To GrandSeibaa: Alice is pretending to be some kind of Divine Angel sent by the Heavens in that scene. Because of that, she can't use her real last name since others might grow suspicious as to why an Angel would have the same last name as the Sword Hero. Plus, the "Synthesis 30" title sort of implies that she's the 30th out of the countless Sword Spirits that might exist in heaven.
To drmcgraw186: Although it was never directly mentioned in the anime and this Fanfic, Naofumi already PARTIALLY unlocked the Curse Series during his False Accusation Trial at the beginning of the story. In several other Fanfics, it was heavily implied that the partly unlocked Curse Series is the reason why Naofumi lost his sense of taste. So when Naofumi experienced a very POSITIVE event, which Raphtalia deciding to stay by his side despite no longer having a Slave Crest, the Curse Series got suppressed for a short period of time.
To Xenvic: Just a correction, I said "at a later chapter" NOT "next chapter". Naofumi also has Mash to help him snap out of it before he accidentally hurts the people that he cares about.
TO ALL REVIEWERS WHO SUGGESTED: Itsuki and Motoyasu's Spirit Partners won't be showing up anytime soon but thanks anyway for all the suggestions. Though I would prefer the Bow and Spear Spirits to be female since it will blend in better with the story that Alice said about the Goddesses.
- But as I mentioned before, they won't be awakening for a long time. Maybe at the Season 2
- Sorry but the real Kirito won't be appearing in this Fanfic. Not only does he have his own story already, but I have no idea how to get him here in a believable manner.
346 Reviews, 332 Favorites, 448 Follows
PLEASE READ ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- I already made up my mind on who the Spear Spirit will be and there's no changing my mind about it (it's not longer Erishkigal).
- But I'm still sort of deciding on who the Bow Spirit will be. I MIGHT put up a Vote about that but it won't be happening for quite a while.
- Only VERY brief mentions of Arturia and Shirou's actions will be seen in this Fanfic. Maybe a few short Flashbacks if it goes well with the story.
It was now morning in the slightly distant Kingdom of Faubrey...
Queen Mirellia, the true ruler of Melromarc, is inside one of Faubrey's guest rooms and is currently being informed by one of the Toudou Clan's private Shadows about the latest events that have transpired in her queendom during her absence.
It goes without saying that she's more than JUST pissed off by what her husband and 1st daughter have been doing while she was away.
To the point that she had to keep on crushing, exploding, burning, shattering, freezing, etc. upon countless portraits of Aultcray and Malty just to vent some of her anger and frustrations!
Years worth of her hard work in trying to make peace with the other nations, especially the Demi-Human countries, were all nearly destroyed a few weeks prior! All because of Aultcray's actions by summoning all FOUR Cardinal Heroes! While her phenomenal charisma and quick thinking played a role in quelling some of the other rulers' rage. Her biggest saving grace in winning over the more hostile rulers, is all thanks to Eugeo Zuberg, the current Sword Hero's actions.
Her Shadows arrived during one of her meetings with the other rulers and were told about Eugeo's efforts in HELPING Naofumi Iwatani, the current Shield Hero. Even the Demi-Human rulers couldn't deny that the Sword Hero's idea of putting up an act while secretly giving the Shield Hero valuable information on how to get stronger is the best thing he could have done at the time.
They have also been told that Eugeo is from a world very similar to theirs, thus giving him a tremendous advantage among his fellow Heroes in terms of actual fighting capability. But despite that fact, he has shown to be extremely humble and is even willing to give his fellow Heroes some basic combat training during their first day after being summoned. Helping the Shielder in unlocking his very own version of Combat Skills that served him well later on.
Things got even better when news arrived over 2 weeks later about Sir Eugeo's first heroic act. Going out of his way to free the Demi-Human survivors of Lurolona Village while disguising himself as a Hakuko. This action of his has won him at least some approval among the Demi-Human rulers.
One of the other Toudou Shadows also added from the reports of their Clan heiress that Sir Eugeo now has two Demi-Humans in his party. They may be his Slaves on paper, but only for convenience's sake so they can take advantage Melromarc's policies. Granting them some protection from the brunt of the country's discrimination as they are the Sword Hero's property.
