Welcome to the next chapter.
Darth Simp; Glad you liked it! Yeah, Vetto didn't go his full power, and the same for Venta. Fana and Venta's meeting is going to be quite wild. I'm glad you like Fana in this. That would be pretty cool for the pair of them. Yeah, when she comes back, Venta will explain that to her. Haha, Yami seems to not catch a break when it comes to this huh. Yeah, if he's able to, then he could counter Tomura's Decay with his own Quirk as he learns more and more about it. They'd be cool hero names.
wellingtonlucas282; Thank you, I'll check them out!
Kdidier; Mars interactions with Venta could be quite interesting to see, is all I can say.
ShadowUzumaki55; Yeah, their mission was a successful one. Fana does seem to yeah. He is trying to do his best as the Vice Captain hehe. It's going to be quite good for Charlotte~
Silver crow; Thanks very much. Yes, I know, that's gonna be spoken about this chapter. Charmy surely did yeah. Noelle was pretty cute huh. Yeah, they all enjoyed riding in his gravity. Dorothy definitely was prepared yeah. He's honed his sensing skills a good deal. Maybe he is yeah. He and his Devil have a good connection yeah. Glad you liked that scene with the ice berg, and yeah, he's doing his best to encourage Noelle in what she wishes to do. Seihi did yeah. Glad you liked the Fana scene. Lolo was pretty cute huh. Karna could do yeah. That would be cool if they were married. He and Vanessa could share a drink. Yeah, Mars wouldn't be able to defeat Venta. We'll get some nice scenes of them together. I could see Sol doing that. Thanks for the suggestions. Yeah, Dorothy was getting it for the pair of them. Yeah, that could be cool with Mars. He could refer to them like that sure. Lemons will come in time. Yeah, her name shall be revealed soon.
Noelle fan; Yeah, they did quite well. Glad you liked the little Vetto vs Venta fight. Yeah, Seihi managed to survive here. We will be pretty soon.
djinn; Thanks!
Guest 1; Yeah, that would be a nice name.
kurenai lui; Yeah, seems like she's going to be gone from the story. Yeah, Venta's pretty strong. I guess we'd have to wait and see if Time Magic comes up for the Devils. Yeah, that would be cool for them to have a moment. Yeah, that sounds good, thanks for the suggestion.
Saurian MP4; Thanks! Yeah, Vetto seemed quite determined huh. Yeah, Fana doesn't want to see Venta be harmed. Thank you very much!
Andrew123456; It seems to have divided a lot of people, I'm not sure what I'd change about that just yet.
Guest 2; Seihi could show up for that yeah.
Guest 3; Haha, yeah maybe a few could battle it out lol. Glad you liked how Venta and Magna were portrayed, and yeah, Seihi's still living! Dorothy definitely is yeah, Yami's gonna have to deal with two ladies able to win at him against poker, and other card games. Hmm, she might be getting a bit drunk around Venta~ Glad you liked the fight between Venta and Vetto. Fana and Venta, their relationship is going to be quite interesting to see when it comes about. Nero is yeah, we'll be seeing that pretty soon. Hmm, maybe there might be something they could do. Thanks very much! Thanks for the suggestion.
Guest 4; That would be nice if Salamander did that with Venta, and later returned to her.
Guest 5; Mereoleona could be yeah, it would lead to some very fun scenes later on when they meet up with one another. Yeah, Gordon wont be forgotten lol. That would be pretty funny of Yami. Thanks for the suggestion.
Guest 6; Yeah, I don't see why they couldn't do that. That would be quite the Klaus thing to do, at least from that arc yeah. Thanks for the suggestions.
nashawnbest; Thanks for the suggestions!
Guest 7; That would be a pretty cool idea for a story, thanks for the suggestions!
Guest 8; That would be a cool story to do with Azazel. I could see Kuroka being that for her yeah.
Guest 9; Yeah, it could do, and eventually we'll get to those kind of scenes.
With those reviews out of the way, it's time to start the chapter!
Pay day!
Once all of the mess in Sosshi had been finished, Venta casually was rearranging the damage that he, and the others had caused in the area so it would become fixed. Noelle looked on from the sidelines, as Magna and Seihi were having a deep manly conversation, Asta herself was passed out, hovering in the air beside Venta thanks to his Gravity Magic, seemingly tired from what happened that day.
"It seems to be getting late huh. The suns going down, I didn't think we'd be here this long. But this is also apart of a mission I suppose."
Noelle mused, Venta nodded.
"Sorry, it seems we wont be back for your sister. Unless you wanna head back now? I can get you back, and come back, it isn't an issue."
She thought about it.
But ultimately, she didn't think that it would be good if she suddenly left now, as she wished to see what else was going to happen. Even with the fighting stopped, she couldn't take off now as she was still apart of this mission.
Noelle shook her head.
"It's okay, this time I'd like to see how the mission is wrapped up." As she spoke, a little girl came up and presented some flowers to her. "F-For me?"
"You protected us all...thank you!"
Noelle was touched, accepting the flowers, as the girl giggled, and ran off.
As she did, Venta glanced at Noelle who smelled the flowers.
"This is a good part of being a Magic Knight, don't you think Noelle-san?"
Noelle tilted her head.
"What is?"
"Seeing the happy faces of those around. They looked so peaceful, didn't they? And that little girl, she had immense appreciation on her face for you."
Noelle's face curled upwards.
"Yes, I suppose that you're right...it was odd. I hadn't ever had anyone look at me like that before. Back before we met, with the way my Mana was, I always was looked down upon by other royalty. But today, I was able to use my powers to help people. I saved peoples lives, is this the feeling that you really experience when you manage to save people?"
Venta chuckled lightly.
"Yes, that's right. It really is a good feeling, isn't it?"
Noelle didn't usually smile in front of others.
But for this instance, she couldn't contain the smile growing on her face.
"Yes, I do like it, Venta-kun."
Venta smiled softly, as he continued using his Magic around the area, fixing everything that was around. Using his Magic in such a way that the area would be pristine in condition, the buildings that had some damage as well were fixed thanks to his Gravity Magic's manner of usage.
As he did, he thought about what happened with Fana and what Vetto said.
How someone cared for him.
It did make him ponder, what it was that he, and that girl had in common.
What their connection was.
He knew sooner or later, they'd have to have a confrontation, he just wondered what was going to become of it.
