Is it Wrong to be the Warrior Captain in the Dungeon?
by oblivon2991
Proofread by the Members of The Usual Gang of Drunken Perverted Idiots
Thank you for reading my fanfic!
My mother language is not English, so please be patient about the grammatical issues.
I don't own the Overlord(オーバーロードŌbārōdo?) novel or anime series created by Kugane Maruyama.
I don't own Dungeon ni Deai wo Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru Darou ka novel, and anime series, written by Fujino Ōmori.
Thank you!
Chapter 14: Trouble in Rivira (part 1)
"Quickly! He went that way!"
"Ughhh! He is so slippery!"
"Where he is?"
Like carnivores cluttered together in a flock, several gods ran through the street, desperately looking for a certain man.
"Dammit! When will they give up?"
Gazef should have known it. It seems that Loki figure was correct!
After the events of the Monster Festival, everything went down the sink!
After he finished his business with Glas — his new contracted smith — and picked up a few quests from the Adventurer's Guild, a bunch of gods and goddesses started following him around, trying to convince — more like force him — to leave his own "Familia" and join theirs.
"Those damn insistent people! A no is a no! Why can't they understand it?"
Ever since he was chased like some prized beast in the forest, and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't convince them to leave him alone!
They just followed him around, relentless, all day! Even tried to drag him down by grabbing his arms and begging — offering all kinds of benefits.
The last drop in the bucket was them offering their bodies in exchange for his service.
"Even the Emperor accepted when I said no. But these people?" They just make him remember all those women who stalked him back then.
"But what can I do with them?"
Somewhat reluctant to use violence against unarmed people — on top of that "Gods" — he decided to run away.
"Wonder what my men would say?" He humored himself while hiding from the group of divines — mainly consisting of females.
Currently, they were like hungry carnivores trying to track him down, trying to drag him into their clutches. Relentless and never giving up!
"The mighty Warrior Captain is running from a bunch of unarmed civilians."
Even in his head, this sentence sounded ridiculous. Yet, seeing these people, his critics might understand his struggle.
"If I can just reach the dungeon..." They surely wouldn't follow him there. According to Misha, that place "hated" divine beings — almost like they were some kind of plague.
A body, which tries to get rid of the sickness that made it ill.
"She spoke about it almost like of a living organism." Which in itself was ridiculous; there is no way an organism as huge as that place would exist.
"Though, our legends had wilder tales similar to this." Also, the place acting quite violent towards him — almost like it is holding some kind of grudge against the good Warrior Captain. "Almost like it was alive…"
The few times he was there, only misfortune followed him. First, when he woke up there. Secondly, when the floor collapsed under him. And thirdly, he never saw any other adventurer fight with those black-coloured monsters like he has.
"Though, I can't say I have delved into that place for a long time." Maybe, other adventurers also experience such a phenomenon. "I'll ask Misha later…"
Nonetheless, now, he needs to focus on getting rid of his stalkers and get some funds before visiting Thoth.
One of her children left a message in the guild which stated: her contact recovered the needed map, and they can visit him whenever Gazef is ready.
"I wouldn't want to go there without any funds, that would be shameful." He also needs to buy something nice for her.
He wouldn't be surprised if she was worried, on top of that angry with him for leaving them alone in that chaos.
"Well, on my pride as the Warrior Captain, I can't do that. What would my King think?"
Chuckling, the Warrior Captain scolded himself. Making her worry was really not his intention when he went to investigate that woman.
"I think they are gone…" Glancing out from his place of hiding, Gazef sighed in a sigh of relief. Walking out of the alley. "Finally, I can head to…"
"HE IS HERE!"
"LET'S GET HIM!"
"Shit!" Gazef swore as he once more started to run.
Luck was not with him this day. At the moment he left the alley, another group spotted him.
These divines were good! Hunting in packs they can spread wider and search more effectively. No wonder they spotted him.
"I was never good at hide and seek…" Even as a kid, he was exceptionally bad with that game.
But to find him so easy? This was ridiculous! Did they place some tracking enchantment on him, or what?
"Hey! Don't run away!"
"Join my Familia!"
"A NO IS A NO! PLEASE LEAVE ME ALONE!"
"This man! Truly is entertaining…" A man pulled his feathered hat in his eyes and chuckled. With his handsome face and golden locks, anyone would call him a lady killer.
Standing on the top of the building, his presence is almost non-existent. Even the Warrior Captain can't detect him from so far.
"Ah! So even the old man is watching his steps. This tale is starting to get more and more exciting…" Nodding towards the owl with the eyes of an oculus, the strange bird bowed back respectfully, leaving right after.
Scene Change: Belit Babili (The Godly Brothel of the Misteress):
"Please… Phryne-sama, no more! Guahhh!"
"Silence, you worm!"
"Ahhh!" Hitting the scrawny man with her riding crop, a woman with a round form yelled.
For appearance, she was quite unpleasant to look at. With the face of a toad, swollen, yet muscled body forcefully squeezed in that leather strap gear, she was anything but a pleasant sight.
"Geez! Phryne really going rough with these bunch."
"Are you surprised? They brought back bad news." Two Amazon prostitutes whispered amongst each other, peeking through the gap in the double door.
"She just came back from her expedition, and she is starting it again!?"
"Lady Ishtar should really do something with her…"
Compared to most girls who were in the service of Ishtar — the goddess of sex, war and justice — these girls were nothing to speak about. Still, their beauty still surpassed most common people in Orario.
Adding the lavish luxury of this place, anyone may compare it to a residence of a Sultan, where the most beautiful harem girls and eunuchs lived.
"She is too greedy. She always snatches and breaks them before we can have our fun!" The girls grumbled behind the almost closed door.
"Wonder why Lady Ishtar didn't do something with her. It does no good to our business…"
All the girls nodded agreeing.
Ever since they joined, this was the status quo. Phryne snatched away the best of the best and only left little morsels for these girls. Even stripped them of a part of their income!
"Yeah! Our Captain never leaves us anything." Pouted the third.
"But what can we do? She is stronger than us."
"Until the Lady has her share, she seemingly doesn't care about it. It cannot be helped."
As the Captain of the Ishtar familia, Phryne Jamil had the right to claim her share of everything they earn — not only monetary values but living "wares" too.
Naturally, she also enjoyed punishing those who failed her.
Sometimes, she was even displeased when she got her share and can't play her "game".
By all means, she was a woman who was hard to please, and her appearance mirrored her personality.
"What are you looking at, little shits!?" Grimacing, Phryne swiped open the door with a quick swing, making the girls spying in the gap fall on their butts.
"No-Nothing!"
