Welcome to the next chapter!
Darth Simp; Yeah, he'll have to say something to them huh. They could be, we'll have to wait and see~ That would be a pretty interesting arc to do, thanks for the suggestions!
wellingtonlucas282; Thanks!
ShadowUzumaki55; He has yeah, we'll see some fun interactions between them pretty soon. That's Sol for you~ Asta and Noelle were definitely surprised by what was going on. Venta's got his mission to do yeah, we'll see how that goes on pretty soon. Glad you liked the moment between Noelle, and Venta.
Silver crow; Thanks. Glad you liked their time together. Karna did yeah. We'll see soon their connection. Venta wasn't talking about relations between the kingdoms when he said things could get messy. Yeah, Yami and Nozel seem to have quite the rivalry huh. Dorothy is doing her best. Sol did yeah, that's how she is. Charlotte had quite the adventure that day. Yeah, seems he has. Could be for that reason yeah. We'll see how the mission goes. Mars and Venta might meet one another. Yeah, maybe Venta can gain some stuff like that. Mariella will be appearing.
Noelle fan; Thanks! Glad you liked their moment. He will do yeah. Glad you liked the Karna and Yami dynamic. Yeah, Charlotte and Sol had sometime with Venta. Thanks for the suggestions.
djinn; Thanks! Yeah, it was pretty fun~
Andrew123456; I can't say yet, his past will be explored more as the story goes on.
Guest 1; That would be a pretty interesting Pokemon story to do. I've always liked Ralts and the evolutions Ralts has. Having a connection like that with Ralts would be nice. That is a pretty good reprenstation for Alola, thanks for the suggestions!
Random guest; Yeah, that sounds pretty good to me! Thanks for the suggestions!
Guest 2; I could see Charlotte opening up a bit more here yeah. That would be cool for Charlotte.
Guest 3; Yeah they could do a team up at some point, would be pretty cool.
Guest 4; Thanks very much! I'd have to think about that. She did yeah. He'll go out with all of them at some point. Maybe he does yeah~ Yeah, we'll see how it goes! Yeah, suggestions are always welcome. Thanks for the suggestions.
Guest 5; Thanks for the suggestions!
Guest 6; Thanks for the suggestions! He might do one day~
With those reviews out of the way, it's time to start the chapter!
Dungeon Exploration begins!
With the Spatial Mage still hiding from those within the Clover Kingdom, having come to a certain dungeon, he, and those that followed him including a certain ice Mage that was keeping to herself, his eyes went over the others in the area.
"This dungeon that's appeared, perhaps there will be a chance that Venta-sama comes here, and if he does then we can begin..."
The Mage continued on, his eyes shifting between those around.
Each looked dedicated to what the Spatial Mage was saying.
Save for one.
The Ice Mage didn't say anything at all.
Whatever feelings they had regarding this matter, wouldn't be uttered.
That was until the Spatial Mage turned towards the Ice Mage.
"Remember your role, we have to make sure that everything we do goes towards our shared goal. The Diamond Kingdoms future is resting on this mission-"
"I know what we have to do, and I understand the reasons behind this mission, are you questioning my loyalties?"
As the Ice Mage said it, freezing cold ice erupted around the general area.
Freezing the ground, and the structures close by, the Spatial Mage folded his arms, giving off a stern look towards the Ice Mage who gave the same look right back.
"Remember that this is a mission that has been placed upon us. Anything that gets in our way shall be assassinated. That is your original role, is it not? We have to do what is necessary to achieve our mission, for the future of our land and its people, we have to do what is best."
The Ice Mage didn't reply for a few moments.
But then gave a very strong nod of their head.
"Yes...I am aware, I know what I have to do."
The Spatial Mage wondered if the Ice Mage would.
But he then shook his head, turning to the others with a triumphant look on his face.
"Good, because we'll only have a single shot at this for this dungeon. If they come here, then surely our plans will have to succeed, and I am counting on everyone here. For Venta-sama and the Diamond Kingdom, we shall slay the Clover Kingdom Mage's!"
[For Venta-sama!]
The echoes of the warriors behind the Spatial Mage rang out in the ears of the Ice Mage.
But right now, the Ice Mage was focused upon something else, her mind being cast towards a certain Gravity Mage...
Meanwhile, with the time nearing to leave, Venta after speaking with Noelle and making sure she was ready for the mission ahead, he went to check in on Asta.
When getting there, he saw that she was happily moving her blade side to side within her room, as if she was practising.
Giving a curious look, he knocked on the already open door.
She jumped, and faced Venta.
"Future husband! I didn't see you there! Aah, I wish that I could sense Mana too~"
Venta lightly smiled.
"Well, there is a skill that might be able to help you out with that which doesn't require Mana to use, I'd happily teach it to you."
Asta's eyes became like stars.
"Really future husband?! There's skills that don't have anything to do with Mana?"
"From Captain Yami's homeland, yes that's right. It's called Ki, I might have mentioned it to you beforehand."
Asta pondered it for a few moments, then nodded happily.
"Ki...yeah, I think you did! That's what can sense people too?"
"Yes, it's quite useful. The Captain taught it to me. If you wanna learn it, then I wouldn't mind teaching you, I'm sure the Captain would be fine with it."
Asta pushed very close, that he felt her large chest pushing against his upper stomach area due to the height she was, stepping on her tip toes, he could see that she still had stars for eyes, her small fists together in excitement.
"Yes! I'd love to learn it!"
"Great, then maybe after this mission, we can begin."
Asta couldn't wait now, being able to learn something new sounded great to her.
"Yes future husband! And don't worry about this mission, I'm gonna do my best!"
Venta reached his hand out, petting the young girls head, which caused her cheeks to flush ever so slightly.
"That's great, remember to use your head as well as your strength, okay? In these types of dungeons, you never know what's going to be coming next."
"You're right future husband! When we go, I'm gonna do my best, and work with the others!"
Venta was glad that she had such a mindset.
"Yes, I'm glad you think that way."
"By the way future husband, are you really not coming?"
