Build It, or Die!

"Ha? Eat your flesh? Why would I eat your flesh?"

Facing Carina, who had both hands clutching her head, Hanazuki asked with amused interest. But what she said next left him both laughing and crying.

"Rumors are everywhere across the sea. They say... they say the price of your eternal youth is... the youth and blood of young girls..."

"Whenever you encounter innocent virgins, you suck away their lifespans to turn them into your own power, and also, also..."

"Enough, enough. That's about enough. You actually believe such baseless rumors?"

His expression was full of disdain. Baccarat merely smiled without saying anything beside him. Only children would believe such nonsense, though there was indeed something she cared deeply about.

"About this eternal youth... I'd also like to know whether it's true or not. How should I address you? Boss, captain, or Your Majesty?"

"It's true, but it doesn't involve draining lifespans or blood. That's something only vampires would do. What we use is science."

In an instant, Baccarat's eyes lit up. Even Carina, who had been feigning fear while glancing around for a chance to escape, could not help revealing an inquisitive look.

"Really? You really can remain young forever? That's... simply too shocking!"

"One day, you'll realize your choice was the right one. For now, take this ship to Egghead. If they don't witness the power capable of crushing the world, how will they reveal their fox tails?"

Still unable to recover from her shock, Baccarat turned her head and shot a glance at Carina, who was about to volunteer to steer the ship.

"Then Carina and I will be at your service. The control room is this way..."

As she swayed her water-snake waist, Baccarat inadvertently caught sight of the mark representing Gran Tesoro on her thigh, and