Chapter 3: Premonition of Bad Things

==========================={ Pt 1: Goblin Slayer's }============================

"They're right ahead of us; just beyond the treeline."

I said to the others; the four of us coming to a stop.

Right now, we were rather concealed thanks to the dense foliage.

I asked if I should activate Lurk, if only to be cautious.

Taylor shakes his head, then tells us-

"OK,. Keith, can you use Far-sight to see beyond the trees and tell us what we're dealing with?"

Keith nods; activating Far-sight and taking a few minutes to look beyond the trees.

"Damn, I wish I could get a better angle here. Regardless, I'm only seeing about two dozen of the goblin's. Mostly fighters and archers and I can stop a couple of brutes and a single strategist. They appear to be camping out in an open field with the base of the mountain of the far side of the field."

Taylor nods at that, then says-

"Keith, you and me will head out and take them out. Focus mainly on the Archers and any on the far side of the field. Rely on Snipe and Ether Arrow combo for your attacks."

"Lynn, move along the treeline and use you're spells to blast anything Keith and I aren't dealing with or look to be going for us. I'll leave what spells you us up to you. Try to avoid being spotted by them."

"I will focus on killing the bulk of these buggers. If I use Cleave, then it will be child's play to kill them easily."

The three of them nod as I look at the three of them for a moment before asking-

"What about me? What should I do?"

"I want you to hang back for now. Be ready to activate Lurk just in case things get hairy."

And here I thought I had earned their respect with the Rookie Killer earlier? Maybe my telling them what skills I had didn't impress them enough to trust me in a fight.

Taylor must have seen the sadness on my face as he quickly adds.

"Kazuma, my reason for having you stay back and out of the fight is because there's a strategist present. They have the ability to assess the strength and weakness's of their opponents. Because your level is still in the single digits while ours in the high teens to low twenties; if they spot you then they will surely aggro you which may make things more troublesome for all of us."

Keith then adds-

"Be prepared though; just because we don't want you to be directly involved in the fight doesn't mean you won't be needed. Be prepared to back us up with your basic magic if we call for your aid."

Understanding, I nod.

We then make our way to the edge of the clearing. I remain in place while Lynn begins to move through the greenery to the right while Taylor and Keith look at each other, nod, then charge out onto the field.

As Keith had said, there was only around twenty seven of them from what I could see.

But that didn't seem right to me?

I had detected way more than that with my Enemy Detection skill; at least I'm sure I had.

I'm drawn from my thoughts as the attack began.

\

Taylor and Keith were amazing to watch in action; working in perfect sync with each other while Lynn propped herself down; beginning to chant a spell from what I could tell.

A sudden sound draws my attention to the rock face; one of the archers had pulled out a horn and was blowing into it.

And then my Enemy Detection goes crazy.

The source of this new feeling I knew was coming from a cave entrance I spotted along the rocks.

"Everyone, there's more coming! From the cave..."

I shout out at them as hoards among hoards of goblins come pouring out.

My previous sense had been very right; there were more of them. WAY more of them.

Well over a hundred from what I could tell.

"Taylor, there's way to many of them now. We need to retreat."

Yelled Keith, quickly finding himself surrounded.

Taylor himself was also quickly being overwhelmed by the new additions as he shouts out-

"Lynn, get back to Kazuma. Kazuma, get yourself and Lynn out of here now."

But we can't just leave you guys to die here.

Damn it, I need to think of something to get them; to get all of us out of this mess.

"Lightning."

Yells Lynn, blasting several bolts of electricity out; blitzing about a dozen goblins into dust.

She then goes to run to me; probably hoping I had a counter plan, when her foot suddenly catches on a tree root which causes her to roll out from cover and out into the open.

And into the line of sight of the goblins.

As she picks herself up; she freezes as she notices a good chunk of the goblins; the ones not focused on attacking Taylor and Keith, including the strategist, were all looking at her-

In a rather creepy way too.

The strategist then barks out an order to the others, causing them to make sounds that sound like excited cheers before they charge at her with drool flying from their open mouths.

"EKK, NO. I DON"T WANT TO BE DEFILED BY THESE FREAKS!"

She shrieks as she begins to run, trying to rub back into the treeline but is always forced to retreat back into the open field when other goblins beat her to the punch.

Strange, it was almost like they were playing with her.

Damn, if only Darkness was here. She'd be having the time of her life right now.

I then hear all three of them cry out to me; begging me to save them.

I don't think anyone could have seen this coming.

I shake that thought from my head as I decide to do something that will probably make Lynn mad at me. Hopefully, she forgive me as the alternative is far less favorable.

I hold out both arms before me and begin repeating Lynn over and over with both words and in my mind. Just like what had happened with Megumin that day; except this time it's intentional, I shout-

"STEAL!"

In my hands appears Lynn' panties.

WHY?

Back on the field, Lynn must have noticed the sudden loss of her panties as she screams out in horror.

"GAHH, NO. SOMETHING JUST STOLE MY PANTIES."

"What?"

Yelled Keith.

"There must be a pilfer goblin amongst these guys somewhere. Hurry and get to Kazuma, Lynn."

Yeah, right? A pilfer goblin. Thank you for giving me an out, guys.

I quickly stuff Lynn's panties into my Adventurer's pouch; hiding the evidence.

I'll figure out how to return them to her later and if I can't; then I will come up with something to do to make it up to her later.

I mean, I could just toss them out onto the barren earth and-

Wait, barren earth? Hardly any grass out on the field everyone was standing on.

That's it!

"Guys, listen. Get off the field, NOW."

I shout at them.

They hear me but give me confused looks so I repeat myself; being louder and more direct sounding.

Deciding to do as I asked, Taylor quickly makes his way over to Lynn; grabs her and uses his full strength to toss her over to me, then he and Keith run over to the rocky wall of the mountain and jump onto it.

I catch Lynn as she comes down; probably touching something I shouldn't have in the process but the whole thing happens so fast; the situation so dire, that neither of us have time to process the moment.

As she gets off and I get back onto my feet, I see the goblins looked confused; even the strategist.

Probably hearing my voice; a voice coming from anywhere as far as they could tell, had caught them off guard and left them confused.

Not missing my chance, I shout out-

"Create Water."

I begin to blast the barren earth; turning ground into mud.

Lynn; realizing what I had planned, gives me a smile as she fires off her own water spell.

"Torrent."

Between the two of us, we soak not only the ground but the goblins as well.

"Freeze."

"Lightning."

We both shout; firing off our collective spells.

I freeze the ground, entrapping them.

Lynn zaps them with Lightning; creating a little electrical paralysis to further hamper their movements.

Once that was done, me and Lynn emerge as I shout out to Taylor and Keith-

"Everyone, now's our chance. Let's kill them before they can recover and escape."

Not all the goblins had been affected by the spells; but enough had been as the four of us get to work.

Fifteen minutes later; it was all over-

We had won with little injury.

And, FYI, Lynn's virtue was left intact.

============================{ Part 2: The RKK's }============================

"I can't believe what just happened? We actually survived a run in with a hundred goblin's.. huff huff"

Following the fight, the four of us had collapsed onto the muddy ground; working on catching our breaths as well as laughing from the incredible adrenaline rush we had all experienced during the fight.