"I'm not, but you've got good skills Asta-san, and as the Captain would say, surpass your limits. Remember your training, and remember your comrades, and you'll be fine. Besides, if you do need me, you can always contact me with what I gave Noelle-san, and I'll be there as quickly as I can. Promise."
Venta soothed, he knew Asta was confident and that she'd be able to do it.
Asta felt comforted by such words, and gained a happy smile as a result.
"Yeah, I'll remember! But future husband, dungeons...what are they about? I only vaguely remember the one we met in."
Venta lightly laughed, and began explaining about dungeons in an abridged version to her.
Gaining an understanding, the Anti Magic user nodded again and again.
"I see, I see. So that's what it is. Right okay future husband! I'll be going in a minute! But I could...from my future husband, maybe I could gain something..."
Asta seemed bashful.
Venta believed he understood what she meant, so he quietly bent down and gently kissed her cheek, causing Asta to flush several shades of red, collapsing into the young man's chest, and happily hugging him tightly, who did the same thing right back.
A little before the news hit with the Black Bulls that they would be up to something , at the Golden Dawn, Yuno and Mimosa were happily speaking. At least Mimosa was, Yuno would answer with a usual stoic response, or wouldn't speak and simply nod her head, but Mimosa s energy was able to keep the conversation going on.
Klaus stood close by, and seemingly was reading something.
Some kind of reports, which seemed to really be quite interesting.
Yuno and Mimosa kept speaking to one another casually.
"So Yuno-san, did Venta-kun teach you anything?"
"He sparred with me several times during the six months, and taught me basics about being a Magic Knight. I heard that he also trained you a fair bit. Did he show any secret kind of techniques to you perhaps?"
Mimosa furrows her brows.
"Erm...well, there were some that I hadn't seen before, the way he uses Gravity Magic surely is something that is quite interesting to see. He also spoke about Mana Zone and the likes."
"Yes, I also heard about Mana Zone, it seems like a useful skill."
As they spoke, Mimosa always felt it calming to speak to Yuno about Venta.
Yuno didn't open up much, but when it came to certain topics, like Venta for an example, she did open up more and she really did like speaking with Yuno, getting to know more and more about her than ever before.
Mimosa seeing that Klaus had a serious expression on his face.
"Klaus-san, is there something wrong?"
Klaus looked over the papers, tilting his head.
"Why would there be anything wrong?"
"It seems you're deep into thought about what's written on those papers."
Mimosa expressed, she wondered what his serious expression was about.
But if it was something private then she wouldn't press the issue.
"Oh, I'm just reading some reports for a while ago. Some are so interesting, I am surprised they haven't really been shared with the others. I even asked the Captain for some that aren't readily known to many Magic Knights."
"Is there a topic you're suddenly interested in?"
Yuno suddenly asks, with Klaus coughing into his hand at the sudden voice of Yuno.
Klaus kept the papers concealed, and simply shook his head.
"Nothing that would be of interest to you. Is there something that you've been interested in since our mission?"
Yuno raised a brow.
"Like what?"
"N-Nothing at all!" He placed down the papers, Mimosa catching that one had Venta's name on it and raised a brow. "So, now that we-"
Before he could continue on, William, Captain of the Golden Dawn entered the room.
Immediately, the three Mage's stood at attention, but he waved his hand.
"Please, it is fine." They bowed, as William looked over them all. "I have a new mission for you three to go on, it is of the utmost importance, since it deals with the Diamond Kingdom as well..."
William began explaining while the three of them listened to the missions details.
Each and every second that passed, Yuno could feel the anticipation of the mission ahead beating on her chest, Mimosa held some apprehension, but she was determined, and as for Klaus, he also held slight nervousness, but at the same time also was prepared to do what was necessary for his mission ahead.
Back with the Black Bulls, with the mission now going ahead, the three that were going, Noelle, Asta, and Luck were stood before Finral, as he was asked to open a pathway for them to travel through.
Venta sat on the couch with Charmy sat happily on his lap eating some food to herself, his eyes going towards Noelle who seemed to be having a little more confidence than she had beforehand. He was glad that she did, he knew she had the capabilities to do this if they tried.
Most of the Black Bulls were there, with Vanessa curled up to Venta, having had her fair share of a drink, and rested happily on his right thigh. Charmy didn't appreciate that she had to share his thighs with someone else.
Though since Vanessa was currently semi conscious, she didn't mind all that much.
"Future husband! I am going to succeed!"
Asta proclaims loudly, with Venta nodding strongly.
"Good luck Asta-san, I believe in you, do your best."
"Yes! I've got it future husband!"
Venta chortled as Noelle glanced back at him.
He nodded, so she did the same thing as well, and turned her eyes around towards the portal that was opened before her.
"Luck, remember to also be with your partners in this fight, okay? Whatever happens, okay? You're in charge of the others, show them how it's done."
Venta spoke with a touching tone to his voice.
Luck thrusts his fists out, and showed a happy expression on his face.
"Yeah! Leave it to me! Ooh, I hope there's a good fight coming our way in this!"
Venta gave a slight smile.
"The Captain also told me to tell you to not forget your mission, and not let the Diamond Kingdom get the treasure first."
"Yes! Watch, I'll even find a wedding ring for us to use!"
Venta gives a small laugh while Noelle did a spit take when she heard that.
"I wouldn't doubt it if it was you Asta-san."
"Yeah, leave it with me! I'll find the most beautiful wedding ring, then we can propose to each other, and get married with Sister Lily~!"
Asta smiles out, with Venta nodding.
"I know you three can do it. Remember to work together, and we'll see you when you get back."
Venta's words made each of them hold determination within themselves.
Believing they could do it, they all did a small cheer, as they began stepping through the portal.
Once fully going through, Vanessa's eyes open slightly, and she looks up towards Venta.
"Venta-kun, where's the Captain?"
"He went out on a date with Karna-san. They are quite busy so I said I'd handle seeing everyone off and some other duties which I've done before I go myself."
Venta explained, though he knew if Yami heard him say it, he'd probably play it casual.
