Chpt2: A One Day Trade with Another Party

=========================={ Part 1: Another Recruit }==========================

"Geez, why did it get so freaking cold all of a sudden?"

I complained as me, Megumin, and Darkness sat inside the Guild Hall; having breakfast.

I was shivering up a storm; my teeth chattering away at a speed I didn't think was possible.

Even the warm morning meal laid out before us didn't do much to help me warm up as I ate.

And the thing that annoyed me the most was the fact neither one of the girls seemed to be the least bit cold.

If anything, they both appeared to be a little on the hot side; both figuratively and literally.

…?... I know what I meant when I thought that; stupid hormones.

"The bigger question is why are you feeling as cold as you are, Kazuma?"

Asked Megumin.

"Agreed; is this Japan place you come from located in a tropical region or something?"

Inquired Darkness.

I shake my head furiously; my arms busy rubbing my sides in a last ditch effort to warm myself.

I wondered if maybe I was coming down with a cold or something?

That would explain why I was taking this as bad as I was.

"Not really. I mean, Japan is well north of the equator and we can have rather cold winters but I can't recall it ever being THIS cold before. And on that subject, why did it snow last night? I thought winter didn't start for another four weeks or something?"

"You're correct; winter is still a few weeks off but haven't you heard of an early snow fall?"

Asked Darkness.

"Yeah, I guess that makes sense. Sorry if I'm being a whiny little wimp here. I'm just not use to things around here yet, weather wise I mean."

I mean, could you blame me? I arrived at the tail end of summer but found it to feel rather pleasant; like an early to mid-Spring.

Then the last week, up to yesterday evening in fact, it had become surprisingly hot and now this.

Could weather really be capable of changing THAT fast; in just a single night?

"Say, just why aren't the two of you not shivering like I am right now? You both weren't dressed for the cold either last night, if I recall?"

I ask them, recalling the night before.

Granted, I couldn't really speak much about Darkness as she had taken off when it was time to call it a night.

But me and Megumin had spent the night together-

I mean, she had finally shown me to her personal sleeping spot after that incident with Mitsurugi had passed and since then, we had pretty much stayed together since then as it had just made sense.

Right?

"Well, I had heard from someone that cold weather and even a little snow fall was being predicted for the late night, so I ended up returning back to the Guild and rented a room for the night."

Said Darkness; earning a dead pan look from both me and Megumin.

"And you didn't feel the need to tell us about that before we parted ways?"

I said accusingly; getting a cheeky shrug in response.

"And here I thought we agreed to save as much as we could so we could buy a house?"

Said Megumin.

"That's the reason we've been busting our butts over these last few days, right. Thanks to the added eris we got after getting that debt paid, we almost have enough to buy a cheap home."

I added, reminding Darkness of the one I had found to be on sale. We just needed thirty million more eris and it would be ours.

"I know that, but shouldn't we not rush it; settling to buy such a cheap place? After all, it only has one bedroom. Granted, it's suppose to be a large bed room but still just one. Where do you think we would all be sleeping, Kazuma?"

Darkness asked me with Megumin quickly chiming in.

"While I do agree that maybe we should aim our sights for something with more rooms; if we did settle with that one room home, then I guess we would just be taking turns with the bed? Right, Kazuma?"

"Actually, I was thinking the three of us could just share the bed each and every night."

I was joking, sort of, but I decided to say it anyways, if only to see their reactions.

Darkness and Megumin came to a cold stop; Megumin repeating my words while Darkness blushed and began to fidget excitedly.

"Kazuma, what are you saying? Do you actually want the three of us to sleep together in one bed each and every night? Surely you can see a problem with us doing such a thing?"

"I see no problem. I mean, when you think about it; we're already sleeping together under the bridge, right Megumin?"

Megumin leans away from me; her cheeks a furious shade of red before she starts hitting me with her fist repeatedly while yelling that I need to make better choices with my phrasing of words.

But she stops quickly as we both hear what Darkness has to say about that.

"Ah, to have to share a bed with a deviant like Kazuma; who's rumored to unleash such perverted things to poor unsuspecting girls when they let their guards down. I would have to keep my guard up and avoid sleep at all times in order to preserve my purity. I would fail, of course, and ultimately be forced to submit myself to his sexual whims. Ooh, won't that be an amazing experience to have."

We deadpan at hearing that before I return to looking at Megumin.

"OK, maybe us sharing a bed is a bad idea after all; especially as we would have to be sharing it with that PERVERT over there. So, do you have any suggestions?"

Megumin pulled out her own copy of the Axel's Real Estate Guild and thumbed through a few pages.

"How about this one? We'd just need to earn a hundred million eris more and we could afford it."

I read the information; decent sized living room/ kitchen combo, mixed toilet and bath room, and four bedrooms. I guess it looked alright.

"I guess we could go for that; either way though, we need to go out and do a bunch more Quest."

Darkness finally comes down from her sexual fantasy and ask me-

"I'm surprised you want to go out today; rush to get eris or not. With how cold it is outside, I figured you'd want to stay indoors till it warmed up. Seeing as we still have a few weeks before winter begins proper, its bound to warm up again outside one last time before the real chill comes calling."

"And you'd be right about that. I'm not a winter person, nor a summer person if I'm being honest. But right now, needs out way wants and we need a house so that we can want to stay inside."

At hearing my words, Darkness nods before turning to look at Megumin and asking-

"By the way, how did you avoid getting the chills like our Kazuma here? Weren't the two of you together last night, down in the park?"

Megumin hesitates in her reply for a moment; her own cheeks turning a slight shade of pink as she fidgets just a little.

