Bless This World With A Stranger

by RhineWrites

Arc 8: Konosuba Inferno (chapters 37-?)

11. B2-Chpt 5: Destroyer

Chapter 5: The 'Destroyer'

=============================={ Part 1: Alert }===============================

I wonder what time it is as I finally finish fully waking up?

I sit up, yawn, stretch, then rub my stomach.

I debate if I should go grab some breakfast or just lay back down and begin my first nap of the day?

I wonder if the girls have already gotten up yet?

I really wish I knew what time it was.

I turn to the side of my bed, to the little table where a piece of paper and three books with leather bound covering's lay.

Of the three books; one was black and was going to be the money management tracker.

The second had a green coloring to it and was to be my personal journal here in the this world.

By the way, I really need to get off my butt and start writing in it before to much more happens to make me forget what has already happened.

The last book had a simple brown colored cover and was meant to be where I'd record notes on the inventions I was going to work on producing in my spare time.

I then reach over and take hold of the paper; written upon it being the first set of ideas from back on Earth I was going to try to replicate here first.

"I wonder if I were to ask her; Eris could give me a set of design schematics for this stuff. I mean, while I know of these items and how they're suppose to work, I'll be damned if I know what goes into making even half of these items."

Question is; how do I go about contacting Eris anyways?

Sure, give gave me that little chit-chat thing, by way of a kiss to my forehead, that allowed her to contact me whenever she wished.

Note, that was how she could contact ME; not the other way around... I think?

I need to talk to Chris later, before she leaves for her next 'mission', see if she has any special way of talking to Eris. I mean, she is Eris's special agent on... whatever name this planet has.

I need to ask someone about that here today too.

I place the paper back onto the table before laying back down.

I then pull out my Adventurer's card and begin to look it over; checking my progress on unlearned skills, stats, and how many unused skill points I...

Wait a minute; something isn't right here?

Why do I still have so many skill points available; especially considering how many skills I have acquired so far when compared to my current level?

And my stats?

I don't think they've gone up at all since I got this card. Is there something I'm suppose to do but haven't done yet?

I prepare to start playing around with stuff on my card; deciding to observe how things react VERY carefully, when the sound of an alarm goes off in the distance.

I jump from my bed; looking outside my window.

The sound seemed to be coming from Axel.

And what's more, there appeared to be an orange colored smoke rising up from somewhere in the city too?

I have a feeling I'm not going to get to sleep in today.

I run downstairs only to find the others were not only indeed awake; but getting dressed in their gear already.

Yep, today was going to be bad news, alright?

"Kazuma, there you are. Hurry up and get changed. We need to head to the Guild as soon as possible."

Said Darkness; her aura being one of seriousness; an aura I've only ever seen her have once before, during the fight against Verdia. Instead of her usual bronze armor; she was now wearing a new set of white/gold armor with an almost angelic design about it.

"Why? What's going on, why are you four dressed for battle? And what's with that alarm and smoke?"

"The alarm is to let everyone know that the city is in trouble; BIG trouble. The smoke is for anyone outside the walls; far enough away that they can't hear the alarm going off."

Said Chris as she finishes tying on some sweet looking bracers. No skin below her neck was visible as she was wearing a lavender colored body suit and a full set of leather armor over it.

This wasn't just their usual attire they wore for Quest; this looked like gear one would wear when going to war.

Damn, why haven't I been told about this? I want some sweet looking war themed gear too.

Not that I want to go to war or anything. Rather, I wanted a set if only for the look of it.

"OK, but does anyone know why the alarm is going off and does the orange color of the smoke mean anything?"

I ask; seeing Cielo was also curious which wasn't surprising as she was still new around here too.

"Who knows about the alarm; apart from the fact it only rings when there's a threat approaching Axel. As for the smoke color? Orange can only mean one thing. All citizens are to evacuate at once while all Adventurer's are to gather at the Guild immediately; to receive instructions."

Said Megumin; wearing a dark red dress with silver triangle lines and a skin tight black body suit on underneath that completely hid her skin save for her head, much like Chris was wearing. Red colored lines having been sewn into the body suit that seemed to glow running along them every few seconds.

"It's enough to know that the city and its people are in trouble. Come on, Kazuma, hurry up and get ready. We'll be waiting outside for you."

Says Cielo, Her battle gear kind of reminding me of the outfit Chun-Li wears in Street Fighter 2; just with a green and gold color scheme and white pants that looked to be made from a silk like product.

All in all, the four of them looked totally bad ass-

Which is why I knew what I was about to say was the right thing to say-

{Insert Image 1}

"Well, you girls go have fun out there. I'm going back to bed so... let me know how that all works out for everyone once you get back."

I then turn to quickly leave but I find myself being stopped by Darkness and Chris.

"Kazuma, wha-what are you saying? We need to get over to Axel as quick as possible."

"She's right, Kazuma. There's no time for you to joke around here. Hurry up and get dressed so we can get going already."

I pull their hands off and say in response-

"Yeah-no, I'm not going to do that."

"But why, Kazuma? Don't you care about what happens to everyone in Axel?"

Asked Megumin.

"Nope, not really-"

"Kazuma?"

Says Cielo.

I see the shocked and rather hurt looking faces of everyone which makes me sigh.

"Look, I'll admit I am a little worried about some of the people there; repeat, SOME of them like Luna and Taylor and his team. But right now, the ones who I most care about are all right here, standing before me. For me, that's enough."

"And besides, most everyone in Axel still see me as some spawn of the Devil or something; from the way they look at me and if I'm being honest; I'm starting to get VERY sick of it."

"Furthermore; haven't I-haven't WE already done enough for Axel this year. You know, saving it from Verdia; though granted that was only necessary because two of us did something dumb back then..."

Megumin averts her gaze as I say that though I hoped she noticed I was also taking the blame for that little fiasco too.

"Anyways, my point is we already did that whole saving everyone thing and look how that ended up. We didn't get any gratitude from the kingdom. Instead, we got hit with a debt. I'm sorry if I'm letting you all down, I really am. But my gut is telling me history could very well repeat itself here and I honestly don't have it in me to go through that whole song and dance routine again."

It seems my words had indeed had an impact on them though exactly what kind of impact I couldn't say.

Megumin is the first to speak up.

"Wow, when you hear someone put it that way, it actually makes sense. I'm starting to have second thoughts about this now."

Darkness places a hand on my shoulder and says-

"I guess I can't blame you for feeling like that. But Kazuma, despite even all of that, don't you still feel concerned for the people in Axel?"

I wanted to say no; I really, REALLY wanted to say no there. But instead, I sigh-

"Fine, I guess maybe I do... but only just a little bit."

"If history repeats itself here; then we'll never ask you to stick your neck out for Axel or its citizens again? How's that sound, Kazuma?"

Offers Cielo.

"Well, I guess I can..."

We all notice Chris suddenly going stiff; making us look at her with concern.

She then moves over to me and whispers quietly into my ear-

"Kazuma, the goddess Eris just spoke to me. She has asked me to tell you that if you go do this; if you can save Axel from the incoming danger, then she promises to buff your luck so that you will get to have one of us girls join you for a special super fun bath time event and..."

I didn't hear her finish as I auto activated Sprint; shot up to my room and within a few moments, was back downstairs in my Adventurer's attire, standing at the front door.

"Come on, you snails, what are we waiting for? We have a city to save, oo-hoo."

And with that, I was out the door, running at top speed.

(Chris POV)

I smile as I see Kazuma race out the door.

That boy was nothing if not predictable. It was rather cute in a way.

I look back to see the others staring me down with their ice cold gazes.

"So, one of us will being taking a special super fun bath time event with him, huh? I'm hoping you were speaking solely of yourself there."

Said Megumin; her eyes glowing with anger.

"I can't believe you would promise him something like that, without first even talking with us about it."

I hold my hands up in my own defense.

"Wait, wait; I'm sorry, everyone. I figured that this would be the clincher to get him to want to go. Look, I not expecting any of you to have to suffer because of my lie just now. When then time comes, I'll..."

"I'll gladly step in and take one for the team. It will be humiliating and embarrassing and of course I will want to die from the shame his lewd and lecherous eyes will carve into me as his gaze licks each and every inch of my body. But as a knight, I shall endure this ordeal and never allow myself to be broken."

We all watch Darkness pant like a dog; making some very... disturbing noises.

Maybe I'll need to step in and gift this poor masochist girl with a little divine salvation once this is over?

============================={ Part 2: Planning }=============================

(Kazuma's POV)

Getting to Axel wasn't an issue for us as the citizens were being evacuated via the north gate.

Getting to the Guild Hall once we had reached Axel; that was a bit more tricky to accomplish.

And even when we got to the guild; we only found ourselves being redirected to the temporary base camp that had been set up just outside the south gate.

Getting to the south gate was just as chaotic, due to all the panicking people and crazed looters.

We had to check in once we had arrived before going to join the other Adventurer's-

Who, with a few exceptions, didn't seem happy to see us show up; or maybe it was just me?

