Chapter 204

Chapter 204

Named Monster, Gogriad of Greed

I sat on the chair I had conjured.

Clatter.

The feel of sitting wasn’t particularly comfortable due to the pointed bones, but it wasn’t something to overly concern myself with. Right now, there were far more important matters.

d*mn it! With a gesture, you control the undead! You’re no ordinary warrior!

The loud noise from the bloated Goblin hurt my ears, but the angle was quite satisfying. The sensation of looking down on something else was surprisingly pleasurable.

I could understand Luna’s mindset in digging up the yard and tormenting ants.

The power to decide the lives of others in this situation makes one feel truly godlike.

What are you? What kind of person are you? Are these really undead that you’re commanding?

“Yes.”

I’ve never encountered a necromancer so potent. This shouldn’t be possible! It shouldn’t be possible!

It seemed Gogriad took pride in the years he had lived and the knowledge he had amassed. Thus, he repeated the same words over and over like a broken machine when faced with my enigmatic presence.

“Why do you think it’s impossible?”

Well, necromancy is about lending chi and mana to the servitors! Any necromancer who can control such large numbers should look frail and unhealthy, like that tiny Nymph over there!

Lending chi?

From this monstrous creature, I had gained another piece of information about necromancy.

Now that I think about it, there is something I suspect.

The first necromancer I defeated, Koma of the Black Star, was a powerful individual capable of weaving dragons out of bones and using mind-control magic to put Hippolyte in a stupor.

Still, at that time, even I could barely manage to defeat him due to his exhausted state.

Using necromancy seems to diminish physical abilities.

I had learned quite a helpful piece of information, but I made no expression, remaining seated and slowly raising a palm.

Gaaaahk-.

Upon that, the bone prison encircling Gogriad’s large body tightened its grip, restricting his movements even more.

“If I lower this palm, your execution will commence, Gogriad. Before that happens, I would like you to answer my questions willingly.”

Tch, don’t get too full of yourself with some odd tricks. I am the great Hobgoblin Gogriad! By offering two hundred and four gold coins, I obtained a grand throne—a reversal of fate!

If only these were mere thieves from the back alleys; they would have spilled everything under such intimidation. This creature, despite being a monster, had some integrity. Indeed, he seemed worthy of being called a leader.

What should I do?

Should I resort to torture to make him talk? But I’m far from familiar with such acts, which leaves me in a bit of a dilemma.

What would Elpride do in this situation?

While lost in thought, Paranoi approached near the chair I was sitting in and whispered into my ear.

“Hassan-sama, how about trying Mind Domination?”

“Mind Domination?”

When I repeated it with a look of curiosity, Paranoi pointed at the Go-Karan Star and the Hyun-Pluto Eye hanging around my neck.

“I’ve heard that this artifact relates to the spirit, a fundamental aspect of mana. With your perfect control over it, Hassan-sama, you could effortlessly use the powers of Mind Split commonly employed by Dark Priests, right?”

Paranoi’s words reminded me slightly of Koma, the necromancer who used some kind of black lightning to shatter people’s minds.

Perhaps, as Paranoi said, I could do something similar.

Somehow, I feel I could do it.

Still, overflowing confidence aside, I had no idea how to proceed. While necromancy involves raising the dead—an easily understandable concept—I couldn’t quite grasp the idea of “Mind Split.”

It felt somewhat unfamiliar.

It wouldn’t seem right to ask Paranoi, “How exactly do I do that?” right here in front of the King of Goblins already forced to his knees. It might further damage my image, making me look foolish and ensuring he wouldn’t speak further.

Silently pondering what to do, I eventually stood up from the bone chair.

Clatter.

Simultaneously, the Bone Goblins forming the chair returned to their original forms. Leaving them behind, I bowed my head before the massive Goblin Gogriad and extended my ungloved right hand, grasping his thick wrist.

Whatever you try, it’s futile. I’m accustomed to pain. Do you think I haven’t faced Dark Priests before? Mind Control magic has no effect on me.

“You’ll only know by trying.”

Ding.

『Name: Servant of Greed – Gogriad lv. 33

Condition: Hypertension』 『Hyperlipidemia』 『Arteriosclerosis』 『Hyperuricemia』

His name, level, and conditions were displayed. Level 33, not exceedingly high compared to Hippolyte, but among the monsters I’ve encountered, it was one of the highest.

