Let’s Play Minecraft in a World of Swords and Spells
Volume 5 Chapter 54: Vassal Meeting

(Walson)

Inside the [Sexy Oak Tavern]

Inside the discreet and simple private room were a round table and four people, including myself.

"Hey? So, what's that— Boze Vlam —really trying to do?" Derisha asked, shaking her mug, the beer inside of it spilling out due to it.

"...I don't know what Herobrine's purpose is in taking over the labyrinth, but in addition to being very interested in me, he will also target all of the Elemental Guardians, which is why you saw most of them being contaminated.”

"Eh? Why would he be targeting the Guardians of the seven elements?" Belle raised an eyebrow in confusion.

It was rare to see her without her armor, wearing a lightweight equestrian vest and pants. She sat with a strict and upright posture, frowning at Derisha, who was getting high from drinking.

I closed my eyes, carefully scanning the information in my mind.

"Who knows? He is gathering the special ability of the seven Elemental Guardian to unlock some kind of seal— That’s all I know.” I said. That was the information left in my mind.

"...Hey, did that cunning old man say anything to you?" Krista, sitting on the other side, asked with her arms crossed.

She had a gem-like fiery red hair, shoulder-length with a slight curl at the ends, and a fringe flicked upwards. A pair of long red velvet rabbit ears hung on her shoulders. She wore a shiny black leather coat made from some unknown creature.

Her pale face was unusually delicate, with slightly raised eyebrows. She held a smoking pipe in her mouth, sitting with her legs crossed, looking at me with a lazy and casual charm.

Her name was Krista Eva, the [Vassal of The Flame[.

This was a table where the Vassal of the Flame, Water, Forest, and Light elements gathered.

"To be honest, I didn’t really see him all that well." I explained while taking a few glances at this new face.

"I see…." Krista nodded thoughtfully, released the pipe, and exhaled a wisp of smoke.

She was the mysterious person who jumped out at the critical moment and opened the teleportation gate to send everyone out. Since she was a [Vassal of The Flame], it made sense that she could open a teleportation gate in the Flame Labyrinth.

However, even after hearing the whole story from Belle, I found it challenging to feel fondness for this person. The investigation team consisted of over 250 adventurers, but only 50 survived. Although she wasn't the main culprit for their demise, she played a significant role.

The size of the investigation team being so large was because of her behind-the-scenes manipulation. If she hadn't done that, the casualties might not have been as high.

This statement might be biased. The reason she did this was at the behest of the Elemental Guardian of Flame, Boze Vlam. Here's the backstory:

Initially, due to unknown reasons, the Flame Labyrinth started experiencing rampant monster outbreaks. Krista, upon hearing this news, rushed back to the labyrinth, trying to contact the Elemental Guardian of Flame but failed repeatedly.

As the outbreak worsened, she also sensed Boze Vlam's weakening. At this time, Boze Vlam, who had been out of contact, suddenly issued an order to her: "Find a way to get more adventurers in," and at the same time, the [Trial of Flame], which should have stopped after the Guardian selected his Vassal, reopened.

Hmm, the trials that he had encountered in the dungeon, like the Corridor of Trust and the teleportation to the Nether Realm, were part of this [Trial of Flame]. According to her, due to the anomalies, this trial was much more terrifying than when she initially faced it.

She was also used as a pawn, becoming another victim of this disaster. I don't know why this time I'm so sensitive to casualties, but my feelings towards this person are still quite complex.

For some reason, when I was with her, there's an inexplicable sense of familiarity, like we have met before in some place, This feeling also occurred when I first saw Lori Aivett, the wither girl, and when I first interacted with Grace when I was small, However, as my relationship with Grace became more intimate, this feeling seemed to fade.

"I think since you have these memories popping up in your head, it means you've encountered that cunning old guy," Krista said. "Although I don't know why He took away part of your memories."

"He can take away memories?"

"Yes, not only that, as long as it’s done in the Flame Labyrinth, that old guy basically can do anything he wants. That's the power that belongs to that old guy and his [Vassal], it’s called [Infernal: Domination Domain], It's like your ability to create illusion barriers and the [Vassal of The Water] ability to see potential futures." Krista explained.

So, if I understand correctly, each of the guardians has a special ability in addition to their elemental attribute. Derisha has [Ryulong: Flowing Vision], I have [Dryad: Illusionary Barrier]— Hmm? What about Belle?

"By the way, since I've already met you, Belle, do you want to come back with me?" Krista turned her head and looked at Belle.

Upon hearing this, Belle didn't answer; she just shook her head. Krista didn't say much either, just picked up her smoking pipe and took a puff.

Derisha, lacking some common sense, had already drunk herself to sleep, leaving me to face this somewhat strange atmosphere.

"Well, if you need to have a private conversation, I can take Derisha outside," I stood up, ready to carry the tipsy Derisha out.

"No need because it concerns you too," Krista put down her pipe, straightened her posture, and looked at me seriously this time.

"Huh? Concerns me?"

"Yes, exactly," Krista shrugged. "Let me put it this way – when you look at me, do you feel a sense of déjà vu?"

Huh? She knows!?

"Just by looking at your expression, I can tell," Krista said with a smile. "This is the proof that we're both [Mutants]. Although I don't know what your 'Prototype Entity' is, both you and that mage named Grace are the same— Hmm, it's been a long time since I couldn't recognize the Prototype Entity you have."

Wait a minute!?! This is getting dangerous! Is she implying that she already knows about me and Grace being reincarnated? I've never mentioned this to anyone!

"Although it's a bit late, allow me to reintroduce myself," Krista said, "My name is Krista Eva, the Vice President of the [Mutual Aid Society] and also a searcher. My Prototype Entity is the [Skeleton Archer]."

Belle, on the side, seemed to sigh softly.

"I represent the [Mutual Aid Society] here and invite both you and Grace to join," Krista stated.