Ruffian was there, as was Taylor and his party; they were happy to see us at least.

And Luna was happy as well.

Not long after, Luna walked onto makeshift stage so we could all easily see her.

She then speaks into a megaphone like device; her voice ringing out across the open field.

"Everyone, everyone; please may I have your attention. We have little time left."

Once everyone had quieted, she continued-

"I'm sure you are all wondering just what is going on here; why the alarms had been set off and the citizens evacuated. Perhaps some of you may have already guessed what is going on here but for those who are still in the dark, I will tell you right now..."

"We have confirmed that the mobile fortress, Destroyer, is currently approaching Axel and is expected to arrive in less than an hour from now."

Luna then looks to her side and nods at one of the men standing nearby.

The man, a mage from the way he was dressed, makes a motion with his hands; creating a holographic image above Luna for all of us to see.

It resembled a map of the region with a red blip that was slowly moving towards the representation of Axel that was on the map.

"Wait a minute; I was under the impression that the Destroyer's predicted path would see it pass by safely without incident?"

Shouts one of the Adventurer's from the massive crowd.

"That is, or was, true. For reasons that we don't understand, it made a sudden course change and is now heading here to Axel. This behavior from the Destroyer is something that is rarely seen from it as it normally avoids settlements across the continent."

"Is any help being sent to aid us from the capital?"

Asked another Adventurer.

Luna shakes her head.

"Unfortunately, all aid that could be sent is currently being held up with a battle with two of the Devil King's Generals. The fight began a few days ago and has yet to be resolved."

"Damn, of all the times..."

I hear Ruffian grumble to himself.

I had to agree with his words.

Why does things like this always seem to happen in tandem with other things?

Darkness then steps forward.

"So, do we have a game plan here, then? What do you need us to do?"

"Lord Aldarp has requested that all of you find a way to slow down the Destroyer in order to allow as much time as possible for the citizens to be evacuated. Once that has been down, then we can all clear out as well."

This makes everyone start to chatter amongst themselves; talking about the situation.

"So, does that mean that Lord Aldarp and the city council have decided to abandoned Axel? What about the Eris Faith? Has Mother Clerica said anything about this matter?"

Shouts out Keith from a little ways off.

"I'm afraid so; Axel is to be sacrificed if that's what it takes-"

"And us from the sounds of it."

Shouts someone from the crowd; sounding fairly close to us too.

"Please, please, everyone. Don't speak in such a way. Mother Clerica has also agreed with this decision. In her own words; 'temples and cathedrals, art and sculptures. These things can be replaced. Lives cannot be. We will rebuild; we always do.' Now, does anyone have any ideas they can offer on how we can keep this doom bringer at bay so we can allow more time for the citizens to escape?"

After a moment, various Adventurer's begin to shout out suggestions-

All being shot down or dismissed fairly quickly.

I then feel a tug on my sleeve and look to see Chris was looking at me.

She then motions at me to follow her.

I look back, seeing Megumin and Cielo chatting with Lynn and Keith while Darkness, Taylor, and surprisingly Dust were walking over towards Luna; possibly to discuss strategy.

Strange, I never would have taken Dust for being a strategist though maybe you had to be one in order to get out of all the trouble he tends to get himself into.

Once we had found a nice quiet place were we could talk; away from being heard, Chris says-

"So, Kazuma, got any ideas about how we can survive this?"

"We could run like cowards-OW."

Chris kicks me; though not very hard.

Still hurt though.

"Kazuma, now's not the time. Be serious here."

"I was being serious. Everyone knows that cowards do live longer; one of the benefits ya know."

"Kazuma, please. You're the smartest guy I know. Someone who has already shown himself to be very capable of thinking up clever ideas to get himself and his friends out of trouble on the fly. Please, I need you to be THAT Kazuma again, here and now."

I sigh as I rub my forehead.

"You know, that's asking a lot of me, Chris. I don't even know anything about this Destroyer thing. It's pretty much impossible to come up with any strategy when you know squat-diddly about any threat that's incoming."

"Then let's go talk to Luna; ask her to tell you everything that's known about this threat. I know you can do it and besides; don't forget about the reward I said Eris had promised you."

I sigh again, then say-

"Fine, fine; let's go talk to Luna though I can't promise anything here? I mean, even I have my limits."

Chris nods happily then turns to leave but I reach out; placing a hand on her shoulder to stop her.

She looks back at me confused.

"One thing though; please don't keep lying about what Eris told you. I already know you just pulled those words out of your butt to sell me on the idea on coming here and helping out."

She gives me a shocked reaction to my words; probably because I had figured it out.

"Kazuma, I-I didn't..."

I place a finger on her lips; stopping her from continuing.

"Chris, seriously, it's alright. I admit I bought it when you first said that to me but as we walked here, I thought about it and it dawned on me that Eris wouldn't work a little goddess magic just to make one of you girls do what you said would happen. Even if it was your plan to be the one who fulfills the deal; it was only because you would have felt guilty for lying to me."

I then grin at her and add-

"Besides, I'm a betting man and I am betting that it wouldn't have happened before the year was over and when I approached you on that matter; you probably say something like 'we never signed any contract' or 'we never shook hands on the matter to seal the deal.' So, just forget about it. I'm here now so I might as well play my part. Besides, I am the one who gets us out of trouble after all."

With that, I begin to walk towards the stage to speak with Luna.

After a few moments, Chris joins me and takes hold of my hand; giving it just a little squeeze.

It didn't mean anything; I'm sure of that.

But the gesture was still reassuring all the same.

Once we had reached the stage, I call out to Luna who turns to look at me; hopeful.

"Luna, tell me everything known about this Destroyer thing that's approaching us. I have to confess I know nothing about it so I can't start using my noggin' to think of anything until I know something."

Luna smiles while Darkness and Taylor exchange looks with each other; both clearly relieved to see I me taking this matter on.

Lune has another mage walk up to her and project a crude image of the Destroyer.

It was just an outline, really. Nothing detailed though the image did spin around to give me a better idea of its basic shape.

It was funny though; something about this shape it had seemed familiar to me.

"The mobile fortress Destroyer is said to be capable of moving over any terrain; even able to climb up mountains and traverse rivers of lava without taking damage."

"It's body is covered in a special metal that when empowered by mana from its coronatite power source, rumored, it gains an anti-magic shielding. The Destroyer also has a massive energy shield surrounding it that can also protect it from magic attacks. The magic shield also repels anyone from passing through it in order to get inside. Even coming in from below the ground is impossible."

"It's offensive abilities including crushing anything with its thin legs with large feet that have rock gripping claws. It can unleash autonomous drones that fly around outside the shield that drop energy spheres that explode when impacting anything. It's strongest attack is a beam of intense energy it can fire from out of its head; the sign its going to fire being when the protective plating around its head opens up."

Hm, not just how its outline here looks; but the description given also makes it sound familiar.

Why is that?

They then look at me; expectantly, eyes filled with hope.

I ask Chris to go grab Megumin as I wanted to run something by her.

Once they had returned, with Cielo and Lynn in tow, I then begin-

"OK, first I want to check something. Megumin, is there ANY chance you can take out that shield it has with your Explosion?"

Megumin shakes her head.

"I'm sorry, Kazuma. While I will always stand firm on my belief that Explosion is the ultimate attack magic; the shield that protects the Destroyer is designed to counter ALL incoming attacks, no exception. Even if we could bring that shield down; the secondary defense that is the magic plating that covers it can cancel out any magic attack when active. In truth, I think the only thing on the Destroyer I can damage at present, with that plating being active, are those scrawny looking legs it has. It's reported the legs are the only part of its body not covered in the magic plating which is only the case because that plating is said to be very inflexible; something the legs need to have in order to offer the best mobility option."

Damn, that sucks. Yet, it wasn't impossible now.

Megumin had said she could take its legs out so that was at least something.

"OK, is there any chance any Barrier Dispel magic could be used on that shield it has?"

"Impossible; no one has ever been able to cast a Barrier Dispel that was strong enough to even come close to breaking it."

Said Luna.

Damn, this thing really is-wait, I wonder if it could work?

"OK, so there's no one barrier dispel that can work successfully. But what if we had everyone gathered here who knows Barrier Dispel attack the shield at the same time? Is there any chance that a combo strike could succeed where individual success has failed. Or has that already been tried in the past?"

That makes Luna take a moment to think before she turns away and talks to the mages that had been helping her with the projections.

Off to the side, I hear Chris mumble to herself-

"A Barrier Dispel that's strong enough to break that shield, huh? I never thought of that before. I'm so disappointed with myself."

Before I could ask her what that was about, I hear a familiar voice call out to us.

"I'm sorry I'm late. Is there anything I can do to help out?"

It was Wiz as she comes to join us.

I take a quick look at Luna, observing her asking her fellow guild hands to go around and find out how many Adventurer's gathered here knew Barrier Dispel.

I turn back to Wiz and ask her-

"Is there any chance you know any Barrier Dispel spells? What about Explosion?"

Hearing me ask about Explosion gets Megumin's attention focused on Wiz; obviously curious about that topic as well.

