AN: Last chapter, I said that this would be the final chapter of Book 1 of this fic. That plan has changed seeing as I have found that I will need to do a sixth chapter to complete this part. The other option was to make this a forty something page chapter which I feel is a little to long. Way longer than what I normally allow myself to go with. I honestly thought I could get it all in this one but that didn't happen.

The actual last chapter of Book 1 will be released either Thursday or Friday of this week.

Also, this chapter will be mostly serious when compared to the previous chapters, for reasons I hope will be obvious. Expect this to be the case whenever we reach the end of each book in this series.

One last thing, there will be another set of AN at the end of the chapter, talking about a little something here in this chapter I don't want to spoil right now. Well, get started then shall we...

Chapter 5:

Part 1:

(Megumin's POV)

The sight of the Dullahan raising his blade towards the sky; a dark spark of fire forming from its tip, made both me and Darkness scream out at the same time-

"KAZUMA!"

Before he could react to us or we could act to save him, the Dullahan brought his sword down hard against Kazuma's back, sending blood splattering out as his body went rigid, collapsing to the ground with a gut wrenching thud.

For me, it was as if time itself had slowed to just a crawl as Kazuma collapsed; my heart feeling like it had been shattered by that very swing.

For a moment, we just stood there, unable to even process what had just happened.

What happened next was a flurry of emotions and actions as both me and Darkness shot to our feet.

I was already chanting my spell; my hands clenched and shaking with fury and my eyes bulging with wrathful anger.

Darkness lunged forward; a rage filled scream coming from her as her attacks against the Dullahan were fast, wild, and unrelenting.

And, surprisingly enough, all landing one after the other with scary precision; her blade meeting his as he worked to block her attacks.

To be honest, it would've be an amazing sight to behold if the situation was so dire.

"You, why did you do that to him? Where's your damn honor?"

Darkness shouted, doing a fake out attack in order to create an opening that ended with her hitting the Dullahan around his abdomen area.

"I'm not a Knight anymore, Crusader. I'm a Dullahan now so why would you assume I'd still adhere to such outdated principles?"

He then turns his one visible eye to me, seeing that I was nearly ready to cast my spell.

Somewhere, in the back of my mine, the small part of me that could still think rationally was reminding me that if I fired off my Explosion spell at such close quarter's, it would definitely kill both me and Darkness as well as him.

Darkness must have sensed that as well as she, while not taking her eyes off the Dullahan, says-

"Do it, Megumin. Let's all go out in a blaze of glory together..."

It only took another, quick, glance down at Kazuma's seemingly lifeless body for me to agree.

"So, you two would choose the route of self sacrifice in order to defeat a devil and avenge your fallen comrade. How noble indeed. However..."

He then blocks another of Darkness's attacks, responding with a powerful thrust that pushes her back.

He then tosses his head into the sky while proclaiming aloud-

"OVER GAZE!"

Just above his head; a giant glowing eye like that of a demon appears, covering the visible world within a dome of reddish energy.

Darkness tries to attack again but the Dullahan easily dodges her attacks. He then does something unexpected and releases his sword, going in now with just his bare fist.

"What are you playing at? Fight me seriously."

Shouted Darkness.

That's right; keep him busy for just a few more seconds more. I'm almost ready to-

"Dark Paralysis."

He says as his hand begins to glow with intense electrical energies.

After dodging another attack from Darkness from Darkness, he slams his hand into her stomach which sends her flying back. He then comes at me; to late though-

"Explo..."

He moved faster than I had expected, sending a strong punch into my own gut that also sends me flying as my Explosion does indeed still fire off-

Only it goes directly into the sky; high enough that for a second, the stream of magic fades from view-

And then the sky becomes a blinding fiery light along with a deafening boom that shakes everything and everyone to their very cores.

At least I assumed all the other Adventurer's back at the city gate had that same feeling that I'm sure we did.

If that Explosion had gone off here, even at our sizable distance from Axel; at least a good chunk of the city would have been hit in the blast, if not the WHOLE city.

"Impressive..."

Said the Dullahan as he catches his head then looks to the sky as his Over Gaze comes to an end.

"The power you put into that one, little mage, might have even been able to critically injure my master, had he been here and was hit at point blank range.''

Darkness tried to get back up, wanting to keep attacking but her body remained on the ground though I could see her struggling with all of her might.

I, obviously, couldn't do anything after casting that Explosion. Never in my life had I felt more anger towards myself than I did now; anger born from the wish that I had put more skill points into improving both my mana reserves and stamina so I wouldn't be left so immobile after casting Explosion.

Of course, I wished I had just been doing that to begin with.

"A brave attempt, both of you. You're friend would be proud. I must remember to tell him as much once he reawakens."

The Dullahan then steps forward and plants his sword into the ground. He then lowers himself down low enough reach Kazuma.

"No, stay away from him."

I managed to shout out as I try, and fail to crawl over to Kazuma's body, to protect him as best I could.

"I'll kill you if you dare touch him."

Screamed Darkness; also trying, and failing to move to Kazuma's side.

"You mean you weren't trying to kill me before? And don't forget, I'm already dead, technically..."

The Dullahan laughs at us before returning his attention to Kazuma, placing his hand onto Kazuma's body.

"You'll be happy to know that he still lives. Though I doubt that could be considered a good thing now."

He then removes Kazuma's pouch and blade; tossing them over to us.

He then picks Kazuma's body up and holds him under arm before retrieving his sword.

"Wait.."

I try to say but my voice was starting to fail me as I felt myself slipping closer and closer to unconsciousness.

"It is time for me to leave you now. But before I go, I will say a few things..."

After a pause-

"First, I used Dark Paralysis on you two. You'll both shall recover from it after twelve hours or so, unless there's a priest or priestess around here with a spell strong enough to dispel it."