This is the main reason why Queen Mirellia managed to strike a deal with Siltvelt's Rulers. Which is allowing the Sword Hero to handle their Wave when Melromarc's Wave is over for the month. Although the only ones who will be in the know in the capital of Siltvelt would be those that are trustworthy.
Too many eyes are currently monitoring the Shield Hero's movements after all. Making it impossible for Siltvelt to discretely approach the Shielder without tipping off the Three Heroes Church about their presence.
It was far from perfect... but at least things are looking up.
Back at the present, the Shadow has just finished her reports about the duel between the Spear Hero and Shield Hero. As well as a fraction of the story which they managed to figure out from Lady Aoi's reports behind the havoc that the Sword Hero have caused for Aultcray's and the Church's powerbase. Much to the Queen's great amusement and delight.
"Hahahaha...! So that's what has been happening? I feel like I should start making preparations for Sir Eugeo's rewards for all the services that he has unknowingly been doing on my behalf." The Queen giggled to herself before turning more serious.
This news about the Cardinal Spirits and their role in this world is completely new. Whether or not everything about it is true, there's no denying that this new information will gradually have noticeable effects in the future. Especially those Religious Cults that exist in each country who takes their beliefs a bit too far.
Thankfully, the Cardinal Heroes still have a few months... half a year at most before this information would be able to thoroughly spread out to the rest of the other nations by word of mouth. Ironically enough, it's thanks to the Three Heroes Church that this spread of info is being slowed down. The exact opposite of how much they accelerated the false rumours and lies about the Shield Hero's crime that he didn't commit just a month before.
Thus, giving the Heroes some more time to adjust to this world before they have to learn to face the dangers of politics and devoted believers.
"Continue to keep me updated on what has been happening back in the capital, especially on the Sword and Shield. But you may intervene and guide the Heroes in the right direction if the situation calls for it."
"As you wish Milady." the Shadow replied before disappearing away from the window.
Inside Melromarc's Royal throne room...
The Four Cardinal Heroes, with their respective companions behind them, are all lined up once again in front of the King.
Just as he promised during their first moments into this world, they are now receiving the rewards for their efforts in fighting against the Wave.
'The stench of favoritism is truly saturating the air right now.' Alice mentally said to Mash as the reward money is being given.
'And here I thought they might have changed a little thanks to the chaos you caused last night.' Mash sighed in disappointment.
Eugeo and Naofumi could only silently agree with their respective partners as the money are being handed out.
Motoyasu gets 4,000 Silvers.
Itsuki gets 3,800 Silvers.
Eugeo gets 3,500 Silvers.
Him having not one, but two Demi-Humans in his party is probably part of the reason why his reward got lowered like this. Although Eugeo and Alice decided to stay silent as they aren't very bothered by their reduced rewards.
But when the King finally reached Naofumi, that's when things started to heat up again.
"Since it has been offset for the cost of the new member that he's supposed get from Sir Motoyasu's party, the Shield Hero shall not receive any funds at this time."
The moment King Aultcray finished his sentence, the Legendary Sword started to shine a reddish aura as Alice spoke for everyone to hear.
"Do you really want to test my patience, Foolish King? Or do you want me to come out and PERSONALLY give you a lesson about fairness?"
Everyone who's not in the know of Alice's true nature, froze in slight fear as they no doubt recognized that voice.
"I highly suggest that you just give Naofumi the reward money that he rightfully deserves, King Aultcray. Because if you manage to anger Alice enough, I won't stop her once she materializes again." Eugeo advised with a disapproving tone.
"I have to agree with Eugeo. Not only did you and Myne interfered with the duel. But your own actions caused the Legendary Sword's Spirit to intervene last night because of just how unfair you have been towards Naofumi. He did his duty as a Hero and protected an endangered village while we were busy fighting the Wave Boss. It's only right that you fairly compensate him for his efforts." Itsuki said with a frown.
Even Motoyasu silently nodded in agreement and stayed quiet as it was absolutely clear that Myne and the King were in the wrong. The fact that Alice the Holy Angel confirmed it probably helped more in convincing him than anything else.
