Bless This World With A Stranger

by RhineWrites

Arc 8: Konosuba Inferno (chapters 37-?)

19. A4-3: Labyrinth

Chapter 3: Entering This Labyrinth With My (Not) Harem

=========================={ Part 1: Wake-up Call }============================

(Chris POV)

It was a little past 7am, according to the pocket watch Kazuma had given me, when I had finally woken up.

Looking at the pocket watch made me sigh,feeling great remorse for my actions over these last few days.

The last month and a half to be exact.

It had all began with the trial.

Mainly, that day in the court room when the power of a Devil Artifact had frozen my whole body.

It had clearly been the work of Aldarp; that much I had knew for certain.

But even with my abilities, I had been unable to locate where this artifact was hidden.

That meant that some additional form of magicks were at play here, making it impossible for even me to be able to sense it even when I and it were in the same room, or at least the same town... er, city.

That alone pissed mt off something fierce, seeing as I am who I am and all.

And now this little matter too; being so easily swayed by the power of a Divine Relic.

I had even failed to detect its presence as well, despite the fact it was literally just a few feet away.

There had been other issues as well, but these two had been the big kickers and as such, had made me come to a painful realization.

As I am right now; with the weakness that this body brought onto me-

I was just to damn weak when 'down here' to be able to do anything effective, especially where my friends are concerned.

Hell, apart from my massive knowledge that extends beyond this one world and my hax luck-

Which was far more worthless than I would like to admit to as Luck really only showed favor to those who were divine, while they were in a divine state, with actual 'Good Luck.'

For mortals, or for diving beings running around with a mortal shell for the fun of it, the Luck stat was equal parts good luck and bad luck.

Heh, you just have to look at poor Kazuma's Luck, which was equal parts generous and cruel, to see that truth in action.

Kazuma... I really need to do something to make it up to you.

I have a lot of things I need to make up for where you're concerned, actually.

For now though, I had to take the first step; seeing if you had come back last night.

I exit my room and make my way over to the reception desk; finding the worker there snoring away in his slumber.

Well, sorry pal, but I'm both the early bird and the alarm bell and you are late for school-

I slam my fist down onto the desk, making him jump in a panic.

After collecting himself, he glares at me while launching into a complaint.

I respond by grabbing his collar and saying in a low and threatening voice.

"Look buddy, I am in no mood for your shit right now, nor anyone elses shit either. I just need to ask you one question; after me and my friends went to bed last night, did a guy with brown hair, green eyes, and clothing that was green, black, and white in color come in and ask for a room?"

He quickly, and nervously, shakes his head; making me sigh as I let him go after a few more seconds.

"So, you didn't come back after all, Kazuma?"

As I ponder on what to do next, I see from the corner of my right eye the forms of the others enter the lobby.

Turning, I spot Darkness, Cielo, and Yunyun as they walk in; all looking tired and no small amount of fear as well.

"Chris, you're up already. Has Kazuma come back yet?"

Asked Darkness, getting a a shake of my head in response.

This makes them sigh; a look of utter defeat coming across their faces.

"Now what do we do? I was sure he would have come back by now?"

Asked Cielo.

"We should go look for him, obviously. Despite how he may be feeling about us right now, he is still our friend; even if I can't even really picture it at this moment. We know what his goal here in Arcanretia is so we know where he most likely will be at so lets go after him."

Said Darkness.

Yunyun, on the other hand, didn't look as confident with all this.

"I want to go too, but... after last night; would he... does he even want to still be around us? Maybe... Maybe we should just do what he told us to do and head back to Axel? I'm worried that if we go looking for him, we'll end up just making things worse him, for us all."

Darkness and Cielo were quick to reply; telling Yunyun to not think like that, that we can't just give up so easily and so soon.

While I agreed with them, I can also understand Yunyun's thoughts as well.

Knowing what I now know about her; about her difficult and lonely childhood and the crippling self esteem issues she has suffered, alongside her difficulty with making friends-

To have hurt her first TRUE friend, even if it was by no fault of her own, must have been tearing her up inside in a way I doubt any of us could-

Actually, maybe we all could understand after all?

Darkness hadn't had any friends before meeting me.

Cielo, while she did have a few friends growing up, had suffered traumatizing levels of bullying from many kids, and even some adults; the whole experienced had left her deeply scarred with plenty of trust issues.

I already knew about my own personal hang-ups from the past.

And Megumin... she did have plenty of friends growing up, though I doubt she would confess in admitting that she thought of them as friends-

If was safe to say that for her, Kazuma was someone special; that he had s special place in her heart-

Even if she had yet to acknowledge that fact to herself, let alone others.

And on the subject of Megumin-

"OK, OK, cool down everyone. First things first. Let's go get Megumin up, then we'll have a quick breakfast then head out and make a quick beeline to the Krakta Valley. Along the way, we'll ask anyone we see if they have seen anyone matching Kazuma's description. Agreed?"

They all nod as we return to the first floor hallway, moving to Megumin's room which was at the end of the hall.

Just as we reach the door, my nose picks up a weird odor; something foul and unpleasant.

Cielo also catches the stink in the air, quickly stepping back as she pinches her nose.

"UUUGH, what the hell? Just what is that fowl smell?"

Darkness leans in, takes a few whiffs, then looks at us and says-

"Smells like sex if you ask me."

Cielo practically gags from hearing that while Yunyun's face turns bright pink as she began to stammer out the word 'sex' repeatedly.

I, on the other hand, give Darkness an incredulous look as I ask her-

"And how, pray tell, do you know what SEX smells like, Lalatina?"

Darkness then becomes rather sheepish as she shyly says-

"Well, when I was twelve, or thirteen, me and father had visited our family's summer home. While there, I had wandered out into the barn and found two horses getting all 'busy' with each other and... well, I just had to take a closer look as I was curious and... I shouldn't have done that because..."

"Stop, stop, stop, stop, stop, stop, stop right there, you. If you even think of finishing that explanation, I will ensure that lady Eris will unleash divine retribution upon you. I don't care how devout a follower you are to her."

"I agree, I completely agree with Chris on that one here. So, putting aside how Darkness knows... what 'that' smells like... wait, does human sex also smell this bad? Wait-wait-wait, forget I said that. What I meant to say here is does this mean that Megumin... that she actually... last night?"

Said an ever panicking Cielo.

Yunyun then quickly cuts in before I could respond, saying-

"I-I-I-I refuse to believe t-that. Megumin was never ever interested in such things growing up. I doubt she even knows what sex actually is beyond the most base minimum of facts. I just can't see her doing that for any reason. And even i-if she did, who would she have done it with?"

Yeah, Yunyun was right; there was no way this smell we were getting from her room could be from that.

"Unless that person who was sleeping on the job got into her room and did something vile to her while she was in a vulnerable state. I mean, he does have access to all the spare keys for every room after all."

Said Darkness, making us all pause as her words sink in.

The next thing we know, we had practically kicked the door in, rushing into the darkened room to make sure nothing horrid had befallen innocent little Megumin.

When I said the room was dark, I meant it.

All the glow manatite, even the night light ones, were off.

The thick curtain over the window was doing a good job at keeping the morning light out.

And there seemed to be clothing scattered across the floor-

Megumin's night attire was definitely visible to us at least.

We then look to the two beds, finding one having two pairs of legs sticking out under the covers.

"No way, Megu-Megumin... she really did... have..."

Stammered out Yunyun as Darkness quickly searched the wall be the door, looking for the magic item that would trigger the glow manatite into illuminating the room.

She finds in and a second later, the room was illuminated and we finally see what has happened within.

Lying on the one bed was indeed Megumin, and Chomusuke... and Kazuma as well-

All three clearly deep in slumber land.

Kazuma was all sprawled out; snoring loudly with a big snot bubble expanding and shrinking with each and every snore.

Chomusuke was resting on his upper face; specifically over his eyes and forehead.

And Megumin?

She had her head on his bare chest, an ever growing pool of drool forming on his stomach.

All of us just stand there with deadpan looks before I feel a vein pop on my forehead.

I crack my knuckles before stomping forward so I could stand over the two of them, take aim with my fist and-

"Kazuma... Megumin, you two stupid idiots-"

I then send my fist flying right down at them as I scream-

"Here's your DAMN WAKE-UP CALL!"

{Insert Image 1}

======================={ Part 2: A Breakfast Confessional }=======================

"I told you guys, you got it all wrong. Me and Megumin didn't have sex last night?"

