One Punch Man belongs to One.
Rising of The Shield Hero belongs to Aneko Yusagi.
I own neither of them.
| Thug's Job |
'This day gonna be cloudy. I hope it's not raining.' Motoyasu Kitamura glanced at the sky.
Mounted on his land dragon with a retinue of knights and his party members in tow, the unsuspecting Spear Hero headed to Lute. The village might have escaped from the Wave, but not from the decree of the ruler. Motoyasu came there to collect the tribute-tax to officially announce his rule over that plot of land.
A reward from the king.
Whether the people would be mad at him, he cared not for he just did the order of Malty's father.
He had sent a messenger to tell the people in advance about their arrival, but half way through their journey, the man had not returned. This unexpected situation put a tad of worry among the knights. The lieutenant in charge decided to halt the journey and dispatched some of his men to investigate what had happened.
Thus, Motoyasu's group and the rest of the troops called for a break on the road. Seeing that his men had also fought with him during the Wave, Motoyasu also wanted to give them some leeway. Maybe a rest on the way to Lute was not a bad idea.
As the soldiers took some of their provisions for a little refreshment, the Spear Hero also took his time to relax. Near him, his all-girl companions were present. The red-haired princess was one among them, giving her lap as a cushion for her brave hero.
"Say, Lord Motoyasu… Is the weather nice today?" Princess Malty asked as she caressed Motoyasu's blond locks gently.
"Yeah. Not so bright and it's very mild." Motoyasu flashed a smile as he enjoyed the pampering. "As relaxing as your kindness."
"Oh, I am flattered, Lord Motoyasu." Malty tittered, followed by her fellows.
The hero chuckled. He felt a small sense of joy for a moment, but suddenly a cloud of worry shrouded it. His face turned a little somber as he gazed at the sky.
"Lord Motoyasu, is something the matter? Lately, we often find you putting a gloomy face."
"What ails you, My Lord?"
The brawler and the witch girls asked, concerned at the well-being of the Spear Hero. They also found him to be more detached as of late.
Motoyasu inhaled and let out a long sigh. "Well… I guess this is the boon to have friends. So, want to hear my story?"
"Oh, of course. We are here to serve you, My Lord. To ease your burden is one among many of our duties." Malty exclaimed as the other girls nodded in approval. "So please, do not hesitate to share your story to us if it helps you to lessen your trouble."
Motoyasu closed his eyes as he recalled the matter that bothered him. He opened his eyes and his gaze trailed off towards the knights.
"Alright. Thanks.… It's actually… A dream." Motoyasu said in a grave tone.
"A dream?" Malty slightly creased her brows.
"I'm afraid it's a bad premonition." The witch girl muttered.
"Yeah. A dream." The Spear Hero put a downtrodden look. "I almost forget it, but in that dream, I think I fought monsters. And lost."
"Dear Lord Spear Hero, If you forget about a nightmare, wouldn't it be better if you don't try to recall it?" The witch girl suggested, earning a sympathetic nod from Malty.
"That's true. But the point is… It still bothers me. I mean, the despair and the powerlessness I felt from that dream still chews me on." Motoyasu averted his gaze to his palm. "It keeps telling me that I'm weak."
Malty's brows slightly knitted. Her dearest puppet had displayed an alarming sign of stress as of late. She tried to motivate him with her false affectionate treats, but it appeared that his spirit failed to improve. For the moment, her best course of action was to keep his mood.
"Weak? Oh, Lord Motoyasu~. Weren't we born into this world without bearing any strength? We grow and gradually can fend off any danger on our own with the help of the people around us." Malty said as she caressed her hero's head gently. "But you, Lord Motoyasu… Only you who can ward off the impending danger of the Wave of Calamity. You are the promised warrior from a far-off world who would save this land."
Malty's sweet talk somehow eased the hero's mind. A small smile graced his face.
"Thanks, Malty. How very kind of you." Motoyasu complimented his red-haired companion. "You're right. I'm a hero after all."
A commotion suddenly occurred among the knights. Motoyasu and his companions rose in alert when some men began to shout. The runner had been brought back, but he was not himself. He appeared to lose his memory due to unknown reason.
"What happened!?" Motoyasu asked as he weaved through his men.
"Sir Motoyasu, Rutger… he can't talk properly! It's like he get a curse!" The lead sergeant reported with a slight horror on his face.
Motoyasu observed the runner and he found the poor guy was only repeating a sentence on and on. His gaze was hollow while his face told an odd confusion. Sweat bead trickled down his face while his hands were shaking.
"I received a message… I received a message… I received a message…!"
"What the hell? He's like a broken cassette." Motoyasu muttered as he squinted his eyes in a slight repulse.
"What should we do? Should we head back?"
"That would be a waste of time. Bring him with some men to the closest staging point!"
By the order of the lieutenant, the poor soldier who contracted that bizarre illness was brought by his friends. When they were about to depart however, the sick soldier trembled violently and a pair antennas with white and orange stripes suddenly sprouted from his head. They wiggled and the soldier laughed uncontrollably like a madman.
"HIHIHIHIHEHAHAHAHAHAHA….! I bring a message from my Master!"
"WHAT! WHO ARE YOU!?" The lieutenant drew his sword, followed by his subordinates. "ARE YOU A MONSTER!?"
"Monster or not, I come here to tell you that my Master wants you dead!" The possessed knight declared with a growl.
"And who's your master!? Speak!" Motoyasu pointed his spear.
"Don't worry. You'll know him, soon enough."
"WHAT!? DON'T JOKE WITH ME!" Motoyasu widened his eyes in fury.
As soon as he uttered the last word, the world exploded before his eyes.
Motoyasu saw his men were cut down by arrows of lights from above. The strike burst the ground, throwing dirt and bodies into the air as it robbed his hearing, much like an artillery shelling. His mind tried to grasp this horrifyingly sudden event, yet an arrow hit him, pinning him down to earth.
Then another. And another. And another until everything went black. Nothing could he feel except a stinging pain all over his body. His display glitched as his HP gone rapidly.
The Spear Hero was knocked out completely by the surprise attack. His men were either killed or mortally injured. His companions did not fare better than him either.
Thus, doom had fallen upon the lord who never stepped on his dominion. A land where people would pay homage onto his false service.
Hundred meters away from the carnage, on top of a hill, a young man in nondescript attire was staring at the result of his handy work. A twisted smile rose on his youthful face as he lowered his bow.
From this act, a holographic display appeared before his eyes, telling him that he earned 1200 points of experience. It was immense for a player around level 40.
