AN 1: For anyone who is wondering what was going on with Lynn in the last chapter; I will say the it will be answered eventually in this story; probably during arc 4 if my current plans don't change. My main reason for it happening is because I felt having a female character that Kazuma can be close with outside the party could be a good thing; not including Wiz or Luna. Plus, him and Lynn having a close, but non-romantic relationship, could possibly help out plot wise if I decide to do that demi-human story I'm thinking about for the story.'
Now, I'd like to talk about Kazuma's luck for a minute; as brought up by 'Casual Reader'. Not to long ago, I either read or heard (can't recall which) something said about his luck; a theory that actually makes a lot of sense. Why is it despite having the best luck stat of any Adventurer around, save Chris, Kazuma always seems to be getting in some very crappy situations? There are two possible reasons-
One; perhaps the collective bad luck possessed by the girls, mainly Aqua, actually cancels out all of Kazuma's good luck.
Two, perhaps Kazuma's good luck is always active. It's just the that bad luck each girl seems to send his way, again mainly Aqua, is so bad that all the outcomes Kazuma ends up experiencing are the luckiest he could ever hope for.
Like with the trial; one could say Kazuma was very lucky that Darkness was able to use her family's name to buy him the time he needed to prove his innocence (which, they should have reminded Sena and the judge he had just proved by way of the feck'n bell). The judge could have just as easily ignored Darkness's request for the sake of 'justice' or Aldarp, in the LN version, could have simply increased the effect of his manipulation curse (perhaps released Sena for a few seconds to focus it fully on the judge) to see Kazuma hanged regardless. In other words, he was very lucky the fantasy worlds warped middle ages style justice system gave him a chance to prove anything.
There's a few more things I'd actually like to talk about in regards to the trial, both the LN version and and anime version, but I'll save those words until we get the the trial which will be in chapter 12.
There's one more bit of AN's for this chapter but I'll save that till then end, so as to not spoil anything here. Now then, let's begin.
Chapter 4: The Haunting of Satou Kazuma
============================={ Pt 1: Descend }==============================
The Crypt we had been sent to wasn't terribly far from the 'poor-man's cemetery.'
By that, I meant you could see the large mausoleum like entrance off in the distance from the closest grave sight; the walking distance between the two being somewhere around twenty minutes.
Once we had arrived, Chris went over the game plan.
"OK, as stated before. Me and Kazuma will be the ones to go inside. With the two of us using Lurk, getting around will be child's play and should allow us to easily get around any undead we might run into down there. Darkness, you'll remain up here to guard Megumin; who I want to have her Explosion spell ready, just in case things get hairy and we need to make a hasty retreat."
The three of us nod as Chris beckons Darkness to come closer.
She then pulls out a rather familiar device from her pouch and hands one to Darkness, then motions to do as she does as Chris places an identical device into her ear.
Wait, is that...?
"Darkness, this here is a very special magical device the goddess Eris has loaned me that will allow us to stay in contact with each other. I will let you hear anything I say and I in turn will hear anything you say. Since it is a loan, make sure you don't lose it, OK. It's really important."
Important my ass. That's a blue-tooth headset, from back on Earth.
How did Eris even get... Never mind, she's a goddess so getting a hold of one wouldn't be hard for her.
Still though, how could those even work on this world? Never mind, it must be because Eris did something to make them work.
I then hear Darkness say that she wished she could go with us; so as not to miss out on all the undead ravaging that could happen down in the deep dark below, where escape would be difficult, if not impossible.
And asking Chris to make sure to scream if it starts happening to her; probably to experience the defiling vicariously through Chris I take it.
I then look at Megumin; who was fidgeting nervously then I walk over to her, placing a hand on her shoulder which gets her to look at me.
"Kazuma...?"
"Megumin, about this morning; I'm sorry for getting mad at you and slamming the door shut when I left. The sudden accusation, as well as my injured nose and head, didn't leave me in a good state of mind in the moment. Not that that matters as I was still in the wrong for responding the way I did, especially with all you had to go through before."
Megumin shakes her head as she places a hand over my hand.
"I'm the one who should apologize, Kazuma. I had no right or reason to just accuse you out of the blue like that; especially after you took that risk in order to save me. I'm really sorry and I promise I'll do something to repay you. I don't know what yet but I will repay you when I decide what would be best."
"You don't have to do that, Megumin. Let's just agree that we both made a goof this morning; agree to forget about it and move forward to out next big misunderstanding."
I say, giving her a cheeky grin which she returns with a warm smile.
"By the way; any idea what could have caused you to just flip out like that to begin with? I was thinking maybe you had a bad dream before waking up but the look on your face made it look like you were having a good dream."
"Actually, I think so. After you left, I realized I felt something on my forehead, hidden behind my bangs. It was sticking onto my skin and was glowing just a bit until a few moments after I pulled it off, when it stopped and hasn't glowed again since."
Megumin the reaches into a pocket on her dress; I didn't know her dress had pockets to begin with, and pulls out a triangular marble sized stone with rounded edges. It wasn't glowing now, at least from what I could tell.
"Once we're done here and we get back to Axel, can I go with you to see Wiz? I know this weird thing doesn't look familiar to me, nor does it to Darkness and Chris either. I'm hoping Wiz might have an idea and if not, maybe she can do a little appraisal on it."
"No problem as I'll need to stop back in with her to exchange the quest item with the deed and keys to the mansion."
Chris calls out to me; bringing an end to mine and Megumin's conversation.
I pat Megumin on the head; telling her to be ready with an Explosion just in case, getting a happy nod in response.
I then run over and join Chris.
"So, did the two of you kiss and make up, yet?"
Said Chris jokingly as she poked at my sides.
"Make up, yes. Kiss? If you had given me and her a few more minutes, who knows?"
I reply, matching her humorous tone.
We then enter the mausoleum and begin walking down a flight of stairs; arriving at a large set of double wooden doors with an ornate design set upon them.
I then slowly push the doors open; the sound of screeching due to the hinges probably being rusty to reveal a room that was barely lit by a few glow manatite crystals that still seemed to work... just barely.
"Nice touch!"
I said as I look back at Chris; giving her a big grin to add to the ambiance of the whole scene.
"OK Garfield, let's go find the 'candy' so we ca get out of this place. Locations like this always give me the creeps."
She then begins to push against my back; forcing me into the room with her right behind me.
I mean, literally behind me as she appeared to be keeping me ahead of her as a shield.
Which I wouldn't mind as much if she were using whole body to push me forward but what can you do?
Wait, what did she just say to me?
"Chris, how did you know I was making a Garfield reference back there?"
Garfield wasn't as big in Japan as it was in other countries; barely even known outside the cartoon shows really. I only knew about them and him, as my grandparents had kept a hold of the old VHS tapes that had belonged to my mom from when she had been a young girl.
"You want to know about these devices Eris loaned me, huh? She calls them a Divine Relic. They're normally only given to those few who are considered 'chosen' by the gods to perform a special task. She's graciously loaned these ones to me in case stuff like this ever come up. I confess that this is the first time I've ever actually used them."
That's not what I asked you; though I confess I was going to ask about those too.
And wait, Eris had just loaned them to you? I know you're like a special agent for her and all, but something about that explanation felt a little fishy if you ask me.
I go to ask her to not ignore my question when she stops me by putting a finger against my mouth.
"Shh, Kazuma. Have you noticed it yet?"
Noticed it? What are you talking about. My Enemy Detection skill hasn't... wait, it hasn't gone off yet.
"Are you talking about the lack of a ping going off in our heads?"
Chris nods then says-
"You were told that there were undead around here; they being the reason our client had to leave in a hurry and leaving this valuable item behind. We should have been feeling the alert ping go off the moment we set foot in here. But we haven't. Something is off here."
"I hate to suggest this but should we go ahead and give up? Head back to Axel?"
Chris shakes her head.
"For now, let's press on. But be ready to retreat if need be."
We continue to walk through the first level, soon reaching the stairs that lead down to the second.
"Looks like we're going into complete darkness, Kazuma. Hold on, I should have a few glow manatite in my pouch somewhere."
