, both the "slave master" and I will be able to take or grant skills.

Just to test it out, I'll try acquiring "Water Magic I."

"——Water Magic I"

When I chanted the spell, a squirt of water shot out from the tip of my index finger.

"If I have to use it, maybe only to give to someone who's thirsty. Also, I can adjust the water temperature at will. It'd be handy for making instant noodles."

I tried concentrating slightly.

The water cannon transformed into a steaming hot water cannon.

"Hmm..."

"You can keep that magic if you want. I don't need it."

At that moment, a clear, ringing bell echoed through the air.

Just as I wondered what was happening, I saw a group of girls gathering together all at once.

"Looks like mealtime. Want to eat?"

I looked into Saya-chan's eyes.

"I'd love to, but we eat several times more than normal humans."

"I know. I'm no stranger to having power myself."

Amamiya chuckled dryly,

"So I told everyone to make plenty today. Otherwise, it'll just go to waste if you don't eat it. Please, do indulge."

Ah, I see.

Wasting food is truly a desecration.

Given that, I suppose I won't be poisoned either.

"Then, I'll take you up on that offer."

▼

While savoring the sweetly simmered stew, the conversation continues on a blood-curdling note.

"As for dealing with that gang of kidnappers... I have two strategies to propose. The first is simple: have the two of you go ahead and slaughter those villains one by one."

After studying our subtle expressions with a quick glance, he added,

"Of course, I don't recommend that. After all, they're armed. Even we wouldn't stand a chance if they shot us."

He quickly added, sounding slightly flustered.

"...and here's my second suggestion. Infiltrate their base, use the 'Slave Master' job skill 'Subjugation' to turn their boss into an ally."

"Kōhyā hehī hehī hyō (let's go with the latter)."

I reply, tearing into the chicken meat with gusto.

"Huh? What did you say just now?"

"The latter."

"I see....Well, I figured as much. But once you actually witness what they're doing, I'm sure your mind will change."

"That's something I'll decide for myself when the time comes."

"Hmph. No objections from me....Thank you for the meal."

Amamiya-kun seemed satisfied with a normal portion, not asking for seconds, and pushed his empty plate aside.

Then, with a grace that almost seemed elegant, the girl in the maid outfit quietly took away the dishes.

"Let me just ask—she also has that skill, uh, 'Subjugation,' right?"

"Huh? Yeah, that's right. Incidentally, right now, she's the only one I've got as my 'slave.'"

Amamiya says casually, as if it were completely natural for her to be his 'slave.'

"Can't you set her free?"

"Huh?"

Amamiya looks genuinely puzzled.

Perhaps annoyed by his attitude, Saya suddenly butted in.

"You're just gonna force her into something lewd anyway, aren't you, you pervert!"

For a brief moment, Amamiya looked completely stunned, his eyes flicking between the two of us.

"Ah, no, that's not it at all. Not even close. Me and him have been together since we were kids. The way he is—well, to be honest, he's always been like that... I mean, if you know the specs of 'Subjugation,' you'd understand. Just because he's called a 'slave' doesn't mean he'll do anything you want, no matter what."

Amamiya-kun, speaking at lightning speed.

It doesn't look like they're lying...

"...There's really nothing else I can do but ask you to believe me, but the maid-like tasks are things he does on his own initiative."

Well, as he said, that'll become clear later on.

"Actually, being under the control of a 'slave master' has more benefits than drawbacks. It's just that the word 'slave' gives the wrong impression, so people misunderstand it....Hey, Tsumuri?"

Amamiya-kun directs his gaze toward the purple-haired maid girl.

After a brief silence, staring at Amamiya-kun,

"——…As my master has said."

she replied mechanically.

"See? That's what I mean."

Ugh.

"It's almost as if the suspicion has only grown stronger."

And do people normally call each other "master" in regular friendships?

"Well, that's just because you haven't understood the 'Slave Tamer' skill yet."

Amamiya-kun seems oddly confident.

For some reason, though.

I don't like it.

Since he and I are in a "subordinate" relationship, I don't think he'd dare harm me directly.

Well, whatever.

For now, I'll let him have his way.

Just for a little while.