Vending Machine - 120 - Secret Weapon (Patreon)

“It appears you are slowing down, Hevoy.”

“Goodness me, I never thought that you’d apply poison on your blades.”

Hevoy returned Keryoil’s observation with a wry smile.

I had thought that Hevoy’s wounds were becoming more serious due to fatigue, but, poison? Looks like Leader Keryoil is serious about defeating his opponents by any means necessary. To think he would actually resort to dirty tricks like this…

“Do not worry, that poison won’t kill you. It will just cause intense pain all across your body. Still, it is nothing compared to what our son had to endure. Now is the time for you to admit defeat… unless you have some other trump card you wish to use? Your illusion and psychic interference magic has a wide area of effect, it is now or never. Although I am confident I can overcome it.”

“I suppose… Still, you seem to be under some kind of misconception. What I wield… is not magic.”

“Oi, oi, what kind of trick are you trying to pull now?”

Despite his lazily spoken words, Leader’s hand stopped moving as he narrowed his eyes. He appeared curious about Hevoy’s statement as they stared at each other.

“If your plan is to buy time, it will only put you at a disadvantage. Your pain will increase as the poison spreads throughout your body.”

“Speaking of which, I have a question. Do I strike you as the kind of person who reveals all of my secrets? Even to my allies?”

“You… lies are not tolerated in this party, have you forgotten?”

“Lies are not tolerated, which is why I answer everything honestly and even revealed my hobbies to you. It is easy to believe a person who reveals their fetishes to the world to be honest, yes? I have already seen through all of your abilities. Now, take a good look, am I suffering from any kind of excruciating pain?”

A moment ago, his face was twisted in pain. However, the tension suddenly left his body as he calmly swept his hair back and smiled. He even did a little skip, as though to show off his pain free body.

“It did not look like an act… Hevoy, did you remove the poison with magic?”

“No, unfortunately I do not possess that kind of convenient magic. No antidote either. I just don’t feel any pain right now.”

“Oi, oi, enough with these wordplay games. What exactly are you talking about?”

“I have temporarily removed the pain from my body with my Gift.”

“Your Gift should be superhuman strength. You have a secondary Gift that could eliminate pain?”

“Indeed, it is part of how I can create hallucinations and cause psychic interference… in

A Gift that manipulates the senses. I have never heard of a Gift like this.

“This is the first time I heard of this Gift. Isn’t this kind of ability too crude and pointless to be considered a Gift?”

“Well, one can’t know about everything there is to know about the world. Perhaps Miss Hyurumi heard about it?”

Hyurumi, who had been observing from the sidelines, flinched a little when her name was mentioned. However, she quickly adjusted her posture and expression before saying.

“I've heard of it. It is a rare defensive Gift that is comparable to Hakkon’s <Barrier>.”

“What sort of ability is it?”

“Is it really alright for me to say it, Hevoy?”

“Do go ahead.”

For someone who had been keeping this ability a secret, he appears to be quite free with the information. I wonder what his motive is for doing this.

“It is an ability that could manipulate the target’s senses, this includes sight, hearing, smell, touch and taste. Moreover, according to Hevoy, it could also manipulate the pain sensory as well. I don’t know anything else beyond this.”

“Wait, if it could manipulate pain sensory, could it alleviate my son’s pain!?” asked Leader, the weapon in his hand lowering.

Hevoy, upon receiving this anguish plea from a desperate father, also lowered his weapon.

“If I were to say yes, perhaps we could halt all atrocities now. Unfortunately, this is not possible. There are many limitations and constraints to this Gift. It could have negative effects… such as creating illusions over a wide area of effect. Unfortunately, positive reinforcements such as enhancing vision and improving one’s eyesight could only be applied on myself. This kind of sensory manipulation cannot be used on others. Eliminating pain is considered sensory manipulation, and therefore cannot be applied to others.”

This may not be the time to think about it, but <Sensory Manipulation> is an interesting ability. Depending on how it is used, it could be quite a powerful tool.

“I see... How unfortunate. I had high hopes for your psychic magic, but I suppose it’s useless here,” said Leader.

“Apologies for disappointing your expectations.”

I had to admire Hevoy's tough nerves. He responds to every sarcastic comment with politeness. After that little interlude, both sides took up their weapons and settled into their combat stance again. Was that little heartfelt discussion all for nothing in the end? Is everything really back to square one?

Damn it. Why can’t I think of a way to fix this situation? I’m frustrated by my inability to do anything.

“Well, since we have nothing left to say to each other, it is time to end this.”

“It would be best if we could have solved the issue just now. However, since my wounds have healed during our little talk, I shall keep persisting.”

That Hevoy is pretty sly. True enough, his wounds have stopped bleeding, even the scars have disappeared. Had he revealed his Gift for the purpose of buying time? Looks like Hevoy now has the advantage in this battle of attrition.

