Bless This World With A Stranger

by RhineWrites

Arc 8: Konosuba Inferno (chapters 37-?)

18. A4-2: Emotional Outburst

Chapter 2: Getting Emotional With My (Not) Harem

====================={ Part 1: Being Treated Like Baggage }======================

I lost?

I actually lost a game of rock-paper-scissors-

That's never happened to me before.

I had been left in such shock over that fact that the others literally had the drag me onto the carriage.

I have no idea how long I remained within my shocked, disbelieving stupor-

But when I finally returned to my senses, Axel had already long since faded from sight.

In fact; any green that could have been seen even during the winter months was not visible to me.

After blinking a few times; I began to look around, scanning what land I could see within this area.

It was all barren and desolate; a real no-man's land we were traveling through.

Well, almost barren and desolate as I could make out a few patches of partially melted snow scattered here and there upon the ground.

Guess even snow can fall upon a location like this one?

Shouldn't be surprised, I guess; as Arcanretia was located northwest of Axel, beyond the mountainous wall that separated the southern region of the kingdom from the central territories.

I then realize something important-

Where were the other carriages at, and why was I tied down on top of that other detail?

I thought I had heard that our carriage was the fourth in the line, out of nine total heading to Arcanretia?

Perhaps, while in my stupor; something had happened that forced a position change?

I then took notice of a new problem-

My butt had fallen asleep while I was suffering from my defeat shock.

If there was anymore room back here in the luggage compartment, I would have considered lying down for a bit; maybe even taking a nap just to kill some time.

But there was barely enough room for me to be able to sit here, so that thoughts was out of the question.

Hm, I wonder if any of the girls would at least be willing to switch with me, even if only for a short bit?

Yeah, I doubt that will happen but no harm in asking them, right?

I twist my body around, allowing myself to look inside the carriage, and my plans immediately become dust in the wind at what I saw.

The inside of the carriage was packed full of luggage and crates full of various items.

Just where the heck am I.

I then freed myself from being tied down, which had been easy as the knot hadn't been tied well.

After that and with no other choice, I climbed up on top of the carriage and crawled my way up and over to the driver.

"Hey pops; what gives here? Why have I been put onto this carriage as if I was part of the goods?"

The older man, with a long mustache; the kind you'd normally only see on those very cartoony style villains, turns his head up at me with a confused look and says-

"Eh? What are you... oh right; the dead weight I was saddled with. You need to get down from there, sir. Can't have you go falling off on me or something. That would make the bosses dock my pay here."

"I'll return to the back once you answer my question. Just why am I on this cart, being treated as some additional bit of luggage?"

I lied about returning to the back to sit as, while the top of the carriage wasn't all that level, it was still far more comfortable than sitting in the small, cramped spot I had been stuffed in.

"Oh, that's because there apparently wasn't enough room for you on the carriage those five little cuties who brought you over to me are riding in. Nor was there any rooms left on any of the other carts. I had just enough room though it was rather cramped. They told me you wouldn't mind and seeing as you didn't object either..."

I cursed under my breath at hearing that.

Those damn little vixens; I can't believe they would do this to me, especially after the nice things I gave them yesterday.

OK, to be fair, I could see MOST of them doing this to me-

But Yunyun begin OK with it; now that one was a shocker?

OK, maybe she wasn't but the others talked her into it; I'll make sure to find out once I can talk to them again in... how much longer will we be going for until we stop to break?

I asked the driver that very question.

"Hm, break? Actually, we just had the break around thirty minutes ago, kid. We won't be stopping again till we reach the camping spot... here in about four more hours or so."

Wait, what?

We had already had the rest stop break?

I quickly pull out my pocket watch and look at the time.

We were to leave around 10am and the break was set to happen at 1:30pm.

It was now a little after 2pm in the afternoon.

Had I really been lost within my shock induced stupor for THAT long?

Why didn't the others snap my out of it during the break?

"Um... pops, did any of the girls that brought me back here to you come over and check in on me during the break period?"

He thinks for a second then tells me-

"Not that I can remember, no. I think I mostly saw them talking either amongst themselves or with some of the other travelers. They did seem quite chatty with this one particular gentleman. Quite the looker too if I'm being honest here. He has to be from a high standing family, that one... to say nothing of being a real ladies man based on the looks those girls were giving him."

WHAT?

You mean to tell me... while I was sitting back here, with the rest of the junk and other crap-

They were busying themselves with flirting with some good looking random guy?

Oh, there will be hell to pay here for them soon, mark my mental words on that front.

I then move back, out of the sight of the driver so as to make him think I had returned to the back.

I then carefully stand up, doing my best to avoid falling from the ever so motion of the carriage.

I then run my eyes along the carriages ahead of us till I reached carriage number four, then I activated my Far-sight skill, hoping I would be able to see them.

It took a bit of work on my part; having to move myself here and there to improve my angle upon them without falling off, but I was soon able to make them all out, even if not all at once.

Darkness and Chris were chatting about something.

I wish I could learn the Lip Reading skill now, so I could find out what they were talking about-

But I still needed to see it used a few times before I would be able to learn it.

Cielo had some sort of book out that she was reading; seemed rather focused on it too.

Yunyun was sleeping, from the looks of it and Chomusuke was playing around with her boobs.

Damn, I am so jealous of her right now.

And finally, Megumin was holding what appeared to be a bird cage on her lap, playing a game of peek-a-boo with some strange looking creature-

Wait, was that a baby red dragon?

Why the hell is she... wait, why the hell am I so surprised by this?

I'm in a fantasy style world after all; complete with giant frogs and lizards, undead knights, devils, the list goes on.

I also though I saw another pair of legs in the same carriage as them but I couldn't quite tell for sure.

I sigh as I lay myself back down atop the carriage; resting on my back as I look up at the sky.

Sigh, I guess this isn't so bad-

But those girls... sometimes I really can't help but wonder what they really think of me; how they really feel about me?

I know I'm lacking in a lot of areas... OK, OK, in practically every area one can think of.

But still, I have done some good things here and there too, right?

I mean, despite everything, I wouldn't have done... well, THIS, to them if they had been in the state I was in earlier nor would I have left them in said state throughout the entire rest break.

What I would have done, at least, is to have found some sort of way to allow all of us to be on the one carriage.

Especially as it had looked like, from what I had been able to see, that there COULD have been enough room for me even if it had made things just a little cramp for all of us.

And the space between the one side and the other also permitted some room for someone to sit on the floor, again with some cramping being a thing as a result.

Maybe they did try to do that but had been told no by their carriage's driver?

I'll ask them about that first first chance I get; before I ask them about the other stuff.

Mainly about them flirting with that one guy while I was out of sight... and maybe out of mind too.

======================={ Part 2: Where the Wild Things Are }=====================

Another half hour or so had passed since I had started cloud watching from atop the carriage.

In that time; much to my chagrin, my anger with the girls had started to go down to being a simple dull annoyance.

While I was indeed still hurt by their cruel, and rather weird treatment of me earlier-

I was no longer feeling mad enough to dish out any cruel retribution upon them either.

So long as they apologize for treating me like luggage, I would forgive them.

Geez, what has happened to me since I came to this weird and warped fantasy world?

Would I really be OK with just a simple apology from them?

I sat up quickly and smack my cheeks hard with both hands.

Damn it, why am I always so forgiving with them?

I never used to be so forgiving back in my online days... though, to be fair, that was probably because it was easy to move on from online friends you never had to interact with in real life as opposed to real flesh and blood friends and family.

Damn, I need to get my mind focused onto something else here before these thoughts drive me mad.

I then look around; hoping to see something that could at least distract me from these thoughts.

And then, I spot something off in the distance; a weird looking dust cloud.

Curious, I once again activate Far-sight in order to get a better look at what was creating the dust cloud.

I then move myself back to looking down at the driver and say-

"Hey pops, we have something on a fast approach to our right here."

He turns to look upwards at me again; an annoyed look forming on his face.

"Damn it brat, that's twice you've been up there. Get down now or you can walk the rest of the way."

"I being serious here. Just look for a second, will ya?"

The driver sighs before turning his head to the right; his features tensing ever so slightly once he had.

"OK, that's strange. Normally one wouldn't see anything that could create a dust cloud like that during the winter months. Wonder what's causing it?"

"Hold on a moment; I'll see if I can answer that question."

I ignore his saying "What?" to me as I increase the strength of the Far-sight; finally being able to make out... something.

"Well, brat, did you see anything?"

"I saw a large group of monsters racing this way. Some of them were lizards with purple scales running on their hind legs. There was also these ostrich like creatures running alongside them. Seemed like a weird combination if you ask me."

He scratches his chin as he agrees with my assessment.

"You're not wrong there, brat. Racing Lizards and Running Hawk Kites aren't usually seen hanging out together; especially as the lizards like to eat the hawk kites while the reverse sees the hawk kites playing pranks on the lizards and stealing their eggs to eat. I wonder what has them running together?"

I take another look; pushing the Far-sight as hard as I could.

"I think they're being chased by something; some creature that must be moving beneath the ground? From the size of the dust cloud behind them, it can't simply be from those two groups alone."

"Regardless, I need to warn the others."

The driver then pulls out a horn like object, using it to send of several loud sounds that brings the whole caravan to a screeching stop.

He then quickly hops off the carriage and runs towards the others; shouting out the situation as he goes.

I follow suit, hopping down from the carriage though my landing was far less graceful.

In fact, I ended up losing my balance on the landing, falling backwards onto my butt.

Thank Eris no one seemed to have notice that.

Once I had gotten back onto my feet, I run towards the carriage where my party would be-

Only to come to a dead stop as I see an unfamiliar person emerge from it first.

I was right, there had been another person riding with them.

That knowledge quickly reignites my anger from earlier, yet I was strangely not happy about that.

The man; dressed in a manner that made me think he was some sort of con-artist magician from some third rate carnival or circus, takes a few steps out before turning back and saying-

"My friends, my friends, there is no need to fear for I, the great and magnificent Alonzo, am here."

I then look around, seeing all the other passengers emerge from the others carriage's.

Upon seeing them, I came to a realization-

This wasn't just a simple caravan; it was a bloody circus transport.

I could hear them playing into this Alonzo's showmanship routine as the began to cheer for him.

He then bows to them all; saying words of 'thank you, thank you, one and all'.

He then motions back to the carriage he had emerged from; the carriage MY team were in, and says-

"Now, will my five new lovely assistants please come join me so that we may begin the show."

One by one, the girls emerged and walked over to join this dollar store mage as he turns back to addressing the audience.

And, by that, I was sure I meant his fellow carney's.

"Ever since the break, I have had a chance to get to know these lovely young lady's who have graced us with their presence on this trip and have learned that they are rather well skilled Adventurer's. Now, sit back and relax, my friends as I, the magnificent Alonzo, will guide their actions as they put on a great showing for us here this day. My dears, if you would so please?"

{Insert Image 1}

The five of them nod happily, then step forward just past this guy.

None of them seemed to even be aware of my absence as they did so.

I wanted to run over to them, to join them seeing as I was the BRAINS of the group and all-

But I couldn't bring myself to move; only to just stand there and watch and see how this will all play out.

And I was confident that; given a few moments into this farce of a show this Alonzo was putting on, things would start to go wrong and the girls would finally call out for me to come save the day.