After another pause-

"As for this boy? I have cursed him when I struck him with my blade. As he survived the cursing process I chose to use, he will have just one week from this moment before the curse takes him. If you want to save him, then come to my castle and save him, if you think you can that is."

"Cursed him? You mean the same curse you hit me with before? You really do lack honor, you fiend."

Darkness yelled; or at least attempted a yell despite her current state.

"Oh no, the curse I placed on him is far worse than what I had placed on you. For him, he will slowly begin to turn into a Lich over the next week. Considering saving one from becoming a Lich is far harder and more time consuming than other curses; I would advise you come and rescue him before it's to late. After all, the closer to the one week deadline he gets, the less likely there will be enough time to save him with."

The Dullahan then turns; a portal of dark energy forming before him as he steps forward towards it.

We both shout at him, in vain; begging him to not take Kazuma away. It was all we could do now.

He stops and looks back at us.

"One last thing; words for you, Crusader. In my experience, there is NO honor to be found on the battlefield. All that one will find is victory or defeat, life or death. Anyone who tells you otherwise is a damn fool. Those who cling to the silly notions that honor can exist in a fight is just a coward, looking for a meager way to make themselves feel like they could have a chance. Believe me, I learned that truth... The hard way."

He then laughs before passing into the portal.

And we watch helplessly as it closes afterwords; our screams of rage, regret, and sorrow filling the air.

Part 2:

(Darkness's POV)

After that disaster, all either of us could do was just lay there and wallow within our own grief.

It felt like we had been laying there for a long time. Surely, someone would at least come out here to check on us? If not, then call for medics to carry us back into the city?

Instead, we just lay there till someone, just ONE person, finally arrived to help us.

A rather tall and muscular man; wearing only pants with shoulder straps that connected to metal guards that protected his shoulders. His thin, neatly kept beard and Mohawk cut hair were his other major defining feature

While he nature was a mystery, he was nevertheless a well known face from around the Guild.

"Has no on come to collect you two yet? Geez, I know things inside are rather hectic right now but damn..."

He picks Megumin and I both up, showing off his insane strength that his physique implied he had and brought us back into the city.

"What's going on? What's happening right now?"

I ask as we pass through the gate, already seeing people in a mad panic.

"About what you'd expect seeing as one of the Devil King's General's has shown up. It doesn't help that the shock wave created by that Dullahan ripped across the city, causing not only destruction but a lot of injuries to the citizens as well."

"...um... actually, that was my..."

Megumin meekly says with her voice low.

"Shush, little kid. Keep that to yourself. I've seen you fire off enough Explosion's to know when a blast in the air is one of yours. Practically everyone believes it was done by the Dullahan, given he was standing next to you when it was fired off combined with it being of a much higher caliber than what you've done before. Unless you want to get the blame, the punishment, and the debt for what has happened, I'd keep to the story everyone else is going with."

That was a little comfort, at least. This means Kazuma wouldn't have to deal with any debts once we get him back. Especially the kind of debts that would make him wish he had just become a Lich instead.

"OK, that's everyone accounted for. Seal the gate."

Wait, what was that?

I strain under our saviors hold to look back and see the gate being closed followed by a seal being placed on it to ensure it couldn't be forcibly opened until the seal had been undone.

"Hey, what are they doing?"

I asked.

"Orders from lord Aldarp. A dispatch has been sent to the capitol of Belzerg; requesting aid from the Royal Knights. With luck, they will come soon and deal with the Dullahan. Until then, all gates leading in and out of the city will remained closed indefinitely. No exceptions."

"Wait, we can't wait on some Royal Guards to come save us. We have to go rescue Kazuma before it's to late."

Megumin shouted, showing signs that her strength was starting to return as she actually tried to free herself, not that she could even with full strength thanks to being paralyzed.

"I understand that, but Aldarp's order is absolute, I'm afraid. You can go make an appeal to him if you want, but I doubt he will relent given what's been said about him."

True enough. He had probably said that this action was to protect the people of Axel but the reality was that he was only looking out for himself. As this action would also affect outside trade and the fact he LOVES money almost as much as he loves the company of beautiful, younger women, he wouldn't have order the gates to be sealed to begin with unless he feared for his own safety.

The citizens be damned in his eyes.

"One more thing. I've heard he has also order all Adventurer's to remain on standby; to be ready to take up arms just in case the Dullahan returns. All in order to protect 'the people' of course."

Oh, I'm sure about that.

"Say, I've seen you around the Guild before but I've never heard your name spoken..."

Megumin says.

"I prefer it that way. I'm more of a man of action than one of words. But if you want a name to call me by, then how about Ruffian It does well enough to speak of the kind of person I am."

We soon arrived at the Erisia Cathedral but quickly found ourselves being put into a line as our 'injuries' weren't serious enough to be needing immediate attention.

That didn't stop Megumin from complaining though, not that I could blame her either.

Ruffian had left us there to go check around and see if anything else was going on that we should know about.

By the time we were seen; given the treatment for the Dark Paralysis, it was almost pointless anyways as the effects had started to fade.

Once we could move freely again, we decided to split up to make up for lost time.

Megumin would go down to the Guild Hall and see if she could convince as many Adventurer's as possible to join us in saving Kazuma.

I, meanwhile, would pay a visit to the Governor's Mansion and make a little request to Aldarp.

"Stop right there. We cannot let you proceed any farther, Adventurer."

One of the two guards came to stop my advance.

"Step aside, please. I have important business with Aldarp."

"What business, exactly? And just who are you?"

Asked the other guard.

As he spoke, several other guards appeared on the opposite side of the gate, ready to back their two allies up if I tried anything funny.

"I am Dustiness Ford Lalatina. I am a member of the Dustiness noble family who are considered the King's closest ally and friend. As for my business? It is not one to be spoken of out in the open like this. Now, will you step aside or will I have to get rough with you all?"