Chris then goes to reach into her pouch but I stop her, saying-
"I have a better idea; Night Eye."
I activate my newest skill; my vision shifting to where everything becomes washed in various shades of green and black.
"Wait, Kazuma. You actually know Night Eye? Amazing, even I haven't gotten far enough along to learn it yet. Hold on a second..."
Chris then pulls out her Adventurer's card and does a few quick presses. She then puts it away before activating her own version of Night Eye.
"And now, thanks to you, I can use it a little earlier than I should. So, shall we dive deeper?"
I nod as we walk down into the second under level of the crypt.
Much like the first level, the second was fairly uneventful; apart from being way more creepy.
Once we had reached the stairs down the third level; where our prize awaited us, we had begun to sense something heavy in the air. Something dark and dangerous.
We proceeded down into the depths with a bit more caution than we had with the previous two floors.
The visibility in the third level was nonexistent. If not for our Night Eye skill, we would be totally in the dark here... literally.
"Kazuma, these particles floating around in the air. They're the type that can absorb light. If we had been relying on a glow manatite in order to see now, we'd be in big trouble."
Said Chris in a whisper.
While we hadn't yet felt any reaction with our Enemy Detection skill; we decided to remain cautious.
After a little bit more walking, we arrive before the entrance to a side room.
Above the entry gate; the crest of the Dawnthorne family.
"Why is it whenever there's a quest that involves going into a dungeon, or crypt, and such; the targeted item is always located in the darkest deepest part? I mean, it's fine for that to happen some times but all the time? That's bad game design if you ask me as that's not how it would work in real life, right?"
"Agreed; I'd say we complain to the owner...assuming this place even still has one?"
We both chuckle lightly; trying to not make to big of sounds here.
PING
Sonuva bitch; we just had to go jinx ourselves there, didn't we?
============================={ Part 2: Creature }=============================
We slowly and carefully peeked around the corner and looked into the room.
Standing inside the large room was a humanoid figure; it's body seemed to be made from some form of smoke, or fog or mist. Who knows to be honest?
It was a gaseous form was all that I can say for certain.
The thing that was really weird though was the fact that there were shapes forming all across its body; rising and falling and moving along it like ripples on the water.
There were many shapes to be seen; mostly humanoid faces that looked to be screaming out in pain; except these faces didn't make any nose.
Just what the hell kind of creature was this?
I look to Chris for answers but she just shakes her head.
She then reaches into her pockets and pulls out a fairly large rock.
I give her a look; asking if that was going to be wise?
She shrugs in responce before chucking the rock further down the corridor that was the third level.
We then hug each other close; to strengthen the effectiveness of our shared Lurk skill as we hear the sound of swirling wind coming from the targeted room.
A few moments later; the creature emerges but not in a humanoid form.
It had shifted into a form that resembled that of a dog or wolf; the sound we had heard before being the sound of it changing shapes I guess.
It emits a sound that reminded me of crackling thunder; probably meant to be a growl for it as it looks around the room, it stopping to stare in our direction for a few very tense moments.
Oh crap, we may need to make a break for it.
Luckily that wasn't needed as it begins to move in the direction Chris had thrown the rock towards.
Once we couldn't see it; Chris whispers into my ear-
"Let's move quickly; find and grab the item, then get out before it comes back."
I nod as we pull away from each others and swiftly move into the side chamber to begin our look.
It takes only a few moments before I spot the desired item; an old book laying beside one of the stone coffins.
I quickly grab it, stuffing it into my pouch before turning back to Chris and giving her a thumbs up.
She nods as we both turn to make a hasty exit... and come to a dead stop-
As the smoke creature was standing; waiting at the entrance, looking at us.
It then shifts back into its humanoid form and holds out what I think is suppose to be a finger; wagging it at us.
It had known we were here and was just playing with is.
OK, so now what do we do here?
Well, since there was no need to remain quiet now, I look to Chris and ask-
"So, any ideas here?"
I shouldn't have taken my eyes of the creature as the very moment I did; it somehow closed the distance between us faster than the eye could blink, bearing down on me with a feeling as if my life was siphoned out of me.
"Kazu-"
Chris starts to yell but the creatures smoke body seems to expand before I find myself being fully consumed by it.
The next thing I know, I'm experiencing a feeling not unlike that of free fall; my body feeling like I had gone into some sort of tail-spin.
The air in my lungs was just gone; I was suffocating.
And I felt like my very essence was being ripped away from within my very core.
I was dying; no doubt about it.
And in this moment of death, I experienced a vision-
I saw a girl; and older girl in her mid to late twenties I believe, standing before a creature with a body similar to the one I had just been looking at except this one was massive, like something from out of a Kaiju movie.
I could feel myself scream out and though I couldn't here the words being said, I knew I had screamed out her name.
The girl looks back at me; giving me a sorrow filled smile as she goes to say something.
But the creature consumes her before she could finish.
Wait, that girl...? She looked like an older version of-
A sudden burst of light surrounds me and the whole world and I find myself being released from within the creature.
I collapse onto the ground; hacking and coughing as I try to restore needed air into my lungs.
After a few moments, and activating Night Eye again, I look around and find Chris having collapsed onto the ground.
"Chris, what happened? Are you alright?"
I run over to her and pick her up into my arms.
She looks at me weakly and says-
"Yeah, had to use a little trick to free you. I'll need a few minutes before I can move again. Hate to ask, but could you carry me until then?"
I nod as I place her on my back. I then ask about the creature?
She points off to the side; directing me to a small ball of smoke laying on the ground.
"I managed to buy us some time but we should get out of here quickly. By the way, are you alright? What happened to you when it enveloped you anyways?"
I was already moving towards the stairs as she ask me this. I say-
"It felt like... I don't know how to describe it, really. I was being overwhelmed, my lungs were just empty of air, like... like my very soul was being ripped away from me. And then there was that weird vision I had too?"
"What do you mean?"
Before I could say anymore; I begin to run up the stairs but find myself coming to a stop as we both look back to see the creature had already recovered; its body expanding in such a way as it felt like it was filling the whole room. For just a moment, I had expected it would repeat the thing it had done to me just a few moments before. It doesn't but instead-
An almost limitless hoard of zombies began to be blasted out from within; surging towards us like a tsunami.
We both shriek as I hall ass and use Swift to get us out of this place as quickly as possible.
{ Insert Image 1 }
(Megumin's POV)
Just simply sitting here, waiting, was both annoying and a little bit nerve-wracking.
While I would never say it aloud; I confess that it was times like these that made me wish I would make myself learn at least one other spell. Something that could be used safely inside places like this.
I shake that thought from my head as it betrays my love for Explosions by even thinking it.
I look over at Darkness who was busying herself with swinging her sword around; slicing and dicing the open air.
I wanted to ask her why bother practicing when her hits will never land anyways but I decide to stay quiet. What right did I have to complain when I was just as stubborn about things as she was.
More even.
She must have sensed that I was looking at her as she stops her practice and walks over to me.
"Is something wrong, Megumin?"
"I'm just wondering how Kazuma and Chris are doing down there; how much longer this is gonna take, ya know?"
I lie though it actually wasn't really a lie as I did wonder that as well. It just wasn't the main thought going through my head.
Darkness smiles as she places a hand on my shoulder; trying to comfort me which was appreciated.
"Don't worry about them. I'm sure they'll be back at any-"
[AHH!]
Came a scream so loud from the weird device that Chris had given Darkness that even I could easily hear it.
Not that it would be hard to hear as we Crimson Demons had really good hearing.
Darkness reaches up with her free hand; touching a finger against the device.
"Chris, Kazuma; what is it? What's going on down there?"
[Darkness, have Megumin be ready to fire off an Explosion the moment we clear the crypt's entrance.]
"I understand but tell me what's going on down there?"
There was no immediate response; I had already begun to chant as Darkness tries to reach them again.
[Oh crap, it's like a tidal wave of zombies coming right at us. We're not going to make it.]
