Chapter 2: A Rival with Crimson Eyes

============================{ Part 1: Familiar }==============================

I was busy working inside my makeshift workshop here in the mansion-

Originally the mansion's master bedroom.

I was the only person here inside the mansion so it was as good a time as any.

Cielo had to go to the Erisia Cathedral today for training but she hoped mother Clerica would allow her leave after today in order to help out with getting the debt money together.

Megumin was also MIA though I had no idea where she was at right now.

All I know is that when I had woken up this morning; the both of them had already gone out.

Anyways, enough about that; I need to focus on the task at hand.

I wanted to finish getting at least three items from my world finished up so I could take them with me to Wiz's shop; to see if she'd be willing to sell them and share in the profits.

I'd have to wait till tomorrow to speak with her as she wasn't due back until tomorrow morning but I still wanted to have these three items ready to go by then.

The first; while a little crude and lame; was still the easiest to make-

The always helpful backscratcher.

Side note, you'd think this world would already have such an item but they didn't, surprisingly.

The second had been the ink pen; also something you'd think they would have created by now.

The third item, the one I was working on right now, was the analog wall clock.

It had taken a bit of trial and error to get the gears laid out and working right, but thanks to my high intellect stat; it didn't take as long as I had expected to get everything configured properly.

The only issued I had was with keeping it going as I'm sure no one would want to keep taking them down from the walls and winding them up every twelve hours.

To that end, I was currently seeing if I could get it to run a lot longer by adding in a small manatite crystal to act as a power source.

Damn, I need to channel my Benjamin Franklin here and create electricity while I'm at it.

You never realize how much something meant to you; like an AC or heater, until they were gone.

After a few minutes, I sigh as I lean back while rubbing my chin.

Getting the energy within the manatite to turn the gears was going to be a little trickier than I thought.

My stomach rumbles, reminding me I had yet to have breakfast and I was sure it was getting close to lunch time now.

OK, that settles it; a little brunch here then back to work.

"Meow."

I nearly jump at the sound that came from behind me.

I then turn back to see Megumin; looking at me while holding a black cat in her arms.

"Megumin...?"

"Is it OK if she comes to live with us? I know things are going to be a little tight around here for the next while but she doesn't eat much and she's a good child; always well behaved."

I get up and walk over to Megumin; taking a moment to scratch the cat like creature under its chin.

The cat mews happily from my touch and actions.

"You want her to live with us? Sure, I guess that's fine. I'm pretty sure Darkness, Cielo, and Chris aren't allergic. So, does she have a name?"

"Chomusuke."

My scratching her chin comes to a dead stop as I give Megumin an 'excuse me?' kind of face.

"What did you..."

"She's Chomusuke."

She repeated, making me sigh.

"You know, that's not really a good name to give a girl cat. How about Mia, Neko, or Nia... yeah, I think Nia would be a lot better for her."

From the look Chomusuke was giving me; I had a feeling she preferred any of those names too.

"No, she's Chomusuke and as she's my familiar, I get the final call about her name."

I look back again at poor Chomusuke as I scratch the back of her ears.

I feel really sorry for her; I do. Having such a weird owner as Megumin.

As I look at Chomusuke; a sudden realization comes over me; I had seen her somewhere before?

But from where, exactly?

"By the way, Kazuma. What is it you're working on in here?"

Megumin had turned her attention away from me over to the work bench I had just been sitting at.

Her eyes were glued onto the three items laying there; a look of curiosity present in her eyes.

Chomusuke wriggles her way out of Megumin's arms, onto the table and was also giving them a curious look.

"These are the first three items I'm making for my little money making side venture here in Axel. I'm hoping to finish them up before Wiz gets back tomorrow so I show them to her and see if she would be interested in trying to sell them and, if successful, we could share in the profits made."

"After all, there's no way we're going to make back five hundred million eris to pay off the debt just by doing quest here in Axel, right?"

Megumin nods before picking up the ink pen.

"Can you tell me about them, Kazuma?"

I give her a nod as I go over each item; explaining the pros and cons of each.

Megumin really liked the backscratcher after giving it a little test drive.

Chomusuke liked the pen as she seemed to have a blast with rolling it around with her paws.

"So, what do you think?"

I asked her.

"I think it's funny that the two most important men in my life have a flair for creating stuff. But at least your creations don't have any nasty surprises waiting to surprise someone. At least I hope they don't?"

I chuckle as I sit back down; her words then registering inside my head.

"Two guys, huh? Does that mean you have, or had someone special back home? An old boyfriend, perhaps?"

Megumin blushes furiously as she shakes her head.

"N-no, you idiot. You already know junk like that never interested me. We talked about this before, remember? The other guy I was talking about is my dad. He makes magic potions and items back in the Crimson Demon village. They're actually really strong... but..."

"They have a little quirk about them that makes using them more of a hassle than a benefit?"

Megumin nods; not needing to say more as I had already guessed the truth-

Wiz worked with Megumin's dad; selling his 'interesting' creations.

"No need to say more. By the way, where did you go earlier? When I woke up, both you and Cielo were gone. I know Cielo had to visit Clerica but I figured you'd at least would stay indoors until we headed out to the guild after lunch."

"I needed to drop a letter off at the Axel Postal Station. I wanted to get a letter I had written to my parents mailed off as soon as possible. I haven't sent anything since I first came to Axel and I'm sure they're worried about me."

"You haven't written to them since you first came to Axel. Unless I'm mistaken, doesn't that mean its been nearly six months in between letters then?"

Megumin lets out a sigh before saying-

"I have wanted to write to them sooner; but I didn't have the eris to pay postage cost. Besides, I wanted to wait till I had more good news to share with them than bad. And thanks to you, I have finally been able to create more good news. Thank you for that, Kazuma."

Hearing that makes me feel a little better; allowing me to take my mind off of things for the moment.

Megumin then looks around before looking back at me and ask-

"Are there no other stools or chairs in here I could borrow and sit on?"

I think about it, then say-

"Sorry, just the one. I'll get up so you can sit here if you want?"

"No need for that; I'll just settle for doing this right now."

Before I could ask what she meant; she catches me off guard by walking over and plopping herself down on my lap, sitting at an angle to how I was sitting.

I blush madly as I stammer out-

"M-Megumin, what are y-you doing? You know, if s-someone comes in and sees this, they'll t-think..."

"Hm, your legs aren't really comfy, you know. But I guess this will do for today... oh, did you say something, Kazuma?"

I sigh, telling her no while Chomusuke gets a big toothy grin on her face.

"Kazuma; once you get another chair to sit on in here, would it be OK if I joined you from time to time; watch you make these weird yet interesting things?"

I scratch the back of my head, then say-

"Well, if you really want to be bored out of your mind THAT BADLY, then I guess it will be OK. Heck, maybe you may even be able to help me; with suggestions and ideas I mean."

Megumin nods happily at the idea.

Chomusuke also hops onto my shoulder and nuzzles my neck; making Megumin giggle.

For the next few moments; the room remained silent as I try to think about what to say next.

I had a feeling Megumin was in the same boat; possibly having a mental debate over her suddenly sitting on my lap.

I have a feeling it was a sporadic; out of the blue sort of impulsive decision on her part.

A thought then crosses my mind; maybe it was time I brought up an important topic with her?

"Hey, Megumin... there's something I want to talk about with you. It relates to my..."

"SATOU KAZUMA?"

Comes a loud yell from outside the mansion; so loud in fact that it felt like I had been shouted out from within this very room.

We both sigh; annoyed with this sudden 'kind-of cock blocking but not really cock blocking' moment.

============================={ Part 2: Roasted }=============================

"Maybe if we stay quiet and ignore it; the thing that's come to bother us will go away."

Megumin nods in agreement as we keep as still and quiet as we possibly can.

"Satou Kazuma; is Satou Kazuma here?"

Came the loud, angry sounding shout from outside again.

Megumin and me remained for a moment before we both sighed again; always with the interruptions.

"What does that annoying itch of a woman want. You should still have twenty four days left right?"

I shrug as she gets off me and I also stand up.

"Who knows; but lets go out there and see what she wants before she huffs and puffs and blows the mansion down."

Chomusuke hops off of my shoulders then looks up at us.