Both the King and 1st Princess were having a really hard time keeping themselves calm as the other Heroes chose to stand up for the lowly Shield Hero.
So after a few moments of internal struggling...
"FINE!"
King Aultcray blurted out as he finally relented,
"The Shield Hero shall receive 2,000 Silvers along with the party member that he won from yesterday's dual. Now take them and begone from my sight!"
Naofumi didn't need to be told twice as the hatred between him and the King is very much mutual. Automatically pouring all his reward money directly to his [Treasury Shield] before turning around to face the lady who's giving him an upset yet submissive look. (Because inscribed right at her partially exposed assets is a Slave Crest that Myne has forcibly applied on her the night before.)
While Naofumi will admit that she's voluptuously beautiful, the most important detail about her is that she's a new face.
Most likely a new recruit that Motoyasu invited into his party but didn't fit in too well with the Bitch Princess and her followers. Making her the perfect candidate to be given away without affecting the Bitch's preferred team dynamics.
She has long bluish purple hair consisting of a straight cheek-length sidelocks and frontal fringe with the rest of her hair elegantly flowing down her back. She wears a sleeveless kung fu jacket that exposes a bit of her cleavage and stomach, trousers which are thick in the tigh area, gaiters and sandogasa. She wields a long spear as her main weapon.
According to his Appraisal Skill, the girl is a Level 18 with her Stats being a bit on the average side. She's got a water, earth and wind affinity... quite a wide variety than normal, and her Alignment is Lawfully Neutral. While completely accidental on the Bitch's part, she probably just given away the only decent member that Motoyasu's got in his entire party!
Naofumi isn't the least bit surprised that the Bitch Princess ended up with a 'Chaotic Evil' Alignment when he decided to give his completed Appraisal a try on her. While Trash King, the chosen Adventurers and a great number of people in the Royal Palace have a 'Lawfully Corrupted' alignment in their Appraisal Data.
'I knew Motoyasu is an idiot... but didn't it occur to him that his party's gear is UNFIT for the more intense battlefields!' Naofumi ranted to himself.
His first order of business would be giving his newest party member some upgraded equipment. Her current gear might be fine against normal monsters. But it's all but guaranteed that monsters from the Waves will be anything BUT normal!
Naofumi and his party quickly left the throne room as soon as Raphtalia finished sharing a goodbye hug with Rifana and Anna. Rejecting the offer to do the Slave Ownership transfer here as he didn't wish to leave behind any of his blood samples in his enemies' hands. Saying that he will do the Ownership transfer himself elsewhere.
The moment the Shield Hero and his party were gone, everyone's focus transferred over to Eugeo. The aura of the Legendary Sword has already subsided at this point. So the King and everyone else aren't as nervous as before.
"Sir Eugeo... I think I can ask in behalf of everyone here, just what happened during your journey that allowed you to awaken your Legendary Weapon's spirit? And what exactly is their role for you heroes?" King Aultcray asked a little calmly as he didn't want to anger said spirit again.
After taking a moment to think about it... Eugeo and Alice thought that MAYBE encouraging the Spear and Bow heroes to do some Heroic deeds other than fighting the Waves would do them some good. Not only so they can awaken their own Spirit Partners, but so they can finally start taking this world more seriously.
So Eugeo have a slightly modified answer...
"Alice explained to me that to unlock the Spirit within, the Cardinal Hero must prove themselves worthy of their title as Hero. It normally takes a while for a Hero to achieve this. But because of my Heroic actions back in my homeworld, I accidentally awakened her a lot earlier than expected. Also, absorbing some Holy Water probably helped a little in speeding up the awakening process.
As for their role, aside from what she already mentioned last night, Alice has also been helping me unlock new abilities, managing my current skills as well as giving me advice when I need it. She can also cast some illusion magic if she concentrates hard enough, but they are very easily dispelled if her target moves too fast." Eugeo added with a little lie mixed in so they won't know the real reason of how Anna and Rifana were able to disguise themselves as humans for so long.
"I... see..." the King mumbled to himself in thought as the Sword Hero's words sunk in to all the other people in the room, especially on Motoyasu and Itsuki.