All the gathered guards look at each other; clearly nervous.

"I'm assuming you have proof of your identity, ma'am? I apologize, but we'll need more than words in order to trust such a grand claim."

That was understandable, seeing as if just anyone could come in off the streets and make that claim with just words alone, it would be a lot easier for assassin's to get in to kill targeted nobles.

I reach around my neck to pull the chain the connected to my family crest out in order to show them...

Then freeze as I realize that it wasn't there.

I begin to panic as I pat myself over while the guards give me a confused look.

Dammit, where was-

I curse my stupidity. Back at my father's country estate, I had experienced an ominous feeling coming over me which made me hurry with my return. That had proven smart as I had just gotten back in time to shield Megumin. But now, in hindsight, I had realized my big mistake with my haste-

I had failed to put my family's crest back on prior to departing. It was still back there, lying on the desk beside my bed within my private room.

I curse inwardly as the guards, finally realizing I didn't have my proof, were starting to get annoyed.

"Ma'am, please go and leave this place; before we're forced to have the Knight Guard called over here and have you removed by force."

I tried to argue, even asking them to summon Aldarp down here as I was sure he'd recognize me if he saw me. I was told in response that he was 'already in a meeting with people more important than I.'

In other words, he was probably entertaining some lady guest right now.

I finally was forced to give up and leave once they made the moves to call the KG down to get me.

Damn, that had been a total bust. No matter, there had to be another way to get outside the city?

We can deal with that later. For now, I'll return to the Guild and see if Megumin has made any progress.

As I reach the Guild Hall, I find myself being forced to move to the side as someone comes running out of there; running fast.

It was Megumin, though it took me a second to realize it.

She was moving like a blur of motion; he head hung low with what looked to be tears falling.

I go to follow after her when I hear Luna's voice calling my name.

"Darkness... I guess you just saw Megumin run by a second ago."

I nod before turning back to look for Megumin, already finding her nowhere in sight. I turn back to Luna-

"What the hell happened in there. Why did she run out like that?"

Luna told me the story. Upon arriving, Megumin asked everyone to join us in saving Kazuma.

When no one responded, she tried again and again. Soon, her request became begging and pleading for anyone to take up arms in the rescue. Despite knowing what had been ordered by Aldarp, she still tried with all her heart.

When no one still responded with what she wanted to hear, Megumin did something rather rash and foolish.

She got down on her hands and knees to prostrate before everyone; saying that she would do anything in return for help with saving Kazuma. ANYTHING!

She even went so far as to offer 'special services' as a reward for anyone who would help out.

They still didn't accept her offer, which I'm glad to hear at least, for her sake.

It was what Luna said next that sent an icy chill running through my veins.

One of the gathered Adventurer's, the same guy who two weeks ago had said things to Megumin that had rightly pissed her off, and landed us in jail for a night, had said-

"Maybe if you had the body of a shapely, hot woman you'd have better luck."

This had made many gathered inside laugh; making both the waitresses and Luna herself look at them all with disgust.

But even then, Megumin remained in her prostrating state. It was the words that came next that clenched everything for her and the Guild staff.

"Besides, who would want to go out to rescue that joke of an Adventurer anyways?"

"Yeah, he has the weakest job from what I hear. Jokes like him shouldn't be out there trying to play at being a hero. It makes the rest of us look back by comparison."

"Why are you even trying to save him, anyways. Wasn't he doing perverted, unspeakable things to you while covering you in toad slime? If anything, you should be happy that he's gone."

"Forget about him. Everyone else here has... Or we're at least trying to."

There were several other things said as well but it was all more or less the same.

Those words had made Megumin stand quickly and, for a second, Luna had feared Megumin would fire off an Explosion within the very Guild itself.

While I knew she technically couldn't, having already fired off one earlier today, I wouldn't have been surprised if she had somehow found the power within her to do another in that moment.

Instead though, Megumin screamed out at them before turning and running outside; thus leading to where I was at now with Luna.

And the words she had screamed out at the gathered Adventurer's?

"I HATE ALL OF YOU!"

"To be honest, I completely agreed with her right now. While I can understand them turning her down, if only because we have all been ordered to remain on standby by his Lordship, the things they said to her I cannot abide or forgive. It's times like these I wish we were given the power to revoke people's Adventurer's Licenses as none of those in there deserve that honor in my opinion."

Luna then sighs before adding-

"I'm glad at least that everyone gathered in there are the less accomplished Adventurer's that frequent the guild. All the respectful ones are actually making rounds around the city, helping out with whatever they can. I'm sure they would be more open to helping you out. Once they return, should I ask them for you both?"

I nod, saying that it would be appreciated. I also say that I will be back later to check in with her once I figure out a way to leave the city. I then go to search for Megumin.

"I recommend you head over to the park in the south western part of the city. I've been told Megumin's been using that area as her personal abode."

Luna yells out to me as I run in the direction I had least seen Megumin heading in.

Arriving at the park, I begin to look around; wondering if she had really come here after my initial search didn't find her anywhere.

I was about to move on to check elsewhere when I noticed the bridge that passed over the small water way that cut through the city. There was a curved opening just above the water, small put offering enough space for a grown adult to pass through if they crouched down and such.

I look and smile, finding Megumin hiding herself dead center where it was darkest.

She must have sensed my presence as she spoke up before I could say anything.

"I hate them, I hate all of them so much; every Adventurer that was gathered there in the Guild. I hate them more than I ever thought I could hate anyone. I hate them so much that its making my hands shake. I think... I think I hate them even more than I hate that Dullahan as at least he has an excuse for why he is the way he is."

Megumin, who had been sitting with her knees held close to her chest, her arms resting on her knees, and her face in her arms, finally turns to look at me with bloodshot teary eyes and no small amount of snot running from her nose.

