The time spent with Vampire Judite was intense.
I've learned countless things from her.
The general layout of the dungeon, the location of her hideout, secret passages and hidden rooms, as well as the locations of treasure chests where I can obtain skills.
I've also learned her way of fighting with a sword.
The most significant knowledge was how to control the Parasitic Sword Puppeteer.
Even though the relationship with Judite has ended, the knowledge she shared hasn't disappeared.
I immediately used a teleportation circle that led to the location where the Parasitic Sword Puppeteer was stored.
"If I remember correctly, I shouldn't grasp the hilt,"
Grasping the hilt would result in my body being taken over, so I held onto the sword's blade instead.
Then, I inserted the sword's blade into the back of my throat. As soon as I placed the Parasitic Sword Puppeteer inside my body, my consciousness was interrupted. Yes, it was the same feeling as last time.
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When I opened my eyes, I found myself in a space of the Otherworld.
If I recall correctly, it's called the Deep World.
"Hey, nice to meet you, I guess? Hm, why is that? I feel like I've met you somewhere before."
Before me, the Parasitic Sword Puppeteer stood.
The appearance of the Parasitic Sword Puppeteer is quite peculiar, with body parts like eyes, ears, and a mouth randomly scattered in a hazy darkness.
"I have a favor to ask. Can you lend me your power?"
I remember that last time, when I asked like this, it readily agreed.
"Hmm, what should I do…?"
So when the Parasitic Sword Puppeteer showed a hesitant gesture, I felt a bit anxious.
"What's the problem?"
"Well, you see, I also have a purpose, and I was thinking if I follow you, can I achieve that purpose?"
"What's your purpose?"
"Becoming human."
The Parasitic Sword Puppeteer asserted.
"I think that by parasitizing a person and taking over their body, I might become human."
"So, if I control you, can you not become human?"
"Well, who knows? I've parasitized many humans before, but I've never become human myself. Maybe, surprisingly, being under your control could get me closer to being human."
"So, it's okay for me to own you?"
"Yeah, it's fine. I sense something fateful about you."
Surprisingly, it seems quite willing to listen.
"I've decided to follow you."
The moment the Parasitic Sword Puppeteer declared this, the Deep World began to crumble, and before I knew it, I found myself standing in the dungeon corridor where I had been just a moment ago.
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You have acquired the skill " Parasitic Sword Puppeteer Master."
You have acquired the derived skill "Black blade."
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A message window appeared.
With this, I had successfully gained the ability to control the Parasitic Sword Puppeteer.
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After that, I took action to acquire two skills.
When I was with Judite, she would defeat the monsters we encountered. However, this time, I had to act alone. I needed to be cautious to avoid fighting monsters as much as possible, but when it was necessary, I would use "Black Blade" to defeat them.
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Confirmed the defeat of a monster.
Obtained skill points.
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"Phew."
Having successfully defeated the monster, I took a breath. When I had the "Swordsmanship" skill at level 3, it was easier to defeat them. Nevertheless, I was still able to put my experience in handling a sword to good use, so all the training I had done wasn't in vain.
Afterward, I headed towards a hidden room with a treasure chest.
I remember that pushing a certain part of the wall here should reveal a hidden passage.
As expected, the seemingly ordinary wall opened, and a passage appeared when I pushed it.
Moving straight ahead, I found a treasure chest.
When I opened the chest, I obtained a "Crystal of Wisdom," and a list of available skills was displayed.
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You have acquired the skill "Swordsmanship."
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Just like last time, I acquired the "Swordsmanship" skill.
"Alright, next is the other 'Crystal of Wisdom.'"
The other "Crystal of Wisdom" provides a random skill when used. Last time, I obtained the "Attribute Bestowal" skill with this item.
However, I never actually got the chance to use the "Attribute Bestowal" skill. So, come to think of it, I don't have to use it immediately; I can save it for later.
The "Crystal of Wisdom" is in a chest in the room just before the room with the boss. So, it will take time and carry some risk to retrieve it.
There's no need to force myself to get it right away.
Instead, I decided to focus on leveling up the "Swordsmanship" skill for now.