{~Seven Deadly Sins~} Chapter 3

                     {Unspoken care}

After drifting in this rather unbearable place for about three hours, I’ve reached the conclusion that I’m in purgatory.

While this situation might not typically be favorable for someone like me, I’m at least benefiting from Luna’s construct body. I obviously can’t defeat the demon king, but I now have a spot where I can farm. Sure, grinding might become excruciatingly dull, but that’s just part of the game.

I’ve defeated numerous creatures in purgatory, yet my stats remain unchanged, as do my rank and level.

As time passes, I notice an elderly man who appears quite desperate; he resembles a wizard. When I approach him, he looks terrified, as if he’s experienced real horror. The thing is, purgatory is quite peculiar. Time flows differently here, and I don’t need to eat; I can breathe just fine.

----------------

Name: Lucia/luna/???

Race: construct/human/punishing

Resets: 5

Strength: 90k - 100k with spears

Magic: 60k

Sprit: 50k

Total: 200k - 240k with spears

Level 20/80

Rank: S

Skills: flash step

Passives: Sparda's lotus (disabled)

Punishing's judgement(disabled)

Constructs negotiations (active)

Constructs imagination (active) 

Reality compromised (disabled)

Punishing interference(enabled)

Hetro's favour(enabled)

Constructs adaption

(enabled)

-----------------

Hold on... my cooldown for my passive ability is finished. This is an incredible opportunity! However, I first need to get this older gentleman out of here—wait, now that I take a closer look, is that... Merlin's father?

I finally stop hovering and approach the old man, taking his staff while supporting him. As I observe him, I notice his eyes seem clearer, and he has regained some of his identity, allowing him to create a portal back from purgatory.

Without wasting any time, I step through the portal with him and find myself in a tower. There, I see a young Merlin who appears to be shocked by the sight before her, while the purgatory portal remains open.

I carefully guide the old man to a bed, laying him down gently and propping his staff against the bed’s frame. As I start to move back toward the portal, I suddenly feel a hand grasping mine, prompting me to pause. Turning my head, I look down to see a nervous and somewhat shy Merlin.

“‘T…take me with you,’ she says to me.

My expression remains impassive as I respond.

"You do realize what could happen to you if you decide to follow me, right?" I say, my tone indifferent, though I maintain eye contact with her.

She swallows hard before replying.

‘W…what? Who are you?’ she asks.

‘...’ I choose to remain silent, dismissing her question as I step into the portal, which seals behind me. I glance back briefly to see a stunned Merlin before the portal shuts completely.

*Sigh…* People are so inquisitive, yet I can’t answer anyone right now. Perhaps it's time to develop some new skills.

What to choose? There are so many skills and passives to consider.

Oh! Idea! Since I’m embodying Luna at the moment, maybe I should create something tailored for her.

((Punishing Virus Control: enables the user to manipulate the punishing virus to create weapons like spears or other items from it))

That should be useful. Now, I think I’ll create Cero—shouldn't be too powerful, right?”

((Cero: a beam that can be concentrated at your fingertips using a magic-infused punishing virus or your spiritual energy, unleashing a highly damaging attack))

No cooldown? That's quite intriguing and unusual. Let's give it a go.

((Lanza del Relámpago: conjure a spear made of intensely concentrated magic-infused punishing virus and spiritual energy. Upon impact, the spear produces a massive explosion))

----------------

Name: Lucia/luna/???

Race: construct/human/punishing

Resets: 5

Strength: 90k - 100k with spears

Magic: 60k

Sprit: 50k

Total: 200k - 240k with spears

Level 20/80

Rank: S

Skills: flash step

Cero

Lanza del Relámpago

Passives: Sparda's lotus (disabled)

Punishing's judgement(disabled)

Constructs negotiations (active)

Constructs imagination (active) CD

Reality compromised (disabled)

Punishing interference(enabled)

Hetro's favour(enabled)

Constructs adaption(enabled)

Punishing virus Cont

rol(enabled)

-----------------

Alright, it's on cooldown again, but for how long? 