"Well, we Crimson Demons are built of sturdier stuff than other people are. We have secret ways to help ourselves keep warm in the winter, even if we're wearing clothing meant for the summer. Keeping ourselves cool during the summer, though? That one is as tricky for us as it is for everyone else."

"So, can I safely assume that this 'secret' involves a Crimson Demon being in the arms of someone they like? Is there any form of cuddling that is needed to help boost its effectiveness?"

Darkness then gives Megumin a knowing smile; a rare sight to see her tease someone else, as Megumin quickly stands and her cheeks have now turned a deep shade of pink due to her embarrassment.

"NO, of course not. It has nothing to do with that. And what are you saying, I don't like Kazuma... wait, that came out wrong. I mean, I do like you Kazuma, but I don't like you...I mean, dammit... you know what I mean."

I pretend to be 'fake' hurt as Megumin yells at Darkness; the poor girl finally collapsing back into her seat and burying her face into her arms to hide her embarrassment.

I then pat her on her shoulders; telling her that it's alright and it's fine, that I understood what she had meant.

All that did make me recall though.

When I had woken up this morning, Megumin's head had been resting on my shoulder; a trickle of saliva dribbling down my tunic as she mumbled something about Explosions... and me? She had also taken hold my hand at some point or another. Luckily, she didn't seem to recall that... I think?

"It's nice to see the three of you in such lively spirits this morning."

The sudden voice makes us jump. We then turn to find mother Clerica standing before us with Cielo by her side.

Darkness immediately jumps up and bows before the high priestess of the Eris faith.

"Mother Clerica, apologies for not noticing you earlier. Is there anything I can help you with?"

Clerica smiles at Darkness as she pats her shoulder; telling her not to worry.

"Hey, Cielo. Back again so soon. Did you really miss me that much?"

I teased her; couldn't help myself.

Megumin kicks my leg under the table. Possibly a warning about not being a pervert or maybe it was...?

Cielo simply smiles then says-

"And if I said that I had; what would you do then, Kazuma?"

Damn, she got me there. How should I reply to her retort?

Clerica clears her throat, getting us to focus on her.

"While I wouldn't mind listening to this banter go on for a bit more; if only to see where it would go, I'm afraid my time here is short and I wish to ask you three a few things before I take my leave."

Cielo goes to sit besides Darkness as Clerica begins to speak her request.

"First, I wish to thank you three for helping out Cielo with the task I put upon her. Because of that aid, I have become aware that several of the children I was suppose to be directing have been rather lazy with performing their duties. You'll be happy to know that I have begun working to resolve that issue."

Well, that was good to hear.

"Now, for the request I have for you three. There are two request, actually. The first is that I would like to hire you to accompany Cielo out to the outbound cemetery every two weeks so that she can perform a sending ritual for the poor souls still trapped there. While I'm sure she could make the trip there and back fine on her own, I would feel a little better if she had some company to keep an eye on things. I'm sure I don't need to explain why I'd like for it to be you all."

We nod, saying that we'd do it. In fact, I add that I was going to offer her that same deal the next time I saw Cielo. I mean, I'm already going with Megumin on her daily Explosion runs, which we did on days when we didn't have a Quest to undertake, so adding this alongside wouldn't be an issue.

Cielo was also happy to hear that.

"Now, for the other matter. Because Cielo does trust you all; and because I do to as well, I would like to ask you three if you would allow her to join your group; to go on out and do Quest together."

OK, now this request was one I hadn't expected. In fact, even Cielo was caught off guard; judging from the look she was giving Clerica.

"But... what about my training? If I join them; won't that interfere with my studies at the cathedral?"

Asked Cielo.

"Hm, what's this? Are you saying you DON'T want to join them and have plenty of adventures or any fun?"

Asked Clerica; her expression being neutral.

Cielo then panics as she says-

"No-I mean, yes. Of course I do. They're my friends after all. But, does this mean I'm being kicked out of the...?"

Cielo couldn't finish as Clerica begins to laugh.

"Oh, don't worry so much, child. It's nothing like that. In order to help you grow and become a proper Arch Priestess at the quickest interval, I feel becoming an Adventurer will be an essential path to getting you there at the quickest speed. Far faster than what can be achieved with staying inside the cathedral. In between Quest, when I need you around for your studies, I will call for you. Until then, go out there and enjoy yourself with your friends. Live life while you can because once you succeed me as High Priestess, you'll be to busy to have these kinds of experiences. Anyways, what do you three say?"

Me, Megumin, and Darkness all look at each other and nod, then back at Clerica and I say-

"You got yourself a deal. Welcome to this wacky family of ours, Cielo."

Cielo smiles happily as she bows; a tear falling from her eyes.

"Thank you, all of you. I promise I won't let you down."

With that, Clerica takes her leave and the three-I mean, four of us discuss out next course of action.

While it was still way to cold for my liking, we decide to go do a Quest anyways.

After finishing breakfast, we head over to the Quest board; finding it rather small with what was available for today and, after a little consideration, opt to take on one that seemed simple enough.

To go out and kill as many Snow Sprites as possible.

========================={ Part 2: Pre-Winter's Terror }========================

After we had selected the Quest, we set out though we took a slight detour to visit a shop that sold specialized winter gear for Adventurer's.

Now feeling warmer, we left the safety of the walls and began our trek to where these snow sprites were.

As I walked, I noticed Darkness and Megumin seemed to be rather excited about this mission.

Almost flag raisingly so.

With Megumin, I could hazard a guess as to why.

The reward for each sprite killed was one hundred thousand eris so her Explosion spell would be put to great use here.