"Prove ourselves worthy huh... I guess when you sacrificed your life to take down that Evil Witch who was terrorizing your homeworld, it DEFINITELY counted as a show of worthiness." Itsuki commented with a soft chuckle while scratching his chin.
"No joke!" Motoyasu couldn't help but laugh as Myne started to cling and shower him with attention so he would forget about the party member that he lost. Already thinking of ideas of what Motoyasu can do to prove himself worthy to the Spear Spirit so he can become more powerful.
The same thing could be said with Itsuki's party as they suggested to their Hero that they can try taking some difficult Quest from their personal Guild informants. Most peculiarly picking the ones that seemed to be the most Heroic.
"Before we go our separate ways, all of you must remember something important." Eugeo voiced out to his fellow Heroes in a very serious tone, causing everyone to pay close attention to his next words.
"Each Spirit have their own unique set of abilities, personality, preference and quirks. The Heroic act that is required to awaken the Bow Spirit and Spear Spirit might be different from Alice. And if you DO manage to awaken your Spirit partners, you must be careful and reach some kind of agreement with them. Having a positive relationship with your Spirit partner is very important if you want them to willingly help you get stronger."
Everyone in the throne room, especially Motoyasu and Itsuki, firmly nodded as they took Eugeo's advice to heart.
With everyone more or less satisfied, the three remaining heroes left the Royal Palace and back to their separate journeys.
Eugeo is on his way to the Guild Building while Kirin, Anna and Rifana went to fetch Arthur from the Filolial Stables and to purchase some supplies.
Since Eugeo will need some sort of alibi to explain away his upcoming disappearance, Kirin suggested that they take a Quest from the local Adventurer's Guild. Preferably a Material Gathering Quest that will require them to go exploring in a hard to reach location.
Not only will it provide them plenty of witnesses from the Guild to confirm their alibis, but it will also give them an excuse for being out of the radar for a certain period of time. Enough time for Eugeo's Alter Ego Kirito to make an appearance to fight against Siltvelt's Wave of Catastrophe.
As for Anna and Rifana's equipment, they all agreed that maybe it's best for them to wait until they get the rare materials for Erhard to use in forging them new ones. The Demi-Human capital should have some quality gear for them to buy for temporary use in preparation for the Wave there.
'I'm really sorry Alice.' Eugeo sincerely apologizes as he continued to walk towards his destination, 'I guess I have to postpone our Date for a little while longer.'
'It's alright Eugeo. It's not like you don't have a good reason to postpone it. But I do demand you to give me some private cuddle sessions when the other's are already asleep.' Alice demanded with a giggle the payment that she wanted as compensation.
'You got it, and who knows... there just might be a pretty good place in Siltvelt for us to have a Date. You should be able to use one of the other Sword Forms to disguise yourself as another normal Demi-Human.'
Alice squeaked as the Legendary Sword shook slightly, 'Umm... I do have several forms that can work for that... but...'
'But?'
Alice seemed to be struggling on how to say it as she quickly blurted out, 'Just make sure to provide me some decent clothes when I DO disguise myself!'
'Ooookaaay...' Eugeo cluelessly agreed, wondering just how bad her other Forms' clothes are that she would demand it THIS much.
Eugeo arrives at the establishment a few minutes later and he couldn't help but slightly marvel at the sight of the Guild Building. The building has two-storeys with a simple elegance in its design and dual structure. There's also many designs embedded in the walls portraying the Legendary Weapons. All except for the Legendary Shield though, which slightly irked Eugeo of just how much the Shield Hero is ostracized in this country.
When the Sword Hero went inside, he is greeted with a wide open space with counters for adventurers to talk with their advisors. Eugeo looked towards another area where it seems to be the place where adventurers receive their reward money once they present proof of completing the Quest they took. Finally, at the far wall is a giant 'Information Board' where numerous pieces of paper is slightly glued to the wall where all kinds of Quest are written for any Adventurer to choose from.
Not wanting to waste too much time in looking for the perfect Quest, especially since he still haven't learned to read this world's language, Eugeo decided to directly ask one of the advisers for help. Everyone present in the Guild Building couldn't help but stare at him in awe when they realized who he is. No thanks to the very recognizable Blue Gem of the Legendary Sword he wields. Prompting one of the lines of Adventurers to give way so Eugeo can immediately get his turn.
