40 - Shannon, Who Sees a Different World
――That mansion was something the Sarkrai family had prepared in order to lock away their youngest daughter.
The blind girl, Shannon Sarkrai, understood this well.
The Sarkrai family's decision to hide her visual impairment was probably among the more merciful options.
It's better than being killed, right...? But, the fact that they didn't kill me, someday...
Sitting in a chair in her own room, she looked out the window.
It was believed that she was blind, but that was not the case.
The world she saw was simply different.
"It's warm today."
The sunlight streaming through the window warmed her body.
Because she was blind, her other senses had become sharper. It wasn't just that they had become sharper.
Her senses were so acute that they compensated for what she lacked.
She could hear the breathing and heartbeats of others and measure their distance.
Despite not being able to see, she was able to live a normal life.
However, she deliberately hid it.
The reason was that it was amusing. Everyone pitied her, and they let their guard down because she was blind. That was interesting.
And――.
"It's nice to be able to see the flow of magic. After all, I can see almost everything."
Her eyes were capable of visualizing magic.
The ability to see the invisible flow of magic was the result of her blind eyes and her [Skill].
Just as her other senses had sharpened because she was blind, her skill had specialized in compensating for Shannon's eyes.
Shannon was a girl who possessed what were known as Magic Eyes.
"Even so, that man called Riel was considerably wary... He gives off a strange feeling, and I want to kick him out as soon as possible."
Shannon had been irritated ever since Riel and his companions began living in the mansion.
To her, who desired a life with only her older sister, Riel and the others were a nuisance.
In particular, she could see seven mysterious lights within Riel. Shannon's wariness intensified toward a magic she had never seen before.
"Just when things were starting to break in such a nice way, they had to come and interfere..."
It was true that Shannon liked her older sister, but more than that, Miranda was currently a toy to Shannon.
Having acquired a new power, Shannon had become able to understand a person's emotions through the movement of their magic.
She had obtained the Magic Eyes when she was still in the royal capital, Central.
It happened when she saw a certain girl.
She, who was supposed to be blind, saw a massive lump of magic.
The person there was a girl around her own age. Yet, she possessed a lump of magic larger than anyone else's.
The other girl was the daughter of a Count's house and had connections to Shannon's own family, the Sarkrai house.
That light of magic looked as if it were drawing in the surrounding magic... it was beautiful, yet terrifying, and Shannon remembered feeling as if she were about to be captivated by it.
"...Someday, I'll surpass her too. If I have these eyes."
An existence as if something entirely different had descended upon the human world.
Shannon had greeted the girl, but she was completely ignored.
She had likely been seen as nothing more than a blind, timid girl.
That had been incredibly frustrating. It wasn't that she wanted to be liked. However, being ignored made her feel as if she were being told that she was only worth that much.
And yet, what that girl took an interest in was――.
"Ah, I want to break her quickly and turn her into a doll who can't function without me... I've been practicing with the servants, so I think I've become quite good at it."
By seeing magic with her Magic Eyes, she had become able to manipulate it.
She would extend her own magic and disrupt the magic of her opponent.
Since only she could see it, no one noticed.
Shannon had tested the art of manipulating those whose magic had been disrupted on the servants.
For the blind Shannon, this served as a way to greatly expand her world.
At the same time, she planted dark emotions.
"Bright and beautiful, the ideal older sister... I want to break her soon. If I do, I'll be able to surpass that person someday. I will become that person."
Captivated by 'that person' in a different sense, Shannon closed her eyes once and then opened them.
Her yellow pupils began to glow gold.
"First, I have to turn older sister into a doll. One who moves exactly as I wish, right?"
Shannon harbored distorted emotions toward her older sister, Miranda, who had been favored by the 'person' she aimed to become.
With an ecstatic expression, Shannon looked out the window――.
"So this is what a managed labyrinth feels like."
Damian Barre――.
Having accepted a request from the pervert counted among the Seven Sages of the Academy, I stepped into the managed labyrinth and muttered softly.
Unlike the labyrinths I experienced in Darion, thin metal plates were folded and overlapped haphazardly to create a maze.
There were places that glowed faintly, and occasionally, round objects that flashed red could be seen. It seemed to be a labyrinth managed with a unique atmosphere.
The labyrinths that often appear in books have an image of corridors made of brick or caves. I thought the Academic City was different from other places, but I didn't think it would be to this extent.
"Hey! This way is a dead end!"
"Hurry up and head down!"
"Damn it! There are no monsters!"
Since this request allowed one to challenge the labyrinth, there were many adventurers like us who had accepted Damian's request.
However, there were too many, and the first basement floor was overflowing with such adventurers.
The adventurers who usually defeated monsters in labyrinths were heading underground while looking extremely annoyed.
I see, it's true that requests from the Seven Sages cause trouble for those around them.
Novem had been illuminating the surroundings, but she stopped halfway.
Since others around them were providing light in the same way, there was no trouble moving.
"It's more than I imagined."
Aria agreed with Novem, who was smiling wryly.
"I'd heard it was popular because the probability of encountering monsters is high even without going out to search for them, but..."