"Yeah, Kazuma's right. We didn't have... I don't even know the first thing about sex... apart from... where he would... need to put his... small thingy at..."

Kazuma quickly turns to her with a glare and shouts out.

"Listen here, you legal dwarf, quit calling little Kazuma here small; he's just usually freaking limp is all. Give him the proper motivation and he'll rise to the occasion and then we'll see if you can still call him small."

Off to the side, I hear Cielo mumble-

"Can't deny that, I guess. It was rather impressive when we saw it back in the bath before... though, if you ask me; I would still call it bite sized in my opinion."

Kazuma quickly turns to her and yells-

"What did you just say, Cielo? You just said something I can't just ignore here. Hurry up and start elaborating right now, damn it."

I then look at Yunyun who was rocking back in forth with an 'very much out of it' look in her eyes-

"Megumin... Megumin, she... she actually chose to climb the steps to adulthood. I-I don't believe it. No one... none of the others back home will believe it either."

I quickly look to Megumin; seeing that she had heard Yunyun's words which brings a smug smile to her face-

"laughter That's right, Yunyun. As of today, I have finally become a woman and can now enjoy all the privileges that comes from adulthood. But do not worry, I will still let you challenge me to a duel every now and then, at least when I can find time in between pleasing my man here."

I then quickly look back at Kazuma, finding him having failed at hearing Megumin's words as he was still accosting Cielo over the matter of that moment in the bathroom back at the mansion.

I sigh an annoyed sigh as I turn to Darkness and ask her-

"I can't believe all this. Just how did things devolve down into... Darkness?"

I look at Darkness, seeing her hugging herself as she huffs and puffs excitedly with cheeks burning brightly and a universe worth of lustful energy coursing through her eyes.

"This is incredible, truly wonderful. I never could have imagined that my friends were all secretly a bunch of closeted degenerate sex minded delinquents. Ahhh, that does it, I need to figure out how I can talk them all into letting me join in the fun too."

Hearing her say that makes me frazzle my hair rapidly as I mentally scream out my aggravations.

These damn, annoying brats; they are going to cause my beautiful white hair to turn gray.

After another few minutes of this little back and forth, I had finally managed to get everyone to calm down so we could focus on resolving this matter and getting back to business.

"Once again, like I told you all before. We didn't do anything last night... at least I don't think we did?"

Again, Kazuma was defending himself, except this time without Megumin's support here.

Considering her rivalry with Yunyun, I'm guessing she was wanting to keep up with her ruse, assuming that Kazuma was correct here, in order to add another win to her belt, even if it was a lie.

"OK, OK, we're all hearing you, Kazuma. But you have to understand why we all have our doubts here. We walk in, find the room reeking of a foul smell with clothing scattered on the ground while you and Megumin were sleeping together with you being stripped down to your boxers and Megumin only wearing shorts. Can you really blame us for having our doubts over your words here."

Said Darkness.

I follow it up by asking-

"Kazuma, why don't you go ahead and tell us everything you do remember about last night and we'll take it from there."

"Well, seeing as it was late and all, and the fact I hadn't eaten anything all day, I left the room to find the kitchen and with it, some food. Once I had found the kitchen, I grabbed one of those large plates and filled it with as much food as I could. I also grabbed two large mugs and filled them with some tea I found in the cooler box. I then went back to the bedroom and..."

Megumin quickly cuts in, sounding rather panicked all of a sudden.

"Yes, Kazuma came back and we had a mild snack. I... may have eaten more of the food he brought than he did even if he needed it more. We drank and talked and were about to call it for the night, but then everything starts to become all fuzzy and the next thing either of us knew, we're waking up with all of you present and with our heads hurting like hell until Cielo used Heal to fix that problem."

That was curious?

Why did Megumin suddenly cut in so abruptly like she did?

My instincts were telling me something had happened when Kazuma got back but she was worried that he would include that in his explanation so she took over the conversation in order to leave that little detail out of the explanation.

Cielo thinks for a moment, then says-

"OK, let's all assume that you both are correct and that's the extent of what happened between you two last night. Then we need to ask the question of what was that strange smell then and how did you guys end up in the same bed, practically naked between the times you both fell asleep and us showing up?"

We all then began to ponder on this mystery here.

I doubt we'll ever really get an answer here-

"Hey, who's been into my 'special tea?' I had to go to a lot of trouble to get my hands on this bad boy here. I demand answers at once."

Came the voice of the person who had acted as the on-duty desk person for the night shift.

We turn to see this person come into the room; holding a large pitcher with the word's 'special tea' inked onto said pitcher.

"Hey, that's the thing I got the tea for me and Megumin to drink from. Had a really weird smell but it taste pretty good though."

Said Kazuma, which gets the person holding the pitcher to charge forward, place the pitcher onto the table, then proceed to grab and try to strangle Kazuma as he screams-

"What, it was you? You stole my gift from the lady Aqua? How dare you go violating my special 'nectar' from the goddess. You son of a bitch, I'm gonna freak'n kill you."

Megumin and Cielo then launch themselves at the person, trying to save Kazuma while Yunyun begins to panic over the whole scene.

Darkness meanwhile, sits up and pulls the top off the pitcher and smells it, quickly backing away in utter disgust.

I follow suit, also standing and taking a whiff, making me jerk back in response too.

No doubt about it though, this was the same smell we had been exposed to in Megumin's room.

After that, we joined in with saving Kazuma from the psycho worker and , once things had somewhat calmed down, I asked-

"OK, before you renew your assault on our friend here, mind telling us why this tea smells so awful? I have enjoyed many different tea's during my travel and none have ever even come close to smelling like this one does."

The worker becomes a little nervous before saying-

"Well, if I'm being honest here... it's not actually tea, but a special drink called 'the lady Aqua Divine Supreme', it's super rare and as such, I am very protective of it, you see. That's the reason I labeled it as tea. If my co-workers knew what it really was, they would take it from for for themselves to use."

Darkness this shoots to her feet, practically yelling-

"The Lady Aqua Divine Supreme?"

Yes, that's what we had... oh no, you mean it was THAT-

"What is that, Darkness? Just what is the Aqua Diving Supreme anyways?"

Both me and Darkness had begun to shake as she manages to get out-

"It is... the most powerful, most dangerous, most alcoholic drink to have ever been made by man. It is said to be so potent that just a tea spoon is enough to make you become dead drunk on your feet."

I quickly turn to Kazuma and Megumin and ask-

"Quickly you two, just how much did you actually drink last night?"

Kazuma thinks for a second before saying-

"I... think the mugs were of the pint size, maybe even slightly bigger?"

Hearing that makes both me and Darkness scream before we lunge at the worker and start unleashing a total beat down upon them.

A pints worth should have killed those two for drinking that much.

How the hell did they survive it then?

"Maybe people from my homeland just have a higher tolerance for booze than you lot do?"

"We Crimson Demons have very high tolerances to stuff so it makes sense that someone like me would be OK after drinking that stuff."

I suppose that was as good as an explanation as anything, I guess.

After that, we released the worker from being beaten down while giving a warning over not giving any proper warnings to the dangers of drinking something.

After watching the worker run off crying, I asked Cielo if she could administer some additional healing to Kazuma and Megumin's head, in the hopes that it could clear up their clouded memories of that night.

We then moved onto the main topic at hand here.

"OK Kazuma, now that we have, sort of, settled that matter, do you want to tell us about what happened last night after you left us?"

I asked.

Kazuma then recounted everything, telling us how he was directed to a nearby hot spring by a local, one that was famous for helping people with wounded feelings to recover.

He had found two others there who had alerted him of of a possible attack upon the city by the Devil King's forces.

And then, after he had left, he had taken some time to self reflect on things and ended up leaving the hot springs feeling both relaxed and renewed.

Despite it all though, I knew he hadn't told us everything about his time there and I would make sure he at least told me about it.

"Say, if the Devil King's forces are planning a potential attack on the city, shouldn't we do something about it? Perhaps even alert the authorities even?"

Asked Cielo.

Kazuma was quick to raise his hands in a veto like fashion.

"Nope, no way, I refuse to even entertain that thought here. I am NOT getting involved with another general or anything relating to the Devil King right now. We've already dealt with two of them already. No need to be pushing our luck here now. Don't forget, we came here to for a specific reason and I refuse to take time out from that to worry about this city of lunatics."

"But if we don't do something here, the city and its people could be wiped out."

Said Megumin.