"Now then, miss Yunyun, won't you please start us off here? And do remember to make it look as flashy as it needs to be effective."

"Yes sir!"

Said Yunyun as she steps out into the field; bring her want to the ready.

I could see not only the magicite crystal of the want start to glow, but the gem of her ring, that I had given her by the way, was also glowing which meant she was tapping into its power.

"Cyclonic Light of Saber."

Immediately, a funnel of intense wind with lashes of energy from Light of Saber, jutting out like the blade of a serrated buzz saw, formed and raced outwards into the oncoming wave of monsters.

"I didn't know you could combine advanced level magic together like that?"

I said to myself as no one else seemed to take notice of my words.

It came at them to fast for the ones in the front to even move as they were all viciously cut down and their corpses sent flying all over.

Yunyun then turns to Alonzo with stars in her eyes as she excitedly says-

"I did it, master Alonzo, did you see? Was that a good showing for the crowd?"

Wait, did Yunyun just call him 'master'?

I didn't have time to process that thought as the 'crowd', as they had been called, began to cheer.

Even the drivers, who may or may not be part of this circus troupe, also cheered.

"I would say so. A most excellent showing indeed, my dear."

He then pats her head; making Yunyun practically swoon at his touch.

He then turns to Darkness, Cielo, and Chris; telling them-

"Next, you three are up. Make sure you put on a performance that will wow the crowd as well."

The three of them nod, a look of excitement I hadn't seen in them before shining out, as they rush out to take on the remaining creatures head on.

I then see Megumin turn and look at him, asking-

"What about me, master Alonzo?"

Again with this 'master' schtick?

"Do not worry yourself, my little petita. For one of your talents; it would be best to save you for the final act for only you can be trusted to put on such a spectacle of lights that will dazzle the audience into perfect satisfaction."

Megumin beams rays of admiration towards him while I stand off to the side, still taken aback by it all.

I then turn and watch as Darkness, Chris, and Cielo reached the survivors and began their work.

Chris, being the most acrobatic of the three, which I never even knew about, had easily jumped onto one Running Hawk Kite after another, doing spins and twirls in the air as she jumped from one to another; all the while slashing and killing them with shocking ease.

Cielo, focusing mainly on the Racing Lizards, was running straight into them, sending her fist flying every which way; and all the while performing her only little feats of acrobatic elegance that could almost put Chris to shame with her performance.

The impact of each of her hits creating a chorus of booms and smoke that looked rather cool too.

And as for Darkness; she surprised me most of all.

A collection of the two groups hard surrounded her; rushing her from all sides, being led by different colored versions of each group... possibly some sort of leader.

She would let one strike against her shield while jumping into the air; the kickback of her shield sending the attacker back also sending her flying back as well as she goes into a spin, making her actually succeed in hitting her targets with her sword.

She would also suddenly plant her shield into the ground; letting the sudden impact send her flying upwards so she could bring her sword down hard onto the shocked beast below her.

And, all the while, this Alonzo guy would occasionally shout out additional orders to them; orders that when followed allowed them to put on an even greater show.

And any that managed to get past them and come in close to the caravan; Yunyun would take out with various Advanced Magic spells she knew.

And all the while, the others gathered here; watching them, just stood in awe, unleashing cheers here and there at their stunning feats.

And as for me, I just stood there, jaw agape as I simply couldn't process any of this.

"A-Are these girls really this good?"

I said to myself; unable to accept what it was I was seeing here.

Seeing that they were even better under the leadership of this random guy than they were with me?

Finally, the combined groups of Racing Lizards and Running Hawk Kites had been felled and the girls were heading back to join Alonzo, Yunyun, and Megumin.

"Wait, what about me here? I still haven't been able to do anything yet?"

Said Megumin, looking at Alonzo with tears in her eyes-

Or so I assumed anyways as I couldn't see her face in that moment.

"Relax, my dear. Judging by that cloud that is still approaching us, I believe your time to shine is nigh."

Indeed, the large dust cloud I had spotted before was indeed still a thing and it was indeed still approaching us.

Alonzo then addresses the audience he had and says proud and confidently.

"And now, my friends. It is time for the grand finale. Please watch close as out little mage here gives this performance the explosive ending that will leave you all breathless."

I'll say one thing about this Alonzo guy; if nothing else, he sure knew his showmanship.

Megumin then steps forward; a confident smile on her face as she begins to chant her spell.

We waited, and waited, and-

And then the ground near to use erupts as a massive creature comes flying out-

A massive Sand Whale that looked to be jumping over us.

"And now, my dear. Let's see some magic..."

"EXPLOSION!"

Shouted Megumin as she fired off an exceptional powerful blast; one that I would have to rate at being worthy of seven hundred points.

The sand whale that was sailing over us explodes in a violent fashion, leaving barely anything of itself behind... except-

Some sort of liquid had ended up coming from the massive creature just as it had exploded; landing on ME and ME ALONE.

I had a good idea what it was that I had been splashed with too-

I think it had just pissed on me in that split second before it had died.

As I stood there, hands outstretched and feeling completely disgusted, and sick too I might add, everyone else seemed to fail to take notice of me as they were busy cheering and praising the 'great' Alonzo, and the girls, for another amazing performance.

"Thank you, thank you; your words are so kind. And please, don't forget to give these lovely ladies their proper dues as well, won't you."

As the other people from the caravan gather around the girls; praising them with some even asking them if they would join their little troupe full time-

I, off to the side, just stand there feeling far away from all of this right now-

And with one new thought entering my mind and taking center stage above all others-

Damn it, that guy had been an even better leader for them than I could have ever hoped to be.

======================{ Part 3: The Power of Charisma }========================

Well, the rest of THAT day didn't go much better for me.

After the momentary celebration had come to an end, everyone had loaded themselves onto their specific carriages again so that the journey could continue.

The girls had returned to carriage number four and, as I had already determined, the so called 'great' Alonzo had joined them.

Really, and they had told ME before that there hadn't been enough room for me inside the thing too.

As for me, I had tried to get back onto the last carriage but the driver had forbade me from doing so; on account I was soaked in sand whale piss and all.

Long story short, I had been made to walk the rest of the way to the night time rest stop.

Which wasn't so bad, I guess; apart from the fact my legs were killing me by the time I had arrived and the fact I arrived there about an hour or so after the others had.

Really, it was no problem; gave me plenty of time to let the sand whale piss dry off.

Still stank like hell though.

At least one comforting thought kept me going; that being the knowledge that once I arrived and once the girls saw the state I was in and how I had been treated, the would raise up a shit storm of complaints in my defense.

Especially Megumin.

After all, despite some of the blemishes past actions had left on our friendships and all, these girls could still be relied upon to have my back when its counts.

"I'm sorry, sir, but just who are you again?"

Said Megumin; her words making me face-plant into the ground hard.

You guys can't be serious here?

"Who-who am I? Surely you guys have to be joking with me?"

"I believe she was being serious here, sir. And please, don't go giving this lovely young girl here some weird name like Shirley."

Said Alonzo; getting a snicker from a few individuals standing nearby who were dressed in clown attire and make-up.

I saw everyone else who was sitting either around, or near the campfire, give me an odd look.

Please, tell me this was all some sort of joke; cruel or otherwise, that was being done at my expense here?

"What are you talking about, Megumin? Don't you recognize me? Chris, Yunyun, Cielo, Darkness; surely you three know who I am, don't you?"

They all just looked at me, then at each other, shrug, then look back at me and shake there heads.

I felt, in that moment, as if a ten ton weight had been dropped down on top of me as I fell to my knees.

This wasn't happening now, was it?

Yeah, this had to be a joke... or maybe some sort of weird nightmare I was suffering here.

"Hold on, I think I know that guy?"

Came a voice as one of the carriage drivers, the very driver of the supply carriage I had been stuffed onto, appears as he points at me.

"He's that weird little vagabond that was tied down to the back of my carriage. The same guy who was breaking rules by slumbering on top of the carriage after freeing himself... though I guess we should let that slide as he was the first to spot that incoming trouble."

This makes the gathered crowd begin to chatter amongst themselves.

And then, another person; the one closest to me, says-

"Yeah, I think I know him too. Yep, without a doubt; he's the guy who smells like piss. Do us a favor and go clean yourself up, wee-wee boy. You're starting to stink up the campsite."

This makes everyone, even the girls laugh at me... hard.

I find myself become red faced from the anger and embarrassment I was feeling, to say nothing of the sudden need to keep the tears that were forming in my eyes from falling.

Another man; the ringleader from the look of him, points off to the side and say-

"We have temporary baths set up over yonder. Please go freshen up before you come back over here."

"GLADLY."

I spat out without thinking about it as I got back onto my feet and stormed off in a huff.

As I walked, I looked back to see if the girls were at least watching me; hoping for any sign of recognition of me on their parts.

Nope, they had clearly already forgotten about me as they had already returned to chatting with the circus troupe

And no doubt flirting with the 'great' Alonzo from the looks of it too.

Later, after bathing and putting on my track suit, so that I could hopefully get my new Adventurer's attire all aired out by the cold night air before morning comes-

I went and laid down just besides the farthest carriage as I didn't want to be near the others right now.

{Insert Image 2}

I was angry, I was hurt, and right now, for the first time since I had come to this crazy ass world-

I was wishing I had just went ahead and chosen either reincarnation or Heaven over coming here.

And while I didn't know just what was going on with the girls; perhaps they were under some sort of spell or something?

In this moment, I honestly didn't have the energy to care really.

All I knew was, regardless of the reasons behind their actions; their actions had cut something deep inside me-

Something that, maybe had only been made vulnerable because of that sudden feeling I had experienced back in Axel right before we had left-

And the pain that I was now feeling because of that emotional cut made me not want to even look at them right now.

And yet, I still did look back at them.

I sat up for a few moments; seeing them having hunkered in for the night-

Sleeping rather close to 'that guy' as well, the sight of which only makes me grit my teeth and clench my fist even more.

God, I shouldn't have looked after all.

I should have just gone and done this whole little quest by myself before going back to them-

It would have saved me from feeling the way I was feeling now.

I shake my head; wiping the tears that had formed in my eyes away before turning to lay back down-

Only to notice someone was watching me; a young woman who wasn't dressed like the other people from this caravan.

Perhaps she wasn't with them, rather a simple traveler like we were.

She gives me a sad, almost remorseful look from what I can tell.

I had wanted to get up, to go join her and ask her why she was giving me that look.

Instead, I opted to lay back down and hope this failure of a day would end up being nothing more than an actual nightmare after all, once the morning came.

Yeah, like that happened.

Once morning had broke, everyone was quick to get the camping supplies loaded back up and the caravan proceeded on its way.

And, as I had feared, none of the girls had ever approached me or said anything either.

There was one minor, oh so little smidgen of light to be found in all of this though-

The girl who I had seen just before falling asleep last night; the one who had given me such a sorrowful look, had approached me.

"Excuse me, am I right in assuming that you are with those five girls that have been hanging around Alonzo since we left Axel?"

"Yeah, I guess you can say that even though it sure as hell doesn't seem like that's the case now. I mean, they didn't even seem to know me when I approached them early. Sigh I guess they're going to become 'his' girls after we reach Arcanretia."