[Kazuma, make a turn just past... hey, I said make a left back there, not a right.]
[I know where I'm going, Chris. Don't be back seat driving me at a time like this.]
[Oh really; well I hate to inform you that the stairs back to the first floor is the other way.]
[Trust me, Chris. I know what I'm doing here.]
[That is an opinion you are having right now; one I must respectfully disagree with.]
After that, there was some very weird sounds that came from the device; including but not limited to the sound of stone being broken, screams of terror being had, and Chris's voice yelling 'idiot, idiot, idiot' alongside Kazuma saying 'don't make me make you get off and walk, woman.'
Just what the hell was going on down there?
And then, I hear something; a sound that made me think of crashing water for some reason which is weird as I've never heard that sound before and thus have no actual basis for comparison to work with.
And yet, that's what my brain told me which was quickly followed by the sounds of Kazuma an Chris screaming before the sound quickly dies off.
"Kazuma, Chris? Darkness, we have to go do something... Darkness?"
I look on in disbelief as I see Darkness; her cheeks a bright pink and her breathing labored as she looked like she was building up to have an orgasm.
"Ah, it sounds so fun down there right now? I wish I could have gone along with them!"
I was about to scream at her; tell her that this wasn't the time or place for this, but the sudden shaking of the ground stops us both as we turn our attentions back to the crypt's entrance.
For just a few moments, the ground shakes more and more, then suddenly stops for what felt like an eternity but was really just a second or two-
And then the whole mausoleum like crypt entrance explodes as a torrent of zombies comes blasting into the air like a freaking geyser.
"Megumin, finish your chant and then cast your Explosion. I'll jump inside that thing, find Kazuma and Chris, then make sure we all survive the blast. Fire as soon as you're ready."
"Wait, I can't just do that. What if I kill the three of you by accident?"
Darkness doesn't answer as she had already ran into the geyser of undead; laughing gleefully as she does so and being swept up into the funnel of the dead.
I curse under my breath as I finish my chant; hesitate for just a moment, then pray to Eris that this wasn't a mistake. I then aim my staff at the geyser and shout-
"EXPLOSION!"
============================{ Part 3: Collection }=============================
(Kazuma's POV)
We had survived that little fiasco; somehow-
All the undead had been killed; well, all the ones not caught up in Megumin's Explosion anyways.
Luckily, there had been no undead remaining on the surface following the blast nor could any that had survived with the crypt come out to bother us while we we're vulnerable due to the entrance being destroyed and caved in.
I was the first to recover; thanks in no small part to Heal.
I got Darkness back onto her feet and healed up Chris too though she was still out like a light despite me healing her. Darkness figures she just needed a little rest was all.
Anyways, we were walking back to Axel; I had Megumin on my back, as she refused to let anyone but me carry her whenever I was around, while Darkness was holding Chris on hers.
The three of us agreed to NOT say anything about what had happened to the crypt back there; to avoid getting another bit of debt forced onto us.
I would tell the old man, or ask Wiz if he wasn't there, to avoid going back there for a month due to the undead running around. We would also say that we'll speak to the church and have them send someone there to purify the place.
So long as no one else every visited there, we should be able to avoid getting into trouble.
Once we had returned to Axel; Darkness and Chris, who had finally awakened, split off from me and Megumin to see if Cielo was done for the day so that the three of them could purchase cleaning supplies for our new home and then they would meet us at the guild hall for an early dinner.
Me and Megumin, meanwhile, will go see Wiz, collect on our reward, and then go to the guild to await the others.
RING
"Good afternoon, how can I... Oh, Kazuma and... what was your name again?"
"Megumin."
"Ah yes, Megumin. Welcome back. So, did everything go alright at the crypt?"
I take a look around, seeing no one in the store apart from Wiz and us. I then approach the counter and hand the book over to Wiz who gladly takes it.
"You could say that. I wouldn't go over there any time soon, the place isn't very... safe right now. So, is old man Dawnthorne around?"
Wiz shakes her head at my question.
"He said he had business to take care of but he had a feeling you would be successful so he went ahead and left both the deed and the keys to the mansion with me to pass onto you, Kazuma."
Wiz then stuffs the book under the counter then produces the items we needed.
I take hold of them with shaky hands; feeling Megumin was just as shaky as I was despite not looking at her.
We both cheer as I hoist the items into the air with one hand before stuffing them into my pouch.
"You'll need to visit the records hall tomorrow so they can officialese the deed, Kazuma. Once that's done, you will legally be the new owner of the Dawnthorne mansion."
"Understood, thanks Wiz. Say, if you ever need a place to stay, feel free to come shack up with us. While we may not know how many rooms the place has yet, I'm pretty sure it has to have more than five, right?"
She smiles, thanking me for the offer but is sure it won't ever be necessary to ever accept.
"By the way, what exactly did happen at the crypt anyways?"
Both me and Megumin tense at hearing the question, but I ultimately decide to tell her and ask her to keep it a secret as we didn't want to be hit by another debt.
"Don't worry, I'll keep it secret. And I don't think there will be any problem's either for you all. Apart from Dawnthorne, I don't think anyone else ever goes up there anymore."
"Thanks for that. Once we're done getting set up in the mansion; and I have some free time, I'll come back around and see what else here you have to offer that I might be interested in."
Wiz nods, smiling happily at knowing she may have gained a new dedicated customer in me.
I go to leave but Megumin stops me as she pulls herself off to stand. She then pulls out that weird marble sized thing and hands it to Wiz.
"By the way, miss Wiz's. Could you appraise this item for me? I found it attached to my forehead when I woke up this morning; after my uncalled for outburst against Kazuma. When I touched it, I felt a strong magic coming off of it and I'm wondering if it was the cause of my actions."
Wiz looked at Megumin; saying-
"Outburst?"
Megumin doesn't elaborate, thankfully
After a moment, Wiz takes the marble sized... well, marble like thing and activates her appraisal skill.
"By the way, just what is this appraisal skill anyways?"
I already had a good idea about what this skill did but I figured it didn't hurt to ask anyways.
"All merchants can learn this skill, Kazuma. Doesn't matter what their profession entails; be it blacksmithing, magical items, grocer; it allows you to get a deatil description on any item you look at while the skill is active as well as determine the quality of... oh, this is interesting."
Megumin and I see a look of surprise and awe come over Wiz as she turned the item over and over in her hand.
"What is it, Wiz?"
Asked Megumin.
After a moment, Wiz seems to come out of her 'in awe' expression and says to us-
"This, my friends, is called a Memory Index; a powerful magical item that can store memories inside it with perfect clarity. You simply hold it to your head, think on the memory you want it to record, then send a little mana into the device to record the memory. It can be very useful if you want to keep a cherished memory always close and easily viewed."
"Furthermore, it seems this particular one has even been enhanced; allowing one to also store the feeling felt in the time as well. It can also record any memory and feeling being experienced in real time, as it happens."
Megumin cocks her head to the side; a look of confusion written on her face.
I pull out my Adventurer's guide and look this particular item up; finding nothing written about it.
Taking notice; Wiz quickly says-
"I'm afraid you won't find anything about it in any book as it was a failed magic product."
"What?"
Asked both me and Megumin.
"Many have tried to create an item like this over the long history of magic items; mainly in order to preserve history; recording the memories of those who lived through the famous moments that have happened in the past. However, all attempts have failed; mainly because it caused anyone who tried to use it head to explode or rob them of all memories, leaving them a vegetable. It was ultimately abandoned because of that fact. To think, someone actually succeeded in making a working one. I wonder who did it?"
"So, does that mean there's a way for use to see what was recorded on there?"
I asked.
"Well, you would normally touch it to your head and allow the memories to play out inside your mind. However, I luckily have an item that should combo well with this; allowing all three of us to see what was stored on here first hand."
Wiz then steps out from behind her counter and pulls out a glass sphere that looked to be filled with some sort of blue liquid. She then places it down on a table and says back to us-
"This here is a Friendship-making Orb; used to help deepen the bounds of friendship between two people. Though, for some reason it only shows the most embarrassing memories people have."
