Is That My Alter Ego

Chapter 86 – Patience

Once again, at the call of Kali, I woke early this morning and finished my meal. I intended to head to the counseling center.

It was an ordinary day, just like any other. Except for one thing…

“Master… can’t we not go?”

“Why? I’m really okay now…”

The one thing is that Kali did not want to let me go.

Lately, Kali treats me like a mere child. She tries to do everything for me, following me wherever I go.

According to her, it’s because Espilia has become too dangerous these days, and there’s no other choice.

In truth, I didn’t even realize I had been kidnapped. That day, I was just finishing work and heading down to the lower levels, making my way home, when suddenly my vision went dark.

I had no memories of what happened.

When I came to, I found myself lying in my bed, facing Kalea, who looked at me with tearful eyes, and Kali, who was staring at me with an unsettling intensity.

There was something… an overwhelming sense of fear, perhaps. But I couldn’t quite grasp what it was.

I was honestly a bit shocked by Kali’s words that I had been kidnapped.

It seemed like Espilia had been a bit tumultuous lately… there were whispers of someone being taken. Stories of someone vanishing without a trace, caught by the guards, were circulating.

But I never thought it would happen to me. Well, anyway, it’s all resolved now, so isn’t that what matters?

Hmm… it feels like the atmosphere has been a bit strange lately, both in the upper and lower levels… but I can’t quite put my finger on it.

“Let’s just… let’s not go. I’m too anxious…”

“No, Kali. You’re coming with me, right? You’ll protect me, won’t you?”

“….Hic! W-well, I guess…”

“Then what’s the problem? I believe you’ll keep me safe.”

“…………”

What’s going on? Why is she acting like this all of a sudden?

Kali’s eyes darkened in an instant. How is that even possible?

It’s as if she’s licking her lips… is there something behind me?

I turned around, but saw nothing. So what is it…?

I turned back to look at Kali, but she was the same Kali as always. Did I see it wrong?

“Swallow… Ah… Ah! Just pet my head!”

“….No, I told you earlier—”

“Pet me!!”

“Haah… Come here.”

“Heh… Heeek.”

And there’s something odd. Lately, Kali has been asking me to pet her head far too often.

When she purrs like usual, it feels like petting a cat, so I don’t mind much… but lately, she seems to be making strange sounds.

I asked Kali about it, but she insists I must have misheard.

—

Well, I suppose Kali, the beastkin, would be more precise than me, a mere human. My hand won’t wear down from petting her, after all.

“Hey… hee…”

“….?”

“Hmm…?”

What’s with you again, Kalea…

Ah, right. There was one more thing that could be called the greatest change.

‘Status window, talent discernment.’

[Name: Kali / Age: 23 / Gender: Female / Status: ♥♥]

[Unique Ability (Eye of Magic): You possess the eyes that can see magic. You can perceive the trajectory of magic and use it more smoothly.]

[Unique Ability (Divine Flesh): Incredible! Your body is more perfect than that shaped by the gods! All physical abilities are astonishingly enhanced, allowing you to surpass the limits of humanity!]

.

.

.

.

[Unique Ability (Blood of ■■■■): Blooming required. (Blooming Condition: ■■■■.)]

[Potential: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (You have talent! Work hard! You could one day be a torch that illuminates the Empire!)]

Kali’s most significant change is the sudden, immense shift in her talent.

‘Exceptional physique’ has transformed into ‘Divine Flesh,’ and her potential has increased from three stars to five.

Additionally, a variety of unique abilities have emerged, making Kali a genius far from ordinary.

‘And, the unique ability that was completely unreadable has opened to some extent.’

When I first saw Kali’s status window, I had no inkling of what that entry could be.

Even now, it isn’t fully revealed, and I can’t be certain. But some information has surfaced.

‘….What blood? What on earth could that be?’

No matter how much I try to speculate, I still don’t know.

Well, since Kali has achieved such tremendous growth in such a short time, perhaps I’ll understand better once she fully matures?

“Heh… heeek… heeek…”

“Um… Kali? We need to go now…”

“Just… a little longer…”

It was ten minutes later that I finally managed to escape Kali’s forced petting.

*

I love it. I feel like I might go mad with how much I love it.

Kali’s honey-dripping gaze was fixed on a man, showing no signs of wavering.

No matter what you do, it all seems enchanting. I want you. I want to possess every part of you.

On that day, when he heroically saved Venice from the repugnant undercity, Kali realized that his love for Venice had grown immeasurably, beyond any measure.

Every little thing he did was endearing, cute, making me want to hold him close.