"Darkness, I wanted nothing more in that moment, when the said those things, than to kill them. Even now, I still want to run back there and kill them; every single one of them. What does that say about me? Does that make me a bad person for feeling this way?"

I duck under the overhang and embrace Megumin, holding her tight and rubbing her back as she begins to cry hard into my armor.

"No, it doesn't make you a bad person. Not in a situation like this. While wishing for someone's death isn't a good thing, the things they said and did are far worse and more evil. In truth, I want to punish them to. People like them, people who have souls blacker than even their words could sound; those are the kinds of people who will meet a horrible end out on the field of battle or die bitter, alone, and unloved. Just the kind of fate that they deserve."

That probably wasn't to right thing to say here but it was how I felt right now. And that was enough for me.

After Megumin finished her crying, she pulled away and thanked me for being here. If I hadn't been here, if it had just been her and Kazuma as the only members of the party, she wasn't sure if she would have been able to cope with all this alone; not with Kazuma being in the situation he was in.

She also told me that she would remember the faces of every Adventurer in the guild at the time; to make sure she never did anything nice for them in the future and she would help us with doing the same.

"So, what do we do now?"

Before I could respond, I hear the sound of footsteps upon the grass beyond the bridge, approaching.

A moment later, several Knight Guards appear; looking at us. A moment later, the Captain of the Knight Guard himself comes into view. His face being one of regret as he looks at us.

"Adventurer's Darkness and Megumin; I am terribly sorry about this... But I'm afraid I have to ask you both to come with me... Again."

Part 3:

After that, we once again found ourselves being taken to the Guard Station.

There, we found ourselves being led into a small room with a row of guards running along the walls.

This, naturally, made us nervous. Even more so when the only door in and out was locked.

I immediately knew what this room was; it was essentially a "trap" room used when the guards knew that there would be resistance in being confined without the suspects knowing that was going to happen ahead of time.

The Captain explained to us that after Megumin's outburst, one of the Adventurer's had come to him and explained the situation.

To be more exact, he had said that we were planning on causing trouble in an attempt to escape the city.

Which wasn't actually wrong though I had hoped we could avoid the trouble part.

I could also guess who the informant was as well.

We were then informed that Aldarp had also ordered that anyone Adventurer found to be trying to ignore his orders; to remain in the city on standby, was to be arrested and detained in jail until after the threat had been dealt with and the gates reopened.

He apologizes to us and ask us for our understanding.

And his condolences on the fate of our teammate.

Megumin immediately tried to resist as several guards came to place shackles on us to make moving us into our cells easier. I wanted to as well, to be honest.

But I also knew that it would be a futile attempt as I was sure even more guards were waiting outside, ready to come in here and aid in our detainment.

I stop her actions, getting her scowl in response; a response I return with a shake of my head.

I'm guessing she understands as she doesn't try to fight them after that though she does spit out a few curses under her breath.

Because we weren't actually criminals; rather just being detained for trying to violate Aldarp's orders, we would be allowed to once again room in our comfy cell for the duration of our stay here.

"How long will it take before the Royal Guards get here, anyways?"

I asked the Captain as he goes to leave.

"Eight days, from what I'm told. There's been another incident closer to the capitol that they're having to deal with first, seeing as the defense of the capitol is of a higher priority to them. I'll send a second message to them, alerting the Knight Master of the situation regarding your friend. Perhaps that will help speed things up?"

I doubt it would. Kazuma's name didn't have nowhere near enough clout to accomplish something like that. In fact, unless he was royalty or from a noble house, his safety would always be secondary to everything else.

It was times like these that made me really hate the structure of the hierarchy around the kingdom.

No, the known world.

"So what do we do now, Darkness?"

I look at Megumin, her face one of utter defeat which I couldn't blame her for having.

"I don't know. I really don't know..."

Over the next few days, time felt like it moved at a infuriatingly fast rate.

Whenever guards came, either to bring us our meals or to check on us, we would always ask for updates and occasionally ask if there was any chance that they would let us go.

Before either of us knew it, we had arrived at the fifth day.

Megumin was looking horrible, having not slept at all since we had been detained here.

I doubt I looked any better, having also not gotten any sleep over the last few days either.

There was something weird though. The sun had been up for quite a while and yet, there hadn't been anyone coming to bring us our breakfast yet.

In fact, the air as a whole felt different than what it normally did.

It made me nervous.

At that moment, I hear the sound of footsteps quickly approaching the cell.

The Captain comes into view a moment later.

"Get up, you two. We have to move quickly."

He says this as he unlocks our cell door. We both get up and walk out of the cell quickly.

"What's going on? Why are you helping us?"

"Walk with me. I'll explain as we go."

He turns and heads back to towards the exit of the cell block with us quickly following after.

"You asked why I'm helping you? Truth told, I did want to help you when you were brought in those few days back. But if I had helped you at that time, there would have been dire consequences for all in Axel."

"Don't you mean all for you?"

Asked Megumin, not trying to hold back her anger.

"Both, actually. I've served as the Captain of Axel's Knight Guard since back when we had our previous lord, before Aldarp. He was a far more fair individual than our current lord is. Aldarp has made it clear he isn't fond of me and would like to replace me but he currently doesn't have the proper reason to see that action through. Probably because I have the trust of the people which is valuable even for him."

I nod, already understanding what he was saying to us.

"In other words, Megumin, if he had helped us the other day; going against Aldarp's orders, then that would have given Aldarp the perfect reason to finally have the Captain dismissed and replace him with someone who would be more like minded; more willing to carry out Aldarp's will."

Megumin finally nods, then she ask-

"OK, fair enough. So why are you helping us now?"

"Someone approached me earlier this morning, offered up a plan that would allow me to allow you both a chance to escape while saving face and avoid dismissal from this post."

We then finally exit the prison section of the Station and find an unexpected sight before us.