As for Darkness, I couldn't be sure. Normally, she only gets as excited as she was right now if there was a chance that should could get roughed up while we were out.

Could these snow sprites really be capable of doing that to her?

On second thought; a flag had definitely been raised by the look she had on her face now.

At least Cielo wasn't an issue I had to worry about... unless we somehow ended up touching each other.

Better make sure that doesn't happen.

"Kazuma, can I asked why you stayed inside the store a little longer than us?"

Asked Cielo.

"He probably didn't want to face the cold; he wanted to enjoy the warmth inside the store as long as he could. Especially now that we've left Axel."

Said Megumin.

She was dressed in a black skin tight body suit that was made with salamando fibers sewn into the material that met the cold with a counter amount of warmth. In other words, the colder it was the warmer she'd feel. Added to this was a poncho like item; white with a red pattern and hood that had a cute animal design to it though it was an animal I didn't recognize,

"Or maybe he was flirting with that cute receptionist. I noticed she seemed to have her eyes on him while he was looking around."

Said Darkness.

Darkness was wearing a black dress that went down to here mid-thigh and panty hose and a rather thin looking jacket that had some fur along the sleeves end and neckline. If I was being honest, her outfit didn't actually look like it was meant for this kind of weather.

Was she... wearing it because she was actually getting off from the cold?

Na, even Darkness isn't that much of a horn dog... right?

"Well Kazuma, why did you take so long in there?"

Asked Cielo.

She, honestly, I wasn't sure if she had actually purchased anything; apart from the heavy looking winter cloak that sported sleeves so as to not hinder her arms or to force her to open her cloak just for the sake of attacking.

Damn it, why didn't I buy a cloak like that?

While I to had bought a cloak while in the store, it didn't have any sleeves so I would have to open the cloak in order to attack anything..

"I asked her to help me gain access to a skill; the Sewing skill to be exact. I figured once we get our own place, maybe I could set up a little work station in my room to help me with making things from back home. Things that don't exist around here from what I've seen and know about. I also plan on learning a few other skills as well here soon to help out with that thoughts, like Blacksmithing."

The three of them nod, then Megumin asked me-

"So, what do you plan on making once you learn all these skills and have a place to make them?"

I reply with a smile as I step forward, poking my index and middle fingers against her forehead playfully; which she complains about as she rubs the spot I had touched.

I then stop and look back at the three of them while saying-

"Now that, my little Dynamite, is, as Chris likes to say, a secret."

"Dynamite?"

Asked a confused Megumin. She then ask me what that even means but I don't say, instead say to the three-

"Anyways, let's hurry up and get this over with. Oh, and by the way..."

I pause for just a moment; making sure I had their attentions on me-

"The three of you are looking really cute in your winter wear."

{Insert Image 1}

The three of them blush from my complement as they look away bashfully.

Not long after that, we reached the spot the snow sprites had been spotted at.

It didn't take long before we found them; around sixty from the looks of it, all floating around minding their own business.

If I am being honest; I actually felt a little bad about attacking them.

I mean, they seemed so friendly and cute.

Still though, eris was eris and a killing one was worth a surprisingly large amount of eris so I would push those feelings seeing them made me feel down and do what needed to be done.

Still, I wondered though. Just why was killing one worth so much.

I recalled the look of excitement Darkness had on her face at the prospect of facing them.

I better ask one of them if there was anything about these creatures I should know before killing any.

"Hey, I was wondering why these cute, harmless looking little things are worth so much per kill?"

I await a reply but I don't think anyone heard me as they seemed to be to busy having fun.

Darkness was swinging her blade wildly about; failing to actually hit anything in the process.

No surprise there.

Cielo was darting around; happily walloping any sprites that came into her path. Some where even sent flying into other sprites before fading away; making those that they hit also disintegrate as well.

Sweet multi-kills I guess.

Megumin was swinging her mage staff around as well; surprising me that such a blunt object was also easily taking these little balls of fluff out with just a single hit.

As for me, I hadn't actually killed any of them yet. I really should but I wanted to get my question answered first; just to be on the safe side.

I repeat myself; a little louder this time.

Not that it mattered as Megumin butted in with a question of her own.

"Hey, can anyone get all the remaining sprites gathered together into a small area? We could really speed this whole thing up with one blast from my Explosion."

Hey, can someone answer my question here first?

"I think this should work, Megumin."

Said Darkness as she reaches into her Adventurer's pouch, pulling out a weird cylinder which she then pops the cap off before planting it into the snow, then backing away quickly.

"This will fill the air with a sweet smell; one that monsters will be drawn to like cat to catnip. It has a range of a few hundred meters so it shouldn't attract anything that we can't see already."

Sure enough, all the remaining sprites began to gravitate around the cylinder.

But I'd still like for someone to acknowledge me; especially my damn question already.

"Looks like they're all gathered together now. Do it now, Megumin so we can get out of here before 'it' decides to show up."

Until 'what' shows up?

"Dammit, will someone please answer my fu..."

"EXPLOSION."

The loud boom drowns out my yell as we all are blown back; as well as a bunch of snow.

It took me a moment to regain my senses before I unburied myself from under the snow.

I look around and see Darkness and Cielo emerge from the snow as well. I then spot the top of Megumin's hood sticking out of the snow so I get up and go over to her and pull her free though I do leave her laying on the snow's surface.

"Feeling good with our self, are we?"

I try to make my question sound as exasperated as I was feeling; which wasn't that hard honestly.

Megumin chuckles as she barely manages to give me a thumbs up.

"I got them all. That makes sixty in total. I'm confident I got a few levels out of that."