"That was the most terrifying quest we have ever done. So why the hell are we all laughing like idiots?"

Keith and Taylor bantered between themselves while I used Cure to get them fixed up and Lynn eyed the battlefield for a missing 'item' of hers.

"It has to be because we have never had so much fun when doing a quest before. Even if you factor in certain scary 'moments' happening, it was still the best time we ever had."

Lynn offered her own two cents.

Her two party members nod as Taylor looks at me and says-

"And it was all because of you, Kazuma. If you hadn't been here. I don't want to think about how many times we would have died today."

Keith quickly chimes in following Taylor's words; adding-

"He's right man. You really saved our bacon here today. We never should have looked down on you just because of your current level and class. Furthermore, we should have been more cautious when you said you could detect so many enemies that you couldn't be sure of their numbers."

I smile as I finish up healing them then say-

"Don't worry about it. I'm just happy to know that I was able to make sure you guys can live to get into crazy trouble again another day."

And I was happy that you three at least now know that all the stuff said about me was hogwash; or at least you all had reasons to believe it less now which was a starting point.

"Anyways guys, its obviously past noon by now so what do you say we hurry up and get back before the sun starts-starts to..."

Lynn, who had given up finding that missing 'item' suddenly collapsed mid sentence into the mud.

I rush over to her; applying a little heal onto her as well.

She turns her head and lets us know that she was fine; just suffering a little mana exhaustion.

"Gotcha. Kazuma, hand me and Keith the travel packs. We'll carry them and you can carry Lynn for us."

?

Wait, did they want me to carry Lynn?

I mean, I don't mind really. After all, I had plenty of experience with carrying Megumin in the past.

But she was still missing her panties and her short shorts looked to be rather on the thin side if I was being honest.

I look at Lynn, expecting to hear her complain; saying that she didn't need to be carried-

But she just looked at me, blushed a little, but didn't say anything in opposition to those orders.

I sigh as I hand the packs to the guys before walking over and getting Lynn up onto my back.

Her mage cloak hung down low enough to cover her back side; which means if there was any signs that she wasn't wearing any panties while being carried by me, it would hopefully not be noticed thanks to the cloak.

Taylor also pulled out a few manatite crystals from his pouch; one for the each of us. He said to hold them in one hand; that they would help recharge our mana faster by doing so.

We then began our walk back to Axel; much of which had been done on silence in order to avoid catching the attentions of anything else that may have been in the area.

Once we had cleared the forest area; walking through the open plains that would make up our final leg for the trip back home, we began to chat again as Keith, feeling fairly restored, pull his manatite crystal away and pulled out his Adventurer's guidebook.

"Hey guys, check this out. Lynn wasn't exactly in danger back there."

"What do you mean?"

Asked Taylor as we stopped and looked at him.

"It says here about goblin's; the biology of the goblin race is a rather fascinating one. They are one of several known species confirmed to be asexual; having no defined gender from our understanding. They are believed to only enter a reproduction cycle one month out of the year where they form eggs within their bodies then expel these eggs from their mouths like vomit."

"Well, that's good to know. You were never in any real danger there, huh Lynn?"

Said Taylor as he looks at the girl who was resting on my back.

"Hm? ...Oh yeah...sounds yawn good news..."

And like Megumin, it seemed Lynn too found my back so comfortable that she could fall asleep while resting against it.

Did that say something about the two of them, or about me?

Or maybe both?

"Then why did they start chasing her around then?"

Keith reads further then says as a big grin formed on his face.

"Apparently, goblins having an obsession with pretty girls; seeking to make them the 'Queen' of their colony. But that actually doesn't mean she would be seen as any sort of royal figure to them. No, it appears they would force the pretty girls dress up in what's been coined as 'cross-play' by travelers from a distant land and wait on them like servants. They were probably expected to act all cutesy and say things like 'how can I be of service, masters' and other such embarrassing lines."

Both Keith and Taylor then burst out laughing at the thought.

I honestly wanted to laugh too but I managed to hold it in, for her sake as well as mine.

I then feel Lynn pull a hand away from around my neck; then see the drained manatite crystal she had been holding smack Keith in the head, making him yelp.

"OK, OK, we get it. It's not funny? Say Lynn, when are you gonna get down off Kazuma's back? Surely your mana's been restored enough along with your strength that you can walk fine on your own now?"

Asked Taylor.

Lynn just shakes her head, saying-

"Don't wanna. I feel to comfy right now."

"Can't be helped, can it. I don't mind carrying her until we make it back to the Guild."

I meant that, literally as I was keeping her held against my back by having my hands grabbing around her butt; unlike with Megumin who I usually held under her legs which was a little more uncomfortable.

I had expected Lynn to yell at me when I had put my hands there; but she surprised me by not only NOT complaining but she had actually nuzzled my shoulder her head was resting on just a little.

It was strange. Here I was, ever so slightly perving on a girl; who's panties I had accidentally stolen before and now had hidden inside my pouch out of embarrassment, and had my hands more or less grabbing her rear... and she seemed to be enjoying it too.

Was it possible that Lynn was the main heroine that I had been looking for since coming to this world?

The guys nod as we continue heading towards Axel.

I then feel Lynn shift her position; bring her mouth close to my ear and whispering-

"...as a thank you for your HARD work today, you can keep my special 'item', you sneaky perv..."

{Insert Image 1}

I freeze for just a moment as her words process inside my head.

She KNEW what had really happened back there.

Should I try to explain to her what had happened? What I had intended to do based on that time with Megumin?

Wait, she didn't sound mad about it. In fact, she sounded almost amused by the incident.

Did that mean...?

SCORE!

I would definitely need to find time to talk, and confirm things, with her once we got back.

PING

The feeling came over me so quickly that I almost lost my balance.

Something big was heading towards us; and it was coming FAST.

And the fact I was picking it up coming towards from the direction of Axel. That could only mean...

"Guys, I think the Rookie Killer is coming towards us."

That made Taylor and Keith stop dead while Lynn head shot up and pushed herself off of my back.

Keith had already activated his Far-sight skill, the color draining from his face as he looked ahead.

"Kazuma's right, its heading towards us and it looks pissed."

"It must smell the goblin blood we have on us. I guess that means this Rookie Killer was a pet or something to those goblins back there."

Says Lynn, keeping herself close to me.

Taylor jerks back to look at the treeline and curses.

"Damn, we're in trouble here. We don't have enough time to get back to the trees in order to hide"

"Even if we did, the Rookie Killer would probably be able to smell us because of the blood we have covering our faces and clothes. I doubt even the Lurk skill Kazuma has would help out now."

Pointed out Keith as a panicked Lynn frantically says-

"Then what are we going to do? We can't face a Rookie Killer and expect to win here."

Is she really serious? Is beating a Rookie Killer that impossible for us to do?

Wait, I had an idea.

"Guys, are you REALLY sure there's no way we can kill this thing?"

They all look at me; giving me a disbelieving look.

"Kazuma, of course we can't. Even elite Adventurer's can have trouble with them. Anyways, me and Keith will try to distract it. You take Lynn and make it back to Axel and survive."