“Impossible, moreover it looks like my sons are in trouble, this needs to end soon.”

The battle between Mishael and the Twins was nearing its end. Mishael still has plenty of energy and his breathing was stable while the Twins were already exhausting and on the verge of collapsing.

It was clear which side was dominant.

“Ugh, I’m seriously tired.”

“You should go easy on us!”

“If I were to do that, you would run away, right?”

From the conversation alone, it sounded like they were having a casual back and forth. However, they were in fact engaged in a serious fight. Even so, the twins’ still manage to maintain their easy going tone and cheerful spirits.

“This is not something we could interfere with,” said Hyurumi.

“Because we're outsiders and have only been with the party for a short time. It’s not our place to comment.”

“Y-ep”

Indeed, we are outsiders.

Our only job was to guard the entrance and make sure no one escapes.

“Listen up Felmina, Akai, Shiro. Let's do this!” Leader suddenly raised his voice and the others quickly responded by shouting back and raising their weapons.

“Yes.”

“Ou!”

“Got it.”

Just what are they planning to do?! I must keep my eyes on them at all times and not miss a trick.

“Ughhhh!”

Suddenly, a scream rang out - it was Hevoy.

He was on his knees, pressing his forehead against the ground and groaning in pain. What's going on? He was perfectly calm just a moment ago.

The unexpected reaction from this person attracted everyone’s attention. Taking advantage of the distraction, the Red and White Twins rushed past Mishael and ran along the wall to close in on me.

Vice-Leader Felmina was also running towards us. Mishael, who finally regained his senses tried to block Vice-Leader but was stopped by a dagger thrown by Leader.

The four of them surrounded me just beyond the boundary of my <Barrier>.

The Leader had another throwing dagger in his hand, but so long as I have my <Barrier>, physical attacks like this won’t work. I have no idea what he did to Hevoy, but I would block anything they throw at me with my <Barrier> no matter what!

“Hevoy is not the only one hiding his true strength!” Leader’s smile was victorious as he grinned with eyes that suddenly looked red. The faint blue light of the <Barrier> suddenly disappeared.

What the-? How could it suddenly disappear without me releasing it?!

The impenetrable defense that I had absolute confidence in had been destroyed. The knife thrown by Leader whizzed past me and sliced through Shui’s bow string.

A sudden mist obscured my vision. This is Vice-Leader Felmina’s magic. She had used this against the fight with Crocodile-man Demon.

“Goodness, I never thought I’d have to use this trump card on anyone aside from the King of the Netherworld. It has been fun till now. Sorry.”

Leader’s hand touched the top of my head and I heard the sound of footsteps running away behind me, fading away with the Leader’s apology.

Did he manage to get away? I suppose it’s too late to chase them down now. We can’t leave Hevoy, who is currently clutching his chest in pain.

“Apologies, Master Hakkon! They are escaping, I shall track them down now.”

“Stop, Mishael. It's too dangerous to go alone when we don't know the Leader's ability.”

“Kuuh– you’re right.”

“First, let's take care of Hevoy.”

Right. First, we have to do something about Hevoy, who is still struggling in pain.

“Haahhh… as expected, there’s a reason why I had to address him as Leader, said Hevoy.

Then, he stood up and scratched his head.

…oi, what-

“What the heck? Why are you so calm?! Did you pretend to be in pain just to let Leader get away?!”

“Not at all, I really could not move due to intense pain earlier. I believe it was Leader’s Gift that cancelled out my Gift of sensory manipulation. After he left, I removed the pain sensation once again,” Hevoy ignored Shui’s further questioning, staring at the stairs where Leader had left.

“A Gift that cancels out my pain sensory control and Hakkon’s <Barrier>. I noticed that Leader’s eyes turned red before our Gifts were cancelled out.”

“Y-eah, y-eah”

I saw it too. I remember thinking that Leader’s eyes were emitting a red light before my <Barrier> suddenly disappeared.

“I see, the possible explanation for this is that Leader has a <Shattering Eye> Gift. It’s a legendary class Gift that could negate other Gifts. According to the legends, there was once a Hero who nearly conquered the world with this Gift.”

To cancel out a Gift with another Gift… isn’t that something like a protagonist of a novel or a manga would possess? It’s a classic trope that’s often seen in fiction.

To be honest, now that I think about it, I had never seen Leader display any remarkable abilities. Sure, I get the feeling that he’s strong in a quiet way, but to think that he’s actually hiding such an incredible ability.

The Leader’s <Shattering Eye> is quite troublesome since it could stop me using <Barrier> and <Telekinesis>. If that happens, I’d be nothing but an ordinary vending machine. Not that I have any problem being an ordinary vending machine.

Wait, if he has this Gift, why didn’t he use it to cancel out his son’s Cursed Gift? Was it because the effects are only temporary? Well, I could only know these things if I ask th--e person directly.