"Aren't you worried about the newbies? Especially with Luck, are you sure he's gonna play with the others? He does sometimes run off on his own, doesn't he? If he senses a strong presence of Mana, he will do it."
Venta could see why she'd think that way.
Though he did see it another way.
"Luck-kun is the type to do something like that, but I also know deep down he cares for his comrades, and wishes for them to succeed. So don't worry about them, besides as Captain Yami would say, this would be their chance to go beyond their limits, and surpass them. Speaking of going, I also have to go in a minute or so."
Finral tilts his head.
"Eh? What do you mean?"
"I've got to go to the same place, and investigate a little bit on a certain guy. Could you open a portal to there within a minute or so?"
"You mean that Spatial Mage?"
Venta nods.
"Yes, I'll be going to investigate that. If he's there, take him down, if not, then I'll be secretly watching over the newbies to make sure they're fine."
Vanessa whines.
"You're gonna leave me alone?"
"Didn't you just say you were worried about them?"
Vanessa laughed.
"Of course, but I also like cuddling my adorable Venta-kun and with those girls not around, I thought now would be the perfect time. Don't you think it would be for the best if we did do something like that?"
Venta lightly chortled.
"I promise when I get back, we will spend time together. But I've been given this mission by the Captain and Karna-san. It seems really important, and I can also keep my eyes on them when they are in the dungeon, make sure that they don't get themselves into too much trouble."
Vanessa accepted it, and gave a happy smile, before briefly locking lips with the young man, then cheerfully smiling before having another drink.
Charmy glanced at Vanessa as did Grey, furrowing their brows at the exact same time.
"La, Asta-chan will do, because she's really loud hyperactive."
Charmy sang out from Venta's lap.
"Haha, she is Charmy-chan, but Asta-sans got some unique ways of dealing with enemies~"
Grey wished to speak, but she became shy and so she kept in her larger form and simply looked on with a curious expression on her face.
Venta checked the time, seeing a minute had gone by, so he placed Charmy on the couch and then stood up.
He casually walked over to Finral, who opened up a portal.
"See you all soon~"
"Bye my Prince!"
Charmy yelled out, with Venta waving to her, and the others, before stepping inside of the portal.
Meanwhile, Asta, Noelle and Luck managed to get outside of the dungeon, with the structure being a simple entrance way that didn't look especially different to most entrances that people such as Asta and others had seen before.
"Future husband told me that dungeons can have places with weird structures, and rivers can flow up walls and the layout is many times bigger than what we're seeing outside thanks to some time space thingy~"
Asta happily spoke, with Noelle giving a curious stare.
"Yes, that's essentially correct. Though remember to always be on guard since traps could be around since this is a dungeon, and Asta, will you hold the light source?"
Noelle said, handing over the light source which Asta happily obliged to do.
Before even stepping inside, they could feel the intense Mana that was coming from the dungeon.
All apart from Asta who blissfully swayed side to side.
"Maaan! This is gonna be awesome!"
Noelle held a dignified face, as she looked at the large entryway before her.
This was going to be her first real mission, without the safety blanket that was Venta.
Since he was strong and capable, she wished to be beside him and do it with him.
But she also understood that she would have to stand on her own two feet.
That he had prepared her for this eventual kind of fight, and that she was going to do her best.
Luck on the other hand bounced up and down, looking rather excited.
"Ooh! It would be good if some strong enemies would appear! Wouldn't it?! Haha, I am so happy right now that this is going to be truly exciting!"
Noelle inhaled sharply, and walked into the dungeon.
Asta happily followed with the excited Luck.
Upon arriving inside, they began looking around, seeing the design of the dungeon. With stairs, and other interesting structures being around, as Asta said about rivers flowing up some walls, the ground floating in different locations, and the general set up being much larger than it was outside.
Asta remained oblivious to the abundant Mana in the air, but Noelle and Luck certainly could sense it.
"This place is full of Mana, it's so exciting! This really is a new dungeon after all! I wonder if we'll see any Diamond Mage's! Maybe even that Spatial Mage that has been causing trouble for your scary big sister Noelle-san!"
Noelle flipped a hand through her hair as she spoke.
"Indeed, this place is filled with Mana. But I'd rather not run into any enemies."
"Filled, with Mana? It is?"
Asta speaks up curiously, while Venta finally appears behind them.
Suppressing his Mana the best he could, he casually floats high into the dungeons upper area, and looks down at them.
Nero comes out of Venta's hair, and her big eyes go towards the three below them.
"Venta, think they'll sense you?"
"I am a bit concerned about Luck-kun sensing me, since his Mana detection skills are pretty good. But, I should be able to throw them off by using the abundance of Mana within this dungeon to throw off his senses from me. Though, I can feel a good few people in here already. Heh, this is going to be an interesting turn of events."
Venta's words made sense to Nero, as she gazed towards him.
"Any jump out?"
"Yes, a few do jump out...wait, Nero, can you sense that?"
"Sense what?"
Nero wondered, Venta focused his brows.
"It's faint...but, I can sense something deep within the dungeon...it's difficult to detect, so I can't be sure. I'd have to scan a little more before saying...but, if it is, then I am surprised that's here of all places."
Nero furrowed her own brows, as they watched the trio walk forward, with Asta holding up their light source so they don't have to worry about not being unable to see.
Moving towards the right, and going towards a corridor, they kept their wits about them.
"Seriously, I can't believe I can't feel anything at all! Ugh, it sucks! Future husband...I'm definitely learning that technique when we get back..."
Venta smiled playfully at Asta, as she carelessly steps forward.
As she did, Noelle sensed the trap, and began saying "Wait-" but didn't make it in time as a trap was activated, and vines came shooting out of the ground.
As a consequence of that, Asta ended up dropping the light source, with Noelle's eyes popping out of her head when seeing that happening.
Beginning to go around Asta, faster and faster the vines were going to bind and then crush her, the young girl grimaced, as she reached for her grimoire.
"Haaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"
Asta brought out her sword, and cleaved through the vines before they could go any further.
As she did, her sword negates the magic trap, and frees her before it got any further.
"Aah, nearly caught then! But Noelle, you sensed it, right?"