Kazuma, and Yunyun too surprisingly, both say at the same time-

"I see no problem with that."

"I can't believe you, Kazuma. You too, Yunyun. The two of you would really leave these poor misguided fools to their fates without even trying to save them? Where's your sense of duty and honor here?

Yelled Darkness, getting this as their response.

"Clearly, you don't know me very well. If you did, Lalatina, then you would already know that I have never had any of those to begin with."

"And I think I may have left mine back home in the Crimson Demon village, miss Lalatina."

Darkness's response was to lunge at them; strangling them before they could react.

I couldn't help but chuckle lightly at the sight of it.

I also found it funny that Yunyun was slowly, but surely, undergoing a mental conversion that was seeing her become more like Kazuma here.

It was very small, very subtle, her change was; but it was happening all the same.

I also think Kazuma was having a bad influence on Megumin and Cielo too, but that wasn't necessarily a bad thing here.

Once that situation had been calmed down, I say-

"OK everyone, how about this then. For now, we just focus on our task at Krakta Valley here. Once we get back, we'll arrange for a carriage to take us back to Axel. If an attack does come while we're here, then we we do what we can to defend the city and its people. If not, then we won't worry about it. Deal?"

Everyone finally nods though Kazuma does say-

"Do I need to remind you of the promise you all made to me before, back in Axel just before the incident with the Div-Destroyer; that you all said that if I found myself getting into trouble again following that event; that you all would never ask me to stick my neck out for anyone ever again."

I think back to that day and do recall making that deal.

And judging from the looks on Cielo, Darkness, and Megumin's faces, they did too.

I also recall a little detail about that as well.

"You're right, Kazuma, we did make that deal... but it was only when it came to the defense of Axel. We aren't in Axel anymore, but Arcanretia. Hate to say this, but our deal hold for this place."

Kazuma takes a moment to process my words before he swears under his breath, then sighs as he says-

"I make no promises with taking up any action here for Arcanretia, or its people's, defense."

Fair enough, I guess.

I then move the topic onto what we should do now.

"Now, here's the game plan. Megumin, Yunyun; seeing as the two of you have some history here, I'd like for the two of you to head to the High Axis Church and meet with high priest Zesta and ask for permission to travel through the western source to reach Krakta Valley. We'll need his consent otherwise we'll have to take the long away around to get there."

"Darkness, you and Cielo will go fetch some supplies for us for this trip. I'll make up a list for you two to go with here. Meanwhile, me and Kazuma will chat it up with the locals, see what they know about the Krakta Valley before we all go. Once we're all done, we'll meet down at the southern gate of Arcanretia, alright?"

Everyone gives me a nod except Darkness, who leans in close and gives me a devious smile-

"What's this, Chris? Wanting to have Kazuma all to yourself for a bit? Did seeing Kazuma and Megumin in bed together make you in any ways jealous? Come now, you can tell me, your oldest friend. Just what is your real interest in our Kazuma here?"

This gets the others to look at me, probably now wondering the same thing as I blush and begin to stammer out my response.

D-Darkness, w-what are you t-talking about. It i-isn't like that, I-I just wanting to a-ask Kazuma..."

"Ah..."

Came Kazuma, making us look at him, seeing he had grabbed his head with one hand.

"Kazuma, what's wrong? Are you OK?"

Asked Cielo.

After a few moments of breathing heavily, Kazuma looks at us and says-

"I-I remember the rest about what happened last night..."

======================{ Part 3: A Talk Between Us Outsiders }=====================

"I still can't believe what you and Megumin actually did that last night, Kazuma?"

"You say that but; knowing me and Megumin as well as you do now, add in being extremely drunk on top of that, just what part of what actually happened last night is so unbelievable to you, Chris?"

Damn it, Kazuma, you have a point there.

(previous night; Kazuma POV)

After downing the last of my drink, following that with a rather loud burp, I look at Megumin and say-

"So Megumin, wanna spill the beans on why you were so flustered when I got back?"

Megumin finishes off her own drink before looking at me; her cheeks already a bright red as a weird look had come over her face.

"That's... none of your business, Kazuma. What a girl does when she's alone, after a guy tells her something important, is of her own business."

"Let me guess, you took off your top and checked to see if I was right about your mole hills starting to grow into mountains at last? Hic Why is the room starting to spin here?"

I asked, feeling my head getting all wobbly and weird all of a sudden.

Man, that was some awesome tea I had found, even if it did smell like someone, never mind, my analogy will make me puke if I say it because of how disgusting it will sound.

"What are you saying, Kazuma? Why would I... wanna... spin-spin-spin; the rooms becoming all spiny like, hic."

The was a momentary pause before a smirk forms on Megumin's face.

"Say Kazuma, wanna see my hic girls by any chance? You were right, they have all grown such bigger bigger oooo..."

"burp Yeah, I would like to see them, Meg-WHOOO-min."

Despite my blurred vision, I was still able to easily make out Megumin as she removed her top and revealed her breast to me.

I couldn't help but stare at them all longingly like.

"Heh Does Kazu-AHH likes what he sees?"

I nod automatically.

"Kazuma, do ooooh think that maybe your touch is what made my boobs finally start growhhhing?"

Megumin's question makes me recall something important I had once heard from back in my homeland-

"I don't know? It does make me recall something I have heard in the past, from some anime and manga I have experienced. Stuff about hic if a girl with small boobs has a guy she likes massage them, grope them, fondle them, that they will grow bigger... ohh I'm not sure if it's oooo ornot?"

"Well, on-hic-only one way to find out..."

Megumin then gets up oof her bed and hops down onto my lap.

"What are you waiting for, hiczuma? Start working that magic of yours on me again. I woooh want bigger boobies as soon as possible."

Then, before I could even start to move, Megumin shows her impatience by grabbing my hands and forcing them onto her chest.

And so, for the next... how many minutes, I did as she asked and 'worked my magic on her.'

All the while, she made many different sounding noises I couldn't quite understand.

Finally, she reached up and pulled my hands away before looking at me with what I can only assume was what I have heard be called 'midnight eyes.'

"So Kazuma, wanna guess what it is I want us to do now?"

I smile at her as she moves off my lap, allowing me to get up and turn the lights off.

I then return to the bed, with Megumin's help as she could see in the dark fairly well without the aid of skills, and because I seemed to forget I had Night Eye available.

She then pushes me down onto the bed before getting on top of me-

She gives me a strange yet exciting look and then-

Everything went dark dark so I can only assume we had gone right to slumber land so we could sleep of being drunk.

(present; Chris POV)

"Damn it, I'm so hating the fact you're right about that, Kazuma."

I let out a sigh following my words.

These crazy kids really were going to be the end of me, weren't they?

"If it makes you feel any better, Chris, so am I; so am I. Still can't believed I let myself get drunk last night too. I mean, I swore off ever drinking the drink after what I saw what it did to a relative of mine and the damage it caused. Oh well, at least one good thing came about as a result of it all."

I was almost afraid to hear what that was when I asked Kazuma what good had happened.

"At least after last night, Megumin will hopefully never want to drink anything else alcoholic related ever again."

Actually, yeah; that was a good thing to come out of all that.

And here I was thinking you were going to say something about finally getting some action at last.

After a short pause as we walked down the city streets of Arcanretia, Kazuma breaks the ice by asking-

"So, was there are particular reason why you wanted to partner up with me for this little moment?"

"What's wrong, Kazuma? Not wanting to hang out with me, just the two of us? Not wanting to see you you can make a little 'development' go down between us?"

"Hey, don't be putting words into my mouth here, Chris. I was just curious was all. If you're serious about us having a little development while we're alone, then how about we go into that dark alley over there and make some developments happen now. I promise I we'll be in and out in a flash."

I was about to tell Kazuma to watch it less he bring down diving punishment upon himself-

But then an even better idea comes to mind as I give him a cheeky, playful grin-

"Hm, OK then, let's do it. And thanks for confirming a theory I have always had about you, Kazuma. I always knew, from that first day we met back in Axel , that you must have been one of those 'quick to start, quick to finish' kind of guys. Not to worry though, I'm sure this little quest we're all on will afford me plenty of times to finish myself off, if you know what I mean?"

His look of utter horror at my words makes me giggle.

Maybe I should be a little nicer to him where this subject is concerned though.

I mean, I have no doubt ever guy in the world is sensitive about the subject of being unable to stop themselves from blowing their loads either early on or before they can at least make their partner go first.