It took only but a minute of bombardment of his magical arrows, enough to reduce the damned entourage to a bunch of scorched sticks. Although there might be some survivors left, he refrained from finishing them off as a testament of his crusade.
To spread the word about the path he had taken.
Nothing is sweeter than putting a torment and annihilation upon the enemy, so he mused.
A moment later, a white dove fell beside his standing place, convulsed then ceased its moving completely. His diminutive servant had come back after doing his bidding. It burst out from the guts and ripped out the remaining life off of the poor creature.
"Good job, Destro. I expect nothing less from you." The bowman praised as he turned to the little monster who settled over his bow.
"Ohohoho… I was just doing your order, Itsuki-sama." The monster waved its hand, flashing an embarrassed grin at his master's compliment. "After all, you're waaaay better than my previous boss."
"Heh, really?" The Bow Hero shrugged. "I guess I'm not wrong to pick you, no? Or, do you have a thought to turn your drills onto me, hmm?"
"Nononono…!" Destro shook its head as it flailed its arms in denial. "I never plan to do so, Itsuki-sama. You can trust me!"
"How should I trust you?" Itsuki raised a brow.
The tiny monster groaned. "So far, I've done the jobs well, haven't I? Is that not enough? Plus, I helped you out from that prison! Am I not kind enough!?"
The archer hummed then burst into laughter, finding his servant's willingness to do messy works was amusing. It felt like he got a familiar for doing evil things, which he really did.
"What's so funny, Itsuki-sama?" The monster mumbled with a small scowl on its face. "You're not going to squash me, right?"
"No. Not if you're still going to work for me." The Bow Hero replied. "And I think it's fun to have you run around and slip into men's bodies to control. I kinda feel sorry for those people you killed."
The monster puckered its mouth in displeasure. "Aren't they your enemies? As per your order, I didn't kill innocents, you know. I only slip into those goons who only laughed at you when you're still in prison. So, I'm at the side of justice, maybe?"
"Justice is it? Well… Justice or evil, innocent or guilty, those who dare to stand in my way shall perish." Itsuki declared with venom as he marveled his gruesome work. "Actually I don't care anymore, Destrochloridium. As far as you're willing to help me, that's more than enough. And rejoice cause you'll get stronger."
"Miracle of this weapon, heh? How convenient to become a hero in this world." The monster commented as it stared at the bow it was sitting on.
"True. How ironic. A person who should protect people instead turn against them." Itsuki scowled as he lamented his fate. "But, well. It's their fault. I'm the actual victim. They didn't want to hear me, so I should knock them the hard way."
"Kukukuku… That's my boss!" Destro punched the air as it bounced. "So, Itsuki-sama, where are we going now?"
"To the place where we can find the Shield Demon. To punish him." The bowman made a homicidal grin as he took his pace.
"Aye, Itsuki-sama!" His servant leaped and sat on his shoulder. "I'll make sure to leave no scrap of his body! Gyahahahahahaha….!"
"Good."
The morning dew had yet to drop from leaves, but clamoring sound of clash between limbs filled the foggy air. Momentarily, some yells and groans cracked the silence in that wood.
"RRAAAAAAHHH!" Rifana threw a punch at Raphtalia.
Her strike missed and landed on a pine tree, shaking it violently. As she drew her fist, a trail of white smoke flew into the humid air, leaving the circular scorched mark on the bark. She exhaled swiftly, sparing no room for a momentary halt since her opponent was still within her range of attack.
Raphtalia had just managed to evade her friend's devastating strike. She swerved and flipped backwards, away from Rifana who began to chase her.
Rifana dashed closer and Raphtalia's battle instinct screamed in alert. Her friend's tenacity and power was astounding and proved to be a problem her wits could barely overcome. This time however, she really doubted that she could escape this one.
She should made an improvisation with a move she was still uncertain whether it could work or not.
"Got you Raphtalia!" Rifana lunged herself forward and pumped back her right arm.
"Now or never!" Raphtalia took a deep breath as her senses went overdrive.
In that split second where a move could mean a life or death in a fight, Raphtalia's vision, hearing, motor nerves as well as her mind accelerated ten-folds. She could see Rifana's fist was coursing towards her, aimed at her abdomen. In response, her nerves sent a signal to her arms to open her palms.
Rifana smirked when she saw her strike connected with Raphtalia's stomach. At least it was what she perceived until a stinging pain struck her neck.
"GUUUGH!" Rifana staggered back from the elbow strike to her throat.
Seizing the chance, Raphtalia leaped forth. She angled her body upwards and threw her right leg, sending an axe kick.
Despite the throbbing neck she endured, Rifana managed to cross her arms before her face to block the attack. She pushed her guarding arms forward, forcing Raphtalia to leap back.
"Urk…! Nice move… Raphtalia! You always… Egh… love to play like a fox." Rifana complimented between some coughs.
"Because you never stop to play rough." Raphtalia deadpanned as she was ready for another strike.
'I see… So Raphtalia has discovered 'Zone' in a fight. Very impressive.' Suiryu who observed the sparring at the sideline smiled. 'Now she can gain the upperhand against Rifana's powerful strikes in every match. By grappling and redirecting the course of an attack, she can unleash a deadly counter. But I think there's something off about it. What is it?'
"So, shall we continue?" Rifana smirked as she steadied her hitched breath.
Before Raphtalia could reply, Suiryu clapped his hands twice. Knowing the signal, the disciples lowered their guard.
"Alright, girls. That's enough for today… Or for this morning." Suiryu announced as he came over his disciples.
"Gueeeeeee!" The Filolial who had joined the party for this past week cheered.
"Well. That was quite unexpected." Rifana exclaimed as she massaged her aching throat. "I think Raphtalia is the winner."
"No. It's a draw. I failed to put you down." Raphtalia retorted.
"No. You win! You hit my neck. I almost lost my balance."
Suiryu raised his hand before the girls could argue any further. "Let's not talk about winning or losing. This match is for determining your skills and progress you've made so far. Remember, you can taste the real victory after you defeat your real enemy."
The girls went silent, but they smiled. They knew that their kind master wanted nothing more than seeing them getting stronger together without nurturing any seed of envy. They slowly began to understand his ideal through matches they had experienced.
Suiryu cleared his throat. "Alright. First, Rifana."
"Yes, Lord Suiryu." The cheerful weasel-girl straightened her back.
"Try to determine the strength of your strike. That punch can kill an adult forest bear." Suiryu reprimanded as he pointed at the scorched tree bark. "If you used it on human, I'm afraid that you'll have a very scary, unending nightmare."
"U-understood. I will do my best, Lord Suiryu." Rifana spoke with a tinge of lingering horror on her face.