Wiz shakes her head, then says-

"Sorry, but all I know about barriers are spells that can create Barriers, not dispel them. I don't know Explosion either but I can learn it at any time."

"Then please go ahead and learn it, if you would. I have a feeling we're going to need it."

Wiz nods and pulls out her own Adventurer's card.

I had learned not to long ago that she had been an Adventurer in the past; something I was thankful for in the here and now.

I then pull out my own card and frown-

If only this moment could have waited a few more days, I might have been in a position to learn Explosion magic as well.

"Damn, why did it have to come today instead of a few days more? I could have seen Kazuma finally join me in walking the path of Explosion."

Cried Megumin. I pat her head as I say-

"At least take some comfort in knowing you got Wiz to join you in walking that path. That's got to count for something, right?"

She looks at me and nods though she still looked a little down about the whole thing.

I guess she just really wants ME to join her on that road of Explosion's.

Luna finally gets back to me, saying-

"Kazuma, we have confirmed that we have thirty one Adventurer's present who can use Barrier Dispel. Do you believe that will be enough?"

I shrug, saying-

"I really don't know. All we can do is hope for the best here. Anyways, let me tell you the rest of my plan now..."

============================={ Part 3: Arrival }==============================

"Attention everyone, attention..."

Called out Luna, via the megaphone.

Once the crowd had once again quieted down, she continued.

"OK, we have managed to formulate a possible strategy here to deal with the Destroyer. First, we will need everyone present here who knows Barrier Dispel to gather at the front of the lines. Once the Destroyer comes within range; we will have all of you cast your spells in unison at the Destroyer in the hopes that a continuous blast will bring down the barrier or at least weaken it."

"Should the shield be broken' we will then have Axel's two Explosion capable Archwizards unleash a blast of Explosion magic at the target's legs to hopefully immobilize it. Should the shield NOT be broken, we hope at least that it will be weakened enough so that the double Explosion bombardment will help to finish off the shield instead."

"If the shield is broken through Barrier Dispel and the legs taken out by Explosion, then all melee fighters will storm the Destroyer with the intention being to shut it down and end its threat to the continent forever. If Explosion has to be used to finish the shield, then we will need all offensive class mages to use their attacks to hopefully disable the legs as an alternative strategy."

"After that; any mages still able to fight will assist all long range capable Adventurer's such as the Archer class in taking out any and all Bomber drones released from the Destroyer. If everything goes as hoped, we will take down this undefeated foe and earn a great victory that will sung about in the centuries to come. And you all will become legends in the eyes of tomorrow."

With that, Luna ends her explanation of the plan.

Nice touch there at the end, by the way.

Nothing sells someone on an idea better than telling them they'll become a legend for doing something.

"Wait, all that is assuming everything goes according to that plan and its immediately back-up. But what if the shield stays up even after all that? What's our 'plan c' here, lady?"

Shouts someone from within the gathering.

Luna sighs before she speaks-

"We honestly don't have a 'plan c' to work with. If what I have already spoken of fails us, then we'll have no other choice but to wing it I guess."

The mood here at the base camp didn't improve very much after hearing that.

"Wait, just who came up with this plan, anyways? They must have a lot of confidence to believe this has a snowballs chance in hell of working here."

Damn, I was really hoping they wouldn't ask that question.

Luna hesitates for a moment before saying-

"It was from the mind of Satou Kazuma that we have this plan now."

Forget what I said before about the mood in this place as it had just gone about as far south as it could have ever hoped of going.

The things I heard being said; no... being screamed out in response to that reveal.

It was almost enough to make one want to say-

"Hey kid, don't listen to them. I for one think its a good idea. Now, why don't you step up and make them see it that way too."

I look to see Ruffian as he places a hand on me, giving me a big grin.

At least I knew that he had my back in this.

Well, my party, Taylor's party, and Luna too so that was something at least.

And he was right; I think it was time for me to step up and tell everyone here exactly what they needed to hear right now.

I step forward; walking onto the stage where a surprised Luna was watching me.

I then motion for her to hand me the megaphone which she hesitantly does.

I then clear my throat into the thing, getting everyone's attention drawn to me-

And then proceed to yell and boo and even throw junk up my way.

I then take in a deep breath in and allow it all to come out in as loud a voice as I could.

"CAN YOU ALL DO ME A SOLID AND SHUT THE FUCK UP!"

Clearly, that had worked, way better than I had ever anticipated, as they all became dead silent.

"Now look, I know you all really don't like me, and I will say right here and now that, with a few notable exceptions, I really REALLY don't like any of you either. You worthless sacks of horse manure, letting yourselves make judgment calls about someone without even so much as getting to know them first, makes me physically ill. The very thought of trying to help save your sorry asses makes me question just how gullible I am here."

"And yet, despite my BETTER JUDGMENT, here am I offering up a plan to not only save this town; it's people, and yes... even all of you idiots too. And how do you all return that kind gesture? With complaints, verbal assault, hell even physical assault too. And you know what, I don't care anymore. Right now, this is the only plan that has been accepted; that has even the slightest chance of working here. If any of you can come up with something better, then please step forward and say it now as we have little time left. If not, then stop your bitching and get ready to engage this thing."

With that, I hand the megaphone back to Luna then go to stand off to the side.

After a few moments; something unexpected happened.

There was a sound of clapping coming from the crowd; a sound that steadily grew louder and louder.

I looked off to the side; seeing all my friends and faithful followers looking up at me with big smiles and eyes filled with pride.

Once the clapping had ended, I had thought that little mater was over with, but-

"Hey, I'm sorry everyone. But I still think that trusting our lives, the lives to the citizens, and the survival of this town to a strategy created by Kazuma is a fools game; one I don't want to take a chance on. I'm sorry but I'm out."

An opening within the gathered crowed formed; revealing a loan Adventurer who had spoken up.

After a moment, a few others stepped forth to join him; number eight in total.

"Very well then; if anyone here feels that way then you are free to leave. Just place your Adventurer's Card here on the stage and then be off with you. After today, the Guild will no longer recognize your status as Adventurer's. At least the Axel branch that is."

Hearing that, three of the eight quickly disappeared back into the crowd.

The others looked at each other while the ring leader shouts out-

"Hey, you can't do that, lady."

Luna's response was cold; almost demonic in tone-

"JUST WATCH ME!"

The remaining five look at each other before walking up to the stage and putting their cards down before walking back to Axel; mumbling that she wouldn't get away with this.

I then look at Luna and say-

"Isn't he right, though? I thought taking action like that wasn't allowed unless it was permitted by the Guild's higher ups back in the capital."

Luna looks at me and gives me a smile, saying-

"Believe it or not, that was an order given by lord Aldarp himself. Any Adventurer who refused to serve the needs of Axel are to be let go of on the spot. If there are any issues, come let him know and he'll personally deal with the matter himself."

Wow, maybe that Aldarp guy was a better man than the rumors paint him to be.

Geez, just listen to myself here. I'm all annoyed about the rumors people say about me while I'm doing the same to that guy without even getting to know him first. Talk about being a hypocrite, huh?

"Now then, is anyone against making Kazuma the commanding general of this emergency Quest here?"

No one denied me; which I wished they had as finding myself suddenly getting all this extra work thrown onto my shoulders was annoying. But, like I said before, I'm already here so I might as well just go with it.

For the next fifteen minutes; me and Luna gave instructions to everyone gathered, having them take up positions in the spots it was felt they would best serve at.

I had Cielo and Wiz go to stand at the top of one of the city's gate towers and have Megumin go to stand atop the other.

I had planned on asking Chris to join her but Chris had suddenly gone MIA on us though I was told she was still in the fight, just going to check on something while she could.

Luna then gives me a megaphone to use as I prepare to go join Megumin.

I stop, however, as I see Darkness walking away from the action; heading in the direction the Destroyer was approaching us from.

I run out to ask what's up, catching up easily once she had come to a stop.

"Darkness, what the hell are you doing. I need you to stay with the rest of the defense group."

Without turning her head to look at me; she plants her sword into the ground and stands firm.

"I'm sorry, Kazuma. I know I'm acting out in a selfish desire here; but I feel it's my duty to be the first line of defense in stopping it's approach. Pleas don't misunderstand this action though; I'm not doing this because of my strange fetish."

"Are you sure about that? You haven't had thoughts like 'will it come and trample me, crush me into the earth and leave me a battered and broken mess of a knight or will it send a drone down to capture me and take me inside where any number or horrors could await me, breaking my mind with unimaginable humiliations and torture?' You know, stuff like that."

Darkness blushes intensely, as she begins to breath heavily at my words.

"Kazuma, Kazuma, do you really think that could happen to me?"

"They call me Kazuma, yes. And I was right, you are doing this to get your rocks off."

Hearing my words, Darkness quickly calms down and takes in a few deep breathes.

"Maybe you're right, maybe deep down in my core, I am nothing more than a hopeless pervert. But I swear I'm doing this for more than just a silly kink. I generally do feel that doing this is something I am meant to do. I guess trying to use duty to hide perversion must make me a pretty selfish person, huh?"