“We were completely defeated. The reason we were gathered here to hear their confession was likely because they know and understand our abilities and their own very well. Let us return to the village for now. We must report to the president as well.”

No one disagreed with this, we all nodded numbly at [1] Hyurumi’s logical conclusion.

Sudden fatigue hit us then. Now that [2] the battle was over and the adrenaline rush had passed, Leader’s betrayal finally sunk in and everyone’s steps felt heavier.

Before [2] we started up the stairs, I looked back one more time. There was nothing inside the room but for the boy still sleeping inside the crystal coffin.

[Gumihou: Woah, that escalated quickly]

[1] Add Hyurumi’s name, since it’s unclear who spoke then.

[2] Give more details.

“Looks like the negotiations have broken down, what a pity.”

“Dis-a-po-in-te-d”

Thinking that my clumsy way of speaking would only be a hindrance, I had refrained from speaking up until now, but I wanted to say that much in the end.

“Out of all of us, Hakkon. I wish to have you with us most.”

“Hakkon is meant to be with me forever, I won’t give him up to anyone else.”

This… could certainly be taken as a confession of love, but Ramis did not appear to be thinking about such things at all. She’s probably just saying whatever she is thinking in the heat of the moment.

“It is the duty of a cleric to stop the foolish acts of my party members and lead them down the right path. Even if I had to hit them on the head with my weapon, I must make sure that they regain their sanity eventually.”

“Oi, oi! People will die!”

The twins were shaking their heads vigorously from side to side. Even in this situation, this comedic little exchange seems to disperse the tensions in the air.

“I see that you have no intention of changing your mind, do you?”

“Why are you being so naggy, Hevoy? Aren’t you supposed to persuade us gently? Speaking of which, do you mind letting go of this matter peacefully? I have no intention of hurting any of you, but…”

“How understanding of you. I suppose you wish to speak with us one by one and try and persuade us once again, failing that, you plan to eliminate us. Therefore, I see no benefit in speaking to you alone. Better to have it out here all at once.”

“If that is the case I would appreciate it very much if you would turn a blind eye and let us leave.”

“I cannot allow foolish companions who have lost their ways to follow those willing to kill others so easily,” was Hevoy’s response.

Until the moment Hevoy mentioned it, I had not realised that these people really had no intention of harming us even though negotiations have broken down.

Both sides were staring each other down with weapons in hand, but do these people really intend to start killing each other here? We have all been exchanging some heart-to-heart talk like close companions just a few minutes ago…

“If you drop your weapons and surrender quietly, we will not have you sent to prison, hurt you or take your shoes away.”

“I would really appreciate not going to prison or losing my shoes.”

As the two continued to talk, I examined our situation once again.

The room has a high ceiling and is spacious enough for everyone to fight in.

On one side were Leader Keyroil, Vice-Leader Felmina and the Twins Akai and Shiro, on our side were Mishael, Hevoy, Ramis, Shui and a vending machine.

Since Hyurumi is a non-combatant, the fight would be 4 vs 4+machine.

From what I could see, Mishael has more pure combat power than Leader Keyroil. However, we cannot let our guard down due to the difference in battle experience.

The vice-leader’s magic is a little troublesome, however, we can contain her from acting with Shui’s arrows.

The problem is the twins, Akai and Shiro, and whether Hevoy could handle them alone. Since we don’t have a real handle on their strength, it’s difficult to say how the fight would go.

The issue is whether to let Ramis participate in the fight. She still could not fully control her superhuman strength. It would be too dangerous to let her fight them. If by chance, she accidentally kills someone, it could leave an irreparable scar in her heart.

It is difficult enough to fight with a tough opponent, and even more difficult to decide how much to hold back in a fight. However, I also understand that Ramis won’t be able to just sit around and do nothing.

I just need to give her a reason not to join in the fight… ah!

“Sh-ui an-d”

“El-der-sis”

“He-re”

By giving Ramis the job of ‘protecting’ non-combatants Hyurumi and long-range attack Shui within the <Barrier>, she won’t be able to move freely. Thankfully, the two girls caught on quickly and rushed over to our side.

“Thank goodness for you, Hakkon-[1]ssu!”

“Hold it, what do you mean by ‘Elder Sis’?”

Ah, Hyurumi’s temple was twitching and the edges of her mouth had curled up.

Did she not like to be addressed that way? Since I can’t call her Hyurumi, I thought this should be a good choice, but it looks like she did not like it.

“Sor-ry”

“Hey, look, can’t you just call me something cuter?”

She mutters as she turns her face away. That's right, since Hyurumi is also a woman, I should think of a more suitable way to address her.”

“En-te-ran-ce”

“Go”

“Oh, you want us to go and block the entrance and not let them escape?”

“Okay, understood!”