"Oh. And keep your… stubbornness in combat. Leaving no chance for retaliation is your specialty and it helps you to overpower an enemy." Suiryu added as he gave an encouraging thumbs-up.
"Thank you, Lord Suiryu."
"Okay… Now as for you, Raphtalia. I notice that you've developed a special skill of a fighter." Suiryu exclaimed as he opened the menu to check his disciples' stats. "Tell me what do you feel when you redirected Rifana's attack?"
Raphtalia widened her eyes in surprise at her master's sharpness. "… I feel… Like the time is almost slowing down, maybe?"
"Good. Then, did you see and hear everything more clearly?" Suiryu smiled.
"Yes." Raphtalia nodded in excitement as she recalled the sensation.
"And you could react faster."
"Yes! I feel like I could move my limbs quicker."
"Then congratulation. You've used what fighters call as 'Zone.'" Suiryu patted her shoulder.
"Zone?" Rifana put an incredulous look.
"That's right. We might say that Zone is a condition when a fighter enters a state where he can cast a critical blow and often fool his opponent. Remember, it's only triggered in a blink, but it can change the outcome of a fight." Suiryu elaborated as both girls nodded. "I bet you also felt it, right, Rifana?"
"Hmm… True. So, that's how I saw I hit Raphtalia but suddenly the one who got hit was me." Rifana's faint grimace turned into a curious smile. "Interesting."
"However, technique alone is far from enough to open this chance. In a fight, finding Zone is considered a miracle, so you might say that other than skill, luck also plays a major role."
"Even you, Lord Suiryu?" Rifana blinked in surprise.
"Yeah. Even me." Suiryu admitted.
"So, Lord Suiryu, do you mean that I was lucky to find that Zone?" Raphtalia asked in puzzlement as her tail wagged around.
"In your case, I believe that it's more of your skill rather than your luck." Suiryu exclaimed in a tad bafflement as he pondered about how Raphtalia could do that. "I know it's weird. I still couldn't believe how that works, but it's like your move is part of your skill."
'Could it be that it's because Raphtalia's luck is 'A'?' Suiryu tapped his disciples' status once again.'I don't really understand, but I guess I should also check her ability called 'Chance Snatcher.' Perhaps that's the answer of her miracle.'
"I see. Then I must put more work into it." Raphtalia smiled in gratitude.
"That's what you usually do, right?" Suiryu pointed a finger gun of approval at her.
"Gueeeeee….! Gueeeeeeee!" Their Filolial called gleefully as it flapped its wings.
"It seems that Filo is starving." Rifana spoke as she caressed the white bird's fluffy feathers.
"It appears so. It's barely a week and she has already grown this big. Her appetite is also ridiculous." Suiryu stared at the overgrown chick before him while he scratched his head. "Not to mention that it morphed into a giant chick."
"Gueeeeeeee!"
Raphtalia cast a wry smile. "That's true. What about if we hunt some forest rabbits?"
"That won't be enough. Do you still remember how she chomped down our grilled ribs of Catoblepas the other day?" Rifana pursed her lips. "I still have an ill-feeling for missing it, though."
"What about if we catch some Swamp Eel?" Suiryu suggested as he raised his index. "I know there's a marsh not far from here."
"Ohh… Swamp Eel!" Rifana almost squealed and swallowed her saliva. "Its meat is sweet and tender, but greasy and crunchy. I… It's a great idea, Lord Suiryu!"
"Gueeeeeeee!" Filo bounced as if in accord with the idea.
"Agreed. And please let me help you to collect some herbs." Raphtalia offered her assistance. "That way, we can save more time."
"Hmm… Very nice, Raphtalia. It's decided. While I catch the eels, I want you to pick some Dark Henbane and Purple Thorn Apple." Suiryu said to his disciples. "I heard from the apothecary that those plants can produce strong drugs."
After the second Wave, beside acupuncture, Suiryu had found a new interest in medicine. His little experience from his old world regarding herbal cure had rekindled his desire to learn the thing his beloved grandfather aced in. It was an extremely useful skill in which his holy weapon had a full support feature to ease his learning.
"And the monster drop item if we get any?" Rifana inquired.
"Like usual. We will sell them to the vendor I frequented to." Suiryu took his pace with an energetic gait, earning him his daughter's delightful face. "So, what are we waiting for? If we're quick, we can reach Lute before sunset."
""Aye, Lord Suiryu."" Both disciples followed their Master's lead.
The monster material trade went on like usual and Suiryu pocketed 12 gold coins from selling the items he acquired that day. After finishing the matter with trading and putting Filo in a local stable, they headed towards the inn.
The inn also had a bar, so Suiryu and his disciples did not need to go out for dinner. The foods were simple, but rich in taste and far cheaper compared to those they had in the capital. It was something which always drew the Shield Hero's party to come back to this hamlet aside from its people's hospitality.
The three ordered a roasted turkey and some potato soup for their dinner. When they were about to eat, they saw a small commotion near the counter. It appeared that there was a trouble about the payment during a check in.
Suiryu squinted his eyes at the sight of a young woman in a rather disheveled look who was arguing with the innkeeper. She really looked in trouble.
"… I am so sorry, young Lady, but I am afraid that I cannot accept a weapon as a payment." The innkeeper politely refused as he stared at a dagger on the counter. "I would like you to sell this in advance."
"Sir, please. I cannot find any armory open during this hour. Would you at least take this as a cost for staying a night in your inn. Please do consider, I beg of your kindness, Sir. I have exhausted my possessions along my journey and this is the last piece I can spend." The woman pleaded as she bowed before the receptionist, garnering chatters.
"Well, if that is the case…" The innkeeper turned to see Suiryu who came over the counter. "Oh, Good Sir Trader, what kind of help may I offer you?"
"Thank you Sir, and pardon my intrusion. I heard that you are going to sell a weapon, Dear Lady. Then, if I may…" Suiryu politely gestured to have a look at the dagger.
"Oh… T-then, please." The woman took the knife and handed it to Suiryu.
In truth, Suiryu did not possess the ability to fully appraise an item, but his shield at least could help him to identify some goods. It was a quite useful feature which allowed him to check the general condition of almost any item.
It was lucky that he was familiar with the design and the marking on the blade. The good swordsmith truly had made a name.
"I see… So this knife was issued by Master Erhard." Suiryu hummed as he smiled, earning him a confused look from the lady.
"Master Erhard?" The lady knitted her brows. "Is he a famous blacksmith from the capital?"
