Level Eater
Chapter 152

T/N: I apologize for not posting chapters suddenly without informing my readers, I was sick and busy with the new semester registrations, i should be able to work hard this upcoming month. wish me luck!!

After Leah woke up, Tatsuro, Cardina, and Nana completed a thorough physical examination and reinforcement.

Then, Leah got back into the box, sitting with her knees up, and after bidding farewell to the doctor and Reginald, they went outside.

Since it was already night, the surroundings were dark and gloomy.

However, stylish lamps shaped like plants were lit, and combined with the moonlight, it wasn't so dark that they couldn't see their feet.

Tatsuro, with Cardina in her [Child Form] inside his pocket, walked on the tiled ground, casting a detection spell that wouldn't be noticed by anyone using a combination of Dispel and Dark magic. They tried to avoid being seen by people as much as possible.

Following behind them, Ai and Nana were easily carrying the box with Leah inside.

First, they walked around the back of the doctor's house and headed further inside, opposite the gate they had entered from.

Soon, they saw a gently sloping uphill road curving widely to the right.

According to the doctor, the park was at the edge of town and, because a larger and more scenic park had been built a few years ago, it was rarely visited during the day except occasionally by children.

At night, it was mostly deserted.

However, in the deep of night, couples looking for a secluded spot would often come, so if they wanted to avoid being seen, they needed to leave before then.

"Alright, Ai. Put the box down here. Leah, come out. I know there's no one else here right now" (Tatsuro)

"Okay!" (Ai)

"Okay…" (Leah)

Ai's cheerful voice contrasted with Leah's weak response. The greater shaking while being carried had made Leah feel nauseous from motion sickness.

"Are you alright? Here, steady yourself" (Nana)

"Th-thank you, Nana" (Leah)

Leah replied weakly, trying to hold back the urge to vomit.

Nana cast a healing spell to help Leah regain her composure.

Once Leah's color improved slightly, Tatsuro began explaining the trick he was about to perform.

"I'm going to cast a combination spell of Curse, Dark, and Dispel magic on Leah." (Tatsuro)

"And the purpose?" (Ai)

"When I analyzed the curse placed on Leah, I learned much about the combination of Curse and Dark magic. Thanks to that, I thought of a way to use curse magic externally, which I had only been able to use internally before." (Tatsuro)

"Externally…?" (Ai)

"It's better if you see it directly, Ai. Leah, you can understand with your eyes. Nana and Cardina will get it while helping, so let's do it before anyone comes." (Tatsuro)

Tatsuro had Nana use Curse magic, Cardina uses Dispel magic, and he used Dark magic, all at maximum power, constructing the spell according to his image.

Ai's eyes saw Leah's outline blur and then regain clarity, making her blink in confusion.

"Huh? Leah disappeared and became someone else?" (Ai)

"Looks like it worked" (Tatsuro)

"Is this how it works?" (Leah)

"Huh? What does that mean?" (Ai)

Leah understood the spell instinctively through her eyes, but Ai needed an explanation from Tatsuro.

According to Tatsuro, the spell casts a curse on anyone who sees Leah, making them see a completely different face instead of her real one.

To prevent it from being just a simple illusion, he referenced an advanced curse spell from Aarenfrit that could escape Dispel magic.

Although he didn't reach that skill level, he modified it with Dark magic to fool ordinary Dispel magic users.

Finally, to cover up the remaining gaps, he used a combination of Dispel and Dark magic to fake the appearance and height, creating a completely different person.

"I see. I don't quite get it, but it's like a super hard-to-detect illusion, right?" (Ai)

"Yes, that's the correct understanding. This way, even if someone sees you walking outside, they won't recognize you." (Tatsuro)

"But if you can disguise your face and height, can't you make yourself invisible like a transparent person?" (Ai)

"Making something invisible is difficult. It would take someone like that Aarenfrit who cursed Leah to do that." (Tatsuro)

"What's wrong?" (Ai)

"No, I was just thinking that when he went to where Leah was, he might have actually used such magic." (Tatsuro)

However, in Tatsuro's case, he managed to perform a combination of magic that should only be possible for one person by using the power of magic-born creatures to get the output of three people.

Thinking about doing that alone is unimaginable.

So Tatsuro thinks there might be something more different.

"If he's that great, I'd rather not be enemies with him." (Ai)

"Right. It's good to be versatile like me, but focusing on one specialty can be troublesome. If we meet him in the future, let's keep it peaceful. Now, let's head to the inn. Leah, can you stand?" (Tatsuro)

"I will help you." (Nana)

"Thank you, Nana." (Leah)

Although she appeared to be a healthy, normal person, Leah was still weak inside.