"Well, yes I did. Venta-kun taught me the essentials of sensing out traps as well. Even looking for the smallest details."
Venta smiles, and murmurs "I'm so proud of her~" with a bright smile on his face as he floats above, watching as Luck becomes more and more excited.
"Ooh wow, your Anti Magic sword really does negate Magic! Hey, I know! Maybe it would be good if I activate the traps with my speed, and you slice them all down. How about it Asta-san? Wanna do that?"
Asta wasn't sure.
But she did want to do it quickly, so she could go back to Venta and tell him about her day, a fantasy of husband and wives being together.
"Eeh, I guess-"
"Great!" Luck creates lightning boots around his legs and feet. "Then follow me! Yahoo!"
Venta watches as Luck purposely begins activating the traps that were around. Asta did her best to keep up, and slicing through the different traps, Venta could see that Noelle was as dumbfounded about what was happening before her eyes right now.
"Seriously, these are the people I have to work with...Venta-kun, come and save me..."
Noelle murmured, something Venta caught and lightly laughed.
But then he paused, and looked towards a different location, a higher up area with a hallway being there.
"My it seems that they've also come."
Nero tilted her head.
"Who?"
"Golden Dawn. I was told that they would, but to think it is the trio again. Ooh, wait. That means that Asta-san and Yuno-san are about to see one another again, those girls are such adorable rivals, at least they care for one another."
Venta laughs quietly as he finds it quite cute between them.
"By the way, Venta. Sense anything that shouldn't be here?"
"If you mean enemies, then I certainly can. Not the Spatial Mage just yet."
"And if they're from the Diamond Kingdom?"
"Then it can't be helped."
He replied in a neutral manner.
Either expressing his happiness or sadness, whichever he felt, he was keeping close to the chest this time.
Nero wondered what head space Venta was in right now, and didn't say anything else regarding it.
Venta then stretches his arms.
"Either way, if any Diamond Kingdom Mage mention me...haha, I wonder what everyone will say? I'm sure they'll have questions."
"Got any answers?"
Venta nodded.
"Yes, I've got some answers, it really depends what the Diamond Kingdom say to Asta-san and the others, I have no idea how they'll speak about me right now."
Nero gives a curious look before turning her neck towards Luck, seeing him still going through the area, with Asta doing her best to chase after her, but it was clear that Asta wasn't as fast as Luck, not yet, and was struggling behind her.
But suddenly, Luck pauses, Asta pants and pierces the ground with her sword, her head resting on the end of her blade sticking out of the ground.
Luck happily turned towards Asta and gave a peace sign, while Asta herself kept panting.
"W-Wow, you're so fast Luck."
"Thanks! You too! Though Noelle-san, you haven't moved! Why not?!"
Noelle gives an exasperated sigh.
"Because you two are draining the energy out of me."
She speaks, barely above a whisper.
"Did you say something Noelle?!"
Asta yells, having not heard what she said.
Noelle covers it up by waving her hand in front of her face.
"No, nothing at all~ I'm coming now."
Noelle begins moving forward through the inner part of the giant hall they were in, as Luck folds his arms, his eyes staring at the sword wielding girl.
"You know, I get why the Wizard King wanted you to come along huh."
"You do?"
Asta wondered, Luck nodding and explained.
"Because of your sword, negating magic. It really is handy and makes those annoying traps go away. So I'm glad you're on the team!"
Asta thought that made sense, and furrowed her brows.
Venta on the other hand folded his arms.
"Luck-kun...I wonder what you're feeling right now. I remember when we first met, and you always felt like you had to gain victories for your Mom. I hope you still remember that there are comrades around you, that a family doesn't have to be blood related, a family is the thing you can create all your own."
As Venta thought it, Luck's senses go off, and his eyes shift towards down a long winding corridor.
"Wait, what's that? Something is down there with some good Mana...ooh, I should really go!"
Venta watched as Luck began moving.
Venta wondered if Luck was going to rush off on his own, and therefore not be able to the things that Venta thought he should do, and that was work with the team together, even then Venta was curious on how this was going to be going.
Luck neared the corridor, when his eyes shifted back to Noelle and Asta.
Looking at the pair, and remembering the words of his Vice Captain, he pauses, and walks over towards the girls.
"We should go! We have another Mage here!"
"A-Another Mage? Friend or foe?"
Noelle asks, Luck shrugs.
"I dunno, but I know it feels strong. If we find them, can I have a crack at them first please? I wanna fight them so bad!"
Venta adopted a small smile, he was glad that Luck was working together with the others.
He could have seen Luck going off on his own, but seeing his comrades beside him, it was clear that Luck could see the benefits of being beside those that made the most sense to be with.
"Yeah, we can go! But like, you're really excited Luck!"
"Yup, strong opponents excite me, don't they excite you Asta-san?"
Asta furrows her brows.
"I wanna become the Wizard Queen, which means I have to get even stronger, so they definitely do yeah. I also wanna be stronger than my rival Yuno, she also wishes to become the Wizard Queen, and keeps trying to make the moves on my Wizard King!"
Noelle's jaw hits the floor.
"She flirts on the current Wizard King?! Seriously?! What does Karna-sama say about this?! She can't be happy with it since she's so protective of the Wizard King's feelings!"
Noelle screeches out, Venta snorts as a response, and thinks "Wow, she really does like Karna-san a good deal." with Asta looking perplexed by what was being said for a few moments, but then understood, and immediately shook her head several times.
"Eh? No, she doesn't! She hits on Venta-kun! Not the current Wizard King! Besides, I saw him first! And I was the one that asked to marry him first, together with Sister Lily, and we'll be the best married couple ever~!"
Venta shook his head with a small smile on his face.
"Technically, I met Yuno-san first. But gotta give her points for being consistent at least."
Venta playfully reminded, though not loud enough for Asta to actually hear her.
Luck on the other hand was bouncing up and down, pointing towards the area he sensed the Mana, and kept saying "C'mon girls! We've gotta go!" and other things of that nature, but Noelle and Asta kept speaking about what was going on.