"He is well-known among adventurers." The Shield Hero put the dagger onto the counter. "And I am his acquaintance as well as an enthusiast of his works. So, would you mind if I buy this dagger, My Lady? I love the simplicity of the design and sturdiness of this one. I will take this for 100 silver."
The people around them gasped. Suiryu's offer sounded outrageously ridiculous and they began to think that he was not sane in his mind. Just what kind of person who bought an ordinary dagger with an amount worth of almost two months laboring?
Otherwise, he was trying to ensnare the unfortunate lady for whatever ill-desire he might have. Most of these patrons were travelers, just like him, so stories about sly tricks of slave-traders were not foreign to them. His demi-human companions were also an enough proof to ignite their suspicion.
"S-sir…" The woman stammered and bowed before Suiryu. "I am very grateful for your generous offer, but I believe that a second-hand small blade should never exceed 30 silver coins."
Suiryu knew quite well that people's stare turned nasty and started to gnaw his back. Probably they began to view him as a lecher. He could endure this situation, but his disciples would likely lash out if these people turned hostile.
It would be painfully troublesome if that happened. Needless to say, it might worsen the turmoil in this country. So, how should he approach?
Suiryu glanced at the good innkeeper who sported an apprehensive look. He should really do this carefully, unlike some C-Class heroes from Neo who boasted the new association's merits left and right.
"I do understand it, but as I have said, I am an enthusiast of Master Erhard's craftsmanship. Moreover, it makes me happy to know that the result of his diligence has spread this far." Suiryu replied coolly as he rummaged his pants' pocket. "Whether you take this deal or not, the choice is ultimately yours."
The lady was about to reply, but the door suddenly slammed open. The rude visitor was a woman in a hooded hunter's attire. In her hand was a crossbow while an off-looking metal gauntlet covered her right hand. She sported a scowl as her glare swiped the entirety of the room, prompting the customers to flinch.
"I am searching for a woman named Eclair Seaetto! Do anyone of you know where she is?!" The hooded wench asked in a tone full of authority.
Suiryu furtively looked at the intruder and saw the insignia of two crossing arrows and a blade emblazoned on her leather vest. He knew that whoever this woman was searching for, the target should be a big shot which had forced the employer to contract Jaegers.
The atmosphere grew tenser as the huntress was waiting for any answer. Her murderous gaze sent shiver towards most of the customers.
When he wondered who was the target, he noticed the lady he was going to transact with stiffened in anticipation. Her right hand slipped onto her left hip where her sword rested, concealed by her worn-out cloak.
'What a good timing.' He mused as he prepared his next move should things go hairy.
"She's the rogue knight who escaped the capital's prison. I ask you once again. Do anyone of you know her or sighted her!? Oh!" Her lips bent into a smirk when her eyes landed on the lady. "Or it seems that I don't need to ask you again. Valhalla had shown me the path towards my prey."
The huntress launched a bolt without any warning. Suiryu grabbed the flying short arrow and stood in front of the hunted knight defensively.
"What! How–!?" The huntress stammered.
"This isn't a nice way to greet a person, is it? And we're in the middle of a deal, in a bar, teemed with good customers." Suiryu nonchalantly spoke as he broke the bolt in his hand. "You're interrupting our transaction, which means… I should deal with you first."
The huntress' exasperated face contorted into one of an excitement. She licked her lips as her hands deftly loaded another bolt into her crossbow. Her twisted grin prompted a slight scowl on Suiryu's face who knew all too well about her general character.
A psychotic who needs more than a bonk to her head to wedge some sense into. Eliminating her would be the second best option should she have the will to resist.
"Hehehehe… How brazen of you for a puny man to defend a criminal! Are you playing a hero, heeh~?" Her grin turned even more menacing as she took another aim.
The Shield Hero sighed. "… I hate to do this."
He dashed forth and before the huntress could even press the trigger, a strong blow hit her gut, knocking out all air in her lungs. The force even pry her crossbow off of her grip.
"ACK…!" She arched on Suiryu's fist as the pain coursed through her body, numbing her nerves and rattled her consciousness.
"Even if you're a woman, I won't go easy on you." Suiryu whispered close to her ear before he tossed her to the floor like a rag, showing no mercy.
The huntress squirmed as her hand clutched her sternum, trying to nurse the aching spot. The pain was so unbearable that tears flowed down her eyes as she gasped for air. Every draw of her hitched breathing added the pain.
"B-b-bastard…!"
Suiryu stepped on her arm, pinning her down. He frowned as he bowed down.
"You reek of blood. Even Otto Hartman wasn't this vicious to begin with. Plus, he's quite skillful." The Champion stated coldly. "You're just a small fry who enjoy killing women and children, no?"
"Y-y-you… You know him!?" She sneered and slammed her hand onto his boot, attempting to escape.
"More or less. So, be quiet and let's continue our talk outside." Suiryu jabbed each of his index finger onto the sides of her neck.
She passed out from the pressure point strike. Suiryu rose and looked at the people. Still unnerved by the event, they flinched when they saw his indifferent look. Rifana and Raphtalia came over him right after he subdued the huntress.
"What should we do with this woman, Lord Suiryu?" Raphtalia asked as she stared at the fainted wench apprehensively. "She looks very hostile."
"True. I'll make sure to give her some lesson. So, can you stay here and keep the good knight lady a company? Ask her to have dinner with you. You can go ahead without me." Suiryu spoke as he lifted the huntress like a sac of potato. "Although, I'll be back as soon as I can."
"Consider it done, Lord Suiryu." Rifana smiled reassuringly with confidence, earning a warm smile from Raphtalia.
"Thanks. I'm counting on you two, Rifana, Raphtalia." Suiryu's lips curled up as he turned to the men. "And I do apologize, good gentlemen. I have troubled you so much. Now, let me excuse myself."
The shielder went out with the huntress in his arm, leaving behind the utterly dumbfounded visitors to their device.
Meanwhile, the knight lady raised her hand, but her odd savior had already closed the door. She turned around and found the warm smile of his retainers, welcoming her to join them. Still flustered, she took their lead wordlessly to their table and sat before them.
"You are safe here, so fear not. We are his disciples." Raphtalia opened the talk. "Then, dear Knight Lady, would you like to tell us a bit about what happened?"
The lady sighed. "… Very well."
The moment Suiryu walked out from the bar, he glanced at the surroundings and took a hasty pace. The calm air that night was soothing, matching with the dinner hour. He put a good use of the tranquility to conceal his presence. When he reached the gate of the hamlet, no one had seen him.
He brought the Jaeger woman to the forest. He found a spot near a clearing and dropped her under a birch. He looked around him and his eyes narrowed.