Nana supported her by the arm, casting healing magic to help her walk on her own feet.

So Tatsuro and the group members walked slowly back to the inn where they had stayed before.

At the inn, they rented one spacious room for the three of them because they had something to try that night.

When they reached the room, they first let Leah rest on the sofa.

Then they released the curse magic that had disguised her appearance, returning her to her true form.

Incidentally, Tatsuro had leveled up from 50 to 51, gaining an additional registration slot, which he used to set this disguise magic without hesitation. (Check chapter 138 to fully understand it is something like the [Yin-Yang Orb])

However, if Tatsuro used it alone, the appearance would only be partially distorted, so Cardina's and Nana's assistance was essential for the complete form of the magic.

Then, to ensure they weren't seen from the outside, they drew the curtains and had Cardina in her [Adult Form] use detection magic to sense if anyone approached the room.

"Alright, Leah. I'll get straight to the point—how much did you learn about me and Ai with your eyes?" (Tatsuro)

"I... honestly, I didn't mean to look. But the moment I wondered why you could use so many different magic, I understood everything in a chain reaction. I didn't investigate intentionally." (Leah)

"Yes, I understand that. That's why I'm not blaming you. But please tell us clearly. Otherwise, we won't know how to interact with you." (Tatsuro)

"Alright, I'll be clear. Tatsuro, Ai, you two are not from this world, are you?" (Leah)

When Tatsuro first introduced himself and his race, Leah clearly had a suspicious look. So when he heard about the [All-Seeing Eye], he thought it might be the case.

However, he assumed she might think they were some unknown race, not that she pinpointed them as people from another world.

"Correct. But acknowledging the existence of people from another world so easily—is that common here?" (Tatsuro)

"No. I don't know how it is in your world, Tatsuro, but in this world, anyone other than special people like me would laugh at the idea of people from another world." (Leah)

"So, even here, people from another world are treated like fairy tales?" (Tatsuro)

"Yes. While it might be said that there's more to it behind the scenes, as an ordinary person, I wouldn't know. Generally, people don't recognize the existence of other worlds. Even now, hearing it directly from you, I'm quite shocked." (Leah)

"We had guessed that from the lack of books or information about other worlds, but having confirmation from a local is valuable." (Tatsuro)

As their suspicions were confirmed, Tatsuro and Ai felt more at ease knowing they didn't have to worry about hiding their otherworldly origin, as the locals didn't even consider such a possibility.

"So, if you figured out that we're from another world at first glance, you must know other details too" (Tatsuro)

"…Level Eater. Valkyrie. And the general outline of those abilities, does that sound familiar?"

"Yes, exactly. Thank you for being straightforward" (Tatsuro)

"I'm relieved we won't have to look at Leah with suspicion anymore" (Ai)

"That makes me feel better as well" (Leah)

Not having to hide anything meant they could interact more freely without exhausting themselves by keeping secrets.

Knowing Leah understood their situation allowed Tatsuro to act more comfortably.

Tatsuro then proposed his idea.

"If we could cure your frail constitution and clumsiness, would you become a blacksmith and help us until we can return to our world?" (Tatsuro)

"Is that even possible?" (Leah)

"It's just a hypothesis for now, so I can't say for sure, but I have a strong feeling about one method. Also, with your eyes and Dwarven traits combined, you could become quite an accomplished blacksmith" (Tatsuro)

"Yes, my parents initially hoped for that. However, due to my extreme clumsiness, I couldn't acquire any skills, and my frail health prevented me from leveling up, leaving me without skill points. It's a wasted potential" (Leah)

"But if we can overcome those obstacles, we'll ensure your safety and help you level up until we leave. And even after we're gone, we'll make sure you can live independently. However, in return, you must absolutely keep our secret and support us as a blacksmith, using the skills of your eyes. What do you think?" (Tatsuro)

This proposal had already been discussed through telepathy while they were at the doctor's house, and Ai had agreed to it.

Therefore, Ai remained silent, waiting for Leah's response.

"That could be interpreted as you wanting to monitor me to ensure I don't leak your secret" (Leah)

"That's correct. Leaving aside the fact that we're from another world, the [Level Eater] skill can strip away the valuable skills of this world's inhabitants. Don't you think someone with such an ability wouldn't be accepted anywhere? So, I'm sorry, but at least until we have a clear way to return home, I won't let you out of my sight. Think of it as monitoring if you like. We prioritize our safety above all else" (Tatsuro)

"Indeed. And while monitoring me, these watchers will kindly help me level up, ensure my safety, and even provide care for me after they're gone. Such kind watchers do exist" (Leah)

Leah said with a genuine smile, different from her usual slightly shadowed one.

She then thought carefully about what she wanted to do in the future.