"You go ahead and wait back here in the mansion for us, Chomusuke. This shouldn't take to long, hopefully."

Said Megumin.

I then add-

"While we're gone; go ahead and explore the place. Let us know if you like it or not."

Chomusuke meows as we exit the workshop.

"By the way, Megumin. I really liked the analogy you used in describing Sena back there. An itch you'd very much want to scratch but either can't or it won't go away even when scratched. It's clever."

Megumin grins before replying-

"I liked yours too. Making her sound like some sort of evil wolf like creature. Does that mean Japan has that fairy tale too? The Three Little Gnomes and the Big Bad Dire-Wolf?"

"Well, we have something like that; except its called the Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf."

Just as we enter the hallway and approach the entrance; the door is suddenly blast open with enough force to rip it from hits hinges.

I shield Megumin just in time; saving her from being smacked in the face by some debris.

Sena then enters the mansion with two knights beside her.

"Satou Kazuma, you will come with me at once."

I pull away from Megumin as we I give her an annoyed glare and Megumin gives her a deadpan look.

"I hope you are planning on fixing THAT first because I ain't doing squat till that's done."

I yell as I point to the destroyed door.

"Yeah, what gave you the right to go around damaging someone's property like that? Especially as we're more or less in winter time now? Do you have any idea just how cold it is out there today?"

Adds Megumin, her words having a bite to them.

Sena scowls at us for a moment before sighing motioning to one of the knights who does something unexpected; they grab the door, return it to its proper position, then starts chanting a spell to repair it from the looks of it.

Hm, guess that means that despite the look, the person beneath the armor was actually a Battlemage?

Once the repair was finished, Sena looks at us and says-

"There, happy now? Anyways, enough wasting time. I need you to come with me at once, Satou..."

"Yeah-no, I am not going anywhere with you."

Her scowl somehow gets worse; I didn't think that was possible really.

"Careful, Sena. Keep scowling like that and you will get wrinkles which will make your future love life a pain; assuming you have one to begin with. On that note, maybe you should consider rethinking the whole 'legal prosecutor' shtick you are going with as your job? Hm, I've heard there's always an opening in the 'going around from school to school; scaring little kids' job I believe you'd do WAY better at. And looking at your face right now; I know you'd do great there, really."

{ Insert Image 1 }

Her eyes flare; making me take notice that the weird greenish glow along the ends was present again, perhaps from the anger she was no doubt experiencing right now?

"How dare you, Satou Kazuma. I should take you in right now and have you executed immediately."

I chuckle at her which only makes her more furious.

"I'm sure you'd like to but we all know I haven't actually done anything yet to warrant such an act. Besides, the court has given me one month to prove myself and as someone who is a shining paragon of maintaining the law here; you wouldn't go breaking said law just to satisfy petty desires, right?"

Sena looked like she wanted to debate this more but she instead takes in a deep breath then says-

"Very well; I will let your remarks just a moment ago slide but I would ask you to remember your place here, Satou Kazuma. You don't want to be making me your enemy."

"Sure; if you say so. And I hope that YOU'LL remember, eventually, that I ALREADY proved my innocence before, in the courtroom and as such; I will be expecting a nice adequate bit of compensation once this whole thing is over."

I knew I was pushing my luck here; what with all the smack talking I was suddenly doing towards Sena.

But honestly, like I've said previously, I just don't care anymore.

I mean, seeing as I'm probably screwed here anyways; might as well make my last potential month here on earth be as happy as I can make it be.

FYI; see if the girls will be willing to give me a harem ending night should the worse case scenario actually happen on the last night before I'm returned to the chopping block.

I'm sure at least one of them would be willing to ensure I don't die a virgin, right?

I turn my attention back to Sena to see her reaction to my latest words-

She goes to respond but Megumin steps in; both between me and Sena, and speaking before Sena can.

"Why are you even here anyways? Can't you tell we were busy making plans on how to deal with the debt and trying to figure out how to prove Kazuma's innocence, again, along the way."

Sena then turns to look at Megumin; finally appearing to really take notice of her.

"Crimson Demon girl? Why are you still with this man? After he assaulted you; surely you aren't so weak minded as to choose to stick by his side?"

Megumin's eyes begin to glow red with anger as she shouts out-

"What do you mean about assaulting me? Care to explain yourself, woman?"

"Back during the trial; did you not confirm the claim that he had 'violated you' when you both had been staying in one of the rooms of the Guild?"

Megumin blinks before showing a sign that she did recall that moment during the trial.

"You're right, I did say that. I had also wanted to say that I was in the wrong there. I only made that claim right after waking up; my mind still under the influence of a 'dream' I had just experienced. If you had actually allowed me to finish explaining everything, then we wouldn't need to have this talk now."

"So you say and yet the fact remains you still had a dream in which he did do that act so doesn't that mean you feel that he is capable of such a thing; regardless of what you want to believe about him or not?"

Megumin's grip on her staff tightened as she goes to respond, but I stop her as I place a hand on her shoulder-

"Look, we can discuss this all later. Just tell us why you're here so we can then tell you to go away and leave us alone."

Megumin smiles smugly as Sena growls before finally getting to the point of her visit.

"Very well, then. As I am sure you BOTH know; a certain mage here in Axel; sporting red eyes, was behind a late night Explosion a few days back. Because of this; the heated energy unleashed has drawn the attentions of a colony of Salamando's here to Axel. I want you to take care of the matter, Satou. I hope I don't need to explain to you, the reason why?"

"No, you don't need to explain the reason to me; just like I don't need to go help out here either."

Sena was taken aback by my words.

"Excuse me?"

"I believe you heard what I said. I said I don't need to help; it's not my problem. How many other ways do I need to spell it out for you?"

Sena responds to balling a hand into a fist and smacking it hard into the wall.

"Careful Sena; you don't want to owe us for another bit of property damage now, do you?"

Said Megumin with a cheery expression.

Sena gives Megumin a dirty look; one that Megumin responds to by sticking her tongue out.

"You have no choice in this matter, Satou Kazuma. It was your friend here that caused the problem so it's only natural that you, as her handler and babysitter, to step up and clean up her mistakes."

"WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY, BITCH? YOU WANNA THROW DOWN 'CAUSE I'LL THROW DOWN RIGHT HERE AND NOW!

Screams Megumin as she attempts to lunge at Sena.

I stop Megumin, just barely, as I look back at Sena and say-

"Need I remind you that I have already been given a task; two in fact, that I need to focus on here at the moment. Tell me, if I go do this, will it earn me any brownie points towards proving my innocence... again? What about the debt? Will I get paid for doing this little 'special quest' for you?"

Megumin, quickly catching into my thoughts; then adds-

"He's right. This does sound like a Quest if you ask me. How much is the pay here? Has it been officiallized by the guild? Did no one else want to take this quest on? Did you even offer it up before coming here to bother us?"

Sena scoffs a little before lowering her head.

"...No..."

She said quietly.

I then step forward and place a hand on her shoulder.

"Look, Sena. You are right about one thing. I technically do have a responsibility to deal with this matter; given how it was triggered and all. But if I'm going to be asked to do anything here; something that feels like a quest then I, understandably, want it to be treated as an actual proper Quest. Going through all the proper channels and getting an appropriate pay at the end. Am I in the wrong for assuming that?"

Sena looks at me for a moment before giving off a sigh.

"I suppose not. Fine then, I shall return to the guild and request this Quest be made official for you. I will meet you two outside the western gate of Axel; where the Salamando's have been spotted once done."

I nod as she goes to leave. I call out to her and say-

"And I expect to see proof from Luna about the Quest being official before we begin working, OK?"

Sena doesn't respond as she and her guards continue on her way.

With her gone, me and Megumin breath out a sigh of relief.

"Man, that was nerve wracking. Don't tell anyone I said this; but I was really nervous back there."

"Funny, you didn't see all that nervous, to me. The way you were smarting off to Sena; roasting her even. I never knew you had those big balls to do something like that to someone in her position before..."

"Though I guess I should have; having seen your 'big balls' before."

Megumin then cackles with laughter as I blush madly from being reminded of that little incident.

I am SO glad no one, apart from the two of us and ghost girl Anna, knew about that little event.

If that had been brought up in the courtroom, I would have probably died from embarrassment.