Taylor orders make Lynn complain; saying that she wouldn't abandon her team though Keith tells her to do as she's told. Meanwhile, I force my question onto them again, but with added context.

"I mean it, is there no way? What if we could disable the Rookie Killer for a few moments? Do we have any chance of killing it then?"

Taylor gives me an annoyed look and says-

"What did I just say? That's imposs-Kazuma, you have an idea don't you?"

I nod then tell them my strategy. Once I was done, they look at each other and-

The battle cry of the Rookie Killer makes us jump as it was almost upon us.

Taylor then smiles, saying-

"Why the hell not, let's try it out. Kazuma, if this fails then you and Lynn know what to do, OK?"

Me and Lynn nod as Taylor takes aim at the Rookie Killer then uses a new skill I hadn't seen before.

"Wind Cutter."

Keith is quick to follow; shooting off a volley of-

"Focused Snipe."

Together, their attacks distract the Rookie Killer as I channel mana into my hands and use Create Earth followed by Wind Breath which blows the dirt into the Rookie Killers eyes.

The three of us then jump clear as the beast momentarily stops to shake the dust from its eyes; allowing Lynn to douse it with Torrent followed by Lightning which further immobilizes it for a few more moments.

And in that moment, I go for the real plan; I pull out the Mithril cord Chris had given me and use Bind to ensnare the Rookie Killers legs close together.

This sudden action causes the beast to topple over onto its side, exposing its hopefully weak underbelly.

"Now's our chance, guys. I'm not sure how long that cord will hold so let's do this."

"YEAH!"

They shout in agreement as me, Taylor, and Keith lunge in and start attacking while Lynn blast it with as many spells as she could.

The next few moments were tense; very, VERY tense indeed. But it was just a few moments before it was finally all over with.

We had won; which Taylor confirmed by checking his Adventurer's card and seeing this big bad kitty's name had been added to the kill list.

"Holy crap. Do you guys realize what it was we just DID here? We beat a Rookie Killer, and actual fecking Rookie Killer? No one has ever heard of beginner level Adventurer's doing that before. We're gonna be famous across Axel...no, across the whole Kingdom."

Cheered Keith as I was quick to catch Lynn who had exhausted her mana again following that little moment of fun.

"Damn right we will be; and its all thanks to you, Kazuma."

Adds Taylor as he pulls a weird cube like object out of his Adventurer's pouch.

"Hey, what's that?"

I asked.

Taylor looks at me and says 'to watch.'

He then approaches the dead Rookie Killer, taps the cube against its body which is then sucked into the cube.

"This is a special magical storage item you can buy in Axel. It's very useful to have when out undertaking Quest that have an element which involves bringing monster carcasses back; like toads. Saves on having to pay a transport fee with the guild to haul the bodies in."

So, its essentially this world's version of a Pokeball, huh. Sort of, anyways.

I need to go buy some one of these days.

"Rookie Killers are worth a lot and I mean A LOT or eris if you can bring one in. Their bodies can be used to make excellent materials; especially for Adventurer's while their long fangs can be ground up to make some quality potions with."

Adds Keith.

After a moment, Taylor then says-

"Kazuma, would you be willing to join us full time? Before, when we first left Axel, I was hesitant about this whole thing, I admit. I only went along with it because I felt the three of us having a little break from Dust for the day would be a nice form of stress relief. But now, you shown us what you can do; what WE can do with you around. And that makes me wonder what else we'll be able to do in the future if we have you with us full time. So, what do you say?"

"Seconded."

Yells Keith.

Lynn simply snuggles more into my shoulder; saying with a muffled voice.

"I definitely wouldn't mind you staying with us."

For what felt like an eternity, I just stand there unable to respond.

I had told the others; Megumin especially, that I would come back to them.

But this offer from Taylor, Keith, and especially Lynn was just so tempting. Perhaps to tempting.

Eris, what do you think I should...

A cold chill runs down my spine suddenly; an dire and ominous feeling immediately following.

Something bad had just happened; or something bad was about to happen.

Either way; the three of them took notice of my reaction to this feeling I just experienced.

"Kazuma, what's wrong?"

Asked Lynn as she lifts her head up.

"We need to get back to the Guild; NOW! I can't help but feel something bad has happened..."

==========================={ Part 3: Heartbeat }==============================

"Luna, where's my team? Have they gotten back from their quest yet?"

I had just come racing into the Guild Hall; nearly colliding with a girl dressed in the attire worn by those who had the Rogue class.

As soon as I had passed through the door's, I made a direct beeline for Luna who was currently wiping down the front of the reception counter.

I allowed Lynn to stand on the ground again as I spoke those words.

Behind us, Taylor and Keith had just entered the guild as well.

Luna turns back to look at us and says-

"Ah, Kazuma; I see you all have returned... are you alright? You all look terrible."

"That's not important right now. Where's my team and Dust right now? Have they returned already?"

Hearing the urgency in my voice, Luna begins to look uneasy as she she shakes her head.

"N-No they're not, which is strange. They didn't leave the guild till well after noon had passed; waiting for Dust to finish sobering up. Despite that, the quest they chose to do was a rather simple and easy one. Given the time, they should have already gotten back by now. Strange..."

She looks up at the crude excuse this world calls clocks as she says this.

"What quest did they take on? Which gate would they have gone through?"

Hearing my desperate words makes Luna start to panic, backing away from me just a little.

"...ah, Kazuma, what's wrong...? Why are you... being so aggressive here?"

"Luna, hurry up and tell him already. Kazuma had a dark premonition as we were coming back..."

"And you just said that they weren't back even though you believe that they should have already."

"Miss Luna, please hurry."

Taylor, Keith, and Lynn all say; their voices also sounding desperate.

"...south gate; hunting a pack of toads that they appeared...just a few miles down the road..."

Hearing that, I tore away from Luna and ran as fast as I could.

The others following right behind me.

We tore through the streets of Axel, arriving at the south gate within minutes of leaving the guild.

Which was impressive, considering the trip between the guild and south gate was around seventeen minutes by just walking, and assuming one didn't need to dance around anyone else along the way.

I did crash into a few people though; I'm sure all four of us did actually, but I know I was to focused on getting to where I knew we needed to be to stop and apologize to anyone; not taking time to care.

Just as we reached the south gate, the same feeling I had earlier, which had passed after the initial feeling, had come back in force; much stronger than before.

But this time, it didn't just go away after a few moments. Instead, it remained and started to get stronger with each passing moment.

I asked the guards if they had seen any signs of my party and Dust coming back; hoping that maybe they had all simply decided to visit the bathhouse before returning to the guild.

The answer I got wasn't the one I had wanted to hear.

And so once again, I ran as fast as I could; despite my legs beginning to feel like they were burning, my muscles screaming at me to let them rest. I was sure my speed was starting to slow because of this but I couldn't, I wouldn't, stop until I had found them and knew that they were safe,

And then, just off the side of the road, a good enough distance away from Axel that if one was to look back, you would barely be able to see the south gate properly-

I saw three prone figures laying on the ground; no signs of life coming from any of them.

It was Darkness, Cielo, and Dust; covered in some weird bright yellow slime.

There was no sign of Megumin anywhere.

"Hey, are you three OK?"

I yelled as I reached them. From the corner of my left eye, I could see that the others would reach us within a few more moments.