Aria had a subtle expression, but I was of the same opinion.
When I checked the surrounding situation with my skill, all the monsters had been defeated and the treasure chests had been opened. On the map floating in my head, there were so many yellow dots that it was hard to see.
The Fifth Generation gave me advice.
When looking at the map, check it at a magnification that is easy to see. If you look at the whole thing, you won't see anything but reactions. Also, you probably already know this, but...
I gripped the Jewel Orb.
"Novem, Aria, we're going to turn right at the next corner."
"Yes, Riel-sama."
"Eh, why? Everyone is turning left."
Only Aria seemed unable to accept it, but there was a reason why I avoided turning left.
It was true that the monsters had likely all been defeated.
However, monsters aren't the only ones who harbor hostility.
Mixed in with the moving yellow groups, red reactions could be seen here and there.
It's not just us. I bet the other adventurers look like easy prey to them.
Even if they didn't go as far as killing, there were likely people who stole or threatened adventurers to take their professional tools.
Among them, there were even groups where the entire party was displayed in red.
The reason I was avoiding such people was that we were a party of only three. Moreover, I was the only man.
Having few people is a problem.
At times like this, I always end up getting caught up in troublesome things.
I felt that having a small number of people was a disadvantage.
I checked the level of congestion and told the two of them that we were going back.
"Let's head back for today. There's no need to force ourselves to earn money, and things will probably settle down after a while."
"It's a waste since we've come this far."
When Aria voiced her dissatisfaction, Novem persuaded her.
"It's true that if we go further, we'll encounter monsters, but then it would be the fifth basement floor or deeper... I've heard that the deeper it gets, the stronger the monsters become, so it might be dangerous."
From my perspective, I could always check the position of enemies on the map.
I wouldn't be ambushed, and conversely, I had confidence that I could ambush the opponent and defeat them easily.
But since saying that would be meaningless, I stopped myself.
"Or rather, there are too many people. I see, it certainly needs management, this."
The Fifth Generation agreed.
I bet there are some guys who want to go to the lowest floor and steal the treasures. With it being this deep, I wonder what kind of treasures are sleeping there.
The Third Generation also spoke.
I've heard that treasure chests are basically the labyrinth reproducing the items of fallen adventurers, is that true? I've heard it swallows corpses and equipment to grow, so I'd actually like to see it.
The Third Generation sought agreement from those around him, but the Second Generation was repulsed.
...No way. No way.
Eh?
The Fourth Generation also spoke.
Wanting to see something so grotesque is honestly off-putting.
Eh? Huh?
It was rare for the Third Generation to be flustered, but for now, returning was the priority.
"Well, shall we head back?"
"You know the way, right? Or rather, explain your skills properly. Just how many can you use?"
Aria demanded an explanation from me, so I answered.
"...Eight in total."
Upon hearing that, Aria's face twitched.
Novem... just continued to smile as usual.
Ignoring the Second through Fourth Generations who were joking with each other, a voice called out to me from the Jewel Orb.
It was the Fifth Generation.
Now then, Riel.
I touched the Jewel Orb to respond. Then, the Fifth Generation spoke.
Come to the meeting room tonight. I'll teach you the skills of myself, the Sixth Generation, and the Seventh Generation. Along with the Third Generation's skill, as well.
I was a bit surprised to hear that.
He said he would teach me the skills of the Third and Seventh Generations, which he hadn't taught me until now, all at once.
Moreover, it included the application of their skills... even the second stage.
What happened all of a sudden, Fifth Generation... He's not usually the type to be in such a hurry.
I wondered about it, but I decided to follow the Fifth Generation's instructions.
Late at night.
Once everyone in the mansion had fallen asleep, I sent my consciousness into the Jewel Orb.
I was simply lying on the bed, but I could take only my consciousness to the Jewel Orb.
There, the ancestors were chatting about various things around a round table.
They probably have conversations even where I can't hear them.
Thinking that, I sat down in my seat.
When the Fourth Generation, who was acting as the moderator, saw me, he stopped the chatting and clapped his hands three times. Everyone stopped talking.
Alright. Since Riel has arrived, we'll begin the meeting. Now then, the one who called us today was the Fifth Generation, right?
The Fifth Generation, leaning his elbow on the table, looked at me and spoke.
I'll teach Riel skills. The skills of the Third and Seventh Generations. Looking at how he uses skills, the current Riel probably won't fail.
Skill failure is a phenomenon where one causes magic depletion by using skills consecutively.
Losing consciousness is the better outcome; in reality, there is a possibility of dying.
Previously, when I fought the boss of a bandit group, the opponent had used skills too much and blood had sprayed from all over his body.
The Third Generation looked at me and nodded.
I think it's fine. But basically, I can't teach the applications.
The Fifth Generation said that was fine and turned his gaze toward the Seventh Generation.
...Provided that the number of uses is limited to twice a day.
The Seventh Generation seemed willing to teach me his skill on the condition of a usage limit.
As for the skills of these two, the Third Generation's skill was of poor quality.
And the Seventh Generation's skill seemed to have an enormous magic consumption.
"What kind of skills are your skills?"