((3000 years))

You must be joking. Wait, this cooldown doesn’t really matter; three days here equals 3000 years, while three days outside means nothing.

I’ve had my fun; now it’s time to return to Lucia’s body. After finding a suitable spot to lie down, I close my eyes, and within moments, I’m back in the real world.

((You have gained 8000k experience))

((Error: Your rewards exceed the limit for this construct))

((Construct’s adaptation is going into overdrive))

My head is pounding! It hurts! Make it stop! Stop it now!

----------------

Name: Lucia/luna/???

Race: construct/human/punishing

Resets: 5

Strength: 20k -25k with sword

Magic: 18k

Sprit: 20k

Level 79/80

Rank: SSS+

Skills: flash step

Cero

Lanza del Relámpago

Passives: Sparda's dawn (disabled)

Punishing's judgement(disabled)

Constructs negotiations (active)

Constructs imagination (active) CD..

Reality compromised (disabled)

Punishing interference(enabled)

Hetro's favour(enabled)

Constructs adaption(enabled)

Punishing's Virus Control(disabled)

-----------------

After what felt like an eternity, the excruciating headache finally subsides as I take deep breaths to regain my composure. 

A few minutes later, I rise to my feet and immediately recognize the transformation—I am now Lucia Dawn. As I gaze into the mirror, a wave of relief washes over me.

"I will never again indiscriminately harm anything in purgatory."

((cooldown period before using skill again: 3 days))

Oh, so I can't take advantage of this—fair enough. Looking at the blade now positioned near my wrist, I feel a wave of happiness. However, I agree with the original Lucia; this frame is rather revealing, and I'm not fond of how short this skirt is.

After some time spent complaining, I return to my daily routine in the village, and oh boy, things are getting interesting.

(Four days later… in the midst of the holy war)

It’s brutal, but at least I've managed to keep the villagers safe. I encountered Elizabeth again and witnessed Meliodas put a goddess in her place.

This war feels so empty; I understand why Chaos wasn’t pleased with the DK and SD.

I can't level up since the experience points aren't sufficient, and I’m currently stuck at level 79, just one level away from evolving again.

Hours later, I find Meliodas having slain a goddess, and my instincts kick in again, urging me to run and get as far away as possible. 

Just as I’m about to unsheathe my sword, Meliodas disappears from my view. In an instant, I'm pinned to the ground, my hand held above my head as I attempt to break free from his hold.

“L...let me go!” 

"Well, if it isn't the Katana lady..." he pauses for a moment, inhaling deeply. 

"You’re quite fascinating—you’ve gotten much stronger since our last encounter. I'm surprised you came looking for me. What, did you miss me that much?" he says playfully, leaning in and whispering in my ear, sending a shiver down my spine. My cheeks heat up slightly, but it feels strangely empty... why is that?

"I searched for you tirelessly, but it seemed like you were deliberately avoiding me," he murmurs closer to my ear while his hand lightly grazes my thigh in a manner that feels almost teasing. The warmth of embarrassment floods my cheeks, intensifying my desire to push him away, while the heat on my face contrasts with the chill I feel elsewhere.

"P-please... stop..."

I plead, trying in vain to wriggle away, but my body isn't cooperating.

"You say that, yet you hardly seem to be resisting," he replies. A moment later, I feel a sensation on my neck that causes me to shudder slightly, eliciting a soft moan from my lips. The sound makes my face heat up even more, and with a surge of determination, I manage to push Meliodas off me with all my strength.

"Well, I've definitely learned something valuable—stay away from any demons apart from me, Lotus," he says, before walking away. With a sudden rush of humiliation, I drop to my knees and cover my face.

What on GODS GREEN earth just happened!?

((system explanation))

Oh, really now...