Fana, after the portal had closed, looked at Vetto who was growling in anger.
Her eyes looked towards the portal, or where it was beforehand, and flames began to erupt within her.
And they were now erupting outwards, burning more and more of the area.
But they didn't seem to be the flames of anger.
They seemed to be something else.
Something more painful, something that seemed hard to even think about.
"You didn't have to ruin it for me!"
Vetto angrily said to Fana who's eyes shot for him.
"You're lucky that I came when I did."
"What? You think that guys stronger than I am?"
"I think you underestimated your opponent, otherwise your nose wouldn't be broken right now and you wouldn't have that wound in your thigh, would you?" Vetto growled as he rubbed his broken nose. "Go and see Sally, she'll fix it for you."
"I don't need a human to fix anything-"
"I said go, right now."
Vetto was surprised by the anger that she was releasing.
"It seems that you're pissed off. Fine, I'll go and see that human to get fixed. Though humans...tch, having to rely on them for anything, it makes me feel so angry, that I don't know what to do with the anger that's inside of me!"
"Channel it, and do something productive."
Vetto looked at Fana.
To snap at a human, he'd understand.
But a fellow elf seemed to be rather shocking.
He pulled back, and then left out of the room, as Fana felt her flames soothing more to a relaxed state.
Yet she kept them up around her, with the flames growing as she thought about the situation.
No, who she was thinking about was Venta himself.
As the flames became more and more intense, Patolli came walking in once feeling the heat from down the corridor.
"Fana, what's happening? I heard arguments between you and Vetto, I thought we didn't argue unlike those humans. We're above such things."
Patolli asked the young pink haired woman as he tried to approach.
But the flames seemed to be keeping him at bay.
"I couldn't keep my emotions back, I acted to make sure Vetto didn't end up deceased. I know we're above such things. In that instant, I simply lost control of the emotions that I have, it wont happen again."
Patolli furrowed his brows.
The way that she spoke and the way that she looked, told him that more was going on that she would want to reveal.
"So, what happened on the mission?"
"...He has a second Magic Stone."
Patolli narrowed his brows this time.
Knowing she meant Venta, after he had heard Vetto speaking about it, he did wear a troubled expression on his face.
"Heath?"
"Dead."
Fana replied with a single word, something that did dishearten Patolli.
Not because he was worried about the human.
Because now two Magic Stones laid in the possession of Venta, he knew that it would be very troubling if he kept gathering them, otherwise they'd not be able to fulfil their plan, and be able to bring what they wished for.
Patolli tightened his hand, and light began to gather between his fingers.
Fana was surprised to see that Patolli was taking it as hard as he was.
But as soon as she thought it, Patolli took in a deep breath, calming his rapidly beating heart.
"Damn...I didn't think that he'd be there. But how did you know he'd be there? You had asked for our Spatial Magic user to come here, did you not?" Fana didn't answer. "Are you trying to keep tabs on him for us? You do not have to do that, considering-"
"I was making sure that he didn't do anything that could hinder our plans even more. I also thought that if we came at that time, maybe we would have caught him by surprise, but it seems that we didn't manage to do that in the end."
Fana's cold hearted reply, didn't reflect what was burning bright within her mind.
"I see. Even then, Heath...damn human. He failed us."
"Repercussions?"
"Fortunately he has died, so we don't have to worry about him revealing anything. Fana, you don't have to put yourself in close proximity to that boy. What's in the past is-"
"In the past." She replied as her eyebrows narrowed. "He right now stands against our goals. He has two Magic Stones now. I shall do what is necessary for us to achieve our goals. Even if it is that boy. Do you doubt my loyalty?"
"Not at all, I know how much you loathe humans, I am merely expressing my concerns that is all."
Fana's eyes met with her leaders.
They didn't say anything in those few moments.
But to Patolli, it was very telling what was going on within the young woman as they looked at one another.
"If that's the case, then I'll be making sure that we gain new members. We keep losing members thanks to that boy."
"Yes, I understand."
Fana murmured out, Patolli looked on with an interested glance.
He could see that Fana seemed to have a lot on her mind.
More than she typically would do in this situation.
"Then would you inform Rhya for me?"
"Yes."
Patolli bows his head.
"Do not worry Fana, I know what you want regarding that boy."
Fana's eyes widened when he said that.
"...Saying that now..."
"Fana, do not worry, I keep my word to fellow Elves such as yourself. A close loyal comrade. That boy might hinder our plans. Though I might have to injure him, is that something you'll be able to deal with?"
"..."
She didn't answer.
But did give the slightest of nods, even if that was something she didn't really reflect within her own heart.
"Also, it seems that Vetto fought him. How did the fight go?"
"Neither went to their full powers, but I did see that Vetto lost his composure during the fight, which left him with a broken nose."
"I see...then I must be going Fana, do take care."
Fana nodded, as Patolli walked off.
As he did, she looked down at her outfit, and then as the wild flames danced around her, they formed a humanoid shape. The shape looked to be like Venta, only made of fire, as the fiery form reached out its hand and placed it on top of her own, causing her to smile.
As she did, Sally was watching from a good distance, keeping herself hidden the best that she could, and kept wondering what was truly going on.
While the events of the Sosshi was going down, Charlotte was taking some lessons from Dorothy. Seeing how she was learning more and more from the sleeping Captain, Charlotte was gaining lots from the small time that they had begun.
Dorothy produced a card and passed it onto Charlotte.
[You learn quickly.]
Charlotte tips her head.
"I have been studying what you've been teaching me. It seems though that I cannot match your skills in these games."
Dorothy shook her head, producing another note for the beauty.
[Even then, you have progressed far enough to challenge Yami-chan.]
Charlotte ran a hand through her blonde hair.
"But it hasn't even been more than a day. Do you think that I am ready to challenge him?"
[I have shown you enough to get by, I am confident you can win.]
Charlotte scratches her cheek.
"W-Well, if you think that I have the capabilities to do it..."
[I do.]
She replied with a note, Charlotte cupped her hands together, and showed an intrigued expression.
Whatever was going to happen, Charlotte would do her best.
Travelling back towards the Black Bulls base, Asta danced around Venta as they along with Noelle, and Magna walked outside of the base itself. Thoughts raced through Venta's mind, now with two Magic Stones, he might be able to help Nero appear in her normal form once again, all he needed was one last item that he thought would be able to help, and he was pretty sure he knew where to get it as well.