"I see. So you come to pick your dear friend." Suiryu spoke aloud to draw the attention of those who lurked in the shadow. "If you're up for a party, show yourselves, Jaegers!"
The answer for his invitation came in the form of flying bolts and daggers. He evaded them with minimum movements and when the surprise attack ceased, some figures jumped out from the darkness with drawn blades.
Slashes and thrusts rained down upon the martial artist, but he dodged them with light moves, reeling gracefully under the pale light of the crescent moon. He swerved around and his enemies soon took his play as a taunt, riled up for failing to land even a single blow.
Suiryu leaped into the air and landed on an oak's branch. He cast an insulting grin as he plopped down, flaming up his enemies' ire even more.
"Come on, guys…! Is this all you've got for tonight? And if your target is only a knight lady, why should you bring this many? You're not planning to raid Lute, right? I know cause you came from a respectable hunter family." Suiryu spoke nonchalantly as he let his legs dangle.
A guy in a black mantle who wore a tricorne hat went forth. Unlike his comrades who kept shouting profanities at Suiryu, he was extremely composed.
"It is none of your business. We are merely doing our job." The man stated clearly but with a humble tone.
"Unfortunately, your business is also my business." Suiryu replied as he prepared Rope Shield under his cloak. "So, we can say this as a clash of interest, no?"
"I see… If you say so, then we will deal with you in our old-fashioned way."
"Then go on and try! Now, I'll take my turn!" Suiryu sprung upwards and used his fall to stomp the ground, shattering the earth.
The impact shook the hunters' footing and amid their swayed stances, the [Void Fist] master weaved around them to deliver accurate slaps on the sides of their heads. By the time he stepped at the middle of the clearing, his enemies toppled down in cacophony with bruised faces, eyes rolled back.
"I-i-insane…! What is h– GUAAAGHH!"
Without wasting any time, he kicked some rocks and dirt chunks at the remaining crossbow wielders who hid themselves behind the bush and above the trees. They fell to the ground and met the same end as their compatriots at the clearing, knocked out cold.
Suiryu dragged all the bodies and gathered them at the clearing. They were still breathing and suffered no lethal injuries, thanks to his sharp skill.
Truth be told, he never killed a person except that one time in 22nd Super Fight. And Choze had turned into a monster, so he did not really commit a murder to begin with. In his world's civil law, his action might be considered as a self-defense against threat.
Although in the future, the possibility that he should take his enemy's life would arise if the situation went for the worse. Just now was only a lighthearted trial.
With some swift pull here and there, he tied all 14 fainted hunters and huntresses in some groups. He also made sure to loot their belongings as a form of retribution for threatening his joyful life.
He did not want to be a thug, but these scums forced him to become one, so he played his role as best as he could.
Among many weapons that he nicked from the bunch, there were only two which really stood out from the rest. The first belonged to the crazy wench who barged into the tavern while the other was probably owned by the guy with tricorne hat.
He ogled at the huntress' right-hand gauntlet. The design was bizarre and it had a part like a revolver cylinder, embedded in the back of the palm. He pressed the key and the cylinder swung out.
"What the…!? Is this a gun?" Suiryu curiously spun the cylinder as he examined the general appearance. "More like an antique, but this looks functional. If so, where's the cartridge?"
An informative display popped up in his vision.
Arm of Berühren
Type: Alchemy-boosted Mechanical Gauntlet
Level Requirement: 13
Stat:
Attack: +25 | Magic: 0 | Physical Resistance: +30 | Magical Defense: 0 | Speed: -10
Skill: [Fünke Faust] Concussive punch. Attack: +200
A weapon developed using an unknown technology which even surpassed its era. Presumably a result of making contact with another world.
Suiryu whistled. He surely was lucky to get this kind of souvenir. Despite how intriguing the description was, he did not put any more thought and proceeded to strap it on his back. Who knows, his disciples might like this one.
He turned to his side and picked up a nightmarish weapon from the ground. It had a serrated blade at one side and a curving cutting-edge at the other, supported by a bent-handle and a sturdy hinge to allow a compact folding. He gripped the handle and his shield system quickly provided him with another array of info which heralded its bleak secret.
Saw-Cleaver
Type: Hybrid Blade
Level Requirement: 17
Stat:
Attack: +38 | Magic: 9 | Physical Resistance: +20 | Magical Defense: +18 | Speed: +15
A demented weapon meant for murdering humans and monsters alike. Only those who possess a strong fortitude who can wield this weapon, lest it consumes their souls.
Additional Effect: -30% Sanity
His eye twitched. Who in God's name would pick this kind of weapon for battle? It looked robust and could even frighten the enemy before the fight, but if the cost was the user's mind, probably it would only suit a as museum object.
Or it was only meant for those who was already mad.
If his disciples ever landed a hand on this cursed thing, he did not have the guts to imagine what kind of thing they might do. More or less, the fate of their enemies.
Erhard's furnace surely would be its best resting place. Better safe than sorry. He grabbed the weapon by its curving handle and turned back to the assailants before him.
"Alright. So there are a dozen of them. With their skill, they're actually pretty dangerous for common knights." Suiryu re-checked the loops and switched Rope Shield with the base one. "And wow… They have some nice chicks among them. Such a fat chance. It's been ages since I have… Hmm...?"
Suiryu knitted his brows as he glanced at a deeper part of the forest. It was pitch-black, but he sensed the presence of another lurker beneath that darkness.
"Are you an enemy? Show yourself!"
A rustling sound followed. A small gust of wind blew past him and before him, a person in a black hood and white mask knelt. He was surprised not only by the movement speed but also the fact that the mysterious figure was a woman.
"Well… I take it that you want to talk to me." Suiryu said while pressing Saw-Cleaver against a stone, acting as a cane to support his slightly lethargic body after the skirmish. "I suppose you're not from Jaeger."
"Indeed. I am not affiliated with the clan of hunters. And I am here to bring you a message, Lord Shield Hero." The ninja-like lady spoke.
"Okay…" Suiryu nodded as he made sure that she did not pose any threat. "And… Ah. You must be one among those guys from when I met Genevieve."
"That is correct. We are Her Majesty's servants." She nodded. "And the Queen personally would like to thank you for your brave exploit during the Wave."
"Hmm… The Queen's servants? Is that so? Only that?" His brows arched upward as his lips bent into a playful smile. "Only saying thanks?"
The ninja-lady coughed in her hand and took a small bag from under her black garb. "That is also another thing Her Majesty desired to address. Thus on her behalf, I deliver you her small present to support your dangerous endeavor."