Eugeo felt a bit uncomfortable with the blatant show of special treatment but decided to just accept it as a blessing.
"Good morning Sir Sword Hero. How can I be of service to you for your first time in paying Melromarc's Guild a visit?" one of the Quest organizers at the counter asked with a bow of respect.
"I want to ask for a Material Gathering Quest. Particularly a difficult one where I'm supposed to gather extremely rare metals and ores for the blacksmiths." this surprised everyone who were listening as they expected a Legendary Hero like him to take a... grander Quest so to speak, instead of a troublesome one like that.
"I hope you can forgive me for asking Sir Hero, but why would you ask for a Quest as mundane as that?"
"I'm actually searching for rare materials that I can absorb to unlock new and more powerful swords for myself. I'm also planning to put some of them to good use and have someone forge some powerful equipment for my companions in preparation for the next Wave." Eugeo explained himself while scratching his head in embarrassment. All the attention and admiration that he's getting from the other Adventurers is making him a bit uncomfortable.
"I see..." the Quest lady paused while holding her chin in thought until she seemed to have remembered something, "I believe we have something that should match with your criteria. It can also be considered a fitting Quest for a Hero like yourself to take."
A few minutes later, one of the Guild workers arrived with a worn out sheet of paper that holds the details of the Quest.
"This a really seldom taken Quest because it entails you to travel all the way to the top of one of the mountains at the far east. We were informed by the few Adventurers that have taken this Quest that there are still tons of rare metals and magic ores that you can mine there that can be used to create powerful weapons and armor. What makes this Quest a little more dangerous is because a vicious Snow Wyvern has nested not too far away from the materials' location. Is this Quest acceptable for you Sir Sword Hero?"
"It's more than JUST acceptable!" Eugeo happily receives the slightly worn out piece of parchment. The country of Siltvelt is at the East too, so this Quest is just perfect for him! Bowing towards the Quest lady in appreciation. "Thank you very much for your services."
Leaving the Quest lady a blushing and blubbering mess as her co-workers started to mercilessly tease her later on.
After registering Erhard's Blacksmith Shop as a [Teleportation Point] with his now useable [Transport Sword] Skill, Eugeo and the rest of his party quickly left Castle Town.
But not before promising to Erhard that he will be the first person to get some of the Rare Metals and Magic Ores that he will be collecting from the Quest that he took. Much to the kind Blacksmith's delight.
For the following 3 days, Eugeo and the rest of his party spent their time on the road. With some free time available after all the hasty training and Level raising they did... Eugeo finally had the chance to address a few of his shortcomings.
Eugeo started to receive lessons from Kirin about this world's written language. Anna also helped him start improving his Potion making skills since she had some prior experience of making her own potions during her early Adventurer days.
Rifana and Arthur did their part by gathering herbs for his potions and hunting monsters for their meals. And whenever they encounter a monster that Eugeo haven't absorbed yet, they would allow him to have it.
And last but certainly not least...
Just as Eugeo promised, Alice has been spending her 20 minutes of Materialization to cuddle with him whenever the others are already sleeping. Although Arthur sensed his mother's presence during the 3rd day and demanded...
"No fair. I want some of mother's cuddles too!"
The two foster-parents felt slightly embarrassed but amused at Arthur's desire to join them. So they decided to welcome him in.
It was during these times that Alice had the bright idea that Eugeo should try getting a Skill or Equipment that can increase his SP and MP Regeneration. Not only will it come in handy during his more intense battles in the future, but her time staying in physical form will also be extended without Eugeo needlessly drinking his SP and MP Potions to keep his Gauges up.
At the present...
It is now the afternoon of the 4th day and it's Anna's turn to do the steering of Arthur's reins. Kirin and Rifana are busy doing some maintenance with their swords as they took advantage of the fact that monster attacks are scarce in these parts of Melromarc.
With all of them doing their own thing, Eugeo got the chance to just sit down with his thoughts as he opened up his Stacia Window. Carefully browsing over the spiderweb like list of the very large number of swords that he unlocked ever since he started his journey. Especially after Naofumi playfully presented to him all of the swords that he admitted to have STOLEN from Aultcray's armory.