As they did, Noelle looked towards Venta, and tilted her head.
"Venta-kun, you seemed familiar with their presence, you know, the enemies that attacked. I was wondering, do you know anything about them?"
"I don't know much, but I do know that they have Captain levels of Mana on their squad, from what I sensed at least three have that, they have some scientist powering people up, and they also seemingly are after something's, that we can't be sure yet. I sent word back before us, to see if maybe the Magic Investigation Department is capable of doing anything to help us out. I think Vanessa-san and Finral-san will have gone ahead there."
"Three?"
Asta wondered, so Venta explained.
"That fire girl, that guy with the Beast Magic, and finally, I encountered another. They were in a portal at the time, so I didn't get a good look at their face. But I do know that that person had high levels of Mana like that beast guy, and fire girl."
"They also seemed to be focused in on you Venta-kun."
Noelle expressed with some concern, Venta laughed awkwardly.
"I'm popular for all the wrong reasons. I've met a few of their soldiers I guess you could call them, wiped them out, and was able to hinder their plans, like the time that they came for Asta-san and Yuno-san, that was quite the good luck there huh Asta-san?"
"Aah~ Our love story my future husband, it is such a treat~"
Noelle bit her lower lip as she watched Asta hugging Venta very tightly around his waist.
"Do we know their names?"
Magna asked, Venta shrugged.
"Eeh, not entirely sure. I remember hearing one say something about an eye and something about midnight. It was an intense situation so it couldn't really be conveyed that well. But don't worry, so far it seems that they haven't made any active moves against the Captain's if they're looking to do anything to ignite fear within the masses, then it would take down the Captains or the Wizard King, things like that. But they haven't, and are doing behind the scenes type of things."
Noelle thought that would make sense.
"Venta-kun, what are we gonna do about them?"
Asta chimed in, Venta nodded a single time.
"For now, we have little to go on so I couldn't be entirely sure. Still, whatever it is that they're doing, we'll eventually find out. I'm sure that we will. In the meantime, you all managed to come together, and defeated the enemies. For a first mission, Noelle-san, Asta-san, you both did incredibly well. And Magna as well, you did very well in the face of danger, keeping your cool when the situation went into ways that you didn't expect."
Both Asta and Noelle smiled at the praise as did Magna who did a mini fist pump, while Venta continued on.
But then concern came over Magna as he looked towards the way they came from.
Towards Sosshi.
"I'm glad that Sosshi isn't involved. But, what if they attack again?"
Venta shook his head.
"I highly doubt they would."
Magna cocked his head right.
"Why not?"
"Because they know we know they appeared there, if they did it again then they'd be risking more causalities, and they aren't endless so they wouldn't bother sending people on a fools errand you know?"
Magna thought that was rather plausible.
They continued on, until they finally arrived back at the base. When they stepped inside, Yami saw the four coming in, so he looked towards Venta.
"How did it go?"
"It actually went really well. All three of them stepped up, and protected the village of Sosshi, taking down four Mage's. Though it seems that they all died, Asta-san and Noelle-san did their best, and managed to defeat the enemies together with Magna's support. All in all, they did very well."
"Haha, well if that's the case, then pass that onto the Wizard King, so we can get some more stars."
"Stars?"
Asta wondered, Venta nodded and explained.
"Whenever we do missions, the Wizard King can award stars based on the Magic Knights performance. Sometimes they also can be taken away, so...well, it seems that our squad sometimes does that-"
Before he could finish, Nebra stepped in through the doors.
Her eyes went towards Venta first, and she smiled.
But then she stopped, and turned towards Yami.
"Captain, did you receive my request?"
"Request?"
Noelle asked, Nebra waved her hand, so Noelle paused, and waited for Yami to answer.
Yami furrowed his brows.
"I'm not sure that I can physically do that though. For my health at least."
Venta blinked, wondering what that even meant.
Nebra thought that he'd say something like that.
"Captain, if it is about the money, then do not concern yourself. I have enough for that. If you'd allow me, then I think it would be good to expand that particular room."
Venta now was more curious.
"What are you expanding?"
Nebra waved her hand.
"Darling, if you wish to know, how about a kiss?"
Noelle spluttered as Asta leaned forward.
"You want to kiss?"
"Not from you."
Nebra growled, Venta lightly laughed.
"Eeh, I'm not going to kiss you to gain information."
Nebra releases a sigh.
"Well, fine. Our first really should be a romantic moment, which I am still holding you to darling. Dazzle me with the best kind of date and you get rewarded with a kiss~" Venta sweat dropped, nodding a single time. "Then darling, what I asked is if your room could be expanded."
"Expand...my room?"
Venta murmured, Nebra nodded.
"Of course darling, if I am going to live here, then there's need for closet space, bed space, because we need a bigger bed. While it seems that I cannot change it, I am not blind darling. There are several girls vying for your affection, I have to be prepared for what task may come in the future, you understand darling. I have many things that I have to prepare for."
As she said it, Noelle's face flew through several shades of red, while Asta raised her hand.
"Big sister Nebra, you also wish to marry future husband?"
Even though she was called big sister by Asta, Nebra let that slide surprisingly, and continued on.
"T-That's a question for another time. What I am saying is that, the drunk girl, you, wind girl, that sheep cooking girl, and possibly others that I don't know of...ooh yes, Captain Dorothy as well, all of them are dangerous, I am merely preparing for the future."
Venta was surprised she could speak so casually to someone like Asta.
But he was glad she could, and he then continued with a small breath release.
"So, you really want my room expanded huh? How big do you want it?"
Venta wondered, seeing as Nebra had decided something else entirely.
Nebra shrugged.
"I have done some thinking, some soul searching if you will, and if we are going to be the ultimate couple, then really we do need to share a room darling. And I have some expectations when I live somewhere, and I've been discussing it with your Captain, so I'd like the response so I can have my team do some, refurbishments. I haven't fully decided on the size just yet, which I'd want your input in as well darling."
"That's great, so what's the first decision we'd need to make?"
Nebra giggled sweetly.
"Room colour, there are several colours that we could choose from. Do you like the colour silver? I personally love it, so what do you think?"
Venta awkwardly laughed.