I checked Darkness, seeing she had a nasty looked bump on her head but otherwise appeared to be unconscious.

Cielo was also breathing and seemed to be unconscious as well though I could see any injury.

And the same went for Dust as well.

As I go to touch Darkness, to double check if I could feel a pulse, Dust suddenly speaks up with a weak voice-

"Kazuma, don't... touch us..."

What was that about? Don't tell me he was blaming their current state on me now?

The others arrive as I ask Dust-

"What do you mean, don't touch you? What happened? And where's Megumin?"

Dust struggles for a moment, then barely manages to get out.

"Gazo Toad... it's slime... can paralyze anyone it... touches. You'll be... effected too if you..."

Understanding, I use Create Water and gently spray the thee of them down; washing away what slime I could see on them.

Lynn was already checking on Cielo; luckily I had told them about her Androphobia beforehand.

Taylor and Keith were working on Darkness.

"OK, you guys should be fine now. Now again, what happened and where's Megumin."

Dust still struggles to move though it seemed easier for him now.

"We where killing toads, things were going... interestingly. We then saw a weird looking one. Darkness charged it, in the way I'm sure you know she does. But I noticed to late that it had the warty coverings of a Gazo Toad. It spit out its paralysis slime at her, then used its tongue to hammer her repeatedly into the ground till she was unconscious. Me and Cielo... tried to fight it, but... it was a smart one and took us out to. And then... then it took Megumin; ate her and hopped off..."

I get it; Megumin had probably already used her Explosion earlier and was lying face down on the ground. But why did it only take her? No, that didn't matter right now.

All that mattered was that it had taken her.

"I understand. Which way did it go?"

Dust looked at me weakly, his eyes being that of remorse and regret; of pity.

"Kazuma... I'm sorry, but I thinks its been over fifteen... she's probably already..."

"I don't care, tell me which way it went?"

"Kazuma... that way... follow the path; it has... a light brown color with orange colored warts."

I turn to see Cielo pointing weakly in the direction of a side path that started just a few meters ahead of us.

I nod as I tell the others to get them back to Axel before I once more break into a run.

I think I heard someone shout something at me but I didn't hear what was said if someone had.

I had only one thought right now; I was getting Megumin back. No matter what.

As I ran, I started to constantly turn my head from one side to the other; keeping a look out for this Gazo Toad thing. All the while, I felt myself getting slower and slower as my legs had finally reached the limit of what they would allow me to do.

Damn it, why now? I can't stop now. If I do, then Megumin really will-

I shake my head furiously at the thought.

No, that isn't going to happen.

I WON'T allow that to happen.

With all my will power, I demand my legs; my whole body, to overcome this fatigue and push beyond its limits. To not give up until she was safe again, in my arms and confirmed to be alive.

I repeated that thought, that command, again and again, over and over in my mind.

And then, I felt it; a sudden rush shooting through me.

The feeling I have whenever I learn a new skill.

But I hadn't pulled my card out; hadn't triggered it to awaken any new skill.

Was it possible for one to auto learn a new skill just through sheer force of will?

I didn't know but I did quickly become aware of one thing.

The burning sensation in my legs had vanished; my labored breathing became even again, and I was getting faster-

Much, MUCH, faster; far more than I think I had ever achieved at any point in the past.

While the world didn't become a blur to me as I ran, the tree's I raced past all went with surprising speed.

I soon came to a stop and scanned the open field before me; spotting something near the far end.

Moving quickly, I pulled out my Adventurer's card and learned Far-sight; luckily it could be learned now.

I also saw a new skill had appeared; possible the one that had suddenly unlocked for me to use-

Sprint.

I'd look up its information later; for now I activated Far-sight and confirmed that fast moving toad was what I had seen.

"Sprint."

I yelled as I ran onto the plains, the gap between me and the toad closing quickly.

As I approached, it must have sensed me as it stopped moving; turning itself around to face me.

After considering me for a second, I think, it's cheeks puff out big before it fires off more of that bright yellow goo that Dust and the girls had been covered in.

Luckily, I was able to dodge it easily; probably thanks to me using Sprint.

It tried several more times to hit me before it must have realized I was coming for it-

At which point, it went from trying to spit on me to trying to capture me with its tongue.

I again easily dodged despite the ever closing distance.

At first, I planned to go for its weak point between the eyes but noticed that there were plenty of warts there at the spot; possibly acting like armor to protect itself from attacks there.

It didn't matter as I was already planning on going for the jugular-

And I meant that in a very specific way.

"OK you ugly bastard, you ate something that's real important to me. So do me a favor, open wide..."

The Gazo Toad lowers itself down, as if to line its mouth up with me and tries to catch me with its tongue one final time.

I dodge again then immediately jump into the air; using my momentum to go flying right down its throat.

"...and say AAH!"

The next few moments, I was surrounded in warm, goo filled darkness as I sent my sword slashing left and right. I must have hit something vital as I feel myself getting sprayed suddenly by some sort of liquid; possibly blood.

All I know was my orientation was thrown out of whack as I could feel the toad collapse onto the ground.

I push in deeper though; searching with my hands until I feel another hand; her hand.

A few moments later; I reemerge back into the light from outside the toads mouth-

Holding an unmoving Megumin in my arms.

I quickly place her on the ground and begin to use Heal on her.

But after a few moments, it became clear to me that it wasn't working.

She was still lying there motionless; not breathing.

"Megumin...dammit, no. Don't you dare go dying on me now, Dynamite."

If the healing magic I currently knew doesn't work on her, then there was only one other option I could think of to try-

I placed a hand under her head and raised it up while using my other hand to open her mouth.

I took in a deep breath then pressed my mouth against hers; performing CPR on her.

I then placed both my hands onto her chest; doing a few quick but strong pumps before returning to breath more air into her through her mouth.

I hoped I was doing this right as CPR wasn't something I was well versed at.

As I continued to alternate between breaths and pumps; I began to speak to her.

Yelling at her to not give up so easily.

"Dammit, come on, Megumin. You're stronger than this. You can't die on me yet, you hear."

I continued but as the seconds passed; my fears began to grow and grow.

How long had it been since she had stopped breathing? How long since her heart had stopped?

Was it; was I, already to late?

"Megumin, please come now. Don't be going and scaring me like this. Haven't you still got those dreams of your to fulfill? To master Explosion's and become known as the greatest Archwizard? To show everyone the wonder and majesty of Explosion? Are you really going to let death stop you now?"

And still, she didn't respond and I felt myself beginning to lose hope.

There was one last thing; one final hope left to try-

After compressing her chest one final time, I once again placed my hand behind her head and lifted her up; bringing her face close to mine-

I then whispered into an ear; nothing complex. Just a few important words that I hoped reached her.

And then I try one final time with mouth-to-mouth...

Her body suddenly jerked as her head turned to the side; hacking up plenty of gastric toad goo.

She then began to breath again; labored breathing but breathing none the less.

"Megumin? Megumin, thank god you're alive."

I shouted as I hugged her tightly.

I could feel her arms wanting to move but as weak as she was, I doubt she could summon the strength to do anything.

I pull away as I see her finally open her eyes again and say in a weak; almost whisper, voice.