I sigh as I scratch the back of my head before giving her a warm smile.

"If you were anyone else, I would say yes to being selfish. But seeing as it's you we're talking about here, I guess it's OK to be a little selfish so long as it's coming from doing something for the right reason. Just promise you won't do anything stupid, alright. We'd hate to lose our favorite Crusader so soon, right?"

She smiles at me; a warm and genuine smile.

"Thank you, Kazuma... Say, there's something I've been meaning to tell you; to tell all of you really, for a while now. About my family... you see, Kazuma, my real name is-"

The sudden shaking of the ground stops her from continuing.

We both look back and see a form quickly appearing on the horizon.

"OK, let's continue this conversation later. I need to get back to Megumin, pronto."

Darkness nods as I break away, yelling at everyone to get ready.

Once I had gotten back to Megumin, I look out from this high vantage point as the Destroyer finally comes into view.

And upon seeing it, my mind freezes on me.

Now I knew why I felt I had seen it before-

This Destroyer, as they called it, was so much more than that. It was-

"That's, it can't be... that's one of the four Divine Beast of Hyrule..."

Megumin looks at me as I speak these words-

"Vah Rudania!"

{Insert Image 2}

============================={ Part 4: Execution }============================

I couldn't believe what I was seeing.

It was really a Divine Beast from Breath of the Wild; here in all its glory.

Wait, those people talking back in Axel the other day; they said that there were four of these made, even if only one had been brought online before the fall of the kingdom that made them.

Then the other three had to be the other three Divine Beast.

Which means the guy who created them had to be another person sent her from Japan; if not from somewhere on Earth.

Actually, that makes me wonder; was it only Japanese who died that received the offer to come here or was it something anyone living on Earth who died young was offered as an alternative to Heaven or reincarnation.

And also, these things were built in a kingdom that was destroyed hundreds of years ago; maybe thousands? It had only been six years since that Zelda game that had the Divine Beast in it had come out. Assuming the creator died the year the game released; just how much more time passes here in this world compared to back on Earth?

Damn it, why do I have so many question that keep coming up. I don't have the ability to remember all of these questions at once.

Damn, I need something to write them all down on.

"Kazuma, Kazuma?"

Came Megumin, tugging on my sleeve.

"Kazuma's my name, don't wear it out. What's up."

Megumin glares at me for a moment; obviously not finding my reply all that funny.

After a moment, she finally responds by saying-

"You just said a few moments before that the Destroyer was a Divine Beast, from a place called Hyrule. And its name was Vah Rudania. Just how do you know all of that and just where is this Hyrule place anyways? Is it a kingdom inside Japan or is it the other way around?"

Crap, I shouldn't have said that aloud.

What do I do, what do I do here?

"That's... a rather long and complicated story and now isn't the time for me to tell it. Right now, we need to focus on the here and now. We'll talk more on this matter later, I promise."

She gives me a nod before turning her attention back at the Destroy-at the Divine Beast.

I then lift the megaphone to my lips and shout into it-

"OK, Breaker Team; on my command..."

The Divine Beast drew closer and closer and-

"GO!"

All members of the Breaker Team unleash their Barrier Dispel blast; the collective force collide with the barrier, making it become visible to the naked eye around the spot that was being impacted.

Second after second passed but the shield showed no sign of breaking or even weakening either.

And bad news; the attempted strike with Barrier Dispel was already starting to weaken as the mages casting it were drawing close to their mana limits.

"Shit, this isn't going to work after all. Do we really need to waste our Explosion attack here after all?"

As I was about to order Megumin and Wiz to prepare to fire; the sky above us is suddenly aglow as a massive, and I mean MASSIVE, blast of energy joined the Barrier Dispel attack; immediately causing the shield to curve inward and warp its shape in a disturbing way.

"Kazuma, what the heck is going on?"

Cried Megumin as she staggers back a step or two.

I quickly spin around, following the trail of energy back to its source; the top most spire of the Erisia Cathedral.

I activate Far-sight to get a closer look and in doing so, my eyes finally see the source of the power-

Eris; the goddess of fortune herself had descended to aid us in this moment of need.

"Kazuma, look... the barrier."

I spin back to watch as the Barrier Dispel blast begins to spread out and cover the whole dome in its light before cracks begin to form, leading to the shield shattering like glass at last.

"Megumin, Wiz, do it now..."

I yell out as I take one last quick look back at the top spire; at Eris who seems to take notice of my eyes on her.

She gives me that cheeky reply with her actions; the action that says to me-

"This is our secret."

I smile as I turn back to watch the next phase of the plan; the fireworks display.

"Megumin, I'm ready whenever you are. Megumin...?"

I look back at Megumin, seeing that she was shaking; probably from what we had just witnessed happen with that aid from Eris.

"I-I-I can do-do this; I'm the b-best mage around, the greatest Crim-Crimson Demon."

Damn it, of all the time to get stage fright, you just had to pick now?

I grab Megumin by her shoulder and make her look at me.

"Megumin, now is not the time for this. We need you to step up right now, you hear me?'

"I-I know that, I do-do... but I..."

"But? But what? Is this where you want to fail, Megumin? Is this where you admit that all the faith you have in Explosion magic is nothing more than hot air. Is Explosion magic really that worthless..."

Megumin suddenly reaches over and grabs onto my hand; her grip incredibly tight and painful.

She then looks at me with glowing eyes filled with anger.

"Kazuma, there are some things I will permit; things I will even forgive. Talking about Explosion like you just did is not one of those things. How dare you doubt the power of Explosion. Stand back and I will show you just what it can do and once this is over, I will be expecting a proper apology from you."

"KAZUMA, SOMETHING IS HAPPENING WITH THE DESTROYER."

I turn to look at what Luna was talking about while Megumin shouts to Wiz, telling her to begin the chant.

I see what had Luna sounding so scared; the face plates of Vah Rudania had opened and its main weapon was beginning to power up.

Damn it, they need to strike now.

I then reach out and place a hand on Megumin's shoulder; her head turning to look at me..

"Kazuma?"

"Megumin, listen-"

I said calmly-

"Remember what I told you before; during the battle against Verdia. Those words remain true in the here and now. I believe in the Megumin who believes in me."

I give her a war smile which she returns after a moment.

She then looks at Wiz and they nod before they both turn to the Divine Beast and cast their shared Explosion spell.

And I was right; the fireworks display from all of this was rather spectacular.

What happens next all happened so fast that it was hard to keep track of.

The loss of its legs sends it crashing onto the ground; falling at an angle as the main weapon fires off and luckily being fired into the ground which creates a ton of earth debris to be kicked up as a result.

Some of this debris lands a little to close to where Darkness was standing; so close that if she reached out with her hand; she wouldn't even go up to her elbow before making contact.

As the dust cleared, everyone cheers as we had actually stopped the Destroyer from any further advance.

I, meanwhile, was more focused on catching Megumin before she could fall onto the unforgiving stone ground.

A quick glance to the side allows me to see Cielo having done the same with Wiz though, unlike Megumin, was back on her feet after a few moments.

"Damn it; guess that shows the difference between me and Wiz. Her attack was way more powerful than mine was."

"Don't sell yourself short, Megumin. You still did damn good just now. Keep in mind, Wiz's Explosion is already as powerful as it's ever going to be, unlike you who still has so much more you can achieve. Give it time and you will surpass what she did today."

Megumin smiles at me in response before I get her onto my back.

"And, by the way, I give your Explosion one hundred fifty points."

I couldn't be sure, but it felt like Megumin body became just a little bit warmer at hearing my words.

I then look back and, using Far-sight, spot dozens of those drone things being released into the air.

I then use one hand to take hold of the megaphone again and say into it.

"Air Team; we have incoming Drones coming from Vah-the Destroyer. Begin your counter attack; don't let any get close. Invasion Team, prepare to move forward to secure the Destroyer at my order."

"Cielo, Wiz; let's get down there and back them up."

Both girls nod as we head down to join everyone.

============================{ Part 5: Infiltration }============================

Once we had reached ground level, I took Megumin over to Luna and the other Guild staff, asking them to watch over her.

Megumin wasn't exactly happy that I was leaving her here; if the look on her face was any indication, but she didn't raise a fuss over it either so I'm guessing she understood why I was leaving her here.

As I go to rejoin Cielo and Wiz, who were waiting for me, I hear someone shout-

"Hey, the Destroyer is releasing more of those Drones; but they aren't fliers though."

I once again activate Far-sight, and look over at Vah Rudania; seeing that it was indeed releasing spherical shape drone that raced along the ground towards us.

At least they weren't Guardian's being tossed out at us, I hope anyways.

"Invasion Team; change of plans. Protect the Air Team from those ground units."

I shout into the megaphone before I look back at Luna and add-

"You know, I feel like I was denied critical, need to know, information here about these ground units."

"Apologies, Kazuma. This is the first time we've ever seen something like this from the Destroyer."

Said Luna; her words making sigh in exasperation.

Could have have guessed as much already.

