Here we are at Chapter 5. Fuyumi begins her journey in Crystalglove City. I do not own Code Vein or Skeleton Knight. They belong to their respective owners. Here's chapter 5. Enjoy.
Chapter 5: A Magical Friend
A new day arises in Crystalglove city for Fuyumi. After leaving Emilia's family, she finds an inn to sleep at. The next day, she heads to the local mercenary guild to take on some more jobs. The city is much larger than Lumiere town, which means more people, which also means more people casting glances her way. She could hear them saying thing from wondering what noble family she's from, to her obvious beauty, to even a few thinking about asking her out. The last ones make her shiver with disgust. She eventually finds the mercenary guild; the building larger than the last one she visited. Inside, she finds more mercenaries around, but focuses on heading to the quest board to find some work. Of course, she catches the attention of people again.
"Hey, check that lady out. She's a total knock-out," one male warrior says to another.
"Think she's here to make a request. If she is, I call dibs," his buddy says.
"No way, I saw her first. She's all mine," another joins the conversation.
Honestly, if she could, Fuyumi would burn the lot of them to ash, but that would end up making more trouble for her than it's worth. She finds a quest which entails hunting bat-like creatures called steel bats. They are said to live in caves outside the city. Their wing membranes are valued as useful materials for making clothing or leather armor. Fuyumi takes the quest and gets it registered before heading out. She leaves the city and heads west towards a forest, with some large hills further in. Along the way, she catches sight of a few rabbits and a boar. Thinking about getting some meat and blood, Fuyumi uses her daggers that were normally used to gain an enemy's attention back in Code Vein to kill the rabbits. A quick sword strike across the neck, takes down the boar. Making sure no one is nearby to see her; she takes a quick drink before storing the boar's body for later. It's kind of strange to Fuyumi that she doesn't feel disgusted with doing so. Perhaps it comes from Fuyumi's instinctual need for blood to survive. Moving on, she takes her time before she finds the cave mentioned in the quest. She glances behind her for a moment before heading inside. Conjuring a small flame in her hand to give her some light, Fuyumi looks around to find her prey. There are a few critters like insects and rats in the cave, but no steel bats just yet. Most likely, they'll be further inside.
As she goes deeper, she finds marks along the walls of the cave. Claw marks, made by something big. After a while of searching, she spots several pairs of red eyes looming above her in the darkness of the cave. She throws the fire in her hand at the ceiling, which makes a big explosion to create light in the cave. The flames reveal several large bat-like creatures, each the size of a man. Steel bats. Their silver fur almost shines like steel; guess that's how they got the name. The bats screech and scatter from the flames, with some heading straight towards Fuyumi. Taking out her blade, she jumps up and slices off the head of the first bat that just carelessly swoops down on her. The body falls, but Fuyumi wastes little time by firing off some ice shards at a second, focusing on the body. The quest calls for the membranes, so Fuyumi can't damage those. The ice shards pierce the second bat, causing it to fall and hit the ground. The rest of the bats get a little more cautious now, holding back a bit. Fuyumi fires off another fire blast to create some more light. Three bats swoop in together, but Fuyumi jumps up while making a spinning slash; Circular Cleaver. The technique slices through all three of them without damaging their wings. When she lands, Fuyumi notices two bats generating electricity on their backs. They flap their wings, sending out sparks of electricity at her. Fuyumi jumps around to evade the shots. She then counters by firing off some frost spikes that shoot straight through the two bats. The remaining few bats get smart and try to flee, but Fuyumi fires off more frost spikes to finish them off. The remaining bodies hit the ground and the battle ends.
Creating another ball of fire, Fuyumi checks to make sure the wings are in good condition. With that set, she harvests the bodies for their wings for the quest. However, before she can store them away.
"...You can come out now. I know you've been watching me," Fuyumi calls out.
From the shadows, she can see four figures pop out. All of them are wearing different sets of gear for different roles. Fuyumi spots a thief or scout, and archer, a warrior, and possibly an assassin among them.
"If you're here for the membranes, I'm afraid you're late to the party. I'm sure there are more bats further in," Fuyumi notes.
The warrior speaks, "I'm sure there are, but why do this the hard way when we could just take the wings you've so generously collected for us," he shows a sick smirk at her.
"Yeah, and maybe a little bonus too. Don't worry, little lady. I'm sure you'll like it too," the assassin says, just as bad as the warrior.