Megumin too, I'm sure, though you wouldn't think it from how she was acting now.

"Laugh it up, loli jester, laugh it up. Don't forget, you still owe me a little 'viewing' too..."

That makes her go quiet immediately as her face turns red; either do to embarrassment or anger-

Or both?

"Pervert, that's sexual harassment."

"And thus, the pot calls the kettle black. As a advocate for true gender equality, I have no issues doing to a girl as she has done to me beforehand. Remember that."

After we spend a few moments glaring at each other; both both sigh before letting the matter drop.

"Anyways, let's get ready and go get this crap over and done with. I want to get that clock done before night falls if possible."

============================{ Part 3: Salamando }============================

Once me and Megumin had dressed in out winter attire; we set out for Axel's west gate.

As we walked, I decided to pull the ever trusty Adventurer's guide book to read up on Salamando's.

Megumin, knowing me well enough to know what I was doing, moves in closer to look along with me.

"Salamando; a curious member of the reptilian family; known for their flame resistiant scales that can be used to help not only protect Adventurer's, and just anyone in general from being burned (within reason), but also add an insulating layer of warmth to clothing during the winter months."

"The most common variant of Salamando; the Crimson Salamando, has a body covered in scales with a mixture of red, orange, and yellow coloring that gives it a look not unlike that of a sunset. They also have a flame at the ends of their tails and some older specimens even have a stripe of fire running along their backs."

"When down on all fours; they stand around three to four feet tall but can stand on their hind legs for breath periods bring them up to eight to nine feet tall. Be aware that they can spew a stream of fire from their mouths that can reach up to thirty feet and their scales, naturally warm when touched, can create heavy burns if one touches their scales when glowing. This is due to their yellow colored blood that has property's that allows it to become fire at the Salamando's whims."

"Note, if you encounter a Salamando, due try your best to capture it as a fully intact specimen is worth five hundred thousand eris per creature."

After reading that little detail, I turn to Megumin and ask her-

"Say, Megumin, can you control the output of your Explosion's? Make it so your blast can kill them but to not damage their bodies TO much. Depending on just how many there are, getting them all brought back intact could cut a nice piece out of the debt."

Megumin thinks about it, then says-

"I think so; but why would I hold myself back? I know clearly the debt is important but to just restraint myself when casting Explosion would go against my Crimson Demon sensibilities."

"And not helping a dear friend get out of debt is part of those sensibilities? If it helps, Megumin, think of it like this. Showing restraint from time to time can actually show just how skilled you are with Explosion magic. It will prove you are indeed the master."

"And there's also the fact that if I can't pay back that debt, or prove my innocence within thirty days, I won't be able to join you on your daily Explosion ritual; won't be able to grade your progress and you'll have to rely on someone else, who's less refined in doing that not to mention you'll need to have someone else carry you back home after it's all said and done."

Megumin gasp as she jerks close to me, saying frantically-

"No, I don't want any of that to happen. You're the only one who truly understands besides me and my old master about the greatness that is Explosion. And... you're the only one who's back I enjoy resting against too..."

She quietly mumbles that last part though I still heard her loud and clear.

Wait, her old master huh?

"Megumin, just who was this old master of yours, anyways? I don't think you've ever talked about him or her before. Wanna talk now? I've always wondered where your love for Explosion's came from."

"You have? Well, I guess I can... No, now it's the right time for such a talk as it's both long and complicated. We can talk about that part of my past; about my past in general, another day... some day."

The look in her eyes was a mixture of excitement and fear.

Excitement in the knowing that I did generally wanted to know about her.

And the fear... I couldn't be sure but there was something about her past I felt she wasn't comfortable with speaking about.

For now, I decide not to press the matter as I give her a head pat.

"As you wish, Dynamite, as you wish."

After a pause, I add-

"On a side note, going back to my request that you restrain your Explosion. For every Salamando that's hit but remains intact so we can sell the bodies after; I shall reward you an extra fifty points on top of what I'll score the Explosion itself. How's that for an extra incentive?"

Judging from the look in her eyes at hearing that; I'd say it was a damn good incentive alright.

I then close the guide and return it to my pouch.

There had been some additional entries available of the Salamando page-

Talking about the Jade and Azure Salamando variants but I didn't bother to read them as it was probably more of the same; right?

Once we reached Axel, we did stop off at the Guild as we headed to the western gate.

We met with Luna who confirmed Sena had just left and that the quest from her was authorized and that the pay for each Salamando killed would be two hundred thousand eris a piece.

I was also allowed to rent a few Containment Cubes from the guild; normally a fifty thousand eris rental; but Luna loaned them to us for free in order to store the Salamando corpses... if any remained.

She also said we'd probably need only two cubes as there had been twenty confirmed spotted and each cube could hold up to ten Salamando's based on the natural size of a normal Salamando. She had given us three cubes just to play it safe.

We made one final pit stop as we made our way to the western gate; the stop being at the gear shop.

I needed to pick up and new little toy I figured could work wonders here.

After that, we finally reached the western gate and found Sena waiting for us... impatiently.

"You two are late. I was expecting to find you both already here and ready to go."

Megumin wags a finger in response then says-

"Tut-tut-tut, we never said we'd actually be here first. We had some preparations to make before coming out here. Anyways, we are here now so can we please go and get this over with already?"

Sena looks at us for a second before sighing then guiding us to where the Salamando's had been spotted at.

After a twenty minute walk; mostly in silence thankfully, we finally caught sight of our targets.

After a little looking around, I was able to confirm all twenty were present in the open area.

And luckily for us, about nine of them were gathered close together; seemingly napping in the snow.

I then look over to Megumin and say-

"OK Megumin, I'll let you start us off if you want. Target those guys that are grouped together there and get your spell ready. Fire it off at my command. And remember, try to control the Explosion."

Megumin smiles as she gives me a salute.

"Aye aye, captain."

As she begins her chant, I hear Sena quietly 'ahem' from behind us, getting me to look back at her.

"Excuse me, but I never authorized the use of Explosion magic here. We are to close to the town for such a spell to be unleashed. And need I remind you that it was the very same Explosion that caused this little mess to begin with, Satou Kazuma."

And in response, I said-

"True, but you never said we COULD'NT use Explosion magic either and seeing as the quest had now gone live; I'm afraid its a little to late to be adding in new rules and restrictions. Besides, who are the experienced Adventurer's here; you or us? Yeah, I thought so. Just do us a favor and stand back, don't tell us how to do our jobs, and look pretty... as best you can, and leave the work to the adults here."

Megumin snorts, forcing her to start over as Sena blushes madly.

"What, how dare you say that to me. I demand a vote here, dammit."

You know, when one is able to get her to drop that tough woman act of her's and become more emotional, like a human being, Sena can actually look kind of cute.

Not main heroine potential cute; of course, but still kinda cute in her own way.

"You want a vote here? Sure, we can do that. Me and Megumin obvious will vote in favor of doing it and you, seeing as you strangely didn't bring your clunky flunky's along, only have the one vote against so I guess that means we win by numbers. But don't worry Sean, you'll still get a lovely consolation prize here."

Her glare made all that sass worth it.

"And exactly what is this consolation prize you speak of, Satou Kazuma?"

"Kazuma, I'm ready to fire off at your command."

"I'll get back to you on that one here in a moment, Sena."

I turn back to look at the Salamando's as Megumin takes aim with her staff.

I see another two approaching the sleeping group; closer, closer, close-

"Now, Megumin!"

"EXPLOSION."

Immediately, the eleven Salamando's caught in the blast went up in a ball of fire.

After catching Megumin and lowering her easily onto the ground, I turn back and look at the crater to see dead Salamando's laying on the ground though it was to hard to see what state they were in.

"I'll give that one three hundred points. Once we I take care of the rest, I examine the one's you got and give you your final score. But for now, nice Explosion."

I give her a thumbs up which she weakly bu happily returns.

"Is there any other kind?"

"Satou, the others are coming for us."

Cried Sena, before I could reply to Megumin's words.

I look to see the other nine were indeed approaching us; with fire building inside their mouths.

I motion to Sena to take over holding Megumin up as I pull out my new purchased bow and then activate the Ether Arrow skill I had learned from Keith, along with another skill he had also taught me on top of a third skill as I felt this was as good at time as any to try this combo out.