I notice Megumin flinch at hearing the name; then smacks her head at she hears what its caveat is.
"Mental note, next time I head back home, have a long chat with 'that man' about his little toys."
I wonder what that was about? I should remember to ask her later.
I then look back at Wiz who had placed the marble like object against the top of the sphere.
"This isn't usually how this is meant to work but I'm sure it will regardless. Well, no harm in trying at least, right?"
I suddenly have a bad feeling about this.
Wiz then begins to pump mana into the two objects; one hand on the marble thing and the other on the sphere.
A bubble of energy surrounds us, casting the room into darkness as a giant floating screen forms in front of our eyes and within it, an image starts to form.
-At first, there is nothing but darkness until an image begins to take shape-
-It became clear quickly that we we're looking through the eyes of someone here-
-Eyes that quickly focus; showing us something unexpected and rather creepy too-
-I was there, laying opposite the person who's eyes we were seeing through-
-Making a very disturbing motion with my hands against the person in the dreams hand.-
-The person screams; a familiar sounding scream, Megumin's scream.-
-"Did you sleep well, darling?"-
-My counterpart said in a rather seductive sounding voice.-
-The figure we were seeing through the eyes of, Megumin, quickly back away as she panics.-
-"Oh my god, I've been violated. Damn you Kazuma, damn you."-
Wait, this was pretty much exactly the same way and words Megumin used to react to me this morning.
-The Megumin in the memory then quickly grabs hold of her staff then thrust it out at other me.-
-He-I quickly pull away to avoid getting hit.-
Wait, just where is this taking place? I don't recognize it. It's also dark out; the dead of night I think.
-"Wait, Megumin, that wasn't what you thought it was. Please just let me explain, alright."-
-"Don't lie, Kazuma. Why are you in here with me then? And why were you holding my hand like that too? And just where am I right now anyways, you beast?"-
-"I'm not lying here, Megumin. Just look around. We're inside your room, just like last night, remember? Your mom locked me in here again, after she used that sleep spell of her's to knock us both out."-
"Wait, that's suppose to be my room? But we only have the one bedroom back home and it doesn't look like that?"
Said Megumin in response to what we had just heard.
-"And as for why I was holding you hand like that? It's because its freezing in here. Surely you can feel it, right? And look; your mom even froze the window shut just to make sure you didn't go running off again."-
-The Megumin we were seeing through looks at the window, seeing it had indeed been frozen shut. She then jumps to her feet, runs over to the door, then begins to beat her fist against it.-
-"Damn it, mom, open up right now. I have a few choice words I want to say to you. For one thing, you know how I get after I wake up from being under one of your sleep spells. You just made me say something mean to my best friend. What, are you really THAT desperate to hear us 'slapping skin together' in here? You are, aren't you? I can hear you breathing just beyond the door. Kazuma, quit sitting there and help me rip this door down, now."-
-"Yes, ma'am."-
-The other Kazuma says as he dejectedly gets up.-
The image then distorts before fading; returning the room back to its normal appearance.
The three of us just stand there, unsure of what to think for a moment. And then, Megumin screams out-
"What the hell did we just watch there? Just when did that take place? And what the hell was my mother doing anyways? Like that other me said, was she trying to get me and Kazuma to...?"
Megumin doesn't continue; either do to her rage overloading her ability to speak or not wanting to say anymore on what all of us were naturally thinking.
I look at Wiz and ask-
"So, do you think there's any chance that when Megumin woke up this morning, she may have been driven by at least some of what we had just seen; leading her to act out as she did?"
Megumin is also pulled from her thoughts to look at Wiz who was busy cupping her chin; thinking.
"Hm, since this memory came from Megumin from the looks of it, then I suppose it would be possible for her actual thoughts at the time of awaking this morning to be overridden by the memories on this little bauble. But that leaves a few questions though."
"But that can't be right? I have never taken Kazuma to my home village before, nor has he ever met my parents yet either? So how can something like this exist with out anything being implied even happening yet?"
Wiz shakes her head; obviously unsure on how to respond or explain it.
I meanwhile, take a moment to recall stuff I have seen and read across anime, manga, and games in the past; wondering if there was any parallels to be found. I quickly think of two possibilities.
"I have two ideas. One, what we just saw was something recorded in the future but somehow sent back in time. The other is that what we just saw was from some alternate time-line; also happening at some point in the future and sent both back in time and here to our time-line. Who can really say though and who knows how it ended up being placed on your head either?"
"I think you may be right, Kazuma. Would it be OK if I sent this to the Crimson Demon village and have their experts look into this little matter for us. I'm sure they may be able to answer the question."
Said Wiz as she pulls the marble thing away; looking at us.
I look at Megumin who says-
"I'm fine with it; so long as you erase that memory on there before sending it. There's a certain person back home I know will end up looking at it; someone I'd rather not see it if at all possible."
Wiz nods as she walks back to the counter and places the marble thing down beside her register.
"I'll study it a bit more before I send it and make sure to erase that memory for you. Now, is there anything else you two need?"
We shake our heads, then bid Wiz goodbye; promising to stop by again to buy some stuff. We also ask her to keep us up to date on what the results on this thing end up being.
As we head towards the Guild, Megumin says to me again.
"Kazuma, I want to apologize to you again, about what happened this morning. After seeing that, I find myself feeling doubly bad about it. Both about what happened between us and about what happened between... well, us. You know what I mean, right?"
I nod as I give her a head pat.
Whenever I do that, she always looks annoyed but she never pushes my hand away or asks me to stop so I'm assuming that she likes it; she just doesn't want to look like she likes it.
"Hey, like I said before, don't worry about it. Either of the two incidents, actually. Besides, the way the me in that memory was fondling you hand like he was, even I have to admit to being very disturbed by the sight. I wonder what kind of mindset I was having in that moment to make me do that anyways?"
Megumin only shrugs, then is quiet for a second before asking-
"So, which of the two possibilities you talked about is the correct one?"
"Well, judging from what you said about the room not looking familiar to you; I'm gonna lean more towards the alternate time-line one rather than the future one. Either way, at least we know to expect something like that to possibly happen in our future, should we ever go visit your family, right?"
"And I'll make sure to say some stuff to my mother beforehand too just to add some further insurance on top of that when that day comes."
Adds Megumin, giving me a smile as we walk to the guild the meet up with the others.
(FYI, Wiz does forget to erase the memory data before sending the marble thing to the Crimson Demon village so don't be surprised if that comes back to bite poor Kazuma's butt later on.)
============================={ Part 4: Mansion }=============================
The next two days were rather busy for us.
After having dinner; we all returned to the mansion with the cleaning supplies, and Cielo, and began to process of getting the place in shape.
Upon arriving, we found a letter left inside the postage drop box next to the gate; the contents letting us know the mansion appeared to be safely habitable for anyone to live in.
Once inside, we decided to just focus on cleaning the entry area, the large living room and the downstairs hall way, leading up to the downstairs toilet and bath rooms as well.
The next morning, we finished cleaning the the rest of the downstairs and discovered a decent sized library, a large pantry for food storage, a wine room, the kitchen, dining room, and what I believed may have been the master bedroom which everyone agreed to let me convert into my private workshop.
After that, we decided to take a break in order to head into town in order to purchase furniture and a ton of food. We also ended up renting a cart from the Guild to help us transport everything back with.
On a side note, Megumin actually insisted that I not worrying over her daily Explosion for today as she really wanted to get all this done.
Did hell freeze over or something?
After we had gotten back, and stocking the pantry with the food we had bought, we got to work cleaning the upstairs area which was mostly just bedrooms, twelve in total, two storage closets, the balcony, and another toilet. There was also another set of stairs that allowed access onto the roof.
By the time we had finished, the sun had begun to set.
As far as the furnishing we had purchased, it was mostly stuff for the living room, kitchen, and our individual bedrooms. We didn't have enough eris between us at this time to get stuff for ALL the bedrooms. We decide we'll take care of them later; either once we have more eris to burn or if we get anymore recruits and such.