She then surprises me by placing a hand on my shoulder; a surprising yet comforting action.

"I doubt you need to worry about that, friend. In fact, what's going on here is..."

"OK everyone, we have everything packed. Please get onto your assigned carriage so we can get to Arcanretia as soon as possible."

Hearing the ring master guy shout that out, everyone else begins to board their specific carriage.

The girl then looks at me and quickly ask-

"Are you all suppose to be getting off at Arcanretia?"

I give her a nod; making her then say-

"OK, once we're there, I'll come talk to you and explain what that charlatan has done to make your friends fawn over him so much while they can't even be bothered to remembering you."

She then pulls away from me and returns to her carriage while I remain standing there before finally hopping into the back of the last carriage-

Which didn't even wait for me to get on before moving forward... how rude!

About two hours later, it became clear to me that the temperature was starting to become warmer.

Standing and peeking up over the carriage top; I see the outline of the main gate to Arcanretia on fast approach.

Thank god, we were finally here... or would be within the next thirty minutes.

Question though; why was the air getting warmer when this place was a little further north than Axel?

Oh, it must because of the multitude of hot springs this place has.

Or at least I was assuming.

I'd have to ask one of the locals later.

Not long there after, we had arrived and the carriage's came to a stop as merchants, alongside workers, quickly began to trade empty crates with fresh ones packed full of surprise.

I then began to look for that woman who said she wanted to talk to me when we arrived.

Instead, I saw the girls standing before you know who.

"So, you must really remain here, my dears? Tis such a shame for a life alongside us would serve us all well. But, I know you five must have some sort of great task that must be done so I must, sadly, bid you all adieu. But I shall pray, by the grace of the goddess, that we shall one day cross paths again."

He then proceeds to take each of their hands and places upon said hand a quick yet gentle kiss.

The act makes each of them giggle like a bunch of school girls who had been completely charmed.

The sight makes me sick to my stomach, if I am being honest here.

They then bashfully wish him farewell as he bows, then leaves them to return to the carriage.

"I really wish he could have allowed me to keep poor Jarippa. I'm sure he'll be lonely without me."

I heard Megumin say.

"Who's Jarippa?"

Asked Chris.

I hear Yunyun respond to her by saying-

"That's the name Megumin gave to that baby red dragon that was in the cage. Anyways, what should we do now?"

"We should go find an inn to stay at for the next few days so we can plan out our next course of action while we're here."

Said Darkness.

Cielo then cocks her head, asking-

"By the way, why did we come to Arcanretia to begin with anyways?"

That question makes them all freeze, with Chris finally breaking the silence by saying-

"That's a good question, why did we come here?"

"And why does it feeling like we're forgetting something important here too?"

"Megumin's right, something does feel like its missing?"

Agreed Yunyun, getting a nod from Cielo as well.

"You're right. Well, let's go find an inn and we'll mull over this weird feeling once we're there."

They then go to leave, Chris pulling out what I'm guessing was a map of the city to help lead them to an inn I guess.

I then go to follow, but I'm stopped by the girl from earlier.

"Oh, there you are. I was wondering if I had..."

She places a hand on my finger and says quietly-

"Let's follow them and see where they'll be staying first. We can talk after... and, if any of the locals say anything to you, just stay quiet and let me do the talking, OK?"

I give her a nervous nod as I follow right behind her.

Her words proved true as it wasn't long before the locals started getting really friendly with us, asking if we would like to join the Axis faith.

If I was being honest here, each and every attempt we experienced left me feeling terrified.

It quickly became appearent that these people's faith bordered on being fanatical.

Luckily, my new 'friend' here was able ward them off by claiming we were already followers of the faith and even had a medallion that had the Axis Cult's symbol to prove her words true.

As for my team, I watched them also get accosted plenty of times; the sight of which was scary to be honest.

I actually wondered how they were dealing with it all internally?

Like with us, they managed to escape by saying they would be heading to the church soon to undergo a proper conversion; asking where the church was just for the heck of it.

That seemed to work for them, though they did have to get around a few people who offered to take them there right now.

Anyways, we soon arrived at the inn and after watching them step inside, the woman waved me over to join her on a nearby bench that overlooked a beautiful lake built into the city.

"OK, I've kept you waiting long enough, mister...?"

"Kazuma."

She nods, introducing herself as Moonchild, before finally explaining just what is going on with my friends.

"OK Kazuma, here's the deal. As I'm sure you are aware, ever since yesterday, your friends have started acting all weird. My guess it must have happened when the got onto the same carriage that Alonzo was riding in. Clearly, he used his 'special item' to seriously charm them."

Why don't I like the sound of that?

Moonchild looks at me; probably guessing what my thoughts must be about.

"Don't you worry none; his 'special item' isn't anything perverted, The item in question is that fancy choker he wears around his neck at all times. I'm sure you must have seen it on him?"

I shake my head to her question.

"If I did see it, then the memory of seeing it got lost under all the other images I saw of my friends fawning over him like some poor love sick puppies."

"Yes, he does get that kind of attention a lot when he wears that damn choker."

She said while giving off a deep, exasperated sigh.

"So, just what exactly does that choker he wears do to my friends to make them act like that? And on that topic, why did the forget that I even exist too?"

I asked Moonchild.

"I don't know if I know everything about it but I'll tell you what my old friend, Cecily; who's Alonzo's cousin, told me about it. According to Cecily, that choker was some kind of Divine Relic or something. Supposedly, anyone who wears it, so long as they meet the conditions for it, will be granted perfect charisma and charm. Anyone effected by it will pretty much do anything the chokers wearer ask them to do, without question."

"Damn, that sounds powerful... and dangerous."

Moonchild nods in agreement at my assessment.

"So, just how the hell did that guy get his hands on it anyways? And is he the sort of guy who would use its power in the worse way one could imagine?"

"From what Cecily has told me, both she and him are direct descendents of the guy who was the original owner of the choker. He apparently arrived on the continent from a distant land centuries ago, in a time before the war with the Devil King began. At the time, the continent was in turmoil as the two great powers of the time, the Kingdom of Norse and the Sumeria Empire, were locked in bitter war."

"Using the power of the Charisma Choker, this man brought the great and never ending war to its long desired ending; making both sides agree to peace with rather agreeable terms no less. After that, he faded into the history books. It was said he had the choker buried with him, the location of his grave only known to his family."

"Sometime after, centuries in fact, the location of the grave became lost until Alonzo seemingly found it by accident. Once he realized what it was he had discovered and retrieving the choker, he began to make use of it to fulfill his dream at becoming the greatest entertainer the world had ever seen. He, along with a teacher of his, left Arcanretia and hired on others to join their little troupe The rest, as they say, is history."

After a moments pause, to catch her breath obviously, Moonchild then said-

"As far as whether or not he would have done anything to your friends that would be seen as sexual assault and such, I would tell you not worry. While Alonzo is the sort of guy who would manipulate anyone to boost his accolades, he isn't the type to use that power to make girls do anything perverted or something they would hate either him or themselves over later."

"And how can you be sure of that?"

After a pause, Moonchild says-

"Because I was on the receiving end of that chokers powers once upon a time; over a period of six months in fact. In truth, if not for Cecily essentially kidnapping me and keeping me away from him for a bit, I'd probably still be traveling with him as his personal performer. If only it hadn't happened when it did though."

"What do you mean?"

"Unbeknownst to anyone else at the time, I had been dating a boy from the Eris sect; something that needed to be kept a secret as I was of the Axis sect back then. My half a year service with Alonzo caused serious damage to my relationship with my love; something Alonzo has apologized multiple times for after learning about it as he wouldn't have charmed me otherwise. In truth, he told me he only did it to begin with as I thought I had wanted to come with him but was hesitant because of my parents."

After another pause to catch her breath-

"Anyways, I'm sure Alonzo asked them while on the carriage ride if they had any sort of business here in Arcanretia and if they had anyone special waiting for them either her or back home. I'm guessing they had replied yes to either one or the other, otherwise they would still be hanging out with him right now."

"OK, I understand. So, what happens now? Will my friends remain like this or do you think they have already returned to normal? And what about that Alonzo guy and the choker? Even if he hasn't used it in any sort of evil way, the way he's using it is still wrong and needs to be stopped."

I asked.

"I agree, which is why I am here in Arcanretia now. When its being worn by someone who can use its power, only another who shares the same blood can remove it. After seeing Alonzo back in Axel, I knew I needed to come here and see my old friend. Knowing that the caravan is heading to the capital of Elroad next, Cecily can finally go after him, retrieve that damn thing, and return it to where it belongs and end this charade of his."

"And as for you friends, Kazuma. They'll be OK here soon. Unlike the original owner, who was said to be able to keep anyone charmed indefinitely despite the distance between them, there is a set distance it can keep its effect going. Seeing as the caravan must have left Arcanretia by now, I'd say give them an hour or so and they'll be getting their heads back in order and will come looking for you."

I see, that's good to know then.

Moonchild then stands and I ask her before she can start walking away-

"One last question, if I may. Any idea as to why they seemed to forget about me when I approached them last night? Was that another function of the chokers power?"

"I think, in order for the charisma and charm effect to be at its strongest, the memory of the person who's most important to you will be suppressed in favor of putting the chokers wearer in that spot though I could be wrong. All I know is when I was under its effects, it was the memory of my beloved that was robbed from me until I was freed. I'm sure that will be the case for them as well."

"And one more quick thing; make sure to tell them of the chokers powers and what it gives to Alonzo. I have also discovered, by way of this very trip in fact, that its power won't affect you so long as you know the person who's wearing the choker could charm you with it,"

With that, Moonchild bows before walking away.

Once she was out of sight, I let out a sigh before pulling out my pocket watch and look at the time.

Around one hour or so to wait for them, huh?

Maybe I should go ahead and go inside as that could speed up the process?

No, no I think I'll go ahead and remain out here for right now.

Thanks to all the local hot springs in the area adding warmth to the air, it actually felt rather nice outside.

And while it may be a little cruel of me on my part, given what I know now about the situation-

I still wanted to punish them for the unintended hurt they had caused me last night.

Making them go into a panic mode over me seemed like proper compensation, right?

One thing did leave me curious though?

Moonchild had said the chokers power suppresses the memory's, probably the feelings too, of the person they most cared for in order to work properly.

Seeing as they had all forgotten me-

Does that mean that I was the more important person for each of them in their lives?

That thought both warmed my heart and gave me some great embarrassment material for the future.

========================={ Part 4: Emotional Break }===========================

It had been three hours since my conversation with Moonchild had come to an end.

And here I was, still sitting outside and awaiting that inn doors opening and seeing my 'friends' come racing out in a panic.

Yes, I know me still being out here was my choice and all, but still-

What was taking them so long to recall me and come running?

Was there some little detail Moonchild had forgotten to mention?

Some little caveat about the chokers power that could make it last longer?

Perhaps something had happened that made the caravan's departure get delayed; perhaps they were still here within Arcanretia?

I don't know, to be honest.

All I did know was that for the last forty five minutes, I had been sitting here tapping the index finger of my free hand here on this bench-

And tapping a foot upon the ground in an ever accelerating spree of growing madness.

I had received several visitors, Arcanretia locals, since coming to sit here.

However, my ever growing scowl, topped off with what I assumed was a massive vein I could feel above my right eye, must have gotten to a point where it was scaring them away from me.