((Constructs negotiations))

((System administrator: chaos))

((Constructs negotiations have been modified to prevent a repeat of the issues with Meliodas and to ensure Elizabeth is not affected either))

((In summary, you find it easy to get along with both goddess and demons, but your bond with Meliodas and Elizabeth will deepen even further))

((Your feelings for Meliodas and Elizabeth are also intensifying over time, but because of your true emotions and past trauma, any love you experience for them feels empty))

"B..b..but I used to be a guy! And I've never been in a relationship before! I guess that explains the blushing and why my heart feels unchanged." I attempt to reason with the system while reflecting on my situation.

((Unfortunately, you have to come to terms with it))

"Arghhhh! That's so unfair!"

"Alright, I suppose I should go and find Elizabeth; she mentioned wanting to take me somewhere," I think to myself, feeling regret for even asking the question.

When I arrive at the meeting spot, I see Elizabeth smiling and running toward me, wrapping me in a warm hug.

"I’m so glad you’re here!" she exclaims.

"Well, you did say you had something to show me and that you were interested, so here I am," I reply.

"Don’t worry, I’ll show you," she reassures me as she lifts me off my feet and flies us to a different location. After about five minutes, we land—wait, is that water by a volcano? Oh, it’s a spa!

"I wanted to spend some time with you because I needed a break from the war," she admits, sounding a little drained.

"That’s a valid reason, I guess…" I respond, but right after I say that, I notice Elizabeth starting to undress in front of me, making me quickly turn away.

"Is something wrong?" I hear her ask from behind me.

"N-no, it’s nothing… I just need to grab something. I’ll be right back," I stammer, trying to create an excuse to escape the situation.

Stepping back into the forest, I discover a place to take a breather on a rock. It feels like I’m living in my favorite show, with one of my beloved characters, Lucia, by my side.

It’s a rarity for me to sit down and truly unwind without the constant pressure of work or training. I can finally take in the situation for what it is.

Having died and encountered chaos, I chose to assist in bringing Lucia from PGR into this world. I've met Elizabeth and Meliodas, and I’m also Luna. The DK and SD are aware of my presence, and it’s only a matter of time before they track me down.

Although I’m shielded from anything that affects the mind, chaos did mention that beings like Gowther can still perceive my emotions.

I close my eyes, take a few deep breaths, then open them to find Meliodas before me. His eyes shimmer with an emerald light green. Is he here just to have a conversation?

After a moment of him studying my face with a blank expression, he settled down beside me, and the atmosphere grew heavy with tension until he finally broke the silence.

“Look… I’m sorry for my earlier actions and for what I've done in the past, including nearly putting your life in danger,” he said, catching me off guard as I turned to face him.

“It’s just… when you’re around, I feel… different. I don’t harbor anger towards the goddess or even my father; it’s more like I find a sense of peace… if that’s the right way to describe it,” he continued.

Can I ask you something, panel?

((Acknowledged))

What’s the true purpose of the luna body?

((Answer: your luna body represents your rational thoughts, while the Lucia body is linked to your emotions. Although feelings for others may seem unfulfilled, there is a way to change that.))

And how can I achieve that?

((Confront yourself))

Confront myself? That doesn’t make any sense… You know what? We will discuss this later.

"So, what’s the reason behind your apology?" I inquire.

He meets my gaze, his expression unreadable, before finally responding.

"Because you and I are quite similar," he replies, a hint of happiness in his tone.

(Flashback: Meliodas’s Perspective)

My father has granted me permission to speak with the real Gowther. As I approach a door secured with multiple locks, I begin to unlock it and step inside, finding Gowther looking somewhat surprised to see me.

"Well, what brings you here, Prince Meliodas?" he inquires, his tone a mix of curiosity and mockery.

"I believe you know exactly why I’m here. It's hardly a secret that you enjoy delving into people's minds to uncover new information," I respond, crossing my arms and regarding him with indifference. However, I notice his expression soften slightly as he smiles.

"Yes, I know why you've come, and I recognize it’s not to harm anyone or to discuss the war, though I would be lying if I said I anticipated this."