"I don't think I need to explain what Ether Arrows does; to either of you. But the other skill I'll be using will improve the accuracy and effectiveness of my shots based on the how high my Luck stat is. And as Luna has told me my Luck stat is the highest she's ever seen, I'm confident that this will do nicely."

I then take aim, pull back, and then...

"SNIPE!"

The Ether Arrow flies fast and true, going right into the opened mouth of the Salamando I had targeted.

Back at the guild, Luna had told me that their weak spot was to use either water or ice magic and blast them down their throats.

Since it was to dangerous to get that close to them for a direct magic attack, due to their fire breathing ability and with my limited range with spells at the moment, that left going with a range attack like an arrow.

However, Keith had told me something very interesting when he taught me archery skills.

If an archer who was using Ether Arrow were to ask a mage ally to channel an elemental spell; like lightening for example, into the arrow; the arrow would gain that elemental property to it.

And since I had access to both, and because mixing the two wasn't that hard to do, it was a perfect fit for someone like me.

I had fired a water element infused Ether Arrow first which quickly brought the Salamando down.

Next, let's see what an ice element Ether Arrow does?

After the second went down as quick as the first; I decided both did just fine as I focused on bringing the remaining seven down.

The last two did get a little to close to us for anyone's liking but it all worked out in the end.

Damn, this had been easy.

"So, what did you think of that, miss prosecutor?"

I asked Sena cockily as I looked back at her.

Her eyes were wide; probably very impressed with me or so I hoped as maybe, just maybe; it would help her recall my innocence and end this stupid farce here and now.

She quickly hides her obvious blush; going back to her usual stoic expression as she adjust her glasses.

"Hm...well, that wasn't... to bad of a performance back there. G-Good job, Satou Ka..."

She doesn't finish as the ground begins to shake and we find ourselves suddenly launched into the air.

Once back down on the ground, we find three new Salamando's had emerged from the ground; one from directly below us.

They were a little bigger than those Crimson Salamando's we had just encountered, and a different color too.

These were the Jade Salamando variants and I now wished I had went ahead and read up on them.

=============================={ Part 4: Rival }==============================

"Mister Satou, I hate to say this but you're work isn't done here yet."

I sigh as I pick myself up off the ground and take aim with my bow once again.

"Oh goody, overtime."

I said sarcastically as I pull back and fire a water element Ether Arrow.

The Jade Salamando I had targeted ducked quickly to avoid the attack, surprising us.

I guess these guys are smarter than the average Salamando, huh?

I go to fire a second arrow only for another of the Jade Salamando's to suddenly shoot its tongue out like an iguana; the tongue wrapping around my waste before I'm sent whirling around before the tongue lets me go and send me crashing onto the ground opposite them.

The impact knocks the wind out of me in the process; to say nothing of separating me from my bow.

Damn, I didn't know that was something they could do?

I really, REALLY should have read up on them all now, huh?

I then feel a shadow come over me as I see one of the Jade Salamando's had followed me.

I barely had time to react as it tries to crush me with its flaming tail, which was fully engulfed instead of it being simply the tip like with the Crimson variant.

My dodge also revealed something else to me as well; I think my impact with the ground just a moment ago may have cracked a rib, if not outright breaking it.

I heard a scream from beyond the Jade variant I was trying to survive against.

Sena was running like mad as a the second chased after her; possibly playing with its meal before going in for the kill.

"GGAAHH; Satou Kazuma; do something about this mess. I'm not paid enough to deal with this crap."

She screamed in terror.

Wait, where was Megumin?

Oh no-

I quickly look to see that she was now laying on the ground following Sena ditching her while the last Jade Salamando stood over her with its tongue hanging out.

"Um... Kazuma, if it's not to much trouble. Can you help a girl out here? After all the trauma I have from those toads in the past, I'd rather not add Salamando trauma to the li..."

She doesn't finish as the Jade variant wraps her up in its tongue and pulls her into its mouth.

I turn back to Sena, seeing her also finally being captured and swallowed as well.

I then feel a tongue wrapping me in again; pulling me into the Jade variant's mouth as well.

Damn, is this how it all ends for us?

I have to do something here; but what seeing as my arms are pinned to my sides.

Damn it-

"Light of Saber."

I hear a voice shout out as the Jade Salamando that was about to eat me is sliced in half.

I then see the spell race over and kill the other two Jade variants, saving Megumin and Sena as well.

As the cool looking spell fizzles out, I look around and quickly spot our hooded savior.

Our savior then reaches up and pulls her hood down; revealing a girl with a super cute face; dark hair done up in pig tails with ribbons, soft red eyes...

Wait, red eyes...red like Crimson red eyes?

Holy crap, this cutey was a Crimson Demon just like Megumin-

With a very hot body from what I could make out beneath her cloak.

I stand, applying a little Heal to my injured rib as I do so, while addressing the girl that had saved us.

{ Insert Image 2 }

"Hey, I don't know who you are but thanks for the save back there. You really saved out butts just now."

The girl blushed as she began to fidget nervously; her head lowered to hide her embarrassment.

"I didn't really do it to save... anyone, not really. I just figured I had to come save... m-my rival was all."

Rival? She couldn't be talking about me here, right?

Maybe she meant Megumin?

Speaking of, I then made my way of to Megumin; my sides feeling better as I reached her and knelt down to give her mana with Drain Touch.

"Well, that was certainly... an interesting experience, Satou Kazuma. Do all your Quest end up going like this one just did?"

I look over at Sena who was walking over to join us.

"No; they usually go a lot worse for us."

Sena sighs as I hear her mumble "Lovely." to herself.

I then recall something and add while giving her a smirk-

"So, did you enjoy that lovely consolation prize back there?"

"I refuse to acknowledge THAT as any kind of acceptable prize of any sort. Anyways, I'll return to the Guild and have the eris put towards the debt. Now, let us hope we don't have to meet again until either the last day of your given month or if you are able to prove your innocence at last."

With that, Sena takes her leave; making me sigh as it looked like I was still not off the hook yet.

I then turn back to look at Megumin, feeling she probably had enough mana now to stand-

And I see her grinning like an idiot; her cheeks a bright pink and her smile all goofy with eyes closed.

"Are you... really getting off from me pumping you full of mana?"

She quickly averts he gaze as her face quickly goes back to a neutral expression.

"N-No I wasn't; get that mind of yours out of the gutter, Pervzuma."

Pervzuma? That's a new... please tell me that isn't my new nickname here.

Megumin the gets back onto her feet; albeit wobbly, as the Crimson Demon girl who had saved us finally steps forward.

"It's been a long time, Megumin. So, has anything happened since we parted ways?

"Who are you again?"

Asked a clearly confused Megumin; looking at the shocked girl as if she was a total stranger to her.

"Wha-what are you saying Megumin; it's me. Don't you remember me; from back in our Red Prison days. Joined at the same time, always competing with each other to see who was the superior mage. Surely you haven't forgotten your rival here? It's me, Yun..."

"I'm sorry, but none of that rings a bell for me. I mean, it's weird when you don't even give a proper introduction first. Oh, I know. You must be one of those 'Hey, it's me' kind of people Kazuma warned me to be wary of. The type who try to scam you out of eris and stuff."

Megumin then tugs on my sleeve; letting me know it was time to leave.

The girl who saved us calls out to us as we go to walk away; forcing us to look back at her.

"So, you want me to introduce myself then, is it? Fine, I'll do it despite how embarrassing it is. Ahem..."

"My name is Yunyun; foremost Archwizard amongst the Crimson Demon clan, master of Advanced Magic and she who will one day lead the clan into the future."

Her eyes shine as she finish's doing her silly looking pose.

Not quite as silly as the one Megumin did when she had formally introduced herself all that time ago but still rather silly looking.

"Anyways, Kazuma; this is my old rival Yunyun. We both left home together and traveled together until we arrived at Axel. After sticking around a few weeks; she left to go on a journey to improve herself in the hopes of finally learning Advanced Magic which she failed to do back home."

"I didn't fail, Megumin. You and I both know why I hadn't learned it back when we had both graduated early. And anyways, I see you still haven't learned anything beyond that silly Explosion spell of yours."

"What was that? How dare you call Explosion a silly spell. You wanna go at it?"

