Chapter 10:

Outside colosseum, Orario

Bells POV:

We arrived outside of the colosseum and we were immediately met with a crowd of people. They were all lining up to try to get a ticket for the monster taming and the queue ran all the way down the street.

''It doesn't look like we'll be getting our tickets any time soon'' King said.

''Aw come on! Why is there so much people here!'' Hestia said, slightly irritated.

''I guess all we can do now is line up and wait'' Diane replied, slightly disheartened.

''I say we just cut in! Who's gonna stop us anyway.'' Ban said stepping forward.

''Ban you know we can't do that, it's rude!'' Diane said.

''So what! At this rate we'll be here forever and if we do manage to get to the front, the tickets would've already sold out!'' Ban protested, he began to walk towards the line of people. ''I wanna see some actual monsters, not those weaklings from the upper levels.'' He continued to walk towards the crowd of people but Diane stepped in front of him.

''Ugh! I'm sick of you always being so diffi-'' Before Diane could finish her sentence, there was a loud bang coming from the colosseum. Before we could process what was going on, we saw people running past us and abandoning their place in the queue. Then we heard screams.

''MONSTERS!''

''EVERYONE RUN!''

The walls of the colosseum began to break down and as the walls began to crumble, monsters flooded the opening. They ran like crazed beasts and rampaged everything that was in sight, people fled and hid and chaos began to ensue upon Orario. Adventurers tried to fight the monsters but they didn't have much success, as they had decided to leave their equipment at home whilst they visited the festival. Other members of different famillias that had come prepared unsheathed their weapons and attacked the monsters but the monsters quickly over powered them. These were high level monsters after all.

''Everyone get ready for battle, now!'' I quickly snapped my famillia out of their stupor and gave them their orders. There were many monsters around and many people, both civilians and adventurers were all fleeing from the chaos. The plan now was to make sure that we kept everyone safe and try to get rid of the monsters as soon as possible, before the casualties begin to pile up.

''We have to stop the monsters from attacking anyone else, I know you don't have your weapons but you'll have to manage without them. Minimise as much damage as you can and try to get the people to safety.'' After I finished my sentence, Merlin stepped forward.

''Captain, do we have permission to go all out?'' Merlin asked. I could see Bans eyes light up at the question and the rest of the group tensed in anticipation. I thought about it for a moment.

''...Yes, you do.''

''Ha ha, finally some real action!'' Ban said, cracking his knuckles. I then turned to the Goddess.

''Goddess Hestia, it's best if you find somewhere to-'' Just as I was about to finish my sentence, I noticed a monster in the corner of my eye. It was coming straight for the Goddess.

I lunged forward and pushed the Goddess away, we both fell on the ground harshly. The wyvern that had just missed us, landed a few metres away and eyed us with a beastly gaze. It then lunged at us again but before it could reach us, Diane punched the wyvern and it was thrown into a nearby building. I turned to the Goddess who was still processing what had just happened.

''Are you okay Goddess?'' As Hestia was about to respond to my question there was a loud shrieking roar. It was the wyvern that had attacked us. It was lifting itself up from the debris and it had deep cuts on its body from the impact of the punch that Diane threw. It stood up and glared at us with a deadly rage and then once again it let out another cry. But one much more venomous and blood curdling than the last. As it did, all of the other monsters stopped their rampage and turned to look at us. I thought I saw a slight smile on their faces, as if they had found a long lost treasure or the perfect meal to quench their appetite. That's when I knew that the wyvern wasn't just letting out a roar but it was calling for reinforcements.

They were after the Goddess.

''PROTECT THE GODDESS'' I shouted. Almost instantly, the members of our famillia surrounded me and Hestia, who were still on the ground. They took a defensive formation and prepared for the onslaught of crazed monsters.

The beasts lunged forward, all with drunken looks on their faces. It was as if they were stuck in a dream, the same dream. A dream that consumed their every desire. A deadly dream.

Ban was the first to lunge forward and meet the monsters. He clenched his fists and dealt blow after blow, knocking in an orcs skull until it cracked and crumbled from the inside. It's easy to tell that Ban was eager, some would think that he looked as mad as the monsters he was fighting. Maybe even more beast like than them but that wasn't the case. Even though all he wanted to do was to fight the monsters, he knew that he needed to protect his Goddess. I'm pretty sure that's the only thing on everyone's mind right now, I mean if they didn't then what kind of famillia would we be.

It was clear to me that the monsters were inflicted with some sort of mind controlling spell, based on how desperate they are acting and the look in their eyes. That means that someone is after the goddess, so it isn't safe for her to be here anymore. I need to get the goddess out of here, there might be someone who tries to attack her during the commotion.