Suiryu took the bag and bounced it lightly. It was gold and the amount perhaps exceeded 50 pieces. He smiled and stored the handsome payment into his waist-bag. He tried his hardest to restrain himself from whistling. The sum was quite spectacular for exterminating the Tiger-level Threat mission. Back then, the danger was not as dire as he expected.
"Okay. I've accepted the Queen's kind appreciation, so please tell her that I… love it."
"Certainly."
"Oh. And please do tell her that Argento and Jaegers are causing trouble. They keep harassing me." Suiryu found a courage to complain like a wicked customer to a humble waitress.
"Understood. That is an urgent matter we are dealing with accordingly." The ninja nodded without showing any hint of annoyance.
"Nice. So by the way, if I may ask, where the Queen… I mean, Her Majesty is at the moment?" Suiryu tried to address the good woman with more respect. "I don't know how this country is being run, but is it true that she has a far greater authority than King Aultcray?"
Suiryu just wanted to confirm about how things could go wrong from the beginning. The summoning, the discrimination, the false charge, the murder attempts and how everything turned rotten, all of them had bugged him. Asking question about the queen probably could provide him with a better understanding.
The ninja recollected herself as she drew a breath. How she opened her mouth displayed a sense of deep distraught and regret.
"… Please pardon us for our absence in this dire situation. If only we can meet in a better circumstance sooner, I am certain that we can rectify this problem as well as provide you with a better knowledge about this kingdom." She bowed in a deep apology. "And right at the moment, Her Majesty is attending a conference in a foreign country."
Suiryu hummed for a moment at the odd circumstance. What kind of conference which took more than a month to convene? If that was the case, then it looked like Aultcray was the real ruler while his wife took the role as his second, specifically for dealing with foreign affairs.
'Sending out your wife to a field trip while you're lazing at home? How convenient...' Suiryu inwardly scoffed.
"And to answer your second question, in Melromarc, the queen is the true ruler of the country. King Aultcray acts as her second in command."
His question was answered, but he still failed to understand about how things could become worse. It only left him with one possibility.
"Alright. But why everything has turned like this? Don't tell me the King is attempting to usurp the throne while his wife is away?" Suiryu guessed the worst case scenario. "Actually I don't want to delve into this country's political life, but I am at a lost about how the king can be so lame in handling the matter of heroes. Thanks to him, now I'm a fugitive along with the other heroes, the Sword and Bow. This should never happen, right?"
Suiryu did not want to rant out his thought, but the absurdly frustrating situation had forced him to do so. Although he succeeded to run incognito so far, he still preferred a normal hero job more than anything. Leading a life as a wandering nameless saint truly had its fun, but at some point, it was tiring.
The messenger looked down at the ground. Suiryu noticed that she hid a downtrodden look under her hood. He knew that she wanted to help in some ways, but barred from doing so.
"I truly am afraid that I might speak far beyond my knowledge regarding this complicated matter." The ninja once again bowed deeply. "I cannot enlighten you any more than what Her Majesty had ordered. Thus, I do hope that you would be able to speak with Her Majesty and settle this shameful misunderstanding soon."
The Shield Hero closed his eyes as he made a grimace. It truly was unbecoming of him to get pushy for this matter. He felt really bad for the serious ninja-lady.
"I see. If that is the case, I think it's better if I leave it this way until I meet Her Majesty." Suiryu spoke in resignation as he rubbed his nape. "Sorry for prying this matter too far."
The ninja smiled. "I am able to understand your peril, My Lord. Please, we can only beg you to stay strong."
"True. Then what about these Jaeger guys?" Suiryu dismissed the sentimental talk and gestured at the fainted attackers before them. "What should I do to them?"
"Please, leave them to us." The messenger spoke reassuringly. "At the very least, it is our duty to clean this domestic problem. For the sake of the heroes."
"Alright. So, thanks very much for your service and answering my foolish questions." Suiryu chuckled.
The messenger smiled. "That is another part of our duties to mend all this problem. And one more thing, Lord Shield Hero."
"Hmm? What is it?"
"We have seen you warded off any danger without so much effort, so we would like to ask you a favor."
"A favor?" Suiryu's brows raised. "Is this also the Queen's request?"
"Yes. We believe that you have met Eclair Saeotto.
"Eclair? Is this person an adventurer?" The shielder asked, clueless about the name she mentioned.
"The one Jaegers are pursuing after. Please, take her in your care."
The sudden order snapped the former Neo Hero Leader like a thunderclap. His bearing staggered for a moment as he tried to understand the meaning of her words.
"… Give me a moment." Suiryu raised his hand. "Do you mean that I should protect the knight lady from now on? This isn't serious, right?"
"This is serious. She is Her Majesty's confidante and you are our most trusted and reliable ally." The ninja simply spoke. "Only you who we deem fit to carry out this task. Her Majesty would certainly reward you handsomely."
Suiryu wanted to speak something, but his words failed to come out. The messenger took the cue to continue her explanation.
"We are aware that this is outside your duty as a hero who should fight the Wave of Calamity. And this is awfully embarrassing of us to ask a hero more than it should be, but the situation at the capital is growing more dangerous for the movement of our colleagues."
"Do you mean people like Wagner, Ivan, Mario and Genevieve are in danger?" Suiryu concluded with a growing concern.
"Precisely. The knight and church are beginning to apprehend people whom they consider as suspicious. Under the guise of purging heresy, they take people and imprison them in the capital's dungeon and citadels." The ninja added.
"… That's awful." Suiyu cupped his mouth. "Should this country go that far to mitigate the political threat?"
'Or is it the king's handy work?' Suiryu decided to save that point for himself.
"Sadly, that is the reality we should face in the midst of Her Majesty's absence. We are trying our best to find the safest way to solve this, so we are requesting your aid. We will be indebted to you forever."
Suiryu mulled over this dangerous job. His main duty was to protect the people from the Wave, but he also had taken some odd jobs of mercenary to fill the time. At the surface this might be an opportunity to gain a new member for his party, but considering the complication might entail, he felt a doubt.
He knew that he was not a hero whose drive were his conviction and bravery alone. He was bound by the logic that everything should have its price, meaning that he should take everything into account.
Moreover after the encounter with Gouketsu and Bakuzan, he never thought that he was strong, anymore. He was afraid that he was not up to this task.
"Are you afraid that you might fail in this task, Lord Shield Hero?" The ninja-lady smiled as she read the Champion's countenance like an open book.
Suiryu took in a breath and exhaled it slowly. "Yes. Honestly, I'm afraid that I might make a blunder and… You know?"
"That might be inevitable, indeed, but we have seen you fare with your companions without any problem. That is an enough evidence which guaranteed our faith in you."