After patting Kazuma's back for a few moments, telling him that I was only joking with him-

I finally decide now was as good a time as any to bring the reason for us being together up.

"In truth, Kazuma... I wanted to ask you to tell me about last night."

Kazuma finally looks up at me, having finally recovered from my joke, and says-

"I thought I already had, Chris. You mean to tell me your weren't listening earlier?"

"Oh, I was listening, alright. And because of that, I know that you didn't tell us EVERYTHING. Not that it's just the two of us, I want you to tell me the rest. Please, Kazuma..."

"Just how the hell... actually, never mind that. You are a special agent for Eris so I guess being able to tell these things comes with the job, huh? OK, but let's just keep the rest between us two, OK?"

I give him a nod, pointing out that if I had wanted the others to know, I would have brought this up while we were still with them.

Kazuma then tells me everything; about the weird Crimson Demon girl, about what she had told him about what had caused his emotional break, about the things he would need to do in order to avoid the new developments with the curse, seeing as the immunity I had given him before was no longer enough.

And, he told me the name this girl called that weird smoke being from the crypt-

"Kazuma, are you sure you heard her correctly? Did she really say that it was an Entropy?"

Kazuma was clearly taken aback from the shock I was sure I had on my face, the sound of my voice-

"Yeah, s-she called it Entropy. Why, does that name mean anything to you?"

It takes me a few moments before I was finally able to respond to his question.

"T-That... that's not possible, Kazuma. It can't be an Entropy."

"Why not?"

"pause Because Entropy is only suppose to come at the end times, when the time for the material world to exist has reached its end, leaving only the spiritual realms to continue on into eternity. It-it can't be an Entropy, Kazuma. It just can't be..."

Especially since we still have around a hundred billion years left before that is set to happen.

I then look at Kazuma, seeing that he wanted to ask me if I was sure about that/

So, to end this portion of our talk, I quickly say-

"Still, I'll be sure to talk to lady Eris about this the next time I'm able to talk to her. Same with everything else you said as well as I'm sure she's want to figure out what she can do to help in dealing with this new development. Now, let's talk about the Divine Relic we're going to grab."

After permitting a pause, I tell him-

"OK, based on your description of this item, it has to be the Mason Gloves; a Diving Relic that makes it possible to create anything one can think of by simply thinking of what they want.."

"Really, that's amazing if they can actually create anything. Imagine what I guy like me can do with a thing like that... and I'm not thinking perverted thing here by the way, mostly that is."

I give him a knowing look, making his avert his gaze from me as he stammers out-

"S-so how does it work exactly, D-do you know by any chance?"

"Well, let's see here. Are you familiar with how 3D printers work, Kazuma. Imagine that, but you use the mana particles within the atmosphere to form stuff as opposed to anything physical."

"Yeah, I'm familiar with how... wait a minute here, Chris? How the hell do you even know about something like a like a 3D Printer? That technology doesn't yet exist on this world."

Well shit, I sure has hell have just put my foot in my mouth right now.

Seeing Kazuma giving me a serious and questioning look and knowing that there wasn't anything else I can say to him that will placate him, I decide to be somewhat honest here.

I sigh before guiding him over to the alley so we could speak more privately.

"Guess I have no choice then, huh Kazuma? Fine then, I might as well tell you my secrets; seeing as I know all yours already, more or less. To start off, I'm the same as you. I am not originally from this world we now find ourselves in. Like you, I was born on an entirely different world, but it wasn't Japan or even anywhere on Earth. My world... was called Arbel."

"Arbel was a world where both magic and technology went hand and hand; being far more than either this worlds grasp of magical knowledge or Earth's technological advances. It was defined to me as a techno-pagan world in the truest sense."

"Wow, sounds pretty cool. Wonder if it might be possible to go there someday?"

I shake my head at his words.

"That-That's impossible. Arbel... it doesn't exist anymore."

"What happened?"

I sigh sadly before saying-

"Same thing that happens to every world where there is great power to be found in the hand of people. A place where people have different opinions while refusing to accept anyone elses view point when they are so confident and certain that their own is the only correct one. A world where the ones who have the greatest power are the ones who shouldn't have any at all because of how they use said power."

"Difference leads to discourse. Discourse summons strife. Strife begets anger. Anger gives rise to conflict. Conflict gives birth to war. War brings forth genocide. And Genocide ends with death. And, like a flickering candle assaulted by a harsh wind, the once brilliant flame called Arbel was extinguished forever."

He was silent, clearly thinking about my words; my story.

He then ask-

"And what about you? What was your story in all that?"

"That's going to be a complicated one to tell; so much so that I can't even begin to tell the full tale in the time that we have available right now. One day, I will... but for now, please just accept the little I can offer you in this moment."

Pause, then-

"I was born into this world, not at the end of its time, but close enough; the twilight of the worlds ever dimming light. I had a sister, a twin sister to be precise. In my youth, I was small and frail and sickly; shy and quiet and reserved. In contrast, my sister was strong and passionate and brave; kind as well as courageous at heart. I both idolized her and was jealous of her at the same time."

"Our home was the center of the world's center of political power as well as its spiritual power. And as for the deity of was the most worshiped and revered? Wanna take a guess?"

Kazuma thinks before saying-

"Eris? It has to be Eris, right?"

I laugh as I shake my head.

"Nope, it wasn't Eris. In fact, Eris hadn't even been established as a goddess yet. No, the one who they all worshiped, fanatically so in fact, was the goddess Aqua. And, believe it or not, but many of the people of Arbel could give even the worse Axis sect members a run for their money with their faith."

Kazuma recoils at hearing my words; his shock clearly visible on his face.

"That... that idiot bimbo with the blue hair? Please tell me you are joking here?"

I giggle at his response.

"Yep, believe it or not, Aqua was indeed the goddess in charge. She was a young goddess then, barely out of her 'training' period with Arbel being her first dominion. And this will shock you even more but she was actually more competent back then. Taking her job more seriously as it was her first world and her actions would dictate where things would go from her going forward. Of course, that doesn't mean she was completely reliable either as she was usually 'busy' with 'other matters' to give the world the full attention it needed or deserved... which is probably the main reason why it ultimately fell."

"Now, going back to me. I wasn't able to do much, because of my weak constitution so I had to live vicariously through my sister and the stories she would tell me. I was sit there, sometimes lay there when I was feeling weaker, and dream of doing all the things she did, seeing all the places she saw. And... along the way, I found myself making a friend. My first friend."

"His name was Ritu; a boy found in his youth and taken in by the sacred Arkt Church which was the name of the worlds religion. He was being trained to become an Inquisitor Knight, an order that oversaw the hunting and extermination of the Heretics; those who didn't believe in the lady Aqua and, as stated by the church, must mean that they were devil worshipers. In reality though, they weren't devil worshipers and they did pray to A god, just not to Aqua. Don't remember why to be honest."

"So, this Ritu guy was your first friend then, huh?"

I didn't answer right away; just staring up towards the sky, my gaze looking beyond the horizon as memories of those days come flowing back into my mind.

Kazuma's words then register inside my mind.

"Yes; yes he was. He was my best friend... and my first love. Maybe even my only love too. He was a student of my father, actually. My father was the head of the Inquisitor Knights after all and my sister, Chris, was expected to become his successor when he stepped down. Father allowed her to travel around and have fun in those days, to allow her as much freedom as he could before he would need her to begin focusing onto her future as his successor. Ritu too, was being trained to one day become her right hand; her personal blade... and her husband."

"Oh yeah, quick side note, Kazuma. Polygamy was a thing practiced on Arbel; mainly because the ratio of men and woman was really out of balanced. To be exact; a little over seventy percent of the population of Abel was female so, to compensate for that fact, the law demanded that a man have at least three wives with a maximum of, I believe, seven."

"Damn, looks like I was born into the wrong world, and sent to another. Or, I would say that if Arbel still existed."

We both laugh at that; I then become serious as I say-

"It really isn't as good as you may think, Kazuma. Men were more or less second class citizens, unless you were from a family of high standing. Men were basically nothing more than slaves unless they were lucky enough to have wives that generally cared for them; not just saw them as a necessary tool for procreation for the sake of the world."

"Ritu was seen as one of the lucky ones, really. Not only did my sister, who was set to become his first wive, generally care for him and desired to hear his thoughts and feelings on things; but his status among the Inquisitor Knights, which I forgot to mention was almost entirely female, would allow him to have strong voice not only within the order, but even within the faith as well."