"Are you aware of what I need your assistance with?" I inquire.

"Yes, I know it's concerning this new species that's been the main topic around here—Lucia, if I'm not mistaken," he responds, sounding unfazed, which is a good sign.

"Lucia, huh? That’s promising, but I need your help to learn more about this species without my father finding out."

"Oh? Are you already intrigued by this new species?" he asks, but I maintain my neutral expression. Yes, she is intriguing, but I can't help but wonder how a new species emerged amidst a war.

"That's not your concern."

"Alright, I will help you, but you’ll owe me a favor in return. Do we have a deal?" I wonder what this demon could possibly want, but it doesn't really matter to me.

"Sure, whatever. I expect you to follow me with your doll, Gowther." With that, I exit the room, and the door closes and locks itself behind me repeatedly.

Departing from the area, I notice the Gowther doll following closely behind me. After around four minutes of travel, we arrive at the small village where she is located.

Ensuring we remain undetected, I gesture toward a woman with a mix of red and black who is playing with some children.

"That one."

"Is that so? Your wish is my command," the Gowther doll replies, promptly releasing a tiny pink arrow that strikes the woman's neck, which she remains oblivious to—good.

"Well?"

The Gowther doll appears puzzled and intrigued, with a hint of sarcasm.

"How do I put this... I can't read her thoughts or anything like that; I can only sense her emotions. I did attempt to push through but a warning shot was directed at me…"

"warning shot? But there's nothing—"

I pause, realizing there's a significant and unmistakable gash on the ground near the Gowther doll, as though a section of the earth has simply disappeared beside it.

"What do you mean by warning?" I inquire.

"I encountered another woman who was younger than the lady you wanted me to consider. Initially, I didn't think she would be an issue, but then things took a turn," Gowther explained to me.

"My advice, based on what I’ve observed so far, is simple: why not just be yourself for once and get to know her? Not as the demon commander of the Ten Commandments or as Prince Meliodas, but simply as Meliodas?" the doll suggested, encouraging me to take a different approach, although it seemed daunting.

After a brief pause, the doll continued.

"And if you genuinely care about this woman named 'Lucia', my sole piece of advice is to... treat her kindly," it said. As these words lingered, images of a child trying to protect her younger sister flooded my mind while I stood quietly nearby Lucia, a member of the new species. 

(End of flashback)

"Not so different, huh? What do you mean by that?" I wondered to myself if Meliodas had lost his mind.

"I mean exactly what I said; we're not really all that different. How about this? I’ll share my story, and you can share yours. Does that sound good?" He looked at me with curiosity in his hopeful eyes, even though he wasn’t exactly innocent.

I was aware of what was about to unfold and what Meliodas would eventually become—a mischievous, frustrated demon with a thing for breast. Yet, oddly, I didn’t see it as a negative situation.

Maybe I was misinterpreting things, but honestly, who cares?

"Sure, why not?" I replied, even though I wasn't fully convinced by what he had to say.

True to his word, he went on to recount his story, providing detailed accounts of his past, his identity, and the challenges he was currently facing, exactly as I had read in the manga and watched in the anime.

Although I shared some details about myself, I only mentioned a little of Lucia's childhood story, changing it just enough, while leaving out some details.

As I finished sharing my 'story,' he gazed at me silently, seemingly on the verge of speaking but stopping short. I found his confused expression somewhat amusing, but suddenly I was enveloped in a hug from Meliodas. I flinched at the unexpected embrace, but since he’s a bit shorter, his head was pressed against my chest.

Surprisingly, the hug felt comforting. Even though Meliodas isn’t the same flirt he becomes three thousand years later, at this early point in the war, he's actually quite… sweet. After debating whether to return the hug, I decided to do so, albeit just a little.

Once more, all he said was "I'm sorry'" as I closed my eyes and let out a faint sigh, glancing upwards at the sky. He truly seems to be just a weary, overworked demon, with some depression.

TBC