I watch as both girls begin to butt heads with each other.

Having a feeling that this will go on for a bit; I walk away and pull out those containment cubes and start storing the remains of the Salamando's inside them.

Once I was done, I return over to the still bickering duo and say aloud to get their attentions.

"OK kids, its time to stop playing in the snow and head home now."

The two of them stop as Yunyun gives me a confused look; clearly having forgotten about me already.

"Say, Megumin... who's this guy here? Is he a comrade of yours?"

Megumin nods happily before holding her hand out towards me.

"Indeed, both my comrade and close friend. Go ahead and introduce yourself; partner..."

I sigh as I prepare to give Yunyun my name but then an idea hits me-

It was like a voice in my head was telling me to do something very specific.

A weird idea but one that seemed interesting as this same voice said it would be a good way to test their reactions and see what would come from said reactions-

And so I went with the flow; as they say.

I turn my back and take a few steps away before coming to a dead stop.

Behind me, I hear Megumin say in a confused tone-

"Kazuma?"

I then turn back to face them; speaking the lines that flowed into my head while performing the Dragon Ball Z Fusion Dance-

"Across distance sea's comes forth I; the stranger-"

"With an eternally burning emerald flame within my heart, I shall purge all the evil that comes before me-"

"Yes, it is none other than I, Satou Kazuma."

I honestly came very close to ending that with 'yes, it is I, Dio' but I managed to stay the course.

As I ended that with completing the Fusion Dance pose; I felt nothing but sheer embarrassment.

Oh god, what the hell was I thinking back there?

I opened my eyes at last, having closed them when I had began; expecting to find these two trying to repress their laughter-

And instead, I find them giving me wide, shining star filled eyes brimming with utter joy.

"Kazuma, that was so cool. I never knew you could be so cool before. It-it sniff it makes me so happy to know that you have the heart of a Crimson Demon beating inside your chest."

Said Megumin as she was literally tearing up.

Beside her; Yunyun was also looking at me; practically enthralled by my actions.

"Amazing, Megumin. Your friend here was so cool just now. Even though he's not a Crimson Demon, it was obvious he truly gets our ways. On the day I return home, I will speak to father about making him an official member of the clan. You are so lucky to have made such a friend and comrade, I'm a little jealous in fact."

"Ha-ha-ha, indeed. For a Crimson Demon of my caliber; I will only accept the best when it comes to those who I call friend and comrade."

Megumin smugly proclaims as I let out a sigh; knowing I shouldn't have done that.

Still though; if I ever did want a Crimson Demon as a girlfriend in the future, at least I now had a good idea how to get her all hot and bothered.

"OK, you two. Serious time. Anyways, like I said before. My name is Kazuma; the leader of the party Megumin is apart of. In fact, she's my second on command. Anyways, it's nice to meet you, Yunyun."

Yunyun smiles at me as she does a bow, but then a look of confusion as she ask me-

"Kazuma, you-you really do have a heart of a Crimson Demon; don't you? I mean, even after hearing my name, you haven't laughed at it even once."

I give her a smile then say-

"Why would I laugh? Your name isn't that weird, if you ask me. In fact, there are people in this world who, on top of having strange sounding names, will also find themselves burdened with an equally strange title like 'Psycho Explosion Loli' and yet somehow be unaware of that fact."

At some point during my words, Megumin must have had a vein pop in her head as she quickly turns on me and starts saying-

"What was that title you just said? Who's been calling me that, Kazuma? I want names right now. It better not be you, if you know what's good for you."

As I and Megumin begin to wrestle with one another; I hear Yunyun begin to giggle at our antics.

"I see; the two of you are really close, aren't you Megumin? I'll bet the other girls back home with be shocked when they learn that. Anyways, since I'm here. Do you want to have a duel for old times sake?"

Megumin pulls away from me to look at Yunyun.

"I'd rather not as I'm a little tired right now. But if you insist, then fine. Just so you know, I don't have enough mana to use for magic. We'll need to come up with something...wait a minute."

Megumin then moves in close to Yunyun and says in a serious tone-

"Did I hear you right earlier when you said YOU were a user of ADVANCED MAGIC?"

Yunyun then nods nervously; making Megumin burst out into a laugh.

"Hey, what's so funny, Megumin. I have finally learned Advanced Magic. In fact, I used Light of Saber just a few minutes ago to save everyone from those Salamando's back there. Surely you saw me do it or at least heard me call out my spell?"

Megumin shakes her head; then reminds Yunyun that she was in the mouth of one of those Jade Salamando's which made it hard for her to hear and see anything going on outside.

Yunyun then looks to me with pleading eyes.

"She's right, Megumin. I did see her use that Light of Saber spell. It was pretty sweet, actually."

Yunyun blushes as she begins to poke her fingers together shyly at my comment.

Megumin gives me a doubtful look before saying-

"I bet you're only saying that to get Yunyun to fall in love with you or something?"

Yunyun's whole face goes bright pink as she stammers out to not go around saying stuff like that.

Megumin then addresses Yunyun, saying-

"OK, how about this. You show me an amazing display of Advanced Magic here and if it can wow me, then I will declare you the winner of this duel. How does that sound?"

Yunyun's eyes brighten as she stands tall and proud.

"What, is that all I need to do here? Have you started to go soft on me here, Megumin? Very well, stand back and allow me to wow you both with my stunning performance... hm, what spell should I use? I wish I had something to use it on as I'm sure I could offer up and even greater display."

And, as if on cue-

A sound somewhat like a 'bwark' draws our attentions over to see one final Salamando; a Azure variant that was twice as big as the others had appeared.

Possibly the leader of the pack I guess.

I quickly pull out my guide book; wanting to play it safe and read up on this one.

"Yunyun, just use your spell on that guy there. Bonus points if you can make it pop."

Yunyun quickly gets excited from Megumin's words as she begins to chant her spell.

Meanwhile, I quickly begin to read the extra text about the Azure Salamando-

"Hm, twice the size of the largest Jade variant; can make their whole bodies erupt with blue fire. Be cautious when using magic to kill them as its blood will easily explode outwards if exposed to any amount of shock. Best to use water or ice to kill them."

There was also something below that; a warning about what happens if you get covered in goop from it; should it explode, especially if you don't remove said goop quickly, but I ignore that for the moment as I see the Azure Salamando racing towards us with its body a raging fire.

"Hey, did you two hear that? The book says to not use anything that can ignite it's blood; like fire or..."

"LIGHT OF SABER!"

Yells Yunyun as the creature lunges at us.

Her spell cuts into it, easily killing it-

And creating an explosion of guts and goo that leaves us ALL covered from head to toe.

I slam the book shut as Megumin and Yunyun just stand there their faces blank of expression.

"Lovely."

I tell them with a dead pan tone as I stuff the guide back into the pouch.

Yunyun then turns back around nervously as she looks at Megumin.

"So... was that... g-good enough?"

"I win."

Said Megumin as she smugly smiles back in response.

Yunyun immediately rushes over and begins to shake Megumin; crying out "Why, why, why..."

After getting Yunyun off her, Megumin blankly says-

"I said to show me an AMAZING display back there; something that can wow me. What just happened not only wasn't amazing, but the only part of it that wowed me was just how badly you screwed up. Kazuma clearly said to not use any spell that could cause its blood go boom and yet, here we all are; covered in goo and guts and you expect me to give you a 'good job' and a thumbs up? And here I thought you knew me better than that?"

Yunyun falls to her knees; beating her fist into the snow at her loss.

Meanwhile, my thoughts were something to the effect of 'like you tried to stop her back there'.

"Anyways, Kazuma also said its not a good idea for us to stay covered in this crap for to long so, why don't we call it a day and head back to our respective abodes. I don't know about you, but both me and Kazuma really need to go take a bath... TOGETHER."

Both me and Yunyun jerk our heads to look at Megumin who was smiling all smugly at us.

Oh god, no; what are you planning here, Megumin?

"Bathe together? You two... actually bathe together? Like, together together?"

"Indeed, we do. And that's not all. We also live together, have slept together with Kazuma holding me in his arms. Why, we have even gone to the toilet together, if you know what I mean?"

This stupid idiot? What if someone else happens to be within ear shot?