"OK, no problem, I can work with this."

After that, Wiz and Cielo and myself run towards the front lines to back up everyone.

Dealing with the aerial drones wasn't going to bad as they were surprisingly easy to bring down.

The newly arrived ground units, on the other hand, were a bit more challenging.

Once they had gotten close enough; the upper half of their spherical bodies had opened up to reveal a somewhat humanoid warrior beneath with a blade in one hand and a large shield in the other while its lower half remained in a smooth oval shape that granted it quick gliding motions across the ground.

Darkness was leading the charge for the infiltration team.

While her attacks weren't landing at all, as expected, I was surprised to see that her talent as a commander out in the field was rather impressive.

She had the brains to make a great leader, surprisingly.

If only she could hit worth a damn, though-

"Kazuma, we're holding our own right now but we can't keep this up indefinitely."

She yelled at me as I reached her.

"We just have to outlast these things. Looking over at the Destroyer, I can already see that it has stopped releasing the aerial drones so that means its either launched them all or its holding back what numbers it has left. The same is true for these ground units; the numbers emerging from within our primary target have already started to slow."

I then speak again into the megaphone so everyone can hear my words.

"Everyone, keep at it. We're wearing down these drones it has unleashed upon us. Once we finish them off, we can get inside there and bring this battle to an end. TO VICTORY."

"TO VICTORY!"

All the gather Adventurer's shout in agreement; their courage bolstered by my words.

"Hah hah; we're invincible. And they called this thing a Destroyer, pah. I'd like to see it try to stop us now, the joke."

Adds someone from the crowd.

"Hey, none of that now. We don't want any sort of flags being-"

[Attention, Attention, massive damage had been done to Vah Rudania; resulting in a large amount of excess energy being sent flowing back into the coronatite core. As a result, the core will self destruct shortly and kill everyone aboard. Please either deactivate the core or evacuate immediately.]

The words we all had just heard were spoken in Japanese, so I was the only one who had understood them. I sweat drop as I look back at the others, seeing them looking at me in kind.

"Kazuma, what was that about? Any idea what was just said in that strange language it used?"

Asked Cielo.

Oh, I knew what it meant and it meant only one thing-

FUCK!

"Kazuma?"

Hearing Wiz say my name makes me shake my head clear of any negative thoughts.

We still had a little time here, I hoped anyways. We'll stop this, I'll stop this, somehow.

"Darkness; me, Wiz, and Cielo are going to head inside to try to stop Vah Rudania from exploding on us all. I want you to take command of everyone out here; focus on finishing off these drones."

I then look over at Taylor and Lynn; calling for them to join us too for a little extra attack power.

"Understood, Kazuma. What should we do once these drone have been dealt with? Back you up inside the Destroyer?"

I shake my head, then say-

"No, have everyone fall back into the city and make sure the evacuation has been completed. Seal off the south gate too. There's going to be an explosion here from this guy very soon though I don't know how soon or how big. Hopefully, if we fail to stop it, the blast will be far enough away from Axel to avoid the destruction of the city. If not, then have everyone evacuate via the north gate as soon as the south gate is sealed."

"Understood."

With that, me and the others begin running towards the Divine Beast.

As we could, I thought I could feel a pair of eyes on me but it was probably nothing important.

"Kazuma, before, you called the Destroyer Vah something or other. And it seemed like you understood the words that came from it too. Is there something you know about it?"

Asked Cielo, getting Wiz, Taylor, and Lynn to look at me curiously too.

"Now's not the time to talk about this. We'll speak more once the threat is over with."

"Kazuma, how are we even getting inside that thing anyways?"

Asked Lynn.

Hm, good question? If my memory of this particular Divine Beast was accurate, I believe you could only enter it from up-top. Didn't make things easier for us, huh?

My thought is suddenly stopped as another drone quickly fly's down before us, sending the others into a battle stance.

"Wait."

I say to them as this drone looked different to the other fliers we had seen up till now.

For one thing, it didn't appear to have any noticeable weapons on it; just a silver colored body with a single glowing blue eye and a propeller keeping it airborne.

The eye then begins to glow before we are all enveloped in its light.

The others panic, obviously, but not me but only because I knew what it was it was doing here.

Scanning us.

After a few moments, the scan stops before I hear the thing say.

[Japanese born detected; please turn back and escape, friend.]

["It's OK; I'm here to try to stop the explosion. Is there still time to achieve this?"]

I asked back in Japanese; getting everyone to look at me with both shock and confusion.

After a moment, the 'eyeball' drone responds.

[Unknown, at present. Coronatite core very unstable. Could go at any moment.]

["Regardless, we still need to try. Can you get us aboard Vah Rudania or at least show us the way in?"]

[Compliance; please wait here a moment. I will summon a platform.]

Comes the 'eyeball' drone, I'll just call it Eyeball, as it turns away, it's eye beginning to flash.

"Kazuma, what's going on?"

Asked Taylor.

"Are you... able to understand it?"

I sigh as I look back at them.

"Yes, I can understand it. It's speaking Japanese, the language of my homeland. I'm guessing that means that the creator of our giant friend here must have come from my homeland too; though I suspected as much the moment I saw Vah Rudania approaching us."

"And as for what's going on? I've asked this little drone to help us get inside so we can hopefully stop the explosion and save the day."

I hear a 'whooing' sound coming from above, making me and the others look up as a platform drops down besides us.

When then proceed to get onto the platform and I quickly add-

"If it's OK with you guys, can we keep that little detail a secret from the masses? I don't know how they would react to hearing that and I'd rather not find out either if possible."

They all nod in agreement with Lynn quickly adding-

"Apart from our two teams knowing, that's fine... though maybe we should keep Dust in the dark too. He isn't exactly the most reliable person to share secrets with; especially once he gets drunk as he gets rather talkative when he's drunk."

Taylor nods in agreement with Lynn's suggestion.

Once we had set done atop Vah Rudania, Eyeball quickly leads us inside its body.

==========================={ Part 6: Teleportation }===========================

[Alert friend, in order to reach the core room, you will need to register with the Master recognition terminal, located inside the command chamber.]

["Understood, take us there quickly."]

I tell Eyeball as it leads us down a side hallway.

I wasn't sure what I was expecting when we entered Vah Rudania, if I was being honest.

I admit I was scared that the inside would be the same as its game counterpart because if it had been, we may have been in trouble as I must confess, to my great shame, I had to look up a walk-through online to help me get through these Divine Beast.

Of course, I smacked myself upside the back of my head once I had done so as the solutions had been easier than I had originally thought.

And that fact really deflated my ego a bit too.

"Kazuma, is something wrong?"

Asked Cielo.

"We just need to make a little side trip on our way to the core; something I need to do in order to help us get inside there."

The inside wasn't like I had expected at all, thank god. It was more like being inside a military base.

Understandable, I guess, as this had been built with war in mind... I think?

We soon reached a large single door that opened after I placed my hand against a glowing panel; pointed out by Eyeball.

Once we stepped inside, I was quickly directed to a terminal located just in front of a fancy looking command chair; which had a web covered skeleton setting in it.

Cielo and Wiz examine the remains while I stand before the terminal and place my hand upon it; with Taylor and Lynn watching what happens.

[Normally, one would need the current master permission in order to add administrative rights to another but seeing as the previous Master is dead; this can be ignored and you can be registered as the new Master.]

["Then do it. We don't have time to waste here."]

[Compliance.]

As the screen on the terminal begins to glow, I hear being spoken behind me.

"Hm, it seems he must have died a peaceful death. I cannot sense his soul lingering within his body so he should be safe from becoming a Lich. We should gives his remains a proper burial once this is over."

Said Wiz.

"Hey, look. It appears he kept a journal of his time here, I think. Should we read it?"

Asked Cielo.

"I think you mean 'should Kazuma read it' as I'm doubtful any of us could."

Adds Taylor.

The terminal makes a ping sound as the red screen turns green; I pull my hand away.

"We'll deal with that later. Let's hurry to the core, quickly."

A few minutes later, we stand outside the the double doors that open into the core room.

I place my hand on another panel and, after confirming my status as a Master, the doors open and we step into the room bathed in reds and orange; in the center appearing to be a miniature sun about the size of a basketball.

"So that's the core, huh? [Eyeball, how much time do we have left?]"

[Estimating current levels of energy rise with the coronatite; critical reaction will be achieved in six minutes, twenty nine seconds.]

["We're here now; how do we power down the core so as to prevent Explosion?"]

[It is to late for that action to work. Even if it is shut down now, it has already accumulated enough power to go critical and explode. Furthermore, shutting it down now will only accelerate the countdown.]

Well, shit. Guess that means we'll need to get rid of the core then.

["So what's the estimated blast radius once it goes off? Could it affect the town nearby?]

[Calculating; expected blast radius to be within a one mile zone. Six minutes remain.]

OK, OK, one mile, huh? If I could carry it outside and then use Sprint, I think I could get it safely away from everyone and still get out of the blast range, just barely.

I go to grab it but find my hands are burned before I could even touch it.