"Well, you keep proclaiming wild things like you're gonna get married. You do know what that means, right?"
"Yes, it means to share everything about yourself with the one you love, and have a partner for life!"
"And that partner is...Venta-kun?"
Noelle asks incredulously, with Asta not even batting an eyelid as she inclines her head.
"Yup! Don't you also wanna be partners forever with him Noelle?!"
Noelle's face blushed up a storm, shaking side to side as a response.
"N-No! It's nothing like that!"
Luck pushes forward, and interjects.
"I wouldn't mind having Vice Captain as a fighting partner~ I haven't even beaten him once yet, that's why I've gotta get stronger! And the best way to do that is to go and fight the enemies, so c'mon you girls, we've got to go, like right now!"
Venta found it pretty funny that Luck was desperately pleading with them for them to go and get what he wished for, and that was for a good fight with the enemies.
Asta thrusts her sword to the sky.
"Aah, I know, we really should! Besides, if we fight some powerful Mage's, it will show future husband my power, and that we can marry and have children as well!"
"C-CHILDREN?!"
Noelle's yell echoes through a good portion of the area to the point that it rang in Venta's ears despite the distance he was at, Asta doesn't hold back, and simply nods her head.
"Yes, that's right, I want to have children too! Don't you? Hey, we could have kids with Venta-kun together!"
If nothing else, Venta really did love Asta's imagination and couldn't help but smile.
Noelle on the other hand couldn't handle it.
The thought of having kids with Venta…
She shook her bright red face several times, and charges on ahead.
However, as she does, she steps onto a trap by mistake, and vines begin shooting out of the ground.
"No!"
Noelle takes out her wand to disable the trap, when a vine wraps around her wrist, and brings it up.
She grimaces, only for Asta to jump into the fray and slices through the magic vines.
"There, I've got you, future wife of Venta-kun!"
"D-Don't say that in front of him!"
Noelle yells with Luck laughing.
"Why don't you wanna say it in front of him huh? I think it's nice what Asta-san said~"
"I-I don't want to speak about this anymore-"
As she said it, from the magic trap that had been disabled, another had formed, and many vines shoot out.
Luck manages to dodge out of the way, but Asta and Noelle weren't so lucky, with the vines managing to bind them in place. Growing more and more across their bodies, Venta watches Luck tilting his head.
He didn't say anything for a few moments, his eyes shifting down the corridor towards the Mana that he was sensing.
But then his eyes shifted back to his fellow Black Bulls.
"I can't leave you guys either since you're both my comrades. Okay, I'll free-"
Before he could finish, a strong burst of wind shoots up from above, and finely cuts through the vines, freeing both Asta and Noelle.
The former lands on her feet, while the latter manages to catch herself with a small bubble of water before hitting the ground hard.
Asta rubs her head, and moans.
"Aaah, that wind was familiar..."
"You should know it by now, Asta."
Venta's eyes shift towards the voice, and like he had sensed beforehand, standing there was a calm Yuno, Klaus who looked questioningly towards the trio before their eyes, and finally Mimosa had appeared, a grin appearing on her face when she sees her cousin Noelle.
"Yuno!"
Asta proclaims, with Yuno staring down with a strong expression on her face.
As that was going on, Yami and Karna sat together, in a private room, drinking some sake together. Though right now, Karna was off duty, so she was fine to have a drink, and Yami felt the need to unwind so he did the same thing as well.
"Aah this hits the spot, and no need to worry about Prickly Queen or sleepy head stealing my money~" Karna raises an eyebrow. "I pay it back to those I borrow from."
She snickers.
"I don't doubt it Yami~"
Yami lets out a small laugh.
"So, how's it being with the Wizard King? Had any adventures lately?"
"Erm, fought some Diamond Mage's a few days ago, but nothing major. What about you? What's going on in your head huh?"
Karna asks, Yami's eyes shift to her.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, you're being unusually quiet as by now, we're usually more in deep conversation than this, so I can tell something is off. Want to share?"
Karna asks once more, with Yami furrowed his brows.
"Just thinking about something Venta told me years ago, about the Diamond Kingdom, that's all."
"I know, don't worry though, they'll all be fine~ I trust in your Vice Captain and the newbies are showing promise, I've seen the reports about them, Anti Magic, what an interesting power. And that Noelle-san, she's got quite the Mana inside. Plus with Golden Dawn going, they've got quite the bit of backup. I even heard he trained Mimosa-san, she's coming along nicely, as is Yuno-san, and Klaus-san as well is showing a good deal of promise."
Yami takes a sip of his drink.
"Who said I was worried? I'm not worried about them, they'll surpass their limits."
Karna giggles as she budges closer.
"It's fine to worry you know~? I think it's sweet you worry." Yami shows a half smile, as Karna raises her glass. "Now, how about another drink~?"
Yami adopts a smirk, and has another drink together with Karna, thinking about the dungeon and how that was going on.
Back with Venta and the others, the two groups look at one another, with Luck's eyes going towards Klaus. The man looks slightly uncomfortable as Luck's grin shows on his face, and his determined expression shines brightly.
"Hey, you look strong, wanna fight?"
Klaus shudders and turns to Yuno.
"Yuno-san, our mission is to explore the dungeon. Why did you assist them?"
Venta bit his lower lip, and whispered to Nero "Seems like he's still a bit stiff." with Nero mentally agreeing.
"Because I had a debt to repay, that's why. Besides, I grew up with Asta, and she is my foster sister. I wouldn't leave a comrade or a friend behind."
Mimosa claps her hands.
"Yes, that's so kind Yuno-san! I'm glad you said it!" Mimosa's eyes shift down and gaze at Noelle. "Noelle! I'm glad to see you're here! So, you're also on this mission?"
Noelle adopts a small smile, nodding a single time.
"Yes, that's right. We've also been sent on this mission. I'm surprised to see you guys here as well."
"Yes, we've been given permission to explore. Though, is Venta-kun not here?"
Mimosa asks with some hope in her eyes, unfortunately Noelle shakes her head.
"No, he's not here. We've been sent alone this time."
Mimosa adopts a sad face.