"Yeah. That's so far." The martial artist deflected with a deadpan look. "But this is not a small matter. Taking two disciples has gotten my hand full. Taking one more member would be…"
"Troublesome?"
"I'm afraid that's the right term." Suiryu rolled his eyes.
"Then, are you going to abandon her?" The ninja-lady went straight to the point. "Her Majesty actually has a very high expectation on you, Lord Shield Hero."
The champion sighed. "As much as I don't like to see people die before my eyes, certainly I won't leave her. Guess I should admit that you lot are quite sly to exploit people's character."
"We merely follow the true winner." The messenger stated.
"True winner, huh?" Suiryu smiled bitterly at the remark.
The memory of Super Fight tournaments crossed his mind. Now, he was aware that those victories were just nothing. Winning fights against fellow humans had nothing to do with a determination to protect people. He held that principle tightly.
"Thus, start from now on, Eclair Saeotto would be in your care." The messenger spoke with finality.
Suiryu sighed then smiled. "Alright. Then I'll make sure to keep her out of harm's way."
"Thank you. And make sure you make her happy." The ninja-lady winked under her white mask.
"Huh?" The monk-fighter blinked.
"Oh, please pay no mind to it. And… I bid you farewell. May we meet again some day." The messenger leaped into the darkness, leaving the slightly flustered Shield Hero.
"Oh. Farewell." Suiryu turned to see the knocked-out people as he scratched his head. "Geez. I hope she's calling her friends. Well, I guess I should go back for dinner."
"As expected, I missed the dinner with them. The business with those Jaegers and ninja-girl took a while." Suiryu mumbled as he walked upstairs after having his lone dinner.
He pulled a key from his pocket and opened his room. The single-bedded chamber was empty and he closed it. He moved to the one opposite to it and knocked the door.
"Rifana, Raphtalia?"
The door opened to reveal the girls and his supposed new charge. He knitted his eyebrows slightly at the surprising sight.
"Um, Lord Suiryu, please come in." Rifana welcomed her master as she swiftly closed the door. "Lady–"
"Lady Eclair Saeotto, is it?" Suiryu nodded to Rifana and interjected as he smiled. "I believe we have many things to talk about."
"That is my name." The knight with strawberry-blond locks rose from her seat and bowed. "From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for your kindness, Lord Ryuu."
"Please drop the formality. I am just an ordinary peddler." Suiryu waved his hand and took a chair. "And my name is actually Suiryu. So, would you mind to fill me in?"
The raccoon and the weasel shared a glance. Rifana shook her head and Raphtalia took her gesture as an affirmative to tell Suiryu. Raphtalia turned to the guest and she nodded.
"… Lady Eclair is the daughter of the late Lord Saeotto, a knight who governed the land where my hometown was." Raphtalia began the explanation. "But due to unknown reasons, the knight under the rule of the current king accused her of treason and imprisoned her in the keep's dungeon."
Suiryu put a pensive look as he listened to the account. He noticed that the knight still bore some marks from the days in her confinement. His grimace went apparent when he saw her slightly emaciated figure.
"However, I managed to escape around a week ago. Lord Bow Hero was the one who freed us from our cells." Eclair continued as her hand rubbed the sign of the cuff on her wrist.
Suiryu's eyes widened. The revelation about Itsuki struck him like a typhoon. The women could see an expression of slight horror which marred his face. His hand inadvertently moved to cup his mouth. His disciples looked at him with apprehension.
"Lord Suiryu…" Rifana asked in concern.
"Lord Suiryu, is something the matter?" Raphtalia inquired in a subdued tone.
Suiryu took in a breath and turned to Eclair. "I… I'm fine. Just… The circumstance of your meeting with the Bow Hero is quite surprising."
"By any chance, are you acquainted with him?" Eclair asked.
"Well… Yeah. We know each other since we arrived at Melromarc." Suiryu masked his unnerved facade with a nervous chuckle.
The knight lady was not convinced, but she opted to smile. Her blue orbs fixed on the hero's gentle gaze, trying to discover the enigma beyond it.
"And how did you learn about my name, Sir?" Eclair inquired.
"I had just spoken with Her Majesty's servant." Suiryu answered flatly.
Eclair's eyes widened. "Do you mean that you met with Shadow?"
"I don't really understand about this shadow, but the person wore black hooded-cloak and a white mask." Suiryu elaborated.
"I see. Then you really met with Her Majesty's Shadow." Eclair nodded her head.
Eclair's face for a moment grew stern, pondering about the meaning behind the event of Suiryu's encounter with Shadow. If Shadow held a meeting with him, he must be a person she could trust. However, who was this person actually in which her Queen's trust had fallen upon him?
"Pardon my rudeness, Sir, but if I may, I would like to clear my doubt regarding your true identity." Eclair boldly asked. "As Her Majesty's aide, I–"
Suiryu pulled his shield from behind his back as he put a rather crooked smile. "There. Now you are in the mercy of your king's enemy. The Shadow has told me to protect you, so I hold the responsibility to keep you safe. Funny, isn't it?"
"…The Shield Hero…" Eclair stammered as her surprised gaze fixed on the sacred symbol of the protector.
Both Rifana and Raphtalia put a neutral smile. They knew their place as the hero's companions and they tried their best to behave as his good servants. Not that they were under his strict order, but because it was the best thing to do at this moment, lest they shamed their master.
"The situation in this country is worsening and the Shadow asked me to keep you safe." Suiryu restated his role. "Actually, I found this task as something challenging, so I want to ask you about your opinion."
Eclair's face scrunched up a little bit, unready from the sudden question. As one among the strongest knights of Melromarc, she had fended off herself from bandits and garrisons who were after her. Nonetheless, the offer was a decent prospect she should take.
Not to mention that her queen was the one who had planned this all along. She was so grateful that the fair lady also thought about a mere humble servant like her.
Moreover, the man her queen had put a trust on was the Shield Hero, a saint for the demi-humans. Since she came from a family who pursued a peaceful coexistence with demi-humans, this truly was a godsend.
She glanced at Rifana and Raphtalia. They looked healthy and happy, an enough proof that he was a man she could trust. The legend truly did spoke no false.
Eclair immediately knelt before Suiryu. "Then I shall pledge my allegiance–"
"Nope." Suiryu interjected in disapproval as he raised his hand. "You don't need to do that, Miss Eclair."
"B-but, Sir?"
"Let's just take it in a less serious manner. Actually I've met some knights before, but these oath and allegiance things are something that will leave a bad taste for me, personally. Not that I despise them, but I feel that it would strain our mutual relation." Suiryu elaborated. "I'd rather take our relation like a band of adventurers. I believe you get what I mean, right?"