"Ye-Yes…! We just came to check if everything is alright!"
Phryne was faster than she initially looked. It was no accident she was a level 5 adventurer. The girls who peeked inside the room can't even catch her fast approach during their momentary inattention.
"Really? Fine then! In that case, go back and earn us some money — before I break those ugly mugs of yours! You lazed around long enough. Bitches!" Phryne waved them away. "If you fail to make your due in time, I will punish you myself." Grabbing and straining her crop, the tanned skin of the Amazons went slightly pale.
"Ye-Yes!"
"P-Please, forgive us!"
Immediately, the prostitutes ran away, going back to their usual places to continue with their profession.
"Now then… Where was I?" Phryne grinned as he turned back towards her victim. "Ah! Now I remember!"
"N-No… Gyiahh!"
"NOT ONLY DID YOU FAIL TO MAKE YOUR DUES, BUT YOU EVEN LET THAT MAN GO?!"
"P-PLEASE FORGIVE US! H-He was too strong! We didn't have a chance!"
"Excuses! Always the excuses!" 'Snap!'
"Ahhh!"
"Oh!" Phryne raised her tool of torture, recognizing it just broke from the sheer force she swung it.
"Tch! When I tried to be nice and merciful, not to accidentally kill him…" Despite her best effort, such things often happen. But it cannot be helped, she was too strong for her own good.
"Too beautiful and strong! Ah! I wonder if I am not the real goddess of beauty sometimes." She often wondered, considering herself the most beautiful lady in all Orario.
An Amazon who outshined even those pumpkin Goddesses — more importantly, Ishtar and Freya.
"…And he even lost his consciousness." Looking back at her victim, she scoffed in disgust. "They break so easily."
Looking at the man, some of his skin already hung on him in straps, a body bleeding profoundly. It was a miracle in itself he didn't faint sooner — more importantly, was still alive.
"Get this filth out of my room!" He ordered the two male servants stood in her room, who immediately came and untied the failed servant, dragging him out.
At first, their expression was empty, almost like they had long gotten used to this kind of scene.
"Now clean this mess and get out! I have things to do!"
The servants gulped and nodded in fear, cleaning up the mess and leaving her room as fast as possible.
"Ah! Finally… some time alone."
Closing her door with a sigh of relief, Phryne looked around to make sure no one was spying on her, recovering a drawing from her drawer.
"Ah! So handsome!" It was almost like her toad-like pupils turned to heart shape, drooling on the profile and licking it once. "I will not let that damn Ishtar get him! No! That damn goddess is already taking the best ones — only leaving scraps for me."
She jumped into her bed with a twisted, perverted toothy grin, tearing the lower part of her leather strap bikini with little effort.
"I will make you mine!" Somewhere in the city, Gazef shuddered as this woman started her intense session of "fun", doing so using the drawing depicting him.
Scene Change: The Dungeon: A few hours later:
The dungeon was a treacherous place. It was like it was almost alive. A place that knows exactly where you are and tries to mess with you, gloating as you fail in glee!
"Cover my left!"
"On it!"
Yet, day after day, people who called themselves adventurers delve into this dangerous place—risking their life for money, fame, and for their own reasons.
In some cases, they succeed, in some, this endless looking deep maze becomes their tomb. Their body disappears as the continuously spawning monsters devour them for nutrition.
"Aghhh!"
"Look out!"
Like in many cases, today as well, a group tried their luck. Or, better said, fought for their lives. Struggling against the floor boss — which considering the floor was a Monster Rex — also categorized by the codename "Goliath".
"We need to… Ugaaa!"
"How the hell did it spawn so early?"
"Didn't an adventurer group clear it last week?"
"Quick! Bring some ropes and restrain it!"
It was indeed strange. Usually, this type of floor boss only spawns every two weeks, yet, it was "born" just before this group arrived, wreaking havoc amongst the lower level adventurers who tried to pass this place.
"Where the hell are those high levels when you need them!?"
"Aghhh!" Using its humongous hands, the Goliath swept away many who tried to get close, picking up one and swallowing them whole.
"Dammit! Look out for the little ones!"
The ones who tried to support their close-ranged companions from far were no better off. Not only do they have to support their comrades, but deal with the smaller monsters who appeared in the meantime — drawn by the noise of the intense battle.
The floor boss, also called Goliath, was considered a level 4 threat, which means, even working together, level 2 adventurers have a hard time against it.
More so, even a level 4 would find it dangerous to face it alone.
"It's a massacre!" Unfortunately for this bunch, no such first-class adventurers were around. At least the ones who used to deal with this monster were still not notified about this suddenly appeared threat.
All of this abruptly appeared variable had left the bunch of level 2 adventurers who for their sheer bad luck were there to fend for themselves. Alone to deal with this threat.
"If we don't do something, we are all spent!"
The Goliath was relentless, swiping away anyone who dared to approach it—bearing with the ranged attacks that bombarded it and answered in kind by throwing the nearby rocks at its attackers.
"What now?!" The archer who just dodged such a projectile turned his gaze towards the cracking ceiling, hearing the sudden cracking noise. He really hoped not another wave appeared — more so, spawning from the ceiling of this place would be a nightmare in this situation.
"Look out! More coming!"
"Holy shit! More?" Swore another, her hand already trembling as she prepared for the worst.
Even the Goliath turned its attention towards the rumbling noise, making the archer raise his brow seeing this.
"Should I flee?"
He pondered hard! Considering all his options. Trying to figure out why the monster would turn its attention upward if their own allies arrived.
Why would that monster do that?
Monsters usually sense when one of their fellows comes out from the walls. And as such, paying no heed to such events but continue to pursue their target relentless.
He and other adventurers who reached this point knew this too well. Then what was the creature doing?
"Look out for the rubble!"
Several stones fell from the ceiling, squashing a few monsters who were not nimble enough to jump out of the way.
"What the…!?"
"Is that…"
"A man?" Questioned several of them, seeing the armoured figure fall from the breach on the ceiling.
"GRAAAAAH!" Like it was possessed some kind of evil spirit, the Goliath roared in rage, swatting away the rubble and trying to grab the figure.
"This is really not my day!" The strange adventurer dodged midair the swipe after his body glowed up slightly.
For the onlookers, it was all unnatural how he twisted his body in midair—making manoeuvres that looked odd, even impossible for most—in the final moment, only avoided by a hairbreadth of the sturdy fingers of the beast.
"Get out my way!"
The creature's worst mistake was trying to catch this strange man so careless. As in the moment it tried to catch the "fragile" figure, the man's blade blurred, slicing to pieces the greedy fingers, but even the hand of the Goliath.