When that voice, as beautiful as a celestial melody, flowed forth, I wanted to silence those lips with my own. To keep it from anyone else, so only I could hear.

When he caressed me with his small hands, my heart raced, and warmth surged through my entire being. He seemed lost in thought, but I was doing my utmost to hold back.

With that irresistibly charming smile, as he spoke to me in that beautiful voice while stroking me.

I nearly lost my resolve without even realizing it.

‘No, not like this…!’

At least at first, I wanted to confirm his feelings, to affirm our love for one another before proceeding.

Of course, given the difference in our strengths, I could easily topple him if I really wanted to. But that would only be one-sided love, wouldn’t it?

I wanted my true feelings to reach him. And for his genuine love to be directed toward me!

I was always just enduring, and enduring again.

“Kali. Do you want to eat that fish skewer? You like that, don’t you?”

You like it, don’t you? You like it—

Like.

…You like it? You said this is good, right? Huh?!

“Whoosh… whoosh…!”

Kali’s eyes began to shine with a pink hue. It felt as if some form was taking shape.

That… implicit consent… No, no!

Splat-!

Kali slapped his own cheek. Venice, startled, asked if he was okay, but Kali merely replied that it was nothing.

Wait… again. He’s worried about me again?

The time for patience had come once more. Venice, unaware of Kali’s feelings, continued to act in ways that showed his affection.

To Venice, it was simply that he thought Kali looked bored, so he wanted to buy him something to eat, and when Kali suddenly slapped his cheek, he only asked if he was alright.

But for Kali, whose mind was spinning, such reality never reached him.

They headed together to the counseling center. The small room was filled with residents seeking to consult with him.

“Clack… clack…”

Just now… we went in together, right? Shouldn’t I be there by his side?

Kali nervously gnaws at her nails. In the wake of the tension she has conjured, the townsfolk waiting their turn merely sweat coldly, their eyes glued to the floorboards.

What if that wretched girl dares to flirt with Venice? If she throws some disgusting advances, I swear I won’t be able to hold back.

—Ha ha. Truly…

—…Thank you… love… like…

“…What?!”

Damn it. I heard that right, didn’t I?!

Thank you? I love you? You like me?! That filthy girl… how dare she…!

As Kali sprang to her feet, the townsfolk jumped in surprise. Yet her gaze was so fierce, it seemed she might snatch someone up and kill them on the spot, so they remained silent.

“Kill… I will kill. I will kill…!”

I will. I’ll kill that girl and make sure Venice knows it.

You are mine. Directly, in heart and body…!

With a sudden burst.

“Thank you… because of you, I think I can confess to my beloved…!”

“Ha ha. That’s wonderful. I hope you find a good love!”

“……..”

“Hmm? Kali? What are you doing over there?”

“Eh… heh… n-no…”

The conversation between Venice and the woman, the way Venice looked at her with laughter and a warm touch, stroking her gently.

Just that alone, the heart that had been ablaze moments ago melted away like snow, and once again, the time of patience returned.

Kali’s love… was truly simple yet intense.

“Hmm… it’s certain.”

“Yeah. It’s certain.”

“Oh…?”

The onlookers, watching the scene unfold, each let slip their own murmurs of admiration or encouragement.

“Excuse me? What’s going on?”

“Oh dear… even the teacher didn’t know this.”

“Tsk tsk… poor child.”

Venice, in that moment and even now, remains oblivious to the jeers and sighs they have cast.

“Hehe…”

“What’s so amusing?”

—

To answer that everything is good… feels a bit shameful.

I just… want to savor this happiness I feel now. A happiness and joy that borders on the excessive.

My beloved. Stay by my side always, showering me with that warm light alone.

*

Days have passed once more. A string of ordinary days, yet… something feels off.

“…Kalea, what’s wrong?”

“……….”

“Kalea…?”

“Y-yes?! Ah… what was I just doing…?”

Lately, there have been far too many moments when Kalea stares blankly. I know not the reason, and it comes so suddenly.

When she drifts into that daze, no sound reaches her ears, and her body remains still. Kalea’s jewel-like, sparkling eyes lose their luster, becoming as hollow as those of the dead when she is lost in thought.

I wondered if she had fallen ill, so I took her to a renowned healer in the upper district.

“Hmm… I see nothing unusual.”

Only the response that her body bore no ailment echoed back to me.

“Hehe… I suppose I’ve been a bit scatterbrained lately. I’m sorry…”

“Sorry, you say? If there’s any pain, you must tell me, yes?”

“Y-yes…”

I should have realized then. The way Kalea looked at me, her face bright with a smile.

Her pupils had already turned pitch black.