All the other guards present in the room were lying on the ground, unconscious.

Also in the room was a figured dressed within a dark robe and hood, a mask covering their face.

"So, are we ready to proceed with phase two then?"

Asked the masked figure; their voice distorted and deep sounding.

"Yes, Shy. Tell them what they need to do now."

The individual named Shy gave us their full attention.

"Once you exit the station, move quickly and use the alley ways and make your way to the north. Do either of you know of Marple's Sweets?"

I nod, saying-

"I often go there as their desert offerings are among the best in the Kingdom."

"I've always wanted to try those. I'll need to remember the place once we get back with Kazuma."

Said Megumin, unable to hide a slight drool she quickly wipes away.

"Do not enter that shop, instead enter the nearby alleyway to make it behind the store. There you'll find an old, broken down water well as well as an ally waiting for you two. He will help you make it outside the city. From there, I'm sure you already know what to do."

The Captain places a hand on my shoulder, getting my attention back onto him.

"Go quickly but carefully. Avoid being seen by any of my men on patrol. Obviously, no one but the four of us and your waiting ally at the well know of what's going on. And try to avoid interacting with anyone as you go."

He then turns and I see our gear awaiting us on a table behind him which me and Megumin quickly collect and equip.

"Where's Kazuma's pouch and weapon?"

Asked Megumin, looking back at the Captain.

"Your ally has them already. Sorry, but I actually don't know who that person actually is."

I then turn to the Captain and ask-

"How are you gonna avoid not getting in trouble with Aldarp anyways?"

"That's where I come in. I'm the one who incapacitated the other guards here. The Captain can blame all this on me; saying that I am an agent of the Dullahan. I even have a few dummies already made up to act as your stand in's for this little fake out."

Shy then goes behind another desk and reveals the two dummies mentioned, taken one under each arm.

"I'll wait here till you two have made your exit. I'll then undo the sleep spell I cast these guys and, with the Captain here playing like he had just awakened too, will assume I was sent here by the Dullahan to collect you both as well. He will then give chase with his men across the southern part of the city. This should help with making your actual exit from Axel all the easier. I'll make my exit from Axel once I'm sure you've exited the city as well."

"Why are you helping us, Shy? What do you get out of it?"

Megumin asked our masked friend.

Shy suddenly becomes, well, shy as they drops the dolls under their arms as they begins poking their fingers together. I guess that means that Shy was female behind that mask as I've never seen a guy act like this before.

"Let's just say I too want to see Kazu-kun saved..."

Shy then bends down and retrieves the two dolls again.

"OK, enough waiting, you two. The boy has less than forty eight hours now. You need to hurry if there's to be any chance of saving him."

Me and Megumin both nod, thanking the Captain and Shy for what they're doing.

"If you want to thank us, then don't fail. And, come back alive too..."

With that, we run outside and quickly duck into a nearby alleyway. From there, we dart between one alley to another. Luckily, we don't cross paths with any guards though we do get a few weird looks from random people going about their days.

Soon, we arrive at Marple's Sweets and find the alley we were told to pass through.

And beyond that, standing beside the old water well...

"Ruffian, it's you."

Before us was the one Adventurer we knew we could trust.

"I was wondering when you two would get here. I guessing that the Captain agreed to Shy's plan then?"

He then pulls out Kazuma's pouch and weapon and tosses them to Megumin who quickly places both onto her belt.

"He did. By the way, who's Shy. I'm guessing Shy's a friend of yours?"

Ruffian shrugs, then says-

"Honestly, I only just met that person earlier today. An acquaintance of an associate of mine. And right now, unimportant. We need to move quickly."

"So how do we get out of Axel anyways?"

Asked Megumin, approaching Ruffian

"Simple, kid. Like this..."

Ruffian then turns to the well and pulls one of the bricks up, revealing a rod attached to the underside of the brick which he then turns counter clockwise before sliding the brick back down into position.

The well then sinks into the ground, becoming a stair well leading into the ground.

"A secret passage made by someone in the distant past. Come, we should move quickly just in case someone heard the stone's readjusting."

Ruffian explains before walking down the stairs. Megumin and I follow quickly after him.

Part 4:

(Megumin's POV)

We moved through the dark passage that existed beneath the city, the only light coming from the Glow Magicite Ruffian had pulled out from his pouch.

"Stay close to me, you two. While out path through these passages is fairly straight forward, there are still a few side passages that you could become lost in should you let yourself allow your eyes to wander."

We do as he says, making sure to not let him, or the light he held in his hand, out of our sights.

"Any ideas what this passage way was originally meant for?"

Asked Darkness.

"From what I know, it used to be a secret exit those within the Erisia Cathedral could use in case anyone attempted a raid on the site. There were several entry points that could be used, most of which long since collapsed due to lack of proper maintenance. Even this one may may soon be lost as well."

"How did you even find out about this passage, anyways?"

I asked Ruffian

He never gave me an answer.

Soon, we arrive at a set of stairs. After heading up them, we were finally met with the welcoming sunlight.

I look around, knowing we had emerged in what appeared to be an old cellar that was partially exposed to the outside. It was once we stepped out of the cellar, that I saw it was apart of an old farm I recalled seeing once as back when I had first arrived here in Axel nearly four months ago.

"This is the old Basso Farm. Who would have thought that it would exit out around here?"

Said Darkness, looking around what was considered an important location for the Eris sect.

I wanted to ask more about the history of this place, but now wasn't the time for that.

A whistle catches both our attention and we look to see Ruffian hold and hand out as a black raven comes flying down to land.

He then leans in close and whispers something to it. Once finished it takes flight and quickly disappears from sight.

""What was that about?"

I asked Ruffian

"I have an 'alley', if you can call him that, that will be waiting for us around the castle outskirts. He'll have something the two of you will need to help aid in this rescue."