Fuyumi sighs, "I'm starting to think these good looks of mine are a curse rather than a gift. Alright boys, you asked for it," lightning sparks around her hand.
…
Back in Crystalglove, Fuyumi delivers the wing membranes to the guild to complete her quest.
"Thank you for completing the quest. The client will be happy to get these materials," the receptionist notes. "Also, I'm sorry about the... well..."
Fuyumi and the receptionist look behind her to find the mercenaries that attacked her earlier, tied up, beat up, and out cold.
"They asked for it," Fuyumi shrugs her shoulders.
The receptionist laughs nervously, "I'll be sure to let the guildmaster know. He'll deal with them. They'll most likely get their license suspended and be forced to pay a fine. They won't be a problem. Also, thank you for selling that monster and animal meat you collected with the membranes. They'll help out down the road,"
"Thank you. Well, I'd better get going now," Fuyumi collects her reward and leaves the guild, casually stepping around the morons on the floor.
Now with some extra cash, Fuyumi decides to take this chance to explore more of the city. Heading to the shopping district, Fuyumi checks out all the stalls. There were people selling food, clothing, weapons and armor, and other items for anyone passing by. As she looks around, she stops at one stall selling clothing items and focuses in on a pair of long, white thigh-high stockings. There wasn't anything special about them, but Fuyumi wanted them. Back in her old world, she made two different designs for Fuyumi: the one she's wearing now, and a second design that used the first outfit design. The only thing she thought would've made the design better was stockings like these, but no dice. But here, that is a different story.
"Excuse me, I'd like to buy these stockings here," Fuyumi asks the merchant.
The merchant sees her and instantly thinks she's a noble, "Sure, my lady, but I believe we have other items that are much more to your taste,"
"Oh no, these are exactly what I want," Fuyumi waves it off.
"Well, alright then," and the deal is made.
Fuyumi happily leaves with her purchase, storing it away in her inventory when no one is looking. She continues looking around, with plenty of salesmen attempting to gain the 'noble' lady's attention. She ends up purchasing some tools for cooking just in case, herbs and food items (the inventory keeps them fresh for as long as they remain there), and a few other things. However, as she's leaving the shopping district, she comes across a new scene for trouble.
"Hey, you're pretty cute. I haven't seen you around here before. Want to come hang out with us for a little while? We know a really fun spot," two guys are hitting on a lone girl, or trying to anyway.
While Fuyumi is annoyed by the guys' lack of smoothness, she immediately takes an interest in the girl. The girl has brown hair that goes past her shoulders, a white hairband, and is wearing a white jacket with three long tails that reach her calves and with purple lines running down its length, along with angel sleeves that end in black frills. The jacket hangs off her shoulders, and is worn over a black, sleeveless shirt with a white collar. At the center of the collar is a white and black bow. The girl also has on a white skirt that reaches her thighs black stockings, and white calf-high boots. White gloves finish the outfit. The girl has fair skin and purple eyes. She was very cute indeed. While Emilia was beautiful, this girl has her own personal charm. The kind that makes Fuyumi want to protect and spoil her a little bit.
"Uh, I-I'm sorry, but I have somewhere else I need to be," the girl steps away, but the guys don't leave her alone.
"Ah, come on, we're nice guys here. There's no need to be shy," the second goon blocks her exit as they get closer to her.
Fuyumi can clearly see that the girl is uncomfortable with them and wants them gone. Well, far be it from her to ignore a damsel in distress. As the girl looks around for a way out, Fuyumi joins in.
"Sorry boys, but I think she'd rather enjoy someone else's company," Fuyumi gains their attention.
The guys first look irritated that they got interrupted, but quickly change that tune when they see Fuyumi's beauty.
"Whoa, dude, she's totally hot," the first guy whispers to his buddy.
"Hello beautiful. Would you like to join us? We were asking this cutey here if she'd like to come to this great spot we know for some fun. You're more than welcome to join us," the first guy walks up to Fuyumi to try and put his arm around her shoulders.
"How about... No," Fuyumi grabs his arm and flings him over her shoulder, smashing him into the ground.
"W-What the-," his buddy doesn't last as he gets kicked between the legs, making hold his crotch as he falls to the ground in pain.
This draws a few eyes to the show, but Fuyumi doesn't bother with them. Instead, she walks up the girl.
"Are you okay?" Fuyumi asks.