"Awww, when I heard your voice Noelle, I was hoping Venta-kun would be here too."
Noelle's right eyebrow twitches.
"Mimosa, what are you thinking about regarding Venta-kun right now?"
"Huh? What do you mean? I wasn't thinking much, I'm just remembering the training that he has given me, this is my first mission without him so I hope that I do well on this..."
Noelle bit her lower lip, and folded her arms.
"W-Well, he taught me too!"
"I'm glad that he did! But also...erm..."
Mimosa looks sheepish as she thought about what she would say to Venta if he was here. But because he wasn't, she didn't have to believe such things.
Klaus on the other hand sighs.
"I am surprised that Venta-kun isn't here, I am sure he would have been a very reliable comrade and mentor to have on this mission!"
When he said that, everyone paused.
Even Venta, who scrunched his face together.
"Does he like me now?"
Venta thought, as both Mimosa and Yuno also thought ""Does he like Venta-kun now?"" at the same time.
Asta however as curious as always, openly questions.
"Do you like Venta-kun?! Me too! He is my future husband!"
"F-Future husband!?"
Klaus yells back in a shocked tone.
Venta raises a brow, and looks at Nero.
"Remember when he thought I was incompetent?"
"I think he's unexpectedly your fan now Venta."
"Yeah, I'm surprised."
As Venta said it, Klaus pushes up his glasses.
"While on a mission, I understood the complexity of Venta-kun and his teaching methods. Thanks to him, Golden Dawn received a bright star for our efforts."
"We did too! Venta-kun came with us and we got a star! Didn't we Noelle?"
"Y...Yes, that's right."
Noelle replied in an earnest manner, with Klaus readjusting his glasses, his scrutinizing gaze still falling between Asta, and Noelle, more so on Asta than Noelle right now, due to believing something that he knew about the situation that was going on with her, and how she was like Mimosa, and had been trained by Venta, he didn't know about the connections Asta had made with Venta.
"Hmmm, well I haven't seen you in action yet, so maybe I'll wait and see if you're skilled Mage's, as I witnessed with Venta-kun, I cannot make immediate judgements."
Nero's eyes furrowed in on what was going on, and turned towards Venta curiously.
"Think he'll come around to them?"
Venta resisted the urge to laugh since he didn't want to give his position away just yet.
"Well, he did me, so I'm sure he'll come around to them as well, I wouldn't worry. He's in that transitional period, like Nebra-san, how they're beginning to see that even if you're not noble or royalty, then there's value to you, and such things like that. Plus with what he said, it seems that he's waiting to see what kind of Mage's Noelle-san and the others are, which I think is quite the improvement from when we first met."
Nero trusted Venta's judgement, so she didn't say anything and watched on.
He could see that Asta was staring challengingly towards Yuno, and vice versa.
"Well, Yuno! We'll be the first one to reach the treasure and explore the dungeon in full!"
"Asta, you're being as loud as ever, for someone so short."
Venta looked on, seeing Asta seething from such a remark.
"Don't bring my height into this!"
"I wouldn't have to if you kept your excitement to a minimal at times, such as these. We are both on the mission, besides I shall do it first."
"No way! You're trying to steal Venta-kun away from me!"
"I don't need to steal him away."
"Eeeeh?! Just because you bathed with him naked, I did too you know!"
Noelle did a spit take while Mimosa covered her reddening face as she had done the same thing.
Luck tilts his head, while Klaus sighs.
"Our Captain William has placed must trust within us, since we are apart of Golden Dawn, we shall explore the dungeon and do what is necessary while here, you don't have to worry this time. We can handle this."
Asta scowls towards Klaus, and folds her arms excitedly, Luck's eyes going down the corridor and becoming giddy at the fact that he could sense Mage's that he thought would be a rather good challenge for him to deal with.
"Eeeh! But we do! We have to do a good job! I gotta show my future husband that we can do this mission successfully!"
Yuno, Mimosa and Noelle watch on while Luck keeps hopping in place, tugging on Noelle's shirt, and pointing down the corridor.
"Noelle, we need to go. C'mon, we've got enemies to find and fight."
Venta really did like Luck's energy, and was pleased that rather than charge off, he was waiting for his comrades to come and assist him. Though he knew Luck liked fighting alone, he really had taken the words Venta and some others had said to heart.
"Alright, we'll get going in a few seconds Luck, don't worry."
"Okay, but we really should be going quickly, okay?"
"Yes, okay."
Luck kept hopping in place while Yuno turns to Mimosa.
"Mimosa-san, can you do me a favour and locate where we need to go, and the general layout of the dungeon. With unexpected arrivals, time isn't on our side, we cannot allow the Diamond Kingdom to get the treasure, it is our orders after all."
"Ooh, okay, leave it with me."
Mimosa takes her grimoire out before her, and chants a spell, allowing her to point a finger to downwards, and multiple vines gather around the area that location and start to intertwine with each other.
Flower petals sprout from the tip of the intertwining vines, and through this spell, Mimosa's able to observe a detailed three-dimensional blueprint of the establishment. The blueprint is in a form of a hologram coming from the center of the flower petals.
Mimosa shows it to Yuno while Noelle looks on and tightens the hand on her wand.
"We really should be heading for the centre of the dungeon right now..."
Klaus, hearing that, pushes his glasses up his face, and turns serious.
"Yes, that is right, so let us hurry before..."
He stops suddenly, feeling something was off.
There was a chill in the air, an unnatural one at that.
A chill that even slightly surprised Venta, which made him smirk "She's good." with Nero tilting her head.
Mimosa's eyes widen when she suddenly feels a presence behind her.
She turns around quickly to see an ice dagger being pointed towards her back.
Even those like Yuno and Luck didn't detect her presence at all until the moment that she appeared.
Venta watches on as the girl removes her hood, and stares at Mimosa with saucer like eyes.
"So, you're one of the people he has trained...a rare pleasure."
Mimosa took in the girls appearance, her cute appeal, and her short black hair and pink eyes as well. The beauty of the ice that was surrounding her didn't miss their eyes either.
