I Became A Collaborative Character In The Game - Chapter 49 - Integra

Chapter 49 – Integra

—–CROW—–

[Good afternoon, Master.]

[Are you awake?]

A familiar, gentle voice reached him through his blurry vision.

Luther slowly blinked and looked ahead.

He saw Integra, smiling brightly.

“Integra.”

[Yes, Master. Your Integra.]

Her gentle smile turned mischievous.

Strangely comforted by Integra’s usual demeanor, Luther blinked again to shake off the sleep and asked,

“Where am I? How much time has passed?”

[You’re in one of the tents at the campsite near the Vulcan Ruins.]

[13 hours have passed since the battle with the Demon King Valakia.]

13 hours.

Considering he had fainted, it wasn’t that long.

[Master, may I give you a situation report?]

“Please.”

[Understood.]

Integra replied softly and projected several windows in the air, explaining the situation.

[65% of your nanomachines were destroyed in the battle, Master.]

[Currently undergoing repairs. Full recovery is estimated to take 37 hours, 12 minutes, and 45 seconds.]

[To replenish the nanomachine materials, please consume a small amount of metal separately, in addition to regular meals.]

“Absorb… metal?”

[Yes, but you don’t need to eat it directly.]

[Just place it on your palm, like you did with the magic stones.]

“Alright.”

That wasn’t a problem.

As Luther relaxed, Integra provided a more detailed explanation of his condition, then shifted the topic to the campsite.

[After defeating the Demon King Valakia, cleanup operations are currently underway.]

[Adventurers are collecting materials from the dragons and monsters killed in battle, and workers under Count Glasstone are collecting the remains of the mud golem.]

[As a precaution, the removal of Lete’s symbols has been postponed, and most of the personnel involved in the operation are staying at the campsite.]

[From what I’ve gathered, they plan to hold a small festival near the campsite tonight.]

“I see.”

It seemed natural to hold a festival after defeating a powerful enemy.

“Where are the others?”

[Everyone is safe, except for Lilia, who fainted after the tension subsided.]

[They’re coming now.]

“Oh?”

Instead of answering, Integra erased the windows in the air and disappeared.

As if on cue, Karen and Max entered the tent.

“Oh.”

“Luther, you’re awake!”

Luther spoke first, followed by Karen.

She rushed to his bedside, smiling brightly, and sighed in relief.

“I’m so glad you’re alright. You did a great job.”

Max also stood beside Karen, smiling warmly.

“I’m glad you two are safe as well.”

He hadn’t seen how or where Max had fought, but he must have been active in the battle against the skeletons or dragons.

And Karen—

“Thank you. You saved me.”

He meant it sincerely.

If Karen hadn’t launched Arma’s four magic swords, he would have been engulfed by the black flames and died, let alone defeat Valakia.

Just like in his previous fight against Zogress, he had been greatly helped by Karen’s telekinesis.

Karen blushed slightly at his heartfelt gratitude, then smiled brightly.

“I’m glad I could be of help to you, Angel.”

“Y-Yes.”

Angel.

If, as he suspected, the Celestial Realm was the Galactic Federation, wouldn’t that make him a real angel?

‘Come to think of it, that’s true.’

A real angel.

Then he wouldn’t have to feel embarrassed when called “Angel,” would he?

[Master, I have a feeling you’re having some rather audacious thoughts.  Regardless, Arma Valentine and Annerose are approaching the tent.]

As Integra said, Arma Valentine and Annerose entered the tent.

After exchanging greetings with Karen and Max, who were already inside, they approached Luther.

“I’m glad to see you’re alright.”

“I’m glad you’re safe.”

Master and student repeated similar words in slightly different tones.

But how should he put it? Despite the difference in their expressions, they shared one thing in common.

[They’re embarrassed.]

That was it.

Arma Valentine subtly, and Annerose openly, were embarrassed.

[They were essentially just spectators during the fight against Valakia.]

After the activation of the mana vortex—that is, after the main confrontation between Luther and Valakia began—they hadn’t been able to participate in the battle at all.

Arma had opened her eyes to find the battle already over, and Annerose had been unable to use her equipment during the fight, left to just pace anxiously.

The embarrassment of being mere spectators in a battle against a formidable foe.

Especially for Arma, as one of the world’s top ten superhumans, the sense of powerlessness and embarrassment seemed considerable.

Perceiving their feelings, Luther said after a moment of thought,

“Thanks to you two luring Valakia, I was able to carry out the plan. Thank you.”

“Oh, no. You’re the one who found the golem.”

“Hmm.”

Annerose blushed, clearly embarrassed, and Arma, perhaps because she was a doll, didn’t blush, but she still seemed embarrassed, clearing her throat.

[Master, since they seem to feel indebted to you, why don’t you make some requests?]

[I think they’ll agree to almost anything right now.]

Integra was saying something obnoxious for a change.

But it was a tempting suggestion, so Luther glanced at Arma.