"Eiiiigaaah!"
The being roared in rage and pain, swiping its other hand which threw the nearby adventurers away.
"Get away from it!"
"[Severing Blade]!" Once more, the adventurer's body glowed up, and the massive arm flew clean off from its place. This gave their saviour enough time to finally reach close enough to the monster to finish the job!
"He's almost there!"
"Goooo!" Little time passed since the breach of the ceiling, yet, before the eyes of these adventurers, time went at a slow pace. Seeing this unknown adventurer dismantle the terrifying being at an incredibly fast pace gave them the hope they needed to continue their effort.
"[Fourfold Slash of Light]!" The man landed behind the monster in an instant, looking back at it with a frown. The four strange lines of light his single attack left slowly started to dim, then disappeared.
"!"
Silence descended in the whole chamber, and the adventurers waited intently for the result of the attack — which they couldn't even perceive or follow.
All they saw was the man bringing down his sword with an impossible speed, before landing behind this monstrous being, the monster freezing, standing motionless.
"He did it…?"
"I can't believe it…!"
Only when the monster fell into four equal, perfectly carved pieces and started to turn to dust they realized what this man had accomplished!
"Owaa!"
"Who the heck is this guy?"
"He must be a guardian angel, that's who!"
"Yeah! How do you explain he appeared at the last minute?"
"Haah! What a day! First a bunch of gods, then this place wants to swallow me again." Gazef just sighed at this point, massaging his strained neck. For now, he seriously considered someone aimed at his head.
"An assassin? Did they find me?" Once more, he heard that strange explosion before the floor collapsed under him. After all of this strange "coincidence", most would even consider someone just messed with them or want to take their life.
"Who-Who are you?"
"Oh!" Only now did he recognized the people gathered around him.
Looking around, at least ten people surrounded him with wild curiosity.
Before, he had his hands full, avoiding the falling rubble and taking care of the biggest monster who came into his sight before landing. But now, as it was taken care of, he realized there were people down there too.
"Hello there!" He waved them awkwardly. "Could you please tell me which floor I am on?"
"…"
Awkward silence welcomed all who were around; even the scattered adventurers slowly finished the remained smaller monsters.
Seeing their flabbergasted and adoring gazes, Gazef already felt, he can't get away without some serious explanation.
"Dammit…! More attention."
Scene Change: 18th Floor: Rivira:
This floor was like a sanctuary, a serene place amidst the raging storm, protected from the violence that ruled the floors above and below.
Amidst the grand forest and crystal clear lake that covered the floor, watched by steep rock slopes and many caves in the walls. Under the sharp crystals that glared down and provided light, on a small island in the middle of a lake, a small town is positioned — If it can be indeed called a town.
It was nothing more than wooden shacks and houses hastily put together, surrounded by something an engineer would hardly call walls. Dwellings those are engraved into the hard stone.
In this place, on the only main road cutting through this wannabe town, people in great numbers bustled, inspecting the wares of the traders who set up their shops here.
"Hmph! If you don't like it, just move along." The dwarf yawned, bored, not even sparing a glance at the Amazon before him. He was right, though; if not them, many were willing to buy his wares — no matter how ridiculous his prices were.
"Tch!"
"Tiona! Stop loitering around! There are many more shops!"
"But… Ghhh! Fine then!"
Leaving the ramshackle shack behind, the amazon stomped away, the dwarf shopkeeper not even spared her any attention.
"Why is this place always so expensive?" Leaving the shop behind, Tiona muttered sourly.
"You should know; it is not easy to bring stuff down here." Her sister explained with a deadpan expression, making Tiona even more grouchy.
"Guuh!"
"Why do you even need that crap? You can buy plenty of better stuff up there."
"I just like it!"
"Haah! Why do I even try to reason with you?" Tione shook her head.
She has known her sister for a very long time. Well, to be exact, since they were born. Still, sometimes she managed to surprise even her with how clueless she was about obvious things.
"Aren't we supposed to buy supplies instead of loitering around?"
"Well, yes. But we are heading to the lower levels tomorrow anyway. Just looking around won't hurt. By the way, why did we even stop here? Can't we just make a rush just a few more levels to get the money?"
"Sometimes, I really don't know if you are just joking or speaking seriously…" Sweat dropped the sister with the longer hair. "How long have we been delving into this dungeon?"
"Around five years. Why?"
"And ever since, you never considered why we do this?"
"Well, we usually only stop here when we go on an expedition. I mean, when I come with Gareth. We usually stop at the inn and drink something. Aiz and Riveria just like this floor, so they dwell in the forest or near the lake. And the Captain? He always goes around and catches up with his old acquaintances. As well, everyone else goes around and does their thing!"
"I see your point then…" Tione hummed. "I never thought about that."
She never considered how convoluted her sister's mind can work in her better moments.
Tiona can be an airhead sometimes, but she as well recognizes obvious things. One can even call her the most perceptive person in the group in her better moments, or even an unapreciated genius.
"Tiona, Tione. Let's go!"
"Captain? What happened?"
"Trouble…" At the moment the short, boyish-looking Pallum approached the girls, his expression hardened. An elf with blonde hair stood on his side, looking quite troubled.
"We received the news about a Monster Rex emerging from the 17 th floor… again."
"Eh? But isn't that…"
"I know, according to Bors, it was defeated last week. But it is back again. Aiz and Riveria have already gone ahead. But let's head towards the entrance just to be sure."
Hearing their Captain's tone, both girls nodded agreeing. It was unnatural for a floor boss to spawn back so early. Only a few days after its defeat — Especially this exact one who used to spawn only every two weeks or so.
Something happened that made the Goliath spawn earlier — Something, which meant trouble.
"First those caterpillars, and now this!"
…
"Aiz! Take the lead! I will support you from the back."
"Yes." Rushing with great speed, the two mighty women headed up through the zigzag slope that led to the entrance. In the same way, they arrived on this floor and led above.
They spared no moment or glanced at the confused people they left behind. They had no time to waste; else, more people would die to that monster!
"They might be able to overcome it. But considering the variables… it might be an irregular."
One of them was an elf, with vibrant green hair, on her face a serious expression.
The second was a beautiful human girl. Almost expressionless and blank, like she doesn't even care about the danger, they are headed towards. Almost like a perfect lifeless doll, sculpted with precision.
Both were prepared for the battle. Both knew well the monster they were about to face. Both faced it many times!
Yet, at the moment they passed the maw that separated the two floors and rushed upon the short ramp, they suddenly stopped!
"They… defeated it already?"
"…" Aiz's eyes widened for a moment before it went back their usual blank state.