"Gah."

I yelped as I quickly jump back.

Cielo runs over to me quickly, using Healing to fix my burnt hands.

{Caution, master. Surface temperature of the corontite is nearly the levels of molten magma. Danger of severe burn will result it coming into close contract.]

["Oh really? You think you could have warned me beforehand?"]

I shout in response to Eyeballs revelation.

The others, despite not know what was being said; still give me a deadpan look.

Probably could easily guess at what our exchange entailed.

As Cielo worked on my hands, I look to Wiz and ask-

"So, is there any chance you can use Teleport to send the core someplace safe? It's the only option we have left now."

"Yes, but I don't have enough mana left after using Explosion before."

Says Wiz.

"Then what can we do then?"

Asked Cielo as she finishes healing me.

I sigh, then say-

"Can't be helped then. Wiz, I'm going to use Drain Touch to channel mana from myself into you. Let me know know when I've given you enough to use Teleport, OK?"

"Kazuma...?"

Wiz goes to say, but I quickly shake my head.

Right now, I was the only one here, as far as I know, who knows that Wiz is actually a Lich and, for her sake, I want to keep it that way. At least for now.

"Kazuma, when did you...?"

Cielo starts to say, but then stops as she recalls the first meeting with Wiz and understanding my desire to not go broadcasting that detail to others.

"Wait, Kazuma, you actually know a Lich skill?"

Asked Taylor; both him and Lynn looking shocked.

I tell them we can talk about THAT later, in private, as well.

[Attention; five minutes left before detonation.]

I nod as I return my attention to Wiz.

"Kazuma, listen, Drain Touch works best if done from an area of the body that has thinner skin or is close to the heart... ah, I mean that's what I've read at least; you know from back in my adventuring days of course."

She laughs nervously, her eyes darting between me to Taylor and Lynn.

I nod and say-

"Just touch me where ever; we don't have any time left."

She nods as I prepare to hear her ask me to remove my shirt-

Instead, she pulls me into a deep and, dare I say, incredibly passionate kiss.

My mind immediately explodes from the sensation I was feeling from this.

At last, I have taken my first step into becoming a man.

Suck it all you haters from back home and across Axel.

Off to the side, I could hear the others shocked reactions.

I wanted nothing more for this moment to last forever-

I mean, it was my first freak'n kiss after all.

[Attention, four minutes thirty seconds left.]

Damn it, Eyeball, just had to go cock block me at such a perfect moment.

Fine, back to business.

I activate Drain Touch, sending mana from myself into Wiz.

After a few more moments, Wiz finally pulls away and I cancel the skill.

Damn, I wish that could have gone on just a little longer.

Oh well, maybe I'll get lucky and get another chance someday.

"OK Kazuma, I'm ready to begin. I'll need about five minutes in order to send the coronatite somewhere safe, where it can't hurt anyone once it explodes."

Wait, five minutes? We barely have four left.

As I think that, Eyeball alerts me to there only being four minutes left.

"Um, that's gonna take a minute longer than what we have. Is there any way to speed the process up?"

Wiz thinks for a second, then says-

"I can perform a random teleportation but I can't control where it will end up. Is that OK?"

I nod before saying-

"Then do that. I'll take responsibility should anything go wrong. You probably don't know this about me but Luna said I was blessed with unbelievable levels of Luck and, after what just happened, I'm feeling REALLY lucky right now."

Wiz smiles as she gives me a nod.

Off to the side, the others cross their fingers.

After a moment more, Wiz cast Teleport and it was all over.

The danger had passed... right?

============================{ Part 7: Conclusion }============================

As we made our way back outside, Vah Rudania, I finally noticed Cielo and Lynn's faces were still blushing mad hard and when they realized I was looking at them, they both quickly turned away as their faces grew even redder.

Taylor then comes up and throws an arm around me, and whispers-

"I'm not Dust but I still have to ask; what was it like to get a kiss from Axel's most famous, perhaps infamous, and to say nothing about being the hottest, merchant?'

I whisper back-

"Let's just say 'Damn, I wish it didn't have to end.' Something to that effect."

We both share a little perverted giggle from that.

I then ask Eyeball if the loss of the coronatite would leave Vah Rudania powerless.

[A secondary power source still remains, meant only to keep critical functions like terminals and auto repair protocols active.]

['So, does that mean the damage to its legs will be repaired, even without the coronatite?"]

[Affirmative; though repair process would go by quicker with coronatite power source. Estimated repair time from relying on secondary power cells is eight months.]

Good to know, I guess? Question now is what do we do with this Divine Best?

As we exit outside; Eyeball alerts me that it can detect the detonation of the coronatite though it can't be sure where exactly do to the lack of power needed to bring the sensors fully online.

All it could say, based on a sudden wave of mana racing through the air, was that it had landed somewhere west of Axel; far enough west that we couldn't hear the blast or feel the shock wave created.

Once we were down on the ground, we find Darkness standing there; her eyes gazing intently at Vah Rudania.

"Darkness, we did it? We saved the day."

Shouts Cielo.

"No, we haven't. My instincts are telling me the threat isn't over yet."

Before I could ask her what she meant by that, the Divine Beast begins to shake as the color of its body starts to change, glowing a bright red color.

[Warning, warning; remaining energy in the system that was produce by the coronatite is beginning to go into overload due to the loss of the coronatite. Expected time before reaching critical mass; one hundred twenty seconds.]

What? You can't be serious here.

["Wait, Eyeball, what are you saying? I though we eliminated the threat of an explosion occurring?"]

[Apologies, master. Didn't detect this threat until just now. Possible that loss of main power source prevented detection of this issue beforehand.]

I scream out in outrage at hearing that.

"Kazuma, what's happening? What's wrong?"

Asked Lynn.

"Dammit, the Divine Beast is still going to explode on us. Quickly, get back to base camp and tell them to evacuate now."

"But what about you, Kazuma?"

Asked Taylor?

"Just go; I'll try to find another way to save the town."

They nod as they run off.

"Kazuma, can't we have Wiz use Teleport again, except this time have her teleport the whole thing?"

Yeah, that's a great idea-

"Whiz, can't you..."

Wiz shakes her head at me.

"I'm sorry, Kazuma, but even if you used Drain Touch to send me all of Cielo remaining mana, it wouldn't be enough. Even if Lynn was still here, it still wouldn't be enough. The size of the object being teleported is proportionate to the amount of mana needed to achieve success. At my current remaining mana levels, I'm afraid I simply just don't have enough to work with."

Damn it, then what are we suppose to... wait, how about-

"Then use Explosion to finish it off. If I pass some mana from Cielo to you, would that be enough?"

Wiz once again shakes her head.

"The amount I would need, yes. Cielo can offer me that with what she has left. But the problem isn't getting mana; rather its the issue that I've already hit my limit on how many times I can use it. Having just learned Explosion, I can't use it more than once in a twenty four hour period until I have better mastery over it."

For real? Damn it all, then what the hell are we suppose to do now then?

The sudden sound of laughter catches our attention; making us turn to see Megumin, being piggybacked by Ruffian, approaching us.

"I just heard what was said. So, it looks like the star of the show has arrived to save the day. Kazuma, use Drain Touch to get as much mana as you can from Cielo and Wiz and send it to me. Now is the chance to finally redeem myself as Axel's premiere mage."

"Good idea; Wiz, Cielo, let's do this."

I shout as Ruffian places Megumin onto the ground, allowing her to wobble over to me.

Cielo nods as she moves to stand beside me; saying-

"Kazuma, I'm not sure how I'm going to react when you touch me but I'll try to not lash out at you, alright?"

I nod before turning to Wiz, only to see her hesitating.

"Wiz, we don't have time here. Hurry up and..."

"Kazuma, it won't work. Neither me or Cielo have enough collective mana together to give Megumin enough power to use Explosion again. Even if you add in your own mana, it would still fall just a little bit short."

"Wait, are you serious here?"

I shout.

"You mean I won't get to use Explosion twice in one day. Don't go messing with a maiden's heart like that, people."

Cries Megumin.

[Master, perhaps I should tell you that...]

["Not now, Eyeball. We need to focus here."]

OK, what do we do? What do we do here now?

"Kazuma, use my mana if you need to. I still have a ton left to offer."

Says Ruffian as he steps forward; extending an arm out to me.

"Ruff-are you sure, man?"

He gives me a grin, saying-

"Like everyone else, I'm not interested in dying here today. Besides, I want to keep watching you grow and improve. I have a feeling you are just the guy I've been looking for."

I have no idea what he was trying to say; well maybe AN idea, one I hope I was wrong about as I would have to break his heart and reject him if I was right.

I only into girls, after all.

Regardless, I place a hand onto his arm and begin to draw in his mana.

My whole body immediately jerks a bit as I feel his mana mingling with mine.

Holy crap?

Whatever kind of mana he had was heavy and thick feeling; like someone had merged multiple layers of mana together, making it denser and more potent, possibly as a way to amplify the power within the mana.

And feeling it mixing with m own mana made me feel as if my mana was being upgrades somehow.

