章 24: Chapter 24: I, Kuafu, Only Take One Sip
(TL Note: Kuafu is a figure from Chinese mythology who famously tried to chase the sun. Believed to be a giant, he attempted to drink the sea to quench his thirst while pursuing the sun but ultimately failed, symbolizing the limits of human ambition.)
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Perhaps because the hot spring was so comfortable, Yae Sakura had unknowingly fallen asleep on a large rock.
She only woke up when she felt someone touch her back.
"Sakura, what's the pattern on your back?"
Kikyō sat behind Yae Sakura, her hand resting on her back as she curiously examined the red Stigma mark.
"It's... a Stigma."
"Stigma?" Kikyō didn't understand.
"You can think of it as something like the Shikon no Tama that can increase your power, but without any side effects. It's kind of like equipment!" After some thought, Yae Sakura decided this explanation would be easiest for Kikyō to grasp.
"Increases my power..."
"That's right! I prepared a set for you too, Kikyō. Turn around, and I'll help you put it on."
With so many stigmata in her inventory, Kikyō figured they were just taking up space. She might as well give some to her close friends.
"No way! These are too valuable," Kikyō shook her head. Something that could boost power without side effects was simply too precious.
"Come on... I have plenty. Besides... didn't you teach me barrier skills, Kikyō-chan?"
"This is different."
"It's not. Just turn around! Now that you have the Shikon no Tama, you'll face even more monsters—maybe even big ones. With your current strength, it's still a lot of pressure.
Wouldn't you hate for someone to steal the jewel because you weren't strong enough?"
Kikyō fell silent at Yae Sakura's words.
True, Kikyō was very powerful. She'd been born with strong spiritual energy. Over the years, she could take down ninety-nine out of a hundred monsters with one arrow.
But... Kikyō knew that didn't mean she could beat every monster out there.
These were chaotic times—the golden age for monsters.
And guarding the Shikon no Tama was a huge responsibility...
Every bit of extra strength meant more hope.
"Well then... thank you!"
"Don't mention it."
-
As Kikyō turned away, Yae Sakura slipped out a set of four-star Stigmata.
[Elizabeth Bathory]
Although her inventory was crammed with various Stigmata, five-star sets were surprisingly rare. She'd kept only what she needed from each set, dismantling the rest to acquire specific pieces she desired.
The real clutter came from four-star and lower-grade Stigmata—those were practically uncountable...
Two or three stars aren't strong enough, she thought. I'll give her the four-star set!
The Elizabeth Bathory set was as comprehensive as the Tsar set, though naturally not quite as powerful. Still, it would be very useful for Kikyō at this stage.
When health is above 80%, the top piece adds +31% defense, the middle piece adds +20% physical attack, and the bottom piece adds +41% speed.
On top of that, the set bonus increases the chance to recover health.
This set alone could boost Kikyō's strength by nearly fifty percent.
Originally, stigmata were thought of as special tattoos.
They were considered supernatural phenomena, usually appearing on Christians' bodies, similar to how Jesus was marked during his suffering.
However, after Yae Sakura brought the stigmata from the warehouse through time, they became a type of unique equipment that could be equipped or removed.
The way stigmata formed was by using crystal cards with beautiful maiden patterns. When you put one on your back, it turned into an intricate red mark.
Yae Sakura directly equipped three stigmata onto Kikyō. Her once smooth and delicate back now had three symmetrical and exquisite marks.
"Done! Do you feel anything different?"
Looking at her masterpiece, Yae Sakura felt very satisfied...
"I do feel something different," Kikyō said, turning around with a slight look of surprise on her face. "It's like... I'm stronger." The idea of increasing power this easily seemed almost too good to be true.
Since she couldn't see the marks on her own back, Kikyō was curious about what they looked like.
"Now that you have stigmata, why don't I give you a weapon too?
"What kind of weapon should you use though... You already have a bow for long-range attacks, so let's give you a close-range weapon for self-defense!"
As Yae Sakura spoke, she decided to look through her inventory for a suitable weapon. Guns... don't feel right. Crosses or greatswords... too heavy. Gauntlets or sickles aren't fitting either. In the end, it had to be a katana.
This one will do...
"Kikyō, how about this Anemoi katana?"
In her inventory, besides the five-star Anemoi katana she'd already given away, there were two extra rows of unrefined four-star versions.
Yae took out one of these unrefined katanas and handed it to Kikyō sitting before her.
But as she looked at Kikyō naked in front of her—really facing her without any shame... Yae felt slightly awkward yet strangely excited.
"Sakura..."
Seeing the bizarre katana appear out of nowhere, Kikyō hesitated. She didn't immediately accept it. Instead, she noticed Yae's intense gaze, suddenly clutched her chest, and turned away...
"You... you're not into women, are you?" Kikyō asked uncertainly, still facing away from Yae.
"Well..." Yae realized then that she might have gone too far. "I guess I am interested in women."
It wasn't like this before. This must be my first time soaking in a hot spring with a girl, so I'm feeling extra excited...
But I can't stay in this world forever. If I fall for someone here, it'll only lead to heartbreak...
So at most, we can just be friends... I shouldn't have acted so out of line.
Well... let's not dwell on that...
"I'm sorry!" Yae Sakura bowed her head and apologized.
"Why are you apologizing again? Oh well! I won't say no to this weapon."
"Mm-hmm, this katana is really powerful. It comes with a special skill—it can create a tornado with icy wind. You should try it later," Yae explained, now composed after seeing Kikyo take the Anemoi.
"A weapon with its own skill..."
"Big sister, stop talking to her so much! Come help me wash up!" Higokumaru couldn't stand watching Yae and Kikyo interact any longer and finally spoke up from where she was lying in the hot spring.
"Huh? Alright!" Seeing Higokumaru's eager gaze, Yae remembered how she had saved her earlier and didn't refuse... She walked over to help.
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