Once we had finished, we all celebrated with a nice dinner; cooked and prepared by your truly thanks to a combination of my knowledge of Japanese dishes and learning the cooking skill to further improve my talent.
And judging from the faces of the girls once they had finished eating; they really REALLY loved it.
As I was doing the dishes after; I heard the four of them talking about tomorrow's events.
"We need to get back to work with doing Quest, pure and simple. I say we do a Quest with a lot of monsters so I can further improve the efficiency of my Explosion magic."
"No, it has to be one that pits us against a powerful foe. Something like the one shot bear. To be on the receiving end of its claws; the thought of being messed up beyond recognition. Just thinking about it makes me feel...AHH."
"OK, I've changed my mind. Aside from that last part, I wouldn't mind taking on a One-shot Bear. I'd very much like to show it just what a 'one-shot' attack is like."
"I'd rather not do anything so dangerous if we can avoid it. Maybe go after a pack of rock-biter wolves I've heard have been spotted around these parts. With all the time I've spent training my priestess class here as of late, I'm worried that my Monk skills are starting to get rusty."
"How about we all take it a little easier, alright? I mean, we're all still low level after all-"
"Speak for yourself, Chris. Thanks to me wiping out all those zombies back there; I've gone up nine levels, making me level sixteen now."
"And I'm at thirteen myself, almost at fourteen; thanks in part to the present father gave me before I left home to come here to Axel that has a triple XP bonus charm. What about you, Cielo?"
"Wow, you have a triple XP charm on one of your items? Your dad must have spent a LOT of eris to afford that. As for me, I'm actually at level seventeen. I know that seems high but I was already at level fourteen when I arrived here in Axel; thanks in part to my father's intensive training regiment."
"As for me? I'm level fifteen right now. Can't really say how I got that high, being a thief and all. Professional trade secret; you all understand, right? Anyways, we shouldn't take on high level Quest until SOMEONE, who's name I won't mention decides to hurry up and catch up with us."
Silence followed those words and I knew; despite the wall there between us dividing the dinning room and kitchen, that all four of them were looking in my direction.
I pull out my Adventurer's card and look at it; seeing that I was only level nine.
And here I thought the weakest job; Freelancer, was suppose to be the easiest to level.
OK, I'm actually the Stranger class but I had yet to tell them as I still didn't know what that meant?
And, on a side note, Freelancer was now an official thing thanks to Luna sending in that request to the head office. Never again would the term base Adventurer be used... except by those who didn't get the memo or refused to change with the times.
"Then how about this; we take on a big kill Quest but leave the monsters just barely alive so we can let Kazuma administer the killing blow? That way, he'll get the bulk of the XP earned which will help him catch up with us and in turn help us with being able to take on Quest that are far more rewarding, and worth our time doing?"
They all cheer at that suggestion.
I sigh as I yell out at them-
"Actually, I was thinking we could take tomorrow off too. We could all just sit back, relax, and enjoy the comforts of our new home. Besides, I'm still owed a proper rest after the Dullahan incident in case you all have forgotten? And SORRY for being so weak when compared to you lot. Do any of you have any idea how hard it is to get XP when you all take the kills from me? Leaving me with only the lesser assist XP that comes from just participating in a kill."
And then another thing occurs to me as well-
"And on a side note; why is it that I'M the one cleaning the dishes here? I was the one who cooked for all of you lazy bums so shouldn't you four respond in kind with doing the dishes as a thank you?"
"And don't any of you go saying we did all the work, or even most of the work, with cleaning this place up. Especially seeing as you four took more breaks than I did to say nothing of spending more time chatting about what should go where over focusing on cleaning."
There was no response to that question.
In fact, the dining room was quite; TO QUIET.
On a hunch, I peek around the corner to find the dining room empty which makes me sweat drop.
Now just where the hell did they-
The sudden sound of the front door being opened hard enough to smack the wall makes me run to the front door then out just beyond the opened front gates-
Where I then see the four girls making a quick escape back towards Axel.
I then yell out at them at the top of my lungs-
"You damn cowardly traitors; don't think for a second that I'm gonna forgive and forget this one. Just you four wait. When you decide to come back, expect to find the front doors locked tight as I have the only key to unlock it at present. And don't expect me to open up for you all. Oh no, if you want back into MY mansion, you'll have to get down on your hands and knees and beg me to let you all back in and even then, I'll only do it under very VERY perverted conditions. You think I'm joking here? Oh, just you wait as I already know what I'm gonna demand from each of you."
"AND YOU FOUR ARE NOT GOING TO LOVE IT. ESPECIALLY YOU, DARKNESS!"
I then cackle maniacally into the darkening evening; already imagining their cries for mercy from me.
Ah, it's so good to be home, right?
=============================={ Part 5: Ghost }==============================
I opened my eyes; finding myself in a very strange and unknown place.
I turn to look up at the ceiling, then I turn my head from side to side; trying to see if anything stuck out.
After a moment, I recalled that I was inside the mansion. But where exactly inside the mansion was I?
It takes me a few more moments before I finally remember everything.
I was here in the entry room of the mansion.
I had decided to sleep here; in order to insure I heard the sound of knocking on the door once those four decided to come back. Since the bell didn't work, I thought it better this way.
Better remember to add buying a new bell for this place as soon as possible.
Wait a minute; what do I care if they come back tonight or not?
Why aren't I upstairs; breaking in my new bed now?
Dammit; I'm way to much of a nice and forgiving guy with those kids.
OK, Darkness is older than me but sometimes I wonder if her appearance actually makes her look older than she appears.
Just like how Megumin's appearance makes her look younger than she is-
Wait a minute; I don't even know just how old they even are.
In fact, there's a lot about them I still don't know anything of.
Once they get back; we will really need to sit down and learn more about each other.
Hold on, Kazuma. First things first; I have to see to their punishments.
OK, seriously though; just where are they and when will they be getting back?
I'm actually starting to get a little worried here.
I go to stand but then quickly realize something.
Someone had placed a blanket over me so I wouldn't get cold?
Someone who wasn't me?
Had those four come back after all?
Impossible, I'm the only one who had a key, right?
Damn it, of course. Chris was a thief so she probably had a lock picking skill she could use.
They had probably gotten back after I fell asleep then had gone up to their rooms for the night.
While I appreciate them putting a blanket over me; I would have preferred they had either woken me up or at least carried me up to my room and put me in my bed.
Or maybe I had covered myself with this blanket and just wasn't recalling at the moment.
Well, only one way to find out.
I make my way up to the stairs and quietly make my way up to the second floor.
I start to move towards Megumin's room first; as her's was right next to mine and Chris's was across from mine; Darkness besides her and Cielo after that.
I stop however; deciding to check my room first for some reason.
I step into my room; finding no one sleeping in my bed; just as it should be-
Wait, I mean that I should be in hear sleeping; not sneaking around inside my own mansion.
Damn it, now I getting angry again.
If they are back; I hope their ready for a rude awakening from me, starting with you Megumin.
I laugh manically into the night.
Before I could turn and stomp my way out of me room; for added effect, I realize something.
The moon light coming in through my window; with the mostly leafless trees adding to the shadows, looked damn creepy in the night.
I wonder if we can have some all year around trees transplanted in their place.
Still though; can't help but admire the ambiance the image was giving off.
Apart from that, there was thankfully nothing else of note that could scare someone in here-
OK, apart from me that is-
And the strange doll-
Wait, what?
There wasn't a doll in here when I had last been in here?
If there had been, I would have tossed it out immediately.
Now that I think about it, didn't I see this thing downstairs in what had been the master bedroom?
How did it end up here then?
Oh, I get it. One of them must have done it; probably Megumin or Chris.
I swear; those two really are a couple of kids.
Did they actually think that this would actually scare me?
OK, maybe it could but I wasn't about to tell them that.
I go to leave the room; to go on a little 'night raid' visit with the girls when a devious idea hits me.
I'll take this creepy doll and place it besides one of those two; or maybe Darkness.
Nah, Darkness would probably love being scared by it when she wakes up.
So now the big question is which one should it be; Megumin or Chris?