By moving to the only exit point, we would seal off the Leader’s escape route.

However, that left only Mishael and Hevoy to deal with the Leader and the Twins. Shui has the task of blocking the Vice-Leader’s movements, so she won’t be able to participate in the battle.

Both sides are still staring at each other, observing each other's actions. Even though we have suddenly become enemies, it looks like everyone is still reluctant to take the initiative to fight seriously.

This precarious balance could be broken with one trigger. But for now, neither seemed willing to take that step forward.

It’s best if we could resolve the issue through negotiation, however, it is impossible for me to try and persuade anyone with my speaking ability.

“We have no intention of killing anyone. We only wish to make use of the King of the Netherworld to conquer the dungeon.”

“I believe the other side must be thinking the same thing, and will discard you once they have made use of you.”

“Perhaps. However, I believe we can still outsmart them. No matter what, I wish to give my child a normal healthy life.”

The conversation had stalled. No matter what words were used, it was clear that there was no changing Leader’s thoughts.

At first, it looked like everyone was frozen in place. However, Mishael and Hevoy were slowly closing in on either side with slow steps.

Leader and the Twins were also inching forward little by little. At this rate, they would be within each other’s range of attack in a few steps.

“Negotiations have broken down, let's do this!”

“Let’s go, old man!”

Leader shot forward first, with the Twins following closely. They rushed forward towards Mishael and Hevoy, to my surprise, the Leader made his way towards while the Twins took on Mishael.

“I'll take on Hevoy,” said Leader.

“It is an honour to be chosen by Leader,” replied Hevoy.

A pair of short swords thrust forward and were parried away by a spiked iron ball.

Leader’s attacks were sharp and relentless, and Hevoy was pushed back. However, he still managed to hold his ground thanks to the weapons he had in each hand.

“As expected, you're also strong in close combat,” said Leader.

“Well, I certainly do my best,” Hevoy replied.

He blocked and deflected the short swords, throwing out the occasional kicks against Leader’s fierce attacks. However, it looked like the opponent had the upper hand. Hevoy’s robes are torn and shallow wounds cover his entire body. Fresh blood dripping from these wounds stained his white robes red.

Though he manages to hold his ground, for now, the situation did not look optimistic. I thought about transforming into a < High-Pressure Washer Machine>, but I could barely catch their movements with my eyes with how fast they were moving. I don’t have the confidence to strike the Leader with high-pressure water.

What about the situation on the other side?

Mishael was fighting a two-on-one battle, but from the looks of it, the battle is in his favour.

He did not seem to have trouble dealing with two opponents, in contrast, the Twins seemed to understand that one hit from his greatsword would incapacitate them and did their best to avoid his attacks.

Akai fought with a spear and always took the front while Shiro provided cover through sneak attacks and verbal jabs to disturb their opponent’s concentration.

“Whoa, scary! I could die if that hit me!”

“If Akai dies, I’ll take care of the girl you hit on before, so don’t you worry.”

“I do not wish to kill you. So, I would appreciate it if you surrender.”

Despite joking around, the Twins showed no sign of wavering and rejected the offer to surrender. While there was a clear difference in power, there was no intent to kill on either side, which made them hesitant to use their most effective attacks.

Mishael’s roar and his flaming blade was just too powerful and sealed off all the twins’ moves. However, because his attacks were too flashy, and the Twins too wily, it was difficult to capture them alive.

Vice-Leader Felmina was staring at us through masses of water floating around her. Shui had taken a kneel in front of her, bow in hand and arrow cocked.

Shui released an arrow once, and the water moved itself to form a wall to block it.

They had been at a stalemate since, with Shui waiting for Vice-Leader to attack first so that she could counterattack. However, the other side seemed to understand what Shui was aiming for and refrained from attacking.

The forces were evenly matched, but I think my side is at a disadvantage.

Our side hesitated to make a move because we don’t want to kill or seriously hurt our opponents, but it felt like the Whimsical Fools are willing to consider eliminating us if we get in their way, if the way they aim at our vital points was any indication.

Although I am free to act, my melee-style battle is useless when allies and enemies are jumbled up together. Any move I make against the enemy could hurt my friends too. Aside from maintaining a <Barrier>, is there anything else I could do?

Come on, think, think. If I cannot contribute to a battle as a person, what could I do as a vending machine?

Spread kerosene or gasoline and set it on fire?

No, we are indoors now, even if we don’t burn or suffocate, we could die from carbon monoxide poisoning. Everyone with a working set of lungs outside of my <Barrier> would suffer.

The pachinko balls and lube combo would also affect my allies. High-pressure water won’t work because they move too quickly for me to aim at them.

In the end, I guess we have no choice but to rely on Mishael and Hevoy.

[Gumihou: When you're strong but useless at the same time...]

[1] The ‘-ssu’ verbal tic mentioned earlier