As everyone began to engage with the monsters, I stood up and then bent down to pick up the goddess.

''I'm going to take the goddess to safety, make sure that none of the monsters follow us.'' I hear everyone shout a quick 'yes captain' and then they continued to fight against the monsters. I handed my Minotaur plushie to Escanor, who was trembling with fear.

''Keep this safe please''

''Y-yes c-captain.'' He accepted the plushie with trembling hands and held it close to his chest, almost as if he was comforting himself with it.

Then I turned away from the colosseum and I started to sprint down Main street, with the goddess holding onto me. As soon as I did, the monsters began to separate and sprint after us, without so much as batting an eye at the rest of the famillia.

''Make sure they don't get away, we must protect our Goddess!'' Ordered Merlin. The others leaped in front of the crowd of monsters and blocked their way, making them angry and more rabid.

I then turned the corner into an alleyway and lost sight of the rest of the famillia. Now it was just me and Hestia. My job now was to protect her from the monsters and make sure she isn't harmed. Right now the rest of the famillia are containing the monsters that were at the entrance of the colosseum but I bet that others have escaped from other parts of it and are running loose in the city. Which means that I have to create as much distance from them as possible before they pick up on our scent.

As I manoeuvred between narrow paths and alleyways, I found myself on another wide street with many stalls and shops on it. However, they were all destroyed or smashed by the monsters and many people were crushed by falling pieces of stone from nearby buildings, as they ran away from them. I soon noticed that the monsters here were much different to the ones near the colosseum. There weren't many but the ones that were there were strong, much stronger than the last ones we met.

They held weapons in their large hands and they dragged them on the pavement as they walked. Making a horrible gritty noise. But these weren't normal weapons. They were long and sharp and they dripped with the blood of their victims. They looked like large cleavers, and each one of the monsters had them. They were 5 abnormally large and ferocious Minotaurs, not like the one I saw Ais kill in the dungeon. No, they were much bigger and much more deadly. They had a strange red tint to their fur and they had fresh scars all over their bodies, as if they were trained to be stronger than any Minotaur the dungeon has ever seen. They all radiated a terrifying aura however, one in particular stood out among the rest.

It was clear to see that he was the leader of the pack. He was much bigger than the rest and instead of a cleaver, he held a large and well crafted double-headed axe. They walked in a group and seemed to be more focused and less crazed than the other monsters. It was clear that they were much more intelligent than the rest of the monsters, especially the bigger one in the middle. Before I could get away from the commotion, the largest Minotaur turned to look at me. I stared into his blood shot eyes and saw them light up as soon as they landed on me.

It had found its target.

With Hestia in my arms and civilians running desperately away from the monsters, I couldn't fight them. Not here anyways and not whilst Hestia was still at risk. So, my only option now was to run. Run as fast as I could to escape from them. Even if my legs were about to give out, I have to keep going. No matter what she needs to survive.

I must protect my Goddess!

Outside colosseum, Orario.

Escanors POV:

The captain and the Goddess had just left and the rest of the famillia were now fighting off against the rampaging monsters. I stayed close to Merlin, who was coordinating the famillia and chanting attack and support spells. I held on to the Minotaur plushie tightly, hoping that everyone would be alright.

I hope the captain managed to escape with the Goddess

I then heard a loud crashing sound. It was a giant armadillo like monster, Ban had grabbed onto its tail and thrown it across the street. It crashed into a nearby shop, which crumbled into pieces on impact of the large monster. It then began to dissolve into ash and all the was left was a magic stone. I then heard another crash and saw Diane bashing in a monsters skull mercilessly. I couldn't tell what kind of monster it was, since it was now so deformed and drenched with its own blood. It was a horrible sight and one that made my stomach turn, so I had to look away.

I then looked to my right and noticed many small rabbit like creatures staring at my with their blood like eyes. They were the smallest creatures there but they seemed just as scary. Suddenly, they lunged towards me ready to attack.

''Ah! M-miss Merlin.'' I tugged at Merlins cape with trembling hands. I was so frightened that I could barely muster a few words, as I watched in fear as the little rabbits approached me. Merlin thankfully took notice of the creepy rabbit creatures and made sure to deal with them quickly.

''King, do you mind dealing with these insects for me please.'' She said, with a slight smirk.

''Fine, only because you asked nicely.'' King responded, in a slightly amused tone. He then held his arm up and pointed it towards the group of red eyed monsters.

''Spirit Spear Chastiefol fifth configuration: Increase.''