"Haha...well, it's a nice colour yes."
"Splendid, then we'll have much to discuss. Pets, how about we get a pet?"
"He's got a bird!"
Asta cheered, Venta looked towards Nero who peaked her head out of his hair.
"Well, she isn't really my pet you know so...I have a pet, but erm, not of the cuddly kind."
Nebra raised a brow.
"I didn't know this. Where is this pet?"
"Downstairs."
Nebra raised her head curiously.
"If that's the case, then I'd like to go and see this pet, to see if he or she is well enough to be raised by us."
"Well, if you're going to look, I'd say to stay a good distance back, it has...some issues."
Nebra laughed awkwardly, while Noelle felt sweat pouring from the top of her head, Asta on the other hand wondered if that was what she saw when she was in the lower levels of the base that time they had the tour, the glowing eyes, came to her mind immediately.
"O-Oh...that sounds...ooh..."
Yami nodded.
"Our pets are great. Mine are awesome."
"My one seems to hate everything in this world apart from a few things, it doesn't hate me at least."
Venta smiled out, with Asta, and Noelle looking on in shock.
Nebra looked as if she was about to collapse with the news hitting her like a mass of bricks.
"Y-Your animal hates everything?"
Noelle bravely asked, she kept wondering what else she was going to learn about in the near future.
"It has that look in its eyes you know? As if it could do anything at any given moment, terrifying huh."
Noelle placed a hand over her mouth while Asta had starry eyes.
"Wow, even future husbands pets are cool! Venta-kun, can we name the pet that you...ooh! Right! We came off a mission! We have to do our thing now!" Asta grabbed Venta's hand and dragged him over to the couch, where she practically threw him onto it, and then hopped onto his lap. "Lets talk about our day, okay?"
Nebra seethed at how she dragged Venta away from her.
Asta swayed side to side on his lap, while she beamed at him.
"What do you wanna talk about? I was there all day with you, remember?"
"Well yeah, but we can still talk about it! Like that fire, wasn't that crazy? Could have been burned to death!"
"I wouldn't have let us be burned to death."
"I know! Ooh, that guy also, with the weird Magic claw thingy's, that was pretty cool, wasn't it?"
"I suppose so yeah."
As Asta smiled...the world got cold.
Coming from the kitchen, Charmy's eyes went towards Asta.
Where she was sat.
On the lap she held so precious.
"La, what are you doing?"
The way Charmy said it to Asta caused the small girl to shiver in place.
As if she was ready to give up.
"A-Ah, Charmy-chan! There are you! Ehehe, this lap is...eeh, the lap is soft, and...ehehehe..."
Usually Asta would be quite energetic.
But this time it seemed to be different.
Charmy moved closer, and she casually got onto his lap, staring Asta out.
Asta shuddered while Charmy continued to stare at her.
The atmosphere in the room was tense.
Even the usual speaking Nebra wasn't saying anything.
They could only watch as Asta and Charmy both sat on Venta's lap, the former looking worried, while the latter stared at Asta very hard. It wasn't even a glare, it couldn't be categorized as such a thing.
Later that night, Venta and Yami sat downstairs together, once everyone had gone to their rooms. Speaking quietly, so no one would be disturbed by their voices, a private meeting between Captain and Vice Captain.
"...So, they have three Captain Class, maybe even beyond, Mage's?"
"Yes, a fire user, a Beast Magic user, and one that I can't be sure of yet, as it didn't feel like a genuine magic type when I was attacked by in that cave. Their objective seems to be the Magic Stones. What they want with them, I can't be sure."
"I see. I presume that you'll be speaking to the Wizard King about it?"
"Yes, I thought I should also inform you Captain."
"It's a good idea, and yeah...Magic Stones huh, makes you wonder what's going on in these guys heads. But whatever it is that you're doing, it's hindering their plans, so that's one for us. Still, it pisses me off that we don't know what's going on currently."
"I share your feelings Captain, I am angry that they are causing panic and destruction to those that are innocent. If I hadn't of been there, that guy Seihi-san would have been killed, and God knows what else they've done, if they have any Magic Stones. Maybe it's wishful thinking that they don't have it, but it is always a possibility they have one or more ."
Yami ran a hand through his hair.
"Damn Mages. Well, I'll leave the task to you to inform the Wizard King. So far you've got two, haven't you? For that project of yours."
"Yes, I can't relinquish them yet, I need to try a few things out before anything else."
Yami laughs.
"Always up to something, aren't you?"
"Making me sound like I am always up to no good, honestly Captain."
Yami continues to laugh, while Venta begins to laugh as a result.
"So, have any idea where these other Magic Stones are?"
Two images came into his mind.
One was Yuno.
The other was the Captain of the Crimson Lions, Fuegoleon himself.
"Honestly, couldn't say. Besides two, possibly three, but the two that I do know of are with some strong people. And the third one, I would have to go to that person. But as I'm sure you're aware, she can be...quite opposed to men being around."
"Aah, right I see. Yeah, that might be tricky. Better leave that for the moment."
"Yes, eventually it will have to be discussed. But for the moment, it is fine where it is. And the other two as well, I'm sure they'll be in good hands. Though I'll make Julius-san aware of them regardless if he isn't already haha."
As he spoke, Yami noticed something, something that he had to have some fun with.
"Julius-san? Since when did you call him that?"
Venta's eyes widened, he didn't even think about it.
"Haha, did I say that? I meant to say Wizard King~"
"Nah, just say Julius, I'm sure he'd want that anyway." Venta smiled, as Yami stood up. "Well, I'm off then. My bed is calling me."
"Good night Captain."
Yami gave a very casual wave as he walked up the stairs.
Once disappearing, Venta saw Nero fly out of his hair, and land on his lap.
"Hear that Nero?"
"Yes, it seems that things are becoming serious."
"Yeah, but I wouldn't worry about it for the moment, I'm sure the Wizard King will know what we're gonna do. But speaking of, I'm having a conversation with him tomorrow, and asking for some advice to do with your curse, and the theory I've been working on with the Magic Stones. He's a very knowledgeable guy, so he might be able to lend me some assistance in that regard."
Nero adopted a light smile on her bird face.
"Yes, that would be good. I can hardly wait."
Venta smiled, petting the birds head.
"Not long now, I'm sure Nero-chan."
Nero continued looking up towards him.