And when have we ever slept together... oh, right, that time we slept under the bridge and I had an arm wrapped around here but that doesn't count.

I then rush forward; my fingers grabbing the edge of her mouth and not caring if any goo on my fingers got into her system as I pull her cheeks hard, making Megumin cry out in pain.

"You idiot, what are you saying with this mouth? Are you trying to get me thrown back into jail for being a pedo or something."

"I-I-I admit that I lost to you twice today. But I-I will defeat you one day..."

Cried Yunyun before she went running off in tears.

Megumin then pulls out a little book and marks today's date followed by two check marks.

She then loudly proclaims while blushing madly-

"I WIN AGAIN!"

============================={ Part 5: Strip }================================

"Kazuma, Kazuma..."

"My name is Satou, Kazuma Satou; what's up?"

"First, I'm guessing that was a reference to something from your homeland. Mind telling me what that reference was from? Second and my main question; what was my final score following you collecting those Salamando remains?"

Me and Megumin had just exited the east gate of Axel.

Following our meeting slash reunion with Yunyun, we had returned to Axel and stopped by a shop to deliver the Salamando remains in exchange for a bunch or eris.

We then made a pit stop at the Guild to return the containment cubes as well as to pass on our Salamando sale eris.

We then continued on our way back home thus leading to our current conversation.

"What was I referencing, huh? Let's just say if was a famous spy from the empire of Britain."

"And as far as your final score? Hm, let me think here. Oh, what the hell; nine hundred points."

Megumin squeals happily as she pumps the air victoriously.

I smile at her actions before pulling my Adventurer's Guide back out and reopen it back up to the page about Salamando's.

I then return to where I had left off, when the Azure Salamando had gone all 'pop' thanks to Yunyun's spell.

Megumin comes off her victory high to look at me curiously.

"Say, what are you looking at now, Kazuma?"

"I'm just wanted to finish reading up on the warning it was giving off about these Salamando's. Let's see here; it says one should be carefully with getting Salamando goo on them, especially its blood as it can make our clothing combust very easily. This is also true if its on our skin but there's also a danger of a burning feeling occurring if we remain covered long enough which will lead to an effect like sunburn and blisters as well if left unchanged if enough passes."

Megumin nods as she looks at her goo on her skin which she tries to wipe off; only achieving a smear over her skin which just makes it worse.

She then looks back at the book and ask-

"Say, what do you think the rest of the warning says there?"

"I wish I knew. All that goo that got onto the page has ruined the rest of the text. I'll need to see if they can either repair it or replace it when I next visit the guild. It probably didn't help when I closed the book back there after the fact."

I then close the book once more and return it to my pouch.

It wasn't long after that when we finally reached the mansion.

As we walked into the door, I could already feel an irritation developing on my skin.

I was sure Megumin was feeling it as well.

I heard a meow as Chomusuke came into view and ran over to us.

"Oh, Chomusuke. Did you behave yourself while we were out?"

Megumin kneels down to pick up her familiar only for Chomusuke to quickly backpedal and run away the moment she saw the state we were in.

As Megumin stands again, I walk passed her while saying-

"I don't know about you, but I'm starting to feel a little weird now. So, if you don't mind, I'm gonna hit the bath and wash this crap off. Promise I won't take long."

"Wait; isn't it customary for a guy to offer the lady the option to go first?"

I turn back to look at Megumin; seeing her giving me a hard stare.

"You know I am one who yearns for true gender equality and as such; I feel it to be a bit unfair when the girl expects a guy to give her special treatment when it benefits her and yet will complain to a guy when he isn't being a real man in her eyes."

Megumin still continues to stare at me; leading me to sigh.

I then reach into my pocket and pull out my 'special coin.'

After confirming that it was 'that' coin, I then say to Megumin.

"How about this then. We'll settle this by coin toss. It it lands on tails, then I win and if it lands on heads, then you win. How does that work for you?"

Megumin looks at me suspiciously before giving me a nod.

I then toss the coin into the air; catching it as it comes back down before slapping it onto my wrist.

"Damn it; heads. That's not fair. I'm always suppose to win these games."

As I complain. Megumin was clearly taken aback.

Based on the look she had been giving me; I'm sure she was expecting me to try to cheat here.

I finally accept my loss as I say to her-

"Well, looks like I lost. Just promise you won't take to long, alright? At the very least, let me go in first so I can heat the water for you. With your current mana levels, you'll only be able to get the water into a luke warm state."

I go to turn to head into the bath to do just that when Megumin stops me again with one hand while forcibly taking the coin from the second.

I turn back to see her looking the coin over carefully before giving me a confused look.

"Kazuma? Both sides are head. I knew when I saw you looking at the coin and when you decided which side you'd take that it was a trick coin. Why did you set yourself up to lose? It wasn't to make me feel guilty when I found out, did you?"

I sigh then shake my head.

"Honestly, I don't know why myself, really. This feels really weird for me to go do that. I know that if it had been YOU who was responsible for getting me all gooey, then I very much would have forced you to let me go first. Maybe I'm just worried about it hitting you with those negative effects."

Megumin averts her gaze from mine.

I then proceed to the bath and fill the large bath with hot water.

Once I was done, I head back out into the changing room; calling out to Megumin-

"OK, it's ready. You can hop...in...?"

Megumin was already inside the room; her clothes stripped and nothing covering her body save for a bath towel.

I blush as I stammer out-

"M-M-Megumin; um... w-why are y-you...? Never mind that, the b-bath's ready so go ahead and get in."

I try to quickly get into the room only for Megumin to stop me by grabbing onto my sleeve.

"Kazuma, I want you to join me in the bath?"

Eh?

"Megumin, what did you...?"

"I said I want you to join me. It makes sense when you think about it; we're both covered in goo after all so wouldn't be easier for the both of us to go in together? We can even help each other wash each others backs, right? It like I said before; we're comrades and as such; whether it be out on a Quest or when we bathe, we go together."

She then gives me a smile; the same smile she showed me that night when the toilet incident happened.

Well I guess there was only one thing I could do here-

I immediately try to break free over her hold and make a run for it.

This was a trap; had just had to be a trap?

There was NO way she was being serious here with me right now.

That was all a test just to see just how much of a shameless pervert I really was.

While I did succeed in getting free from her hold on my sleeve, she then quickly wraps her arms around my waist and proves just how strong she really was as I was unable to shake her.

"Damn it, Megumin, let me go here. I can't just jump into the bathe with you; not at your current age. What if we got caught by someone. My reputation would be forever ruined if I was in the bath with any girl that isn't an adult or at least my age at this time."

"Quit treating me like a little kid, Kazuma. I'll have you know I'm only a few years younger than you are and besides, I'm technically already considered old enough by Crimson Demon standards to get into a physical relationship with a guy. So stop being a little bitch here and get naked with me so we can both get cleaned up."

"Just listen to yourself, Megumin. Does your chuunibyou brain even have the ability to realize what it is you're saying? Don't get me wrong here; I'd very much would like to throw caution to the wind and get in with you but even I have personal standards here. My strike zone is a two years at the most."

"Just admit the truth, Kazuma. You're just afraid to let me see that small thing dangling between your legs again. Don't be ashamed now; I won't judge you for being pathetic."

"What? How dare..."

That was when I knew that I had fucked up-

Because it was there, in that moment, when I was distracted, that Megumin saw her chance.

She sent one of her legs forward; locking it around my leg before yanking it back, causing me to fall backwards onto the ground.

She was then over me quickly; one hand on my shirt and the other on my pants as she moves quickly to pull both off together.

"Hah, I win this round, Kazuma. Now, do ME a solid here and get it off."

"Megumin, you're the real PERVERT here. And by the way..."

"Watch how you phrase your WWWOOORRRDDDSSS..."

=============================={ Part 6: Bath }===============================

"Ah, the water feels SO good right now."

"Agreed; I have no complaints either."

Megumin and I were relaxing in the hot bath; I sitting back against the wall while Megumin was off to the side, her shoulders resting on the edge.

I was still shocked by this whole unexpected affair.

I mean, here I am sharing a bath with a super cute, dare I even say beautiful, girl.

And it was all HER idea too.

Man, I really do have some amazing luck sometimes, huh?

Though I did wonder how this situation even came about to begin with?