What was before them was a group of adventurers tending the injured and gathering the drops from the monsters.
It was unusual such low-level folk could defeat this exact enemy with so few casualties and trouble.
"Maybe a high level helped them…" Hummed the green-haired elf theorising how it was possible.
With her sharp elf eyes, she inspected the adventurers and concluded that their gear's quality implied they were around level two or so. There is no way they could have defeated the monster so fast — Not with so few casualties.
"Riveria."
"Hmm?"
"Look."
Aiz pointed forward, to a man who was surrounded by several laughing adventurers. A familiar figure who they had encountered before.
"Him again?" The elf muttered with a suspicious expression.
"Riveria, what's the matter?" At that exact moment, Finn, Lefiya and the Amazonian twins also arrived. Feeling no danger nearby, they walked forth at a calm pace.
"It was really nothing. I just dropped by." Joked Gazef, trying to hiss away the praises of the people around.
"Wow! Look at the destruction all around!" Tiona quipped. "He did that?"
"Let's find out." With a smile, Finn approached the group, removing his "battle mask".
"Oi!"
"Th-The Braver!"
"The Kenki?"
"The Loki Familia!? What are they doing here?"
Seeing their approach, every present adventurer just stared at the group. Either with awe or jealousy.
"It is strange to find you there, Zeff-san."
"Indeed… Finn, right?" Gazef recognized the short boy. The figure who by feeling, was mightier than he first looked.
"That's right. I am glad we left a lasting impression on you."
"Did you hear that?"
"Zeff? Isn't that the guy who beat Bete?"
"And those plant things?"
"Damn! I didn't even recognize him!" Mutters started amidst the people around, giving another look at the man.
"So, what brings you here?"
"It is a long story?" Gazef already felt it would be a long-winded explanation. And he was not wrong. After collecting his share, he accompanied the group to the town of Rivira, sharing a drink with everyone after the "mighty" battle.
…
"Uh?" Lefiya blinked, flabbergasted, hearing the "incredible" story Gazef told them. "Yo-You just fell down a whole floor and killed the Monster Rex?! Just like that?!"
"Well, it seems like that." Gazef rubbed his beard, humming. "It is shameful, but it is the second time it has happened to me. I feel this place really dislikes me."
"Like everyone else." Finn laughed awkwardly, remembering just how many times he almost lost his life in this place — because the dungeon was in a bad mood.
"So it is that way." Gazef sipped from his drink.
Currently, the group dwelled in one of the many small inns this place has. Quite an expensive place compared to how dilapidated it was. Too expensive compared to how undistilled and dirty the booze they serve here was.
"I drank worse. Still…" The small things that floated on the top of this ale made it look rather uninviting.
"It sometimes happens, monsters from floors below sense an adventurer and collapse the ceiling under their feet. But never before did it happen on these early floors." Riveria hummed, pondering how such a thing could happen.
Normally, no monster is strong enough in the first forty or so floors to even attempt that. But if it happened with him twice? In the first twenty floors? Odd was the least Riveria could say for the situation.
"So, you say, it is not usual?"
"No. More so, it is quite strange that it happens on these early floors."
"Oh, come on! Don't be so gloomy! It was an awesome story!" Tiona drank her tankard of ale with one swing, hitting the empty mug on the table. "Guahh! So bad!"
"Then why do you drink it?"
"So, why did you come here, Zeff-san? I might wonder not just to save those people." After Gazef slightly shook his head seeing the light-headed girl, his attention turned back to Finn.
"I assure you, that was accidental. In truth, my reason for being here is simply monetary."
"Ah! I see! So, you are the same as us!" Finn patted his nose, understanding.
"Something like that…" The Warrior Captain chuckled.
This inn currently doesn't have many visitors.
Even the people who celebrated Gazef after defeating that monster went on their own way after some time.
It was natural, of course. Like Gazef, they as well have better things to do than be around all day.
Being in the same business as him, they all came to earn their coin of living and not to dwell long in this dangerous place.
"Though it is strange these people dwelling here despite the danger." According to Misha who spoke about this place during their "tutorial" session, Rivira — as this town was called — was built on the 18th floor as a staging area for adventurers.
Many expeditions stop here to rest and prepare before heading deeper. "Monsters do not spawn here, according to her."
Though, that does not mean monsters from the lower or upper floors can't invade this floor. In fact, until now, the town has been destroyed around 334 times — each time the returning adventurers rebuilt it.
"Stubborn bunch, that's for sure."
"In that case, Zeff-san, I have a proposal for you."
"I am listening."
"Seeing as we are both here for the same reason, I say we should join hands. Together, we can reach deeper while lowering the risk and earn more." Finn presented the idea without hesitation.
"Bu-But Captain!? Are you sure it is a good idea?" Shuttered Tione with a surprise. It seemed she didn't trust this man. Too many mysteries were around him from the beginning.
"First, he appears out of nowhere and beats Bete. Then again, dealing with those plant things! Then even made Loki act strange after his visit! I don't like this!" Alas, that was how the developed Amazon twin mind worked currently.
"Tione, we are here for the same reason. Isn't it better to go together and earn more?"
Hearing such a proposal, even Riveria raised her brow. Yet, for the time being, she remained silent.
Her Captain planned something with the man. Something she can only guess connected to getting more information about him — A goal all the high executives of her Familia sought.
"Hmm, I hope it is not another attempt to make me join your Familia." Gazef pointed at the boy with a subtle smirk.
"Ah! I assure you, it is not." Sweatdropped the strongest Pallum.
Was his secondary objective so obvious?
"In that case, why not? A beneficial partnership can earn us more profit." As well, it helps him safely explore the lower floors while earning more.
"Umm…" Tiona almost fell asleep as the two men discussed the details. It can't be helped; she was never the kind of woman who paid much heed to numbers and similar business stuff.
"In that case, we will start our journey tomorrow morning. Meet us at the door leading to the lower floors."
"Alright…"
Gazef gave one last look to the girl who relentlessly stared at him. The "doll" face which, ever motionless, followed him as he left the bar.
"Well, it is certainly going better than expected." Finn nodded while swiping his nose with his tingling thumb.
"I only wonder what's your plan in inviting him to our party."
"My thumb is tingling, Riveria. Ever since I met him. It is better to get as much info about him as we can. And what's better to do that? Of course, to see him in action first-hand."
"I guess you are right."
Though, Riveria would prefer to inspect the man from a relative distance.
"Who knows what his intentions are? It is possible he might backstab us in the worst moment."
Finn's idea also has merits, of course. They can definitely gain more insight into him and his intentions if they work together.