Suddenly, his once soft pillow transformed into dozens of small kunai like spears and with a flick of his wrist, they all darted towards the crowd of rabbit like monsters. At once all of the spears pierced the creatures instantly and all that was left was a pile of ashes and magic stones.

The once seemingly harmless pillow had instantly transformed into a deadly weapon, this was Kings Scared Treasure: Spirit Spear Chastiefol. Although it seemed like he was unarmed, that was actually not the case. He always kept his sacred treasure close at hand, just in an unsuspecting and harmless form. He was one of the only ones who bought their sacred treasures with them, not because he wanted to protect himself or have it close just in case a situation like this happened. No, he brought it because he likes to lie on his pillow when he's tired but thankfully it came in handy.

Along with King, both Gowther and Merlin had brought their sacred treasures. Although they had left their other weapons and gear at the abandoned church, they still had their sacred treasures which were either easy to hide or easy to summon.

Gowther held a purple twin bow, which seemed to be conjured by some sort of magic. He expertly shot three precise arrows at a baby dragon that was approaching him, hitting its vital points and turning it into ash. This was Gowthers Sacred Treasure: Twin Bow Herritt.

However, Merlins sacred treasure was not any kind of spear or bow or sword, it was a simple looking crystal ball. Well, simple looking to the untrained eye.

It was actually a very powerful weapon, one that Merlin used to channel her magic and conjure powerful spells through. The true extent of its power is unknown even to the Captain. This was Merlins Sacred Treasure: Morning Star Aldan.

''Escanor, you must leave this place and find a place to hide. You will only hurt yourself if you stay.'' Merlin turned to me and spoke softly.

''B-but M-miss Merlin, I-I want t-to stay by y-your side.''

''I know but now you must hide. You must not get involved in the fighting and risk being seen.'' Her words were kind yet assertive. I knew that I couldn't disobey her and that I would only be a burden to her if I stayed.

''Y-yes M-miss Merlin, I-I will g-go. P-please b-be s-safe.'' I said, with a slight hint of disappointment in my voice.

''I will.'' She smiled. I gripped onto the minotaur plushie that the Captain had given me and turned reluctantly away. I then began to run as fast as I could down an alleyway. I then turned around and saw my famillia all fighting the wave of monsters and then suddenly others came. They were a small group of skilled adventurers that had come to help defeat the monsters.

''W-wait t-they're-'' As I squinted my eyes to get a closer look, I realised who they were. It was the famillia that we encountered at the Hostess of Fertility yesterday. They seemed to be putting their differences aside and helping us by working together with the rest of our famillia. I saw a short blond haired prum walk up to Miss Merlin and speak with her, I believe they were working out a plan of action.

It felt wrong to leave them alone like this, I wanted to help Miss Merlin and the others in whatever way I could. But I knew that right now I couldn't, I have to respect Miss Merlins wishes and hide. So, I dragged my feet further into the alleyway and tried my best not to look back.

As I did, I felt the ground trembling under my feet. Then the ground started to cave in and just before I fell through the hole in the ground I managed to jump out of the way. I fell to the floor whilst gripping the plushie in my hands and then turned around to look at what had just happened. Out of the ground came a long, green, snake like monster and it peered down at me with its oval like head. I stared at it with complete bewilderment and I could feel myself start to tremble. As it stared back at me, its oval head started to open up and it revealed a flower like monster with an opening in the middle. There in the centre of the monsters head, was a thorny mouth that was clearly used for one purpose...to eat people.

''AHHH!'' I came out of my stupor and got up onto my feet. I then began to run down the alleyway as fast as I could, desperately trying to get away. As I did, the flower like creature began to follow me and chomp at the air around me. As I ran, I could feel its presence and it was getting closer and closer to me. But before it could catch me, a golden flash appeared.

''Tempest!''

I heard a woman's voice behind me and then the piercing roar of the monster but I didn't dare look back. I couldn't risk getting eaten by that thing. So, I ran. Faster than I ever have and escaped the monster.

I think I've finally escaped that flower monster. I had ran with all my might and managed to escape, I don't know what happened but I think that woman saved me. I hope she's ok.

I had ran into a small alleyway and hid in the corner behind a wooden box. I was panting heavily and I was also sweating profusely but all that mattered now was that me and the plushie were safe. As I began to calm down, I heard small pants and footsteps coming towards me. My breath hitched and I cowered behind the box, hoping that whatever it was wouldn't find me.

''NO! STAY AWAY!''

''LEAVE US ALONE!''

''SOMEONE HELP!''