Was it possible that Chris had been telling the truth; that Eris really had made this whole thing possible?

Honestly, I really doubted it but it was still fun to muse on.

I then feel something brush past me; bringing me out of my thoughts to see little Chomusuke swim past me, looking very happy with herself.

"Say, Megumin; why is Nia in here with us? I thought cats hated being bathed in water?"

Megumin looks back at me; confused by my words until she spots Chomusuke.

"First, her name is Chomusuke, not Nia. Don't force her into having such a weird sounding nickname like Nia when I've already given her a much better and cooler sounding name."

"You say that yet she seems to like MY name better than yours; isn't that right, NIA?"

Chomusuke purrs happily as she does a little spin in the water; making a vein pop on Megumin's head.

"She's just wanting to be nice to you; afraid you'll kick her out if she doesn't act like she prefers it over mine. Just you wait, Kazuma. Once she feels confident about her place her, she'll make her displeasure over that name know. Trust me."

I dismiss her words as I look up towards the ceiling for a moment before looking back at Chomusuke again.

Strange; why DO I feel like I've seen her before?

Oh well, if I had seen her before; then I'm sure I'll remember when and where at some point here soon.

"Anyways, to answer your question. Chomusuke isn't like normal cats you've probably seen around. She likes to stay clean but is disgusted by the idea of using her tongue to clean herself."

I could understand that.

After a moment; another question pops into my head.

"Say, that girl we met earlier... Yunyun I think her name was? Aren't you a little worried about her? I mean, she's a friend from back home, right? Don't you want to spend so time catching up with her? You could invite her to come stay here if you want? I mean, we have more than enough room."

Megumin turns away; looking back towards the door into the bath.

"I'm sure she'll be fine; she's a big girl after all. We are both the same age, after all and even left the village at the same time. As far as the two of us being 'friends?' We were rivals; first and foremost. I'm not sure how outsiders like yourself do things, but we Crimson Demons can't allow ourselves to be friends with our rivals. It would undermine the whole point of being rivals to begin with."

"Hm, sounds complicated..."

I say that but I didn't believe it

If you asked me; it just sounded like you Crimson Demons are just damn stubborn about things.

And the worse part of that to me was the fact Yunyun gave me the impression that she actually was a well rounded girl with a good head on her shoulders, to say nothing of having a lick of common sense.

Wait, now that I think about it, didn't Megumin just say-

"So, the both of you are the same age, huh?"

Megumin jerks her head back to look at me as I carefully studied her with my eyes.

"Yes, we are. Mind telling me what you're thinking about, Kazuma? Not that I need to hear you say it aloud as I can read your thoughts pretty easily already."

"I was just thinking that you saying you're both the same age was unexpected. I mean, she is a little taller than you to say nothing of her chest size. But I guess that just goes to show every girl develops at her own pace."

Megumin's response to my words was to lunge at me; trying to strangle me with her hands.

After a brief struggle; and Megumin yelling about how she'll punish me for perving on the both of them, she finally relents and pulls away... only to then go and sit right beside me.

"By the way, just how old are you anyways, Megumin? And when's your birthday?"

Megumin looks at me and ask-

"Hm? What's bringing this on?"

"Just curious. I mean, we're friends, party mates, and we even live together and yet we really don't know anything about each other; about anyone in the party really beyond what we have personally experienced together. I feel the time has come to change that, don't you think?"

Megumin thinks about this for a moment before she nods.

"I guess you're right. I'm currently thirteen, as is Yunyun. My birthday is the fourth of December."

I turn to look at her; my eyes wide with shock.

"Wait; the fourth of... but that's tomorrow. Why didn't you tell me sooner? I could have worked with the others and planned to give you a surprise birthday party. Is there anything you want as a present? I can't promise I'll be able to get it tomorrow, given the current situation and all, but I'll get it as soon as I can."

Megumin shakes her head before giving me a smile.

"You don't need to worry about that, Kazuma. You've already given me so much since we first met. You helped me to 'borrow' fruit from a tree, you let me join the party, you've both accepted and even encouraged my dream, you gave me food, clothes, and my amazing new staff, and you even gave me my own room here inside this awesome mansion. What more can a girl ask for?"

What, indeed?

Actually, I have an idea but I'll save that for tomorrow.

"Well, at the very least, how about we go do an Explosion tomorrow afternoon?"

Megumin nods happily before turning away and; after a pause, goes to rest her head on my shoulder.

For the next few minutes, we just stayed like that.

As strange as this whole thing was, it was also nice in a way.

I'm still wondering what made Megumin decide to do this?

Wait, the other bit of the warning about Salamando goo from the guide we couldn't read-

Was it possible that this situation was made possible because-

"Say, Kazuma, did you know that by Crimson Demon standards; I'll be considered an adult after I turn fourteen tomorrow. Would it be OK if I could enjoy my first alcoholic drink as my birthday present from you?"

I think about that; wondering if she was being truthful and if that was also the same for the rest of this world too?

"I make no promises, but I'll at least think about it, OK?"

After a pause, I say absentmindedly to myself.

"So, you'll be considered legal come tomorrow, huh? Guess that means you'll be upgrading from being an illegal loli into being a legal dwarf, then? That's cool..."

As soon as she heard me call her a legal dwarf; Megumin bolted up and crossed her hands over her chest as she glared at me.

"Legal dwarf? You just called me a DWARF, Kazuma? How could you say that about me? What apart of all this does screams dwarf to you?"

I was confused by her sudden anger till it dawned on me she probably thought I was talking about an actual fantasy world dwarf here.

"Whoa there, Megumin. I didn't mean a literal dwarf there. Back where I'm from; the term dwarf is used to describe a short person. And seeing as you are shorter than me; then it can technically be applied to you."

Megumin looks at me for a few more moments before sighing.

She then goes to sit back beside me but then stops midway before a look of realization enters her eyes and she is quick to back away from me.

"K-K-K-Kazuma, what the hell are you in the bath with me? What did you do, how did you talk me into this? You pervert, you really are a pervert, Kazuma the sexual harassment pervert."

I try to respond, to defend myself but Megumin then begins to chuck anything she could grab at me; shampoo bottles, soap, Chomusuke.

"Wait, Megumin, stop-stop attacking me. I didn't do anything wrong here..."

"That's a lie. I know it is. How did you do it, Kazuma. How did you talk me into this? I demand to know, now."

"No, it's not like that, really. Think back, Megumin. Back to when we got back to the mansion, remember what it was you said to me, what we both did?"

Megumin, thankfully does as I ask and after a moment; her face gets all red from embarrassment as she drops like a rock back into the water.

Off to the side, Chomusuke was doing a backstroke in the water; it looked rather cute.

"Sorry, Kazuma. I just... I don't know, I guess you're really getting tired of me doing that to you, huh?"

"I'll admit that it is getting a little old, but I don't think it was your fault either. Remember those extra lines of text in the guide? The bit that was to damaged to read because of the Salamando goop? I wonder if that had something to do with what happened? With us both being in here right now as we both suddenly acted in a way that wasn't normal for us."

Megumin quickly nods in agreement to my speculation as she finally seems to relax.

She then surprises me by moving back over to sit besides me.

She looks at me, understanding what it was I was about to ask her and responds first-

"Well, since we're already here and all embarrassed; we might as well see this to its destined conclusion, right?"

I nod as I think about our current situation.

"We should keep this little event here secret. People will talk if they knew."

Said Megumin.

I nod agreeably; Megumin then releasing her hold on me after a few moments.

After another pause, I finally say-

"Megumin, I think it's time one of us gets..."

"Kazuma, Megumin; are either of you here?"

Came the voice of Cielo; making us both freak out as we dive to hide ourselves as deep into the water as possible.

"Oh crap, this is bad, Kazuma. What do we do, what do we do, what do we here?"

"We can't let her see us; that's for sure. I doubt she'll rat us out but it would still be bad, especially if she accidentally tells Darkness once she gets back. Anyways, do you have any ideas?"

Megumin thinks for a moment as we hear Cielo call out for us; louder and closer sounding this time.

She then smiles at me as she says aloud.

"Yeah, I'm here, Cielo. In the bath."

I start to panic but Megumin only places a hand on my shoulder; giving me a reassuring look.