"... kazuma...?"

"Yeah, it's me. I'm here with you now, and I ain't letting you go again."

I tell her in as reassuring a manner as I can.

I then take her into my arms before standing; using Heal to help restore her energy as I hold her.

I then begin to walk back; feeling her clutch onto my goo covered shirt with a weak grip.

She had closed her eyes again; tears easily noticeable running along her cheeks.

Taylor, Lynn, and Keith met up with us soon thereafter and they made sure I got Megumin back to Axel safely.

The day hadn't ended in tragedy as I had feared it would; but it had come to damn close for my liking.

{Insert Image 2}

============================{Part 4: Outburst }==============================

A week had passed since that day.

After getting Megumin back to Axel, I had taken her right to receive medical treatment.

The doctors who looked at her asked me what I had done to save her as they could confirm that she had more or less died while inside the toads stomach.

Confirming with them that I didn't know any form of resurrection magic; I told them all about CPR.

I ended up explaining the method to them as they took notes; finding the very idea of this technique both shocking and fascinating.

They had even performed a few "controlled" deaths just to practice it and were amazed to see that it worked though I did point out the quicker its applied following a person having stopped breathing, the better its chances for success are and that it wasn't a non magical revive-all for every type of death.

Nevertheless, it was something that could be used under the right circumstances if it wasn't to late.

Dust, Darkness, and Cielo had been released after a few hours at the hospital though they had been told to take it easy for a few days.

Megumin ended up staying overnight for observation.

I never once left her side; always staying beside her, holding her hands that had suddenly felt oh so very small now.

Darkness and Cielo had stayed by her side as well.

As far as the whole team exchange being permanent?

It didn't come up as I think they all agreed that we all knew where it was I needed to be.

The following day, we returned to the guild to eat and to rent a room to stay in till Megumin had fully recovered from her 'almost death' traumatic incident.

The entire time; she never allowed me to leave her line of sight; always staying close and keeping a hand holding onto my sleeve, if not flat out hold my hand.

She was also quite; almost terrifyingly so for most of the time.

In fact, the only time she spoke was on the evening of the second day when we all visited the bath house. She had suddenly become stubborn; refusing to part with me for the sake of bathing.

I wondered if I would need to rent a private bath after all?

Which I ended up doing but somehow, Darkness and Cielo finally managed to talk her into letting them join her and allowing me to go to the men's bath.

I promised her I'd be back out here; waiting for them once done.

While in the men's bath; I saw Taylor and Keith and we three had a chance to finally talk.

I confirmed that I would stay with my party after all.

I needed them and they needed me; Megumin especially needed me right now.

They nodded their understanding but I did add that I wouldn't be opposed to our two groups working together to tackled higher tier Quest from the guild from time to time. All of us, together; there's probably be nothing we couldn't handle.

They definitely agreed with me on that point.

Once I had finished washing; dressing, I returned to the waiting hall and not long after, the girls appeared and Megumin was quick to run over to me; once again taking hold of my sleeve.

I couldn't blame her for that.

After the traumatic event she had suffered; latching onto someone was very understandable.

She did at least start to show signs that she was improving though-

By the fourth day after the incident; she was no longer holding onto my sleeve but was still staying fairly close and we no longer needed to talk her out of wanting to bathing with me.

And by the morning of the eighth day-

I opened my eyes and saw a sight that had become a familiar one to me over the last week.

The sight of Megumin's sleeping form laying in the bed besides me.

We weren't sleeping in the same bed; that would be way to weird and send the wrong message here.

Rather, I was sitting on the floor; my head resting on the bed as I held Megumin's hand.

We had found this action; having me here beside her at night helped her with falling asleep.

It was very awkward for me, of course. But seeing her sleeping peacefully did warm my heart a little.

I looked around, finding Darkness and Cielo; who had also been staying in the room over the last week, already gone.

They must have already headed down stairs for breakfast... Oh right?

Cielo definitely would have needed to be up early as she would be spending most of the day with mother Clerica at then cathedral.

I should probably wake Megumin up so we could go join Darkness at least.

I go to do just that; but I stop myself as I look at her sleeping face.

I never noticed just how cute she looked before; sleeping so serenely too.

I didn't have to heart to wake her from what I hope was a good dream right now.

I bring my free hand up and use a finger to muss her bangs a little.

And then I realize something; I really needed to go to the bathroom right now.

What should I do? If I let go of her hand, it could make her wake up prematurely which I didn't want.

Megumin must have sensed my sudden distress as she began to open her eyes.

"Morning, sleepy head. Did you have a nice dream last night?"

I asked; giving as warm a smile as I could get out of myself.

She looks at me with a still half-asleep look as her eyes go from me, to our joined hands, back to me, then very quickly back to our joined hands; which then causes her eyes to go wide-

"GGAAHHHH..."

A few minutes later, I stepped into the mess hall and quickly spot Darkness and Chris sitting at a...?

Wait, Chris? Yeah, it seemed Chris had returned from her latest mystery trip.

I go over to join them.

As I slump myself down opposite them at the table, they look at me to say high but are quickly stop by the sight of me-

"Kazuma, what happened? Your nose is bleeding."

Asked Darkness as Chris gives me her handkerchief so I could wipe the blood from my nose.

After doing that, I begin to use heal on myself while saying-

"Let's just say I think my needing to stay with Megumin during the nights won't be needed anymore."

The two of them look at each other, then back at me as Chris says-

"Darkness already filled me in on what happened here recently, so I already know what you're talking about. So will you go ahead and tell us how you came to this conclusion alongside getting that bloody nose?"

A few minutes before...

Megumin screams as she quickly sits up; grabbing her staff, and backing herself against the wall as much as she could from me.

I was understandably confused by her sudden outburst.

"Oh my god, I've been violated. Damn you, Kazuma, damn you."

Wait, what? What did you just-ow-

Before I could respond, or even finish my thought, I find Megumin had thrust her staff at my face; impacting against my nose hard which sends jumping back and colliding with the far wall.

As I recover from this sudden and unprovoked assault, I look at Megumin and see she was giving me an ice cold stare; her face reflecting a look of anger and betrayal.

"Ow, Megumin, that really hurt, ya know. And what are you talking about? I didn't do anything to you."

"Don't lie, Kazuma. Why are you in here with me then? And why were you holding my hand like that too? And just where am I, anyways? Answer me now, you beast."

What the hell was going on here? Accusing me of something fowl like that was going to far, even if you were recovering from a traumatic... wait, had she dreamed something to make her act like this?

"I'm not lying, Megumin. Think for a second; try to recall the events of the last few days. Surely you can remember everything that's happened right?"

When Megumin didn't show any signs that she was doing as I asked, I gave off an annoyed sigh as my nose was starting to really hurt, to say nothing of my head and back as my sudden impact against the far wall had not been an easy one.

I finally stand; her staff following my movement as I make my way to the door.

"Like I said, take a few minutes to recall the last few days. Check yourself over if that isn't enough. You'll realize that your assumption was wrong; that I'm not a beast. But, you know, whatever. When you wake up to the truth, I'll be down stairs eating... and waiting for my APOLOGY too."

With that, I leave the room; not able to stop myself from slamming the door shut behind me.