I peaked my head up to see who it was and I saw three small children backed up into a corner. They looked terrified and they seemed to be desperate, I wondered what had frightened them so much until I saw it. Loud footsteps began to ring throughout the alleyway and the sound of metal chains dragging across the floor pierced my ears. That's when I spotted it. A great big silverback, twice my size and much more deadlier. That's when I understood why they were so afraid because I was too.

''RAAAAHHH!'' It let out a nerve-wracking roar, which made the children tremble with fear. I held onto the plushie and closed my eyes, whilst shaking with terror.

What do I do?! It's going to kill them. Miss Merlin what should I do.

I then looked down at the bracelet Merlin had given me. She ordered for me to never take it off unless she told me so or if I needed to. I eyed it with trembling eyes. Not knowing what I should do.

''AH!''

I turned to look at the children and realised that they were all crying and calling for help hopelessly. The silverback was now looming over them and was ready to attack. There was no one here to help, there was only me. I had to make a decision and it had to be now.

...I have to save them!

I placed the plushie down on the wooden box and then reached over to the bracelet. With a deep breath, I took it off and as the bright morning light hit my face, it started to happen. I started to change...

I could feel my body growing and growing. My once meatless arms began to grow and expand into strong and well toned muscles. I began to grow taller and taller and bigger and bigger. Until my clothes couldn't contain me any longer and it began to stretch and rip. Once I was finished, I admired my new body. Noticing that now I was much taller and stronger than I was before. I now had large and well toned muscles and abs and my once unnoticeable and nervous demeanour was now gone. I discarded my ripped clothes and turned to look back at the children and silverback, who were now looking at me with surprise.

The children were the first to leave their stupor and they all came running to me. They went behind me and clung onto my legs.

''Please helps us!'' A young prum girl looked up at me with tears in her eyes and begged me to help her. I reached out and placed my hand on her head.

''Do not fret small child, there is no need to be scared. I, Escanor will pass judgement on this monster.'' I stated.

She looked at me with a new found hope and curiosity and then let out a small smile. I then turned to look back at the monster who was now recovering from its bewilderment. As I began to step towards it, it seemed to have recovered completely and it let out a loud and terrifying roar. But I was no longer fearful.

''Because of you I was forced to disobey Miss Merlins orders and fight such a lowly creature.'' I stepped forward once more, as I did the silverback stepped back in response. I continued to get closer and closer and as I did, the monster continued to retreat. Until its back met the wall.

It began to tremble as I got closer, sensing my strength and soon I was face to face with it. I was not as tall as the silverback but definitely bigger. I maintained eye contact and glared at the insect.

''You have sinned against both these children and above all else Miss Merlin and for that you shall be punished.''

Once I finished my sentence, I grabbed onto the silverbacks face and bashed its head into the wall. Before I continued, I turned my head to the side and looked at the children who were watching intently.

''Cover your eyes little ones, this will not be a pleasant sight.'' And they did so without question.

I then looked back at the silverback, who was scrambling to get out of my hold and was gripping and clawing at my arm. I then pulled its head back and bashed it into the wall a few more times. I then let go and the silverback fell to its knees with a dazed expression. I then placed both of my hands on its head and stared into its terrified eyes.

''Game over''

I then dug my fingers into its skull and pushed my hands apart. As I did, the silverbacks head began to split open and as easy as cutting a sandwich in half, I split the silverback in two. Its guts and organs spilled out and painted the alley red. I then let go of the remains and it turned into ash, the stone that was inside of it had also been split. But that did not matter. Even though it had turned to ash, it still left behind a bloody mess.

I then turned around and walked back towards the children. I picked up a piece of cloth from the remnants of my clothing and wiped my hands clean from the monster blood. Then I bent down in front of the children.

''You can uncover your eyes now.'' I said softly. They then reluctantly removed their hands from their eyes. They looked relieved seeing my face.

They tried to look behind me but I made sure to cover the mess behind me with my body.

''There is no need to look. I've dispatched the monster.'' They let out a sigh of relief and one began to cry lightly.

''Thank you sir, thank you so much.'' An elf boy said whilst holding back tears.

''Now run along and stay away from the main roads. My famillia is dealing with the monsters, so don't be afraid.''

They then ran off after saying thank you and disappeared.

I'm sure they will be fine now.

I then picked up the bracelet and put it back on and the once muscular man returned to being a skinny and nervous man. I picked the plushie up and held it close to my bare chest.

''I-I n-need t-to g-get b-back to the c-church b-before s-someone sees m-me l-like t-t-this.''

I then began making my way back to the abandoned church, praying that no one would see me in such a vulnerable state.

It's a bit chilly out here. I thought.