"It had actually been my sisters idea to have him be a friend and playmate for me to my father that led us to getting introduced. He would tell me so many wonderful stories and show me such kindness, even taking me outside and letting me see the outside world, that I couldn't help but find myself... well, never mind that for now."

"If only those days could have lasted; I knew I would have been happy and content. But it was not meant to be. Soon, father would send him out to perform a duty; one I would one day come to learn was the duty he was born to do... nay, prophecized to do."

Hearing the change in my tone, Kazuma became worried as he asked-

"And what was Ritu suppose to do, Chris?"

I look at him and say with as serious a tone as I could give him-

"To slay the Moltana Devil; the blight that was leading the world to its final doom."

"So, what happened then?"

I sigh as I pull out my pocket watch and look at the time, then back at Kazuma.

"Sorry, Kazuma; I'm afraid we'll have to continue this story another time. We've already been here, away from the others for nearly an hour now. I'm sure by now the others have already taken care of their task and are waiting for us, wondering what's taking us so long."

Kazuma sighs before saying with a slightly dejected tone-

"Fine, fine; I guess you're right. But at least promise you won't keep me waiting to long to find out what happens next, OK?"

"Sure thing."

As I turn to exit the alley way, Kazuma stops me and ask-

"One thing though, Chris. Before, you said that your twin sister was named Chris. Does that mean you were both named Chris or...?"

I shake my head at his question.

"No, not really. My name isn't really Chris, Kazuma. I just use her name here because I want to feel like I'm carrying on her adventurous spirit. I even try to act like her, based on my memories of her, in order to feel like she is still here with me. After all, she was the one who should be here now, not me."

Without realizing it, Kazuma pulls me into a hug and says-

"Don't say that, please don't say that. If Chris... your sister was here, then I would never have gotten a chance to meet you, to become friends with you. While I do wish I could have met the 'real' Chris too, I wouldn't sacrifice our meeting each other just for that encounter."

I find myself tearing up, something that I rarely ever did anymore before I returning his hug and say-

"Thank you, Kazuma. For being my friend... and for everything in general."

We stay like that for several moments before pulling away from each other; I then wipe the tears from my eyes.

"By the way, Chris. Is it OK if you tell me your actual name then?"

"Sure, so long as you keep it to being just between you and me, OK? (he gives me a nod) Well, my real name... is Eris."

"Hm, Eris, huh? Oh, so you share your name with the goddess of Fortune then? I see, guess that's why you're worried about people knowing you true name then, afraid of the trouble it could cause you as people might say you are trying to make yourself appear to be the goddess herself in human form, right?"

I chuckles nervously at his words, saying-

"Yeah, that's right... well, something like that, at least. Anyways, we better hurry up and go join the others."

Once we had returned to the main street, I look at Kazuma and ask-

"By the way, just so you know, once we can get our hand upon the Mason Gloves, I'm afraid I'll have to take them for myself."

Kazuma looks at me with a shocked expression as he says to me-

"Huh? Wait, why Chris? I know these relic things are powerful and all, but I was hoping that I could put it to use. With something like that, I could help accelerate my plans to do so much more for this world than what I'm currently able to now."

"And, in doing so, possibly turn this world into another Earth... or even worse, another Arbel?"

My words give Kazuma pause, making me stop as I place a hand onto his shoulder.

"Don't worry, Kazuma. I trust you and I know you wouldn't create anything that could destroy the world. That said, I'll still need to take the gloves as even if I let you keep them right off the bat, you'd still wouldn't be able to use them yourself. I'll return them to Eris, the goddess Eris I mean, and ask her if you can borrow them for a while. If she says yes, and I believe that she will, she'll then reset them to work for you and I will then be able to bring them back to you so you can put them to work."

"Really? Thanks, Chris. That would mean a lot to me."

I smile while giving him a happy nod.

When then continue are walk; me then telling him-

"Also, Kazuma; once we finish collecting the Mason Gloves, I'll be taking off in order to chase after that Alonzo guy in order to retrieve that damn Choker too."

"OK, I get why you would need to go get it, considering how dangerous it is and all. But is there really that need of a rush to get it now? And why must you go alone when you have all of us to help you?"

"I have to get that one back, Kazuma. It's a priority retrieval. The Charisma Choker was one of several Divine Relics that were forbidden; never meant to have ever been sent because of just how powerful they are. But Aqua has never much cared for such details nor could she ever be bothered to remember such things either."

"Then how the hell is she even still a goddess then? I mean, if she would send forbidden tools down to this world, not making sure they would return upon their users death, and other such issues and complaints, then how has she managed to avoid punishment all this time?"

"I've asked myself that question SO many times, to be honest. I can only assume it was all part of the 'greater picture' as they say. Probably doesn't hurt that her brother is a high ranking god within the hierarchy of heaven too. You need only look at her not lifting a finger to change the course of Arbel's fate, complaining that it wasn't her fault and still being allowed to continue on as a goddess to believe all that."

"Geez, that makes me feel even worse for poor Eris... goddess Eris that is. Can't be easy to have to put up with all that, to say nothing of having to clean up after all of Aqua's messes that are caused here on this world."

Oh, you have no idea, Kazuma; you have no idea at all.

After a quick pause, I ask-

"Kazuma, about the girl from before, the one who told you everything while at the hot springs You said that she was a Crimson Demon, correct? If you were to describe her to Megumin and Yunyun, think they may know who she is?"

Kazuma gives me a shrug, then say-

"Don't know? Hell, I don't even know if she was real or maybe just some sort of dream; perhaps a representative, if you will, for someone else who was wanting to send me information while I was asleep without having to interact with me directly. What do you think?"

"Hm? Well, I guess..."

"AH, what a lovely little couple we have here. Would the two of you consider joining the Aqua sect? If you do, I'm sure the lady Aqua will bless you both with a long lifetime together and many healthy and happy children."

We both jump at the sudden intrusion into our private conversation.

"No-No, we're... we're all good here. Please, we'd like to be left..."

"Ah, don't be like that. Come on, we can even hold a wedding ceremony for you two this day if you join. I mean, really; what other choice is there?"

I began to panic as this one was one of those really 'persistent' ones.

God, this is the reason why I hate Aqua's followers as much as I do.

Almost as much as I find myself hating Aqua too sometimes.

I then feel a hand on my shoulder and look to see Kazuma, giving that damn charming grin of his-

The one that, despite my best efforts to not let it happen, makes my heart go all aflutter when I see it-

And proves that this smile of his was even more dangerous than the Charisma Choker could ever hope to be.

He then, surprisingly takes the paper being offered to us and says-

"Sure thing, buddy. Just give me a moment here."

He then begins to sign it; much to my shock before I peek over his shoulder and, upon seeing what he was writing, find myself smiling a devious smirk.

You damn, sneaky son of a bitch; that is both funny and brilliant.

He then hands the paper back to the guy who says-

"Thank you sir, now if you two will follow...? Wait, what is this writing you used here?"

"It's Japanese, the language of our homeland. We just got here from our old home, you see. Wanting a fresh start and all. We have already learned the language but we're still working on the writing. Hope that's OK and all?"

After a moment, the guy says-

"Huh, oh? No, no, its fine. Anyways, if you to will follow me, we'll head to the church and..."

I now step into the conversation and say-

"Actually , we have a few more things to pick up, like wedding attire and all. Can we meet you there once finished? And also, is there any place in Arcanretia were we can get wedding attire at?"

The guy nods and quickly tells us where the nearest shop is at.

He then takes off to head to the church, in order to let them know about us so they can start getting ready for the 'big event.'

Once he was gone, I look at Kazuma who looks back at me and smiles as he says-

"See there, Chris, easy as making pie."

"Kazuma, you are without question the most clever man I have ever known. Not only did you use your native tongue when writing out the names, but you even used fakes names on top of that. If only more people could be like you."

He chuckles before saying-

"I'm not sure about all that, but thanks for the complement. As for the names, I can thank this old cartoon from 90's American TV I saw on YouTube for those."

I also laugh as I say the names aloud-

"Hugh G. Rection and Betty Humpter! Truly, Kazuma, you are both a brilliant man as well as a man of culture as well."

We both laugh again as we continued onwards to meet with our friends.

And, in this moment, I was once more reminded of those days with my friends back in Arbel...

{Special Aqua Interlude 1}

"Owowowowow; my butt, my poor poor butt. I'm pretty sure I've got splinters all over it. Hey, servant girl, don't you think its time we switch places already?"