I stood there for a few moments after, allowing myself a chance to cool down from the sudden rush of anger I felt.

I regretted immediately how I had gave in to my anger with my words their at then end; how I had slammed the door shut after. I reminded myself that her actions may have been just another facet of her trying to recover from her trauma.

For a moment, I thought about go back in and apologizing to her right then and there; but the sudden sounds of what I assumed was crying stopped me.

I decided to instead give her time to figure this out on her own and then let her come to me after.

And went ahead and headed towards the mess hall to eat; and to recover from my aches too.

Back in the present...

"That's pretty much what happened. I don't know, did I do the right thing by not going back in and talking with her?"

I asked the two girls sitting opposite me. Darkness responds first, saying-

"Maybe, maybe not. Honestly, I do feel you shouldn't have lost your temper with her but I can also say she didn't have a reason to just accuse you out of the blue like that either. I wonder what made her do that anyways?"

I look at Chris, who was thinking; going to ask for her opinion on this matter too-

But before I could, her eyes light up as she says-

"I think I know what might have triggered Megumin back there; a little crimson pride and arrogance."

Me and Darkness cock our heads to the side; repeating what she had just said to us.

Chris nods before saying-

"Yes, crimson pride and arrogance. I'm sure the two of you have been told about the Crimson Demons by Megumin, haven't you?"

We both nod. Megumin does indeed like to gloat about her clan a lot, almost as much as she does about Explosion's.

"Well, Crimson Demons are also know for having a massive amount of pride and arrogance within themselves as well; at levels that could be considered dangerous for one to have. It goes along well with their chunnibyou tendencies; their mental obsession with living within their own little fantasy world."

"Anyways, this issue, while it effects ALL Crimson Demons, is known to run strongest with in the youth of the clan as they have neither the mental or emotional maturity needed to keep this aspect of their minds in check; to keep themselves from taking their delusions to far as it were."

Me and Darkness nod so far with Darkness then asking-

"OK, but how does this apply to Megumin? I don't see how her attacking and accusing Kazuma like this could be apart of any form or pride or arrogance?"

"Well, it isn't really. It's more about explaining why she stuck to her guns when Kazuma asked her to think about what has happened over the last few days. Crimson Demons, once they set their minds into thinking a certain way about... well, ANYTHING, it becomes very hard to get them to reverse course."

"Fair enough there, but it still doesn't explain why she accused and attacked me to begin with."

I said, waiting for an answer.

"It's like this. Megumin went through something terrifying back there with that toad; dying from what I understand of the situation. You saved her, Kazuma. I'm sure she still remembers that. But it doesn't change the fact the because of what happened; she has been left feeling weak, vulnerable, and obviously traumatized. And she has remained in that state for pretty much a whole week."

"She had been showing signs of improving; or so Darkness has told me here. I think that sometime after she fell asleep last night, her Crimson Demon brain was finally able to kick her prideful arrogance mode back into action. Worse yet, it was sent into total overdrive no less."

"So, what you're saying is...?"

Said Darkness, getting a nod from Chris.

"I think she's still suffering from the trauma she endured by being eaten and dying but her mind has reached a point were she doesn't want to feel like a victim anymore; or perhaps she doesn't want to keep all of us waiting and doting on her anymore either as it goes against her Crimson Demon values. To that end, she's going to try and look like she has recovered so as to not put us out anymore nor feel like she's still a burden to us despite still being in a fragile state of mind and heart."

And me? I'm still a little confused about her actions towards me.

As if sensing my thoughts, Chris looks at me and says-

"And in regards to you, Kazuma. I believe that when she woke up earlier; seeing you there beside her and her hand being held by yours, her mind immediately went into panic mode and responded with what she probably felt like was the only choice to respond with. I'm sure by now her memories have caught up with her and she's probably beating herself up about her sudden outburst; maybe trying to figure out how to apologize to you and what apology would be good enough to give."

Well, that made sense, I guess. I wonder if I should go ahead and go back up there and check in on her?

"By the way, have you visited Wiz yet, Kazuma? I told her you'd be stopping by to learn... a Lich skill or two once you had a chance to rest and recover."

Chris had leaned in and whispered that last part to me.

I scratch the back of my head; realizing that I had forgot to go do just that.

"Judging from your reaction to my question, I'm going to say that's a no. Well, don't just stay sitting there, go move that cute little butt of yours and go do it."

Yeah, I guess I really need-wait, you think my butt is cute?

"Chris, you think Kazuma has a cute butt? Why are you even looking at his butt to begin with in order to get that impression of it?"

Asked Darkness; leaning in close and giving her first friend a long hard stare-down.

Chris begins to sweat drop as she says-

"Well-I, it's not like that, Darkness. Besides, can you say that neither you nor Megumin haven't been doing the same when he isn't paying attention?"

Oh, what is this sudden revelation? Am I being the one being perved on by these troublesome hotties?

I mean, I can't blame them as I am a rather attractive guy, if I do say so myself.

Darkness begins to fidget; trying to say something to give herself an out from this sudden turn of events.

"Well, as much as I would like to hear more of this subject; I honestly think I should wait till Megumin finally joins us before I go see Wiz, don't ya think?"

Chris waves me off, then says-

"Don't worry about Megumin right now. Just go ahead and get this done then get back here quickly so we can go do a Quest. Cielo may not be able to join us for today, but I have a week to spare so I can come along to have some fun with you guys."

Chris doesn't give me any other option as she had already gotten up, walked around to my side of the table, forced me onto my feet, and practically kicked me out of the guild.

I look back at her as she turns to head back into the guild.

I gotta say; Chris has a pretty nice looking butt too.

Hey, she practically admitted to looking at mine when I'm not aware of it so I'm allowed to do the same. Right?

=============================={ Part 5: Touch }==============================

Anyways, I pull out my map and ask it to show to to... what was the name of the store again?

Oh, right. Wiz's Magical Curio's.

After a bit of walking, I finally spot the sign for the shop. But before I could proceed-

"Hey, is it true that the Destroyer fortress thing has really been spotted entering the region?"

"Yeah, words has it that the monstrosity crossed over the northern mountain ridge the other night. So far though, it doesn't appear to be heading towards Axel."

"That's good to know. I wonder though, why would it make its way this far south? Has it ever come around here in the past?"

"Not that I'm aware of. Hey, are the stories true that the kingdom the created it; Norse had also created three others like it?"

"That's what they say but only one was ever activated. Probably because the one they did awaken went all berserk on the kingdom and killed everyone there."

"I heard it was because they hadn't found an proper power source for the others and that the head scientist who created them to begin with made the Destroyer go crazy as some sort of revenge plow."

Destroyer? Just what the hell was all that about?

I shake that thought from my head; deciding to ignore the banter going on as I continue on to the shop.

Once I had arrived, I wasted little time with stepping inside; making a bell connected to the door ring.

"Good morning, welcome to my magical item shop. Is there anything I can help you with today?"

Said the cheery woman who was drop dead gorgeous.

Which was funny when you think about it as she was Lich; an undead though she didn't look like it.

So me thinking she was 'drop dead' gorgeous was... you know what, never mind.