Mimosa looked on, she hadn't seen this girl before, and presumed she could be from the Diamond Kingdom, but something didn't feel right.
Something felt off about her.
"Eh...who are you?"
Mimosa asks, seeing how close the blade was to her.
One false move, and she would have a blade in her body.
Yuno, and Klaus thought about moving.
But the way the girl held her ice dagger, made it seem like within a moments notice she could take out Mimosa.
Nero's eyes turn to Venta.
"Are you going to interfere?"
"If they need me, but I wanna see how they get out of this first. What they've got up their sleeves. Don't worry, I wont let her harm Mimosa-san."
Venta's words showed the trust he had in those below, and wished to see how they'd do this.
Nero knew he was really looking out for them, wishing for them to grow stronger and be prepared if he wasn't around. If he really thought they were in danger, then Venta would definitely step in.
But for this event, for the moment, he wouldn't say anything until he was certain that they would be fine.
The girl with ice glanced at the others around, before snapping her fingers.
From doing that, her grimoire flew open and ice spread out around her, Klaus grit his teeth, creating a steel shield before himself, and Yuno, while Luck jumps high into the air, Noelle raises her wand to cast her spell when Asta swings the sword down and cleaves right through the ice, stopping it from progressing due to her Anti Magic status.
"She's strong, lets fight!"
Luck yelled, and activated his spell to give him claws of lightning and boots at the same time, shooting off towards the ice Mage, but said Mage tilted her head, before she placed her hands out, and created many daggers of ice, firing them off towards Luck.
To his shock, the blades of ice moved quickly, so he had to react with perfect timing, cleaving through the ice, but one managed to get within stabbing distance to Luck's shoulder, surprising him a good deal.
Before he could get pierced, Luck dodges out of the way, receiving a cut to his clothing.
But Luck continued for the Ice Mage's body, so she turned towards Mimosa, and placed her dagger closer.
"You're quite wild, but are you willing to risk this girls life to..."
Suddenly, as the girl spoke, a sudden twister of highly rapid moving wind erupted around Mimosa, shattering the ice dagger, as several steel drills go for her body.
"Have that!"
Klaus said as Mimosa pulls away, Yuno giving her a brief look over, before nodding, with Mimosa doing the same thing as a response.
The Ice Mage leaps back, as the steel drills pierce into the ground, digging it up a good deal, as the girl places her hand on the ground.
From her hand, she ran her Mana through said ground, and as she did, Venta saw several traps from around the area that the others hadn't taken care of activated, shooting out vines, which managed to bind Yuno, Klaus, Noelle, Mimosa, and Asta, but not Luck who managed to avoid them at the last moment.
"Always have a back up plan, that's what he said to me."
The Ice Mage murmured, with Venta narrowing his brows.
"Smart, she's using the area around her to fight a fight that she's at a disadvantage to fight right now."
As he said it to Nero, Venta went to free them, when Yuno causes the winds around her to become sharp, and slice through the vines, before directing his hand towards Asta, and Noelle, shooting off a crescent shaped wind wave, which also slices through Mimosa's binds and freed the other two girls.
She then did the same for Klaus as Luck was busy clashing with the Ice Mage, with Luck coming in with a series of strikes, which she repelled each time with a swing of her ice dagger, then she got behind him, and placed her hand on his back, ice beginning to form out of her hand and freezing Luck's body.
"This girls really good, she's fast, and agile, and managed to catch nearly all of us in one spell! I wanna fight her as my opponent!"
Luck announces happily, running electricity through his system, and blasted the ice off, so she leapt back, and shot off several blades of ice for him, his eyes turned towards her, and cut through the ice with swings of his hands.
"Hmm, so you're pretty fast, as expected of a lightning Mage. But it wont be enough to save you."
"We'll see about that!"
Luck leaps forward at blinding speed.
Getting to her, he swings a claw out for her, which she expertly dodges, and then delivers a hard kick to Luck's face, using enough force that Luck felt the kick go through his body and shake his entire form, pushing him back.
But as he did, he placed his hands out, shooting off several blasts which she evades, and then throws a single dagger of ice. Moving through the air at high speed, Luck's eyes widened, but managed to catch the blade, crushing it between his lightning claws.
The girl clicked her tongue.
"Not ready yet...alright then."
The girl placed her hand on the floor, creating a large shield of ice, that had spires protruding out of it at the same time, Luck's body saw the ice growing closer to him, so he paused, and leapt back as Asta rushed forward.
"Leave it with me! I've got this!"
Asta's blade came out, easily carving through the ice to the Mage's surprise.
"What kind of sword is that?"
The girl asked, as Mimosa creates plants to try and detain the Mage.
However, as they came up, the ice Mage froze them completely, creating ice flowers that she then sliced up with an ice dagger, and propelled them towards the incoming Asta, with them moving even faster than the way that Heath used his Magic, surprising the young Anti Magic wielder.
She managed to cross her blade over her body, but some ice threatened to get through to her body, when Venta did the same that he did with Luck, and crushed the ice before it reached his body, the Ice Mage's eyes going around the area as she was beginning to suspect on what was going on.
"Water Magic, Sea Dragons Waterball!"
Noelle didn't allow the Ice Mage anytime, as she fired off a myriad of water spheres for her.
"So you're fighting me as well? I wont allow you to go forward."
The girl turned towards her, and began running closer, and closer, with Noelle freaking out.
She could see that as the water neared her, she ran her icy hands through them, freezing them and dropping them to the ground as harmless ice balls, protecting herself.
Rushing to Noelle, she gets to the right hand side, with Noelle scowling, and placed her wand out.
"Water Creation Magic, Sea Dragon's Nest!"
Noelle's Magic activated, forming a giant barrier of water around herself, and pushed back the ice Mage at the same time, with Venta smiling "Good going Noelle-san." as the ice Mage flipped in the air, landing on the ground.
Her eyes look between the different people present, seeing each readying to fight her, while Venta looks on from above.
"It seems that you all possess a good deal of strength, no doubt these are the comrades of Venta-sama."
"V-Venta...sama?"