Decisions, decisions-
I then move to grab the doll but stop as I notice something-
The dolls eyes had moved from where they had been; now looking at me intently.
Nope, that's impossible. I'm just imagining things here.
I close my eyes, smack my cheeks and shake my head a little before looking at it again-
And freezing in terror as it floats into the air; it's form surrounded by an eerie aura, eyes glowing with a ghoulish light.
"Ah h-ahh-ahh..."
I manage to get out as I start to slowly back away.
Despite being a doll and its features unmoving say for its wide scary eyes; I could swear I saw its painted on mouth grown wider, into a grin.
And then it begins to laugh a sweet; ghastly laugh.
I do what any sensible man would do here-
I shriek like a little girl and start running like a bat out of hell.
Within a split second, I reach the stairs and quickly trip; falling down with a loud crash.
Despite the pain, I force myself back onto my feet and make a made dash to the nearby door.
I quickly unlock it then go to open the door; finding it won't budge an inch.
I look to see that the door had locked itself again, so I once more unlock it only for it again to re-lock itself.
Unlock; quickly locked.
Again and again-
Over and over; pissing me off with every re-locking.
"For the love of-give me a break here, freaking poltergeist."
I yelled as I try to force the door open.
I then hear that creepy laugh again; making me look back only to shrink in terror.
Instead of just one floating dolly; there were now about a half dozen of these scary murder dolls baring down on me.
I shriek again as I race back past them and return upstairs; asking myself just why I was heading back in the direction I had just came from.
I could feel them following me in an almost playful way.
Was this really just a game for these things.
Once I was back upstairs; I immediately chose a door and rush inside; making sure to lock it behind me.
Wait, if the ghost could keep me locked in the mansion; then what was stopping it from letting itself inside any room I chose to hide in?
No other choice; I'm jumping out a window and making a run for it.
I go to turn only to freeze cold once again as I stared down a pair of glowing red eyes.
"AHH."
"EKK."
It was Megumin; they really did come back.
Thank god, I wasn't alone in this night of terror.
"Geez Megumin, don't go scaring me like that. I'm already having to deal with a bunch of ghost scaring me; I don't need you helping them to give me a heart attack."
"Speak for yourself, Kazuma. I thought my poor little heart was about to stop."
We both take a moment to take-in a few deep breaths in order to calm ourselves down.
"OK, look; I'm sorry about scaring you. I didn't know you had come back. Thanks for that, by the way. Ditching me to do the dishes after I was nice enough to cook dinner for all of you guys. How did you four even get back in anyways?"
"Us four? Did the others actually come back too? After hearing what it was you yelled at us, I decided to come back. As far as how I got back in? Well, we do have a lot of windows open to help air this place out while we can so I climbed in that way. I thought Darkness and Cielo were going to stay at the Erisia Cathedral tonight and Chris was just going to go hang out where ever it is she goes to hang before we got this. Kazuma, about earlier... sorry for running out like that."
I sigh as I rub my temples; a realization coming over me. With all the scares I had just experienced over the last few minutes had caused a very bad problem to develop-
I really, REALLY needed to use the bathroom.
"Don't worry about it, Megumin. I'll just add it to that grow list I have laying around. Anyways, I'll be right back. Nature is calling me and unless you don't mind me giving your bedroom floor a golden washing; I better get to answering."
I turn to leave, only to find Megumin grabbing onto the sleeve of my track suit.
"Megumin; what are you doing? I was being serious about my need to pee here."
She increases her grip- saying-
"I can't let you go alone, Kazuma. If what you said was true; if there really are ghost roaming the halls, then it would be better for us to stay together, right? Whether it be on the field of battle or going to the bathroom; comrades need to be there for one another, right?"
She then gives me the most sincere smile I had ever seen her give; the sort of smile that you could swear was producing stars.
Like hell I was going to have that.
I immediately try to pull away from Megumin who is quick to latch onto me with her vice like grip.
Damn, just how strong was this crazy Explosion obsessed kid, anyways?
"Hey, let me go already, you perverted loli. Do you even hear yourself here? Are all Crimson Demons as crazy as you are. Besides, why would you want to go anyways. You aren't about to burst here, right?"
"How dare you call me a crazy, Kazuma? In fact, how dare you call me loli. And insulting my clan on top of that; have you no shame at all? And besides, I do need to go to the bathroom here too. Come on and quit wasting time here and grow a pair already before things really get soggy aro-und... here..."
Her sudden freeze catches me off guard; her eyes locked onto me-
No, not onto me but looking at her bedroom window behind us.
I timidly look back and see immediately see what it was that had brought her to a stone cold stop.
Looking at us through her window were those scary looking murder dolls; so many of them that you couldn't see anything outside the window except the dolls.
We scream and terror as we bolt from the room.
{ Insert Image 2 }
A few minutes later; we were at the bathroom.
I was waiting very patiently outside; fighting with all my might to not lose the holding battle.
Megumin, meanwhile, was inside taking care of her business.
Damn it, why am I always such a chump with her; letting her go ahead and relieve herself first.
She better appreciate how nice I am to her.
"Kazuma, are you still out there?"
"Yes."
"Are you really still out there?"
"If I wasn't, I wouldn't be responding to your dumb questions."
"So, you really aren't going to leave me here alone then?"
"Don't tempt me, woman. Just hurry up and finish up already. I can already feel my bladder about to burst on me here."
"Kazuma... could you please sing me a song. Something to can take my mind off things and help me to focus on what I need to do in here."
This damn brat; she's really testing my patience right now. Of all the times to turn into a coward too-
I sigh; resigning myself to coddling her. Once again, she better appreciate what it it I do for her.
I then think about what kind of song to sing that would help her out.
"Um.. Bakuretsu, Bakuretsu, la-la-la."
"Bakuretsu, Bakuretsu, la-la-la."
"Bakuretsu, Bakuretsu, la-la-la!"
I just keep repeating those words, over and over for several minutes.
Somewhere along the way; Megumin began to join in. Sounding happier and happier as it went on.
Even I was starting to forget about the terrors we had been forced to endure as I also started to accept the joy it was making me feel.
And then, suddenly-
"Kazuma, Kazuma; please stop now OK?"
"Yes, I'm Kazuma. Wait, why? Is something wrong?"
There was a pause before she answered.
"Well, no. Not exactly. It's just-well, saying that over and over was making me so happy that it was... making me start to feel a little weird. Anyways, I'm finished so you can come in now."
Weird? What did she mean by... OH! Damn, Explosion talk really does make her-
Never mind that; it's bathroom time.
I open the door to an awaiting Megumin who scoots to the side so I had enough room to stand.
"OK, I'm in here now. Go ahead and wait outside for me; I'll try to be quick here."
She nods as she leaves my line of sight. A moment later, I hear the door behind me close shut.
I then immediately drop my pants and bask in the glorious feeling of that sweat sweat bladder release.
"Wow, so that's how it works for boys. I honestly thought you guys squatted down like we girls do."
"Only when we go number two...? MEGUMIN?"
I scream, finding that not only had she not left the toilet like I had thought she had; but seeing her peeking around me and watching me as the golden stream flowed on and on.
"What? I just figured we'd do better if we stay as close as possible. Besides, I figured I could give 'it' a little shake when your finished. That is something you guys do, right? I heard an upperclassman say that to his girlfriend back in my school days in the Crimson Demon village."
I could feel like my whole mental grasp on reality was cracking at an incredibly fast pace.
Was this girl really in here, doing this now?
"Get out of here, you little pervert. Does it not occur to you just how disgusting this whole situation here is?"
"Really, Kazuma? Tell me just who the bigger pervert here is; the girl who's watching a guy take a pee or the guy who is still going strong despite having a girl watching him. You aren't even trying to cover yourself or trying to shield my poor innocent eyes."
"There's nothing innocent about you; don't pretend otherwise. Fine, you wanna watch me finish, go ahead. You wanna give little Kazuma here a jiggle when I'm done; then be my guest. Just know the next time you decide you need to go the bathroom and I'm there; I get to watch you go at it too. That's just being fair after all."