Admiration filled her eyes, the fact that Venta was able to do so much for her. Going this length for her, she couldn't ever say thank you enough. Though she also was aware that even if she did say anything, he'd brush it off, as he simply wished to help her, which was beautiful for the young girl.
The next day, Venta woke up, to see that Dorothy was laid next to him. Her face laid comfortably on his bare naked chest, her arms draped around his frame, while her hand and his held onto one another.
Using her chance fully, Dorothy didn't give this time up at all.
She spent her time hugging Venta tightly.
He could hear there was knocking on the door.
But when he tried to open it, Dorothy kept her vice like grip around his form.
She wouldn't let him go.
[Venta-kun, wont you open the door darling?]
It was Nebra.
Venta tried to, but Dorothy raised her head, her eyes still asleep, and she shook her head.
"Eh...I'm just a bit busy right now Nebra-san, I'll be down soon."
[It's that woman, isn't it?]
Venta grimaced, seeing Dorothy's head swaying left to right, and back again.
"No..."
[Darling, what about our plans to expand the room?]
As she spoke, Dorothy's hand placed on his right cheek, dragging it towards her face.
His cheeks turned slightly red as she placed her head close to his face.
As she did, he felt her breath tickling her skin, causing him to twitch side to side due to that action alone. Venta then felt Dorothy's lips press against his cheek, his cheeks flushing more at the sudden contact.
As if sensing it though, Nebra knocked hard on the door.
[Everything's gone quiet darling, could you tell me what's going on?]
As she said it, Dorothy wrote a note, and passed it onto Venta.
He looked down, taking said note, and held it to his face.
[Don't tell her.]
Venta chuckled awkwardly, his eyes dancing between the door, and Dorothy.
In the end, Dorothy seemingly won out as she simply made sure the door couldn't be opened despite how hard Nebra knocked on it.
A small time later on, the Black Bulls for the most part, along with Nebra, were having breakfast together. Asta and Charmy sat on Venta's thighs, to the chagrin of Charmy herself since she wished for his lap to be her own personal seat.
While having breakfast, Vanessa leaned across towards Venta and she lets out a yawn.
"Even though we got late back last night, we didn't find anything out about those that attacked Sosshi. They couldn't get any information and have hit a dead end. Doesn't that suck Venta-kun? Even though you and they were targeted."
"They must be a really mysterious group. I'm sure in time we'll capture some members, and get information from them, useful information. All we've got so far is information that doesn't really help us."
As they listened in, Yami cleared his throat.
"It isn't our problem for the moment, we'll leave it to the Magic Investigation Department, and let them handle everything in the investigation and see if there's anything that they could need us for. Until then, relax for a bit. But just in this morning, we got a star for the mission you all did."
Yami produces a golden star, and places it on a board.
Having heard the explanation already, Asta leaned forward.
"So, who's got the most?"
"Golden Dawn currently have the most with seventy, we aren't far behind."
Venta replied to the young girl.
Yami rubbed under his nose.
"I know, ever since I made you my Vice Captain, it seems that the other members have been working harder, and we've gained more stars."
Most sweat dropped and thought "He's admitting that Venta-san/kun is able to make people work better than he can." as Yami looked between them all.
Seeing that no one said anything, he produces some money.
"And it's that time to get paid for the work of a Magic Knight. Don't spend it all in one place."
Asta's eyes became stars as she was tossed a bag.
Noelle also received hers, and looked at it.
"Wow! This is amazing! This can buy like five...no, ten years of tatoes! I'm sure Sister Lily could make many things with all of this, I'll have to send money towards the Church as well back in Hage, aah I'm sure Sister Lily then would see that we can support her as she marries Venta-kun too~"
Noelle looked at the money and while she knew it wasn't as much as compared to what she has seen in her life, it was money that she earned, and she had a more humble outlook on what was going on currently in her life, so she was quite happy to get the money.
As Noelle looked over hers, Nebra hummed and looked towards Yami.
"Captain."
"What is it mist girl?"
"I was just thinking about-"
"I know, don't worry mist girl."
Venta didn't even know what she was speaking about.
But he decided to look to Noelle who looked deep within thought.
"What are you going to spend it on?"
Venta asked Noelle who shrugged.
"I haven't decided yet. What about you?"
Venta hummed.
"I was thinking about getting some stuff for Rebecca-san and her family."
"Rebecca-san huh?"
"Yeah, I thought that it would be good to give her the money, I frequently visit her when I get the chance. She's someone that's raising her little siblings." As he spoke, he glanced at Asta. "Asta-san, are you going to spend any money on yourself?"
"I wouldn't know what to get thought future husband. Any suggestions?"
"Hmm, I couldn't really say. Vanessa-sans better at handling that kind of stuff than I am."
As he said it, Vanessa herself came walking up, showing a small smile on her lips.
Looking towards Asta, and Noelle, she wrapped arms around her.
"Don't worry about it girls, I can help you figure out what it is that you wish to do with your money. After all, shopping is a specialty of mine."
Noelle and Asta tilted their heads, wondering what they were going to be doing with Vanessa.
Just then, as they were discussing what to do with their money, Venta and others felt someone coming in.
It was a really familiar feeling.
Venta smiled slightly as they made it to the door.
Stepping through the door, was Charlotte.
"Prickly Queen."
Yami greeted, Charlotte held her head up.
"Yami-san, I have come to issue a challenge towards you."
Yami was intrigued.
So was Venta, he didn't expect her to suddenly say that.
"What challenge?"
"Yes, I have heard that you are something of a gambler, is that correct?"
Yami didn't deny it, shrugging.
"I suppose you could say that yeah. So what have you got thought up in your head Prickly Queen?"
Charlotte with her composed expression, extended her finger towards Venta.
"A game of poker, with the chance for Venta-kun to come to my squad for the week."
Yami's face drops, while Noelle and Nebra's mouths hang open.
""EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEH?!""
Both sisters yell at the same time while Asta begins laughing.
"Haha, you two really are in time with one another huh?"
As Asta said it, Yami placed a hand over his mouth.
"I knew it Prickly Queen! I had a feeling this would come one day! Of course, since you're into younger men-"
"S-Stop that at once Captain Yami!" Charlotte yelled out, nervousness growing on her face, as she glanced to the side to see Venta waving at her. "Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep! If he believes his Captain, then he'll know! I wont be able to handle it...okay Charlotte, calm down, he doesn't know anything. It is alright."