"I see. Well, thank you for everything you've done for us, Ruffian I promise I'll shall repay you for this one day."

"I will too. Thank you, Ruffian"

Me and Darkness bow before him.

"Why are you saying it like that; like that I was only planning on helping you escape the city? I'm planning on seeing this through to the end, no matter how it turns out."

"You will? But why... Not that I'm complaining or anything, but why are you helping us?"

I asked, getting Darkness to look at him as well.

"Because that boy is an interest to me. He left quite the impression when we first met and I would very much like to make sure he doesn't bite it before I can see him reach his full potential."

That was more than enough reason for me.

Judging by Darkness's expression, she felt the same.

The three of us then began to run in the direction of the castle; knowing we didn't have a moment to lose.

"It's a shame the other Adventurer's didn't have your kindness or compassion about them."

Said Darkness, getting me and Ruffian to look at her.

"I heard about what happened at the Guild Hall. Please don't assume those wretches represented the whole of the Adventurer's that are currently hanging around Axel. With all the chaos going on in the city, any Adventurer that's actually worth their weight in being worthy of the title wouldn't be found lounging about inside the Guild. They were out there, trying their best to help bring a sense of clam to everyone."

After a pause, he adds-

"Furthermore, I'm also aware that several of Axel's best aren't even in Axel right now, but off doing Quest. With everything going on, they would have been directed to seek shelter at one of the neighboring towns in the area till the situation returns to normal."

"Do you think any of the Adventurer's who were actually out doing stuff would have helped us if asked?"

Darkness inquired; I asking that as well mentally.

"I approached a couple of them though they turned down the offer but not because of not wanting to help. They felt they had a duty to the people in Axel plus they feared if to many went against the lord's command, it would cause him to become aware of our action."

"As for the ones out on Quest. I can only hazard a guess? There is one team that might have come along had they been here. Have either of you heard of the party led by a Knight named Taylor?"

I shook my head while Darkness said-

"I know of them by reputation. Alongside him, there's an Archer, a Caster, and a Warrior. Do you really think they would have helped us with saving Kazuma?"

Ruffian shrugs before saying-

"Hard to say. I know they are at least indifferent to Kazuma though they have heard the less than savory things said about him. I'm sure you two have heard them around, at least to some degree that is. The main ones being about him being the weakest class and there's that toad incident that involved you, Arch Wizard."

I made a fist with my free hand, clenching it tightly.

It was bad enough to judge someone over what class they had been forced to have; something people don't understand really isn't always an option. Or that they are so quick to forget that detail.

But what was really pissing me off was the fact the toad incident was still being gossiped about. I had already told the guards and those three girls the truth of the matter. To think it was still being spread around, probably filled with any number of lies added, made me want to find those three and have a little 'chat' with them about minding their own business.

And other things besides.

Maybe I could even lie about a few things too; make them feel jealous of mine and Kazuma's 'relationship.'

"What I can say is that they would have considered helping you two out, even if they believed the rumors. Considering that the warrior on their team is known for his less than admirable traits but they still keep him around, I'm sure they wouldn't judge Kazuma to harshly without at least getting to know him first."

"And what does their warrior do that's considered less than admirable?"

Asked Darkness.

"He loves gambling, tricking other people into paying for his drinks, minor levels of sexual harassment, mainly towards the party's Caster. The big one though is that he's been found sneaking peeks into the girls area of the public bath, multiple times. I won't say aloud what else he's been caught doing while doing that."

Hearing that made me shudder in disgust.

From now on, maybe I should ask for the private bathes as they didn't have windows anyone could peek through. This bit of knowledge also makes me want to aid Kazuma with us finding a proper place to live as soon as possible, if only because it would mean I wouldn't have to go to the bath house at all anymore.

I wondered how Darkness reacted to that new? Actually, never mind. I really don't want to know.

Ruffian also said the reason Taylor and his party were away was because he had finally reached the level where he could take the Class Advancement Quest in order to upgrade to a top tier class.

We continued on, following the main road to the castle though we soon spotted undead along the road. Following Ruffian's suggestion, we moved into the tree line to avoid being seen and possibly having to fight these undead which would only be a waste of time right now.

Soon, we came within eye sight of the castle. Ruffian then asked us to follow him a little deeper into the tree line.

"Why are we going this way?"

I asked as we reached a small circular clearing; coming to a stop there. He then whistles before looking back at us-

"Meeting that associate I spoke of before."

As he say that, a figure emerges opposite us, walking towards us.

He was dressed in a dark cloak, much like the one Shy had worn; with a high collar in place of a hood. A mask that covered his head completely much like Shy had worn as well. He comes to stand before us.

"So you've finally arrived. I was wondering how much longer you would take. One should not keep a busy person such as I waiting, you know."

Like Shy, this person also had a deep and distorted voice.

"This is Ego; the acquaintance of Shy who helped you back at the Station."

We bow in greeting at the man.

"Lateness aside, lets get down to business. You two planning on storming this castle filled with undead; possibly facing this Dullahan and all in order to save your friend. Are you sure you wish to do this, despite neither of you being properly equipped and prepared to face this challenge?"

We nod and I say-

"He would do the same for us. Hell, he was willing to do anything that the Dullahan said before this all happened. How can we just stand around and continue to call ourselves his friends and comrade if we don't do the same?"

"I agree. It would go against my knightly training... No, even more than that. It would go against my nature as a human being."

"Well said..."

Said Ego before asking us to hold our dominate hand out. We do as asked.

"To aid you, I will place an enchantment upon each of you. This enchantment will cause whatever weapon you are holding to be filled with holy energy; making them very effective against the undead you will face once at the castle. Furthermore, this enchantment will also help you both in another way."

Ego points at Darkness first.