When I asked, the Third Generation said with a laugh.
The skill name is [Mind]. It's a skill primarily for mental attacks and defense. It can also show illusions to the opponent, but once you get used to it, you can move the opponent as you wish... Oops, is this part too stimulating for Riel?
Having said that much, the Third Generation covered his mouth with his hand.
The ancestors around him sighed.
The Second Generation was completely repulsed.
You really have a nasty personality.
Do I? Now then, next is the Seventh Generation.
The Third Generation nominated the Seventh Generation.
The Seventh Generation stood up and demonstrated the skill for me.
My skill is [Box]. It's a space-type skill. It's convenient, but the magic consumption is severe; if you're careless, you'll lose your magic and lose consciousness just like that.
When the Seventh Generation snapped his fingers, a magic circle appeared before my eyes.
From that magic circle, a box that looked like a treasure chest appeared.
The size of the box depends on Riel's magic. This doesn't require magic to maintain, but the magic consumption when summoning it is large. It's a wonderful thing that can preserve contents in a state where even time is stopped.
It was an incredibly convenient skill.
Hearing that, I wondered why he had kept quiet until now and looked at the Seventh Generation.
Then, the Seventh Generation spoke.
...My skill is one that, once used, cannot be canceled halfway. If you're careless, you might just die. Don't overdo it just because your magic has increased a bit, Riel.
"Y-yes."
It seemed it was convenient but also dangerous.
Deciding to ask about the usage method later, I looked at the Fifth Generation.
However, it was the Sixth Generation who continued the conversation.
Now then, as for the skills of the Third Generation and others, I'll teach them soon, but this is the main topic.
"The main topic was something else?"
When I looked at the Sixth Generation, he cleared his throat.
He seemed to find it difficult to say.
Then, the Fifth Generation, who had run out of patience――.
Hey, don't be shy despite your huge frame. If you won't say it, I will. This concerns me too, after all.
A story that also concerns the Fifth Generation?
While I was thinking that, the Sixth Generation sighed and spoke.
...Riel, actually, the Sarkrai sisters... those two resemble my younger sister.
The Sixth Generation's younger brothers and sisters numbered over thirty.
I had wondered if familial affection would even arise at that point, but it seemed to be the younger sister he had mentioned before as being close.
"Do you mean I should cherish them like the First Generation? Well, I intend to be considerate within the scope of what I can do."
When I said that, the Sixth Generation shook his head.
That's part of it, but that's not the main point.
(He just said 'that's part of it.' He did, right? I'm already in trouble if there are more women around me! He's not going to tell me to make her my wife, is he? The Fifth and Sixth Generations had concubines as a matter of course, so their values in this area are different from mine...)
Thinking it would be bad to interrupt, I continued to listen to the Sixth Generation's story.
The older sister, Miranda, is the spitting image of my sister. Her personality is similar too. Mireia was also a very kind child.
As the Sixth Generation spoke as if remembering, the Fifth Generation also nodded.
Among the daughters, she was the quietest and didn't talk back, so she was easy to deal with.
What a dry impression.
Isn't that a bit harsh toward his daughter?
Then, the Sixth Generation continued.
As for the younger sister, Shannon, that child possesses the eyes that Mireia had.
"...The eyes?"
I had heard that Shannon's eyes were blind, but the Sixth and Fifth Generations seemed to know something.
And they explained the circumstances to me.
According to the Sixth Generation――.
Shannon was a Magic Eye possessor.
"Magic Eyes?"
She probably tried to compensate for her missing sight with a skill. There was likely her own will, but more than that, it's something instinctive. Haven't you heard? That when you lose one sense, the other senses become sharper.
Hearing the Sixth Generation's story, I nodded since I had read about it in books.
When that is compensated for with a skill, it can happen. Those eyes... Shannon's eyes are the very Magic Eyes that Mireia possessed.
The Fifth Generation interrupted the conversation.
Mireia was blind, but she could see magic with the power of the Magic Eyes. On top of that, she could reproduce information obtained from other senses into vision. She had eyes that could see better than those who could see normally. For that matter, she could touch the invisible flow of magic. She inherited a troublesome power. That bratty girl. She's playing around with Mireia's Magic Eyes.
The Fifth Generation's voice carried a hint of anger.
He called them Mireia's Magic Eyes, but since they were manifested by the person herself, it was likely just the Fifth Generation's personal emotion.
(I wonder if he cared for Mireia-san to some extent?)
"...What is the evidence that Shannon's skill is active?"
I vaguely understood what the Fifth and Sixth Generations wanted to say.
They were saying that the mysterious experiences since coming to the mansion were caused by Shannon.
The Sixth Generation told me the evidence.
When you activated your skill, her gaze moved. Moreover, she even directed her gaze toward the Jewel Orb. Mireia also sensed immediately when the opponent used a skill.
Just as I was thinking that I should just stop Shannon's pranks, the two of them said something beyond my imagination.
The Fifth Generation, with a serious expression――.
Riel, stop Shannon. If it's impossible to make her repent... those eyes need to be gouged out.
――He told me to gouge out Shannon's eyes.