Good thing too as I was like a volcano here; on the verge of exploding.

All I needed was just one little push to set me off-

"Mommy, why is there a ugly looking troll man sitting over there?"

Came the voice of a small child; clearly not meaning any real offense as I'm sure I must look rather trollish with my face at the moment.

No matter as her innocent words were the push I needed to finally take action here.

Thanks for the push kid... and I'm sorry about what you're about to see from me-

"GGGGAAAAHHHH!"

I scream at the top of my lungs as I jump to my feet.

The little kid screams as her mother was quick to pick her up before making a run for it.

Don't worry ma'am; neither of you are the target of this ugly looking troll man here-

I had other fish to fry as I race to the inn door and push it open with enough force that I nearly ripped it off its hinges.

Everyone inside was quick to look at me as I huffed and puffed; scanning the room for those idiots.

It took only a second, perhaps less than a second, before my eyes lock onto their confused gazes before I stomp my way over to them and bare down on them like some sort of psychopath.

"Um.. sir, is there something wrong? Can we help you with anything?"

Asked Cielo, leaning back in her chair nervously.

In fact, they all looked a little nervous though Darkness, and I think Chris, were also readying themselves just in case this 'crazy man' launch a sudden attack against them.

"Is there something wrong? Oh, you could say that, Fist. Tell me, MY FRIENDS, do any of you, by chance, remember me, hm?"

My voice as I said that sounded like some sort of deranged lunatic who had long since lost his marbles.

Good, says I!

Chris cocks her head as she says-

"Hm, do we remember you? Do we..."

"Oh, isn't that the guy who got that golden shower from the Sand Whale yesterday. Is that what you want to hear from us?"

Asked Darkness.

The vein in my head gets even bigger as I finally start to twitch and make weird noise from my mouth.

This makes Yunyun cower a little before timidly saying-

"Sir, I don't know about the others but your really starting to scare me here, Could you please go away now?"

Darkness then stands and places a hand onto my shoulder; giving me a strong, forceful grip in the process.

"OK buddy, I don't know just who you are or why your goal here is, but I would ask you to please leave us peacefully. Otherwise, I will have to get rough with you for scaring my friend there."

Her words make something snap inside me; making me place my hand over hers and applying my own grip onto her hand-

The strength of which, I'm guessing must have been strong, based on her surprised response.

Of course, I couldn't be sure as I wasn't exactly in the right frame of mind in this moment.

"Who am I? Who am I? Oh, I'm gonna tell you all who I AM so make sure you listen closely and give my words some serious thought here."

I then pause before I tell them.

"I am suppose to Satou Kazuma; your friend and team leader. The one who took you all in when nobody else would. The one who saved you from being a prisoner of the Dullahan. The one who gave you a nice mansion to live in. The one who held out there hand and welcomed you into the family. The one who gave you all your nifty new cloak and shield and gloves and rings. The poor damn fool you all seem to enjoy hurting over and over and over again, even if unintentionally. That is who I am!"

They all look at each other; their eyes questioning one another if any of that rings any bells.

The looks they then give me wasn't one of recognition but rather one of only further confusion.

OK, that does it.

I didn't want to have to do this but if I must; let it be known that it was you all who drove me to do this.

As I begin to channel mana into my hands, I fail to notice Megumin turn her attention to her ring.

I fail to notice the light of recognition and realization come into her eyes as she looks back at me.

And I definitely failed to hear her say-

"Kazuma?"

No, there was only one thing I heard now; the sound of my voice as I shouted out loudly-

"STEAL!"

A second later, once the light my Steal had created had died down-

I held in my hand four pairs of panties-

And one very embarrassed Megumin.

The sudden release of all my pent up feelings finally drain out of me, bringing my thoughts back into being something more reasonable and acceptable.

I then take notice of something curious as I very much intentionally grope Megumin's chest with my free hand.

"KA-ZU-MA, you pervert..."

Yells Megumin as she sends a hard slap against my face, sending my flying, and spinning, into the nearby wall.

Beside her, the others all jump to their feet; first as an act of protecting Megumin from a 'pervert'.

And then stopping as they also seemed to finally recall just who exactly I was.

As far as the other faces here inside the inn, they decide it would be for the best if they just look away and pretend that they hadn't seen nothing happen.

As I pick myself up off the ground, I rub my sore cheek as I look at my friends and ask them-

"So, have you idiots finally started to remember me now?"

"Of course we remember you, Kazuma. You pervert; what you just did was sexual harassment. It's bad enough when you do this stuff back at the mansion but to do it when we're out here like this?"

Megumin then huffs as she crosses her hands over her chest.

Beside her, Darkness then walks up and adds-

"Megumin's right, Kazuma. What you just did was totally uncalled for. We all know you can be a total creeper and hopeless lech but I had thought even you wouldn't do something so vile in a place like this."

"Oh, you're right, Darkness. You are oh so right, there. I normally wouldn't have done that. But as I did warn you all, you had left me with no other choice. Going all perv mode on you lot seemed to be the only option left to get you to remember me and what I had to endure since yesterday because of you all. I suppose I could have gone back to being a patient little beaver and wait dutifully outside for you all to recall me on your own but who knows how long that was going to take so I decided to come in here and speed up the process, one way or another."

It was Cielo now who spoke, asking me with both confusion and some anger in her voice-

"Why wouldn't we remember you, Kazuma? You're our friend even though I'm starting to question that fact. Wanna fill us in on why we wouldn't?"

Hearing her words makes me start to laugh.

Oh, this was rich, wasn't it.

First, they forget me for over twenty four hours, or so, now that they remember me, they forget about the important parts.

Fine then, if that's how you want to play this little game then.

"OK, since you all are being difficult here, I'll fill you all in. How about putting me onto the last cart in the caravan and tying me down like the luggage? How about when the caravan stopped for its break, no one bothered to check in on me or to even help me come out of my stupor?"

"Still not ring any bells? Then how about this. You all sharing a carriage, one I had been told didn't have enough room to fit anyone else besides you five, with some random guy. You all then letting that guy act like he was the team leader and ignoring me, the teams actual leader of who left off to the side to watch."

"Then there's the night at the camp site. Did any of you take notice that I was late in getting there as I was forced to walk the rest of the way, following that little incident I suffered at the spot we were forced to stop at earlier? What about the way none of you remembered me, laughed at me; all the while flirting with the poor excuse for a magician. Do you recall that by chance?"

"What about when you all cuddled up next to him when it was time to turn if for the night; anyone recall that either? And finally, did any of you remember me when we arrived here or even gave me a second thought before I came running in here in a huff just a moment ago?

Once I had finished my little explanation slash rant, I started to breath heavily as I awaited their reactions to my words.

They all turned and looked at each other; talking with one another about what I had said.

All the while, I just stood there as the frustration that this was all being so painfully hard and long winded for me was starting to tear into me once again.

I then see it come over them; that long awaited look of realization finally reaching the surface.

They then turn back to look at me, their eyes filled with regret and remorse-

A feeling that probably become amplified as they took notice of my own reaction.

I could be sure of everything my face; my body, was doing here apart from this-

I knew that I had started to cry at some point in my waiting, my teeth were clenched as were my hands and I was shaking just a little.

Chris was the first to get any words out-

"K-Kazuma, I-we-we're so sor..."

"Don't say it... please, just don't say that to me right now, you guys."

And there it was, that damn feeling I had been forced to endure the night before, coming back to hit me with everything it could bring.

And with it, a flood of memories and emotions from my past I had thought long buried deep down below, came rushing back up to the surface like a raging tsunami.

"I-I-I can't... I can't keep doing this, you guys. I can't be expected to continuing to endure all this. I have to suffer whenever you all... and you know what the real kick to the groin here is. It's the fact that this time, it wasn't even your fault. It was that damn Alonzo guy and his precious Divine Relic."

"Wait, did you say a Divine Relic?"

Asked Chris, getting the other girls to look at her with intense looks.

"That's not what's important here right now, Chris."

Said Yunyun coldly, surprisingly.

You'd think it would have been one of the others who would have pointed that out.

"Look, I'm sorry, I really am. But after that weird feeling came over me the morning we had left, a feeling that brought forth an old and very painful memory, and the feelings that went with it, I found myself feeling like a wound had been forced open within my very soul and... after what happened last night; feeling like a dagger was shoved into that wound, I... I just don't think I can bare this pain again."

"Kazuma..."

Said everyone as they go to run to me but I instead take a few steps back.

"Don't come any closer..."

I practically screamed out at them; my words making them freeze in place,

"Guys... don't, please don't even... I can't be here right now, I can't be with you all. I don't even think I can look at any of you either. I...I need time by myself; some REAL time alone here to think things through, to determine if I can keep going on like this."

"Just... maybe it will be better if you all just go back to Axel and leave me be for a while."

They stunned looks that they give me only made me feel worse as I turn and run out the door.

"I'm so sorry..."

I cried as I left the inn.

Behind me, I could hear their voices calling out to me, begging me to come back.

Instead, I activated Sprint and kept on running.

========================{ Part 5: Soothing Hot-springs }=========================

After running for a bit; going this way and that; all across Arcanretia, I finally allowed myself to stop running and just stand still and silent for a few minutes.

Damn it, just why did I have to go do that back there?

Why did I unload on them like that?

They didn't serve it, it wasn't their fault.

I'm the one who was really at fault here.

Maybe, just maybe; if I had only said something more to them while they had been hanging around that Alonzo guy, asked to speak with him privately and told him who I was to them, then maybe he would have undone the chokers powers and we wouldn't have to be going through this now?

But nope, I just did a typical Kazuma and decided to just hang back, to not be proactive when I should have been-

To be content with just waiting and seeing how it would all play out.

Maybe it would be better if I left them; if only for their sakes?

I don't know, I just don't know anything right now.

I take in a few deep breaths of the cool evening air; which was starting to become much colder now.

I then slide my hands into my pockets as I began to walk aimlessly.

I considered just heading back to the inn; so that the girls and I could sit down and have a proper, less emotion filled chat with each other.

But before that, I needed to go someplace where I can sit down and really give all these thoughts and feelings the proper attenion it all needed and deserved.

"Excuse me, sir. Are you OK?"

I look and see a local looking back at me; her face one of concern.

Sorry, but I've already caught on to the games you people play here.

"No, no I am not OK here. While I thank you for your concern, miss; I would please ask you to refrain from trying to recruit me into the Axis faith tonight, alright. I'm neither in mood, nor do I have the energy, to play this game right now."

"Actually, I was going to offer up something different, sir."

Was she serious?

Well, her face did show more truth in it than all the other faces I had seen the locals make when they had done their routine.

"And that would be?"

I asked.

"Well, I was thinking of sending you over to the 'Peace of Mind' hot-springs, which happens to be nearby here... and also, its the only one located inside Arcanretia that is open at night."

A hot-spring, huh?

Well, that was the element that Megumin had sold me on where coming to stay here for a few days.

"Also, seeing as you look like you have a lot of things on your mind, weighing you down and such, I can say from personal experience that taking a relaxing dip in a hot-spring is the best way to take that weight off."

Hm... oh, what the hell.

"Where is it exactly?"

I asked.

After getting the directions from her, I give her my thanks and proceed to head there.