"Cool, cool; now will someone PLEASE tell me why these innocent little balls of fluff are worth so much eris to begin with. And Darkness, just why the hell were you so excited about doing this Quest to begin with. These little guys aren't your usual MO when it comes to your fetish?"

Darkness and Cielo both give me a confused look before Darkness says-

"Kazuma, what are you... wait, do you REALLY not know the story behind these snow sprites?"

"Why would I know anything about them? Don't you remember me telling you after you joined that I wasn't from Axel, or Belzerg, or even from this whole continent. How could a traveler from across the seas possibly know anything about this land?"

My words cause Darkness to sweat drop as her eyes go wide.

Damn, why do I not like this sudden look that she had.

"Everyone, we need to go. It's coming..."

Cried Cielo, getting me and Darkness to turn and see a white cloud in the distance.

A distance that was being traversed in our direction very, very quickly.

"Damn, it's already almost here. Kazuma, grab Megumin and run as fast as you can. And don't look back."

"Gotcha, but can someone please tell me what's going on. Just what the hell is that approaching..."

My words are cut off by a loud roar as the approaching cloud suddenly reaches us; blasting us with a fury not unlike that of a freak blizzard.

And then, from the center of this sudden storm that had hit us, I saw a figure take shape.

And then, the storm that had blasted us begins to go into reverse; being pulled into the forming being that stood a few meters before us. A few moments later, it had completed its taking form and shape.

"Kazuma, this being before us is the reason the snow sprites give such a large reward despite being non-hostiles. It is said long ago, a mysterious traveler from a far off land took a liking to the sprites and wanted to see them protected. To achieve that, he used a mysterious power to create the being we see before us now. An unkillable warrior no one could hope to ever defeat in any battle. Yes, this is he..."

"The Winter Shogun."

Well, shit!

Standing before us was a being who looked like a samurai; garbed in armor of pure white with a hint of blue and glowing blue eyes.

No doubt about it, the person who created this thing had to have been from Japan, the same as me and Mitsurugi.

Dammit, why didn't I get a cheat when I was sent here. This whole affair is crap if you ask me.

"Kazuma, quickly... get down onto your hands and knees and prostrate yourself before the Shogun. If it believes you are regretful for killing its charges, then it will spare you."

I look back at Cielo after hearing her say that; seeing her already bowing before the Winter Shogun.

I then look over at Megumin and see she's lying as still as possible; possibly playing dead.

I then look at Darkness and almost have a heart attack as not only had she not bowed down like Cielo had instructed but she had her blade drawn, clearly looking for a fight.

"Darkness, what are you doing? Be a good girl and do what Cielo said to do."

"I will not. To bow down and grovel before such a being would be an insult to my station as a knight. I would rather die than to-GAHH-"

Before she could finish, I ran up behind her grab hold of her head; forcing her down onto the snow.

I also lower myself down onto the snow while maintaining my hold onto Darkness's head.

"Damn you, Kazuma. Forcing me down into such a humiliating position. Making me appear to be weak in front of this undefeated foe. AHH, to be treated in such a disgraceful manner is so rewarding. And the snow feels so cold too, AHH."

"There is so much wrong with you, woman."

I say in a pitiful, exasperated tone.

The Winter Shogun looks at me and Darkness, then over at Cielo.

Then it turns its attention towards Megumin; keeping its gaze upon her for a few moments before its eyes began to glow brighter.

And then; it begins to walk towards her.

Shit, don't tell me-

It must know how many sprites Megumin had just killed and was going to punish her no matter what.

Damn it, why do I always have to be the risk taking hero here?

I jump up and run towards the Shogun as it reaches Megumin and begins to draw its blade.

"Hey, just wait a minute. There's no reason to do what you're about-URK.."

As I approached the Shogun, it turns it head ever so slightly before turning fast and it pulls its snow white blade clear from its sheath.

And then, before I could even register any movement; I felt a sharp pain surge forth from my chest.

I stand there for what felt like an eternity with wide, shaking vision. I then tilt my head downwards-

And see the snow white blade sticking into one side of my chest-

Which is followed by a quick flick; cutting from one side to the other before the blade is retracted and returned to its sheath.

I feel blood pooling inside my mouth; pouring from my mouth like drool.

My vision begins to blur and fade as I find myself struggling to breath; getting nothing but gag like 'ukk' sounds coming from inside.

There was no question about it; both my lungs and possibly my heart as well had been sliced through.

The Shogun gives me a sorrowful look, I think, as I fall onto the ground.

I think the Shogun then leaves as it sudden isn't within my darkening vision.

And the last thing I can hear is-

"No, Kazuma... Cielo, hurry up and get over here. Kazuma's dying..."

Dying? Dying? Was I really, dying... again?

As the darkness takes me, a single thought acts as my guide into the cold dark.

But why me? I didn't kill any of those damn puffballs-

==========================={ Part 3: A Void of ? }============================

After a moment of floating through the endless dark, I suddenly found myself looking up into a star filled night sky.

It wasn't some normal starry sky either; but one you'd see being shown off in either shows or books about space.

Plenty of stars to be seen, sure. But also those cool looking nebula's and such as well.

Wait, where am I?

If I was dead, shouldn't I be in that place where I had met Eris before?

Maybe I was only seeing her throne in that way because I wasn't actually dead?

Or maybe this was how heaven actually looks?

I go to sit up; looking around only to see a whole lot of nothing; apart from the awesome looking sky above me and below me too-

Wait, below me too?

Sure enough, the sight I had seen above was also the sight the lay beneath me. Just what was going on?