As a young child, Leah admired her father's work of creating things from scratch.

She wanted to take over the Schleiermacher family business, expand it, and make life easier for her parents.

She held on to that desire even after becoming frail.

Despite her clumsiness, she had repeatedly tried to make things work, believing that perseverance would eventually pay off.

However, all her efforts had been in vain, adding to her parents' burden rather than easing it.

By the time Moritz took her in, she had given up and was living like an invalid.

But now, if she trusted Tatsuro and the others and could truly become the blacksmith she had dreamed of as a child...

Although she would no longer inherit Schleiermacher, Leah now sincerely wished to become something she truly desired.

"If... if I could become healthy enough not to be a burden to you, Tatsuro, then I would like to accept your offer" (Leah)

When Leah uttered those words, she felt a long-lost passionate feeling well up inside her.

Her eyes, filled with determination, spoke to the two of them in a way they hadn't seen before.

Relieved that she wasn't agreeing reluctantly, Tatsuro nodded.

"Yes. As long as you keep your promise, we will protect and nurture you." (Tatsuro)

"Looking forward to working with you, Leah-chan!" (Ai)

"Yes, please take care of me" (Leah)

For some reason, the three of them bowed their heads to each other. Seeing this odd scene, Nana approached Leah with a puzzled look.

"If you will be under our father's care, it means we will be together too. So, on behalf of my sisters—nice to meet you!" (Nana)

"Nice to meet you too, Nana." (Leah)

"But why do you call only me by my first name? That's so cheeky of you, Leah!" (Nana)

"Well, it just feels right to me, so I can't help it." (Leah)

"Feeling right doesn't make it right!" (Nana)

Tatsuro, thinking that Leah felt a sense of kinship with Nana due to their similar heights, decided to tighten up the relaxed atmosphere.

"Leah, what we discussed is contingent on my plan working. If my guess is wrong, I won't be able to provide you with a future where you can live on your own. Please be prepared for that." (Tatsuro)

"Oh... if that happens, it'll be a false hope. The thought of that scares me" (Ai)

"Even if it doesn't work out, I'll be content knowing I had a glimpse of a dream" (Leah)

"Well, if it fails, we can look for another way until we can return. But it's reassuring that you understand the worst-case scenario. Now, shall we begin? Are you ready, or should we wait until tomorrow if you need more time?" (Tatsuro)

"No, I'm ready. Delaying it now would be more painful" (Leah)

Tatsuro met Leah's determined gaze with an equally resolute look.

He began by gathering the necessary information to support his hypothesis.

"First, let me confirm, Leah, you've obviously seen your own status screen, right?" (Tatsuro)

"Yes? Of course, I have..." (Leah)

"And there aren't any skills listed that would be detrimental to you, correct?" (Tatsuro)

"Of course not. Skills are meant to be beneficial." (Leah)

"That understanding is common in this world, right?" (Tatsuro)

"...I believe so." (Leah)

At that point, Tatsuro grew more confident in his theory that negative skills might not be displayed on the status screen.

If the system had been installed to grant skills, it could have also given negative skills like [Frailty Lv.10] or [Clumsiness Lv.10], which could explain how a healthy child became so weak. (T/N: these skills look like debuffs or status abnormal effect condition)

He also suspected that with [Level Eater] he should be able to see hidden skills not displayed by the system.

"I'm going to use [Level Eater] on you, Leah. However, I've never experimented with using it on someone connected to the system. I don't know how it will react or if it might cause some irregularities. If you're still willing, I'll do my best to cure you. What do you think?" (Tatsuro)

"If I do nothing, my system will remain useless forever. So even if it causes some issues, I don't mind. Go ahead and do whatever you need to do." (Leah)

"Understood. I promise to do my best." (Tatsuro)

With that, Tatsuro created a black sphere in his mouth.

"Is that [Level Eater] Υ□ИШ? Amazing." (Leah)

"Hmm? What did you say? And you can see this black sphere?" (Tatsuro)

"Yes, I can see it clearly with my blue eye." (Leah)

"Interesting. And you described the black sphere using some unfamiliar words earlier." (Tatsuro)

"Υ□ИШ?" (Leah)

"What does that mean?" (Tatsuro)

"Υ□ИШ is ∥ёр's Π● and ΘΓα￡, but I think only I understand its meaning." (Leah)

The pronunciation and word order were so messed up that it just sounded like noise to Tatsuro, who widened his eyes.

"…Were the researchers trying to decipher the meaning of that incomprehensible sound?" (Tatsuro)

"Seems like it." (Leah)

"It seems impossible for me." (Tatsuro)

Deciding it was pointless to think about it any further, Tatsuro blew the completed black sphere toward Leah.