"Um sir, before you go..."

"Would you be willing to join the Axis faith as well?"

Yep, should have seen that one coming?

I soon arrived at the hot spring that girl had told me about; gazing up at the fancy sign for a moment, before I step inside.

"Hello, are you all still open?"

I asked, which was stupid as that girl had told me it would be.

The girl behind the desk gives me a nod, but informs me that the mens only bath was currently out of order so I would need to make use of the mixed bath if I wanted to go any further.

I was fine with that though I was surprised by the fact I wasn't as excited as I should have been.

Guess my everything was still really out of whack... or maybe I didn't really care as much as I thought I would?

Once I had finished changing out of my clothes and wrapped a towel around my waist, I walk through two sliding doors and emerge within the pool area.

There was plenty of steam filling the air, so much that I couldn't make out the far side of the pool.

But I could make out two others already here inside with me.

A tall muscular man who's face looked rather dead tired if you asked me.

And a woman with pointed ears; yellow cat like eyes, and fiery red hair cut fairly short.

{Insert Image 3}

They both looked at me; the man with doubt and concern and the woman with intrigue and curiosity.

"Um... pardon my intrusion here."

I said nervously.

"No offense kid, but could you step back outside for a few more minutes. Me and her here are trying to have a private conversation right now."

"Oh Hans, don't be such a worry wart. I'm sure there's no harm in talking with him present, right?"

Said the woman.

The guy named Hans, though, didn't seem quite as convinced as he stands and walks towards me.

"Tell me something kid; are you with the Axis cult and if not, what's you opinion on them?"

The way he towered over me, as well as the level of intimidation he was giving me off made me shrink back a little.

I finally muster up the courage to say-

"Nope, not a member nor do I have any desire to ever become a member. In all honesty, I'd rather take a permanent vacation down in hell before joining with this group of lunatics."

Hans leans in close; giving me a careful look over before he places a hand down upon my shoulder and says-

"Heh, you're alright kid. Just don't go around blabbing about what you hear between us and you be cool with me."

He then turns around and rejoins his friend while I, after a moment to process everything, finally enter the waters myself though I move over to the far end so as to give them some space.

"Anyways, how long do you plan on sticking around this place anyways, Wolbach?"

I heard Hans say to the girl.

From where I was sitting, I couldn't see the entrance to the pool but I could just barely make them out within the steam.

"Hm, oh... I plan on leaving by morning. Have to get back to work eventually, right?"

"I don't see why you even come here to begin with? I mean, these people here... surely there has to be more convenient hot springs closer to home?"

"There are, but they don't quite feel as nice as this one. You should really hop in and enjoy yourself for a bit, Hans. The waters here in Arcanretia can really soothe an aching back."

"If I did that, then I would become to clean and we both know I can't be having that. And be honest with me here. The only reason you're complaining about an aching back is because of those huge orbs you got packing up front."

"I won't deny it. Ah, one of the many gifts I received from my mother; I must take care of them."

Wow, their talk certainly got all... interesting.

I decide to spread my arms out and lay my head back, gazing up towards the sky even if the view of the stars was being obstructed by the steam.

"Anyways, Hans. How much longer before you're work here will be done?"

There was a pause with his reply; perhaps because he needed to think about it or maybe it was because he was worried about what to say with me in here with them.

"Another day or two, then I'll be heading back to the castle."

After another pause, I hear him shout out-

"Hey kid, can I ask you what brought you to this place? Seeing as you aren't with the cult, I can only assume you aren't a native of Arcanretia."

"Agreed, seeing as its law that every citizen of the city has to be of follower of the faith."

Really?

Well that's... a scary thing to have been told.

"Nothing big. Just a little excursion me and my friends are doing. We came here from Axel, will stay in town for a day or two, then head over to the Krakta Valley for a little treasure hunt, then come back here to catch a carriage back to Axel when all is said and done."

These guys seemed friendly enough so I saw no reason to not tell them the truth.

"Hm, Krakta Valley, huh? How long do you think that will take before you are done and on your way back home?"

Asked Hans curiously.

"I'm hoping no more than a day or two. To be honest, I can't really be sure as the whole trip from Axel to here has been nothing but trouble for me to say nothing about making things awkward between me and my friends."

"I hear ya. I personally have always found coming to a place like this, filled with people like those who live here, can be rather troublesome for good natured people."

I definitely agreed with you there, Hans.

I mean, I could hardly see myself as a good natured person here, especially after what had just happened a little while ago.

"Anyways, I'm taking off. Just the steam alone in here is making me feel to clean. Wolbach, I'll see you back at the castle. And kid..."

"Since you seem like an OK guy, let me give you a little heads up. Word on the grape vine has it that there could be an attack on this place by a general of the Devil King within the next few days. Unless you want to be caught within the cross fire, you may want to complete your business over at Krakta Valley and be on you way home as soon as possible."

Thanks for that tip, Hans.

That will definitely make me hurry this whole thing along much faster.

And with that, Hans left me and the girl...Wolbach alone.

"Hm, that Hans. Always a nicer guy than he tries to let on. Now, as for you..."

Eh?

Wonder what she means by that?

I then hear the sound of water rustling and I look ahead of me and see that Wolbach was moving closer.

Her eyes were locked onto me; the intensity in them made me feel like she was looking right through me.

Once she had reached me; her gaze upon me seemed to grow stronger, making me nervous.

"Curious; it feels like I'm... never mind for now. Mind telling me your name, friend? Seeing as you already know mine, I think it only fair."

I gulp as I say meekly-

"Satou Kazuma."

She repeats my name several times; her towel beginning to slip away as she focuses on my name.

"Hey, I didn't raise you to be such an exhibitionist, kitten."

I say something strange just then; without even thinking or intending too.

Just where the hell did that come from anyways?

Wolbach was just as surprised as she catches her towel before it could fall any further and returns it to covering her chest.

She then looks at me again for a moment before smiling brightly at me.

"Hm, I thought you looked familiar to me. To think what she had told me was right, I really have found...?"

She stops as she sees me looking at her as if she was some sort of crazy person.

"Actually, never mind that. It must be all the steam in the air. Messing with my head a little. Guess it's time I take my leave here too."

I didn't know what else to say other than-

"Yeah, I guess you... should?"

Wolbach gives me a warm smile and chuckle as she turns to leave.

Just as she reaches the edge of the pool, she stops and looks back at me.

"In case you are curious about that topic I had said before, well... let's save that being answered until the next time we meet."

And with that, she was gone from the pool.

I was alone now so I guess it was time to do some much needed thinking about things.

Question is; just what should I even think about now?

I'll be damned if I even know where to start here.

Guess all I can do now is kick back, relax, close my eyes, and let fate take the lead with this.

====================={ Part 6: A Dream and a Crimson Girl }======================

["A 'C' average? Is this suppose to be some sort of joke, boy?"]

["Wait, isn't that an OK score? It doesn't mean I'm failing at my studies."]

[Smack "You little... an OK score? An OK score? Are you trying to be funny with use, boy?"]

["Your father is right, Kazuma. A score like that is only acceptable for middle and lower class fools."]

["Look around us, boy. Take a damn good look around this room. Tell me what you see here?"]

[I do as instructed and look around the large living room; seeing its size and the super nice furniture.]

["Does any of THIS scream being born from getting 'C's' in school? Well, answer me?"]

[ Sigh "No sir, it doesn't, sir."]

["Damn right it doesn't, boy. You would do well to remember that too from now on."]

["Kazuma, me and your father here aren't trying to be cruel here. We love you, you know that, right?"]

[Do you really though?]

["Yes, ma'am. I do understand."]

["Son, remember what we have taught you. Both me and your mother worked our asses off hard growing up and were straight 'A' students. You don't get to live the privileged life like we get to without working for it. Understand?"]

["Yes sir, I do."]

["Kazuma, just what has been going on with you here lately? You had been doing so well until recently too."]

["It's must be because that 'cute' obsessed idiot broke up with him for some older punk who will probably become a Yakuza or something."]

[Said my younger brother, making me want to tell him to mind his own business.]

["Then forget about Erika, Kazuma. You know, both me and your father never really liked her."]

["Your mother is right, son. Let her go and move on. She and you would have never been able to work out anyways. After all, she wanted to become an idol of all things. You would never be more important to her than her career if she succeeds there. Idol's usually don't get to have boyfriends after all."]

[My father then makes me look at him as her says with his most 'serious' tone.]

["Kazuma, and this goes for you too Kenta. Never forget these words. The only true way to succeed in life is to be an 'A' grade person as they are the winners in life. Anything less than that will make you a failure. There is no exception to that fact. Do you both understand me?"]

[Both me and Kenta nod, not that he ever needed to say to that Kenta as my little brother was their perfect child after all.]

["And Kazuma, I WILL expect to see improvements on your next report card. If not, then we will have to start considering sending you to that private school out in Tokyo. And I know you know the one of which I am speaking of. Got it?"]

["Yes sir, I got it..."]

I awaken from the dream... no, it was more memory than a dream.

It had been the starting point of my final fall back home-

The conversation I had been put through by my parents when it became clear I wasn't living up to their lofty expectations of me.

"Heh, sorry if I was such a disappointment to you two. We can't all be like Kenta now, can we?"

My brother, now he was the perfect son for my parents.

So smart and skilled that the school had wanted to jump him forward three whole grades.

My parents, while thrilled at the offer, had declined as they had feared what doing that could do to his 'fragile' emotional state as it was fairly common for kids who were jumped up a few grades to get bullied by the other kids in that grade.

I, on the other hand, was the kid the school wanted to hold back; to put into the 'special' classes.

They had also refused to do that, but only out of fear over how it would make them look.

Or so that's what I have always told myself that is.

I feel a fresh tear fall down my cheek from recalling that memory.

"Geez, now why did you have to drudge that old wound up, huh brain? And just when I was starting to feel better too."

Well, at least it wasn't the worst memory I could have found myself recalling here.

I am drawn from my thoughts as I hear the twin doors opening and closing-

Followed by a figure coming into view within the smoke.

It was a girl, having a nice and fairly shapely figure with a chest that was fairly well developed.

Not quite as big as Yunyun's girls but still fairly large-

And she was completely naked too-

Wait, WHAT THE HECK?

The girl steps into the water, then looks right at me and says-

"So, like what you see here?"

I can's help but nod automatically in response, making her give me a devious grin.

As she came closer to me, I was able to make out she had black hair coming down in long pig tails that covered her exposed chest, just managing to cover two very specific spots on her chest.

The rest, was as clear as day for me to see, save for the steam in the air.

Once she had reached me, she comes to sit besides me.

Very, very close beside me before suddenly wrapping herself around my arm.

Her actions makes me freeze, my facing turning red, and causing my lower half to awaken from its slumber.

{Insert Image 4}

"Ah, this feels like old times, huh?. So, wanna talk about anything?"

Said this strange, yet daring exhibitionist; her crimson colored eyes shining brightly as she looked at me intently.

OK, just what do you mean by 'feels like old times' here?

Wait, crimson... eyes, are you a-

"Yep, that's right, Satou Kazuma. I am a Crimson Demon, one whom you will one day come to know quite well. Perhaps, even intimately so."

"O-Oh r-really? T-that's good to k-know."

I stammer out, my mind being overwhelmed with so many thoughts on what I should do here next.