Oh, I get it now-

As I went to move a hand, a ripple effect had occurred from the motion.

So, the ground beneath me was water; or some form of liquid, reflecting the sky to give the appearance of floating in space.

That's actually pretty cool, or at least it would be if I only knew where I was right now?

I finally got up and began to look around; hoping to see something, anything. I was met with nothing-

Until I felt a presence behind me, making turn quickly.

And before me was a familiar face; the girl in the black Gothic dress and black hair with a red sheen to it-

The girl I had seen just moments before I had died.

[Hey, it's you. What are you doing here?]

Wait, first tell me why my voice sounded like that?

The words I had spoke hadn't come from my mouth.

It was more like my thoughts had been broadcast aloud for that question.

I try to talk again, but never once did any words come forth.

Not that it mattered as this beautiful girl didn't answer my question.

She did however smile at me; acknowledge me so I'm guessing she at least heard me.

She then grabs onto the sleeve of my top and motions for me to follow her, which I do.

I mean, I didn't really have any other option here.

We walked; we walked for what felt like forever though who really knows how long it actually was-

Especially seeing as time itself didn't seem to exist here, I think.

[Look, while I don't mind being in the company of a cutey like you; would you mind telling me where you're taking me already?]

Once more, she didn't respond but we stopped moving before she pointed out into the empty world before us.

I look and see nothing; apart from more of the same as I had already seen.

I go to look back and ask her again when I feel, and notice, a ripple upon the reflecting ground.

I look in the direction the ripple had come from, finding that something had appeared finally.

It was a rather familiar looking land scape; the ground still looking like a reflection of the sky but with clear and noticeable outlines of a road and hills, trees, and what appeared to be an old castle off in the distance.

And beneath the nearest, solitary tree, was a woman with her back resting against it.

She had long black hair that barely reached the ground, a red dress that reached almost to her knees, and a large hat laying to the side of her.

I also noticed a green pulsing light; the source just out of sight from where I was standing though I took a guess and assumed she was holding it around her chest with one hand while the other rested on the ground.

I look back at the girl who had led me here, only for her to smile; her mouth moving to say something, but I don't hear any words come out not any voice in my head.

I go to say-think a question towards her-

But then my world is suddenly cast into darkness again.

"...zuma, Kazuma, please wake up, Kazuma..."

A familiar sounding voice guides me back into a... cold light and my eyes finally open.

Sitting above me was my three party mates, all having scared looks on their faces.

I groan, I blink, and I ask them what was going on.

"Kazuma!"

Cried Megumin as she quickly hugged me; making me blush.

I tilt my head, finding Darkness directly above me and Cielo sitting fairly close by.

It takes me a moment to realize that my head was resting on something soft; Darkness's lap to be exact.

And she was stroking my hair with her hand, which felt rather nice if I'm being honest here.

Megumin was hugging me, as I said before.

And Cielo was holding my hand... wait, she was holding my hand? And not freaking out over it?

"Hey guys, what happened? Where am I?"

Darkness took a moment to remind me of what was going on, why we were out here, and why I was laying on the ground as she must have realized that my head was still off in loopy land or whatever.

I then look at Cielo, who had a few tears her in eyes, then I turn my gaze to her hand for just a second, then back to looking at her face as I grin.

"So, Cielo, you're holding my hand now, you know. I never took you for being a sly girl."

Cielo "eeps" as she quickly pulls her hand away; blushing furiously as she backs herself away from me a good ten feet or so.

"Ah, I didn't mean to, mister Ka-I mean, Kazuma. With all that was going on; heat of the moment and all, I guess I just did it without thinking."

I chuckle for a moment, then say to her-

"Don't worry about it; I was only teasing ya. Besides, you taking hold of my hand is a good thing, right? It means that Androphobia of yours can and will be overcome here someday, right?"

Hearing my words, she smiles and nods at me before looking at the hand she had used to hold mine and begins to caress it with her other hand.

I also think I see her blush a little bit maybe that was just my imagination?

I then turn to Megumin and give her a pat on her head, saying-

"Hey, it's alright. I'm not dead. I'm still here with you. You can let me go so I can get up. You know, if anyone saw you clinging to a guy the way you're clinging to me; they may end up getting the wrong idea about things..."

"Kazuma, just shut up and let me have this moment, alright?"

Her bold and assertive words caught me off guard; probably caught the others off guard too.

After a moment to let her words sink in, I smile while continuing to run my fingers through her hair, the same action Darkness was still doing with me.

"As you wish..." {Princess Bride reference FYI}

After a few more minutes, Megumin finally ended her embrace, which I found myself missing immediately.

After I was helped up, we all decided to call this mission over, mainly because there weren't any sprites left to hunt.

Not that we would have, considering all that happened.

Between Megumin, Darkness, and Cielo; they had killed sixty of those things meaning we would get six million eris from this mission.

Not a bad hall, all things considered.

Though nearly dying do to having my lungs, and very nearly my heart, sliced opened by the Shogun wasn't a fair trade off in my opinion. And once again, I had to ask myself-

And Eris, if you could hear my thoughts?

Just why was it that I was the one who nearly died?

I know it was probably because I took action to save Megumin from the Winter Shogun's wrath-

But I also didn't kill any of the snow sprites either; you'd think that would count for something?

======================{Part 4: The Drunkard's Challenge}=======================

"Hey, you hic. Weakest class kid..."

My moment of enjoying a delicious hot meal with my team had been interrupted by a guy who reeked of booze.

It had been two days since our encounter with the Winter Shogun and the weather had quickly warmed again; that last bought of lingering autumn before the cruel mistress we called winter arrived to blast us with her icy presence.