"Yes you can, actually. I'm not sure if you remember me but I was told we met not to long ago. I'm Satou Kazuma and I'm guessing you must be Wiz, right?"

She takes a moment to look at me; just a few seconds really, and then her eyes finally light up.

"Ah yes, Kazuma I believe your name was. Welcome to my shop. Did you by chance come here to buy anything?"

She asked with hope in her eyes.

"Maybe; I'll look around here in a bit. I was told that as part of a deal to not share a certain secret you had; you would teach me a low level Lich skill."

She tenses just a little as I said that; making me wonder if there had been anyone else here in the store. Iook around quickly and don't see anyone else apart from the two of us.

"Um... yes, I do remember saying that? But may I ask why you need to learn a Lich skill from me?"

I move closer to Wiz, pulling out my Adventurer's card and hand it to her; telling her to check out my skill page.

She does as I ask and after a few moments; her eyes go wide with surprise. She then looks at me and says-

"You have access to Specter, Bone Scythe, and... Apathy? You actually have access to Apathy? DO you have any idea how RARE that skill is to see being used by a Lich? Just how did you learn these three?"

Taking another quick look around; making sure we were indeed alone, I turn back to Wiz and quickly explain what had happened to me.

"So, Verdia cursed you with becoming a Lich but your friends just managed to save you. I guess that would explain it. Still though, I can't believe Verdia would do something like that. I know he was an undead but he always had standards; line he said he would never cross."

"Wait, how do you know his name is Verdia anyways? I never said his name; only referring to him as Dullahan."

"Oh, that's because I was also a General of the Devil King in the past... oh, I don't think I should have said that. Is there any chance you can forget about that?"

I give her a deadpan look and say-

"Nope; that's not exactly something one can just forget about after hearing it."

She begins to panic at my response.

"But there's really no point in turning me in. I mean, I don't even have a bounty on my head. Besides, I'm not a General anymore. The only thing I still do for the Devil King is help in maintaining the barrier around his castle."

I still give her a neutral look; making her then say-

"OK, OK, if you keep this a secret I'll teach you a Lich skill; no question."

"Weren't you already going to teach me one anyways? Wiz, don't worry about me ratting you out, OK."

"You mean it?"

I give her a warm smile and say-

"Yeah, I mean it. I mean, what would it say about me if I ratted you out after you helped me before. I will say though that if you do anything that threatens the people living here in Axel, then I will have to tell everyone. I hope you understand."

She nods.

"I do understand. Thank you, Kazuma. I promise I won't betray that trust you're putting in me. Before I teach you a Lich skill though, may I ask why you want to learn another skill anyways? And why are the three skills you currently have have a lock symbol on them."

After I had finished explaining those little details, she steps around the counter and stands before me.

"OK, the skill I'm going to teach you is called Drain Touch; which works by draining mana from a person you're touching into yourself. You can also send mana into another person as well. It's a low level skill that can be used easily. I will need to touch you and drain a little mana from you first but I'll be sure to send it back after."

She then reaches out and touches me; draining my mana from me into her. A process that felt really weird if I was being honest. Once she was done, she does the reverse and returns my mana back to me.

Once that was done, I pick up my card and check my skills and find Drain Touch had indeed appeared. Two little presses and a rush later, I had learned Drain Touch.

"Thank you, Wiz. With this, I can finally begin working on building up that Lich curse immunity and one day regain the ability to use the other three Lich skills again."

"I'm glad I was able to help, Kazuma. Oh, I have a proposition for you. If you buy an item from my shop, I will teach you another useful skill."

"Sure, no problem. But what skill will you teach me? Another Lich skill?"

Wiz shakes her head.

"Actually, I was thinking of teaching you Night Eye. It's a very useful skill as it allows you to not only see in the dark; but it can also allow you to detect creatures that try to hide in the dark. Its effectiveness will increase as you power it up."

I nod; that does indeed sound useful to have.

I begin to look around her shop, seeing if anything stood out to me.

I then see a weird stamp like object which I take in hand and ask her what it did.

"Oh, that little number is called a Switcher. It's a magic tool that allows anyone who uses it to be able to emulate the Cover skill Paladins can use... sort of."

"What do you mean?"

"Well Cover allows a Paladin to ward in front of an ally to defend them from an incoming attack; provided they are close enough. This Stamper here more or less does the same thing, but it makes you switch places with the person you have stamped with the tool beforehand. You can only place a stamp on one person at a time and it will stay on them for about thirty minutes before it fades."

I look down at this Stamper and marvel at it. This sounded like an awesome magic item to have around as you could us it to safe guard the most vulnerable member of your part just in case they get targeted.

I then recall something else I was told about the items sold here.

"What's the draw back? I was told everything sold here as a little quirk that devalues it a little."

"Sad but true, I'm afraid. With the Stamper, its weak point is that it won't transport any magical items. To give an example; if you have a magic sword on you and use this, the blade will appear on the other person you're switcing with after the switch happens."

Damn, that was a little annoying but I could work around that.

"OK, I'll go ahead and buy it. Despite that little caveat, I can see this thing being very useful."

"You will, that's excellent. Well, go ahead and give me your bank card and once that's done, I'll teach you Night Eye."

As she does takes my card; the bell over the door rings as another person enters; and older man.

"Ah, mister Dawnthorne. It's nice to see you again. Is there something I can do for you?"

The older man named Dawnthorne nods then explains his request.

Once he was done and telling us what the reward he would offer in return, Wiz replies-

"I'm sorry. I would like to help you but I'm afraid I can't leave my shop for a few more days. However, I believe mister Kazuma here can help you out."

Dawnthorne then turns to me; asking if I would accept his request.

I think about it for a moment, then smile and say-

"If the reward you'd offer me is the same you offered Wiz here; then I'll gladly accept the Quest."

========================={ Part 6: And the Reward is- }=========================

I walked into the Guild Hall quickly, not wanting to waste even a second with getting this quest done.

I spot my team still sitting at the table I had left them at before; only now Megumin had joined them.

Megumin was the first to take notice of me as I approached them.

For a moment, our eyes stayed glued to one another before she averts her gaze.

I knew though that she didn't do this because she was still in that frame of mind she had been in when she had awoken this morning.

Rather, the look she had now was one of sadness and regret.

I wanted to talk to her now about what had happened; but decide to put that off till later as getting this Quest done today was just a little higher on the priority list... for all of us.

Chris and Darkness must have noticed her averting her gaze as the turned back to look at me.

"Kazuma, you're back. I guess that means you finished your business with Wiz then?"

Said Chris.

"Kazuma, before we go off to check the Quest board, there's something Megu..."

"Sorry, but I need to ask for a rain check there. I've already got us a Quest lined up, one hat has a very welcomed reward but we need to complete it before the night's over in order to get a sweet bonus."

The three of them give me a surprised look. Darkness then ask me-

"What kind of Quest?"

"Remember that cemetery; the one where you all first met Wiz?"

They nod.

"Well, located close by to it is an old crypt. Our quest is to head down into it; to one of the lower chambers and retrieve an item that the client dropped during a previous visit due to some undead having begun to roam the place."

"I refuse."

We all look at her; surprised by her sudden declaration.

"Sorry, Megumin. But this isn't up for debate. The reward alone makes doing this worth it."