Like a veteran adventurer who had just ascended into the Silver Tier.

If not for necromancy, defeating this guy would’ve required using every trick in the book.

But… what is this?

“You, what in heaven’s name…! Hypertension, hyperlipidemia, arteriosclerosis—.”

Guh-what-?!

Holding his wrist, I pressed the acupoint on the inside of his wrist with my thumb. This acupoint, when pressed, can cause extreme pain, loud enough to evoke cries from anyone—even a bloated Goblin like him.

Aarrggghh!!!! That-That… Gaaaaahh!!!

The creature screamed like someone struck by lightning. Perhaps it would be more fitting to compare it to a pig squealing in pain from being jabbed by thorns.

Stop it, stop it—!! Enough, please, stop—!!!

Eventually, Gogriad, who moments ago was arrogantly seated upon his throne, began bellowing orders to stop, losing his cool and irritability looking far more amusing than before.

I see, pressure points still work.

Even though he’s bloated, the essential points haven’t changed.

It’s surprising how useful the knowledge about vital points and acupressure taught to me by my father has become in this world—though it wasn’t intentionally meant for this. I couldn’t help but admit the understanding of these points wasn’t in vain; it had saved countless lives. No matter what else I learn, it seems all paths eventually lead back here.

Reluctantly, I loosened my grip on his wrist.

Gogriad slumped, panting heavily.

What? What, what is this? What, what have you done?

“Every living thing has pressure points. About 60 in a human body. I’m not sure how many Goblins have…”

Swish.

I gazed quite seriously at Gogriad from head to toe.

“It wouldn’t be bad to conduct an experiment today.”

Clap.

As I clapped my hands, the Bone Goblins clinging to his body changed their stance.

“Bind him in a cross-like fashion, so his body is fully visible.”

Following my command, they hoisted the massive Goblin’s body into the air in a crucifix-like position.

Consequently, his flabby features revealed themselves openly to the world. As I frowned at the grotesque sight, Paranoi spoke up.

“Such a vulgar and disgusting body! Truly a blasphemous figure! Impossible to tolerate such an existence—!!”

Ghhh, don’t speak so harshly. Despite appearances, I’m quite popular among Goblins.

“This guy still hasn’t learned his lesson, does he—!!”

Paranoi mocked the high-spirited Gogriad, though I silently unraveled my wrists and fingers, focusing on my intent and discipline.

Just k*ll me. If you’re truly Pluto’s son, put an end to my life and ask my corpse. Of course, if you do, Lady Mezaire will not remain idle—I am her right hand!

“Is that so?”

Creak, crack.

Having loosened all the joints in his fingers, I extended a sharp finger and plunged it forcefully into his sternum.

Phuuek-.

The feeling was unmistakable as my finger pierced into his flesh. If I had to assign a grand name to such an act, it might be:

“Longinus’s-Spear.”

Gooooooaaaahhhhh-!!

The scream was as thunderous as a summer storm.

The sternum is a critical acupoint for any beast, any living creature, and to have it pierced with full force must’ve been unbearably painful.

Khuuuek, euek-!!

He thrashed and quaked, unable to catch his breath in excruciating pain. Just as I began to worry that the crosses binding him might break,

Pssshhhh-.

A rather pungent liquid began trickling down from the silk-clad lower half of the enormous creature.

“Look at this guy, wetting himself in front of everyone! What a shameless creature—!!”

Seeing this, Paranoi shrieked with glee, as if enjoying her self-proclaimed superiority.

“The right hand of the Lord of Hell and yet pees his pants! The Lord of Hell himself must be rather dumb if this is his subordinate—!!”

Though it’s worth noting that Paranoi herself had wet herself two or three times already in front of me, I decided to let it be. Pointing it out would only result in spitting in the face of the one who put her in my service.

Thus, I pressed on, maintaining the finger lodged in his sternum.

“Tell me about this Mezaire. Is she the heir to Hell, perhaps granted the Selection of Chaos?”

Gkuueueek, euuur-.

Despite being questioned, the creature seemed far too incapacitated to respond. His eyes were rolled back, and saliva dribbled from his mouth.

Has he lost consciousness?

Maybe I went too far.

The sternum perhaps should’ve been left for later.