In the worst case, if he turns against them, they can get rid of him with joint force.
"If we can, of course."
"In that case. Let's prepare for our tomorrow departure. Dismissed."
Nodding, the group disbanded, going on their separate ways, preparing for their tomorrow's journey.
…
"Well, this is definitely a sight."
Gazef crossed his arms, inspecting the crystal lake near the town, gazing up at the crystal-covered ceiling slowly going dim — simulating something akin to a day-night cycle.
"Though the town has nothing to speak about, the environment is definitely beautiful."
Maybe for certain people, this sight alone was enough to risk living here. Cut from any regular supplies or the warmth of the sun, sleeping with the constant monster threat on the horizon.
"I see; you as well are enjoying the view."
"Hmm…" Glancing behind his back, the elf with green hair stepped out amidst the woods. Befitting to her kind, her face was truly beautiful, body slender under the cloak she wore.
"Indeed a splendid sight, Miss… Riveria? Right?"
Riveria walked on Gazef's side, staring at the melodic landscape before them, simply nodding on Gazef's guess.
"Coming here often?"
"Every time when we visit this floor."
"Resembling your home?" Zeff guessed. Though, his wild theory only came from what he heard about elves back home.
"Why do you think that?"
"Where I came from, most Elves lives in the forestry region." As he heard it right, the Elf Country which was located near the Slaine Theocracy, was covered by a thick forest. Seeing their nimble nature and beauty, it is no wonder people connected them with this environment.
"At least, in the Kingdom, I rarely saw elves."
"Please, forgive me. That generalization must be rude."
"Well, you are partly right, most elves live in our sacred forest. But many of them also live outside, in cities. So, don't worry about it." The first time they met, Gazef spotted a subtle smile on her face.
"Good to know." Glancing over his shoulder, he recognized Aiz hiding behind a tree, peeking out slightly. Like a scared little hare, watching them from the far.
"Does she often do this?"
"She is a little bit shy. Don't worry about her. She just does not yet know where to place you."
Raising his brow, and turning back forward Gazef shrugged.
Despite how she looked, her attitude started to resemble that of a shy child.
"And you? Aren't you afraid?"
"I can take care of myself," Riveria announced proudly but still calm. "Besides, the moment you attack, Aiz will surely attack you too. Afterwards, the commotion will draw out my comrades."
"That's saying, you can react fast enough."
Riveria tensed for a moment, prepared to make some distance. Aiz did the same from behind the tree, ready to lunge before Riveria if needed.
"Sorry, that was just some bad humour." The man chuckled, making the elven royalty tick.
"You should watch out what you speak, some may consider it as a threat."
"I'll keep that in mind." Turning back his head towards the serene lake, the Warrior Captain cracked his neck. "So… Elves, humans, dwarves, and even demi-humans? Your bunch are strange. I've never saw so many species working together as a team."
Though Riveria found the sudden change of topic strange, it didn't really bother her. Better keep the conversation going even with random topics, than let it die into an awkward silence.
"It is different where you came from?"
"Yes, mostly. Also, the demi-humans are much more feral. Some even consider humans as food." Remembering the reports about the constant invasions and "food" raids against the Holy and Dragon Kingdom, it is no wonder they were considered nothing but savage beasts.
"Truly?" This even made Riveria turn her head towards Zeff.
Though most beast people tend to be more brutish, they are still civilized enough to be reasonable.
"Truly." He didn't even mention the fact some demi-humans ate infants as a delicacy.
"Well, in Orario, it is different. You either work together or die in the dungeon."
"I recognized. "
No wonder these people teamed up. The conditions in this place truly demanded strict teamwork.
Constantly threatened by this place, it was a do, or die situation.
After this, their conversation continued for long hours, even Aiz sneaked closer and sat beside them.
"That's… truly unusual." Riveria forced a grimace, trying to hold back her laugh and keep the always composed picture of hers intact, listening as Gazef told them an old story from his youth.
"Woah…" Even Aiz tilted her head with shining eyes.
"The best part is, in the end, both sides walked away with nothing to gain in the end. Lesser with a few members but survived."
"Pfu… Khm! I mean, it is truly shameful conduct. You and those men should be ashamed of yourselves."
"Well, we were not. But rather proud."
"La-Lady Riveria. Aiz!? So you are here."
"Yes, Lefiya, what do you need?"
Lefiya blinked, seeing the three together as she walked out of the woods, finally finding the people she searched for. Her hands clutched tighter around her staff, almost as if she feared someone snatching it away.
"The Captain is looking for you. Someone was killed in the city."
"Killed?"
Aiz's eyes widened for a moment before they went back to their usual blank selves.
"Is it strange?"
"Yes. It is almost unheard of for someone to be killed in this city. It is not under the Guild's juridistication, but the current leader keeps it in a tight grasp." Also, no one gains anything causing trouble here. It was a strictly neutral zone. Even Familias hating each other guts restrained themselves to the bare minimum brawls.
"I might imagine…" That guy named Bors also confronted him before coming here, warning him to behave or he and his guys will take care of him.
"Lead the way." They reached the scene of the crime in just a few minutes, entering the inn, which was partly engraved into the side of the rock wall.
"Zeff-san? What are you doing here?"
"I had some experience investigating crime scenes. I thought I could help."
"I appreciate it." Finn gave the man an appreciative nod.
"Hah! You again?" As Gazef and Riveria arrived at the crime scene, a man with an eyepatch confronted him. He, by all means, was an impressive figure, of course, if we didn't count Gazef and the rest of the Loki Familia.
"Didn't I say you to stay out of trouble?"
"It is not in my intention." Gazef looked around, seeing the many people gathered, kept out by the thugs before the door.
"He is with us," Riveria announced. "We came to investigate the scene. What happened?"
"Tch! Loki Familia and your meddling. The last thing we need is you…" Muttered angry Bors Elder, the current de facto "leader" of this settlement.
"But fine then! I didn't need this mess! Come with me. See it yourself."
Following him, the veteran adventurer led the group inside the small room.
A headless corpse lay in a modest room with just one bed, brutalized by someone, or something with incredible might.
"Oi! Riveria! Aiz! Zeff-kun!" Tiona right away pushed the people away and entered the room uninvited. Her rude act seemingly was ignored; people recognised her right away.
"Who did this?"
"I have no idea." Shrugged Bors. "But whoever it is, it causes trouble for me. If you really want to help, find that bastard."
"Hmm, unusual method." Gazef crouched near the corpse. Seeing the brain matter and skull fragments all around. Someone must have smashed his head to pieces with something… Alternatively, right away, crack it open like an overly ripe fruit. "It needs a certain strength to do it with bare hands."