I turn my head back, looking inside the pretty much packed wagon we were using to travel from Axel to Arcanretia.

With our limited eris available, we had barely enough to even afford this material transport ride.

The driver had been very nice, rearranging the contents of the wagon so that at least one person could sit back there, somewhat comfortably while the other would have to be content with the small wooden beam that acted as a step ladder onto the thing.

As a goddess, I of course was owed the right to have the comfy spot-

Something that damn, selfish brat I had been saddled with, didn't agree with-

And all because she was some damn idol back in Japan.

Still, I wanted to at least come off as passionate and considerate towards her so I suggested a game; winner gets the comfy seat.

I even secret boosted my luck to ensure my success as it was within my right to do so.

And she still somehow managed to win every single game I challenged her too.

"Hey, did you hear me, pinky? Quit playing with that magically upgraded mic of yours and trade with me already."

"Hm, oh... I'm sorry, did you say something? I only pay attention to CUTE things after all so I guess I missed what you said to me there."

She then goes right back to playing with the ends of one of her cotton candy dye job pigtails.

Now I was really pissed off with... what was her name again?

"Don't you dare ignore me, brat. I am a goddess here, a GODDESS! That means you have to worship me, revere me, do everything within you power to make me happy. Now get off your ass and let me have MY seat already."

She then looks at me for a moment before laughing while bringing that mic of hers close to her mouth.

She then says in sing-song form-

"Sorry Aq-ua, but you're already out of luck;

Please stop your bitch'n, because I don't gi-ve a fu-uck!"

"The deal is done, and you already lost the game;

So stop those complaints, unless you want to keep looking lame."

"They call me Harp Song, so let me guide your way-

and trust in my hearts song, and you'll never be led astray."

"For while we're on this journey, from sea to shining sea;

Just shut up, sit down, and trust in me for I-will-surely-make-you-see..."

I just covered my ears, unable to bare any more of that damn singing.

Why, why, WHY of ALL the people I could have been sent with into this crazy world of Eris's-

That I had to be partnered up with an Idol of all people.

If I was being totally honest here, I would rather have been sent with some damn hikimori NEET.

Because at least then, I'd feel confident about being then one in charge here.

{Insert Image 2}

==========================={ Part 4: To the Valley }============================

(Megumin POV)

Thank Eris, we are feeling that damn city full of psycho's and sex pest degenerates.

I really wish I was joking about that, I really did-

But denial is won't help make things better.

It was already bad enough, having to deal with all the insane asylum escapee's trying, with all their passion, trying to recruit me and Yunyun as we made our way to the church to meet with old man Zesta-

But then to be accosted by both the male, and female, perverts that served as the church's clergy, was really stressful.

I honestly didn't think me and Yunyun would make it past the entry chambers without losing our virtue in the process.

But then Zesta had thankfully came and saved us and, after explaining the situation to him, gave us permission, and even a letter to give to the spring guards, so that we could take the short cut.

And then, Zesta decided that as a thank you, that both me and Yunyun should thank him for his generosity with our body's.

How could I have forgot about 'this side' of these beast.

In fact, just how did me and Yunyun even survive our previous visits without losing any of our first along the way?

And the worse part is; I think I am partly responsible for the Axis becoming like this-

All because of those damn suggestions I made to them in my previous trip to make their recruitment methods so much more efficient.

I never could have imagined that they would take those suggestions of mine to this extent.

Thank god the others had arrived in that time to check in on us otherwise my innocence would have been ruined for my one true love; Explosion.

As soon as I saw Zesta getting hit with a Bind and then looked back to see Kazuma.

I had immediately ran over and latched onto him and I haven't let go since then.

Currently, I was being carried on his back while a still shaking Yunyun was being guided forward by Darkness and Cielo.

"Megumin, we're safely out of the city now. Don't you think it's time you gave poor Kazuma here a little rest? I mean, you haven't fired off any Explosions so far so you don't have an actual reason to keep making him carry you, right now."

I furiously shake my head at Cielo's question as I say frantically to everyone.

"Don't wanna, don't wanna. I refuse to ever leave Kazuma's embrace again, do you hear me here."

"Megumin, I can understand why you would be scared, but we are all together now. There's no longer any reason to be afraid."

Said Chris, followed by Darkness as she leaves Yunyun with Cielo, comes over to me, and grabs hold of me with Chris following suit.

Darkness then says-

"Chris is right; now be a good girl here and let poor Kazuma go."

They both begin to pull with all their might, trying to pull me away from Kazuma.

I, in response to their actions, wrap both my hands around Kazuma's neck and legs around his waist as I throw all the strength into my limps; absolutely refusing to let go.

I begin to scream at them, begging them to stop trying to take me from my sanctuary zone.

They scream at me to stop acting like a child and to show some maturity for once.

Cielo goes between comforting Yunyun to telling all three of us that we were making a scene; getting many travelers along the city's outskirts giving us dirty looks.

And, all the while, as we would soon learn-

Poor Kazuma was trying to let us know that he was being choked to death once again by me.

"... no-not again, Megumin... tapping out, seriously... tapping out here this time..."

Finally, after who knows how long that must have went on for, we had finally calmed down and continued on our way to the valley.

FYI, I won that little game with the others back there.

Hah, even Darkness's legendary strength was no match for my own when I get super determined.

Looks like I'll need to buy a new score book to keep of my wins against my teammates.

Oh yeah, that reminds me-

"I WIN AGAIN!"

OK, seriously though; our destination was the Krakta Valley-

Located northwest of Arcanretia; one would need to exit the south gate and swing around to the western areas of Arcanretia as there was no western gate to leave from and the northern gate didn't offer any easily accessible route to the valley.

Instead, you would have to exit from the southern gate, make your way around to the western area and either take the direct route through the spring water fields which will make the journey a few hours or go the long way around the fields which turns the trip into an almost full day.

Anyways, we soon passed through the springs field and finally begin the final leg of the journey as we enter the mountain pass that would guide us to the valley.

By this point, I had begun to look around here and there, looking for my REAL reason for wanting to come here to Arcanretia.

While I wish I could say that I had wanted to come up this way simply because I had wanted to undertake this special quest Kazuma had gotten us-

The truth was simply the fact that there was a certain kind of monster that had been spotted in the area recently that I really wanted to kill.

By now, Yunyun had finally recovered from her stupor and had taken notice of my constantly turning head.

"Megumin, is something wrong?"

I didn't quite hear her words, my focus on my search.

Kazuma then turns his head towards me and say-

"Megumin, are you..."

"There... there it is. Kazuma, Kazuma (the Megumin express Kazuma here), please please, take me over to kill those monsters, Kazuma."

I begin to move around excitedly; so much so that I fail to notice my actions were making it hard for Kazuma to keep his balance.

"Megumin, what's up with you? Why are you wanting to go kill those cute looking creatures?"

Asked Cielo.

I notice Chris gazing out at them before she smiles while looking to us and saying-

"Oh, I see how it is. Now I understand why it was you were so insistent about wanting to come up here. I though it was weird that you would be so excited to do a quest created by Kazuma but now it all makes sense. You want to kill those Cotton Koo's over there as a single kill will net a person twenty skill points per creature."

I nod proudly as I declare loudly.

"That is correct. Just imagine how much I could power up my Explosion with a bunch of those dead by my own power? Please Kazuma, everyone, let me go over there and slaughter them. I won't ask for anything else for the rest of this trip."

"I want that in writing, Megumin."

Said Darkness.

Kazuma sighs before saying-

"Seeing as I doubt Dynamite here will take no for an answer, I'll go ahead and take her over there and let her do her thing. You guys go ahead keep to the road for about another half hour than set up a little camp so we can take a lunch break. We'll catch up here in a few."

Yunyun, in response to Kazuma's words, says-

"Will the two of you be OK for that long, Kazuma?"

"Yeah, we'll be fine. Once Megumin's done, I can use Sprint to catch up with you all quickly."

After a moment of hesitation on their part, they finally nod before continuing along the path.

Kazuma then proceeds towards the targets and after waiting a few more moments, I say-

"Kazuma, thank you for letting me have this, for indulging me with my willful request. I know... I know things haven't been all that good for you since we left Axel; pretty much entirely because of us, but I am still grateful that you'll put up with me and my annoying demands."

"If you can acknowledge that aloud, then can you try to cut back on all the troublesome events you cause me in particular. I mean, I'm only human here and can only handle so much. At the very least, can you give my arms a rest for a few moments by getting off my back."