I try to ignore this ignoramus but he then places a hand on my shoulder.

"Hey buddy, I'm talking to you here. What, are you as deaf as you are weak, wimpy boy?"

Off around us, I see a bunch of people laugh at his words.

Though one table in particular; I saw three people who were looking at this idiot, shaking their heads as if to imply "not again."

"...Can I help you, booze hound?"

My reply causes even more laughing, including from that cute girl sitting at the table that had just been shaking their heads.

The guy who was talking to me; a blonde haired man wearing a red jacket said-

"Yeah, you can help me hic. You can tell me how a guy like you managed to get himself a group of hotties like them as your party mates? That doesn't seem fair now, does it? Especially seeing as you are the weakest class and all."

He then takes a step back and points to the very table I had focused on twice before. He then points and says-

"You see those three guys, there? They are all my teammates but they don't treat me with respect. Always saying you need to stop causing us trouble, Dust. You need to work harder; contribute more to the team, Dust. You need to stop sexually harassing girls, like me, Dust. Can you believe it? So ungrateful I tell you."

I sigh as I look back at his party.

The big guy clad in armor had placed his head into his hands; clearly annoyed with this Dust antics.

The next guy, with a large bow on his back, was mumbling something-

Probably saying-

"Dust, you're drunk and stupid. Quit bothering those four and get back over here."

And the cute girl looked furious; probably because Dust here may have implied her to be a guy with his words.

I look back at Dust and say-

"A real sob story you're telling me. Now, mind telling me what any of that has to do with me? Or can you leave me be, go find some nice alley way to lounge in, and await your eventual need to puke your guts out."

"What I want is simple; I want you to switch place with me. You join my party and I join up yours."

Eh?

Did he want to change parties with me?

I look at the girls, who had been choosing to let me handle this and find that those words had brought them into a dead freeze.

I take a quick peek over at Dust party and see that they also had a similar reaction, though I couldn't be sure if they were as shocked as my party was or if they're reaction was different as they had quickly huddled together to talk privately amongst themselves.

Dust then leans in close, throwing an arm around me, and saying-

"So buddy, what's it going to be?"

A take a moment to think; not failing to notice the girls furiously shaking their heads at me.

I was about to give him my answer when I have a moment of pause; an idea passing through my noggin'.

I then smile as I look back at Dust and say-

"OK, you wanna trade parties, then we'll trade parties..."

"WHAT?"

Screamed the three girls in unison; clearly shocked by my sudden and unexpected agreement.

And it wasn't just them either; everyone in the guild, even Luna, had shocked expressions on their faces.

"Kazuma, you can't be serious about this?"

"Yeah, I can't work with a guy like this."

"He's the sort of guy I'd want to explode, not share my Explosion's with."

They all complained while Dust did his version of the happy dance around the room.

I then call him back over to me, saying once he had arrived-

"I'll do this party exchange with you, but only under two conditions."

"Name them."

"One, you need to sober up before you go out on a Quest with them. They are my precious party and even more so, my precious friends. I don't want them having to look after you while you're drunk like this, understand?"

Dust nods as he calls for a waitress to bring him some 'Sobering Juice' or whatever. He then looks back at me so I can tell him the other condition.

"And two, this isn't a permanent exchange. This will only be for today, and only for a single Quest. If you want to make this a permanent change, then you'll need to work your ass off and make sure my team here wants you to remain as their new leader full time with this one Quest, got it?"

Dust smiles confidently as he proclaims.

"That will not be a problem for me. Just don't ask me to trade back when all is said and done as I have little doubt they'll want me more than they'll want you back."

"Then you better go square things with your team then, don't you think?"

Dust nods and runs over to his team; probably saying something like-

"You hear that, losers. I finally got myself the lovely harem I've always dreamed of. So don't expect me to come back to you lot anytime soon. I'll go and finally get the appreciation I've always wanted."

In fact, that's pretty much exactly what he was saying to them.

I turn my attention back to my party, only to find myself being started down by them with murderess gazes.

"You know, Kazuma; that guy convincing us to keep him around permanently doesn't seem to be that impossible now."

Said Darkness, her hands looking to reach across the table and strangle me.

"I thought you were a good guy; someone I could trust? How could you betray that trust so easily?"

Asked Cielo, slamming a fist into an open palm.

"KAZUMA? Is there are reason you want to be rid of us so badly?"

Megumin was cracking her knuckles as she spoke.

"Wait, hold on you three and let me explain before you kill me."

"We're waiting..."

They all say in unison.

I sigh before beginning my explanation.

"First, I'm not going to let you three be taken by that guy. I will need your help in achieving that goal?"

"And why would we want to help you with that, now?"

Asked Darkness.

"Simple; in order to dissuade others from bothering us about this topic again in the future. First it was Mitsurugi and now this Dust guy. I doubt they'll be the last if we don't do something to scare off any future troublemakers. So, I propose you three humor him for one Quest but just make sure it's as horrible an experience as he can have. That way, once its done; not only will he want to go back to his old party again, but he'll spread the word around the guild that joining you three is essentially a death trap waiting to happen. If this works, then we won't have to deal with this anymore."

"And as for me? If I do a Quest with his party, then I can show them that all those rumors about me are bull shit. Maybe even get them to like me enough that they will start telling everyone around us that those rumors and gossip is total crap which could also help us in the long run as well. To say nothing of us becoming friendly with another team would also be a benefit in the long term, right?"

Hearing my explanation had clearly shocked them as it took them a few moments to make a reply.

"That's... actually a good and well thought out idea, Kazuma."