"Still, those marks on his neck…" His eyes moved to the bruises around the neck. Someone suffocated him before making him unrecognisable. "He was probably dead before his head smashed." From all the clues, the Warrior Captain concluded that much.
"Eh!? How do you know that?"
"Look at his neck. His throat is full of bruises, even crushed. You don't crush someone's throat if you crush his head beforehand."
"The stranger thing is… the room is still tidy." Whatever that means in this place with barely any furniture, Riveria's eyes seen this much.
"Which means he probably caught off guard," Finn concluded, connecting the dots. "But who he was? Who would…?"
"We can guess all day. Which I have no time to do… Where is that damn Status Thief!?" Bors roared towards the crowd, and the short animal person stationed outside ran inside, removing the cork from inside the small bottle and pouring it on the back of the dead man.
"Status Thief?"
"An item which can reveal the Falna on people's back. Usually, we can't release our deity's "lock" on ourselves." Thus, they needed this special liquid to do it.
"It must be an expensive item…"
"It is. It is also forbidden to use usually. Fortunately, this town falls outside the guild's juridistication, making it prime ground for underground dealings."
No wonder these people rebuilt it so many times. Only this fact is worth a great deal for shady figures.
A neutral place where they can conduct trades, then draw monsters here to get rid of any suspicious activity or annoyance — no matter how many innocent dies in the process.
"I bet the Eight Fingers would love this place…" That criminal Syndicate did this several times, getting rid of their discovered lairs that way. "Still, why Misha didn't mention this?" If he knew this, he would have already visited this place. "Someone around must have some info about the Royal Treasures."
"It is also by law forbidden to use."
"How so?"
"First, it is made from a deity's blood, which makes it a prime candidate to abuse. Secondly, it can forcefully reveal an adventurer's status, name, and every other detail. The information which is strictly personal and usually kept in secret by the Familia."
"That makes sense."
Pouring the dark liquid on the back of the man, it slowly revealed some characters Gazef can't read.
"Bors, it is ready."
"Good work." Stepping forward, Bors slapped on his forehead. "Son of a b...! I can't read hieroglyphs."
"I can."
"Mee too."
Aiz and Riveria leaned forward, reading the status.
"Hashana Dorlia, Ganesha Familia. Level 4…"
Anyone who heard the name and the status caught in complete stillness, their blood freezing in shock.
The Ganesha Familia was strong and wealthy enough to compete with the likes of Loki Familia. Not to speak this was one of their stronger members.
Anyone who did this must have enough might to prove a threat, even their group's top dogs.
"This is no joke! Strong Fist Hashana died…" Willy, the owner of this inn, blood run cold, hearing out the victim's true identity.
Hashana was level 4. To do something like this — even if he was caught off guard — the person must be a whole level higher. All the signs pointing toward the killer being at least level 5, or was at level 6!
Even in Orario, there was only a handful of level 5 and 6 adventurers. Not to speak there was only one level 7 who resided in the city. All of this pointed towards a handful of suspects.
"Did anyone enter the room with him then left before the corpse was discovered?"
"Well… a lot of people going around here daily. But let me think." On Gazef's question, the dwarf owner started to ponder. "Ah! Now I remember. He arrived with a robed woman. First I thought she is a prostitute. She had quite a curvy body even under that robe. And red hair peeked out under her hood. Truly sexy!"
Most men around — especially Bors and Willy — started to fantasize, earning a profound glare from most women around.
"Perverts!"
"Red hair and curvy body? I saw not many adventurers around with red hair. We need to get this floor under lockdown."
"Oi! Who do you think you are ordering me around?!" Bors came back from his daydreaming, hearing Zeff's order.
"Do you have any better ideas?"
"No…" Bors scoffed, annoyed. "It would be bad if that person escaped. She might cause trouble later." He tried to reason with himself. "Tch! Fine then! Have it your way."
Soon enough, burly adventurers moved heavy rocks before the entrance and the exit of the floor, making sure no one could escape.
"Do you think it will be enough?" Seeing how humongous this place is, the culprit can easily hide amidst the woods or one of the many caves dotting this place. "Not to speak, she had more than enough time to comfortably leave either through the entrance or the exit of the floor."
Alternatively, she can simply hide and wait things out.
"Probably not. We can't be sure the culprit not already escaped."
"Possibly. But there might be other witnesses we didn't manage to find and question."
Finn reasoned, and he was right. There must be something or someone that can lead them to the right track. Someone who saw her and can give some clues.
"Get your ass together! No exception! Everyone will be inspected!"
For Bors' orders, the people lined up.
Most of them naturally were annoyed but still obeyed the man's "request". They all knew well, a murderer running amok promised nothing good. It was neither good for business nor their health.
"Where is Aiz and Lefiya?" Finn asked, looking around, unable to spot his fellow adventurers.
"I don't know." Tione scanned the crowd and the nearby region. "Maybe they saw something suspicious and went to investigate it?"
"Maybe the culprit?"
"Who knows? But why they didn't tell us about it?"
"Should I go and look for them?" Gazef offered.
"Not necessary. They are our comrades. Tiona, Tione, please go and…"
At that moment, the ground started to tremble, and inside the city, plant-like monsters burst out.
"These things again?" Though smaller in size, they were familiar with the monster they fought under the monster festival.
"I guess you fought similar things before?" Finn recovered his spear, prepared for battle.
"Yes! Similar monsters appeared during the festival too."
"Which means the two are connected?"
"Guahhh!" They had no more time to throw around ideas.
Nearby, one of the adventurers was already caught with the plant monster, screaming in despair as the thing was on to swallow him as a whole. "He-Help!"
"No time to discuss this!" Gazef rushed forth and cut the monster's head off cleanly with a precise strike.
"Tha-Thank you!"
"Go into safety." He urged the man, going after another being.
"Bors! Rally the people!"
"Got it!" And the tough guy acted according to Finn's request, for his mere words, the people around grabbed their weapons and lunged into battle. "To arms, you motherfuckers! Show these things they can't mess with us!"
More and more monsters burst out from the ground, coming from the lake which surrounded the fortified city and lunged towards the inside, devastating even the makeshift walls. Bursting through the ground and ruined many wooden shacks.
"Oi! There are so many of them!" Tiona threw Urga, her double-bladed weapon, and it beheaded multiple monsters like a boomerang.
"They are weaker than the ones we fought, though," Tione added, bursting through one of the things with her Kukuri.
At that moment, Gazef recognized something strange. These things aimed mostly at magic casters, violently charging at them at the moment they started to gather their magical energy.
