It wasn't anything too drawn out—simply injecting them, leaving a piece of himself inside them, turning them into carriers of the virus.
By doing so, he bypassed the requirement of transforming them into evolves and establishing a connection with them.
{Are you hearing me clearly?}
Seth's voice echoed inside their ears as they cupped their heads and frowned.
"Loud and clear."
"Yep."
"Mhm."
"It's a bit too loud… can you tone it down a notch. It felt like I was hit across the head by a yoma."
Queenie complained as she massaged her temples.
Seth gave an apologetic smile to them as he telepathically communicated with them once more. This time, he adjusted the volume.
{How about now? Better?}
She nodded. "Much better."
"Good."
"With this, communication will be much more manageable… though it's regrettable that we'll be unable to report anything to you."
Miria shook her head to clear any thoughts.
Seth faced the three claymores. By now, their eyes have already shown signs of reverting back to their previous color.
"Yeah… I'll have to regularly update you all on my locations and the duration of my stay. If anything unexpected happens, I'll inform you of it."
Now that everything's settled between them, it was high time they began splitting up.
Everyone was preparing to leave, handshaking and whatnot and when Crystal and Queenie were turning to leave—
"Ah, and before I forget…"
They paused. Seth had nearly forgotten to remind them that they should use their free time to acclimate themselves to their new physical abilities.
"We know." Was all they said before dashing off in different directions.
"How about you? Aren't you planning on leaving, Miria?"
He asked, turning to the side to see Miria still standing in her place with her arms crossed as if waiting on him to pay attention to her.
"I'll be part of a squad to take care of a hunt in a day or so. An awakened being hunt to be specific."
Her words made Clare perk up immediately. Only Seth raised an eyebrow in confusion.
"You mean like a voracious eater hunt, similarly to what we were assigned to before?"
He asked.
Miria blinked at his question, confusion written all over her face.
"…A voracious eater?"
She looked between Seth and Clare, noticing their expressions. Clare had a serious look on her face, fully understanding how grave it might be but not fully grasping its concepts.
Seth just looked… curious.
Miria paused for a second.
Then it clicked.
"Wait."
Her brows furrowed.
"You two don't know what a real awakened being is?"
Seth scratched his head.
"…I mean, I've heard the term from Clare, but I was under the impression that it was another word for voracious eaters. Though, I had my speculation."
Clare remained quiet, but the slight shift in her eyes said enough.
Miria exhaled lightly.
"…I think there's a misunderstanding."
She shook her head.
"Yes, Awakened being is another word for voracious eater but there's more to it than simply just that…"
"Ah yes. Let me guess, it's a case of euphemism?"
"From what I've gathered… it's the most logical conclusion."
"Good gracious."
Seth threw his arms up and sighed.
Miria went on to share her theories on the matter.
Since becoming a Claymore, she had taken part in plenty of Awakened Being hunts and, because of this, had seen many different types.
Along with her encounters with numerous so-called "voracious eaters," she quickly reasoned that, even though they were referred to by the same name, when spoken about, they were clearly not the same kind of beings.
When the public spoke about voracious eaters, they were usually referring to yoma that were older and had consumed more humans.
From various observations and deductions, combined with the information she had gathered while snooping around the Organization, she came to the conjecture that the Organization was simply using the real voracious eaters as a cover for the true monsters.
And though this conclusion might stem from her incomplete knowledge, when it came to the Organization, she wouldn't put anything past them.
(I dont really know how to clearly explain it in a way to make it sound simpler if you don't read the manga. If so read the second paragraph on the awakened being fandom wiki)
Hear this, Seth, who had held his chin in thought, then said:
"It doesn't seem too far-fetched. So you're probably more than likely right on the money."
Miria nodded as they then remained silent.
After a few seconds she finally said.
"Right…The hunt will take place in Paburo mountains. It's where the awakened being was sighted. I'll be meeting with the other members of our team soon."
Seth looked over at the silent Clare who was listening to their conversation.
"Heard that, right? Wanna go? It might not be the one you're after, but it should be valuable to get some experience."
Miria observed Clare's reaction to Seth's preposition.
Clare clenched her fist tightly as she considered the idea for a moment before ultimately agreeing.
"Let's do it." She said resolutely.
Even though she knew the chance of the awakened being they're going to encounter has a low chance of turning out to be Priscilla(I don't remember if I said her name before), Clare knew it wouldn't be a waste.
At the very least, she'd gain experience and be prepared for what she might face down the road.
Miria watched her for a moment, before she let out a small breath.
"You should know… going along with this idea will earn you a place on the Organization's bad side, right?"
Even though she wasn't against the idea of the two of them tagging along—better yet, she welcomes them to.
It would add more assurance that in the event that one of her colleagues were to perish, she believes Seth and Clare have the power capable to prevent it.