"You, Crusader; I'm aware that you have piss poor accuracy when it comes to landing your hits. With this enchantment, that won't be an issue as with every swing of your sword will unleash a wave of purifying light. It may take a few swings, but as long as you can at least hit your targets with those waves of holy light, they will be destroyed."

He then points to me and says-

"And as for you, I'm aware you that your class is that of an Arch Wizard. While this mark is applied, you will find that you will have a better grasp on handling on any type of weapon you hold. Since your staff wouldn't really do much, even with this holy empowerment, this will make things easier for you, especially as I can see you have sword on you as well."

I nod as I show off Kazuma's short sword to him.

"What about me?"

Asked Ruffian

"Do you really need me to apply this onto you as well?"

Ruffian responds with a chuckling, saying that it won't be necessary. He then pulls out two large battle gloves and puts them on. He then slams his fist together, revealing that they had a flame enchantment upon them as they spark with fire.

"Now then, you two. I'll apply the mark now."

Ego does this; placing his hands over ours, A white light covers our hands and once it had finished and Ego pulled his hands away, we found a white glowing cross like mark appearing on our knuckles.

Me and Darkness examine our weapons and find they now had a white glow about them.

"Oh yes, I should have said this before. There is a price for this gift I have given you. The power will only last until you've either save your comrade or fail to save him. If you save him, then great. But if you fail, then you will share his fate."

This makes us stiffen as Ruffian ask-

"So you mean they will become Lich's themselves. Don't you think that was critical need to know info to tell them beforehand?"

Ego replies with him conking his own head.

"It doesn't matter. I would have accepted that caveat anyways."

"Same here."

Ego nods before turning his back to us.

"I had a feeling you two would. If experience has taught me anything over my long journey, it's that the two of you are very consistent, especially where Satou Kazuma is concerned. Not one for one mind you, but consistent enough to it makes your actions easy to guess."

"What is that suppose to mean?"

I asked, getting no response. Ego then begins to walk off.

"Wait, aren't you gonna join us?"

Asked Darkness. Ego, looks back at us and says-

"I apologize, but I've already done more than I should have as per the rule set upon us; us being Shy and myself. To do more would prevent us from doing more in the future should the need ever arise."

"Fair enough. But can you at least tell us why you're helping us; helping Kazuma?"

I asked.

For a moment, the air around Ego changes. I couldn't quite be sure but it felt almost like... regret.

"Perhaps... I'm just wanting to keep a promise... A promise made to a dear friend from another life."

Before I could ask him to elaborate, he disappeared into the green of the forest.

"Let's go, you two. Kazuma doesn't have much time left."

Part 5:

(Darkness POV)

"OK you two, here's the plan. We'll rush the main and hopefully take out the two undead that are acting as guards before they can sound the alarm. Once inside, we'll need to head down the main hall directly ahead of us but then take the second passage to our right; follow it down to the end and take the last passage along the left. After that, keep an eye open for a a set of stairs that heads down. We'll want to take that as the prison will be at its end. Once there, we get the boy and we'll make our escape after."

Ruffian's instructions seemed sound, but there were a few questions it raised.

"What about dealing with the Dullahan? Won't he come attack Axel if we don't deal with him here?"

I asked; worrying about the safety of the people.

"If what he said to you both before he returned here with Kazuma is true, the challenge was simply just to make it here and rescue Kazuma. Not necessarily to face him in battle. While that is what he and anyone else would naturally assume would need to be done; since it wasn't apart of his words to you, we shouldn't waste time on tackling such a high-risk action like facing him if we can avoid it."

"How do you know where Kazuma is being kept here?"

Asked Megumin.

"I paid a visit to the Axel Archives; found an old map that detailed the layout of the castle. Since no one was using it these nor had anyone been using it in a few decades, they weren't being kept under lock and key like other critical bits of information stored there. Now, we better hurry."

Me and Megumin nod as we look at the main gate of the castle. There was only two undead stationed outside but it was a safe assumption the main hall would be filled with many more to say nothing of the rest of the castle.

"Let's move."

The three of us emerge from behind the thicket covering we had been using to scope out the gate, moving fast towards the two undead, who failed to notice us immediately as they were looking at each other; possibly engaged in some form of undead banter if they're kind indulged in such things?

Before either of them knew what was happening, I got as close as I could before swinging my sword out in a wide arc. While my swing wouldn't have landed a physical strike against these two, I didn't need to land one as, like Ego had said, a wave of white light came slicing through the air from my swing, hitting them both.

One of the two undead was instantly destroyed while the other avoided a fatal hit but was still clearly affected.

Ruffian was on top of it a moment later, smashing it hard into the ground using his powerful physical strength and his enchanted knuckle weapons; causing it to burst into flames which quickly consumed it.

Unfortunately, it didn't give up the ghost quite as quickly as we would have liked as it managed to release a hideous screech for just a second before it was consumed.

A moment passed, then more of that same screech arose from within the castle itself.

"I guess it was a foolish hope to think we could somehow do this without raising any alarms?"

Ruffian said as the three of us were already heading inside the gate.

As we entered the large room, we saw that there was already a fair number of the Corpse Brigade there waiting for us with more either entering from various passage ways or emerging from the floor by the second.

"What do we do now?"

Asked Megumin.

I look at Ruffian as he reaches into his own Adventurer's Pouch, pulling out a strange looking device which he then pops the cap off of before hooking it to his belt.

"What's that?"

I asked.

"A little something sold at a shop that specializes in 'quirky' magical items that are surprisingly effective but have some serious drawbacks to them. This one here acts like an undead magnet so every Corpse Brigade member will be drawn here to the room once they get a whiff of it. Anyways, you two go on ahead and save the boy. I'll stay here and keep these guys busy."

The undead start attacking us, forcing all three of us to defend ourselves.

"But what about you?"

I asked, cutting down a crap ton around me easily due to their numbers.