After a few more moments, Ruffian says that what he gave me should be enough.

With that done, I turn to look at Megumin and ask her simple and plainly-

"So, ready for me to fill you up?"

"Yes, but your word choice leave a lot to be desired."

[Master, I really need to tell you...]

I ignore Eyeball as I place my hands onto Megumin's cheeks; making her blush.

"Kazuma, what are you...?"

She doesn't finish as I go to repeat what Wiz did with me-

I pull her face closer to mine so that I could kiss Megumin; to pass mana between us as quickly as possible.

SLAP!

I find myself laying on the ground; legs twitching in the air as a red faced and angry looking Megumin yells down at me-

"Kazuma, you beast, you brute, you perverted... just what the hell are you trying to do? Going to steal my first kiss at a time like this? Have you no shame? This was a blatant attempt at sexual harassment, wasn't it?"

I quickly jump back onto my feet, and reply-

"No, you idiot. I wasn't trying to harass you or anything. Wiz told me Drain Touch works best if you do the transfer either in a spot where the skin is thinner, like your lips, or if I touch you chest over your heart. Since I figured you chest was a 'not gonna happen spot', I figured your lips were the only option left?"

"Then you could just touch a finger or two against my lips then. Admit it, you are nothing but a pervert deep down, huh?"

Me and Megumin begin to but heads over this matter; forcing Wiz to step in and offer another option.

A moment later, I was sending my powered up, dare I say super-charged, mana into Megumin by having my hand touching the back of her neck.

"Geez, that Kazuma, going to do something like that without so much as a warning. If he has just simply asked me fist, I would have said it was OK if he did that."

I hear Megumin mumble to herself.

After a moment, her words fully register inside my mind.

So, was she saying if I had asked beforehand, she would have let me kiss here? Or touch her chest?

Damn it, I really need to learn to start thinking about these things before I take action.

I'm brought back to reality as I notice Megumin was starting to tremble; a crimson glow coming from her eyes that could clearly be seen despite her eyes being closed tight.

"Wow, this mana... its so rich and heavy; flowing and coursing through every inch of my body. With this, I know I can make an Explosion that will make even the heavens shake. Ah-hah, ooo...it feels so good too, oh so good, AAH..."

The way she was trembling, her words, and the fact I was starting to notice her rubbing her legs together in a very suggestive way, I had a strong feeling about what was happening here with her.

"OK, Megumin, I think that's enough mana. I worried if I give you any more then you'll be the one to explode..."

In more ways than one from the looks of it.

"No-no, not yet. Just give me a little bit more, yes just a little more. I'm close, so-so close, Kazuma. Keep pumping me full of that sweet, sweet mana. I-I'm about to...Mm, AAH."

I quickly pull my hand away, before she could reach her 'finale', then yell at her to get to it already.

Off to the side, Cielo had covered her face, Darkness looked rather jealous, Wiz had an 'Oh my' look, and Ruffian was just chuckling at the obserdity of it all.

Megumin just looks at me, disappointed, before grumbling something I couldn't quite hear.

She the begins her chant as Eyeball gets in close and says-

[Master, please listen to me. About before, when I said Vah Rudania was about to explode anyways. Well, I was joking then.]

["What?"]

I shout in response, getting everyone except Megumin to look at me.

I ignore them and say to Eyeball-

["Why would you joke about that now? You realize my friend is about to destroy Vah Rudania."]

[Apologies, but the former master was a fan of jokes; thus I was programmed to make an occasional joke every thirty minutes. The quality and nature of the joke being determined by the current situation.]

I groan from hearing that.

It was a good thing the guy who created the Divine Beast here in this world was dead-

Because otherwise, I'd have to go kill him myself right now.

[Master, I know this is a selfish request from me; seeing as I made such a badly timed joke and all. But please, do not let Vah Rudania; do not let ME, die...]

For a second, I almost responded with 'sorry, nothing I can do now...'

But the sudden addition of emotion in its words made me decide against that.

I look at Megumin, seeing that she was focused on her chant and would most likely not stop or change her target now.

So what do I-

I quickly turn away from the others and pull out my Adventurer's card; bringing up my skill page.

Sure enough, I had gained access to Teleport so I quickly learn it.

After putting the card away, I begin to focus my own remaining mana as well.

As I still felt the rush of my mana being empowered thanks to taking in Ruffian's mana, my gut was telling me that I could do this.

Just one problem; where to send Vah Rudania?

There wasn't enough time to do a controlled teleport so I had to go with a random.

I close my eyes and pray to Eris; asking her to guide this teleport someplace where Vah Rudania would be safe, someplace where he could remain hidden.

I then look at Eyeball and nod; it responding by bopping up and down before flying back to the main body.

All I had to do was time it JUST right-

"Explosion!"

Teleport!

{Insert Image 3}

============================{ Part 8: Aftermath }=============================

That Explosion Megumin fired off had been worth five hundred points.

Telling her that, she squealed before passing out.

I could be wrong but I think she had her 'finale' after all once she heard the score I have given her?

Two days had passed since the 'destruction' of the 'Destroyer.'

In truth, I had know way of knowing if my secret teleport action had actually saved it or not?

There was only two things I did know for certain-

One, no one had said anything to me about seeing me use Teleport to save it so I assuming my using it without being noticed had succeeded.

And two, not one Adventurer's card from anyone involved in the fight said we had defeated it.

Which was worrying as it would mean no one would be rewarded for defending the town.

However, Luna had surprised everyone after the incident and revealed a rather embarrassing truth about our cards; that being they didn't ALWAYS succeed in keeping track of our kill data.

This little failure was something that rarely happens, like point zero zero zero zero zero zero one percent or something, but I could happen.

Long story short, despite none of our cards saying it had been defeated; there was still more than enough eye witnesses on the scene to have confirmed it's 'destruction' so we could all expect to receive the reward for taking it down once the Kingdom finished getting the money together.

Hopefully, if Vah Rudania did indeed survive; it had been sent someplace where it wouldn't be found so that no one in turn would call out everyone here in Axel for saying we had ended it and possibly get me lynched by everyone for what I had done.

Later in the evening of that night, Taylor, Keith, and Lynn had paid a visit to the mansion; to join in with me explaining a few things about what had happened.

Dust didn't join us, as he had been caught 'celebrating' our victory down at the bathhouse; looking and possibly wanking through the window of the girls bath area.

Geez, you'd think that guy was wanting to spend the rest of his days in jail or something.

With all of us, mostly, gathered, I told them the reason I could understand everything that Eyeball was saying was because it was speaking Japaneses; the language of my homeland and my belief that the creator of the Destroyer was probably also from Japan as well.

They then had me read the journal the man had left behind; believing that I could read it, which I could.

While I didn't tell them everything, I more or less told them what was said it in.

Lazy old guy wanted to enjoy his retirement in his 'garden of perverted things,' forced to once again aid the kingdom of Norse with their world domination schemes disguised as 'we are the saviors, here to guide the lesser masses into the future', blah blah blah.

He complained he had already done them enough service by creating their invincible army OP mages and something called Project Medusa; only to be told these OP mages had gone AWOL and had taken the Medusa thing with them somewhere, possibly to his secret research valley site he hoped was still unknown to the Norse king as that was where he kept his 'more personal and intimate' creations.

They forced him to create the Destroyer to protect the kingdom and crush their enemies into the ground; telling them they needed Stellar Coronatite, the rarest of all known coronatite believed to exist in order to power the weapons, believing it couldn't actually be found.

They did find it though and as he was making final adjustments; he complained to his baby how he wished the kingdom would just disappear and leave him alone to enjoy his final years.

Seemed it heard him as the moment it awakened, everyone apart from him were killed by the defense drones and the kingdom was burnt to the ground.

Oh well, at least he could finally get some sleep.

I decided to not confirm that there were three other 'Destroyer's' hidden away out there.

I also didn't tell them that the kingdom had wanted them to be spider tank like in appearance while he had initially considered making them look like Gundam's or Evangelion's or something before going with the Divine Beast appearance due to those still being fresh in his mind, somewhat.

"Kazuma, there's still one thing that was left unanswered by all of this? Why did the Destroyer suddenly come here to Axel? In the past, it has usually avoided settlements unless it had been provoked or something."

Wondered Chris.

Megumin, after a moments thought, says-

"Since it was created by someone from Kazuma's home country, is it possible that it came here to get Kazuma? The book did say that the creator guy did program it to prioritize finding and saving Japanese people from being used and abused by the, as he put it, backwater yokels who should really mind their own business and leave us alone to vegetate."

There was a long, silent pause in the room before anyone said anything again.

"Damn it; was this really ALL MY FAULT?"

After that, we all agreed, thankfully, to keep that little detail a secret as if word got out, I'd be so screwed and would probably have to run off to the other side of the world.

Finally, the day of the reward delivery was upon us.

As we walked to Axel, Megumin decided to ask me something-

"Kazuma, can I make a request of you?"

"Sure, but maybe we should wait till we get back to the mansion before we finally get around to the delayed kiss of ours... unless you want to show off how you scored the most popular guy in Axel right now?"