Although in hindsight, the King really does deserve some form of retribution. It was cruel of him to mock Naofumi's inability to use other weapons like that. So Eugeo didn't feel much guilt when he Weapon Copied all of the swords that his fellow hero presented to him.
Many of the swords he unlocked from the stolen weapons only provided him Stat boosters with a few that increased his maximum MP and SP gauges. Only two particular swords managed to give him new Weapon Skills.
So Eugeo decided to focus more on those two along with all the other Weapon Skills that he favored and those that seemed promising.
[Weapon Copy: Thunderbolt Saber]
[Quality: High - Base Attack: 100]
[Mastery: 0/120 - Resonance: 0%]
[Equip Bonus: Lightning Blade - Lv. 0]
[Extra Equip Bonus: 10 Lightning Damage Up]
Level 35 Required
[Weapon Copy: Darkwind Rapier]
[Quality: High - Base Attack: 80]
[Mastery: 0/100 - Resonance: 0%]
[Equip Bonus: Piercing Umbra - Lv. 0]
[Extra Equip Bonus: 10 Dark Damage Up]
Level 33 Required
[Dimensional Hornet's Estoc Unlocked]
[Quality: High - Base Attack: 55]
[Mastery: 0/75 - Resonance: 0%]
[Equip Bonus: Parallel Stinger - Lv. 0]
[Extra Equip Bonus: 8 Wind Damage Up]
Level 28 Required
{Zombie Series Complete}
[Alpha Zombie Sword Unlocked]
[Quality: High - Base Attack: 87]
[Mastery: 0/110 - Resonance: 0%]
[Equip Bonus: Will-o'-wisp Blade - Lv. 0]
[Extra Equip Bonus: 10 Dark Damage Up]
Level 34 Required
[Enhancements Complete]
{Aqua Slash - Lv. 4}
{Luminous Slash - Lv. 5}
{Air Strike Slash - Lv. 5}
{Crest Jamming Wave - Lv. 3}
{Draconic Slash - Lv. 5}
{Mana Absorb - Lv. 3}
{Geist Claw - Lv. 4}
{Lightning Blade - Lv. 4}
{Piercing Umbra - Lv. 3}
{Parallel Stinger - Lv. 3}
{Will-o'-wisp Blade - Lv. 3}
Eugeo felt a small sense of accomplishment as he watched the power of all of his Weapon Skills steadily go up after completing the process. To think he still has the potential to grow even stronger if he somehow gains information about the other Strengthening Methods. Most particularly, the method used by one of his predecessors.
Sadly, he simply didn't have the time to search for that information just yet. His duty to fight at Siltvelt's Wave takes first priority.
'Hey Eugeo.'
'Yes Alice?' Eugeo replied as he closed his Stacia Window.
'According to the map, we should be arriving at a small settlement called Mirso Village shortly before dark. The village is nestled at the base of one of the mountains. So it's the perfect place for us to relax and spend the night in before we start climbing the mountain by tomorrow morning.'
'That sounds good to hear. I'm sure the others would appreciate a good night's sleep on actual beds for a night.' Eugeo chuckled as he glanced at his adopted son and the rest of his companions.
'Say... Eugeo... when we get ourselves some rooms at Mirso Village, is it ok for me to materialize and have a girl to girl chat with Kirin and the others. I wish to discuss with them about a few important matters regarding our team dynamics.'
'Huh? Of course it's okay for you to do that. But shouldn't I ALSO be included in the discussion Alice?'
"Sorry! But it's a conversation that only girls are allowed to be involved in.' Alice said with a very cheerful laugh.
Eugeo could simply nod as he honestly had no clue about what important matters the girls are supposed to be talking about. He might as well keep Arthur company and maybe do some practice reading with his purchased books before they sleep at their separate room for tonight.
Embarrassingly enough, the citizens of Mirso Village raised quite the commotion when they arrived there by sunset. Because of Eugeo's top grade gear and the very recognizable Legendary Sword strapped on his hips, everyone quickly realized his identity. Which is actually a good thing for once since he actually NEEDS to be recognized so people can confirm that he passed through this village.