I shake my head at his request, saying-

"But if I were to get off now, then I would have to start missing being so close to you. If I have to be honest here, I like it when you carry me. It just feels... right is all. I can't explain it but that's just how it feels."

He sighs before smiling a warm smile.

"Well, if I'm being honest with you, Megumin; I kind of like carrying you around too. Feeling your warmth upon me, the feel of your breath on my ear... and feeling your chest pressing against my back is rather nice too."

I try, and fail, to sound angry at his words as I say-

"That's sexual harassment, Kazuma. You need to stop doing... ah, who am I kidding here. After everything that has happened between us, especially what happened last night, I guess I just need to accept the fact that I'm more or less OK with being sexually harassed... but only if its coming from you."

Kazuma chuckles at my words before saying with an encouraging tone-

"Don't worry though, Megumin. I promise I won't do it unless you give me the OK first... or if it is one of those 'something that is beyond our ability to avoid' sort of situations."

I had my doubts about that but I accepted his words as I honestly don't really mind it anymore.

After all, if it was coming from you, Kazuma, I'll be happy.

Not long after, we reached my target and I begrudgingly get down from Kazuma's back.

No matter though, as I'll be back on there in a few moments.

As I retrieve my staff from my pouch and begin to chant, Kazuma tells me off to the side-

"Megumin, even if you feel like you can do three Explosions, please just be content with only doing two of them. I want you to be able to fire off a third later on if the need for its arises, OK?"

I look at him and nod before returning to my chant.

I decide to aim at the ones gathered on one side and unleash-

"EXPLOSION!"

With my blast, I could see I had taken out at least twenty of them.

I then quickly turn to the other group, hoping that I would get the rest with this next blast-

"EXPLOSION!"

I wasn't sure if I had been able to get ALL of them, but when I pulled out my card and looked at both my kill count and how many skill points I had gotten from those kills, I couldn't help but grin wide and proudly.

I then look at Kazuma, seeing that he had also pulled out his Adventurer's card and was doing something with it.

"Kazuma?"

I asked him, getting his attention.

"Huh? Oh right, I'll give you an overall score of two thousand points. Nice Explosion, Megumin."

He then gives me a thumbs up which I return; but there was still something curious I wanted to know.

"Kazuma, what were you doing with your card just now?"

"Hm, oh... I was just... uh... just checking something. I'll tell you about it later. Anyways, let me give you some mana before we head off to join back up with the others."

After using Drain Touch to give me a modest recharge, he gets me back onto his back and we continue on our way to rejoin the others.

As Kazuma walked, I allowed myself a moment to breath in his scent; there was something about it that made me feel all warm deep inside, making something start to rise up to the surface.

I didn't know what though but I hoped I would one day find out.

I then think back to last night and, without meaning to, I start to say-

"Kazuma, I was wondering if... well, if a certain something does get confirmed to be true and all..."

"Yes?"

I shake my head, pushing the rest of that question into the back of my mind.

"Never mind; I-I'll talk to you about this another time, if it becomes a relevant matter and all."

"OK...?"

I was way to embarrassed to ask him about this matter now.

But, if I can confirm that Kazuma does indeed have the magic touch after all-

Then I may need to ask him to give me further help with getting my chest to finally grow into the size I've always wanted it to be.

Strange, why was the very thought of asking him that getting me so excited?

I must still be suffering from the after affects of that booze we drank earlier?

======================={ Part 5: Beware that First Step... }=======================

Not long after having lunch, we had arrived at the Krakta Valley/

"OK... we're here now, Kazuma. So, where is the place this thing we came her for at?"

Asked Darkness.

Kazuma simply shrugs, saying-

"Like I know the answer to that. I've never been hear before so I'm as clueless as you all. The only thing I have to go on was 'to look for the things that clearly doesn't belong here' so I guess look for anything that sticks out to you."

"What about that, Kazuma?"

Said Yunyun as she points a ways ahead of us; to something weird rising out of the ground.

With nothing else to be seen here, we approach the weird looking object.

Once we had reached it, we found it rose nearly thirty feet into the air.

"What is it?"

Asked Cielo.

Both Kazuma and Chris say at the same time-

"It's an Obelisk.'

I had wanted to ask them what that was, but the writing upon it caught my attention.

It said-

"Speak 'friend' and enter... What does that mean?"

"Let's see... FRIEND!"

Said Darkness, but nothing happened.

Chris looks at Darkness and says-

"You dummy, if it was really that easy then anyone could have gotten it by now."

Darkness just scratches the back of her head bashfully in response.

I then notice Kazuma thinking and ask him what was wrong?

"Hm... oh, I think I know. I have two possible answers. If neither work, then I'll be out of ideas here."

"Well, go ahead and give them a shot then, Kazuma. It's not like we have any other ideas to go with here."

He nods as he looks back to the Obelisk and says-

"Melon."

Nothing happened.

I then ask Kazuma-

"Melon? What does that word mean, Kazuma?"

Before Kazuma could say anything, Chris cuts in and says-

"It's from a famous book series from back in Kazuma's... home; called Lord of the Rings. Melon means friend in the old elvish tongue and was the password the enter the old dwarven kingdom of Moria."

Kazuma then spins to look at her, saying-

"How the hell do you know that?"

"Yeah, Chris. Are you, by any chance from Kazuma's homeland as well?"

Chris shakes her head, then says-

"No, but as a special attendant to Eris, I have access to many amazing things, that includes her personal copy of books from all over and across time. Anyways, Kazuma, I'm pretty sure it wants to hear you say the Japanese word for friend here."

"Yeah, that's what I figured here. Well..."

Kazuma then turns back to the obelisk again, this time saying the Japanese word for 'friend'.

The Obelisk then begins to glow and shake as the words upon it then shift into new words.

I then read them aloud.

"Mind the first step; its a dozy one. Just what does that meaaaaAAAHHHH."

My words are cut off as the ground beneath us opens and we all find ourselves falling into the darkness.

After what felt like for ever, we found ourselves falling into a pool of water at the bottom of the drop, the little rays of sunlight reaching down from above fade to nothingness as the opening from above closes.

"Hey, is everyone OK?"

I heard Chris yell.

"Yeah, sure. Here we are, in total darkness, having fallen god knows how far down below the ground, and with no idea how we can get back out of here. I'd say that's about as not fine as we can get."

Yelled Kazuma.

"Don't forget, Kazuma. This was your idea after all."

Reminded Darkness.

"Now now, everyone. We can't start panicking here otherwise we really will be in trouble."

Said Cielo.

"Hold on, I think I can light..."

Yunyun's words are cut off as a blue glowing lines emerge from along the walls, floor, and ceiling, bringing illumination finally into the large room.

"um... Never mind."

Once we had pulled ourselves outside the pool of water, we began to look around to see if there was any exits to be found that would get us out of this room.

"Sooooo... any ideas, people?"

Asked Chris.

I respond by bringing my staff to the ready and said-

"How about I blow the ceiling up with my last Explosion? I'm sure I can expose the surface with it."

Yunyun and Cielo are quick to grab my hands while Darkness covers my mouth with her hand, stopping me from beginning my chant.

"Don't do it, Megumin. You'll only bring the sky down upon us and kill us all."

"Megumin, why is it your first and only solution to everything is to use an Explosion?"

As I struggle to free myself from their hold, while shouting at them to trust me; that I knew what I was doing here, we all hear Kazuma say-

"Guys, cool it for now. Come over here and check this out."

The others let me go as we all turn to see Kazuma and Chris having moved over to a far wall.

On this wall was a small circular crystal and beneath it, more of those words that was written in Japanese.

We walk over to join them as Chris says-

"Well, fearless leader, what does it say?"

"Give me a second... 'Look for the alpha to guide your way and avoid the omega for it will lead you astray.' It also warns about 'as you explore in search of your prize, beware the scorpions, snakes, and spiders, oh my. And above all else, fear the minotaur I've tossed in besides.' Geez, this is looking so much more troublesome than I had first expected it to be."

We all look at him, then at each other before back at him and I say-

"What does it mean? What's an alpha and omega?"

"And what about the warnings concerning spiders, scorpions, and snakes?"

"And this Minotaur too. Oooo, why is the thought of that one getting me all excited all of a sudden?"

Added in Yunyun and Darkness respectively.

Chris then surprises all of us, except for Kazuma, as she points to two symbols along the side of the message.