“This guy! Hassan-sama is asking you a question right now! Answer him—!!”

At that moment, Paranoi had picked up Gogriad’s staff and struck his massive torso.

Phook!

The strike seemed to snap him back to reality, as he opened his eyes wide and began to speak.

Huh, what, what is it? What’s going on?

Unaware of the events that had transpired around him, his eyes blinked in confusion. He must have gone unconscious momentarily due to the intense shock.

Kuh, did I black out? However, pain alone cannot make me speak. I am the right hand of Lady Mezaire, honored with her name…

Hack-.

And with that, the colossal Goblin coughed up large amounts of green bl**d.

“This guy, what a stubborn character… Should I just k*ll him?!”

Indeed, Paranoi’s words struck true. Though a monster, his resolve and fidelity were genuinely commendable.

If Paranoi were captured and tortured by the enemy? She would have spilled everything without hesitation just by having her feet tickled with feathers.

“Hotan, this guy is only a bronze level buffoon—!!”

My right hand is Paranoi, while the right hand of Mezaire—whomever that is—has such tenacious loyalty. Naturally, I wonder who this lord is becoming intrigued, yet sensing an impending rise in danger.

If he continues refusing to speak, torturing him further would only prove meaningless.

Unfortunately, it might simply be time to take Paranoi’s advice and end him.

Slightly anxious about that prospect, a sudden wave of thirst overcame me—perhaps from the violent bodily movements or from controlling so many undead simultaneously.

Looking to quench my thirst, I reached into my waistband.

Unfortunately, the leather flask hanging off my belt must have developed a hole because it was completely empty.

“Paranoi, do you have any water?”

“Here, here it is—!!”

Without hesitation, Paranoi rummaged through her backpack and handed over a leather flask. After uncapping it, I took a sip.

“Phuuueuuk-!”

Without realizing it, I ended up spewing out the entire contents.

“Ugh, what the hell is this?!”

I had thought it to be plain water, but instead, the substance within was excruciatingly bitter and foul.

“Ah! This was one of Lady Luna’s potions she’s been making recently! It’s not water—it’s potion residue!”

“Yeah, that’s expected.”

Luna’s potions aren’t meant to be pleasant-tasting, but even considering that, it was extraordinarily and repulsively foul. No matter how much one insists that bitter things can be good for your health, there is a limit. Thanks to my extensive experience eating all sorts of bizarre foods, I still couldn’t help but spit it out, unprepared.

“It’s water… water, I swear—!”

Another leather flask handed over, Paranoi trembled slightly.

“If my shares in hell decrease anymore, I’ll end up as a baron rather than a viscount—!!”

Paranoi seemed genuinely fearful that a fraction of her hellish shares might decrease due to her mistake.

Perhaps I’ve been too intimidating lately. Seeing her trembling from fear made me feel a little sorry.

“Anyone can make mistakes. Just don’t do it again next time.”

With that brief comment, I drank the actual water. However, my eyes caught Gogriad shaking fiercely, almost identical to Paranoi’s trembling.

Guhh, what is this?! Never in my life have I tasted something so vile. Get it off me, get it off my body! What is this-?!

Unable to endure, Gogriad eventually screeched.

How could this be? He had smiled while spitting bl**d when I pierced his sternum before. What’s going on?

As I frowned, I noticed that the potion residue I had spit out earlier was plastered all over his body.

Quickly, quickly, wipe it off! My body feels like it’s rotting! Gyaahh-!! My nose feels like it’s twisting into a spiral!! Guuh, urgh!!

Gogriad soon began retching as though suffering from intense hangover nausea.

For a moment, I wondered whether this was all just overreaction from a little contamination. Curious, I took another mouthful of Luna’s potion and spewed it toward him once more.

Phuuuu—.

Gaaaaaahhh!! Kuhgaaahh!! Just k*ll me already! You bastards! The most disgusting sc*m under the heavens!! Argghh-!!

“Ahh!! Hassan-sama’s d*ath Breath! It seems to work like a d*ath Breath—!!”

[Postscript]

It’s been quite rainy recently, making the weather damp and sticky… But thanks to all the coupons you continue to send, I managed to forget the heat for a while!

Hence, I’m expressing my gratitude by laying down a one-in-a-million Voodoo spell!

You might win the lottery…!! Everyone become rich soon…!!!

---