She gives me a deadpan look as she recoils a little; saying-
"You disgusting pervert; just wait till the other get back in the morning. I'm going to tell them all about what you just said to me."
"And in the process; reveal your own twisted mindset as you do so. Face it, Megumin, if you betray me then you betray yourself too. No way around it."
After I had finished, we exited the toilet only to find the dolls floating there; patiently awaiting us.
[Did you enjoy your time in there?]
Came a ghostly voice with no obvious source.
Once again, we run and soon to shelter inside one of the hallway closets.
"Kazuma, please tell me you have an idea about how to get us out of here?"
"I don't have any idea off the top of my head. Just give me a moment; I'm sure I can think of something."
I start to think; an idea forming quickly. I start to speak when Megumin cuts in with another question-
"By the way, Kazuma. I... um-don't want to be rude as I know you guys can be very sensitive about this subject but... I have to ask, having seen one in the flesh. Just how is something so small and squishy suppose to help make a girl get pregnant?"
I freeze for just a moment; only one thought running over and over inside my mind.
NNNNOOOO, she just said I'm small-
Wait, she was saying I was small but asking how a limp dick could...does this girl really not know how sex works?
I end up asking her that very question.
After a moment of fidgeting; she says-
"I-I-I well, I know that it's meant to go inside a girls...never mind. I honestly don't know anything else, really. Sex Education wasn't a subject I was interested in. It also doesn't help I graduated five years early from Red Prison Academy; the local school all aspiring Crimson Demons attend. In fact, that particular class wouldn't have happened for me until the second to last year if I hadn't graduated early. And even then, I doubt I wouldn't have attended it."
I look at her confused.
"You were going to play hooky and skip it? That doesn't sound like you."
"Actually, that is very much me. I often skipped out on classes that covered subjects I didn't have an interest me. Take sex ed for example. The purpose of that class was to teach a subject I have NO interest in. I mean, even romance isn't something I care about. I only have three loves in my life; my parents, my little sister, and Explosion's. And Explosion's holds ninety percent of my heart in its grasp. The other ten percent is reserved for my family."
Damn, you really are obsessed with Explosion's.
Also, I didn't know you have a little sister either. I'll need to ask Megumin to tell me about her later.
Anyways, back to the task at hand.
"OK, putting that aside. Here's what were going to do. We're going to rush back outside, race back downstairs and go through the front door; even if we have to kick it open. Once we're outside; we'll see if the ghost try to follow us or if they're stuck inside the mansion. Depending on what they do will determine where we'll be sleeping tonight. Then tomorrow, we'll hire a priest to come around and exorcise the ghost for us."
"What if the ghost try to stop us from leaving?"
"I'm planning on using Lurk on us so hopefully that will hide us from them. If that fails, I'll use Drain Touch in needed. Anyways, hop on my back and we'll make our escape."
Megumin hops onto my back and I prepare to open the door while activating Lurk.
But I'm stopped as I hear a nose behind me.
We both look back, finding the back wall was lined with dolls.
I quickly open the door, only for more dolls to immediately start rushing inside; overwhelming us.
We both scream in terror as we are taken by the darkness.
=============================={ Part 6: Anna }==============================
( Darkness POV )
"Do I even want to ask what happened here last night?"
Me, Chris, and Cielo had returned to the mansion following our hasty exit the night before.
I knew that we had a big punishment awaiting us from Kazuma'
A punishment, I gladly confess, had been hotly anticipating all night.
I would gladly take on Chris, Megumin, and Cielo punishments as well.
I mean, as a Crusader, it was only natural that I do so in order to protect their innocent hearts and minds.
One other reason did I, heh heh, need really?
However, Megumin had gone missing on us as we had ran to Axel and I had wondered where she had ran off to.
I should have guessed she'd have second thoughts and come back.
Still though, just what the heck had happened here last night to leave them both in their current states?
We were standing inside the living room,looking down at our two comrades-
Who appeared to have been so traumatized that they lay huddled together, in a fetal position, and skin white as a ghost as they shook violently.
Something told me it had something to do with the large circle of dolls that lay in a circular pattern around them.
"Cielo, can you use Heal to help them?"
Asked Chris.
Cielo shrugs as she approaches them and kneels down.
"I'm not sure but I'll give it a try."
As Cielo gets to work, I look at Chris and start to ask if she had any idea on what may have happened here?
But before I could speak; we hear a knocking sound from behind us; coming from the open front door.
"Hello, is anyone home?"
It was Wiz; probably here to check in on us. I yell out to her, telling her to go ahead and come in.
"Oh my, what seems to have happened here?"
She asked as she enters the room.
"That's what we'd like to know. Hey Chris, care to hazard a guess about-Wiz?"
I stop as I notice Wiz had turned her attention off to the side; seemingly talking to someone.
"Oh, I see. Well that explains things then."
"Hey, what are you talking about, Wiz. Is there someone here with us we can't see?"
Asked Chris.
Wiz looks back at us and blinks; surprised by the question.
"What do you mean? Sure you can see-oh, they can't see or hear you because you are a ghost? Right, give me a moment to remedy that problem."
Wiz then begins to chant a spell; her body as a seal appears beneath her feet. After a few moments, the seal expands outwards beyond what I was able to see.
"There; I've created a seal that will allow you to see and hear her both inside the mansion and outside as well so long as you are within the surrounding walls."
"See who?"
I ask.
"See me, of course. My name is Anna Dawnthorne. Nice to meet you, everyone."
Standing in the spot Wiz had been looking at before now stood a girl who appeared to be around twelve or so; her body partly transparent and see through.
Chris stands as she ask her-
"So, I take it you're the ghost who's responsible for our friends current states here?"
Anna nods as she begins her story.
"That is correct. I have been here for well over a hundred years; both before and after my death. I could have moved on to Heaven, of course. But I heard Heaven could be rather boring so I decided to stick around for a bit to get a bit more enjoyment out of life... well, out of my afterlife that is."
"For the first few decades, I had a fair bit of fun; scaring people and all until the mansion was abandoned. After that, things got boring pretty quickly so I decided to take a little nap though it ended up lasting a few decades longer than planned. In fact, if not for that nice boy there, I'd still be snoozing away inside my grave outside."
"What do you mean? What did he do and what did you to to Kazuma and Megumin after?"
Asked Cielo as she continued to heal said individuals.
"After you all had run off, or so I'm assuming, he must have spotted my grave and decided to give it a little cleaning as it must have been dirty. This caught my attention and I came out to watch him work. The girl, I believed snuck back into the mansion and hid herself inside her room while he was working."
"After he was done, I decided I wanted to thank him and figured the best thing I could do-the only thing I could do really, was to thank him by playing a game with him. I'm sure you can see the result of that game is here."
She points to the two figures shaking badly; lying on the ground.
"Don't you think you may have taking your playing with them a little to seriously; to say nothing of being to ruff with them as well?"
Asked Chris was a deadpan tone.
Anna responds by closing an eye and sticking her tongue out in a cheeky manner.
"Well, I MAY have gotten a little to into the game I was playing. What can I say, I've always been a little mischievous, even when I was still alive."
"Imagine, being overrun by an army of dolls; being smothered under their relentless assault. Oh why did I run away and skip out of such an amazing night here. I'm so disappointed with myself."
I swoon as Chris looks at me with a disappointed gaze.
"Is that the thing you regret about last night? Geez, you really are hopeless, Darkness."
"Well if that will be all, I better get back to my shop. I wish you all a good day."
With that, Wiz takes her leave as I turn my attention back to Anna.
"So, little ghost girl, what's you're plan now?"
"Well, I had considered finally going off to heaven at last but seeing as you all will be living here now, I think I'd like to stick around a bit longer; if it's alright?"
I look at Kazuma and Megumin one more time, then back at Anna and say-
"Well, as long as you don't scare us like you did them in the future and offer to protect this place from any intruders; then I see no harm in you hanging around. Deal?"
"Deal!"
I really hope those two don't mind; once they're back to normal that is.