Charlotte composed herself, which was very hard as she felt her body shaking from what Yami had said in front of Venta himself.
She calmed down enough to speak to him.
"Are you refusing? Because you believe that I might be superior in cards? Or, perhaps I should tell Karna-san that you are refusing a challenge?"
Yami's face adopted a serious look.
"We don't need to bring Karna into this Prickly Queen."
"Then, what is it that you wish to do? Are you going to accept the challenge?"
Yami laughed happily.
"Aah Prickly Queen, you want to play a game of cards with me huh? That's alright...actually." He looked towards Venta, and held out his hand. "Venta, my Vice Captain. The boy, that stands beside me, that I cherish and would happily go into every battle with-"
"Didn't you just get paid?"
Venta cut him off with a dead pan expression, Yami laughed awkwardly.
"You see, the thing about that is...I have to use that to pay back some debts, you see...damn witch with her damn cards..."
Murmuring at the end, Venta sighed, and produced a bag of money.
"Here, Captain. Should this be enough?"
Yami's eyes lit up, and rushed over.
"You are amazing my Vice Captain! Of course yes, don't worry, I can't lose to Prickly Queen. She isn't a wizard at this like that damn sleepy head."
Charlotte looked on, shaking her head.
"Taking the money of your subordinates, do you have no shame?"
"Don't say it with a judgmental voice Prickly Queen, I always pay him back! Besides, aren't you yourself shameless for flirting with my-"
"Stop!"
Charlotte placed a hand over her heart, leaving everyone clueless as to what was going on.
Well, besides Vanessa who thought it was funny.
Charlotte herself breathed in and out as slowly as she could, to tame the wildness that was growing within her heart all of a sudden.
"Haha, well. If you wanna do this, then its your loss. I mean, I might have a reputation at losing to that sleepy head, but you Prickly Queen, you couldn't have the skills to beat me. So, what do you want if you win?"
"I want...I mean, I request Venta-kun...f-for a week..."
Charlotte was becoming increasingly shyer as she spoke, Venta tilted his head, and pointed at himself, Charlotte nodded, she couldn't even speak anymore due to what she was feeling deep inside of her.
"If that's the case, then I don't mind that Captain."
"Great, great. Don't worry Venta, it wont come to that. And if I win Prickly Queen, why don't you tell me what you think of my Vice-" Charlotte's eyes burned with rage, and she kicked him in the shins, causing Yami to groan. "Alright, seems you're not for it. Then, how about you buy me a new bed? My ones getting a bit damaged lately."
"T-That's acceptable. For you and Karna-san, yes?"
Yami did a spit take as Venta, and a few others that knew Karna burst out laughing.
"N-No! It isn't anything like that...ugh, you're on Prickly Queen!"
Charlotte gained a deadly look in her eyes.
"Then let us do this."
Yami scowled as did Charlotte, ready to face one another down.
As they did, Venta and the others began leaving, allowing the two Captains to be alone during this time.
After spending time with Asta and the others, he left them in the capable hands of Vanessa as he went to go towards Julius to speak about what he had gathered from his interactions with the Eye of the Midnight Sun, among other things like that.
As he spoke, Julius adopted a surprisingly sour face.
Venta was perplexed by what was going on, so he decided to ask what was wrong.
"Erm...what's wrong?"
"You saw a new type of Magic..."
Venta sweat dropped.
It kind of was funny to see someone so powerful and wise, pouting like a child all of a sudden.
"Wizard King..."
Julius adopted a bright cheery face all of a sudden.
"Kidding! You actually saw a new type of Magic! Haha, Beast Magic huh? I haven't heard of that before to be honest. Was it cool?"
Venta tilted his head side to side.
"It was pretty interesting to fight against. From what I could see, it used Mana to give him animal like traits, speed, strength, things like that. He also possessed a good deal of Mana himself, so the fight was rather interesting."
"Aah, I wish I had seen it...did you use your Devil by chance? I'd like to see that anyway at some point, if you'd want to show your Devil form again..."
Venta chortled.
Julius was one of the only people that were made aware of the Devil inside of Venta currently, so Venta didn't mind speaking openly about it either.
"No, I didn't need to use the Devil this time, and you've seen my Devil form, Wizard King."
Julius shrugged.
"Yes, but it wasn't for all that long." Venta chuckled. "Anyway, so it seems that their objective are the Magic Stones?"
"I have to say by this point it is pretty much a certainty. The way they went for the Magic Stone in Sosshi, my own experiences with them as well. Most likely, they are after them."
"That could be a problem. Venta-kun, you have experiences with Magic Stones, I'm going to ask you to keep searching for them, and I'll also be speaking to Yami-kun about it as well."
Venta bowed his head.
"Of course. Leave it with me."
"I thank you. Still, Beast Magic huh? My, that does sound good. But Venta-kun, tell me about this Anti Magic that I've heard about. Is it really true? Being able to negate any type of Magic that the blade touches?"
"Indeed it is. It is highly impressive to see such Anti Magic first hand. Maybe you could invite Asta-san sometime, and then have a demonstration of her Anti Magic."
Julius clapped his hands a single time, stars surrounding his eyes, and he was even hopping in place.
"That's a good idea! I would love to see it up close, and personal! Yes, would it be okay to do that Venta-kun?"
Venta always loved it when Julius acted like this.
It was such a huge contrast to how most would believe a Wizard King to be.
"You're the Wizard King~"
"Indeed I am. Hmmm, it seems that those that joined the Black Bulls, and Golden Dawn have such promise. And both happen to be from Hage as well. I wonder if that's just a strange coincidence? Whichever the case maybe, it is fine with me to see such talent shining through."
"They're both after your title as well as Wizard King, so watch out~" Joking with the Wizard King himself, Julius showed a joyful smile on his face. "Actually, I think right now Asta-san is in Kikka, probably in the Black Market if you wish to go and see her?"
Julius raised an eyebrow.
"Is that so?"
"Yes, that's right."
Julius hummed as he stepped forward.
"I might go with the wise old lady look today, do you think it will suit me?"
"Yeah, you'd look fantastic~"
Julius pulled out his tongue.
But then paused, and looked towards the right hand side of the room.