"Oh, OK. Where's Kazuma? Is he upstairs?"

"No, he had business in Axel. We both got a little messy and needed to get cleaned up. I came back to the mansion while Kazuma went to cash in on our reward. He said he'd stop off at the bathhouse before heading back to make dinner."

"Got it. By the way, are you almost done in there? Training today was a little intense and I'm all sweaty here. I could really use a bath myself, if I'm being honest."

"I hear you. Give me ten more minutes and I'll be out."

We didn't get a reply from Cielo so I guess she was fine with that.

Megumin then sits back beside me; looking at me before asking-

"So, any ideas on how we get out of this one?"

I think for a moment, the suggest-

"OK, here's the game plan. You get out first and get dried and dressed. Once you're done, let me know and I'll do the same. After that, I'll use Lurk right by the door while you open it. If the coast is clear, I'll leave all quick like. If not, have Cielo come in, strike up a conversation while getting her to look away from the door so I can sneak out. She'll never know I was here; that we were here together."

Megumin nods as she goes to stand; preparing to leave the bath only for her leg to slip, causing her to fall.

I rush forward, catching her only for me to go falling to.

After a crash, we found ourselves in a rather awkward position.

I had my bruised back resting against the stone wall; Megumin's arms propping herself against the wall as he face was hovering mere inches above my own.

My hands were on her too; pressed against her chest from the way it felt.

And I meant her bare chest too as, in all the rush of falling; both her towel and mine had fallen off, leaving us both naked together in the bath.

Not that our brains could register that fact as we were both to busy looking into each others eyes.

"Megumin...?"

"Kazuma...?"

We both said at the same time; our tone like we were in a trance.

A blush was beginning to form on both our cheeks as I wondered what was about to happen here next?

This was a very cliche moment if you asked me.

How could it possibly get any more-

The door into the bath suddenly opens as Cielo, holding a towel before her to cover herself.

"Say, Megumin. Sorry for the intrusion but before you get out, I wanted to go ahead and go over some ideas I had ab-out... Kazu-ma's...situation...?"

{ Insert Image 3 }

Her eyes go wide as she sees the positions me and Megumin were currently in; seeing that Megumin was pretty much naked over me too.

And in the process, Cielo's hold on her towel goes slack; causing it to slip out of her hands and revealing herself to the two of us.

Yep, this whole thing was pretty cliche alright.

Which means, the next cliche moment to happen would be...

We all scream from the sheer embarrassment.

A few moment later; I find myself sitting opposite a very confused looking Eris.

"So, am I dead or just near death?"

"Near death... why are you... BLUSH... why are you naked? What happened down there... I mean down below... you know what I mean?"

I sigh as I shake my head-

"Trust me, Eris, you don't want to know. You really, really don't want to know..."

Next time: Kazuma goes out to talk with Wiz; meeting up with Yunyun as he goes. The two of them then take time to get to know each other; leading Kazuma to come up with an idea regarding her. After that, Kazuma and Megumin go to do an Explosion and Kazuma decides to give her her birthday present while they're at it.

Image 1: And angry Sena glaring at a smug looking Kazuma and Megumin

Image 2: Yunyun looking all serious; a little electrical spark around her right hand

Image 3: A behind shot of Cielo; looking at Kazuma and Megumin in the bath

Warning:

The following bonus story below contains spoilers. If you are an anime only Konosuba fan, I would recommend waiting until after season 3 of the anime has aired before reading it (unless that announcement from last summer wasn't about there being a season 3).

If you have read the LN, up to the end of volume 7 or at least know what happens in said volume, then it will probably be safe for you to continue but all the same, if you are concerned about spoilers, hold off till after Arc 7 of this fic until reading.

The bonus story below reveals a little behind what happened last chapter during the courtroom scene; from Aldarp's perspective. Not the whole thing but just enough of a tease for Arc 7 later on...

(Bonus)

"With all due respect, your honor; may I ask you just what are you doing here?"

Everyone in the court room turn their attentions towards me-

I, in turn, returned those looks by showing them a displeased look on my face.

"Is there an issue, lord Aldarp?"

Asked the judge.

I began to twist the daemon artifact I had rest on my right hands index finger; a ring.

"I do believe there is. Forgive me if I am wrong here, but it sounds like you were just about to pardon this man? This man... who clearly just confirmed his GUILT in front of everyone gathered here."

Sena then speaks up, saying-

"But my lord, Satou Kazuma just confirmed his innocence; the bell didn't ring when he stated he was no follower of the Devil King."

Several others, including his party, shouted out in agreement over what Sena had said.

I simply raises an eyebrow; giving everyone a clear look of confusion.

"Did he now? Funny, I heard it go of loud and clear just a moment ago. Perhaps he would like to repeat his words from before; just to make the truth clear to ALL gathered here this day?"

I then look at the boy; the rest of the gathered crowd join me in looking at him.

Sena then looks at him and says-

"Sorry about this, mister Satou; but could you repeat yourself, if only to satisfy lord Aldarp here?"

It was time; time for me to put my plan into action.

Maxwell!

Around me, it was as if time had come to a stop as everything apart from me became gray.

And from the gray took shape a cloud of twisting green; glowing purple eyes emerging from within.

This state I was in now did have one disadvantage; I wasn't allowed to move save for the continued motion of adjusting the ring; to invoke this Devil's presence.

If I could fully move here, then that would make certain actions I like to indulge in OH so much easier.

You called, old friend?

"Indeed I did. I have another task for you. It would seem that this boy was able to clear his good name. I want you to manipulate the bell when he makes his next proclamation of innocence and, in doing so, take control of the minds of all gathered here in order to see him executed."

That is... impossible. As you are well aware, I am limited in the amount of energy I have access to. With all the other active request you have asked me to oversee; request that are still being maintained; my remaining available power is far to limited. Apart from controlling the judge and prosecutor, I can only manage full manipulation of another ten to twelve individuals.

I scoff at his words; wanting to point out how weak a Duke of Hell he was; if his claim on that title was indeed true.

I stop myself though, reminding myself of what I had been told by him back when I first summoned him all those long years ago.

There is an option we can go with though, if you are interested?

"Let's hear it then."

Offer up to me life force. I can use that as a temporary booster to my remaining power and give you what you ask.

"How much will you need?"

Most of what your body has left. Once taken, you would only have around two years left before that vessel fails you.

I was about to complain, saying that I would be a fool to lose so much of my remaining time.

But I then stop, reminding myself that this wasn't a necessary worry for me.

I had recently confirmed the location of the missing Soul Transfer Divine Relic that had been stolen from my estate by thieves years ago and was already in the process of seeing it recovered.

Only two years left? Not a problem for me; only for THIS body.

"Very well, Max. Take what you need so we can get this done with."

Very well, a word of warning though. Once everyone here is being controlled; know that the effects will only last for three minutes. Furthermore, there are a few individuals in the room who have strong magical resistance, like that Crimson Demon girl. Those individuals will only remain controlled for ninety seconds to two minutes. Finally, I can detect three who won't be affected at all; one of them being the boy himself though I can at least halt them from speaking out within a two the three minute period.

"That's fine, Max. He'll be dead before the ninety seconds are even up. I'll also have the headsman use that enchanted ax you cursed; to send the boy's soul down to you... as a gift, of course."

You are indeed very gracious, old friend.

I then watch as the representation of Maxwell flows into the bell before time started to move again.

"Very well, but if I do then and when the bell DOESN'T ring again, you'll drop your charges about my bombing your stupid mansion, OK?"

I give the boy a devious smile, one that surely must have worried him before agreeing to his terms.

"I do NOT work for the Devil King; nor..."

DUNG!

His shocked look sent a warm feeling racing through my body.

Just as the pulse of dark energy Max had unleashed across the court room with the ringing of the bell had done.

I'm sure I was the only one here to see it; feel it.

As his fortunes turned on him; and he fell into despair; I couldn't help but smile at the sight.

Sorry boy, but I've been at this a LONG time and you, I'm afraid, had to become just another stepping stone in MY STORY.

But don't worry, I'll be sure to approach and console your party; those... mostly lovely girls; either in this body or the next-

And, in time, I will help them to forget their pain and move on from your loss-

In fact, once they start receiving MY attention; they won't be able to remember anything else but...