"Don't worry about me; just save the boy so we can escape. I should be fine as guys like these are push overs. But, if you're really concerned about me, don't take long. Now go."

Me and Megumin, who wasn't doing have bad herself slashing away undead with Kazuma's blade, look at each other and nod before breaking away from this fight towards the main passage.

We still allowed ourselves the time to cut down any undead we crossed paths with as we went, if only to help Ruffian lessen the burden on him.

Following the route he laid out, we soon found the stairs leading down below the castle and beyond it, the dungeon's.

Me and Megumin quickly began to open all the cells but were dishearten to find them all empty.

"Kazuma's not here? Do you think there's another dungeon in this place?

"Perhaps the Dullahan has him confined closer to him. Possibly in a room that can only be accessed by passing through the room he's awaiting us in."

A sudden glow from behind us, bring more light into this place, makes us turn quickly as a small ball of light appears which then takes the shape of the Dullahan's head.

"So, you two FINALLY showed up. I was truly beginning to wonder if you two had actually chosen to forsake your friend."

"Where is he?"

Yelled Megumin.

The Dullahan laughs then instructs us to follow the glowing light. It then returns to normal and leaves the room. With no other option, we follow.

We soon arrive at what once must have been the throne room; a massive chamber with two stairs near the back that went upwards and a large door off to one side that I'm guessing opened into a balcony that overlooked a large courtyard that all castles in Belzerg usually had as a feature.

Sitting in the king's throne was the Dullahan.

We approach him; stopping quickly and looking back to find two massive doors being closed; effectively trapping us in here with the Demon General.

"Welcome, my honored guest. Allow me to welcome you as well as to apologize for forcing you both into a fight. While my original intentions was to give you an option in regards to a fight with me; you both ended up taking so long to get here that I decided that a fitting punishment was needed."

I point the tip of my sword at him and say-

"We didn't have much choice. The lord of Axel wasn't being very accommodating with our request."

The Dullahan chuckles at my words.

"I suspected as much. I've heard a lot of things about your current lord and I have to say I'm surprised he still holds his title, and his freedom. My master, surprisingly enough, would have had him removed from any position of power at least if he worked for him based just on the accusations; proof or not."

Megumin then points Kazuma's sword at the Dullahan as well, yelling-

"Who gives a damn about all that. Tell me where Kazuma is? Is he beyond those stairs there?"

"Honestly, I don't know where your friend is right now. About two hours ago, he and another prisoner being held here escaped their cells. I ordered my men to NOT stop them if they managed to do so as it would mean that your friend decided to throw caution to the wind and learn at least one Lich skill that had become available to him; one that would make escaping his cell easy. If I had to guess, they're probably well on their way back to Axel. If you lot didn't pass by him, then either him or you took the scenic route."

Kazuma was safe already? Hearing that makes the both of us sigh in relief though that didn't do us a lot of good right now. I then glance at the balcony door.

"Megumin, we don't have to fight him now. Let's make a break for that door there. I can bust through it then we can escape that way, get back to Ruffian and make a break for it."

Megumin nods at my plan.

"I'm sorry but I'm afraid I can't allow that to happen..."

Dullahan rises from the throne, his sword appearing in hand as he takes a few steps towards us.

"You two have come all this way so wouldn't be a shame if you didn't defeat the big bad?"

Knowing that we couldn't avoid this fight after all, I strengthen my grip on my sword before charging at the Dullahan. While defeating him clearly wasn't an option, if I could just knock him off balance, even if only for a second, that would be enough time to allow us to hopefully make our escape.

Mine and the Dullahan's blades lock together, turning this into both a battle of strength as well as of wills.

"What do you say, my second...?"

The Dullahan speaks these words aloud suddenly as I spot a figure emerging from one of the stairways, running fast then jumping over the Dullahan, forcing me to pull back to avoid being pounced by it.

It lands in a crouching position, then slowly stands and allowing us to see the face hidden behind the gray hood.

My blood goes cold as I feel like time itself had frozen still. I couldn't take my eyes away from the figure to see what Megumin's reaction was but I had no doubt her's was the same as mine.

Before us was Kazuma, parts of his body now being skeleton like; the rest showing thinning skin and his right eye having been replaced with a dark void with a eerie green light at its center.

"Meet my new second in command. I'm sure you three will get along... Quite well indeed..."

{Insert Image 1}

Next time, the actual final chapter of Book 1

Image 1: A partial Lich Kazuma standing besides Verdia.

AN2: Before I end this chapter, I want to take a quick minute to talk about OC's in this fic.

As you now know, three OC's have been introduced this chapter; the Captain, Shy, and Ego.

The Captain, as well as another OC who will be introduced next chapter; named Clerica, will have a minor role in this story. The Captain being, well, the captain of the Axel Knight Guard and thus will probably show up whenever something big happens that requires the KG's attention.

Clerica is the High Priestess of the Eris faith and could show up whenever something big is going on that involves the faith, like with what is going to happen in Book 8' chapters.

While these two are minor mentions, the ones I'll be talking about next have a little more importance.

In this chapter, we were also introduced to Ego and Shy. Despite their names being original, the faces behind their mask are not. It may not seem like it now but the true identities of Ego and Shy are actually cannon Konosuba characters. Reading that, you may be wondering just who they are and what their deal is?

Obviously, I can't answer those questions yet nor will it be answered for a long LONG time to come. I have sprinkled a a hint or two here and there for you all to work with though. Alongside them, there's also three more that will show up over the course of this story, going by Passion, Complex, and Glutton who will also provide some form of aid for Kazuma and the girls.

I'll understand if anyone finds the addition of these five annoying, even affecting your desire to keep reading this story. All I will ask of you is that you give me your trust and see this through to the end and I in turn will do my best to make sure both the reveal of their identities and their purpose will be worth the wait.