Eclair pursed her lips in embarrassment as her cheeks reddened. She hesitantly stood and faced Suiryu with the courage she tempered through her arduous training as a knight.
Despite his trustworthiness, the hero before her turned out to be a man she failed to reason.
"Very, well. Then from here on, I am in your care as Her Majesty has ordained." Eclair bowed slightly.
"Just take it easy, Eclair." Suiryu spoke reassuringly as he gave a big smile.
Eclair briefly paused as she registered the situation she was in. Surely, she almost had nothing to lose, but the deal still felt off.
"… Well then." Eclair heaved a silent sigh.
The knight lady glanced around the room as she kept trying to grasp the meaning behind this meeting. The man had just offered her a great service. She was certain that there was a price she should pay.
Suiryu quickly grasped the confusion which still lingered on the knight's countenance. "I know this is too much to take in. I also feel the same, but at least we have a better understanding about our current situation."
"That is true, but I wish that this uneasiness would leave my thought soon." Eclair stated as she offered her hand.
"Oh, I assure you that it will vanish in no time." Suiryu took her hand and made a handshake with Rifana and Raphtalia as their witnesses.
"In return, what can I do for you, Lord Shield Hero?" Eclair inquired right after they signed their mutual pact.
"Be my traveling companion. That's all. Other than that, we can talk about it along the way." Suiryu gave a reassuring smile. "And just call me Suiryu."
"Alright, Mister Suiryu."
'What the hell's this?'
Suiryu failed to register what kind of sight he was seeing at the moment. He got up that morning to check the stable, only to find a bizarre sight. He blinked several times, but it did not clear his confusion in the slightest. His jaw slacked as minutes passed. He tried to confirm whether his brain was playing trick on him, but it appeared that it was not.
Confusion also struck his disciples with the same amount of magnitude. However long they stared at the sight, it could not help them to cleanse their befuddlement.
In place of Filo, a girl around the age of 10 was asleep. Her exposed body had a fair skin and her blond lustrous locks spread out above the straw she was lying on. A distinct part of her appearance which garnered more perplexity was the presence of a pair of wings behind her back.
If one was asked what a sleeping angel looked like, this sight probably was the answer.
The said little angel shifted in her place and slowly got up. She yawned and her eyes flickered open to perceive her surroundings. Her face made a bright and joyous smile when she registered the dumbfounded man before her through her blue eyes.
"Good morning, Master!" She greeted cheerfully as she leaped from her bedding.
"Eh?" Suiryu was still trying to perceive the situation before him as the little angel clung onto him.
""Eh?"" And so did Rifana and Raphtalia.
"Master? I'm Filo. Don't you know me?" The little girl spoke, snapping her master out from his trance.
"F-Filo? Err… Really?" The Champion's incredulous look deepened. "Are you really Filo?"
"For real?" Rifana took a closer look as her pal sized the little girl.
"Hmm, hmm…" Filo nodded her head. "It's true. I'm Filo, Master. Look!"
The girl took some steps backwards and a puff of white smoke engulfed her. In her place, the usual overgrown chick suddenly appeared.
"See…?" Filo flapped her wings.
"Now you can even talk?" Raphtalia scratched her head, still in confusion.
Suiryu placed his hand on his face. His understanding about monster seemed to undergo a hard reset. Now he should also add the terms 'bad monster' and 'good monster' into the dictionary called his brain. It was not something hard actually, but being a hero who used to exterminate hostile mysterious beings, the latter term felt distantly foreign.
And to know that there was a species which could evolve from a chick into a human in a span of a week was the real blow to his mind. He still put his dumbfounded look as Filo changed back to her human form.
The gear of confusion in his mind cranked up onto another level since the form the monster took was an adorable lass no older than an average five-grader. That shuddering feel of being a child-abuser licked his spine.
When he thought that Rifana and Raphtalia were an enough example of this world's absurdity, Filo's case turned out to be more outrageous. Being a man who never really put fantasy stories as his fancy made this situation even harder to understand.
"Master, are you alright?" Filo asked as she tugged Suiryu's cloak.
The martial artist inhaled a long breath through his nose and released it slowly. "Yes. I'm fine, Filo."
"Then Filo is happy to hear that." The little girl's cheerful smile shined once again when she saw her master also smiled.
Suiryu swiftly undid his cloak and wrapped it around the little girl, out of decency. Filo however seemed to object his act.
"Filo doesn't need any clothe." She pouted.
Her honest statement prompted her master to facepalm. On the other side, Rifana's smile twitched while Raphtalia cast an ominous smile. Their minds felt like getting some beating from this child's common sense.
Birdbrain. How irritatingly fitting of a term.
"Filo, do you know that if you don't wear anything, you might scare people, hmm?" Raphtalia said as she patted the girl's head gently with an irk-laced smile on her face. "Besides, you can catch a cold."
"Eeeeeh? Then I'll just hug Master. Because Master is warm." The overgrown chick shape-shifter, or whatever she was, suddenly hugged the martial artist tightly.
To make it more awkward in a painful way, she pressed her face against his most cherished part between his legs.
"UH–OH!" A gasp of utter shock from a new source echoed in that stable.
"GEH!" "WOAH!" The two demi-humans were confused to direct their shock, either at their master's predicament or at the knight lady's sudden arrival.
Suiryu's mentally exhausted face met the heir of Saeotto as he tried to pry Filo off of him. "Alright. Please, let me explain."
Author's Note
Well, been a while. Apologies, for many things had restrained me from continuing my works. Despite the long wait, I really am astonished by your support, Dear Readers. From a small pit called my heart, I thank you. |-)
And… Arghhhh…! Dear Readers, do anyone of you also feel the same distaste as mine toward the spear hero? Like… You want to have Fuhrer Ugly punch his face and tear his scrawny body apart? Or maybe shove him to Smelly Lid Prison and let Puri Puri Prisoner have a taste of him?
Sorry for the evil thought, but after I rewatched the anime, I feel his stupid resentment towards Naofumi is… sickeningly annoying.
At last, Filo has appeared. I'm not really sure about this, but Suiryu would really have a daughter. Cheers for Suiko's bro!
Of all people, why should it be Eclair? The answer is because I want to make this fic a little bit different where there is also an element from Reprise of The Spear Hero. Besides, she's a good balancer for Suiryu's carefree personality, so let's see how it rolls.
Okay, I do hope you enjoy this fic and I really am grateful for your continuous support for this story and my other works as well. Thank you so much and let us see again in the next story. ;-D