Next time: A sudden alarm sounds early in the morning; calling for the citizens of Axel to evacuate and all available Adventurer's to report to the Guild. The Destroyer as suddenly changed course and is coming in fast. But why is it coming? Find out in the final chapter of book 2.
Image 1: Kazuma running; with Chris on his back. A tidal wave of zombies behind them.
Image 2: Kazuma and Megumin running with a hoard of floating dolls right behind them.
( Bonus Part )
( Luna's POV )
With a little free time on my hands, I had decided to take a few moments to enjoy a little snack.
I know I shouldn't be eating when not on break, but I'm sure no one would complain if they saw me.
As I munched happily on my treat, I failed to notice the shadow that came over me.
"I see you're working hard, or hardly working. I wonder which it is?"
I nearly choked from hearing those words.
Once I was better, thanks to the water I had besides me, I look up, worried that it was one of mu bosses that had spoken.
I breath out a sigh of relief at seeing that it was Ruffian; the guild's resident man of mystery.
"Ruffian, when did you get back? And where did you even go anyways?"
He gives me that big, somewhat scary smile of his; a smile I couldn't help but feel attracted to.
"You know me, same as always. Going around, taking care of personal business. As for when I got back, just a few moments ago. By the way, is Kazuma and his party around by any chance?"
"No, they just left on a Quest just a little while ago. But if you want to wait on them, I'm sure they'll be back soon."
I was surprised to find myself hoping that he would. While I was married to my job; for better or worse, I couldn't deny that this man had a way to send my heart aflutter when ever he cracked that devilish grin of his.
Maybe I should ask him out, one day?
Ruffian shakes his head, saying-
"No time, I'm afraid. I have other matters I need to be seeing to that can't wait. Hm, maybe its better that they aren't here now. Maybe its to soon to let them know what I have discovered."
I cock my head to the side, saying "Discovered?" in reply.
He responds by producing a folded piece of paper from... somewhere on his person and hands it to me. I open it, as he didn't object and read its contents. When I was done, I look back at him with my eyes wide from shock, my hands trembling ever so slightly.
"Ruffian, this document... Is what it's saying... true?"
He gives me a serious nod, then takes a quick look around before leaning in closer to me.
I reciprocate his actions, leaning my own head out from behind the receptionist desk so he could speak directly into my ears.
"Yeah, it's all true. That claim that the old castle out west of Axel was being prepped for a future renovation; it was all a lie."
"And the debt Kazuma's party owed to the kingdom for the damages accrued in the fight against the Dullahan?"
"It was all a lie too. There was never any debt to be paid. They were screwed over by the very Kingdom they had acted to save, even if indirectly."
I just sat there in shock; unable to process why such a thing would happen. How could it happen?
"But why?"
It was all I was able to say in the moment.
"I have a-well, let's just say a relative who's currently at the capital right now. She has learned that the Belzerg war chest; the kingdoms funds has become dangerous low in recent years. So much so that the High Council of Belzerg have been sending diplomats out to the neighboring kingdom of Elroad in the hopes they can help finance the war effort against the Devil King and his forces in the years to come."
"Because of this little matter; the council have decided to be a bit more selective with how they spend their eris where Adventurer's are concerned. Specifically, Adventurer's who have completed Quest that the reward is to big to be paid out by the resident lord of the region. Such as is the case with Kazuma and his party here."
I nod as I once again look at the evidence written on these sheets of paper.
"But how do you know the restoration of the old castle is a lie?"
"Same person who alerted me of the money troubles the kingdom is facing. If you need even more evidence; then how about the fact that the Axel Guild branch was never contacted over sending Adventurer's to help guard the inspector during either investigation. Details I also included in those papers. Even the local lord, Aldarp was never informed and protocol demands he at least be informed so as to commission the Quest. The truth is that there never was an inspection and there probably never will be."
"But still, to defeat the Dullahan like they did? How could the High Council get away with that? And what about the King and the Prince? Surely they wouldn't let this injustice go down, right?"
Ruffian takes in a deep breath; looking around before leaning in closer to me.
"Once upon a time, that was very true. The King and Prince wouldn't have allowed this to happen. But ever since the death of the queen during childbirth; as well as the loss of the princess as well; neither of them have been the same. In fact, the royal family, from what I've heard, haven't actually ruled the kingdom since that tragic day. Instead, they have been out there, fighting the good fight in the hopes of forgetting their sorrows though intense combat while leaving the high council and the assembly of the Nobility to rule in their stead. I'm sure you can guess where that wold naturally lead the kingdom."
"And as for how this cruel action be allowed to happen? It actually very simple. You see, no one outside Axel has been made aware of the death of the Dullahan. As far as the citizens are aware; the man is still out there, serving the Devil King and bringing his undead hoards onto the battlefield."
"Furthermore, Kazuma's party is currently a no name party with its members being the laughing stock of Axel; led by a man who's reputation could be said to be even worse than that of the Devil King himself. As such, it was a rather easy choice for the council to lie and give them a bill over acknowledging and rewarding their achievements. If it had been someone more famous, like that Mitsurugi Kyouya, then things would have been different. No, they decided to make them help add back a little to the war chest as apposed to draining it even more."
"But what about the deduction they gave Kazuma's party? Going from nine hundred million down to four hundred million?"
"Simply a ploy to lessen the chances of the truth being discovered by anyone. By doing that, it would make the council seem like the good guys; understanding the pain a newbie party like theirs would have with earning that back so they threw them a bone. No one would second guess them afterwords."
Hearing all that makes me lean back in disbelief.
How could this kingdom; the kingdom I so love and have served proudly for so long, ever think of doing this? Was this kingdom really that corrupt? Had it fallen so low as to have forgotten the very teachings brought forth by its founders.
A kingdom such as this one; was it really worth trying to preserve anymore?
"So, what should we do now? What should I do now?"
"I'm going to go back and do some investigation work. I have a feeling there's more going on here than just that. For the sake of this kingdom's future-no, the worlds future, I need to discover all of its dirty laundry and bring it out into the open for all to see."
"As for you Luna; you have two choices. Either give that evidence to Kazuma and his party once they get back or keep it hidden away someplace safe and wait till the time is right; when they have made a name for themselves, before you give it to them so they may reclaim what was wrongly taken from them. You could also destroy it... but we both know you would never do that."
Ruffian gives me that charming smile of his before turning and walking off.
After that; I look at the papers again for a moment; asking myself which choice would be the best one in both the short term and the long term.
Regardless, these papers needed to be safe guarded.
No matter what-
AN2: Well, just one more chapter left of book 2 and I'm sure you all have noticed by now and are probably wondering; just where the hell is the Succubus chapter at?
Originally, I was going to do it before the last chapter of book 2 but because of what was possibly going to be written there; and the fact the content of said chapter would have definitely required me to turn this fic into an 'M' rated one has led me to decide to not include it here as part of the main story.
Besides, I feel some of the stuff I did here in this chapter may already be skimming the line between 'T' and 'M' fairly closely; perhaps to closely?
Anyways, just because the Succubus chapter won't be included within the main story doesn't mean I won't post it. In fact, this may be an even better option to go with as I will explain below.
My plan was this; Kazuma is taken to the Cafe, then later at night he gets an unexpected visitor in the form of... well, one of the girls. In both the LN and the anime, it was Darkness. But for here, I had planned on doing a coin toss between Megumin, Chris, and Cielo as the girl paying the visit. It would turn out that Loli Succubus had goofed and entered the selected girl's room and used the dream spell on said girl; a spell that was designed to be used on males only; resulting in bad things happening. In order to fix it; well...Kazuma would have to make a choice there with Loli supporting him.
If I do this as a stand alone, what-if story, I could actually have a chapter revolving around each girl and how Kazuma helps them and I could go ahead and throw not only Darkness into the mix; but even add Yunyun, Lynn, and maybe even more just for the fun of it.
So, my question for you all is; should I go ahead and write and release this side fic at some point in the future. Would you like to see how Kazuma goes about helping each girl in her own dedicated chapter?