"Riveria! These things are sensitive to magic! Draw them together and blast them to hell! We will cover you!"
"Got it!" Riveria started to chant, raising her staff, and an intricate magical symbol appeared under her legs. "Harbinger of the end. Gust before…"
She had to retreat when the berserking beasts raised their heads, and burrowed through the air towards her. The magic circle immediately collapsed under her legs, lunging farther from the beasts.
"[Thrusting Storm]!" Gazef Martial Art cut through the beings like a hot knife through butter, their lifeless bodies falling to the ground in pieces before they can reach the woman.
"Their number is just growing by the minute…"
"What now?" Suddenly, the ground started to quake, a rumble as countless rocks shattered and something heavy rolling down from the Cliffside made the people turn their attention from the battle.
"What is that?"
"An octopus!?"
"Aren't that thing resembles the monster we encountered in the fiftieth floor?"
"Yes, it is…" The Amazonian twins' short conversation raised the attention of the people, gaping in fear seeing the rampaging creature that rapidly closed down on the side of the rocky slope that looked down at the square, aiming at the city directly.
Its upper body was of a curvy green female, with green hair, having no nose but sporting delicate features on her face.
By the look, her mouth was wide enough to swallow a human as a whole, and it was like the whole lower body consisted of many of those plant things, using several of them as legs to advance rapidly.
"Another monster?"
"Lefyia? And who is with her?"
Fleeing from the thing, Lefiya and another chientrope adventurer girl arrived to the square with a rapid sprint. Behind them not far, a rampaging thing "rolled" down the slope, absorbing every plant snake that got in its way.
"Ca-Captain!"
"Lefiya! What happened? How come that thing is once again here?"
"You met that thing before?"
"Yes. In the fiftieth floor, we encountered something similar." Finn already felt, this thing will be just as troublesome as its "sister" was on that floor.
"A-Aiz-san is in trouble! She is fighting with someone… someone strong!"
"Who?"
"Oooooo!" Using her Urga, Tiona cut off one of the plant heads which the being used as a leg, making it spit blood all around and lose balance.
Yet, at the moment it happened, the thing turned back and went after the one who hurt it, spewing acidic fluid towards the Amazon from its appendages.
"Even after we cut off its head, it does not die!" More so, it started to regenerate!
"It must have a core. We need to find it!"
There was chaos on the battlefield. Some people fought at the rampaging snake plants that still burst forth like a never-ending weed growth. Meanwhile, the Loki Familia had to deal with the newly appeared monster.
Aiz and a strange red-haired woman soared through the air, fighting relentlessly. Their battle shaking the air around them.
"Dammit!"
In such a situation, the commanders had to make often unpopular decisions. Because every one of them knew, if one front falls, that may be the beginning of the end. If the enemy manages to break through even one line, they gain the invaluable opportunity to crush them from inside, gain the upper hand!
Pieces needed to sacrifice in order for victory…
"Go!" Gazef gave a sharp look to Finn. "She is your comrade, help her! I will take care of this!"
"Thank you." Finn nodded, appreciating, rushing forward to the cornered Aiz. "Riveria! The command is yours!"
"Got it!"
…
"Ugh!"
"Pathetic. This is really the so-called Kenki?" Aiz was thrown into a wall, sweating intensely.
The barrier of air that still swirled around her, protected her from most of the damage, but her opponent definitely pushed her to the brink. If not recovering Desperate from Goibniu before coming here, she would be already defeated.
"I will finish you up fast, so I can continue my mission, Aria."
"…" Aiz's expression was no longer of a doll but rather disturbed, even angry glaring at her opponent.
The woman with red hair and green eyes. A woman with terrifying strength, who skillfully kept up with Aiz, and followed up with a series of punches…
For the first time in a long time, Aiz was unsure if she can win! One can say she was even afraid of what will come!
"Guah!" Finally, several strikes managed to get through Aiz's defence and wind barrier, embedding her deep in the wall.
Her style was of a veteran warrior who cared little about finesse honour. Using both her sword and brawl to gain the upper hand.
"Hmph!"
Aiz's opponent didn't even flinch as the violent winds around Kenki's body cut deeply into her flesh, making the bare bones visible underneath her peerless skin.
"So much about the First Class…" She spat visibly unbothered, the severely injured hand already regenerating, flesh growing back rapidly.
"Umm…" Aiz removed herself from the wall, coughing up blood and once more standing up. Her legs trembled in the effort, but still raised her sword filled with determination.
"Tch! Why can't you just die?" Urging her body to charge against the bruised girl, she was stopped midway by Finn, who intercepted her at the last moment.
"Aiz! Are you alright?"
"I am fine…" Albeit, Aiz showed no sign of mental exhaustion, looking at her, the Captain of the Loki Familia would say otherwise. Her body was battered by the intense combat. Not to speak her expression was slightly "odd". Definitely not the usual "doll face" she used to show.
"Her opponent is completely unscathed though."
It was obvious which one had the upper hand.
"Tch! I was too slow…" Muttered the redhead woman.
"Who are you? Why did you attack Aiz?"
"It can't be helped then…" Without answering Finn's question, she charged against the two once more.
'Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!'
Her blade and Finn's spear clashed, blurred and vomited sparks whenever they met, showcasing their intense speed and skill surpassed the still "green" Aiz's.
A battle of two equals, that's how one can describe their clash! A battle of attrition! One slip! One wrong move and the other side will get the upper hand!
"Get out of my way!"
…
"[Impenetrable Fortress]!"
"Wow!"
Tiona awed as Gazef's body glowed up with a mysterious light, the monster preparing to slam her full body against him. Yet, by simply touching his sword, the full bodyweight of the monster repelled in an instant, unbalancing the towering creature. "Hoooh!"
"This is insane!" Bors watched in dread as these "monsters" tore apart the hulking creature bit by bit!
"Dammit! Not only are they commanding my people now they even doing crazy shit!?"
No matter how much it regenerated, they just devastated it once more! This scene showed why the cream of the Loki Familia was feared and respected all around the Dungeon city.
But most of all, he watched, baffled as the unknown adventurer charged fearlessly before the creature and embedded his thick sword into the monster's lower part. His blade twisted inside the foul flesh, akin to trying to roll up pasta to his fork, and slowly, raised the monster from the ground!
"Tiona! Tione! Kept those "limbs" away from him!"
"Got it!" Under Riveria's orders, the twins charged into action, aiming at the thing's limbs.
"Just what are you planning?" Straining her borrowed bow, the elf princess supported her comrades from the backside, arrow after arrow hitting the bullseye with each monster she aimed at.