Judging from how 'forward' this girl here was, I felt nothing would be off limits with her if I decided to do anything right now-

So tell me why the hell was I doing nothing but just sitting here, while she was clearly inviting me to do oh so much more with her?

Damn it, Satou Kazuma, this was the biggest and best chance you'll probably ever get in life so don't go wasting it now because of nerves.

Wait, she knows me name; does this mean I have met her somewhere before?

Nah, no way could I have... I think?

I mean, she clearly wasn't either Megumin nor was she Yunyun.

"S-so, what's y-your name, m-miss?"

OK, not what I should have done but I guess its better than staying all frozen.

I hear her giggle at me, at my nervousness which I should be annoyed with but I was strangely OK with her doing so.

It was then that I realized it; a strange feeling had come over me.

A feeling that was both foreign to me and nostalgic at the same time.

Just what was that about?

"Hm... a name huh? Feels weird to have to do this with you again, not that I mind though. Sorry, but for the sake of remaining a mysterious beauty, I will keep my name a secret for now. However, I will offer up to you, at least, my calling card I often use as a Crimson Demon. Well, one of several that I have had over the years."

She then clears her throat, then says without either standing or letting go of my arm.

"I am BLANK, foremost among the Crimson Demons for being the girl who loves her big sister's boyfriend. I dream of one day talking my big sister into letting me join the harem with her."

I can't help but sweat drop as she finishes and looks at me with wide eyes.

"I have so many question to ask you just from hearing all that. First, aren't you suppose to do some sort of silly pose when you self introduce yourself? Second, why can't you tell me your name? And third, you have a crush on your sisters boyfriend and want to join in the harem with her? If that doesn't work out, then I'll be your boyfriend."

I meant that too.

I mean, as strange as this mystery girl here was, very similar to those problem children of mine in fact, there was something about her I couldn't help but find both adorable and cute.

She giggles again as she brings her face just a little bit closer to mine and says-

"I appreciate the offer there, but its not needed as... well, I'm sure you'll come to understand in time. Now, as for your questions goes-"

"First, I would normally do a pose but given my current state of undress, that pose would make it even easier to see certain... goods I have to offer and while I have zero issues with letting you see the goods I have, even I have some sort of shame limit. Besides, I can be quite to tease when I need to be."

"Second, I can't tell you my name because it would yet to mean anything for you, to say nothing of throwing you into a world of confusion here soon enough so let's just avoid that for now. Don't worry though, I will share with you my name in the near future so be sure to await that day with bated breath."

"And as for the third? As one of my honorary big sister's use to say; that's a secret."

I then see her do a very familiar pose by sticking her tongue out while touching a cheek with a finger.

I had even more questions about that but something told me she wouldn't answer-

Or if she did, she would be damn cryptic about it.

She then rest her head upon my shoulder and gives off a content sigh-

While I find myself going back to the same mental debate I was having before.

The debate over should I actually make a move here or just do nothing and let her have total control with this little scene.

Somewhere within my thoughts was one I could somewhat make out; the thought that was telling me that this whole scene felt somewhat cliché.

And while I wasn't the sort of person who would just accept these sorts of things if they happened-

I also wasn't a damn fool who would ruin this golden moment because of not wanting to enact a cliché moment.

And so, we remained like this for a while.

"You know, Kazuma. I really wish we could just stay like this forever... but I'm wasting time here and there is something I really need to do. It's the reason I came here after all."

She then pulls away from me; an action I really didn't like.

And judging from the look on her face as she maneuvered herself into sitting in front of me, neither did she.

The playful look that had been present in her eyes just moment before was now gone, replaced with a more serious expression now.

It was so intense in fact that it made me gulp.

"OK?"

I said, nervously.

After a moment, she began.

========================{ Part 7: Beginning Truths }===========================

"First, while I can't disclose any specific details at this time; I will say I am a member of a group that has been observing you for some time now. Technically, we aren't suppose to interact with you directly, as per some weird ass rule set upon us by someone or something that is called Jest. But I have never been much of a rule follower and... I'm wanting to test some theory's out by doing this, appearing before you directly and as I am."

"I'm guessing that's the limit to what you can say to me for now? Can you at least tell me why I'm being observed by you and your group... um, it would be nice if I had some name to call you by."

"Hm... good point..."

She places a hand on her chin as she adopts a thinking pose.

"Well, people always said I was the personification of gluttony..."

I hear her mumble to herself, among other such things as she spends the next few minutes mulling over several options.

Her eyes then light up as she pounds her fist and says-

"Eureka, why didn't I think of this before. Let's go with Sprout for the time being, OK? I always like that nickname as it was... well, it was given to me by my secret crush."

"OK, Sprout it is for now, then. Anyways, is there anything you can tell me about this group of yours?"

She shakes her head, then says-

"Nothing beyond the simple fact that you are of a special interest to us and that several of our members have already helped you out in an indirect manner. Assuming nothing bad happens with me doing what I'm doing here, then I will risk telling you even more when we next meet."

After a pause-

"Now, back to the main topic at hand here. I am aware of what has been happening with you over these last few days. The sudden and very nerve racking feeling you had come over you back in Axel before you all had left. The sudden emotional moment you suffered that night before the camp fire, and that emotional outburst you had when everything you had been trying to hold back for a long time was finally released, leading to a lot of pain and regrets felt by both you and the others."

"You should know that all of that wasn't your fault, nor was it some random thing that just happened either. No, it all happened because of the lingering aspect that remains inside you, that tiny little seedling Eris wasn't able to remove."

Wait, the remnants of that curse?

Are you sure about that?

And how do you know about Eris being unable to remove it all?

As if knowing my thoughts, the mystery girl says-

"Just how do I know these things? I wish I could tell you but that will have to wait also. Anyways, in addition to that, there was also another factor that contributed to this whole mess. The Entropy that you and Chris encountered down inside that crypt not long ago managed to put something of itself inside you, as a safety precaution just in case it failed to complete its task when it had enveloped you within itself."

So, you even know about that too?

This really makes me want to push the 'just who are you, how do you know all of this, and what's going on here' questions I am having real badly.

Wait, an Entropy?

Was that what that smoke creature is called?

That's it, that was the name I had on the tip of my tongue before I lost it previously.

"What's an Entropy? And what did it do to me exactly?"

I asked her.

"Entropy is THE ending; that's all I really know about it to be honest. It... ends things, I guess. You can't kill it, as far as I know. Most attacks do nothing to it and anything that does do something will only stun it, buying just a few scant moments to try to run from it."

"As for what it did to you? Like I said, it left of wisp of itself within you, to enact a sort of plan B or so I am guessing. Who knows, maybe that had been its plan for you all along?"

"This wisp, since being placed inside you, went and sought out that little seedling of the Lich curse that remains within you; merging with it for a reason that can be nothing less than malicious intent."

"Anyways, since then, it has been merging with the seed, waiting and waiting... until that moment when it detected something relating to you; something that could be described as nostalgic. It was then, at that moment, that it made a move. That move being the weird feeling that had come over you."

"The sudden rush of memories and emotions that you then experienced made it possible to create a large wound upon your very soul; that would leaving you vulnerable to what would happen on the road to here, Arcanretia."

I reach up, placing a finger against her lips in that moment so that I could ask her-

"Wait, wait, wait. Are you telling me that everything that happened was all planned out by this Entropy thing that has merged with that damn curse?"

The girl shrugs at my question.

"Maybe, maybe not? From what we have witnessed and observed over our LONG mission; it would appear that Entropy can predict how things could possibly play out based on many factors within its range or awareness. Let's use the current events for example."

"It knew you would lose that game of rock-paper-scissors with Chris as her luck is... well, broken if we're being honest here. There's no way she could ever be defeated when it comes to a game of chance. It knew this so when you went into that mental stupor of yours, it made sure to keep you like that in order to make the rest of the dominoes fall more easily into place."

"It was then that Alonzo came onto the scene and used that magic choker of his to entrance the others, leading them to place you onto the back of the of the last cart like some you were luggage as they had planned to make room for you inside with them, even if it made things a little more cramp for them in turn. Wanna guess what some of them were thinking?"

I wanted to and was about to ask her but a more pressing and worrying question pushed its way to the front of the line.

"Please tell me that guy really didn't do anything physical with them while I was out of it?"

The girl, thankfully, shakes her head before saying-

"Don't worry, he didn't While that Alonzo guy is a total flirt, loving to surround himself with beautiful girls so they will fawn and praise him endlessly, and doesn't really concern himself with such boring details as 'does this pretty lady have a lover she's loyal too or not', he still isn't the type to do anything physical with them. At the very least, he won't do anything physical while they are being affected by the choker at any rate or so my looking into his past has revealed."

I breath out a sigh of relief at hearing that.

"That's good, that's really good to know."

I look back at this girl and see her giving me a warm smile; making me blush.

"Back on topic; once you had been released from your stupor, you saw how he had expertly led them into battle. I'm sure you have already questioned your actions back then, as well as that very night at the camping site for the caravan. Let your heart take some comfort in the knowing that it was again, the now Entropy infected curse that directed your actions there. Guiding your mind and, in turn, your words and actions into a set path in order to get the outcome you experienced."

"Had that not been the case, I sure you would have said and done a lot more during both those times and in doing so, it would have made Alonzo aware of your full status with the others. I don't know if it would have made him release them from being charmed right then and there, but I'm sure it would have led to things playing out differently at least, even if only a little."

"Finally, it was also thanks to that intruder within that you went to bed that night in the state you were in as well as the force that made your outburst upon them in the inn go like it did too. And just so you don't have to ask, I don't know if it had anything to do with the effects of the choker lasting longer than you were told it would. I personally doubt it; rather it was more than likely just bad timing. Also, I doubt you would have chosen to wait as long as you did outside either if it had been all you in control."

Once she had finished saying that, I took a moment to reflect on her words; to let it all sink in.

"Damn it, now that I know all of that; I now feel even worse for unloading on them like I did there."

The next thing I know; the girl comes forward and wraps me into a tight hug.

One that makes me blush like crazy, if only because of the fact she was totally naked and I could feel her boobs pressing strongly against my chest.

I really wanted to enjoy this whole moment for as long as possible too but other thoughts were quick to get in the way of that want.

Once she had let me go, she tells me-

"Try to not beat yourself over what happened so much, OK. You now know that it wasn't entirely your fault just like you found out that it wasn't theirs either. It was all just badly timed events happening at once, made a reality by some con man with a desire to have many beautiful girls giving him attention so as to boost his ego while a more insidious force was using that event to its advantage where you are concerned."

"What does it, Entropy, want with me anyways? And does its want with the curse?"

She hesitate for a moment before finally saying-

"That's... complicated, Kazuma. All I can say for now is that it isn't you that it wants exactly, but something that's inside you. Bonding with the curse is nothing more than a means to an end for it, to help it realize its goal all the sooner and more easily."

She then goes silent; the air in here becoming heavy.

"... You've seen it by now, haven't you? At least once so far, I'm sure. That place that looks like a sea of stars that goes on endlessly. A beautiful scene you wouldn't mind staying within forever. And the young woman sitting under a tree like shape gazing off into the distance. Have you seen it?"