The girl just stares at her for a moment before she starts losing her composure a bit, "A-A-Ah, I mean, yes... Um, thank you, Miss...," the girl feels embarrassed.
Fuyumi giggles a bit, "It's okay, no need to feel nervous. But, how about we take this conversation elsewhere?" she looks around as they have more eyes on them now. She extends a hand to the girl. "Shall we?"
The girl hesitated at first, but eventually took Fuyumi's hand. They left the area and found a spot at a local tavern to have a meal and chat, though the girl still seemed nervous.
"So, let's start with an introduction. I'm Fuyumi Kusanagi, a mercenary. And you are?" Fuyumi introduces herself.
"I... I'm Anelia Lumare. Wait... you're not a noble?" Anelia seems surprised that she's a mercenary.
"I get that a lot. I'm sure that's surprising considering my appearance. So, what brings you to Crystalglove, Anelia?" Fuyumi asks while having her meal.
"I'm... I was a student at the Anatolia Kingdom's Royal Magi Academy and been studying magic there for some time. Our headmistress recommended me for a special lesson that a few select students are chosen for. It involves going out into the world to gain more field experience. The headmistress said that I was one of her best students, though I don't believe I am. She said that I should head here and become a mercenary. Someone who works at the guild is a friend of hers and I was supposed to bring him her recommendation to become a mercenary. So, I came here, but... then you saw what happened," Anelia explains.
"Hmm, I see. A bit unorthodox, even for a magic academy. However, if you're looking for the mercenary guild, I can show you the way. I just finished up a job earlier today and got some shopping done. How about it?" Fuyumi offers.
Anelia is once again surprised by Fuyumi, "Huh? But, are you sure I won't be a bother?"
"I wouldn't have offered if I thought that. Come on, let's go," Fuyumi replies.
The two head out and make their way to the mercenary guild. Once inside, Fuyumi shows Anelia to the receptionist's desk. When Anelia explained why she came, the receptionist said they were expecting her. She went into the back for a moment, and then an older man came out wearing a long white robe with purple accents, carrying a staff with a brown crystal and a purple crystal in it.
"Ah, so you're the student that Gloria told me about. I've already been briefed on your assignment. Normally, we'd have you go through an exam to test your abilities, but given your time at the Royal Magi Academy, and my old friend's recommendation, I believe we can skip that this time. She told me much about your talents with magic. There are some mages who can use one or two types of elemental magic. That's pretty common, but for someone to be able to use four elements with such skill and precision is quite unheard of. And even when two people use the same type of magic, their affinities may be different, with one stronger than the other. I look forward to seeing how well you'll do here. Oh, by the way, you may call me Gazef. Gazef Rokumen, at your service. I am the guild master for this branch of the guild," Gazef explains.
Anelia receives her mercenary license, "T-Thank you very much,"
"Alright, to celebrate this occasion, how about a quest?" Fuyumi says.
"Huh?! Right now?!" Anelia wasn't expecting that.
"Yep, you're a mercenary now, so the sooner the better. This'll get you more accustomed to the profession. Come on, I'll help you pick out a quest," Fuyumi takes Anelia's hand and pulls her to the quest board.
Gazef watches them leave with a knowing look, "If someone as skilled as Fuyumi is with her, then Anelia should be safe for the time being. I only hope things don't go astray too quickly,"
Fuyumi and Anelia check out the quests, eventually deciding on a quest to deal with a local group of Orcs that have been getting too close to the city and are creating a threat to local caravans. While Anelia doesn't look so sure, Fuyumi goes along and get the quest accepted anyway.
"Don't worry, it'll be fine. Orcs do have a lot of physical strength, but from what I gather, they don't have much in terms of magical affinity and intelligence. Though, that's not to say they don't have exceptions. Besides, I'll be coming along with you," Fuyumi says.
"You will?" Anelia asks.
"Yeah, the classroom and the real world are too different places. I'll observe for the most part, but if things get harry, I'll intervene for you. Besides, I can't have someone as cute as you dying on me," Fuyumi smirks.
The comment makes Anelia blush, "C-C-Cute?!"
…
A little later, the two are outside the city, in the forests beyond, searching for the orcs on the quest.
"Are you sure this is a good idea? Orcs are big, strong monsters. I don't think I can do it," Anelia worries.
