POV: Zane
As soon as I took control of my main body, I noticed a glass in my hand. My original body continues to function normally while I'm away, but it only performs basic tasks like bathing, eating, sleeping, and drinking water.
It would be interesting if it could go out and try to "socialize".
I stood up and set the glass aside. Then I walked over to the inn's window and looked outside. The village seemed livelier now. There were many elves, so I felt right at home. (Because of my current appearance)
I finally left the room and made my way to the inn's reception area.
If you can even call it a reception.
Unlike a large inn with a full restaurant, this place felt more like someone's home with a few rooms for rent. I spoke with the owner, an elf.
She looked confused when she saw me and asked a few questions like, "Who are you?" and "When did you rent a room?"
I explained the situation to her. Of course, it was a lie.
I said a friend had rented the room and described Fang Yuan's appearance. She remembered him, and everything worked out fine. Once I was outside, I started walking through the village to explore a bit.
I hadn't done that before.
"It's actually pretty big."
To my surprise, not all the houses were made of wood, and some even had three stories. It looked more like a small town than a village.
There were two main streets — one leading out of the village and the other passing through a residential area. 'I don't remember anyone explaining what this village was like, but it's pretty interesting.'
Unlike what Fang Yuan had said, people weren't staring at me or judging me.
Some even greeted me.
Though I did notice a few elves eyeing me with suspicion, like they were trying to place my face. Makes sense. The number of elves isn't that big — they probably all know each other.
Well, no one came up to ask questions, so that's a relief.
After I finished exploring the village, I came to a conclusion.
'This place would be great to build a house.'
The village was expanding into the mountains, and there were plenty of places to build. I could build a house here to keep my main body safe.
I even thought about making it the main house for the Familia.
'It'd be fun to have the Familia's main house in Orario, but that's too risky. It's probably better to build it somewhere isolated.'
Since I have plenty of clones and can buy skills, I could build the house myself.
I returned to the inn and contacted Fang Yuan.
'Fang Yuan, where are you now?'
[Master? I'm on the mountain. I'm in the middle of something fun, so give me a moment.]
'Right. Have you reached level 20 yet?'
[Almost there, Master. I think I can hit it today.]
'Alright, let me know when you do. I'm heading back to Orario now.'
[Will you leave your main body in the village?]
'Yes. Any problem with that?'
[No, of course not. I just thought you'd take it somewhere else.]
'I won't be using it for now. Only in necessary situations.'
[Understood. I'll protect your body, Master.]
I cut the connection with Fang Yuan and took control of Tatsumaki's body. The moment I did, I fell to the ground. I hadn't expected it, so I just collapsed.
I didn't feel pain, but I was completely filthy.
"That idiot — why is she always using gravity magic like that?!" I shouted and summoned Clone 16.
After summoning him, I took over his body.
"Hey, do you get some kind of fetish from flying around?"
"What?" Tatsumaki's face turned red — I'm not sure if from embarrassment or anger. "What kind of question is that, Master?" She stomped her foot.
"I just fell as soon as I took over your body. You were flying again."
"By the way, you should warn me before doing that, you know? It's terrifying to suddenly lose consciousness."
"I won't be warning you. Now keep hunting. I'm heading to the 18th floor."
"Master, before you go… can I ask you something?"
"What is it?" I looked at Tatsumaki and she averted her gaze.
"Could you buy me a telekinesis skill?"
"Telekinesis?"
"Yes, that's right."
I didn't even know she knew about telekinesis. I guess the clones slowly learn things on their own. Probably depends on what I know, too.
"Why? Isn't gravity magic good enough?"
"It is… but I want to control things freely, and telekinesis is perfect for that. Imagine flying however I want, or tearing monsters apart just with my thoughts!"
It really is a powerful skill.
The one I buy probably won't be as strong as her original power — she's insanely powerful in One Punch Man. But even if it's not that strong, it could still be interesting.
"Alright."
I opened the skills list and looked up "telekinesis" while Tatsumaki's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Ugh…" The moment I saw the cost — 60 points — I gave up immediately. "Tatsumaki, can we leave that for another time?"
Her face fell into a disappointed expression. Like a child whose parents refused to buy a toy. I sighed and said, "As soon as I rank up the 'Clones' skill again, I'll get it for you, alright?"
"Promise?"
"Yeah, I promise."
Tatsumaki lit up again and used gravity magic to nullify her weight and float upward. Then she kicked off the wall and flew away, shouting, "Thank you, Master!"
I smiled bitterly and closed the skill list.
"I'd better rank up that skill soon. The Denatus is coming. Once it does, I'll probably start being hunted."
With sword in hand, I dashed toward the 18th floor.
It would be my first time setting foot in Rivira.
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Next chapters: Chapter 59 - War? / Chapter 60 - Apollo Familia. / Chapter 61 - Isolated house. / Chapter 62 - Empty Village? Strange Girl.