"Right, I also have to have an item delivered to William-kun."
"Is that so? I can do that for you, it's on my way back."
Julius gave a relieved look.
"That's great. Thank you Venta-kun. Then I shall be off."
"No problem. But, don't forget to tell Karna-san."
"Haha, yeah I really should, don't want to cause problems."
Venta chuckled at how casual the Wizard King truly was.
"Ooh, thanks for the advice about that question I had for you."
"Just be careful. It is Forbidden Magic after all."
Venta nodded.
"Yes, I'll be careful. I've had some experience with Forbidden Magic before, just ask my Devil-chan."
Julius let out a small laugh, as Venta bowed, and got what he needed from the Wizard King, before departing the area.
A little while later, as he had said, he went towards Rebecca's and was currently outside of her home together with the young red headed woman. She looked rather embarrassed as he presented some stuff for her, and her family, including that of some fresh food for them.
"I couldn't accept all of this, it is too much for someone like me."
Seeing how humble she was about it, told Venta how good of a person she truly was.
Venta waved his hand.
"Don't worry about that Rebecca-san, it's for your siblings and yourself so you can enjoy it, do what you will with it."
Rebecca looked at the food that she received.
It felt good that he was willing to buy such things for her.
But she did feel a little unsure if she should accept it.
"Still, I'd feel guilty."
Venta shrugged.
"No need to feel guilty, I've got plenty left. Besides, I really respect people like you and wanted to help you out."
Rebecca blinked in surprise.
"Like me?"
"With your siblings, it's such a huge responsibility, so I thought I'd help you guys out."
Rebecca adopted a humble smile.
"That's really sweet of you, I'm just not used to people doing things for me like this."
"Yeah...I knew that feeling very well."
Rebecca tilted her head, wondering what was going on inside his mind.
But then she smiled.
"I have an idea, please stay for a while so I can use this food to cook us all a good meal. I mean, if you have the time."
"I'm off today, so sure, that would be great!"
Venta got invited inside, where he was suddenly rushed by Rebecca's siblings, while he himself bent down to their level.
"Ven Ven is back!"
"Yay, big sisters boyfriend!"
Rebecca blushed up a huge storm as she went into the kitchen, and began cooking.
"Hey everyone, you doing well?"
"Yup!"
"We are!"
Venta continued to smile, as he saw their hopeful faces.
Understanding what they'd want, he snapped his fingers, and caused them to begin floating, as Nero came out of his hair.
Looking around, she then glanced at Rebecca, seeing that she was looking towards Venta with a soft smile.
"We fly!"
"It's so good!"
"I love it!"
The kids sang out happily, while Nero flew off towards Rebecca.
Landing on the side, near the food, she looked at Rebecca with half lidded eyes.
Rebecca noticed the bird remaining stationary, as she looked to see duck beside her.
"Hmmm, having that would be good with this dish."
Nero's face dropped, as Rebecca innocently got out a knife, it looked like Rebecca was gazing at her when she was looking right at the duck next to her.
Nero looked as if she was about to collapse as the knife reflected the light, and beamed it onto her face.
Nero let out a cry, causing Rebecca to jump.
"Aah!"
Venta glanced over, Nero flew off back towards Venta, and buried herself within his hair, whispering "She wants to serve me as a meal, don't let her Venta." while shaking heavily within his hair, causing Venta to sweat drop.
"I'm sorry my bird scared you."
Rebecca placed a hand over her heart.
"N-No, that's fine. It looked at me as if...it's going to sound weird, but I felt as if the bird had curious eyes for me, isn't that weird?"
Venta once more sweat dropped, wondering what Nero was up to.
"My bird...yeah, she's very smart."
"Amazing, can she do tricks?"
Nero stiffened, and popped out of Venta's hair, shaking her head, before going back into his hair.
Rebecca gave questioning eyes to the bird, before shrugging and going back to cooking.
Once it was cooked, they all began to eat together, while Venta saw the children all speaking happily, reminding him of the past.
Rebecca noticed he was being rather quiet,
"Venta-kun, is everything okay?"
"Oh...yeah, it's fine. It's just nice, around here. Peaceful, I've always loved the quiet."
"Really? But your life must be so hectic."
"Can be yeah, but I love to simply lay down on a grassy hill by a peaceful lake sometimes."
Rebecca smiled at such a nice way to spend a day.
"Maybe we could come sometime."
As she said it, she caught herself saying such a thing, implying that she wanted to spend the entire day with him, and looked down at her food with huge embarrassment, while her siblings teased her, saying things like "Big sister loves Ven Ven!" and "Big sis wants to date Venta!" and other things like that, which made Rebecca feel very embarrassed.
Venta chortled lightly at their teasing, and then nodded.
"Yeah, lets make a day of it." As he said it, he felt Nero still shaking. "Hmm, not sure when I'm free next, but I'll let you know. Usually, I take the weekends off, unless something urgent comes up. Ooh by the way, this food is so delicious, I'm envious at how well you can cook~"
Rebecca giggled lightly, as they continued their meal together.
Such a simple time, but one that Venta truly did cherish to have such a normal moment.
Meanwhile, back with Yami and Charlotte, they were going head to head in a card game. Compared to Dorothy, Charlotte wasn't as good. However, Yami was noticing something as the game went on...and that was he was losing.
She was somehow gaining the upper hand and winning more and more of the jackpots.
He won some, but she'd then win it straight back.
He was baffled, he thought she was a newbie.
"Okay, so she's got beginners luck. She wont see this tactic coming, then I'll emerge victorious."
Yami was so sure.
He had it all planned out.
He couldn't possibly lose…
Could he?
He didn't think so, and placed a card down and then took another card.
"Your move Prickly Queen."
Yami said with his expression showcasing a degree of strength.
But Charlotte had a good poker face.
It wasn't as good as someone who literally was asleep when playing like Dorothy.
But Charlotte's expressions were very unreadable.
She couldn't reveal anything, and that was something that she excelled at it seems.
Charlotte picks up a card, staring into Yami's eyes.
"Okay, now is the time for my counterstrike. If luck is on my side, then I shall emerge the victor, and I'll have Venta-kun to myself...no! I can't do that now, can I? It's alright...I can keep him away from those bad influences, like his Captain."
While thinking about it, she placed a card down and drew another one after Yami did it once more.