When informed about his need for rooms to spend the night, mentioning that he plans to climb the mountain the next day, he was quickly escorted to the best inn the town had to offer.
As Alice requested, Eugeo asked for two rooms. One for her and the girls while the other is for him and Arthur.
After they all got a pleasant meal and refreshing baths, they all said good nights to Eugeo.
Kirin, Anna, and Rifana were then pulled into their room by Alice, much to their great surprise as they stared at the Sword Spirit in all her angelic glory. Alice went ahead and casted a Silencing Spell in their room since a lot of screaming is going to be heard for the upcoming conversations.
Which brings us to the present as the long awaited and anticipated "Eugeo's Harem Conference", has finally arrived!
As Kirin, Anna and Rifana all sat together comfortably on one of the beds, Alice finally spoke with a very serious tone.
"I will go straight to the point of the matter... all three of you have fallen in love with Eugeo correct?"
A few seconds of silence ensued as the girls' minds went completely blank for a few moments as they processed the Sword Spirit's words.
While Anna blissfully smiled and nodded in confirmation as she held her cheeks with a soft but noticable blush on her face.
"EEEEEEEHHHHHHHHH! ! !"
Both Kirin and Rifana screamed in absolute embarrassment as they tried... and failed miserably, to form a convincing reply. Their faces seemingly releasing some steam as they turned a bright shade of red.
"That's not... I mean... it's true that I admire him for his strength, skills and honorable nature... But that doesn't mean that I...!
"While I am extremely grateful of him rescuing me from slavery... and thankful for all the training he gave me... I'm not... well... not..."
Both Alice and Anna gazed at the two with deadpan eyes as they said the obvious conclusion.
"You do know that you two aren't fooling anyone right?"
"Not even to yourselves for that matter."
Both Kirin and Rifana simply deflated and collapsed on the bed as they couldn't say a thing that won't just make them look even stupider than they already are!
"I know this is embarrassing but whether you girls like it or not, this conversation concerning Eugeo's romantic relationships is simply inevitable. So all of you listen closely to what I have to say."
This is how things started to get shocking when Alice confessed that she, the Sword Spirit herself, is ALSO in love with Eugeo. Prompting Alice to reveal a bit of her true origins.
"YOU'RE Sir/Master Eugeo's childhood friend!"
The three girls exclaimed at the same time as they definitely did NOT expect that piece of information to even be possible!
"I know it's a bit unbelievable but it's the truth. Before Eugeo became the Sword Hero and I turned into the Sword Spirit, we were just normal humans. Eugeo and I were the best of friends during our youth back in our homeworld."
"But what happened?" Anna asked curiously with Kirin and Rifana both wondering about the very same thing.
"I apologize... but it's not my place to tell. Only Eugeo has the right to share the entire story with the three of you." Alice replies sadly as she looked slightly away, "All I'm willing to say is that we were forcibly separated because of the Axiom Church."
The mood of all three girls darkened when they heard that particular detail. Kirin has long been aware of the corruption that exist within the Three Heroes Church. On the other hand, Anna and Rifana both have first hand experience of the cruelty that a Religious Cult is capable of being. Making them a bit more hostile about their views concerning ANY Religious group.
To think that a corrupted religion like that ALSO existed back at Eugeo's homeworld...
"It took Eugeo years and some serious hard work... but he succeeded in finding me again. It was a strange twist of fate that led the two of us into the situation that we are in now. But as you can see, he's again doing his very best for my sake. So that the two of us can finally be together in this second chance in life that was spontaneously given to us by being summoned into this world."
The three girls couldn't help but sigh sadly as they now realized that Eugeo's heart already belongs to Alice long before they even MET the Sword Hero
' ' 'That is so romantic... You truly are a very lucky girl, Lady Alice.' ' '
Noticing the somewhat sad looks on their faces, Alice embarrassingly adds...
"Umm... I don't... really mind... SHARING, my man with you girls though."
This caused the girls to perk up in both hope AND embarrassment. Their imaginations running wild at the thought of sharing Eugeo.