"Now, now, no need to give up without even trying. They should be around here somewhere. If you're going to pass this special lesson of yours for your school, then you're going to have to gain the courage to face these dangers head-on. Don't worry, if things get bad, I'll intervene," Fuyumi says, much to Anelia's worry. As they continue searching, Fuyumi hears some noise up ahead and they move to find a group of six orcs moving through the forest. The orcs have loincloths for clothing and are using makeshift clubs or swords made from stone. "Well, I believe that is our prey. They haven't noticed us yet, so let's see what you got. When you have the element of surprises on your side, then you should make the first strike when you can. Show me what a student from the Royal Magi Academy can do,"
"Uh, okay," Anelia takes a slow step forward and readies her staff. The staff is white with four crystals in it, colored red, green, blue, and yellow. "Spirits of water, grant me your aid and pierce my foes. Water javelin!" three spears of water appear around Anelia and fire forth through the trees.
The javelins take out two of the orcs with head-shots, but the third only gets hit in the shoulder. They all turn to the girls and roar as they charge forth.
"Better hurry before they get too close," Fuyumi notes without a care.
"Spirits of wind, slice through any who oppose me. Air cutter!" Anelia sends out several blades of wind that slice through two more of the orcs, leaving them in a few pieces.
The last two hesitate after seeing their friends dead, "Not bad, let me show you my stuff," Fuyumi draws her blade.
She disappears in red mist and reappears right behind the last two orcs. She creates a large lightning blade and slices through both with a single stroke. With that, the battle is over.
"Well, I think we're done here. Your magic is quite versatile," Fuyumi notes as she holsters her blade.
But Anelia is focused on something else," How... You used lightning magic without any chants. There's been no one in the history of the magi academy, or even in the kingdom of Anatolia that can do such a thing. How is that possible?"
"I'm not from Anatolia. I come from a clan of warriors that live far from these lands. I'm here on a journey as a rite of passage, if you will. Being a mercenary simply lines up with that. Also, my magic is a little different from yours, so I'm able to cast it without chants. Sorry, but my people tend to be reclusive, so I can't share too much about them," Fuyumi explains.
Anelia shakes her head, "No, no, it's okay. I shouldn't have pried into your personal stuff. I was just amazed by what you did. Compared to you, I'm not all that special," she hangs her head.
Fuyumi figures out what's wrong here. Anelia is skilled with magic, but lacks confidence. Perhaps her headmistress sent her on this special assignment to help build her confidence when dealing with people. No matter how strong one is, if they don't have the inner strength to match it, they may end up using their strength for wrong reasons, or someone may take advantage of them. Perhaps she can help with that.
"You can't use me as a comparison. I'm basically just cheating. But, a friend of mine told me much about this land and its customs. And then there was the guild master, Gazef. I think you don't give yourself enough credit," Fuyumi says while harvesting the orcs.
"But, everyone at the academy were always mean to me and said I was lame or stupid," Anelia moans.
"I think they were just jealous. There's saying back from my home: small dogs bark the loudest. Those with little to no strength try to make themselves look tough or smart or whatever to mask their own weakness or insecurities. They saw how good you were and were afraid of you. That fear turned into hatred and so they tried to belittle you. In my opinion, you shouldn't worry about that," Fuyumi walks right up to Anelia to look her in the eye. "Besides, your headmistress chose you for this special assignment over everyone else at your school. I think that also says something else about your talents. Don't let others disparage you. Show them up and prove that they can't hold a candle to you, in more ways than one,"
"You... you really think so?" Anelia asks.
"I wouldn't have wasted our time telling lies, especially to a pretty lady such as yourself," Fuyumi winks at her.
This makes Anelia blush, "Ah, please don't tease me!" she shakes her head.
Fuyumi giggles, "Come on, let's head back to finish the quest. Then we should find you a place to stay while in town,"
With that, the two girls head back to Crystalglove to finish the quest. Once there, they reach the mercenary guild and collect the reward. Anelia was originally looking to split the reward 50-50, but Fuyumi insisted that she receive less since Anelia killed more orcs than she did. After that, the pair look for a spot for Anelia to stay. Luckily, the inn that Fuyumi is staying at has an open room for her. They would spend the rest of the evening chatting before retiring for the night. As she drifts off into sleep, Fuyumi wonders what kinds of encounters and events await her tomorrow. She'll find out soon enough.
And that's the chapter. Fuyumi meets Anelia and the two start mercenary work together after Fuyumi helps Anelia out of a jam. What kind of events await Fuyumi in the near future? Until then, please Read and Review.