"Look at those, everyone. That triangle like symbol, the one that's missing the bottom line, is alpha. And the other, the one that looks like an upside tea cup or vase, is the symbol of omega."

"And how do you know that, Chris? And what did the message mean by that anyways?"

Asked Cielo.

Chris says-

"I've seen those symbols before and as for the meaning... well..."

"Alpha means life and Omega means death, more or less. If I'm getting the message correctly, it means we should look for the alpha symbol when moving forward and avoid taking the path that has omega upon it."

Said Kazuma, making the four of us; me, Yunyun, Cielo, and Darkness start looking around to see if any of us can see any more of those signs inside the room.

We didn't so what did that mean for us then.

"As for the rest; I can only assume that the four of them are warnings about what we could be facing in here. So Kazuma, what do you think this place is?"

"No doubt about it in my mind, we're have to be inside a Labyrinth of some sort."

We all cock our heads as Yunyun is the first to respond; saying-

"Labyrinth?"

Once again, Chris speaks up first, making me and I'm sure the others wonder just how she knows so much about stuff only Kazuma should know.

"Think of a maze, a GIANT ASS MAZE at that, one that can go on for miles and miles, and with potentially multiple levels to it too."

Kazuma continues by saying-

"In old Greek mythology from back home, the Labyrinth was built as both a prison for a ruthless beast called the Minotaur and as a safe house to guard the king who had it built to store his most sacred treasures... well, in some versions anyways. The thing about spider, snakes, and scorpions was probably meant to warn people like us about the common enemy found within. The Minotaur, I'm assuming, is one of a kind and the real threat in here."

"Kazuma, Kazuma, (this is becoming a running gag, says Kazuma) there's a few more lines here at the bottom. What does it say?"

Said Cielo, noticing the bottom most writings upon the wall.

"Hm, it says be mindful of the color of the light... guess it means the glowing blue lines n everything. If they are blue, it means the Minotaur still sleeps. If they become green, it means the Minotaur has awakened but is far from your current location. When they turn yellow, it is within four or five areas away from you, orange means two to three areas, and red means it's one area away. When the red starts flashing, it is in the same area at which point, run and hope you don't have to kiss your ass goodbye."

"EVERYBODY GOT THAT?"

Chris shouted, looking at all of us as we give a nod.

I then walk up to the wall and look at it, placing my hand on it too.

"Hm, has a strange texture to it. I wonder what its made from?"

Darkness then walks up beside me as feels it too before turning back and saying-

"We can figure that one out another time. For now, we should try to figure out how to get out of this room?"

"Um... does that have anything to do with it, you think?"

We all look to see Yunyun pointing up at the circular crystal to see that it had started glowing.

After a moment, it then emits a green light which passes over us several times before stopping.

Me, Darkness, and Cielo take up battle stances as Kazuma says-

"Calm down, you guys. That was probably just some sort of scanning tool or something."

"Question for us is just what was it scanning us for?"

Said Chris.

We don't have to wait wrong as another beam, this time red is released upon us-

And then we are hit with a large burst of light and everything goes dark for the moment.

The next thing I knew, I was being shaken awake by Chris as she called out my name.

"I'm up, I'm up. [I then sit up and look around.] So, what just happened back there... and where is everyone else?"

"I think it was some sort of technological teleportation device; it must have sent us into this area we are now in. I can only assume the rest have also been sent into their own areas."

I nod as I look around again, seeing three openings in the room we could proceed through.

I then look back at Chris and say-

"Then we need to hurry and find them. I really don't like the idea of us all being split up like this."

Chris helps me up, saying-

"Agreed. Let's get moving and find the others, then get out of here... and be careful too. Let's make sure we don't make any mistakes here."

We then look at the three exits being offered to us and I ask-

"So, which one should we take? Wanna try a little eenie-meanie-miney-moe on them?"

Chris was examining the three pathways carefully before her eyes light up, then she points to the left path.

"No on the guessing game. Remember what we were told, follow the alpha and avoid the omega. If you look closely, there is an alpha symbol above the left path and omega on the right and straight ahead of us paths. So, the path for us is clear."

I nod as we make our ways down the left path.

I did wonder though-

Just what would happen if we ever did take the wrong path while in here?

========================{ Part 6: Entropy's Approach }=========================

(3rd Person POV)

It came to a landing upon a cliff face, overlooking a city with many hot spring within.

It looked around, its eyes glowing as it looked for any sign of its prey.

It doesn't see it but it can determine the path it chose to take, leading out of the city and around, heading to the northwest.

It then reverts back into its flying form and takes to the skies again, heading in the direction it had determined its prey's path had been.

It then spied a mysterious figure, down on the ground and kneeling beside a hot spring

The mystery figure had a lingering trace amount of the prey's life essence lingering on one of its limps.

It circled this figure several times, the act getting its attention as it looks up at it.

It then determined that it wasn't of consequence and finally decided to ignore it and move onwards.

Down on the ground, the figure watches as it goes, saying in that moment-

"Just what the hell was that? I've never seen such a creature before."

This figure was named Hans; a General of the Devil King's army and currently here in Arcanretia in order to enact a plan against its people.

Step one, contaminate all of the hot springs

Step two, get as many of its people to come out here and investigate the problems then kill them.

Step three, enter the city then and finish off the rest.

Step four, send word back to the Devil King and alert him that Arcanretia can now be used as a base.

And finally, step five, wait till the rest of the world learns that the Axis cult has been wiped out and be praised for doing 'god's work here', which was the real goal as everyone knows these psychopaths needed to be put down hard before they create a real end to the world.

Still though, why had that things headed into the mountains?

Moving towards... Krakta Valley... wait, isn't that where the boy said he was going?

Hans then recalled the words spoken to him and the other Generals here recently, following the news that Vanir had been lost.

The Devil King had said as an image of that very boy had appeared before them-

"Listen my friends, this here is Satou Kazuma, a youth I have taken an interest in. If you should ever encounter him, I would ask you to try to avoid hurting him if at all possible."

Beside me, Sylvia, stepped forward and asked-

"Who is he, our king? Is he a potential ally for us?"

"Yes, he is a potential ally. He has access to the rare Lich skill, Apathy which that in and of itself would be foolish to just throw away."

The Devil King's daughter, and second in command then steps forward, and says-

"Currently, he's in the service of our enemies here. But the Belzerg kingdom has not been kind to him since his arrival. For now, we are letting him be so that he may see them for what they really are. We are planning to confronting him within the time is right so as to ask him to come over and join our side. We just need to wait till the right moment, till his mind will be at the most open for us to make the offer."

Nearby to me, the woman who dressed like a priest; Seresdina, steps forward and ask-

"Understood, my king, princess; but what if he is was to interfere with any of our plans? I recall hearing of him before. Wasn't he the one who played a part in ending Verdia?"

I see the Devil King wave off her concern as he says-

"If it becomes necessary, then you may kill him if you wish. But only if its a last resort option. Also, do try to at least keep the body intact and bring it back. There are several ways we can have him join in the cause here. I would just personally like to go with the one that sees him both alive and a willing addition to the family. That will be all for now..."

Yes, that had been how the meeting had gone down.

I then look back at my work.

The hot spring I had been focused on was finished and only one was left needing done before part one was completed.

I then think on the creature that I had just seen; the feeling I had felt when looking at it.

I had a bad feeling about that boy if he found himself facing it.

Oh, very well then; I guess I can spare a little time to go over to the valley and make sure if he's alright.

And if he did need help, then maybe I can offer him some assistance.

A weird thing for me to do here, to be sure-

But if I helped to save his life now, then it could help the boss to see him recruited here later.

Yeah, that wouldn't hurt any at all...

Next time: Kazuma and Cielo, Yunyun and Darkness, Megumin and Chris; these three combinations must find a way to escape the Labyrinth and survive the horrors within. Will they be OK or will the combination of the Minotaur, spiders, scorpions, and snakes do them in? And even if they survive all that, then what about the Entropy that will be awaiting them outside. And what role will Hans play in this whole affair too? Find out in the final chapter of Arc 4 of this fic...

Image 1: Main image is of Kazuma and Megumin, heavily sleeping in bed, under the covers; smaller pic of a shocked Darkness, Yunyun, and Cielo and a really pissed off Chris, looking ready to explode.

Image 2: A shot of a angry Aqua, turned back at her partner who's face is lacking detail as she sings on her 'custom' Divine Relic.