Said Cielo, her faith in me seemingly restored.

"I really wished you had talked to us about this first; gotten our opinions before hand. Still, this could work if we do it right."

Said Darkness. I could already tell she was cooking up some plan of her own to really traumatize Dust while they were on that Quest together.

"Kazuma, will you really take us back after this is done?"

Asked Megumin; still looking a little doubtful about all this.

I smile at her as I place hand on her shoulder.

"Of course. Besides, who else but me can be trusted to help you with your Explosion ritual?"

Hearing me say that makes her smile as four figures come to stand besides us.

"So, ready to do this thing?"

Asked Dust, holding a mug of that 'sobering juice' in hand.

Behind him, his party waited with mixed expressions. I'm not sure if they really liked this or not.

"Sure, let's do..."

{Insert Image 2}

========================{ Party 5: Forming New Bonds }=======================-=

After that, I left the Guild Hall with my 'new' party.

There was no need to visit the Quest board as they had already selected a Quest beforehand and had simply been enjoying a meal before setting out.

As we went, they gave me their names and class information.

"I'm Keith; the groups Archer. My job is to spot threats off in the distance and to deal with those threats also from a safe distance."

"I'm Lynn; and Arch Wizard. Until recently, I was a Caster which was a beginner level mage class. My job is to help support everyone with magic."

"And I'm Taylor; a Crusader and the parties leader. Now, listen up, rookie. This quest isn't any real challenge; rather its one we've done a hundred times so just keep your head down, do what we tell you, and don't drop our packs and I'm sure we'll get along great here."

Not as friendly as I was hoping they'd be but it wasn't as bad as it could be either. Also, only having to worry about keep the bags safe was also a refreshing job to have.

Even if they decided to NOT let me have any of the reward at the end was fine as there was something else I would get out of this-

Namely, I could gain some new skills that would help me be even better leader for my party.

I nod at Taylor's words then say-

"Not a problem here. It'll be a nice change of pace for me; going from being the party leader to being led for once. I'll be sure to do my best."

The three of them stop and look back at me with shocked expressions.

"Wait, are you telling us that you are actually your party's leader?"

"And my teams strategist as well."

I said proudly.

They look at me for a few more seconds, then at each other before the start laughing.

I wanted to get mad at them. To be honest, I was mad.

But I chose to keep my cool and not yell at them.

I did want to change their overall opinions about me after all.

Once they had finished, I calmly say to them-

"If you don't believe me, that's fine. Once we get back and meet up with them and Dust, you can asked them yourselves. On another matter, should I tell you what skills I have available to use?"

Keith shakes his head as Taylor says-

"Won't be necessary. We'll be doing all the work here. All we'll need you to do is keep out stuff safe. Nothing more, nothing less."

With that, the two of them continue on their way though Lynn hangs back a few moments and says-

"I don't blame them for their attitudes as I feel the same way. But, if it makes you feel any better, I can at least say you're already a better guy than Dust; even if all those rumors and gossip about you are true. And, on a personal note, you're funnier than him, too."

She gives me a warm smile; though it could have been a fake smile to make me feel comfortable.

She then runs to join the others while I slowly work to catch up to them.

While I feel I may have my work cut out with changing their attitudes about me; I can at least take comfort in knowing that Lynn was already starting to warm up to me or so I hoped-

So, as they say, progress.

It was about two and a half hours later before we came into view of the mountain path travelers used to cross over the northern mountains that separated the region from the rest of Belzerg.

Along the path was a forested area; somewhere withing being the targets of our Quest-

Goblin Slaying.

After Taylor had gone over the details of the Quest again with us; also taking time to explain to me that this was a regular Quest given off by the guild in order to make sure travelers weren't attacked.

Once he was done, I say aloud to myself-

"Hm, Goblin's huh? I sure hope the goblins around here aren't like the goblin's from Goblin Slayer."

That makes the others look back at me, asking what I was talking about?

"Well, back where I'm from, there was this story going around called Goblin Slayer which was about a person, a Goblin Slayer, out on a personal mission of vengeance to wipe out all goblin's."

"That seems pretty heroic of that guy to go and do but that I have to ask why would he do it? Does he just hate goblin's that much?"

Asked Keith.

"Oh, hate isn't a strong enough word to use here; considering he was forced to watch as a group of goblin's not only raided his village and killed all the men and old folks, but savagely rape and kidnap his older sister and all the other girls in the village unless they were to old."

The three of them look at me in disbelief before Lynn was the one to speak up-

"THEY WHAT?"

"Yeah, that's what the goblin's in that story do, they kidnap and rape any girl they see. They do this because either there are no female goblins or there are few of them. I don't know for sure as it was never a story I had an interest in reading all the way through. All I do know is they'll kidnap girls; rape them if they are of child bearing age; kill them when they get to old or keep them in cages if they're to young till they are old enough to be impregnated by them."

Lynn begins to panic at hearing that before turning back to the others and saying in a desperate tone-

"Guys, please tell me goblin's aren't actually like that? If they are, then I'm sorry but I'm going to have to bow out of this Quest and go back as I have no desire to become some goblin's plaything."

Taylor places a hand on her shoulder in order to calm her down.

"Don't worry, Lynn. I'm sure this guy was just messing with you by saying that, right? Right?"

I didn't respond; making them all become a little more nervous about this Quest now.

Then Keith says-

"Yeah, what do you say we just not worry about this right now and focus on getting this over with. And Lynn, maybe play it safe and try to not draw any attention upon yourself. You know, just in case."

Damn, now I feel bad about even saying that thought aloud in front of them.