What she was worried about though, is Clare drawing the organization's malice so she felt the need to warn her of the significant danger this might pose.
Clare didn't even pause, she looked Miria dead in the eyes and shrugged.
"It wouldn't be the first time… And it certainly won't be the last."
Miria's lips curved just a little at the possible implications of her words.
"…I see."
Seth, who had been listening quietly, suddenly let out a short chuckle.
"Heh… you girls got pretty close to each other pretty quickly eh."
Clare shot him a look.
"…What does that mean?"
"I think I'm starting to get a proper look at who you are," he said, smirking as he flashed a thumbs up.
"A problem child… I like it."
She turned away with a faint huff.
"Idiot."
"…hehe…"
"And you aren't much different either, Miria."
"I am not!"
Miria denied swiftly as she then shook her head lightly, her expression returning to normal.
"…Then it's settled."
She glanced between the two.
"We'll meet up with the rest of the team either tonight or first light tomorrow in the city located in the valley of Paburo mountains. In the meantime, I'll go get replacements for my suit."
Until just a few moments ago, since receiving his care, her breasts had been fully exposed.
And since they only traveled with one set of clothes, she had nothing to cover herself with.
It was Seth who created a piece of cloth to wrap tightly around her chest.
And if you must know, anything Seth creates from his flesh remains connected to him.
So the whole time, he had secretly been feeling them pressing against the inside.
Seth nodded calmly.
"Okay. Take your time." Heh.
Miria gave a small nod, then turned.
"Don't be late."
She sprinted off into the forest as her silhouette disappeared beyond the trees.
As if waiting for the moment the last of the girls to leave, Raki had finally shown signs of waking up.
"…mghff…"
Raki groaned from the tree's base as he began stirring, his face screwing in the process.
Subsequently, he opened his eyes to find Seth's own, wide, peering straight into his, startling him.
"Eeee! What are you doing—UFF!"
He sprung up, bumping his forehead with Seth's, nearing sending him back to sleep.
"Careful there kid… Nearly killed yourself."
Seth rose up.
"You've been out for a while—you even missed the three other claymores that were just here."
Raki paused. He blinked a few times, trying to process what he just heard.
"Three… other claymores?"
Seth nodded, folding his arms and tilting his head like he was contemplating seriously.
"Uh huh. You missed it big time. They were pretty chill too."
I got flashed the whole time but I ain't complaining…
Silence.
Then—
"WHAT?!"
Raki shot up to his feet, face turning red instantly.
"You're telling me I missed meeting other claymores because of you?!"
He pointed accusingly at Seth.
"How is that my fault? I'm pretty sure you were one that decided to pass out..." Seth raised an eyebrow in confusion.
"You were the one dragging me around at crazy speeds! Of course I'd pass out!"
Seth paused as he thought(not) about it for a second before shrugging.
"…Skill issue."
"How could it be an issue with my skills?!"
Raki then lunged forward, swinging his fist trying to hit Seth.
"I'll kill you—!"
But—
thunk
Seth simply and casually extended a finger and pressed it against Raki's forehead.
Raki's fists met nothing.
He tried to force his way forward but he found himself not moving from his position.
"Ggh—!"
His arms swung like propellers as he kept trying.
Raki kept pushing, feet digging into the ground, but Seth just stood there, arm lazily extended, completely unmoved.
After a few seconds, Raki's strength gave out.
"…Tch!"
He stumbled back, breathing a little heavier, clearly annoyed.
"Look. I didn't mean for that to happen, okay? Your body is just that weak. It simply couldn't handle the speed we're going."
Seth told him.
Raki's fist clenched in frustration at being reminded of powerlessness.
From the very first time they met till now, he's been nothing but a burden to them. Always been left behind to complete missions, always getting carried and barely providing any assistance with anything.
He didn't know if they noticed, but he had.
Little things.
Stuff that didn't mean much at first… but when added up over time,
They barely ate.
Most of the time, they just kept moving—fighting, training, doing whatever—never showing signs of being hungry or tired.
The few times they did eat, it always seemed like they were doing it just because.
And then, there was that…
Seth could just… make stuff. And Clare's a claymore… they didn't really care much about food to begin with.
So even the one thing he thought he could contribute…
Wasn't really needed.
His grip tightened slightly as his teeth dug into his lower lips.
…Then what am I even here for?
At first, he told himself he was helping.
That he could be useful.
That staying with them meant something
But now…
It just felt like he was tagging along.
Getting carried.
Literally.
All these thoughts and internal questions slowly are getting to him.
"…"
Raki's sudden behavior had caught Seth's attention.
Chapter 29 end.
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Planning to give my side characters some depth. As you noticed, this is an AU since how some information is pushed in certain times is based on the logical reasoning I'm using.