Megumin quickly jumps away from me; her cheeks red from embarrassment.

"No-no, idiot. Not that. Why would I ever want to kiss a hopeless pervert like you...?"

That coming from the girl who was clearly fine with us kissing a few days before if I had only asked first.

After regaining her composure, she says-

"Actually, I had wanted to ask you if we ever do go to my home village in the future, would you be willing to translate some Japanese writings we have located on the walls of some old ruins for us. Even our best scholars haven't been able to crack the code there yet."

"Sure, I don't mind. So long as I can get a proper reward for doing that. After all, my services don't come cheap, you dig me."

"You'll have to talk to the village chief about that. I mean, there's nothing me or my family can do to help you where money is concerned."

I figured as much, given the little I know about your past... which is to say nothing really.

Off to the side, I hear Darkness and Cielo talking with each other-

"Say, maybe it's just me or does Kazuma seem a little more outspoken; in a more 'ass' minded kind of way?"

"Ah, we're probably starting to see more of the real him now that we all have gotten to know each other a little better; feel more confident with showing our true selves. To think he was capable of being such a creep sometimes, makes me wonder what other secrets we will soon get to see come from him."

Had I really been acting more like an ass as of late? Mm, maybe I have; maybe I am feeling a little more confident with acting like I did back home with my online friends?

Well, either way, they didn't really seem to mind this side of me so I guess... yay?

Anyways, about me being mister popular now; it wasn't just a joke or an exaggeration on my part-

Ever since the Destroyer had been taken out, everyone in Axel had been looking at me in a new light.

People actually smiled and asked me how my day was doing; some even coming to ask my advice about stuff.

It was all honestly a little much, if I'm being honest.

As someone who not to long ago had been a shut-in NEET and a total recluse in life, this sudden level of being popular was a foreign one for me.

Despite that though, it was kind of nice I guess.

And speaking of being popular-

Once we arrived at the Guild Hall, all the gathered Adventurer's seemed to get excited at seeing me.

It looked like I had finally earned their respect as well.

Yep, I had a feeling everything was going to be smooth sailing from here on out.

"Excuse me, am I right to assume that you are Satou Kazuma?"

A tall and surprisingly beautiful woman with dark hair and glasses, who I had seen conversing with a female Rogue upon entering the guild; turned and approached me with a serious look on her face.

Beside her were two heavily armored guards and I recalled seeing two more standing just inside the entrance.

I should have seen what was about to happen next coming, but I was the idiot riding high on the heroes success and failed to notice the flags being waved inside my mind.

"Yes, I am Satou Kazuma? Is something wrong? Are you here to give out everyone's rewards?"

The woman shakes her head; saying-

"No, I'm afraid not. My name is Sena; a prosecutor in the service of the Kingdom of Belzerg. I'm sorry to have to do this to you, especially in lite of your actions just a few days ago, but-"

She then sighs before saying-

"Satou Kazuma, you are under arrest for the crime of terrorism, treason, and are suspected of being a spy working for the Devil King. Please, I ask you to not resist and come with me at once..."

So, it looks like I was right after all; history did repeat itself again-

FFFFUUUUCCCCKKKK!

{ Epilogue }

Under the never ending night sky of this place; we operated in the ruins of an old tower like structure.

Along three sides were a deep, almost end cascading series of waterfalls.

A beautiful sight, really. The rainbows one could almost see at any point along the falls was breath taking.

The one path without falls to see held a thin road of rock that could be used to reach the land beyond the falls.

Not that there was a reason to go out exploring as there was nothing beyond them.

For this place we are using as our base was all the was really left of our old home; a now 'dead world.'

I turned away from my looking out at the falls, and from my musings, as I gave the two other figures in the room my attention.

"Shy, Passion, it's time to make a decision on which of us will be going next."

"Ego, shouldn't we wait for Complex and Glutton to get back before we cast a vote?"

Asked Shy.

Passion is quiet for a moment before saying-

"Complex should be back soon; but we shouldn't be made to wait on Glutton. We all know how she gets with her 'watching them' obsessions."

"I agree completely."

Comes the voice of Complex as she enters the room we were waiting in which was the top most room of this tower; a room that was missing some walls and its ceiling.

"I went to fetch her but she said to go ahead and vote without her, she had other matters to oversee right now."

"I'm almost afraid to ask what these matters entail?"

Said Shy, rubbing her temples with her fingers.

"You every well should be. I'll give you three guesses behind what she's watching; just know all three answers are the same. So, in other words..."

"Let's not waste any time talking about THAT subject, alright? After all, I just ate lunch and I'd rather not be reintroduced to is so soon. Now, the Kazuma we are currently observing is about to face the bull shit trial period in his life. Seeing as Me and Shy have already stepped in once so far, it comes down to either of you going to deal with this one."

"Damn rules we have to follow. It should really be you going, Ego. After all, between all of us, you are the most qualified to be there, given your powers and all."

Said Complex.

"Agreed, but I had to help Shy as you three were still away on business. And as you said, Complex, we have to follow the rules placed upon us when we accepted the terms that permit us to do what we're doing here now."

"I'll go, then. Apart from Ego, I'm the only other member of our group at present who is familiar with how the trial is going to go for Kazuma. I'll be in the best position to save him if the need arises."

Said Passion, getting an agreeing nod from Shy and Complex.

I stand and walk over to Passion, pulling a small marble shaped ball from my pocket; covered in holy writings, and place it in her hand.

"I don't need to explain what this is for, right?"

Passion shakes her head before she gets up and leaves the room.

After that, I return to looking out the window again-

Hoping beyond hope we could avoid what happened during 'that version' of Kazuma's trial here and now; given the similarities that connected the events leading up to the trial.

If not, then I would have yet another regret to add to the list of regrets I had...

Next time; Arc 3 begins: Kazuma has been detained; charges thrown against him that could see him put to death if found guilty. Will he manage to make it out of this one or is his time up? And will the girls actually able to help him here or will they be like their LN and anime counterparts and only make his situation worse with their antics (I'm sure you all know what I'm talking about here)?

Image 1: Darkness, Cielo, Megumin, and Chris in their Adventurer's battle gear.

Image 2: Divine Beast; Vah Rudania coming towards Axel while Kazuma has a deadpan look.

Image 3: Megumin firing off her 500 point Explosion.

AN: Well, here we are again at the end of another arc in the story. Two down and oh so many more to go. Now, for a question that was asked by 'Pallbear' who asked-

"Will Iris actually be in this fic; especially considering I seemingly killed her off, along with the queen, in the bonus part of the last chapter? And what about Yunyun, Erika, and Lia?"

The answer to all of that is yes.

Yunyun will actually be showing up here in two chapters; possibly even the next chapter if it isn't too long in the pages count.

Lia will be arriving in Arc 6; when Kazuma and the girls take up Cielo's offer to stay with her after her father comes calling and does something rather rash. This arc is currently planned to be called 'The Wicked Fruit arc" so if any of you know what that references, then you have an idea what's gonna happen when Arc 6 comes.

As for Iris? Well I can confirm that she is indeed dead (or perhaps I should say, was never born), in THIS TIMELINE. That said, expect 'a version' of Iris to show up in Arc 9. Originally, it was going to be in Arc 8 but I had an idea the other day that has made me change the way Arc 7 ends so it can continue into Arc 8; an idea I don't think anyone has ever done in a Konosuba fic (at least to my knowledge that is).

Obviously, I can't say now what's going to be happening in any of these three arcs but going by what I did say above, I hope you'll be looking forward to it.

And finally, where Erika is concerned. Yes, she too will be showing up at some point in the future, with another character acting as her companion. Unlike the others above, I can't say yet when she'll actually be coming into the picture. But if you look back a few chapters, you may notice I did drop a hint relating to her and what her roll COULD be in this fic. That's all I'll say about that one for now.

On the matter of the Succubus side fic, I think I am going to do it but it may be a while before I get to writing it as I want to try to have the fic all the way up to the end of Arc 5 before the end of July as that's when Xenoblade Chronicles 3 releases and I plan on playing the shit out of that game, much like I did with Xenoblade 1, 2 and X (well, not so much X as my Wii U kept dying on me and I didn't want to waste any money to buy another one; here's hoping it gets a rerelease on the Switch or its successor some day).

Since it will be 'M' rated too, I might go ahead and go ALL IN on the smut factor since it technically won't be cannon to the main story and I can also include other girls aside from the main ones like Lynn and even toss in Lia, Erika, and maybe even an aged up version of Iris (as the Iris we'll be getting in this fic will be her default 12 yrs old self...I think, anyways?

One last thing, the next chapter may not drop until the end of next week or even the week after. The reason for this is because the next chapter is the Trial chapter and all, I want to make sure I have ALL the potential things that could be brought up during the trial written down for reference. To that end, I need to go back and reread eveything that I wrote, just to make sure I didn't forget anything in my haste. I'm not sure if I actually need to use everything but better to be safe than sorry, right?

Well, till next time...