Her long decades of hobby that she started to practice out of boredom paid out on this battlefield.
"…Loose your arrows, fairy archers. Pierce, arrow of accuracy!" Finishing her trigger spell, Lefiya released her spell, and a humongous magical arrow barrage hit the surrounding enemies head-on!
Some enemies tried to flee or dodge the spell, but the magic instinctively sought them out, changed their direction midair even!
"Mmmmm!"
The sword bent and screamed in effort, feeling the tons upon tons of weight on its blade! Yet, it held firmly under Gazef's rigorous task. It was a true test of the weapon! Showing the peerless skill of the maker of this blade! Showing Glas was not only a blacksmith but one worthy to be contracted with the Warrior Captain himself!
Gazef's muscles bulged in the effort, raising the monster over his shoulder and above his head like he prepared an overhead swing!
"Geiahhhhhh!"
The thing roared, flailed, trying to remove itself from the blade as it felt it can't hold itself on the ground anymore!
The task the thing failed spectacularly, as more it tried, the deeper the Warrior Captain pushed and twisted his blade in its body, eventually raising it above his head.
"Look out!" Something changed! The monster gaped its mouth wide, starting to chant in an unknown language, collecting magical energy desperate! If anything goes by what Riveria's group experienced on the fiftieth floor, it started to cast that devastating spell!
"If that attack hits the ground, nothing but a huge crater remains from the town!"
"Get away from it!"
A moment of stillness followed when everyone watched in strain what was to come! A stillness followed by a mighty quake shook the whole town the moment Zeff's sword hastened towards the ground with all his might! "[Focus Battle Aura]! [Fourfold Slash of Light]!"
The Martial Art activated inside the body of the being, sliced it into four equal pieces in the air, splattering the being on the ground all around, even cutting through the gathered magic and dispersing it!
"Is it over?" Bors questioned, looking around, freaked out.
Those lesser creatures were still around, fighting a battle of attrition against the adventurers. But at least they were through the brunt of the battle.
"Hmph!"
Looking at the sliced up monster, Gazef spat on the ground, with a simple slash getting rid of its foul blood on his blade.
"I can't believe it…"
"That was awesome!" The always cheery Tiona announced, patting his back as she landed near him. "You need to teach me that move one day."
"Maybe…" That was Zeff's only answer, paired with a smug smile.
"Everyone is alright?"
"I am fine."
"Mee too."
"But there are still many monsters around."
"In that case, let's get rid of them."
"Finn is still fighting. Someone should go and help him."
"I will go, you should stay here and help get rid of these pests." Gazef offered.
"I will accompany you. Lefiya, Tiona, Tione, you know what to do!" With a simple nod towards them, Riveria and Gazef left, charging towards the mighty battle that fought above them.
"Guah!"
"It is trying to escape!" Like it felt the biggest threats left the playfield, the marred "parasite" torn itself out from the main body of the "octopus" carcass, using its remained limbs and started to flee as it feared for its life, moving like some grotesque worm, wriggling, squirming just to get away in time!
Despite how ruinous state it was, its speed was amazing, even rivalling the top adventurers of Orario as it stampeded through the city, and headed towards the lake water surrounding the Rivira.
"Tiona! Tione! It is getting away!
"After it!" Recognizing it want to escape, the twins wasted no time but charged after it.
…
"Tch!" The battle reached a settlement between Finn, Aiz and the unknown assailant.
"Aiz… retreat."
"Why?"
"I may need to use that… I don't want to endanger you."
They were both battered.
Finn's spear was broken into two, one of his arms was also broken, head was bleeding profoundly. Aiz was barely holding, breathing haphazard.
Their enemy was also seen better days, her face swollen, her body covered with deep cuts, healing slower and slower as time passed.
Nonetheless, if he were to use that skill of his, he will lose all control. Once that happens, he may attack Aiz in his blind berserk.
"Not good… I better retreat. How annoying." Muttered the beaten-up woman, jumping towards the edge, only to her face met with the fist of Gazef. The sheer brute force threw her back, embedding her into the stone wall like some mosaic, or modern art.
"Finn!"
"Riveria! Zeff!" They arrived just in time, jumping up on the destroyed edge they fought on.
The environment has seen better days around them; it was basically smashed to pieces by the battle conducted here.
"Guuuh!" Removing herself from the wall, her whole body trembled, visibly barely supporting herself on her legs.
"Who the hell are you?" After checking her own blood dripping down from her smashed-up face, the woman grimaced, angry.
"Just an adventurer," Gazef answered with a confident smile, brandishing his sword. "Who is this woman? Is she behind all of this?"
"Eh? You didn't know and you hit her?"
"It was just a feeling in my gut. Also, her hair is red. We searched for a redhead, no?"
"Ah! I guess, you are right." Still, punching her on her face that hard was a little excessive. But considering how much she roughed them up, maybe Gazef did the right thing.
"Honestly, even I can't tell at this point."
"Damn adventurers." First, her package gets intercepted. Then, she have trouble dealing with "Aria" because her friends are in the way. It was really not her best day. "No matter, my objective is completed. I should just…!"
"Don't think we let you retreat." Gazef pointed his sword at her, hearing her loud and clear. "Give up, and we can take you to custody. Resist, and we may have to hurt you."
"No choice then…" Lowering her head, she recovered a strange amber coloured crystal, putting it in her mouth and gulping it down.
"She is up to something. Be prepared!"
The shoulders of this unknown woman started to shake, muscles bulging slightly as if she went in some berserk mode, shooting out with even greater speed towards Aiz.
"Look out!" Even Gazef was caught off guard by the sudden increase of her speed for a moment.
Almost like she teleported, she was before her, prepared to slice her throat.
"[Pace of Wind]!" Just as fast as this woman appeared before Aiz, Gazef also caught her blade with his own, redirecting it skillfully.
"Tch!"
"Thank you…"
"No problem!"
"It seems; she didn't want to give up."
"In that case, we have no choice."
Ready to continue the battle to their last breath, Finn also raised his broken spear, joining the battle once again.
A/N:
Well! Its been a while, folks!
Sorry for not writing this story for a long time. (Lack of muse, drive and time blocked my way :P)
But here I am! Back! Stronger than ever!
With a double chapter for you! :P
(first chapter from the double chapter. The next part will be released when the proofreaders finished, and I collected enough reviews XD)
In the next chapter:
The battle in Rivira continues!
The stranger who knows me…
Who will Gazef encounter in the belly of the dungeon?
Read further and find out!
RnR!
Read and review!
Stay safe! Sail safe! Good night! Good day! Stay away from Corona-chan!
Until next time!
Oblivon2991 out!