So for the next few minutes, Alice explained that according to the remnant memories that she received from the sword, it's perfectly normal for a Cardinal Hero to HAVE Harems. Saying that any of their children are born extremely healthy with no imperfections despite having a Demi-Human parent. She even mentioned the fact that even their descendents inherited this particular trait.
"You girls still have a lot of work to do even though we all agreed to share Eugeo though."
Causing a little confusion to the other girls.
"Because of how early my relationship with Eugeo started as well as how dense he is, Eugeo will find it hard to see you girls as anything more than just friends."
Kirin, Anna and Rifana slightly frowned as they all nodded in determination, proudly claiming that they will do their best. The mood soon became more humorous as they all started discussing about how they're going to convince the very honorable Eugeo to accept them as potential love interests.
Poor chivalrous Eugeo felt a chill crawl up his spine, as the Sword Harem Alliance has been created that night. An alliance that will get him involved in a lot of awkward and embarrassing situations in the near future.
"Sir Sword Hero!"
A frantic voice called out as Eugeo and the rest of his party were just starting to climb aboard Arthur's carriage to begin their trek up the mountain.
The sun is barely visible in the horizon as everyone woke up a little more energetic than usual. All of them having a more pleasant and refreshing night of rest since they get to sleep on actual beds instead of the casual sleeping bags. Although, unknown to Eugeo, the girls have another reason to be energized other than that.
Turning towards the source of the voice, Eugeo saw a slightly more well dressed man along with three servants approaching him. So he presumed the man to be a Noble and asked what he wanted from him.
"I implore you great Sword Hero! Please save us and kill the evil dragon that has settled not too far away from this village!" the man said in distress as he explained about the beast who has been attacking his people.
Eugeo felt slightly confused, since from his own knowledge and personal experience, wild dragons attack only when provoked. Moreover, Mirso Village doesn't seem to show any signs of destruction or even burn marks from previous attacks.
The Sword Hero narrowed his eyes as he scanned the man with his Appraisal skill before turning around.
"Sorry sir, but I refuse." the Sword Hero says as he climbs on the driver's seat and grabs Arthur's reins. Greatly shocking the man and his servants because of the Legendary Hero's rejection!
"What!?"
"Don't get me wrong. I WILL be taking a look at the dragon just like you wanted me to do. But I won't go straight out killing it."
"But Sir Hero! It's a monster! It should be killed as soon as possible and...!"
Alice decided to make her presence known as she loudly spoke in Eugeo's steed with the Legendary Sword slightly glowing.
"...and the fact that this village seems to be doing just fine despite it's presence clearly shows that this dragon isn't a mindless beast like you claim it to be."
The man and his three servants jolted when they saw the Legendary Sword glow and ACTUALLY speaking!
"I'm just gonna try to force it to leave so it can nest somewhere else. If everything comes down to a violent fight and it's proven that he is a genuine threat, only then will I resort to use lethal force." Eugeo firmly finalized before ordering Arthur to start pulling.
And so, without looking back to see the very disappointed and slightly angry look on the Noble's face, Arthur started pulling away. The Sword Hero and his party quickly leaving the small village and beginning their climb up the mountain.
The girls all prepared for battle as Eugeo admits that he is not sure if he can resolve this dragon problem peacefully. So chances are high that they will have to fight the dragon to force it to leave and look for a new place to call home.
'Alice?' Eugeo mentally spoke as he blushed a very bright red at the strange predicament he now finds himself in.
'Yes?'
'Why is Kirin, Anna and Rifana being so clingy all of a sudden?'
'I have no idea what you're talking about?' Alice replies with a giggle as she watched in amusement at the other girls' efforts to get closer to her man. Anna and Rifana leaning on both of Eugeo's sides while Kirin does the same from behind as he holds Arthur's reins.
I deeply apologize if I didn't meet all of your expectations regarding the long awaited discussion about Eugeo's Harem as well as the Dragon the Ren killed in Canon. I will try to make up for this less than stellar chapter at the next updates.
As always, thank you for all the reviews, favorites and follows. I'm open for compatible suggestions and any advice that you readers could give. As for those nasty Reviewers who loves to Insult us authors, please just leave us alone.
Stay safe from the Coronovirus!