Just then,

“Luther Light Seeker.”

“Yes, Arma?”

Arma, having abruptly called his name, hesitated for a moment, then cleared her throat and said,

“I didn’t mention it before the battle because I wasn’t sure about the timing… but the third fragment of the armor is currently being transported. It should arrive tomorrow or the day after.”

“Oh, thank you.”

From her tone, it seemed she intended to hand it over as soon as it arrived.

[The third fragment! That’s great!]

[We’ll be able to unlock new functions with the new fragment.]

[Why don’t you ask for one of her magic swords as well?]

‘No, that’s a bit much.’

While he was tempted, it was too much to ask.

So, Luther wrapped up the conversation.

“Thank you. I’ll be looking forward to it.”

“Hmm, alright.”

Arma replied curtly, moved her lips a few times, then turned and left.

“Then I’ll see you later. Master, let’s go!”

Annerose bowed her head and quickly followed Arma out of the tent. Karen and Max chuckled softly and said,

“Then we’ll be going too.”

“Rest well.”

“Yes, see you later.”

After everyone left, Luther and Integra were alone again in the tent.

Reappearing, Integra said in a gentle voice,

[Master, please get some more rest.]

[I’ll wake you when the festival starts.]

“Alright.”

[Activating sleep mode.]

[Sleep well, Master.]

Luther closed his eyes, listening to Integra’s whisper, and drifted back into a deep sleep.

And 3 hours later,

The first thing Luther heard when he woke up wasn’t Integra’s gentle voice, but the boisterous laughter of the adventurers.

[Are you awake, Master?]

[The festival celebrating our victory has begun.]

Luther got out of bed, listening to Integra, washed his face, and quickly stepped out of the tent.

The first thing he saw was a huge bonfire and numerous shadows.

“That’s impressive.”

The bonfire at the center of the campsite was truly massive.

No, could it even be called a bonfire?

It was more like an altar built of logs and set ablaze, the flames reaching the height of a small building.

A huge bonfire that seemed to scorch the sky and dozens of smaller torches that illuminated the entire campsite.

Hundreds of adventurers enjoyed food and drinks in the brightly lit campsite, and minstrels and musicians, indispensable at such gatherings, sang and played music throughout the camp.

It was chaotic, but strangely, a smile crept onto his face.

Luther remembered Dragon Hunter Origin.

In the original story, the Demon King Valakia was eventually defeated by Annerose.

But the outcome was completely different.

Annerose, standing alone amidst the ruins, destroyed by the undead army, shedding tears.

She had won, she had defeated the Demon King Valakia, but by then, more than half of the western region had been devastated.

All Annerose could see, as she looked around in the pouring rain, were countless corpses.

Those who died in battle.

Those helplessly slaughtered by the undead army.

Luther took a deep breath.

And just like Annerose had done, he looked around the battlefield after the fight.

Everyone was smiling.

Unlike Annerose in the original story, who had to shed tears despite her victory, everyone here was joyfully celebrating their victory.

[Annerose is over there.]

Following Integra’s voice, Luther saw Annerose chatting and laughing brightly with Asella and her companions.

Although she hadn’t played as heroic a role as in the original story, the current Annerose seemed much happier.

“You’re awake?”

Startled by the voice behind him, Luther turned and saw Arma holding skewers of food.

She looked him up and down, then offered him one of the skewers.

“You must be hungry.  Here.”

“Thank you.”

It was a typical dish, grilled meat and vegetables alternating on a skewer.

But Luther couldn’t help but be fascinated by the sight of Arma, a doll, taking a bite of the skewer.

“What’s wrong?”

“No, it’s just… well…”

He was simply surprised to see Arma, a doll, eating a skewer.

“I understand.  But even angels eat skewers, so why shouldn’t a doll?”

“That’s true.”

Luther chuckled and took a bite of the skewer.

He was hungry, and the well-grilled lamb was delicious.

“Is it good?”

“Yes, it’s delicious. Thank you.”

“Hmm, alright.”

Arma replied curtly and focused on eating her skewer, but she slightly clenched her other fist, seemingly pleased by Luther’s compliment.

[She seems to think she’s repaid you a small favor.]

[Her scale of thinking is rather… petty.]

No, it wasn’t petty, it was more like timid and cute.

Chuckling softly, Luther stood beside Arma, who was nibbling at her skewer like a hamster, and looked around again.

He saw a familiar face approaching.

“Luuuuther!”

It was Lilia.

“Oh, Lilia.”

“Yes, Luther!”

She slowed down just in front of him, but due to inertia, she stumbled forward, and Luther instinctively caught her in his arms.

[Deducting 3 penalty points from Lilia.]

[Deducting 2 penalty points from Master.]

‘Wait, defeating Valakia was only worth 2 points, and you’re deducting 2 points for this?’

[It’s my decision.]