Yami looked at the cards he had and smirked.
"Alright then Prickly Queen, read these and weep. I know unlike sleepy head, you'll be able to see these."
Charlotte looked at his cards, seeing what kind of hand he had.
She then looked down at hers, and an understanding came over her.
"Captain Yami, this is where I will have to end the game with my victory."
Yami's eyebrows narrowed.
"What do you mean Prickly Queen?"
"You're more familiar than I am with the terms of this game, and how it is played. But I believe this hand beats yours."
Yami's eyes became sunken.
He felt his body shaking to its core.
"No, it can't be..."
"As you said, read them and begin weeping."
Yami's face fell as Charlotte showed her cards…
She won.
She had a hand that beat his.
And she won everything.
All of the money he had...
Everything.
"What the...HOW?! DO YOU AND THAT SLEEPY HEAD GO TO SOME KIND OF CLASS TO LEARN HOW TO BE AN EXPERT IN CARD GAMES?! HOW DID I LOSE TO A NEWBIE?!"
Charlotte kept a composed face.
She bowed her head as she peered into his eyes.
"It seems that I have won." Yami was shaking as Charlotte took her winnings. "Please inform Venta-kun of my victory, and I'd like to see him at his next convenience. Also, I shall be returning the money that you...lets say borrowed from him. Good day."
Yami placed a hand over his mouth as Charlotte left the base.
Once she was gone, he was defeated physically and mentally.
He collapsed onto the table with his head hitting the wood hard.
Yami truly had been through quite a bit it seems.
Later that day, after receiving the item from Julius, Venta went back towards the Golden Dawn to give the item towards William, then he'd head back home for the evening. But when he arrived in the Golden Dawn base, he saw that Yuno, Mimosa, and finally a young man named Klaus was stationed outside with a familiar person.
At least, Venta was aware of who it was.
Salim himself.
They seemed to be making conversation together.
Venta couldn't hear it, but he knew it was probably important by the looks on their faces, so he hung back for a few moments, and stayed quiet to allow them to have their conversation.
When it seemed to be finished, and Salim was walking away, Venta came out of his resting area.
When he saw him, Salim's colour drained from his face.
He remembered how he got defeated by Venta in a single shot.
His eyes glanced back at Yuno, and gave a hateful stare.
But that stopped when Venta's eyes fell onto him.
"Is everything alright?"
Salim knew he didn't have the power to fight back, and he didn't want to argue with someone that had shown to be stronger, so he had to grit his teeth, and put on a happy demeanour.
"Y-Yeah, everything's...f-fine. oh...no hard feelings...about that cave incident, right? E-Even though I am a noble...and you attacking me-"
"I did report it already and explained what happened with evidence and it was satisfied by those higher up than me." Salim almost fell over when Venta said that. "No hard feelings on my side."
Venta knew what Salim was trying to do.
He was trying to intimidate him, trying to get his way by flashing his status.
But Venta didn't show any fear, nor did he allow Salim to simply try and be superior in this instance either, knowing that Salim would take full advantage of it as that was the kind of person he was.
"T-That's good..."
Venta smiled, as Salim walked off, gripping his hands together tightly.
As he did, Mimosa became excited to see Venta.
"Venta-kun, hello!"
Venta waved, and approached her, and Yuno.
"Hey Mimosa-san, Yuno-san, your Captain wouldn't happen to be free would he? I can sense he's here, but if he's busy then..."
"I think he's free actually. Why? Did you have business with him?"
Yuno asked him.
Venta lightly laughed and shook his head.
"Not business, just something I was asked to drop off that's all. So, it seems that you and that Salim guy are getting better acquainted huh?"
Yuno releases a small breath.
"He has hired Golden Dawn for a mission, to take him to the edge of the Foresaken Realm to gather something's apparently, the missions details will be coming soon enough. Going by Hage actually. We should be leaving the day after tomorrow."
"Aah, that's great, your first mission then?"
Venta asked, Mimosa nods her head strongly.
"Yes, I'm so excited Venta-kun. So, how is Noelle?"
"She's doing well, finished her first mission yesterday. Both her, and Asta-san actually."
Yuno's ears perked.
"Really, what happened?"
"Aah you know, bad guys running into us, Asta-san used her swords to cut them down. Noelle-san managing to protect everyone with her barrier Water Magic spell. They both did fantastic work, I couldn't be prouder of them."
While Mimosa was happy, Yuno furrowed her brows at the thought of what Asta was doing, compared to what she was doing currently.
"So Asta's completed her first mission and did well. I understand, then I shall do my best on this mission."
Though her voice remained stoic, it was clear that Yuno looked rather passionate all of a sudden.
Venta smiled and waved.
"Well, good luck on your first mission, hope it goes well for you all."
"Thank you! See you soon Venta-kun!"
Mimosa beamed, while Venta walked off as he said "See you soon~" which caused Mimosa to smile with a small blush appearing, Yuno looked rather happy, as Klaus stared at him curiously, trying to figure him out.
Salim in the distance watched on, his eyebrows furrowing at the sight.
"That Black Bull, he was able to defeat me, a noble. I was going to get that wind girls blood on my hands, but if I could get his as well...haha, I'll make sure he suffers, no one humiliates me and gets away with it. Black Bull, Golden Dawn, both of you can suffer. Black Bull, you'll be coming with us, were you shall meet your end together with the wind girl."
Salim's dark thoughts became more and more twisted.
With his eyes straightly pointed at Yuno and Venta, he wouldn't give up until they both were deceased.
End chapter!
So this chapter focused on some downtime before the fighting kicks off again, with some information being brought on. With Venta and Yami discussing about the Magic Stones, even believing he knows where some are, Julius and Venta speaking about Secre's curse and getting some advice for her so he'll be able help bring her out pretty soon. Nebra wishing to expand Venta's room to have even more place for her and him to be together. Charlotte following in Dorothy's ways and managing to defeat Yami in a game of cards. Rebecca and Venta even managed to have sometime together.
Then at the end, it seems that Salim is wishing for the deaths of Venta and Yuno, so we'll be seeing how that goes!
Venta; Mimosa, Vanessa, Secre, Dorothy, Rebecca, Asta (fem), Yuno (fem), Noelle, Elf Fana, Mereoleona, Nebra, Sol, Sally, Grey, Charmy, Charlotte, Mariella,