"I don't care. I don't wanna do this quest."

She says as she looks at me; an angry and aggressive look forming on her face.

Not the same look she had given me earlier; but not to different either.

Chris asked her why she was being stubborn about this but Megumin goes into a sudden rant-

"I said I don't wanna and that's that. Aren't we a team here? Shouldn't there be a vote? Besides, a crypt is an indoor place, right? I can't use my Explosion magic inside there which means I won't be of any use so we can't accept this quest, no matter how good the reward is."

I sigh once she had finished; taking a moment to recall the words she had spoken the day we had first became a party.

"Megumin, didn't you once tell me that in situations like this one; you'd be fine with carrying our gear should a situation like this ever come up?"

Megumin looked like she wanted to protest that point; but the look I gave her only made her hang her head down low in defeat and acceptance.

"Besides, I'm not gonna force you to go in there anyways. I was planning on it just being me and Chris as we could use our Lurk skill to avoid the undead that are suppose to be wandering the place. Darkness will stay outside with you to act as a guard. If things go well, you can fire off an Explosion as we're coming back. If not, then I'll need you to be ready to let one off once we give you the signal."

Hearing that makes Megumin look back at me; a smile forming after a moment to of contemplation.

"If we're going into a crypt; shouldn't we wait for Cielo to get back?"

Asked Darkness.

"I'd like to but she told me that she hasn't learned any purification skills yet and probably won't for at least another few days; according to her current training schedule. In fact, she won't be learning her first purification skill until next week; just before our first scheduled trip out to the cemetery"

"Well then, we better get going if we want that bonus, huh? By the way, what was the reward and bonus anyways, Kazuma?"

Asked Chris as she gets up. Megumin and Darkness also get up to join us.

"I could tell you three, but I think I'll show you instead..."

The three cock their heads to the side before following behind me; the four of us leaving the guild.

About an hour later; we had left Axel and were heading towards the path that led to the cemetery

I had been asked why we had left Axel and I replied that the reward was located on the way.

After a bit of walking following our exit, I pointed out a path which we then began to follow into a forested area.

After a few minutes, we emerged and came to a stop before our reward.

"And here we are. So, what do you all think?"

Before us was a large double gate with a crest like pattern design set upon it.

Connected to each side was a massive brick wall that ran the full area that we would soon own.

And beyond the gate; guarded by the wall, was soon to be OUR mansion, our new home.

The three of them looked at the place in awe.

Even I did as it was bigger than I had expected. Not as big as the other mansion I had seen around during my exploration of Axel, but still pretty big.

"Kazuma, you mean this is the reward awaiting us for completing this quest?"

Asked Darkness.

"I take back my previous complaints. This is definitely worth my time in doing now."

Adds Megumin.

Chris too was looking happy with this little turn, but then the crest that was set into the gate.

"The coat-of-arms design on the main gate; that's the symbol of the old Dawnthorne family."

"Who are they?"

Asked Megumin. Darkness answers a moment later-

"In the past; in the early days of the kingdom, the Dawnthorne's were a powerful noble family that pledged to serve the royal family. Rumor has it this was do to one of the 'wives' the first king had hailed from this family. In recent years, the family has waned and lost there status as nobles. I've heard that the family had actually passed on into history."

"I doubt that as the old man who gave me this quest said that he was a Dawnthorne."

I add.

"OK, so we now know what the reward is. What about that bonus, Kazuma?"

"Well, he says he doesn't live here. No one does, actually. Not for a long time. Not since the death of Anna Dawnthorne well over a century ago. As such, he doesn't know the current structural state of the mansion. He said if we can complete this quest today, then he'd pay to have any repairs needed on the mansion done himself. He's already going to have someone come out here to make sure its actually a safe place to live."

"Think that's already been done?"

Asked Darkness.

I shrug, then say-

"Who knows. Anyways, we should hurry up and get to the crypt. The old man gave me a map to help getting to the family's under croft as quick and easy as possible and I'd like to get this over with as quickly as possible."

Chris then walks up to me and starts poking my chin.

"Aw, don't tell us that big bad mister Kazuma here is afraid of a little ghouls now?"

I swat her hand away; getting a laugh out of her.

"That has nothing to do with it. I just want to get this over so we can get the deed to this place. Besides, if it is considered safe for us to move in today; we'll still have a lot of work to do in order to make it livable."

"What's that, Kazuma?"

Asked Megumin.

I hold up three fingers and say-

"One, we'll need to do a lot, and I mean a LOT, of cleaning as no one hasn't been in there for a century."

"Two, we'll probably need to buy a ton of new glow manatite to help illuminate the place."

"And three, we'll also need to purchase and have delivered furnishings; like beds, chairs, tables, and such. He said the water should be good to go but everything else will be up to us. Now then, let's go."

With that, we proceed now to the crypt and our quest.

"Oh yeah, just one last question. Why is this place located outside the city?"

Asked Megumin.

Chris answers, saying-

"It was probably built before the wall of Axel was constructed. If memory serves, the city was originally meant to be bigger than it is today but budgetary problems as well as a lack of materials needed for the wall back then forced them to cut down the size of Axel by over half."

Darkness then adds-

"When you leave Axel and look around carefully, you can sometimes spot the remains of structures that have been abandoned in the past. Structures that at one point, were considered part of Axel proper before the building of the wall and the finalization of the city limits."

Megumin nods before becoming silent; likely thinking.

As we walk, I can't help but feel her eyes taking an occasional glance at me every now and then.

I wanted to stop; to talk to her about what happened this morning.

But I also wanted to get this quest done so we could start getting moved into our new home too.

I decide to focus on the task at hand for now; and to keep my mind on the task till it was over.

If Megumin decides to bring up what happened before we're done here; then I take the time to discuss it.

If not, then as soon as we have some time to ourselves; just the two of us, then I'll bring it up.

I just hope I was right about the look she had given me before back at the guild was accurate otherwise it might become a very awkward conversation very quickly.

Next time: Kazuma and Chris enter the crypt in order to recover the item Dawnthorne wanted retrieved. What terrors will they find deep down in the under croft? But that may not be the only horrors that await them as they will soon find that the mansion has its own scares awaiting them. Meanwhile, Luna and Ruffian have a little talk about a discovery he has made...

Image 1: Kazuma carrying Lynn; a close up of a blushing Lynn speaking into Kazuma's ear.

Image 2: Kazuma holding Megumin in his arms; side shots of Kazuma performing CPR on her.

AN: Before we end here; I have a quick question for everyone. Should I continue releasing each chapter of this fic as I complete them or should I instead wait till I have all the chapters for a particular book/arc finished and then release them all at once?

On the one hand, it would mean you'd get the full story being told in that book/arc available to read all at once but the downside would be that we'd go from a release every four to five days to being a release every twenty to thirty days.

I'm wanting to make my decision within the next two chapters so I can do whichever one the majority would prefer once I start book/arc three here in two weeks (as of the time of writing this).

There's one other little matter that needs to be brought up, nothing big, but I'll save that till the AN in the next chapter. Just so no one worry's, it'll be relating to a little part from the anime and light novel you probably know very well that I'm NOT going to do in this fic but am willing to do as its own independent fic. I'll explain more in the next chapter.