PING

The sudden sensation that came over me brings me into high alert.

There was something on the path ahead of us, coming towards us fast. I could only sense a single threat but the ping had been a strong one... I think?

I'm still new to this whole Enemy Detection skill thing.

"Everyone, get off the road, now. Something is coming."

I said getting their attentions.

"Now what are you going on about? Haven't you tried to scare us enough already?"

"Said an annoyed Taylor.

"I'm being serious here. I have the Enemy Detection skill and I'm detecting something further up the path from us; something that's heading our way... quickly."

"Keith, please use Far-sight and see if you can see anything?"

Asked Lynn, already joining me in moving into the tree line for cover.

Keith rolls his eyes as he turns to look up the path.

"Lynn, don't believe what this 'funny guy' here says. He's probably just trying to pull our legs again. But fine, since its you who's asking, I just take a little peak and..."

His voice stops cold as his eyes emit a glow; a sign that Far-sight had been activated.

When Keith didn't immediately continue, Taylor started to become concerned as well.

"Keith, what is it? What do you see?"

After a moment, Keith ends his Far-sight and looks at us and says-

"Get off the road, NOW. Something big IS coming and it will be here any moment now."

Trusting Keith's words, Taylor and he rush to join me and Lynn as we hide ourselves just beyond the tree line.

I also tell them to place their hands onto me; then I'll activate Lurk to help conceal us.

They do as I say without question and I use Lurk; just in time as no sooner as I had done that, the creature I had detected and Keith had seen comes running up; stopping right where we had been standing just moments before.

I look at the creature; finding myself rather impressed by the beast before us.

Terrified as hell, but still impressed.

It was massive; the size of the bear but it wasn't a bear but more like a cross between a panther and a saber-tooth tiger. I giant of a beast; well built and obviously fast with glowing yellow eyes.

I look back to ask what the beast was only to be met with the three of them shaking; badly.

"Oh my goddess, is that?"

"Yeah, no doubt about it. A Rookie Killer."

"But how? Why? Something like that shouldn't be hanging around this region."

Their scared voices not rising above a whisper; either do to sheer panic or not wanting it to hear us.

The Rookie Killer sniffs the ground, then looks around very carefully; its eyes lingering a nerve racking moment right where we were hiding. It does eventually turn away, sniffs the ground once more, then begins to walk slowly down the path, heading in the direction we had came from.

Probably searching for us.

We ended up staying in that spot, not moving nor me releasing the Lurk skill, for a good long while.

Once we did decide to move, we cautiously stepped back onto the path and looked around.

"We should be safe now. My Enemy Detection skill isn't picking up any threats around us now."

"Are you sure?"

Asked Keith. I give him a nod in response.

Lynn then does something I, and the others didn't expect; she hugs me.

"Kazuma, thank you, thank you, thank you. If you hadn't been here, we would have been killed by that monster."

Taylor then places a hand on my shoulder and adds-

"She's right. You really saved our bacon back there. And, we also need to apologize to you as well. All we've heard about you is rather vulgar and negative things."

"Yeah, and while we generally ignore things said about people; opting to get to know them first before passing judgment on them, I confess that we all were starting to believe them as they just kept being talked about and added onto. And even if that wasn't the case, we would still be guilty of looking down on you for being the weakest class."

Added Keith.

All three of them then bow down and say "We're sorry." in unison.

I scratch the back of my head, feeling a little embarrassed by this sudden change,

"Hey, don't worry about it, really. I'm just glad you three are at least starting to see what my party sees in me; knows about me. Anyways, we should hurry this up and get this Quest done. Just in case that oversized kitty-cat decides to head back this way."

The three of them nod before we continue towards our destination.

"Kazuma, go ahead and tell us what skills you have access to. I wonder what other surprises you may have awaiting us."

And surprised them I did; the three of them having never know that a Freelancer, I mean a base Adventurer as they call it around here, could learn all skills.

Me telling them I had learned Heal had especially excited them.

Maybe telling them that had been a bad idea as I was starting to have a feeling that by saying that, they might not want to let me go when this was all over.

We soon arrived at the area the goblin's had last been seen at.

"OK Kazuma, can you detect any enemies nearby?"

I close my eyes, and activate Enemy Detection; which could detect any threats within a few hundred meters and auto go off in an enemy came within half that distance.

I could feel it; dozens upon dozens of Ping responses.

To many, in fact.

Lynn must have noticed my expressing darken as she has worry in her tone as she speaks.

"Kazuma, what's wrong?"

"I'm detecting a large number of enemies over in that direction; probably the goblin's we're hunting. But the numbers are high; higher than what I can keep count of at my current level of proficiency."

I point in the direction of two-o-clock from where we were standing.

"Don't worry about that. The report said there were no more than fifteen to twenty of them. Nothing the three... I mean the four of us can't handle. Let's go."

With that, Taylor and Keith began to walk in the direction I had pointed towards.

Lynn, on the other hand, didn't look so confident about this.

She gives me a concerned look; one I return before we follow after the others.

I mean, what else could we do right now, apart from turning tail and running back to Axel.

I really hope the others are doing OK; not getting any surprises like we've gotten so far.

Next time: Following the killing of the Goblin's, and Lynn being traumatized by the goblin's giving her 'curious looks', Kazuma's group finds themselves again running into the Rookie Killer. Will they survive? Meanwhile, Dust and the girls fail to even return from their Quest. What will happen to the two groups? Find out next time...

Image 1: Megumin, Darkness, and Cielo in their winter gear; a blush on their cheeks.

Image 2: Dust, Taylor, Keith, and Lynn standing ready.