As Integra stuck her tongue out at him, Lilia, blushing in his arms, said with a flustered expression,

“You were amazing! Thanks to you, everyone here, and everyone in the west, has been saved. Thank you so much! Really!”

Luther was a man, and Lilia was a beautiful woman.

So, despite Integra’s icy glare from the side, Luther couldn’t help but smile.

“Ahem, you played a big part too, Lilia. You made a huge contribution.”

“R-Really? Hehehe.”

She fidgeted with her fingers, looking incredibly cute.

Then, tugging lightly on his sleeve, she said,

“Um… Luther.”

“Yes?”

“Would… would you like to dance with me?”

Asking with a completely red face, Lilia pointed towards a group of couples dancing to the musicians’ music.

“Wait a moment.”

“Yes? Oh, yes!”

As Lilia stepped back, Luther adjusted his clothes and whispered,

“Integra?”

[Hmph, I can’t let you embarrass yourself, can I?]

[Analyzing data.]

[Installing Couple Dance (Western Style) Lv1.]

A flash of light pierced his head.

Luther flinched momentarily, then smiled confidently and extended his hand to Lilia.

“Let’s go, Lilia.”

“Yes, Luther.”

As expected, Lilia, true to her clumsy nature, was a poor dancer, but it wasn’t a big problem.

Luther had Integra.

[Predicting Lilia’s movements.]

[Collecting data from surrounding couples.]

[Couple Dance proficiency increased.]

Anticipating Lilia’s next move and adjusting his own movements accordingly, it was impossible for the dance to go wrong.

Lilia, greatly pleased, said with a dreamy expression,

“This is the first time I haven’t stepped on my partner’s feet.”

[Wait, she’s asking you to dance with that kind of track record?!]

As Integra protested internally, another woman approached Luther.

“Luther, you should dance with me too.”

It was Karen.

She was wearing casual clothes like the others, but perhaps because of the atmosphere, she looked a little different than usual.

“I’ll be in your care.”

“Likewise.”

Smiling shyly, Karen gently took his hand and began to dance.

[She’s quite skilled.]

[She must have taken dance lessons.]

Luther agreed.

Unlike Lilia, Karen was athletic, but even so, her dancing skills were exceptional.

‘Is she really a noble? No, with skills like these, she must be, right?’

A girl with ebony black hair contrasting with her pale skin, mystical green eyes, and telekinetic powers.

What kind of past did she have?

And why didn’t she appear in Dragon Hunter Origin?

“Luther.”

“Yes?”

“Um… never mind. I’ll tell you tomorrow.”

“Huh?”

“Tomorrow.”

Chuckling softly, she gracefully stepped back and curtsied.

It was an elegant, picturesque scene.

“Then I’ll excuse myself.”

With that, she walked towards Max, who was eating skewers at a distance.

[Hmm, that seems significant.]

[But she might have just said that to sound important.]

“No way.”

Karen wasn’t that kind of person.

She definitely had something to say.

[Anyway, Master, Count Glasstone seems to be over there.]

[Why don’t you go and receive his compliments?]

As the miniature Integra, who had reappeared on his shoulder, suggested, he saw Count Glasstone chatting with the priests of Lete.

But instead of approaching him, Luther headed towards the edge of the campsite.

[Master?]

“There’s something I need to do first.”

[Something you need to do?]

“Yes, something I must do.”

Replying playfully, Luther continued walking with Integra, who tilted her head in confusion.

And after about 5 minutes,

Reaching a hill overlooking the campsite, Luther took a deep breath and pursed his lips.

Now that he was here, he felt embarrassed to say it out loud.

[Master?]

[What are you going to do here?]

Integra was still tilting her head in confusion.

Luther looked at the miniature Integra and whispered,

“Integra.”

[Yes, Master.]

Integra blinked her large eyes and looked at him.

Her eyes were a vivid yet soft golden color, like moonlight.

Luther, meeting her gaze that seemed to draw him in, couldn’t speak even after taking a deep breath.

He cleared his throat, scratched his neck, and blinked several times before finally speaking.

“Would… you like to dance with me?”

Integra blinked at his question.

She blinked a few more times, then widened her eyes in surprise.

But it didn’t last long.

Blushing crimson, she smiled brightly and nodded vigorously.

[Yes! Master!]

The miniature Integra disappeared.

And Integra, in an off-the-shoulder dress, appeared before him.

The same appearance he had seen at Asain Gorge.

A pure white dress that blended with the two moons and the darkness.

Silver hair shimmering softly in the moonlight.

Luther slowly extended his hand, and Integra placed her hand on his.

It was just an augmented reality projection, so they couldn’t actually touch each other, but that didn’t matter.

[I’ll play some music.]

[Should I create some lighting too?]

[What kind of music do you prefer?]

Just how excited was she?

Smiling back at the beaming Integra, Luther started to move slowly to the music, and Integra, with a nervous expression, followed his lead.

They danced a dance that only they could see, a gentle dance just for them.

—–CROW—–