I give her a nod, saying-

"Yes, I have seen it. Including both the young woman and the girl wearing a Gothic themed dress with short jet black hair with a red sheen to it too. Is that somehow related to what this Entropy wan-?"

Before I could finish talking, the girl was suddenly all up in my face; her eyes wide with surprise and shock.

"Wait, did you say a girl dressed all Goth like and sporting short black hair with a red sheen?"

I nod nervously, asking her-

"Does that mean anything to you?"

She then pulls away, mutter something to herself.

I manage to pick out from her musings-

"But why would... oh so this is one of those time-lines, huh? Could that mean that the Wolbach here is...?"

Sensing that I was staring at her, she quickly shakes my head and says-

"Um..., sorry about all that. I do have a tendency to trail off and lose focus from time to time (nervous laughter). So, can you do me a solid here and just forget about what I just said?"

No, no I'm not just gonna forget about that.

You just said some curious things just now like time-lines and Wolbach and such.

"Just how can you expect me to NOT ask about all that after hearing it. If you know anything about me, then you know I am a very curious and inquisitive young man. Some might even say a scholar at heart."

I had tried to be serious with my words, but that last bit I regret saying immediately as it made my whole speech sound all playful joking like.

Which is further proved as she starts to giggle at me.

"Hey, just so you know, I was being serious just now, despite how that ending made it sound otherwise."

"Yeah, I know. That's what I've always like about you, Kazuma. Even when you are trying to be serious, you always find a way to inject some for of humor into the moment. That's just one of the many reason why I came to fall in lo-"

A sudden ringing sound comes from a bracelet she was wearing, one I had failed to notice until just now.

The sound makes us both jump as she quickly goes to look at it.

"Eris damn it all; this always happens when I'm really starting to have fun with things."

"What do you mean? What's going on? Why did it ring like that?"

She sighs before looking at me sadly.

"It means I'm almost out of time here. Think of it as an early warning bell or something. It reminds me I need to be getting back before the others come looking for me. If they see me like this, here with you and all that, I'll be in for world of scolding which I would like to avoid if at all possible."

"I hear you, I was never a fan of that either from my parents and all because I could never measure up to their standards and expectations for me. One of the reasons I'm glad I came here, even if it hasn't been all fun and games either. So, you have to be going now then?"

She nods as she goes to stand, giving me a very nice view though I do my best to not stare at her whole body and focus on her face.

"Afraid so. But, before I depart here, I need to tell you a few more quick things for the immediate future and beyond that."

I nod this time as I await her closing words.

"First, I think you should head back to the hotel right away and set things right with the others. We both know you were hurting back then; A LOT at that, just as they know it. Likewise, you also know that they will be hurting just as much as you had been. Hurting from the feeling of knowing that they have really hurt you mentally and emotionally this time. Hurting from their self loathing of themselves. And hurting from the fear that you will leave them now because of it all. They are all hurting deeply in their own ways, for their own personal reasons and only you can save them from that hurt."

"I know; I'll be getting out myself and heading right back there to do just that once I know you've dressed and all. I just wish I could take the memories of all that happening away from them as well. Its one thing to say I'm sorry and to forgive them, but the memory of these events will still haunt them forever."

"I know, but its important to not forget these moments when they happen as well. It can help all of you to grow and learn and improve yourselves in order to better the chances that these moments will never happen again."

She then touches a finger against my chest; over my heart to be exact.

"Now, for the bigger, more long term issue. This isn't over, not by a long shot. The curse has awakened, thanks to the wisp of Entropy merging with it. And it won't stop from trying to push you into the direction it wants you to go in after this incident. If anything, it's only to be getting worse from here on out unless something is done about it, and soon too."

"OK, I understand all of that. So, what can I do here? Should I ask Chris to help me get in touch with Eris and have her do anything specific?"

The girl shakes her head.

"I hate to say this but there isn't anything Eris can do here. No, I'm afraid the only one who can resolves this issue is you yourself."

Something was telling me I was about to be put into one of those sort of situations you would see in an anime or manga where the MC would have to find a way to turn a foreign power that had invaded their bodies into their power; to make it their own.

I'm not sure how I feel about that, to be honest.

"Then what do I need to do here? Please, tell me."

She pulls her finger away, then walks away from me for a moment before returning with a weird ball of light in hand that looks like a sunflower seed.

"First, let me do this to you."

She then presses the sunflower shaped light into my chest, into my heart and I watch, and feel it, enter into my body.

I then sense it; like a roar of anger from deep inside me for a moment before it goes silent and a wave of calming peace flows through my body.

"There, that should grant you a little reprieve from it acting out again. I've forced the seed, and with it the wisp of Entropy as well, back into slumber. This won't last for long, maybe half a year at best. Even if you encounter another Entropy, it shouldn't force a reawakening unless maybe four months have passed since today. Can't really be sure but we can hope."

"Now, Kazuma. About how you can overcome this trial set before you. It's quite simple really. Just stop running away from the truth?"

Eh?

Stop running away from the truth?

Just what the hell is that suppose to mean?

"Wanna elaborate what you mean there? Just what do you mean by running away? And what truth? I'm not running from any truth. Is this one of those 'the person I think I am isn't the real me' sort of cliché's here? Do you know how stupid all that actually sounds when said aloud?"

She gives me a coy smirk, as if expecting to hear me say that.

"Just because its cliché doesn't make the matter any less true. Look, just accept that you have been burying all those bad and painful memories from you past deep down inside your heart; perhaps even deep inside your soul. It's because of that the now empowered curse was able to do what it did to you back there. And, once it reawakens, it will continue to do it until you break completely, at which point it will take you over. And then, it will all be over for you."

"Look, like it or not, you need to stop running from all that; to accept that all the bad things are just as much of your truth as the good memories are. You need to free yourself of the mask of lies you have made to hide your true self and embrace all that you really are. Only then will you be able to take the first step in confronting the Lich within, to battle it and win, to subjugate it, and make it into another part of you so that, when the time comes, you can be there for them when they will need you the most."

What does that mean?

When they will need me the most?

Before I could ask that question-

The bracelet goes off again, this time I see a red light blinking.

"Oh well, guess my times is up. Sorry, I wish I could explain it all in a bit more detail but what I have told you will have to do. The rest... you'll need to figure out on your own. But I have faith in you, I believe you will succeed. After all, you've always been the smartest man I have ever known."

"Just make sure you avoid any place that has a strong level of Arcana though over these next few months. Arcana exposure will accelerate the reawaken of the curse, if not awaken it immediately."

Damn it, girl; don't be introducing more strange words and topics to me now.

I don't need you to be adding any more questions into my head when I know you don't have the time to answer them.

She then leans in close again; her mouth practically touching my ear as she whispers.

"... please bare with this guy just a little bit longer... we'll be able to bring you back home with us soon, OK? … though I'm sure you don't mind staying besides him a little bit longer too... and also, sorry about what I'm now going to do here too..."

She then pulls back just enough to where our eyes could look upon one another.

I find myself mentally cursing over what she had just whispered to me-

Wandering what that was all about, especially as I somehow knew her words hadn't been meant for me.

"Look, will you please stop adding questions into my..."

My words are cut short as she places both hands onto my cheeks-

And before I could even process this sudden action, I find myself being given a deep and passionate french kiss from this girl; her tongue easily pushing past my lips into my mouth where it begins to make sport of my tongue.

Wait, just what are you-

I mean, yes, yes, yes; forget all my complaints just now and let me enjoy this sudden turn of events.

I won't make the same mistake I made with Wiz and just let myself remain locked up with this one here.

I begin to return her kiss, meeting her actions with my own as I reach out with my own arms, wrapping them around her and pulling her closer to me without any resistance.

So this is what a 'popular phase' must really feel like?

THANK YOU, GOD!

The next thing I know, I am looking down towards the water.

I then look ahead of me as I yawn before looking around; trying to see that girl anywhere.

Did she leave already?

Also, when had that amazing kiss end?

I was really starting to get into the flow of things as well, not to mention I was curious as to how far I could possible push things with her?

I mean, she did come in pretty much naked and all and she had no problem letting me see all of her without complaint, so maybe...?

A sudden thought; maybe it was a realization, comes over me.

No, oh no-no-no-no-no; Don't you dare tell me that all of that had just been a dream just now?

I begin to shake from anger as that thought slowly began to feel more and more the truth of the matter.

I grab onto my head and shake it back and forth, wanting to deny that though as much as I could.

But it would not be denied; forcing me to look towards the sky and cry out-

"God dammit; just when I had finally found my ideal girl, my perfect girl, she ended up being nothing more than a fucking dream."

Life can really be so unfair sometimes.

========================={ Part 8: A Healing Embrace }=========================

I took another fifteen minutes to recover from the new wave of sorrow I had experience from the thought that such an amazing moment had been just some stupid dream.

Once I was feeling back to normal, or whatever counted as normal for me here, I left the bath, dried and dressed, before leaving the pool and changing area.

As I step out into the main room, the girl behind the counter looks at me and ask-

"Are you OK there, buddy? I heard you scream out in there a little while ago. I was wondering if I should have gone in and checked on you."

I sigh as I look at her, saying-

"No, it's nothing. I'm fine, I'm fine. Nothing like having an amazing experience while in the bath only to find that it was all just a dream to make you remember just how cruel reality can be."

But was it just a dream though?

I mean, everything about that encounter was still so vivid and fresh within my mind.

Every single word said, every feeling felt, ever little detail-

It still felt so real to me.

Usually by now, the dream would have started to fade from memory unless I took the time to write it all down first in order to preserve it in some form or fashion.

Well, only one way to know for sure.

"Say, after I went in, was there by any chance a Crimson Demon girl with black hair had entered into the mixed bath as well? Or has one even shown up while you were here?"

The girl shakes her head, then says-

"Sorry, but no. The only other people that had been in there apart from you over these last few hours was a man with a glum looking face and a red headed woman with cat like eyes. If there had been anyone else, then they would have had to have somehow snuck past me which I highly doubt could have happened."

I see; then I guess it really was a dream after all.

Damn it all.

Pushing that thought from my mind, I thank the woman for her help then leave the hot-spring.

As I began to walk back to the inn, I recall the face of the local who had guided me here to begin with.

Despite a few ups and downs experienced while in the bath; she hadn't been wrong about how the bath would help me out.

If I saw her again, I would definitely need to thank her for sending me there.

I still wasn't going to join the Axis could though.

Those people were crazy, after all.

Anyways, I push that thought away and turn my thoughts to my friends.

I look at my pocket watch to see that it was late, past 11pm in fact.

I'm sure by now, they must have gone to sleep or at least I so hoped as I would feel even more guilty if they were planning on keeping themselves up all night just to wait for me to get back.

I then recall something important.

Before, when I had suffered that embarrassing breakdown with them, I had said that maybe they should just go back to Axel and leave me alone for a time.

What if they had actually done as I had asked and left the city after I had ran out on them?

Damn it!

I then break into a run, heading back to the inn as fast as possible.

Please guys, don't let this be the day you finally start doing what I ask you all to do here.

As soon as I reach the inn, I wasted no time stepping inside to a dimly lit room.

It was late at night, so I guess it would make sense to be like this.

Off to one side, I see a man; probably the guy on night duty, snoozing away on the job as his head lay snugly on his folded onto the desk arms.

Why does that not surprise me?