Noelle asks in shock, Mimosa widened her eyes.
"Why did you call him Venta-sama?"
"How could I not show the proper respect for my hero?"
Noelle's, Mimosa's, Klaus', and Asta's jaws hit the floor, and let out a collective "WHAT!?" as Yuno was stunned but didn't visually respect, Luck kept up his smile, but was surprised that she had said something like that.
The girl looks between them, then stands fully tall.
Her eyes dance between each and everyone of the people that were around.
"I am...surprised that he isn't here. Unless he is, and he's currently hiding somewhere. It would be unlike Venta-sama to miss this kind of event, he should have received my rose by now, so he must know that I am here..."
Venta mentally laughs.
"That girl always was quite like this. Though it isn't like she's wrong, still she can't sense me fully. I bet she does feel a bit of my presence, she did have good sensing abilities even back then. And her skills gave her the ability to repel all these Mage's at the same time, she has improved quite a bit it seems. Though what do you want right now? Following such a Spatial Mage, I'll have to investigate this a bit further, something doesn't feel right about her working for that Spatial Mage."
Venta muses within his mind, while Noelle pulls closer.
"What do you mean he's your hero? You aren't from the Clover Kingdom, that grimoire of yours..."
When Noelle spoke her doubts, said Ice Mage turned her gaze towards Noelle.
Said Mage didn't reply for a few moments, her eyes shifting to the ground which was noticed by Venta, who worked out what was going on as he felt the shift of Mana flowing underneath them, and knew that he might have to interfere more than he originally was going to.
"Clover Kingdom, I am not from, you are correct. However, it doesn't matter where I am from. All that does is that, I know you, Noelle Silva-" Noelle scrunches her brows. "-Mimosa Vermilion-" Mimosa hugs her upper body. "-Yuno, and Asta from Hage-" Both Yuno and Asta look on strong. "-are all people that have learned from Venta-sama." Her eyes shifted to Luck. "Luck Voltia, you also have learned a thing or two it seems from your Vice Captain as well."
Luck smiles, and waves to her.
"Wow, you've done your homework, and you're skilled. Wanna keep fighting now?"
The girl raised a brow, before Yuno pushes forward.
"How do you know so much about us?"
Yuno demands, with the girls sharp gaze not faulting for even a moment.
"It's my job to know about those I am going to confront."
When she said that, it took a serious turn.
Each of the Mage's around felt the incredible weight of her words on their forms.
They had to act carefully, or something would happen.
"If you know Venta-kun, then why are you doing this!? You don't have to fight us, if he's your supposed hero! He wouldn't want you to do this!"
Asta yells, with the girl not answering.
Yuno placing her hand out, gathering some winds around her open palm.
"Answer what Asta asked."
"I didn't have an answer for you just yet. However, I will in about three seconds."
"What happens in three seconds?"
Klaus demands, the ice Mage bows her head, as holes begin to open underneath all of them.
"That happens."
The collective group let out cries as Venta watches on, seeing Noelle and Mimosa fall through. Klaus manages to create a steel beam to prop himself up, Luck grabs Asta since he was so close, and Yuno uses her Magic to fly herself.
Venta also notices that Noelle and Mimosa tried to do the same thing, reacting and would have succeeded if the ice Mage didn't freeze the water, and plants respectably, breaking them and caused them to fall.
Venta quickly shot off, and moved fast enough to go into the hole before it closed, but not before saying to Nero "Assist the others, if you need me, call for me." Nero nods, and flies off into the upper area of the dungeon.
Yuno notices for a moment some form but didn't manage to see who before the holes closed up.
As they did, the Spatial Mage comes out of hiding, and his eyes dangerously go towards each that remained, a dark smirk on his lips, and whispering "This is for Venta-sama after all, they shall not live." pushing forward, a dangerous look on his face, showing that he wasn't messing around this time.
Noelle and Mimosa continue going down, using their respective Magic's to slow them down, until they come out into an opening.
An area that was lit really well, dense with Mana.
On the walls, there seemed to be inscriptions, and drawings as well.
Noelle uses a water bubble to cushion her landing, while Mimosa has a plant wrap around her, and lower her down to the ground.
"Ugh...Noelle, are you okay?"
Noelle scratches the back of her head, nodding a single time.
"Yeah, I'm alright. That wasn't a great ride..."
As Noelle said it, Mimosa froze in place, staring ahead of them.
"Noelle, we have company."
Noelle turned to see the Ice Mage stood there.
She had a blank look on her face, while Venta stayed attached to the ceiling, looking on and wondering what was going to happen.
He trusted in Nero, and knew that she would be enough to protect the others for the moment, so he could focus his attention here.
"Why are you doing this?"
Noelle demands.
"We shall have Venta-sama back to our Kingdom. One way or another, we shall not be stopped by your Kingdom."
The Ice Mage's response caused both girls to have saucer like eyes.
"Back...to the Diamond Kingdom...?"
Mimosa muses, unsure of what she was speaking about, though some ideas ran through her mind.
The girl fondly holds a hand to her chest.
"Yes, back to the Diamond Kingdom...He is a hero. My hero. So we shall be taking him back, by any means possible."
Noelle and Mimosa pull away, while the Ice Mage allows ice to begin forming around her.
Sharp, deadly looking ice that even caused a chill in the air, Venta looked on.
"Mariella..."
Venta could see within the Ice Mage's eyes, she looked quite torn right now.
The duty to her mission, or what she felt within her heart...
End chapter!
So, the dungeon arc began with a bang! With the Ice Mage, first assaulting the group, holding them off, until they managed to split them up. Now Noelle, and Mimosa have come face to face with said Ice Mage, what's gonna happen there we'll see! And it seems now that Mariella has finally been revealed, calling Venta her hero, and is now going to be fighting Noelle and Mimosa!
Well, until next time, thanks for reading!
Venta; Mimosa, Vanessa, Secre, Dorothy, Rebecca, Asta (fem), Yuno (fem), Noelle, Elf Fana, Mereoleona, Nebra, Sol, Sally, Grey, Charmy, Charlotte, Mariella, Lolopechka,