Well, sorry man, but I'm afraid I need to wake you up and answer a question or two from me.

I approach him and, just as I go to reach out and shake him, I hear a tired sounding meow.

Looking, I see Chomusuke coming into the open room from a long looking hallway.

Probably prowling around, either exploring or looking for something to eat.

I smile, knowing that this meant that they had ignored me which I was glad about for once in my life.

I then kneel down while saying in a quiet, playful voice.

"Nia."

Hearing my voice makes Chomusuke look at me, confused for a second, probably because she looked half asleep; her eyes then light up as she scampers over to me and leaps into my arms, her adorable yellow eyes crying tears as she nuzzles her head against my chest.

Clearly, she had missed me.

I bring my hand up and run my fingers over her back in a comforting manner, letting her know everything was OK now.

As I did this, I wonder if she had been affected by Alonzo's charisma too?

Thinking back, I hadn't seen her at all since I had spied her playing around with Yunyun's boobs.

Once she was done nuzzling me, she looks up at me with big expecting eyes.

"Don't worry; I'm not mad or hurt anymore. I've had a chance to let it all out of my system and I think I'm OK for now. And I'm sorry if my words hurt you in any way too. Now, can you take me to the other girls, Nia. I need to clear the air with them too."

Chomusuke smiles widely at me before turning and leading me into the hall way.

She then comes to stop before a door; I assume Megumin at least would be found just beyond.

It makes sense that Chomusuke would bring me to her first.

I try the door but find it locked,leaving me to wonder if I should knock or wait till morning before I do this?

Chomusuke makes my decision for me as she, somehow, pushes herself in beneath the door and, after a few seconds, I hear the sound of the lock being released.

OK, mental note here; find time to have a nice long chat with Megumin over this child's curious abilities.

I reach up and finally enter into Megumin's room, finding it to have two beds present with Megumin sleeping in one.

The other bed was strangely empty unless it being used by Chomusuke herself?

I then walk forward quietly, then kneel down beside her bed where I take notice of a few things.

One, she had clearly been crying before falling asleep, maybe even still crying here and there every so ofter based on the wetness present on her cheeks.

Also, she was clutching both the magic ring and her mage staff close to her as well.

Made sense I guess, seeing as both had been gifts to her from me.

Without thinking about it, I reach out and use a finger to shift her bangs just a bit.

"... Kazuma, please... don't leave..."

She quietly said in her sleep.

Chomusuke hops onto the bed before looking at me.

I then lean closer and whisper out to her-

"Don't worry, Dynamite, I'm not going to leave you. For better or for worse, you all are stuck with me."

Though she didn't wake up, I think; my words then bring a small, soft smile to her face.

I then look at Chomusuke, giving her a look that ask "Should we wake her up?"

Her response was to start poking Megumin's cheek with her paw.

When that failed, she then began to nuzzle her cheek, making Megumin groan as her eyes slowly opened.

"Huh? Chomusuke, what is it. I'm trying to... s-sleep...?"

She goes silent as her eyes finally focus onto me.

"Ka-zuma?"

She said to be, sounding uncertain; perhaps fearing that what she was seeing was either an illusion or maybe some sort of dream.

As she sits up, I say to her while giving her a warm smile.

"Yeah, it's me, Megumin. I'm real; this is real."

Megumin begins to tear up as she makes silent hiccup like motions with her body.

She then carefully reaches out, placing her hand onto me; seeing if I was truly real here.

She then throws herself forward as she cries out my name.

"Kazuma... Kazuma; sniff I-I'm sorry, I'm so sorry about..."

I was quick to return her hug, rubbing a hand up and down her back as I say.

"I'm the one that's sorry, Megumin. I shouldn't have lashed out at you all like that earlier. I.. I was in a rather bad way at the time. I didn't understand the why behind it all till just a little while ago. Regardless, I still shouldn't have said all that to you, especially as it wasn't any of your guys fault."

I feel her shake her head in response to my words.

"You're wrong; we needed to hear that, Kazuma. We needed to know just how much you were hurting, regardless of what was the truth with us at the time. Forgetting someone important, no matter the reason; it's still just wrong. We-we were really scared that you would never come back to us."

"You don't need to worry about that, Megumin. None of you do. Like it or not, you guys are stuck with me for the rest of your lives... or my life. Which ever comes first, ya know."

She giggles at that; a sound I never thought I would be so happy to hear right now.

Off to the side, I spy a big grin forming on Chomusuke.

After a few more minutes, me and Megumin finally pull away from each other.

She then says to me-

"So Kazuma, what happened after you ran off earlier. And what was the reason behind your breakdown?"

"First things first, Megumin. We should wake the others up so I can tell you all together at once. Heh, call me lazy here but I would rather avoid having to repeat myself where this topic is concern."

She gives me a nod as I go to stand, beginning to walk towards the door when Megumin calls out to me.

"Kazuma, I'm surprised to hear myself say this... but... let's wait till tomorrow morning before we wake the others up."

I cock an eyebrow at her request before giving her a little smirk.

"Why Megumin, are you telling me here that you want to keep me all to yourself tonight? Aren't you worried that the others will get mad with me if they find out that I came back tonight and only bothered to give you peace of mind with knowing I had come back and that I was back to being... well, me?"

Man, I could have never guessed that this day would end like this one was ending.

I mean, having an amazing make out session with that mysterious Crimson Demon girl.

Even if it really was just some dream.

And now, Megumin was pretty much wanting to keep me all to herself tonight too.

Yep, I was definitely in my popular phase now; no doubt about it.

"Wait, d-don't go reading anything weird into my request. I-I'm just not wanting to bother the others as they were all really tired. That's it, nothing more than that. And as far as you getting into trouble? Don't worry, I'll take all the blame if that happens."

"Well, if you're sure then? Anyways, I need to go see if there's any rooms left that I can rent for the night?"

"Y-you can use that bed right over there, Kazuma. I was letting Chomusuke sleep there but she can go ahead and sleep with me. I-I mean, if you want too?"

Hm, why was my gut telling me she got herself a two bed room because she wanted to offer the other to me?

Or maybe it was simply because all the rooms had two beds in them?

"If you're really OK with that, Megumin, I guess I'll take you up on that offer then. I still need to step out though. I haven't had anything to eat all day and I am super hungry. I'm going to go see if I can find any food to munch on before I turn in for the night."

She gives me a nod as I turn back to the door, preparing to open it.

I stop, looking back one last time and say to her-

"Oh yeah, Megumin; one more thing."

"Yes?"

"Um... how do I put this? OK, at the risk of sounding like a pervert here, I have to ask if you boobs have gotten any bigger?"

"HUH?"

She squeaked as she quickly pulled back; her arms quickly covering her chest.

"K-K-Kazuma, what did you just say. I know you were upset with us before, but to suddenly start sexually harassing me out of the blue like that. I'm starting to have second thoughts about all the guilt I had been feeling earlier now. Just why would you ask me such a question?"

Yeah, I knew that was going to happen.

I then raise my hands up in my defense as I tell her my reasoning behind the question.

"Megumin, my intention; believe it or not, wasn't to make you think that. As for the why behind my question. Well... as I'm sure you remember, wanting to or not aside, I have accidentally groped you three times now."

"During the latest incident just a little while ago, I couldn't help but notice that it felt like your chest had... more to grope than it did that first time. We can't count that second time because you were naked in that moment so I can only assume that either you weren't wearing a bra that first time and were wearing one now or maybe you had been both times but you're wearing a new one now..."

"Or you chest has actually gotten bigger since then which makes your words when we bathed together, that you would soon have a chest that would beat out Yunyun's actually hold weight... just like your growing boobs will."

I snicker at that last bit as she goes red faced and tosses her pillow at me.

"Satou Kazuma, if you don't get out of here right now, I'm going to end up doing something else that will only make me add to my regrets I have welling up inside me right now."

I laugh happily as I nod at her and quickly exit the room.

I then stand outside for a moment; surprising myself by how much I enjoy these moments.

"And Kazuma, make sure you bring me and Chomusuke back something to eat too."

I hear her say beyond the door.

I quietly say "Will do" before walking back into the main lobby; beginning my search for the kitchen.

(Megumin POV)

After telling Kazuma to bring me and Chomusuke back some food when he returns, I allow myself a moment to smile happily.

No doubt about it now; Kazuma really was OK.

I was... worried, even after what he had said to me.

His words from just before resurface inside my mind, making me quickly remove my top and bra.

I then look at myself in the mirror that was hanging from the door.

I then study my chest for a moment, bringing my hands up to feel them, lift them, even massage them.

I then grin a big grin as I look back at Chomusuke and say-

"I think Kazuma was right, Chomusuke. I think they have gotten bigger... YES!"

I then pump my fist victoriously into the air.

Just you wait, you guys; Megumin has finally entered the ring.

=========================={ Part 9: Entropy's Search }==========================

(Anna POV)

Just how long have I been staring at this weird, yet strangely captivating device?

I had no idea to be honest.

I look around, finding the room both empty and quiet.

Where was everyone?

When did they take off?

Hmph, they could have at least said goodbye before taking off.

Well, guess I'll go back to the library and read through my favorite book again-

For who knows how many times now.

As I go to move towards the library, I find myself suddenly coming to a stop as I feel an incredibly dark presence begin to flow into the room.

Being drawn towards the front door, I spot wisp of smoke passing through the slim space between the door and the surrounding wall.

Every instinct in my being told me to run and hide myself and so I did though I made certain to be positioned in a way that it would allow me to keep watch on this scary event.

A few moments after I had hid myself, I saw it; the creature with a humanoid body made from smoke take shape and form.

In then glides across the room effortlessly; moving slowly as it carefully looking around the room.

It then stops before the large dining room table and seems to look down and study something.

After a moment, it shifts backwards and begins to glide back towards the door.

It then stops; looking right at me, making me begin to quake in terror.

Wait a minute, I'm already dead.

Whatever this thing is, there was no way it could hurt me; especially seeing as I am a ghost and all.

So, just why the hell was I so afraid of it?

I then look back, finally taking notice of the faces forming upon its smoky body.

And I saw... that the faces were smiling.

Did that mean... that the creature was smiling at me?

That thought made me quake even more.

It then continues on its way, returning to the front door and dispersing through the front door again.

I then finally move; carefully looking outside just in time to see a bird like beast, its body also made from smoke like the humanoid, flying into the air and away from the mansion.

I then return inside the mansion and move over to the table, seeing a map laid out upon it.

And on this map was a circle around Arcanretia and an 'X' over the Krakta Valley.

I didn't know why, but I suddenly felt great fear for my precious friends right now.

Next time: Kazuma and the girls finally reach the Krakta Valley, only to find a greater challenge than they were expecting. Now trapped inside a massive Labyrinth, being hunted by a dangerous beast, will they be able to find the treasure hidden within and even more importantly, will they escape alive?

Image 1: The girls standing at the ready, with the 'great Alonzo' making a showman style pose

Image 2: Kazuma laying down, with a sad and teary eyed look (done up in a comidic style by the artist) with a back ground shot of the girls and the troupe sitting and laughing by the camp fire

Image 3: A shot of Hans and Wolbach looking towards Kazuma (Kazuma POV shot)

Image 4: Kazuma and the mysterious Crimson Demon girl, hugging herself against his right arm